Thursday, March 25, 2021

Paranormal Truth Is A New TV Series For Those Who Love Paranormal Documentaries Stars Scream Queen Linnea Quigley



From vampires, exorcisms, devil worship to supernatural hauntings. Each episode will take you behind the myths and realities of these subjects. With interviews from leading investigators around the world. Paranormal Truth will delve into a world never seen before. Hosting the show is the world’s number one scream queen, Linnea Quigley, star of Return of the Living Dead.

Edited by Chris Newman 

Directed by Jeff Sheldon & Victor Huesca.   

Produced by Linnea Quigley & Ross Fall.

The 12-episode first season premieres soon on DRagonFLIX!

TRAILER



My husband and I are huge fans of the Paranormal and LOVE these type of shows which are all done pretty much the same. Part documentary/part investigative work. I watched all of them and definitely have some favorites. (Kurt Cobain and Black Eyed Children).  We thoroughly enjoy putting these type of shows on during our time together on the weekend. We think that Paranormal Truth was done well although we thought it was another show that we already watch. Is there no other names for these type of series?  

If this is your thing, you will not be disappointed. 

Disclaimer: I received complimentary screener copies for my honest opinion. 






Nat Geo Easter Basket Prize Giveaway (ARV $75)



Good afternoon!  For parents looking to avoid sugar overload this year, books are a great way to fill the kids' Easter baskets (and last way longer than chocolate!). National Geographic Kids has six books for kids of all ages that are filled with fuzzy animals, fun facts, and Easter stories -- a perfect fit for this holiday and the celebration of Spring! 

 


Celebrate Easter (ages 6-9) - The joyous celebration of Easter is seen through a global perspective in this National Geographic volume featuring over 25 vibrant photographs. Witness the holiest day on the Christian calendar as it is celebrated throughout the world: from the famous Easter Egg Roll at the White House to the traditional bonfires throughout Europe, to colorful customs, to the universally popular dying of eggshells worldwide. The first-person narrative leads young readers through the origins and traditions of this springtime festival of rebirth and hope and a special note by Reverend George Handzo gives parents and teachers a historical and cultural background.



I loved this book so much. It was interesting to see how other areas celebrate Easter. 

 

NG Kids Baby Animal Sticker Activity Book (ages 4-8) With 1,000 stickers and fantastic graphics and text, these high quality, super fun sticker books are a great way for kids to learn about animals and the natural world. The Baby Animals sticker book is chock-full of the cutest creatures on the planet: pandas, piglets, wolf cubs, ponies, polar bears, elephants, bunnies, kittens, puppies, and many more. With a fun, brightly colored design and loaded with animal facts and games--such as mazes, counting, matching and more--this book is sure to provide endless entertainment.

 

This fantastic book is so much fun. There are so many activities. My class loved all the stickers and full color photos of all the animals. With help they were able to navigate the pages even as 2-3 year olds. We had a blast pointing to letters, colors and animals. 



National Geographic Pre-Reader: Ducks (ages 2-5) - From fuzzy ducklings to graceful birds, waddle your way into this adorable early reader, all about ducks!


Perfect for beginning and young readers, National Geographic Pre-readers include simple, expert-vetted text and large, engaging photos on every page. A vocabulary tree at the beginning of the book introduces kids to key words in concept groups, helping kids make connections between words. Plus, a wrap-up activity gives kids a chance to use what they've learned, while expanding their understanding of the world.




OMGosh the pictures in this book are pretty incredible. My class loves animals and these pictures of the ducks were a real hit. They thought the feet were so funny under the water.  This particular book has been fought over for three days. I had to use a timer so everyone got a chance to look at it.

Cutest Animals on the Planet (ages 8-12) - NEW SERIES ALERT! Meet the world's most adorable animals and learn fun stuff about them in this aww-some first book in a brand-new series from National Geographic Kids.  Whether you like mammals, aquatic creatures, insects, birds, amphibians, or reptiles, this browsable book contains kids' favorite animals that would ALL be contenders for the grand prize in a cute competition. Big photos pair with upbeat descriptions that highlight each critter's crazy cool skills and unique behaviors. This adorable book showcases popular animals such as hedgehogs and pandas as well as unusual species such as tapirs, kakapos, and pangolins. Special features include a head-to-head cute-off, sure to keep readers amused and informed. Perfect for curious tweens, animal lovers, and future veterinarians alike.







This one was my favorite to look at. Who doesn't love cute animals. I spend my day looking at cute animals on Instagram but now when I sit down at my desk at nap time, I can read a ton of information about adorable animals and teach myself so I can discuss these animals with my class. 

 


Treasury of Bible Stories by Donna Jo Napoli, illus. by Christina Balit (ages 8-12) 

 A worthy cultural treasury with appeal to both the faithful and irreligious.” — Kirkus

Noah's Ark, Moses, David and Goliath, the ten plagues, Daniel and the lions' den, Jonah and the giant fish, and many more of the Bible's most powerful stories — 27 in all — are compellingly retold in this beautifully illustrated treasury. Readers will be fascinated by the ancient people and events they encounter, surprised by some of the lesser known accounts revealed, and inspired by the lessons these tales impart. Stories cover important ground beyond religion, such as culture, history, and geography, and they touch on issues that remain relevant today--faith, loyalty, kindness, violence, generosity, greed, jealousy, and more. These accessible, readable stories give kids a rich picture of biblical times, which encourages them to think about our role in the world and to learn more.

Napoli's magical storytelling is sure to ignite children's imaginations. Along with Balit's stunning art, this is a book kids will want to explore again and again--a classic that families can read aloud together.





 


5,000 Awesome Facts About Everything (ages 8-12) This book is literally busting its covers with fascinating, fun-tastic facts on super, sensational topics that kids love. Who knew that there were so many sweet things to learn about chocolate or that a dozen delicious details about peanut butter would show up on a page with a few splotches of jelly to whet our appetites? Keep turning and a terrifyingly toothy shark tells you all about himself, while other spreads lay out tons of tips on toys and games, mysteries of history, robots and reptiles, sports and spies and wacky words.   A visual feast of colorful photographs surrounded by swirling, tipping, expanding, and climbing bits of information in a high-energy design, this book will satisfy both the casual browser and the truly fact obsessed.





This was my favorite book of the bunch. How do they fit 5000 facts inside one book? It's all in the layout. Nat Geo has it all figured out. I loved the layouts. There were about 6 different styles but each page was interesting. 

Enter for your chance to WIN a National Geographic Kids Easter Prize Pack which includes all 6 books (ARV $75).  US ONLY!


Disclaimer: I received complimentary products for my honest opinion. No monetary compensation was offered.  



A Guide To Aging Glamorously

 


In recent years, there has been a shift in how ageing is seen by society. Loss of youth is no longer seen as a sign that you are finished and irrelevant; indeed, many older people eschew such beliefs and pursue active, happy lives well into their 70s and 80s. However, the same personal maintenance routine that you were using in your 20s and 30s may not be as effective as you grow older; there are certain adjustments you should make to ensure that you remain looking your best as you age. Read on for a guide to ageing glamorously.

 

Visit the dentist

Nothing is perhaps as ageing as a mouth full of cracked, yellowed teeth. Ensure that you keep up with basic dental hygiene by brushing and flossing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste. Switching to an electric toothbrush is gentler on the gums, as the pressure of the bristles is controlled, which prevents the overbrushing that leads to receding gums. Visit your dentist on a regular basis to keep on top of your dental health and quickly identify and resolve any issues before they become a serious problem. You could even consider getting veneers for a guaranteed sparkling white smile. 

 

Undergo cosmetic surgery

Cosmetic surgery from a trusted and experienced practitioner can give your face a youthful boost without looking obviously done.” Procedures such as face, brow, and neck lifts are well known for slowing the ageing process, but you could also consider taking the plunge and getting surgery on a feature that has always bothered you. For example, if you have always been self-conscious about your nose, you could get a rhinoplasty from a trusted surgeon. Take the time to research different surgeons(for example, rhinoplasty Palm Beach) before deciding on one with whom you feel comfortable and confident in their abilities. Never try risky procedures or cut-price surgery from an unqualified doctor, as the results can be fatal.

 

Exercise regularly

It is important to remain fit and active throughout your life; however, your body may no longer be able to endure the intense workouts carried out in your youth. Instead, opt for exercise that is gentler on your joints and that aims to maximize flexibility, which can decrease as you get older. Swimming is a great form of exercise, as the water cushions your joints and suspends your weight; or, maybe your body could benefit greatly from the balance, strength, and flexibility worked on in Pilatesexercises. 

 

Change your make-up regime

Many women love the confidence-boosting effect of wearing make-up. However, what worked for you in your 20s and 30s may not show you to your best advantage in your 50s, 60s, and beyond. For instance, glittery eyeshadows, though all the rage, settle in the creases and therefore emphasize the wrinkles around your eyes; matte eyeshadows are more flattering on older eyes. Furthermore, as the lips become thinner with age, you might like to use a light-reflecting lipstick and overline slightly to give the appearance of plumper lips. Consult a make-up consultant for more guidance.

Saturday, March 20, 2021

Todd A Psychological Thriller

 



Todd“, is a psychological thriller starring Aaron Jackson (NBC’s California Dreams), Hans Hernke (Another Plan From Outer Space), Michael Winslow (Police Academy 1-7, Spaceballs), and Laura Stetman (The Connection).  “TODD”,is available on  DVD and Digital from BayView Entertainment and Shoreline Entertainment.

Filmed in Orlando, Florida over the course of 17 days, Todd is the story of a man who has always felt like the “odd man out.” From a young age, Todd is shunned and ridiculed by his peers. Over time his pain and anger turns into rage and despair. 


When psychoanalysis and depression drugs don’t work, the young eccentric becomes morbid and introverted, withdrawing from society in a downward spiral to insanity. He not only sets his sights on an aspiring young actress, but on his psychiatrist and the doctor’s family too. “The film” takes you on a nail biting, edge of your seat journey into the mind of a budding madman.



Aaron Warren wrote the script along with Jim Catizone. Aaron Warren produced and directed “Todd”.

Most scenes happen in one of three locations, dinner, Todd’s psychiatrist’s office, The psychiatrist’s home, and Amy’s home. I love knowing it was filmed in 17 days. Pretty amazing. 

Todd is seeing his psychiatrist for years. He has been on medication but he is spiraling. He meets Amy and “falls in love”. Poor Amy is a hot mess trying to fulfill her fantasy of being an actress while working as a waitress. Typical story for someone with stars In her eyes. She is so blinded she makes terrible decisions in an attempt to be an actress. I wanted to slap her at one point when she meets a “director” who’s tells her he will come back to her apartment and discuss the role he has in mind for her. Girlfriend! girlfriend! Noooooo he is going to use you. Ugh. 

Todd’s psychiatrist needs a recharge. He is taking his job for granted as well as his family. Mental illness is no joke and we never know how far someone is falling sometimes before it is too late. The film reminds us that we should take Nothing for granted or loss the people we love. 

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary product for my honest opinion. No monetary compensation was offered.

Thursday, March 18, 2021

The Tangle Available On Demand March 19

 



“...kind of like INCEPTION or MEMENTO...but honestly, I cannot think of anything that I’ve seen that is like this.” Echoes from the Void

 
 


 
A lyrical new science-fiction film from Christopher Soren Kelly, THE TANGLE
 
Written, directed by and starring Christopher Soren Kelly, THE TANGLE has been described as “captivating…hypnotic…immersive” (Echoes from the Void) and “wonderfully stylized” (Projected Figures).
 
A secret government agency watches over the Tangle from within technology safe rooms, locations impermeable to the nanobots that make up the Tangle.



Swarms of microdrones fill the air, the water, our very blood. In this world, it is impossible to keep a secret anywhere but in your S.O.L. (Secure OnTangle Line), a quantum encrypted hard drive implanted in your brain.
 
A secret government agency called the A.S.P. (Army of Simply Purity) watches over the Tangle from within technology safe rooms, locations impermeable to the nanobots that make up the Tangle. When the A.S.P. field agent Margot Foster is murdered in one of these rooms, an abandoned speakeasy, it’s the first murder in California in three years.

The main suspect is Carter Carmine, a private detective, who used to work with the agents of A.S.P. on a program called the Cleopatra Squad. Cleopatra created the Tangle. Married A.S.P. agents Edward Banderas and Laurel Arrow have brought Carter to one of the safe rooms after surgically removing his S.O.L. from his brain. Carter was following Margot just before her murder. He has a motive, and he is one of the few in the world with the technical expertise to hide from the Tangle. The agents use the Tangle information to badger Carter: they know his movements down to the millimeter, down to the millisecond. He is clearly hiding something.
 
Eventually, everybody is a suspect and every secret gets exposed: a conspiracy between Margot and Edward to curtail Cleopatra’s power over the Tangle, Edward, the man of duty, caught having an affair, the hidden connection between Laurel and Carter, the real identity of Cleopatra and, finally, the real explanation for Margot’s murder. Eventually, the agents must rush into the world scrounging through obsolete technology to solve the murder and stop the collapse of the Tangle, the world as they know it.
 
Christopher Soren Kelly, Joshua Britton (“The Night Of”, “The Pacific”), Nicole da Silva (“Wentworth”, “Rush”), and Jessica Graham star in this year’s most original and captivating sci-fi film.
 
Damn Warrior Productions In Association with SitkaBlu Productions present THE TANGLE, on VOD March 19

The Trailer:


The 411:

I loved the dialogue on this slow moving movie and there is a lot of it. Pages and pages of text all mostly happening in one room. It is all about what they are saying. For a Science Fiction movie it wasn't my cup of tea but that doesn't mean I wasn't interested. 

The premise is interesting. You cannot hurt yourself or each other because we are all controlled by Nanobots. Violent crime no longer exists but when an agent winds up dead with her head bashed in and no clues, an investigation is underway with no stone ahhhh uh cough, Tangle, left unturned.  BTW that bashed in head scene was hard and much of it off camera!

My least favorite part is the agent calling the suspect shiny shiny over and over, at least I think that is what she kept saying. UGH. Other than that if you like to listen to your movies, really listen, this is for your. Definitely different. 

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary product for my honest opinion. NO monetary compensation was offered. 

The Trailer For Stay - PARANORMAL ACTIVITY meets AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL!


 

A cautionary tale of ambition gone wrong,STAY blends the allure of America’s Next Top Model with the terror of Paranormal Activity.In the city that never sleeps, Olivia is taking the modeling world by storm. A cover girl in the making, Olivia is booking big clients and bringing her YouTube audience along for the ride.With newly earned cash, she moves into a fashionable loft apartment. Its glossy facade, however, conceals a sinister secret born years before. Suddenly overwrought, her tenuous grip on reality begins to slip away. Beautiful, yet increasingly unstable, Olivia makes a shocking choice that leads to a battle for her soul.STAY stars Ashley Park (Rosewood),Jesse LeNoir (Project Runway),and Dre Davis (Pretty Little Liars). The film is the first offering from the newly formed Ghost Machine Pictures in Los Angeles. Available March 26, 2021 on Amazon Prime.



Trailer:

Brewmance A Film About Home Brewers Of Craft Beer Trying To Get Their Beer In Your Hands

 


GIANT PICTURES PRESENTS

A BROCKLAMATION FILMS PRODUCTION

BREWMANCE

PRODUCED & DIRECTED BY: CHRISTO BROCK (Touch The Wall)


RELEASING ON VOD ON ALL MAJOR PLATFORMS ON APRIL 13, 2021.
(US, CANADA, UK AND MORE)


VOD PLATFORMS:

US:  
Apple TV (iTunes), FandangoNow , Google Play, Vudu, Microsoft Store. Google Play, Altavod, Vimeo On Demand and InDemand on Comcast, Spectrum, Cox and major cable providers.

CANADA: 
Apple TV (iTunes),
 Google Play, Microsoft Store, Vimeo On Demand

UK: 
Apple TV (iTunes), Google Play, Microsoft Store, Vimeo On Demand

The American Craft Beer movement began with a group of restless homebrewers searching for something genuine and flavorful. Today it’s evolved into a redefinition of beer and an international cultural phenomenon. That uniquely American spirit of rebellion and innovation survives in two groups of homebrewers from Long Beach, California who are looking to open their own breweries and bring their beers to the world. These include a Christian father-son team who grew close over making beer and a retired rock star looking for the “quiet" existence of a brewery owner. 



With the insight and commentary of legendary brewers Ken Grossman (Sierra Nevada), Fritz Maytag (Anchor Brewing), Charlie Papazian, Vinnie Cilurzo (Russian River), Sam Calagione (Dogfish Head), Jim Koch (Boston Brewing) and others, BREWMANCE reveals the soul of craft beer in the heart of America.

CHRISTO BROCK is an American Producer, Director, and Editor best known for the iconic swim documentary Touch the Wall,  the sports films Spirit of the Marathon and Hood to Coast, and the craft beer documentary BREWMANCE.


More info on the project at:  www.brewmancemovie.com

Follow @brewmancemovie on FacebookInstagram, & Twitter.  

FEATURE DOCUMENTARY (USA) / Running Time: 102 Minutes

What Are The Most Popular Baby Names In 2021?

 

Names.org today released its annual predictions for the Most Popular Baby Names of 2021 and found Liam is the most popular boys name, while Olivia is the most popular name for a girl.

The rankings were based on the most recent data on births from the Social Security Administration, trends from recent years and user interest from millions of monthly visitors to Names.org.

Most Popular Names for Boys:

  • Top 10: Liam, Noah, Oliver, Elijah, Lucas, James, William, Benjamin, Henry, and Matteo.  Henry and Matteo made the top 10 for the first time. 
  • Just Outside the Top 10: Sebastian, Levi, and Theodore are just outside the top 10, rising in popularity and expected to make the list in the coming years. Ethan, Alexander, and Jackson also fall just short of the top 10, but they are declining in popularity. 
  • Fastest Growing Names: Miles, Luca, Theodore, Leo, and Maverick.

Most Popular Names for Girls:


  • Top 10: Olivia, Emma, Amelia, Charlotte, Ava, Sophia, Isabella, Mia, Evelyn, and Harper.,

     
    Amelia made the biggest jump from No. 7 last year to No. 3.

  • Just Outside the Top 10: Luna, Camila, Penelope, and Aria are just outside the top 10, rising in popularity and expected to make the list in the coming years. Ella and Abigail also fall just short of the top 10, but they are declining in popularity.

  • Fastest Growing Names: Luna, Emilia, Willow, Isla, and Violet.

Orphan Wish Island by Sarah Anne Carter - Book Review

 

About Orphan Wish Island

Miriam’s parents died in a car crash when she was almost 8 years old. Just as she settles into a new life with her aunt and uncle, they decide to leave to work at an orphanage in Kenya and Miriam has to move in with her Grandma. The night after her 12th birthday, she sees something that can’t be real – glowing writing on the attic door in her room. The message encourages her to open the door and behind it she finds a tropical island where fairies tell her and some other orphans that they have been granted yearly wishes. She can listen to a message from her parents, make a wish and then come back each year to make another one. She will hear a final message from her parents if she comes back every year for six years. Her first wish is to have a lead part in the school musical so she can make friends. The magic only works for the wish if the child is willing to also work for the wish.

Each year, Miriam wishes for something to help her, but along the way, she learns lessons about hard work, friendship, trust, and loyalty. Her parents also get to make a wish for her each year, but she won’t know what they wished until she comes to the island for the final time.



The 411:

I sat down to read this book on Tuesday night while my husband watched something on TV. I finished it the next night before bed and loved every minute. This young adult book by Sarah Anne Carter about a young girl living with relatives after the death of her parents was a quick read. It is perfect for readers 10+. There were a few times in the book that I felt it could have been scaled back just a bit due to characters repeating information that I, the reader had already read but that didn't take away from the story and I think it will make it easier for younger readers to really get really invested in the story.

Every year until Miriam is 18 she gets to go through an attic door in her bedroom to a tropical island where she and others can hear a message from their parents who left one for them before they passed over. You basically find a starfruit with your name on a tree, listen to your parents message, eat a starfruit and make a wish for yourself as you bury the pit.  The wish may not always come out the way they intended because you need to do the work in order to have the wish work. You cannot just wish for a million dollars. You would have to do the work that would inevitably great you that wish. 

This was an incredible read. As a motherless daughter just imagining being able to hear my mother's voice after her death and upon my 18th birthday get to hear a final message. What a wonderful premise. 

I loved Miriam's relationship with her friends and her grandma and find her to be a great character for young girls. She takes care of family, respects others, is smart and understands when she tweaks her wish making the outcome different than what she intended, believes in volunteerism, tries to make the world a better place and is strong enough to go back to the Island year after year to hear her parents voice again. She is every girl and someone you would want to be friends with. 

Looking up more books by Sarah Anne Carter soon!


Monday, March 15, 2021

Advice For Those That Struggle With Sleep

 


Many people have sleep difficulties in today’s day and age, whether this is getting to sleep and/or staying asleep. It is recommended that adults get between 7 and 9 hours of sleep each night - if you struggle to get this on a consistent basis, you should take action because it could be affecting your life in more ways than one. Getting enough sleep is vital for your overall health and wellbeing, plus you might find that it also helps to give you more energy, improve your mood, reduce pain, and much more. Read on for a few pieces of advice if you are currently struggling to get the recommended amount.

 

• Improve Your Sleep Environment

 

One of the main reasons that people struggle with sleep is that they do not have a suitable environment for sleep. You can make improvements by investing in a new mattress, bed frame and bedding, blackout blinds if light is an issue and removing clutter from the bedroom. The bedroom should be a relaxing space, so removing items like a TV and keeping it neat and organized can be helpful.

 

• Stop Using Screens Before Bed

 

In a day and age where people spend so much of their time staring at a screen, whether this is a computer, TV, or smartphone, it is not surprising that so many struggle to get to sleep. Screens emit a blue light which can trick the mind into thinking it is daytime, which is why it is recommended that you stop using screens an hour before bed. Additionally, scrolling through social media or checking the news before bed could also keep the mind active and create stress, so this is another reason to stop using screens before bed.

 

• Create A Routine

 

Leading on from this, it is also a good idea to get into a routine so that your body and mind know when it is time for bed. You should try to go to bed at roughly the same time each night and perhaps find a relaxing activity like reading or meditation to get in the right mindset. You should also try to get up at the same time each day, so you may need to adjust your schedule in order to allow for 7-9 hours. 

 

• Try CBD Oil

 

There is more research that needs to be done, but studies seem to suggest that CBD oil can be effective at improving sleep and curing insomnia (as well as reducing stress), so it is certainly worthwhile. For the best results, you should always buy CBD products from a trusted brand with good reviews, such as Platinum CBD UK.

 

• Watch What You Consume

 

Another reason that people struggle with sleep is that they consume things that can interfere with sleep. Alcohol, caffeine, sugar, and nicotine are a few of the central stimulants that can interfere with sleep, so you should either eliminate these entirely or try to cut back (especially before bedtime). 

 

It is amazing the difference that getting 7-9 hours of sleep on a regular basis can make, and it is important for your overall wellbeing, so it is something that people should prioritize, and these tips should help.


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