Owly: A Time to be Brave

Owly: A Time to be Brave
by Andy Runton
All ages

List Price: $10.00

Paperback: 120 pages

Publisher: Top Shelf Productions (December 19, 2007)

Language: English

"One of the best comics for kids around. Period."
-- Wired.com
"Charming ... reminiscent of children’s literature in the style of Frog and Toad, or Winnie the Pooh and Piglet." -- Publishers Weekly

Product Description: The fourth graphic novel in the award-winning, all-ages series tells the story of new visitor to the forest. He may be misunderstood because of how he looks, but things aren't always what they seem, and everyone soon finds out that the power of friendship can fix just about anything. Relying on a mixture of symbols, icons and expressions to tell his silent stories, Andy Runton's clean, animated and heartwarming style makes it a perfect read for anyone who's a fan of Jeff Smith's Bone or Mike Kunkel's Herobear and the Kid. Already winning fans around the world, Owly is not to be missed.

Story: Owly is a kind, yet lonely, little owl who knows what it means to be human. Relying on a mixture of symbols and expressions, Andy Runton's animated and heartwarming style makes Owly a perfect read for everyone.

From the author: I wanted to tell you a little bit about the Owly books I write and illustrate, and how they help promote literacy.

Owly is a kind little owl who knows what it means to be human. Introduced to comics readers in 2004, his adventures are narrated in the nearly wordless Owly series of graphic novels. Owly has become incredibly popular in schools, libraries, and homes throughout the country and around the world. Non-violent subject matter, natural settings, straightforward yet emotionally complex stories, and endearing characters appeal to many different readers and makes this series the perfect choice for students of all ages. Because there are very few words, younger readers can read Owly books without being overwhelmed by text. This can spark an interest in books, instill cognitive and comprehensive skills at an even earlier age, and motivate students to move comfortably toward more advanced reading. In addition, more advanced readers can digest the Owly stories quickly, absorbing the subtextual plots easily without realizing that they are learning. They can enjoy a wonderful change in perspective that can facilitate more interest in education. Read more at The Picnic Basket...

Bonus: The author has a whole assortment of free lesson plans to help give teachers ideas and help them in their efforts.

My take: I'm not terribly familiar with graphic novels but am intrigued by the idea of them. From what I understand, graphic novels help children of all ages, whether readers or not, develop "visual literacy, inference, retelling, critical thinking and creative writing skills. For a young child to read a graphic novel, many essential literacy skills are required, including the ability to understand a sequence of events, interpret characters' nonverbal gestures, discern the story's plot and make inferences. They are critical skills that govern all reading comprehension (from the press release)." Wow! That's a lot to expect of what is essentially a picture book. But Owly: A Time to be Brave really delivers.

I have a 4 and 6 year old. The younger is not reading yet, having just learned her letters in preschool. The elder has just learned to read simple books. Both enjoyed Owly: A Time to be Brave, both for the delightful illustrations and for the chance to use their imaginations to "write" the narration themselves. And I like the central themes of the book - lessons of kindness, friendship, overcoming our natural fears of differences and the unknown, and learning to embrace all people as friends. I look forward to picking up the rest of the Owly series soon (including Owly Volume 5: Tiny Tales which will be released in October). And I'd be remiss if I didn't also point out another detail of the Owly books that is very much appreciated in this day and age: the Owly books are printed on recycled paper: "Owly has always been about kindness towards others and the environment" (Andy Runton, author). Win - Win. I give it a rating of 5.

The Picnic Basket Rating Scale

5 Strongly Recommend This book is so delectable that it calls for a picnic just to read it. I might even skip dessert to read it or enjoy the book and the strawberry shortcake. Definitely part of the gourmet, decadent picnic basket.

4 Recommend without Reservation This book should be in every picnic basket, it is as good as the perfect potato salad and would be welcome at a coastal or park picnic. You would rummage through the picnic basket to read it.

3 Neutral This book is good for a sandwich picnic on the lawn in the shade but it may not be worthy of a picnic planned around it.

2 Recommend under Certain Reading Situations This book is not as essential as the picnic tableware but it may provide picnic entertainment under the right conditions.

1 Unlikely to Recommend This book is for the fast food picnic basket, where you dialed on the way to the picnic. Not sorry if this picnic is rained out.

Sid the Science Kid & Dive Olly Dive DVD Review & Giveaway

THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED.
CONGRATULATIONS KATIE!

From the PR Firm: With summer in full swing, we wanted to share some exciting news with you about new DVDs that are sure to make a splash with the kids and encourage their curiosity about the natural world!

One of the top new shows for kids to premiere this past year is “Sid the Science Kid,” the hit, Emmy-nominated PBS series that is produced by The Jim Henson Company and KCET-LA. The first two “Sid the Science Kid” DVDs, titled “Change Happens” and “The Bug Club,” are releasing nationwide on August 4. Each DVD contains four episodes from the TV show.

“Sid the Science Kid: Change Happens”

Number of discs: 1
Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: NCircle Entertainment
DVD Release Date: August 4, 2009
Run Time: 115 minutes

and “Sid the Science Kid: The Bug Club”

Number of discs: 1
Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: NCircle Entertainment
DVD Release Date: August 4, 2009
Run Time: 115 minutes

Featuring the delightfully inquisitive Sid the Science Kid and his precocious pals, both DVDs celebrate and explore the great outdoors, tackling such questions as why bees live in hives and ants live in anthills, and observing such phenomena as how the heat from the sun can change matter. Episodes include:

“Change Happens” DVD “The Bug Club” DVD

Change Happens The Bug Club

My Mushy Banana Hello Doggie

My Shrinking Shoes Home Tweet Home

My Ice Pops The Dirt on Dirt

The Perfect Pancake Don’t Forget the Leaves

(In other “Sid” news: be on the lookout this September when FIVE all-new episodes of “Sid the Science Kid” will debut on PBS stations nationwide!)

******************

“Dive Olly Dive: Ship Shape Sub” DVD will also be in stores on August 4: “Dive Olly Dive!: Ship Shape Sub”

Number of discs: 1
Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: NCircle Entertainment
DVD Release Date: August 4, 2009
Run Time: 60 minutes

“Dive Olly Dive,” the Emmy-nominated, 3D-animated underwater series that airs on PBS Sprout. Not only will preschoolers have fun under the sea with Olly and Beth, two young submarines-in-training – the DVD also teaches kids fascinating facts about ocean life and some important life lessons, too.

This 3D-animated DVD for preschoolers features five episodes from the Dive Olly Dive! series, which explores the many interesting facets of ocean life in an entertaining and educational way. With exciting underwater adventures featured throughout, this lively DVD is a perfect way to cap off a fun-filled day at the beach! Episodes include:

Haunted Ship Prank

Less is More

Navigation Consternation

Follow that Lobster

Don’t Tell Beth

All three DVDs are distributed by NCircle Entertainment and carry a suggested retail price of $12.99 each.

My take: It's not often you see a DVD for preschoolers aimed at teaching science - for the most part, they seem to be all about teaching reading (witness the awesomeness that is the PBS Kids series Word World). Science seems to be the poor red-headed stepchild in preschooler programming. That is true no longer with the addition of Sid the Science Kid to the PBS Kids line up.

On Change Happens, Sid "works to discover the effects of time, temperature and the environment." On The Bug Club, Sid "explores backyard science" to discover how animals communicate, what makes dirt, well, dirty, and why animals live where they live. Awesome! As my kiddos were learning, I was too (dude, it's been a while since I was in school). After watching these DVDs, one day I commented to my daughter that she was smart when she answered something I asked her correctly and her response? "Yes, I'm smart. I know everything, just like Sid the Science Kid!" Another sure hit from Jim Henson productions and I know we can't wait for more episodes.

The other DVD we were sent was "Dive, Olly, Dive!" and I must confess, I'd never heard of this show since it runs on PBS Sprout - not a channel we've watched to much of as the kids are getting older. This was a good DVD though because not only does it educate your children on ocean life, it teaches them about listening to others and "not judging a book by it's cover." I'd recommend this show for kids under 4 though. My 4 year old barely watched it and my 6 year old had zero interest.

The giveaway: One lucky winner will win “Sid the Science Kid: Change Happens,” “Sid the Science Kid: The Bug Club” and “Dive Olly Dive: Ship Shape Sub” - all 3 DVDs reviewed above!

To win: Visit PBS and then come back here and leave me a comment telling me the name of one other PBS Kids or PBS Sprout show not mentioned in this review! Be sure to leave your email address with your comment if you are not a blogger or your email is not easily found on your blog. This giveaway is open until 11:59 p.m., EST, Thursday, August 6, 2009. Good Luck!

Bonus entries: Get up to 6 extra entries for a total of 7 entries (please leave a separate comment for each extra entry):

• Blog about this giveaway (don't forget to leave the link in your comment)
• Twitter, Stumble or Digg this giveaway
• Subscribe to my blog via RSS or Email (see top left sidebar)
• Add my blog to your blogroll or my button to your sidebar (leave your website address for verification)
• On Technorati - click on this link, then on Fan or Fav (or use the green link on the top left sidebar)
• Follow me on Blogger (see top left sidebar)

So You Think You Can Dance: Get Fit!

Your Favorite Dancers, Stephen “Twitch” Boss, Dmitry Chaplin, Courtney Galiano, Lauren Gottlieb, Katee Shean and Travis Wall, Show You How to Get Fit and Have Fun

Dance Your Way to a Sculpted Body with All-New So You Think You Can Dance Get Fit DVDs:

So You Think You Can Dance Get Fit: Tone and Groove

and So You Think You Can Dance Get Fit: Cardio Funk


Release date: July 21, 2009

Price: $16.99 U.S. each

Runtime: 109 minutes (Tone and Groove)

116 minutes (Cardio Funk)

U.S. Rating: Not Rated Canadian Rating: G

From the studio: You’ve seen exactly what they can do on the wildly popular show “So You Think You Can Dance.” Now six of the hottest dancers from past seasons will show viewers how to get in top shape with the release of two brand new fitness DVDs on July 21: SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE GET FIT: Tone and Groove and SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE GET FIT: Cardio Funk. With nearly 20 million watching each week “So You Think You Can Dance” is a pop culture sensation entering into its fifth season on air. For the first time ever, fans can tone and sculpt their bodies by moving along with the incredible dancers from the show as they demonstrate easy-to-follow routines in a variety of dance genres.

In Tone and Groove viewers can flex and condition their muscles with Stephen “Twitch” Boss as he takes them through a Hip Hop routine, tighten their abs with Dmitry Chaplin through the Cha Cha and then stretch it out with Katee Shean doing Jazz. Cardio Funk turns up the heat as Courtney Galiano puts viewers through their paces on the Disco floor, Travis Wall gets hearts pumping in a Contemporary routine and Lauren Gottlieb’s Hip Hop dance works up a sweat. With over 90 minutes of calorie-burning and body-sculpting moves, each DVD also includes a warm-up and cool down session, a bonus workout, behind-the-scenes interviews with the dancers and more. The DVDs arrive just in time for the highly-anticipated finale of Season Five.

My take: You wouldn't know it to look at me since I am not in shape (unless you consider "Round" a shape, which if you think about it, it IS a shape, but I digress) but I do love me some exercise DVDs. I own 14 exercise DVDs that I use in regular rotation (all Jillian Michaels or Bob Harper or Biggest Loser DVDs - why yes, I am obsessed with the Biggest Loser and yes, I do think of Jillian and Bob as MY personal trainers, thank you very much). I get up 5 days a week at 4:15 to work out. That is the ONLY time I have to get some exercise in.

I was excited to get these two DVDs because I wanted to try something different. Granted, I've never even seen the show (So You Think You Can Dance) - probably because The Biggest Loser is the ONLY show I watch on T.V. (as an aside, how excited was I to find the twitter handles for Allison Sweeney, Bob and Jillian?!?! Yes, I'm an idiot). But no matter. You don't have to know the show to appreciate these fitness DVDs.

That said, I thought these DVDs are really mis-marketed as fitness. They are really teaching you how to DANCE (Disco, Contemporary, Hip-Hop, Jazz, Cha-Cha) with the side benefit of improving your fitness. The set up is simple enough - the "dance" is shown in it's entirety 5 times, each time adding something (speed, music, etc.) to help you get up to speed. The DVDs also include an incredibly LONG warm up and cool down which makes them unsuitable for anyone looking for a work up under an hour (I've only got 45 minutes tops each day so there is no way I could use these on a regular basis unless I did them on the weekend). And dude, I did NOT inherit any dance genes - I have NO rhythm so I was not successful in learning these moves.

But, if YOU have rhythm, time to learn, and the desire to learn different dance genres, these DVDs would be for you.

SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE GET FIT: Tone and Groove and SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE GET FIT: Cardio Funk are each presented in widescreen with Dolby Digital English Stereo sound. The following details each disc:

Tone and Groove:
o Introduction
o Warm-Up
o Workouts:
o Hip Hop - Twitch
o Jazz - Katee
o Cha Cha - Dmitry
o Tone and Groove Bonus Workout
o Cool Down
Bonus Features:
o Interview with executive producer Nigel Lythgoe
o Interview with Twitch
o Interview with Katee
o Interview with Dmitry

Cardio Funk:
o Introduction
o Warm-Up
o Workouts
o Hip Hop - Lauren
o Contemporary - Travis
o Disco - Courtney
o Cardio Funk Bonus Workout
o Cool Down
Bonus Features:
o Interview with executive producer Nigel Lythgoe
o Interview with Lauren
o Interview with Travis
o Interview with Courtney

About Paramount Home Entertainment: Paramount Home Entertainment (PHE) is part of Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment. PPC is a unit of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), a leading content company with prominent and respected film, television and digital entertainment brands. PHE is responsible for the sales, marketing and distribution of home entertainment products on behalf of various parties including: Paramount Pictures, Paramount Vantage, Paramount Classics, Paramount Famous Productions, Nickelodeon, MTV, Comedy Central, CBS and PBS and for providing home entertainment fulfillment services for DreamWorks Animation Home Entertainment.

About 19 Entertainment Ltd.: Simon Fuller’s 19 Entertainment Ltd. is recognized as a lead creator, provider and promoter of globally successful entertainment and music brands of today. The company has attracted a unique team of exceptionally creative executives, who work together to integrate and leverage activity across television, sports, film, touring, merchandising, music publishing, recording and artist management. 19 Founder/CEO Simon Fuller has developed and managed some of the biggest entertainment properties of our time, with credits that include the creation of TV phenomenon AMERICAN IDOL, SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE and the HBO series “Little Britain USA.” 19’s unique talent includes legendary musical icon Annie Lennox, country music sensation Carrie Underwood, the pop group sensation Spice Girls, IDOL alumni Chris Daughtry, David Cook, Kris Allen, Adam Lambert and Allison Iraheta, supermodel Claudia Schiffer, soccer icon David Beckham and world tennis No.3 Andy Murray.

About dick clark productions: Since its inception in 1957, dick clark productions (dcp) has been a leading independent producer of television programming. dcp produces perennial hits such as “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve,” the American Music Awards, the Golden Globe Awards and the Academy of Country Music Awards. dcp also produces popular weekly television programming, including SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE, and owns and maintains one of the world’s most unique and extensive entertainment libraries, which includes more than 30 years of “American Bandstand” footage.

Blurt!

BLURT!

• 15 years on the market
• Over a million copies of the Blurt game have been sold in North America
• Runner-Up Toy of the Year from Family Fun Magazine
• The Family Channel Seal of Quality
• The National Parenting Publications Honors Award

From the publisher: Educational Insights is thrilled to be the new publisher of Blurt!, the world-famous word game that has sold over 1,000,000 copies! After being sold by the original publisher, Blurt! has been off the market for several years. Now it's back and better than ever with a cool new look and the classic game play that made it a platinum best seller!

Think fast! What word means "a partially dried grape"? Be the first to say "raisin," and you're on your way to winning this riotous game of rapid word recall. Players take turns reading clues aloud, competing to blurt out the correct answer first and move ahead on the board. The first person or team to circle the board wins. Sounds simple, right? But as the race for the right word heats up, and the blurting gets boisterous, it's easy to get tongue-tied! Blurt is a great vocabulary builder for kids, a hilarious addition to adult parties, and a must for family game night. Includes junior version for ages 7 to 9. For 3 to 12 players. Price: $29.99

Frequently asked questions (and answers) from the game designer:

Can I download the rules to Blurt!?
Yep! Blurt! Rules.pdf

Can I download the rules to Bible Blurt!?
You bet! Bible Blurt! Rules.pdf

I’m a teacher. Can I download Blurt! lesson plans for my class?
First off, you rock. Thank you for doing what you do. Secondly, yes! Blurt Lesson Plans.doc

I need a high resolution image of the Blurt! game. Where can I get one?
Here’s a cover shot: Blurt! Box Top.jpg Or you can go to my flickr account.

How was Blurt! invented?

I conceived the idea for Blurt! while helping my girlfriend, a third grade teacher, in her classroom. I opened a children’s dictionary and read aloud, “The nut of an oak tree.” I wasn’t looking for a response because I hadn’t asked a question, but a kid next to me mumbled, “Oaknut.... The nut of an oak tree is an oaknut, right?” I said, “No, it’s an acorn, but that’s FUNNY. Let’s try another one.” So I opened up to a random definition and read it aloud. The kids got more and more excited to race each other to the correct words. The light bulb went off, and the game born in a third grade classroom went on to entertain millions of families (not to mention many more third graders!) The best part of the story? I married the teacher.

Where can I buy Blurt!?
Barnes & Noble, Amazon, your favorite specialty toy retailer or from Educational Insights.

Love Blurt!?
Please tell a friend.

My take: Any long time reader of this blog knows how I am always on the hunt for a good board game (I'm building up a stash of nice games for our Family Game Night for years to come). So I was excited to read about Blurt! and be asked to review it. Tim Walsh invented the game way back in 1990 and it was released in 1994 by a small puzzle company in Wisconsin (after being rejected by Milton Bradley, Parker Brothers and Mattel - their loss I tell you). He was kind enough to send me a copy of the game to check out with my family. Designed for ages 7 and up (there's a junior version of the rules for ages 7 -9), my kids are not quite old enough for the game yet. But my husband and I had fun trying it out together - I'm thinking this game will definitely come out next time we have friends over. It is a blast to play - kind of like Trivial Pursuit but nowhere near as high brow or intimidating - we actually knew these answers (for the most part!). Want to check it out for yourself? Here's a video of Tim's wife, daughter and a friend playing it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y7Tbl5MaslA I highly recommend Blurt! for any of you board game enthusiasts out there!

The giveaway: One lucky winner (US address only please) will win their very own copy of Blurt!

To win: Visit Tim's website and come back here and leave me a comment telling me the name of one of the other games he has invented, co-developed or have helped license! Be sure to leave your email address with your comment if you are not a blogger or your email is not easily found on your blog. This giveaway is open until 11:59 p.m., EST, Tuesday, August 4, 2009. Good Luck!
Bonus entries: Get up to 6 extra entries for a total of 7 entries (please leave a separate comment for each extra entry):

• Blog about this giveaway (don't forget to leave the link in your comment)
• Twitter, Stumble or Digg this giveaway
• Subscribe to my blog via RSS or Email (see top left sidebar)
• Add my blog to your blogroll or my button to your sidebar (leave your website address for verification)
• On Technorati - click on this link, then on Fan or Fav (or use the green link on the top left sidebar)
• Follow me on Blogger (see top left sidebar)

Echelon Conspiracy

ECHELON CONSPIRACY

Release Date: July 21, 2009

Actors: Edward Burns, Jonathan Pryce, Ving Rhames, Martin Sheen, Yuri Kutsenko
Director: Greg Marcks
Format: AC-3, Color, Dolby, DVD, Subtitled, Widescreen, NTSC
Language: English
Subtitles: English, French, Spanish

Number of discs: 1

Studio: Paramount

Pricing: $29.99 U.S./$32.99 Canada (DVD)

$39.99 U.S./$47.99 Canada (Blu-ray)

Runtime: 105 minutes

U.S. Rating: Rated PG-13 for sequences of intense violence and action, some sexuality and brief language; Canadian Rating: PG

From the Studio: SHANE WEST, EDWARD BURNS, VING RHAMES AND MARTIN SHEEN STAR IN THE HEART-POUNDING ACTION-THRILLER.

Called “a cyberspace thriller for the male action crowd” (The Hollywood Reporter), the edge-of-your-seat suspense ride ECHELON CONSPIRACY made a breathtaking debut on DVD and Blu-ray July 21, 2009 from Paramount Home Entertainment. Featuring an all-star cast including Shane West (A Walk to Remember), Edward Burns (Saving Private Ryan), Ving Rhames (Pulp Fiction) and Martin Sheen (The Departed), the high-tech action-thriller weaves an engrossing story of greed, intrigue and the price of national security.

Mysterious cell phone messages promise a young American engineer untold wealth — then make him the target of a deadly international plot. Dangerous security operatives chase the engineer across the globe, while a powerful government official pursues a mysterious agenda that threatens the stability of the entire world.

My Take: Well, THAT'S 105 minutes of my life I will never get back. This movie was disappointing to say the least. When I received a copy of Echelon Conspiracy for review, I had high hopes for a movie starring Edward Burns, Ving Rhames and Martin Sheen, all top notch actors. But this was not a good vehicle for their talents. I wonder - did this even play in the theatres or did it go straight to DVD? The plot was thin. There was one gratuitous sex scene that was clearly put in there just for the heck of it to titillate young male viewers. The awful script was just not savable by the cast, who seemed to be phoning in their performances anyway - perhaps even they knew the futility of trying to make this movie work?

About Paramount Home Entertainment : Paramount Home Entertainment (PHE) is part of Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment. PPC is a unit of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), a leading content company with prominent and respected film, television and digital entertainment brands. PHE is responsible for the sales, marketing and distribution of home entertainment products on behalf of various parties including: Paramount Pictures, Paramount Vantage, Paramount Classics, Paramount Famous Productions, Nickelodeon, MTV, Comedy Central, CBS and PBS and for providing home entertainment fulfillment services for DreamWorks Animation Home Entertainment.

Welcome to the (Blog Hop) party stop at Did You See That?

Welcome everyone, thanks for stopping by. I am always up for a party hosted by Robin. Well, I suppose you are wondering who I am. That's not an easy answer (for any of us I would think).

I am a Certified Public Accountant by day (that's me and my kids in my office above) and a Mom to two (hence the handle "CPA Mom"). I used to have a personal blog but had to drop it after it was compromised by some very nefarious people. Luckily, I get to keep on writing my opinion here at "Did You See That?" Here I review books, movies, toys, games, and what have you, and tell you, the readers, all about it and even give some cool stuff away! In my personal life, I'm devoted to God, my husband and my children. I love the work that I do "9 to 5" and have meet some amazing people IRL (in real life) and virtually (on-line) through blogging.

So, I think I'll stop there - I know you've got a ton of other stops to make on this party circuit. And if you are REALLY interested in learning even more about me, you can check out this interview I just did for Berries and Cream Blog Design.

Have fun at the party and I hope to see you again really soon (sign up for email notices of my postings up there on the left sidebar).

OH! I almost forgot!! I've got a little door prize to giveaway!! Who wants to win a brand new copy of Hungry Girl 200 Under 200? I bought two copies for a special she was doing so I have one to giveaway!

To win: Leave me a comment with the web address of one other Blog Hop participant you visited. Be sure to leave your email address with your comment if you are not a blogger or your email is not easily found on your blog. This giveaway ends at 11:59 p.m. EST, Sunday, August 2, 2009. Good Luck!

Bonus entries: Get up to 6 extra entries for a total of 7 entries (please leave a separate comment for each extra entry):

• Blog about this giveaway (don't forget to leave the link in your comment)
• Twitter about this giveaway (leave link to your tweet in your comment)
• Subscribe to my blog via RSS or Email (see top left sidebar)
• Add my blog to your blogroll or my button to your sidebar (leave your website address for verification)
• On Technorati - click on this link, then on Fan or Fav (or use the green link on the top left sidebar)
• Follow me on Blogger (see top left sidebar)

Blog Hop 2009

THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED.
CONGRATULATIONS CEE (non-blogger)!

Hi there! How many of you (like me) wishes she could be at BlogHer 2009 right now but because of finances (lack of money), no sponsorship [due to not being a super blogger, super influencer or whatever THAT criteria is] or lack of child care or lack of time (cannot get the time off work) or lack of whatever is NOT at the conference (again!)?

I, for one, am not going to stay at home and pout (much as I'd like to). Instead I'm going to party with Robin at Pensieve and all her friends and you can too! What is Blog Hop 2009?

"It's back, and it's even bigger and better than before: Blog Hop '09! I hope you'll plan to take part!

In just a few days, 1,500 rabid and chatty bloggers will descend upon Chicago for one of the most blogged- and tweeted- about events of the year, BlogHer's annual conference. While it might feel like "everybody's" going, the truth is, tens of millions--TENS OF MILLIONS, people!--bloggers will NOT be in attendance.

So how's about you and me have a little virtual la-di-dah at the same time?"

You can read the rest of this post here. Then read all about just who Robin is, if you've not been blessed enough to "meet" her yet in virtual life.

Then "hop" on over to The HOP and sign up for the fun! HOP UNTIL YOU DROP!

G.I. JOE: A Real American Hero Season 1.1

G.I. JOE: A REAL AMERICAN HERO: SEASON 1.1 on DVD

Relive the Heroic Struggle of the G.I. JOE vs. COBRA Saga

Release Date: July 21, 2009
Actors: Chris Latta, Michael Bell, Frank Welker, Arthur Burghardt
Director: Buzz Dixon
Packaging: The 4 DVDs are collected in thin packs with a deluxe foil board sleeve with embossed accents. For a limited time, the DVD set will include rub-on tattoos.
Rating: Not Rated
Suggested Retail Price: $29.99 DVD
Running Time: Approx. 480 min.
Discs: 4

From the studio: YO JOE! Since 1982, DUKE, SNAKE EYES, SCARLETT and the rest of the G.I. JOE team have battled against the evil forces of COBRA to stop their bid for world domination with the creation of The M.A.S.S. DEVICE. Since then, the G.I. JOE team has faced COBRA COMMANDER, DESTRO, STORM SHADOW and the rest of the COBRA organization in head-to-head action to protect the free world from their rule. More than 25 years later, G.I. JOE has built a strong fan base of loyal followers in children and adults alike, launching countless collectible toys, comic books, animated series and an upcoming feature film.

Now you can relive the original animated action when Shout! Factory, in collaboration with Hasbro, Inc., unleashes the TV series that started it all with the G.I. JOE: A Real American Hero Season 1.1 DVD box set on July 21, 2009. A must-have for any aspiring hero, the 4-DVD box set features the first 22 episodes, including the three 5-part mini-series The M.A.S.S. Device, The Revenge of Cobra and The Pyramid of Darkness. It also features a special SNAKE EYES and STORM SHADOW tattoo from the Arashikage ninja clan and other exciting bonus content.

And for those who really can’t get enough of G.I. JOE, Shout! Factory, along with Hasbro, is developing G.I. JOE: A Real American Hero The Complete Series Collector’s Set. Brimming with over 50 hours of content, including the original Hasbro toy commercials, a bounty of stellar extras and special Arashikage and Cobra tattoos, this 17-DVD box set is another fan must-have. The G.I. JOE: A Real American Hero The Complete Series Collector’s Set is expected to be available in mid July.

Synopsis: G.I. JOE is an elite group of special operatives, fighting for freedom wherever there’s trouble. In this animated series based on characters from Hasbro’s popular line of 3 ¾” action figures, the G.I. JOE team will stop at nothing to defeat COBRA – an enemy with the singular goal of world domination!

Bonus Features Include:

• “Knowing is Half the Battle” PSAs
• “Looking Back” with writer Ron Friedman
• Archival Hasbro toy commercials
• G.I. JOE’s original 1963 Toy Fair presentation
• Printable script for “Jungle Trap”

My take: Ah, the iconic G.I. Joe. According to my usual source Wikipedia (upon whom I rely for all information regarding T.V. series from the 60's, don't you?), "G.I. Joe is a line of military-themed articulated "action figures" produced by the toy company Hasbro. The initial product offering represented four of the branches of the U.S. Armed Forces with the Action Soldier (Army), Action Sailor (Navy), Action Pilot (Air Force) and Action Marine (USMC). The term "G.I." was incorrectly thought to stand for "Government Issue" and became a generic term for US soldiers, especially ground forces. The development of G.I. Joe led to the coining of the term action figure. The line was launched on February 2, 1964, with a World War II theme."

And apparently, G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero was "the half-hour American animated television series based on the successful toy line from Hasbro and the comic book series from Marvel Comics. The cartoon had its beginnings with two five-part mini-series, then became a regular series that ran in syndication from 1985 to 1987. Following the initial two mini-series, the regular series began airing on September 16, 1985. A public safety lesson was usually featured at the end of each episode, using G.I. Joe characters in brief scenarios to impart safety tips to children. These lessons gave birth to the catchphrase: "And knowing is half the battle."

In each episode's opening title sequence famed voice actor Jackson Beck states that, "G.I. Joe is the code name for America's daring, highly-trained, Special Mission force. Its purpose: To defend human freedom against COBRA, a ruthless terrorist organization determined to rule the world."

Because the cartoons were produced as a vehicle to sell the toys, each episode typically focused on a particular G.I. Joe character, giving almost everyone a moment in the spotlight. The animated series was not directly tied to the comic book produced by Marvel Comics"

Who knew? Me, that's who. I wasn't exactly glued to the T.V. in the mid-80's watching cartoons and my doll of choice growing up was Barbie, not G.I. Joe. But no matter, my son is making up for my *cough* loss. Along with his other two "favorite movies " THE TRANSFORMERS: The Complete First Season 25th Anniversary Edition and Power Rangers RPM, Vol. 1: Start Your Engines , he can't get enough of G.I. Joe. And I get a kick out of seeing something else come around again full circle from my childhood to his. Also? Apparently, these cartoons still work very successfully as a "vehicle to sell toys" as we are now the "proud" owners of a G.I. Joe set from the toy store. Awesome.

(FYI - you can see a long and very complete review of what all is included on these discs and a summary of what G.I. Joe is as well on Amazon.com - the review from Dennis A. Amith is very thorough)

And DON'T FORGET! To Pre-Order your copy of the Complete Series, please head over to: http://www.gijoecollectorsset.com/

Here's a clip from the DVD so you can check it out for yourself:



About HASBRO: Hasbro, Inc. (NYSE:HAS) is a worldwide leader in children’s and family leisure time products and services with a rich portfolio of brands and entertainment properties that provides some of the highest quality and most recognizable play and recreational experiences in the world. As a brand-driven, consumer-focused global company, Hasbro brings to market a range of toys, games and licensed products, from traditional to high-tech and digital, under such powerful brand names as TRANSFORMERS, PLAYSKOOL, TONKA, MILTON BRADLEY, PARKER BROTHERS, CRANIUM and WIZARDS OF THE COAST. Come see how we inspire play through our brands at http://www.hasbro.com. (C) 2009 Hasbro, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

About Shout! Factory: Shout! Factory is a diversified entertainment company devoted to producing, uncovering and revitalizing the very best of pop culture. Founders Richard Foos, Bob Emmer and Garson Foos have spent their careers sharing their music, television and film faves with discerning consumers the world over. Shout! Factory’s DVD offerings serve up classic, contemporary and cult TV series, riveting sports programs, live music, animation and documentaries in lavish packages crammed with extras. The company’s audio catalogue boasts GRAMMY®-nominated boxed sets, new releases from storied artists, lovingly assembled album reissues and indispensable “best of” compilations. These riches are the result of a creative acquisitions mandate that has established the company as a hotbed of cultural preservation and commercial reinvention. Shout! Factory is based in Santa Monica, California. For more on Shout! Factory, visit www.shoutfactory.com.

Inscribe-it.com

THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED.
CONGRATULATIONS KIMBERLY!

From the PR Firm: As the summer is approaching and children are finishing up school, now is the perfect time for them to catch up on leisurely reading. Whether digging into a wonderfully illustrated picture book with the younger kids, or reading at the beach with the older ones, a book with a personal dedication will make it even more meaningful. Inscribe-it.com combines the timeless wonder of reading with the extra touch of a personalized written note and the addition of a favorite photo or image. This summer, encourage the young readers in your life to tackle a classic like, Huckleberry Finn or Black Beauty—or a favorite book of yours from your childhood—with an inscription that is uniquely yours and theirs to treasure. The world is moving quickly and most of us have little time to slow down. Give a gift that offers a slower pace and encourages the joy of imagination. There really is nothing better then a good book. . . especially when it is personalized especially for you.


Be sure to check out: There is a video on the Inscribe-it site main page that shows you how it works. You can check it out here: http://inscribeit.sharedbook.com/

My take: We received a voucher to get one book for free so I chose The Adventures of Robin Hood (Abridged) for my son: "Howard Pyle Retold from the Howard Pyle original.He robbed from the rich and gave to the poor, and had escapades enough to please any adventure-loving child. Now even the youngest readers can have the chance to enter Sherwood Forest with Robin's band of merry men, and meet such unforgettable characters as Friar Tuck, Little John, Allan-a-Dale, the nasty Sheriff of Nottingham, and wicked King John. Every moment of the story is filled with action and excitement. Ages: 7 - 9164 pages (size: 5" x 7.5") $19.95"


And I also paid full price for A Little Princess (Abridged) for my daughter: "Retold from the Frances Burnett Hodgson original.Poor Sara Crewe. Once upon a time her beloved father pampered and adored her. But ever since he died, leaving her alone and penniless, she's been caught in the cruel clutches of Miss Minchin, the headmistress at the Select Seminary for Young Ladies, where Sara once studied. But no matter how terrible things get, Sara always has her imagination and goodness of heart to carry her through. This timeless tale of a poor orphan has won children's hearts for a century--and continues to be a favorite. Ages: 7 - 9166 pages (size: 5" x 7.5") $19.95"


Let me tell you guys, choosing which books to buy was the only hard part about this process. Their lists of books is endless, and includes so many of my childhood favorites. Seriously, go check out all those books! What's really helpful in narrowing down your choices are the categories though - sorted by Graduation, Birthday, New Baby, Thank You and Summer Favorites (all of which are all further sorted into Boy, Girl and age groups). Inscribe-it.com really does have a book for every occasion. And not only do you get to inscribe the cover page, you get to add a photo too - my kids were thrilled to see pictures of themselves inside the front of their new books. These are books they will treasure for years to come.

The giveaway: One lucky winner will receive a voucher to create his or her very own Inscribe-it.com book (a $19.95 value).

To win: Visit Inscribe-it.com and come back here and leave me a comment telling me the name of one of the Summer Favorites for Teens books. Be sure to leave your email address with your comment if you are not a blogger or your email is not easily found on your blog. This giveaway is open until 11:59 p.m., EST, Tuesday, July 28, 2009. Good Luck!

Bonus entries: Get up to 6 extra entries for a total of 7 entries (please leave a separate comment for each extra entry):

• Blog about this giveaway (don't forget to leave the link in your comment)
• Twitter, Stumble or Digg this giveaway
• Subscribe to my blog via RSS or Email (see top left sidebar)
• Add my blog to your blogroll or my button to your sidebar (leave your website address for verification)
• On Technorati - click on this link, then on Fan or Fav (or use the green link on the top left sidebar)
• Follow me on Blogger (see top left sidebar)

A little something fun...and FREE

It's no secret times are tight right now. At our house, we are squeezing every last cent we can from our paychecks but there never seems to be enough, you know what I mean? Of course, it is summer time too, a time when we are all desperately looking for fun things to do with our kids while they are out of school. Luckily, I found out about a free event that I can take my kids to every other Saturday this summer. Fun, free, a nice family activity you can do with your kids and did I mention? FREE! Where is this amazing event?! At a Lowe's store near you!

Drum roll please....presenting, Lowe's Build and Grow!

Two Saturdays ago, we went to our first Build and Grow and came home with two adorable Treasure Chests like this one.



We also came home with 2 certificates of completion, 2 adorable red aprons, 2 "Treasure Chest" patches that I sewed onto those aprons, and 2 very happy and proud children. And only one sore finger (mine) from being hammered on. Dude, there were kids there with over 20 patches on their red aprons!

We can't wait to earn OUR next patch when we go build HELICOPTERS this weekend (Saturday July 25, 2009 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM). Be sure to sign up on line to attend - and print out your waiver to bring with you.

Now go, get to hammering!

(this post was not sponsored in anyway, by anyone. I just LOVE these clinics and wanted to spread the word. I first learned about them on "Hey, It's Free!" - an awesome website that is not only "in the know" about free stuff (obviously) but the guy is a real hoot to read too. Score!)

Power Rangers RPM Vol. 1

Power Rangers RPM, Vol. 1: Start Your Engines

Actors: Eka Darville, Ari Boyland, Rose McIver, Milo Cawthorne, Dan Ewing
Directors: Jonathan Brough, Mike Smith
Format: Color, DVD, NTSC
$19.99 US; $24.99 Canada

Rated: ‘TV-Y7-FV’ (US); ‘PG’ (Canada)

Language: English
Number of discs: 1
Studio: Walt Disney Video
DVD Release Date: July 7, 2009
Run time: 113 minutes

On TUESDAY JULY 7th, Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment released POWER RANGERS RPM: START YOUR ENGINES VOL. 1 on DVD! Catch all the engine revving action as the rangers take on countless enemies plotting to take over the planet!

From the studio: Story: Get in gear! Join forces with the Power Rangers against a sinister machine army accelerating toward global domination in Power Rangers RPM Volume 1: Start Your Engines. The mysterious and menacing Venjix Computer Network has unleashed an evil virus and is driving towards conquering the entire planet. In the shining city of Corinth, one of the only safe havens on earth, an elite team of super teens is ready to fight for justice – but will these fierce Power Rangers have enough high-octane fury to save the world?

My take: So I had to do a little research on this one because when I received this DVD to review, somewhere in the back of my feeble memory was the thought that Power Rangers was some show that was on T.V. when I was growing up. According to Wikipedia, that font of all knowledge, "The series that began the franchise, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, began broadcasting...from 1993 to 1996. The franchise has continued, and as of 2009 consists of 17 television seasons, 15 different series, and two theatrical films. The latest series, Power Rangers: RPM, debuted on March 7, 2009." Aha! So I wasn't that far off (though I was quite grown up and even out of college by 1993, thank you very much). You can read more about the characters here.

Anyway, turns out that I am so not a fan of Power Rangers, be it RPM, Mighty Morphin, or otherwise. But who cares?! I am NOT their target audience either. I would think boys ages 6 - 12 would be. Luckily, I happen to have one of those lying around the house and he (my son) LOVED this DVD. The DVD itself has become part of his "trifecta of greatness" shrine in his room [which consists of the Transformers (see my review here), Power Rangers and GI Joe (review to come next week) DVDs all arranged just so with Transformer and GI Joe toys lying in state in front of them]. He's happy, I'm happy. If you have a little boy (or girl) with similar tastes, you can't go wrong getting Power Rangers RPM, Vol. 1: Start Your Engines. Besides, $19.99 is a small price to pay for 113 minutes of sheer quiet (provided you are in the other room of course).

Take a Sneak Peek for yourself:



About the studio: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment, a recognized leader in the home entertainment industry, is the marketing, sales and distribution company for Walt Disney, Touchstone, Hollywood Pictures, Miramax and Buena Vista product, which includes DVD, Blu-ray Disc and electronic distribution. Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment is a division of Disney Enterprises, Inc.

Picture Keeper

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED.
ONGRATULATIONS AMY!

From the PR FIRM: When a close friend lost all of her digital images during a lightning storm, inspiration struck Matthew Stanchie. With a background in technology, and as a father of two young children himself, he felt for the young mother who lost every image she had ever taken of her 2-year-old son. He thought that there should be a simple, fool-proof way to backup digital images, so he created Picture Keeper. Despite working for Hewlett-Packard, the thought of backing up his personal photos gave him a headache, and he could only image what others without a background in computers went through. So, he created a user-friendly program that automates the task (making sure to get the approval of an evaluator from his target demographic—his wife.) Picture Keeper plugs into any PC, including Macs, and copies all images with one click. With Picture Keeper, it’s a snap to save.

The Picture Keeper is the simplest of solutions. Plug it in, and with one click it searches for every image on a computer and uploads them to a USB flash drive for safekeeping. Digital cameras make it easy to snap dozens of pictures at a birthday party, or a thousand pictures during a vacation, but it’s easy to forget about backing up digital images until it’s too late. Sudden events like a computer crash, fire or theft can’t be predicted, but you can prevent against total loss by backing up digital images often and keeping them in a safe place (separate from where your computer is.)

Using CDs for storage is one option, but they’re susceptible to scratches—rendering the data on them useless. Standard USB flash drives work, and have greater storage capacity than CDs, but they don’t address the problem of finding all of the images on a computer, nor can they help identify newly added images since your last backup. Considering the time involved just searching for images on a computer, it’s no wonder many people put it off for a rainy day.

With Picture Keeper, users plug the USB drive into a computer and click the “Start Backup” button. The device automatically finds and copies all images with jpeg/jpg extensions on the computer. Folders and subfolders are also copied just as they are on your computer, making it easy to find files once they’ve been copied onto the Picture Keeper.

Since Picture Keeper’s program runs from the device and not the host computer, it’s possible to add images from multiple computers, Mac or PC, without having to download software to each computer. Advanced Options allow users to specify alternate file types and search in additional locations on the computer, to ensure that everything you want to keep safe has been copied. Another problem with backing-up digital images that the Picture Keeper fixes is trying to keep straight which photos have already been saved. If a few weeks or months pass between backups, there’s no easy way to verify what’s already been saved, other than going through the backup folder-by-folder. Picture Keeper takes out the guesswork, since it can be used to update a preexisting backup. Just plug it in, hit “Start Backup,” and the Picture Keeper will only copy new or recently altered images to the device.

Picture Keeper can even be used in digital frames and at photo development stations found in many grocery stores and pharmacies across the country. Just plug the device into the Standard USB slot for access to the images stored on the device, no fumbling with multiple camera cards needed.

Picture Keeper is currently available in three sizes (with developers at Picture Keeper hard at work on an external hard drive version, which would be able to hold 100 to 300+GB) :

Picture Keeper 4GB - Holds up to 4,000 (1MB) images. $29.99
Picture Keeper 8GB - Holds up to 8,000 (1MB) images. $39.99
Picture Keeper 16GB - Holds up to 16,000 (1MB) images. $59.99

Unsure if the 4GB or 8GB is needed? Picture Keeper has a step-by-step guide available at www.picturekeeper.com, to help users find out how much space they will need to backup their images. While on the website, users can sign-up to receive Backup Reminders from Picture Keeper, so they’ll never forget when it’s time to backup their images.

Bonus: Picture Keeper just won a Dr. Toy Best Vacation Products for Summer 2009 award. Winners of the Best Vacation Products for Summer Award are carefully chosen using extensive criteria developed over many years by noted child development authority and author of Dr. Toy’s Smart Play-Smart Toys, Stevanne Auerbach, Ph.D. (a.k.a. Dr. Toy). Among the criteria used to determine winners are: safety, age-appropriateness, design, durability, lasting play value, creativity, good value for price and, naturally, fun. All of the winners, including Picture Keeper, are featured on Dr. Toy’s website at http://www.drtoy.com/.

My take: As the very smart Lisa Orman said, this product falls squarely under the "WHY DIDN'T I THINK OF THAT" category. I mean, if I were someone who actually knew how to write code and such, which I don't, but STILL. Picture Keeper is pure genius in my humble opinion. When I first received my 16 GB flash drive from Picture Keeper, I plugged it in right away. Why a 16 GB and not the 4 or 8? Dude, I used their tutorial to find out how many pictures I had on my hard drive already and the result was over 8,000 (over 8 GB)! I have an external hard drive too that I HOPE is automatically backing everything up like it's supposed to but I am not tech savvy by any means so Picture Keeper is giving me the peace of mind to know at least my pictures (irreplaceable pictures of my beautiful bay-bees) are definitely backed up.

Any who, you might be asking, "Is it easy to work?" The answer would be a definitive "yes." I personally had issues (I really don't know when the last time something just worked the way it was supposed to for me, really, I'm just not a lucky gal in that regard). So Picture Keeper stopped working midway through the download and mysteriously erased itself. The upside of this was that I got to spend a few hours online with the ab-fab Matt (inventor of Picture Keeper) who logged onto my system in real time to look around and try and fix things (awesome, really just awesome online support even though it was kind of creepy to see my mouse moving around on it's own). The down side was he had no answer but he did send me a new drive and a pre-stamped envelope to send back the old drive. He suspected I had a virus but after multiple, and I mean multiple, scans over several days (with at least six different anti-virus, anti-spyware, etc, etc. programs), nothing was found on my system. So I plugged in the new flash drive with some trepidation but presto! (it worked like a champ!) I saw all my 8,000+ pictures go right to the drive. I'm thinking it won't be long before I'm in need of that 100 to 300+GB version, wouldn't you agree? So if you are like me, and store all your precious memories on YOUR hard drive, I highly recommend you run (figuratively speaking) over to Picture Keeper and buy your own peace of mind (which, much like the Master Card commercial, you know is priceless).

Discount: Enter Blogger10 to get 10% off any purchase at Picture Keeper

The giveaway: Win a 4 or 8 GB Picture Keeper (size of your choice, depending on your image file size needs).

To win: Visit Picture Keeper and run the size analyzer to determine the size Picture Keeper you need. Leave me a comment here telling me that size. Be sure to leave your email address with your comment if you are not a blogger or your email is not easily found on your blog. This giveaway is open until 11:59 p.m., EST, Wednesday, July 22, 2009. Good Luck!

Bonus entries: Get up to 6 extra entries for a total of 7 entries (please leave a separate comment for each extra entry):

• Blog about this giveaway (don't forget to leave the link in your comment)
• Twitter, Stumble or Digg this giveaway
• Subscribe to my blog via RSS or Email (see top left sidebar)
• Add my blog to your blogroll or my button to your sidebar (leave your website address for verification)
• On Technorati - click on this link, then on Fan or Fav (or use the green link on the top left sidebar)
• Follow me on Blogger (see top left sidebar)

This review was sponsored by

KidStuff Public Relations

Easy on the Eyes

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED. CONGRATULATIONS SHERRI (non-blogger) AND KELLY.

Easy on the Eyes

by: Jane Porter
List Price: $13.99
Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: 5 Spot
Release Date: July 22, 2009

From the author: At 38, Tiana Tomlinson has made it. America adores her as one of the anchors of America Tonight, a top-rated nightly entertainment and news program. But even with the trappings that come with her elite lifestyle, she feels empty. Tiana desperately misses her late husband Keith, who died several years before. And in a business that thrives on youth, Tiana is getting the message that her age is starting to show and certain measures must be taken if she wants to remain in the spotlight. It doesn’t help that at every turn she has to deal with her adversary—the devilishly handsome, plastic surgeon to the stars, Michael O'Sullivan. But a trip away from the Hollywood madness has consequences that could affect the rest of her life.

My take: It's no secret I have a "girl crush" on Jane Porter (see the last review I did for one of her books). So when I was given the chance to read an advance review copy of her latest book, Easy on the Eyes, I couldn't say "yes" fast enough. And I read the book just as fast. Who wouldn't? This delectable books was easy to devour. Of course, it helped that I could really related to the protagonist Tiana, a widow at a young age as I was. But more than that, Tiana's whole story was rich, compelling and engrossing. Now, I have no idea what it's like to have to maintain a perfect figure and a perfect face just to keep my job (luckily, my boss is fine with my very imperfect face and very imperfect (read: fat) body - I mean, who needs to look good to crunch numbers? But no matter, you don't know to understand the Hollywood elite to enjoy Easy on the Eyes. With Ms. Porter's writing skills, she takes you right inside Tiana's world and on a very enjoyable ride to the very end. Escapism? You bet. And I loved every minute of it. And you will too - you can read an excerpt here AND.....drum roll please...

The giveaway: TWO lucky winners (US address only please) will win a copy of this awesome book!

To win: Visit Mothering Heights (the sponsor of this giveaway), leave a relevant comment on any one of her "Ask Mothering Heights" posts and come back here and leave me a comment telling me which post you commented on! Be sure to leave your email address with your comment if you are not a blogger or your email is not easily found on your blog. This giveaway is open until 11:59 p.m., EST, Tuesday, July 21, 2009. Good Luck!

Bonus entries: Get up to 6 extra entries for a total of 7 entries (please leave a separate comment for each extra entry):

• Blog about this giveaway (don't forget to leave the link in your comment)
• Twitter, Stumble or Digg this giveaway
• Subscribe to my blog via RSS or Email (see top left sidebar)
• Add my blog to your blogroll or my button to your sidebar (leave your website address for verification)
• On Technorati - click on this link, then on Fan or Fav (or use the green link on the top left sidebar)
• Follow me on Blogger (see top left sidebar)

This review was sponsored by: Mothering Heights

A Displaced Princess and the Princes of Pop- it’s Disney Teen Royalty!

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED.
CONGRATULATIONS AMANDA!!

For your reading pleasure today, I am pleased to present two movie reviews from Stephanie Snowe, published author of the hysterical book, Meeting Mr. Wrong: The Romantic Misadventures of a Southern Belle. She also blogs at Jason, For the Love of God!

**************************************

On June 30th Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment released PRINCESS PROTECTION PROGRAM: Royal B.F.F. Extended Edition on DVD

and

JONAS BROTHERS: The Concert Experience Deluxe Extended Movie in 3-D on DVD & Blu-ray!

Princess Protection Program: Royal B.F.F. Extended Edition DVD

Actors: Selena Gomez, Demi Lovato, Nicholas Braun, Molly Hagan
Directors: Alison Liddi-Brown
Format: AC-3, Color, Dolby, Dubbed, DVD, NTSC, Subtitled, Widescreen
Language: English
Subtitles: French, Spanish
Rating: G (General Audience)
Studio: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
DVD Release Date: June 30, 2009
Run Time: 89 minutes
List Price: $29.99

From the studio: Two of the most popular young actresses, Selena Gomez and Demi Lovato, star in the adventure comedy "Princess Protection Program," a Disney Channel Original Movie about two very different girls – a princess from a small kingdom and a small town girl who, when fate brings them together, must team up to help the would-be queen pass for a regular teen. Filmed in Puerto Rico, the "Royal B.F.F. Extended Edition" features an exclusive new music video of "One and the Same" performed by Selena Gomez and Demi Lovato, a behind-the-scenes look at the film with the teen stars, and a free "B.F.F" necklace set.

Selena Gomez and Demi Lovato star in Disney Channel series, and were each discovered as pre-teens via the channel's nationwide talent searches. Gomez stars in the hit comedy "Wizards of Waverly Place" which is 2009's #3 scripted TV series among Kids 6-11 and #2 among Tweens 9-14. Lovato stars in the hit comedy series "Sonny with a Chance," TV's #1 program among Kids 6-11 since its February 2009 premiere. In Tweens 9- 14, "Sonny with a Chance" is in a virtual tie with "American Idol" for TV's #1 post and ranks as the #1 scripted program on all TV in the key Tween demographic. Lovato also stars in "Camp Rock," 2008's #1 cable TV telecast in Total Viewers and Tweens. In addition to her duet with Gomez, "One and the Same," Lovato's song "Two Worlds Collide" from her debut Hollywood Records album is in the movie.

In the movie, royalty meets reality with Carter Mason, a rural Louisiana teen, and Rosalinda Marie Montoya Fiore, the soon-to-be teenage monarch of the tiny country of Costa Luna. The pair meets after Carter's father, an agent in the covert international Princess Protection Program, rescues Rosalinda from a military take-over. He whisks Rosalinda to a PPP base where she receives a temporary new identity, Rosie Gonzalez, and is placed in his care until order can be restored in Costa Luna. When he arrives back in Lake Monroe, both teenagers are shell-shocked when Rosie moves into Carter's room and the princess, posing as Carter's visiting cousin from Iowa, begins adjusting to country life and enrolls in Carter's school. Despite their differences, the girls slowly learn that there's not only a lot to like about each other, but lessons to learn as well. That's apparent when Rosie nominates Carter for homecoming queen over the heated objections of two jealous rivals, Chelsea and Brooke. And with her newfound realization, Carter brainstorms a way to help her new best friend regain her throne, even if it puts her own well-being at risk. Also starring are Tom Verica ("American Dreams") as Joe Mason, Jamie Chung ("Samurai Girl") as Chelsea, Nick Braun as Ed, Samantha Droke ("Horton Hears a Who!") as Brooke and Robert Adamson as Donny.

Stephanie's take: This movie? Hilarious.

I really didn’t have high expectations for this film. I wasn’t previously familiar with either Demi Lovato or Selena Gomez. This is a G-rated Disney film and my expectations were that it would be “okay”.

It was so much better than okay! We laughed and laughed and really enjoyed all the girls’ antics. It was definitely a movie you could feel comfortable watching with your whole family. As a mother of tweens, that is very important to me. The two girls had a great chemistry onscreen and it was so nice to see girls who could be GOOD role-models. I understand that these girls are real-life bff's, and it was pretty obvious by watching them that they genuinely care about each other and are both very talented young actresses.

Check out this clip from their Royal Red Carpet Premiere!

I’m so pleased we got this movie! I would highly recommend it!

**************************************

Jonas Brothers: The 3-D Concert Experience (Blu-ray/DVD Combo w/ BD Live + Digital Copy) [Blu-ray]

Actors: Nick Jonas, Joe Jonas, Kevin Jonas
Format: AC-3, Color, Dolby, Dubbed, Live, Subtitled, 3D, Widescreen
Language: English
Subtitles: French, Spanish
Rating: G (General Audience)
Studio: Disney
DVD Release Date: June 30, 2009
Feature run time: 76 Minutes (Theatrical version); 89 minutes (extended version)
Suggested retail price: 3 Disc Combo Pack - US: $44.99 Canada: $49.99; 2 Disc - US: $32.99 Canada: $40.99; 1 Disc – US: $29.99 Canada: $35.99

From the studio: On June 30, the world’s three favorite brothers rock out in 3-D only on Blu-ray in their first motion picture, Jonas Brothers: The Concert Experience - Deluxe Extended Movie from Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment. Included are 4 songs that were never seen when the movie played in theatres, including two integrated into the film itself, extending the experience.

Available for a limited time only, Jonas Brothers: The Concert Experience - Deluxe Extended Movie comes in a 3-Disc Combo Pack, which, in addition to the 3-D and 2-D versions of the movie on Blu-ray, contains a standard definition DVD (the extended film in 2-D ); and a DisneyFile (a digital copy of the 2-D extended movie viewers can enjoy.) Bonus features include Get Up Close and Personal, an intimate look at the brothers; 2 Additional Bonus Songs, “Love Bug” and “Shelf”; and 4 free pairs of 3-D glasses.

Jonas Brothers: The Concert Experience - Deluxe Extended Movie, in 3-D, makes the event so real, viewers can virtually reach out and touch the brothers. Up Close and Personal brings fans closer than ever to Kevin, Joe and Nick’s world as they and their band prepare for their live sold-out concerts all over the world. The movie also includes outstanding guest appearances by chart-topping artists Demi Lovato and Taylor Swift.

The Concert Experience: Deluxe Extended Movie (3-Disc Combo Pack) includes:

Disc One—Blu-ray

3-D and 2-D Extended Version of the Movie with 2 performances not seen in theaters -- “Can’t Have You” and “A Little Bit Longer”

· 2 Additional Bonus Songs - “Love Bug” and “Shelf”

· Up Close & Personal -- Go behind the scenes with the ‘Jo-Bros’ and learn what this tour means to them.

4 free pairs of 3-D glasses

Disc Two--DVD

2-D Extended Version of the movie with 2 performances not seen in theaters – “Can’t Have You” and “A Little Bit Longer” plus bonus features listed above.

Disc Three

DisneyFile - Digital Copy of extended movie in 2-D

The Concert Experience: Extended Movie (2-Disc Standard Def DVD) includes:

Disc One

· 2-D Extended Movie with 2 Additional Performances - “Can’t Have You” and “A Little Bit Longer”

· 2 Additional Bonus Songs - “Love Bug” and “Shelf”

· Up Close & Personal - Go behind the scenes with the ‘Jo-Bros’ and learn what this tour means to them.
Disc Two

DisneyFile Digital Copy of extended movie in 2-D.

The Concert Experience (Single Standard Def DVD Disc) features:

The theatrical version of the film (2D)

Check out the trailer:

Stephanie's take: The Jonas Brothers (Kevin, Joe, and Nick in case you’ve been living under a rock) are one of the hottest boy-bands in America. They have legions of fans and every tween girl knows all of their songs by heart.

Except my daughter. She had never seen the Jonas brothers on television or heard any of their songs. She knew about them though, so she was excited to get to watch this movie.

The Jonas Brothers have become wildly popular and in the Summer of 2008 Disney began filming their concert tour, which also stars both actress/pop star Demi Lovato and adorable country singer Taylor Swift.

Despite our inexperience with the Jonas Brothers, both my daughter and I enjoyed this movie. With the movie you get 3D glasses and you can enjoy the film in either its 3D or 2D presentation via Blu-ray. You get the DVD and a digital copy for a total of 3-Discs.

This video was well done. Lots of camera coverage and well edited. The 3D was really cool and I’m not particularly impressed with such things usually. I was impressed with Taylor Swift, as I was familiar with her and find her just adorably cute.

If you like the Jonas Brother or are a fan of up-beat, catchy music? This is the video for you!

About the Studio: Buena Vista Home Entertainment, Inc., a recognized leader in the home entertainment industry, is the marketing, sales and distribution company for Walt Disney, Touchstone, Hollywood Pictures, Miramax and Buena Vista product, which includes DVD, Blu-ray Disc™ and electronic distribution. Buena Vista Home Entertainment, Inc. is a division of The Walt Disney Studios. Disney Channel Original Movies (DCOMs) have connected with the millions and millions of kids and tweens who watch them every night.

The giveaway: We have a new copy of Jonas Brothers: The Concert Experience (Two-Disc Extended Edition + Digital Copy) (2009) to giveaway to one lucky winner!

To win: Visit Stephanie's blog and leave a comment on any of her posts then come back here and tell me the name of the post you left your comment on! Be sure to leave your email address with your comment if you are not a blogger or your email is not easily found on your blog. This giveaway is open until 11:59 p.m., EST, Wednesday, July 15, 2009. Good Luck!

Bonus entries: Get up to 6 extra entries for a total of 7 entries (please leave a separate comment for each extra entry):

• Blog about this giveaway (don't forget to leave the link in your comment)
• Twitter, Stumble or Digg this giveaway
• Subscribe to my blog via RSS or Email (see top left sidebar)
• Add my blog to your blogroll or my button to your sidebar (leave your website address for verification)
• On Technorati - click on this link, then on Fan or Fav (or use the green link on the top left sidebar)
• Follow me on Blogger (see top left sidebar)

The Castaways

The Castaways
By Elin Hilderbrand

List Price: $24.99

Hardcover: 368 pages
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company

Publish Date: July 7, 2009

Description from the publisher: Greg and Tess MacAvoy are one of four prominent Nantucket couples who count each other as best friends. As pillars of their close-knit community, the MacAvoys, Kapenashes, Drakes, and Wheelers are important to their friends and neighbors, and especially to each other. But just before the beginning of another idyllic summer, Greg and Tess are killed when their boat capsizes during an anniversary sail. As the warm weather approaches and the island mourns their loss, nothing can prepare the MacAvoy's closest friends for what will be revealed.Once again, Hilderbrand masterfully weaves an intense tale of love and loyalty set against the backdrop of endless summer island life.

My take: Last summer, I was privileged to read and review Ms. Hilderbrand's previous novel entitled A Summer Affair (you can read my review here (and I'm excited to tell you that an excerpt of my review was included in the paperback version that was released on June 1, 2009!!). In The Castaways, Ms. Hilderbrand seems to be sticking with her theme of disillusioned marriage partners seeking diversion outside the marriage (again with the affairs! I guess books about successful marriages wouldn't sell very well?). Regardless, I absolutely loved this book. And you will too. Far from a simple "beach read," The Castaways has a pretty involved plot with several well developed characters. And those characters are so interwoven throughout their lives you really need to pay attention to keep up. Ms. Hilderbrand keeps you guessing throughout the entire book by writing the chapters from the point of view of all the characters at different points in their lives - so often you are reading the same story but from a different perspective. In my humble opinion, this is a great way to flesh out the story lines AND the characters. And her writing is so vivid, the characters and the beautiful shores of Nantucket are brought to life. So if you are looking for a good book to read this summer that is not at all cut from the usual "beach read" mold, The Castaways is a must read for you.

About Author: Elin Hilderbrand lives on Nantucket with her husband and their three young children. She grew up in Collegeville, PA, and traveled extensively before settling on Nantucket, which has been the setting for her seven previous novels. Hilderbrand is a graduate of Johns Hopkins University and the graduate fiction workshop at the University of Iowa.