tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31818522745936825962024-03-13T10:09:21.495-07:00Paula Slade: National Children's EntertainmentEntertainment that makes a positive difference for today's youth. The best in art, books, Internet, movies, music, television, technology toys, and travel.Paula Sladehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02923061193682673368noreply@blogger.comBlogger228125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3181852274593682596.post-61041905259699970102012-01-07T11:54:00.000-08:002017-04-17T08:20:12.625-07:00New Year: New Path<div class="MsoNormal">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>'A New Path' photo by Paula Slade</i></b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">Three years ago, I began an exciting journey of discovery, reporting on some of the finest talent in our country who consistently make a positive difference in the lives of children today.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">If you’ve been following my articles since the beginning on </span><a href="http://www.examiner.com/childrens-entertainment-1-in-national/paula-slade"><b style="color: blue;"><u><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt;">Examiner.com</span></u></b></a><span style="font-family: "arial";">, I thank you. If you’ve just recently discovered this blog, I thank you as well. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">I wanted to let you know that I am taking a hiatus from posting on National Children’s Entertainment, at least for the foreseeable future.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">For the time being, I may still (from time to time) post an article or two on my other blog,</span><b><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><a href="http://paulasladeimho.blogspot.com/" style="color: blue;"><u><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt;">In My Humble Opinion</span></u></a></b><span style="font-family: "arial";">. For your convenience, archived articles will be maintained on both sites.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">This has been a difficult decision to make, and change is never easy, but there are several exciting projects that I am involved in and are now requiring a more concerted effort on my part. These ventures are actually multiple paths that I am taking, which involve possibly another blog, publishing, illustration, and returning to my roots in commercial voice over and narration. In addition, I am working on establishing a non-profit organization with the focus of eventually promoting and supporting literacy and the arts for children.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">In the meantime, I hope you’ll continue to keep up with the progress of my journey through my pages on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Paula-Slade-National-Childrens-Entertainment/103995677963" style="color: blue;"><b><u>Facebook</u></b></a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/paulaslade" style="color: blue;"><b><u>Twitter</u></b></a>, <a href="http://www.myspace.com/paulaslade" style="color: blue;"><b><u>Myspace</u></b></a> and eventually Google +.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">Wishing each of you a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year, and hoping that our paths will continue cross.</span></div>
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Paula Sladehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02923061193682673368noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3181852274593682596.post-18079445574678961512011-12-24T08:00:00.000-08:002011-12-24T09:47:48.803-08:00Yes Virginia there is a Santa Claus and NORAD is tracking his every move<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qJLwA51249Y/TvYFk-A0t6I/AAAAAAAABr0/UnRAQtpdbMY/s1600/SantaClausWickicc2.0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qJLwA51249Y/TvYFk-A0t6I/AAAAAAAABr0/UnRAQtpdbMY/s1600/SantaClausWickicc2.0.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>'Santa Claus' <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/deed.en" style="color: #274e13;">CC.2.0</a></i></span></b></td></tr>
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<h3 style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">For more than 50 years, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and its predecessor, Continental Air Defense Command (CONAD) have tracked Santa Claus on his Christmas Eve flight, providing Santa, his reindeer, and sleigh, safe and unimpeded air space over North America and Canada, while sharing information with children about Santa’s minute-by-minute progress around the globe.</span></h3><h3><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"></span></i></h3><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">NORAD is staffed by the good folks who keep our skies safe, 24 hours a day, seven days week with radar and intercept aircraft, and this time of year they also invite you to their <a href="http://www.noradsanta.org/en/"><b><u><span style="color: red;">NORAD Tracks Santa web site</span></u></b></a> where you can keep an eye on Santa’s Christmas flight right along with them in real time.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">At the NORAD site, children, parents and caregivers will see video images from the “<span style="color: green;"><a href="http://www.noradsanta.org/en/video.html"><span style="color: green;">Santa Cams</span></a></span>” that have been pre-positioned around the world to catch glimpses of Santa, the reindeer and his sleigh.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">You’ll also track Santa by downloading a <span style="color: red;"><a href="http://www.noradsanta.org/en/track3d.html"><span style="color: red;">free application of Google Earth</span></a></span>, available from the NORAD web site, as well as following Santa's progress on NORAD’s <span style="color: green;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/noradsanta"><span style="color: green;">Facebook</span></a></span> and <span style="color: red;"><a href="http://twitter.com/noradsanta"><span style="color: red;">Twitter</span></a></span> pages.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">NORAD provides some fun and games during the countdown at "<span style="color: green;"><a href="http://www.noradsanta.org/en/countdown.html"><span style="color: green;">Santa’s Village</span></a></span>," where you click on any shop in the village, and find an interesting activity that is inside each of the different buildings.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">There are also special pages where you’ll <span style="color: red;"><a href="http://www.noradsanta.org/en/asanta.html"><span style="color: red;">see and hear Santa read the Night Before Christmas</span></a></span> in a pre-recorded video, and learn lots of <span style="color: green;"><a href="http://www.noradsanta.org/en/faq.html"><span style="color: green;">interesting facts</span></a></span> about the big guy in red, everything from his sleigh’s technical data to how he gets down a chimney.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">For <span style="color: red;"><a href="http://www.noradsanta.org/en/real.html"><span style="color: red;">Santa skeptics</span></a></span> there is even a page where you can listen to the reading of a real letter, which was written to a newspaper in 1897 by eight-year-old Virginia O’Hanlon, questioning the existence of Santa, and hear the newspaper editor’s touching and thoughtful reply.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Information about appropriate “<span style="color: green;"><a href="http://www.noradsanta.org/en/snacks.html"><span style="color: green;">Santa Snacks</span></a></span>” to leave out for the main man, and pages about NORAD – "<span style="color: red;"><a href="http://www.noradsanta.org/en/whytrack.html"><span style="color: red;">why</span></a></span>" they track Santa and details on <span style="color: green;"><a href="http://www.noradsanta.org/en/howtrack.html"><span style="color: green;">how the tracking is actually done</span></a></span> are available.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The NORAD Tracks Santa website is a non-profit organization funded solely through corporate donations, and is fully staffed by an all-volunteer crew who love children, Christmas, and honor the memory of Colonel Harry Shoup, (Retired) USAF, who by serendipity in 1955, became NORAD’s very first Santa Tracker.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">While you and your little one are waiting for Santa, below is this year’s adorable video pick, “Santa and Baby (Santa’s Little Helper Song)” by award-winning songwriter, performer and educator, <a href="http://www.debbieandfriends.net/about.php"><b><u><span style="color: red;">Debbie Cavalier</span></u></b></a> and her band <a href="http://www.debbieandfriends.net/"><b><u><span style="color: green;">Debbie and Friends</span></u></b></a>. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Cavalier’s YouTube channel explains: </span><i>"Baby" is a little dog with big dreams! She wants to be Santa's little helper and her friend "Lady" helps make that dream come true.</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>The groove is inspired by the Spin Doctors (Yeah!) ! The story is inspired by one of the cutest dogs we've ever met named Baby. And, the message for this Christmas song is about giving, helping friends, and taking steps to make your dreams come true</i>.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div style="color: red;"><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Since 2009, this post, which originally appeared in my column on Examiner.com, has become a tradition with my readers, and it was once again my pleasure to bring it you, dusting it off a bit and providing some updates along with this year’s very special cartoon video from Debbie and Friends. </span></i></div><div style="color: red;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="color: red;"><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">It is my hope that this is shared with the child or children who are important in your life. </span></i></div><div style="color: red;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="color: red;"><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">With very best wishes for the happiest of holidays and a New Year filled with many blessings to you and yours. </span></i></div><div style="color: red;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="color: red;"><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">I will be back in the first week of the New Year with a very special announcement.</span></i></div>Paula Sladehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02923061193682673368noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3181852274593682596.post-79215547211827762062011-12-23T14:18:00.000-08:002011-12-23T14:18:50.288-08:00The Holiday Popcorn Report: Guide to Christmas and New Year movies with ratings and trailers<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><img src="http://img2.blogblog.com/img/video_object.png" style="background-color: #b2b2b2; " class="BLOGGER-object-element tr_noresize tr_placeholder" id="ieooui" data-original-id="ieooui" /> <style>
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">It’s time to make </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">holiday</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> family entertainment plans and see if the next two weeks’ current crop of films will be part of your schedule. The following report covers motion picture theatrical releases opening nationwide beginning </span><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">Friday, Dec. 16, 2011</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> to </span><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">Thursday, Jan. 5, 2011</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;">,</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> along with current film industry news.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Arial;">The movies listed below have a rating, which has been established by the <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1209135570"><u style="color: #274e13;">Motion Picture Association of </u></a></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1209135570"><u style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">America</span></u><u style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> (</span></u><u style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">MPAA</span></u></a><span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://www.mpaa.org/"><span style="color: #274e13;">)</span></a> and have been provided with an italicized commentary from the <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1209135575"><u style="color: #274e13;">Classification and Ratings Administration (</u></a></span><a href="http://www.filmratings.com/filmRatings_Cara/"><u style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">CARA</span></u><u style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">)</span></u></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">If a film has not been provided with an official rating, additional information may, or may not be provided.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">If a film is designated NC-17, very limited information may be furnished.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">For your convenience, each film title links directly to the <a href="http://www.imdb.com/"><u style="color: #274e13;">Internet Movie Data Base</u></a>, which provides the most comprehensive listing about the movie’s storyline, and includes a trailer, cast and crew information, initial audience reaction (if prior screenings have taken place) and parent advisories when available.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">As always, you are the single best judge for determining your child’s choice of entertainment.</span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-size: 16pt;">NEWS</span></u></b></div><br />
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<b><span lang="X-NONE" style="font-family: Arial; text-transform: uppercase;">WAR HORSE” LoNDON PREMIERE</span></b><span lang="X-NONE" style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><b><span lang="X-NONE" style="font-family: Arial; text-transform: uppercase;">To BENEFIT THE FOUNDATION OF PRINCE WILLIAM </span></b><b><span lang="X-NONE" style="font-family: Arial; text-transform: uppercase;">and</span></b><b><span lang="X-NONE" style="font-family: Arial; text-transform: uppercase;"> PRINCE HARRY</span></b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5mROtgO5RUY/TvT8n5ZEPhI/AAAAAAAABrc/MdUPCxIlV7A/s1600/WARHORSECALVALRY.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5mROtgO5RUY/TvT8n5ZEPhI/AAAAAAAABrc/MdUPCxIlV7A/s1600/WARHORSECALVALRY.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<b><span lang="X-NONE" style="font-family: Arial; text-transform: uppercase;"> </span><i><span lang="X-NONE" style="font-family: Arial;">War Horse</span></i></b><span lang="X-NONE" style="font-family: Arial;">, which is one of the most anticipated films of the holiday season, opens nationally on Christmas Day in the United States. </span><br />
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<span lang="X-NONE" style="font-family: Arial;">DreamWorks Pictures announced yesterday that the UK premier, which takes place on January 8, 2012 will benefit the Foundation of Prince William and Prince Harry.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Six hundred serving and ex-serving military personnel and their families have been invited to the Premiere, alongside beneficiaries of military charities, which the Foundation of Prince William and Prince Harry helps to support. The servicemen and women have been invited from The Duke of Cambridge’s regiments, including RAF Search and Rescue, Household Cavalry, Irish Guards, Royal Air Force Coningsby, Scotland Royal Naval Command and Submarines Royal Naval Command. </span><br />
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<span lang="X-NONE" style="font-family: Arial;">The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will be in attendance, and</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> will greet members of the cast and Director Steven Spielberg before watching the film. </span><br />
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<i><span lang="X-NONE" style="font-family: Arial;">War Horse</span></i><span lang="X-NONE" style="font-family: Arial;">, is the epic tale of loyalty, hope and tenacity set against a sweeping canvas of rural England and Europe during the First World War<i>.</i> Based on the best-selling book by Michael Morpurgo and the Tony Award®–winning stage play by Nick Stafford, <i>War Horse</i> is an incredible story of bravery and friendship, brought to the screen by one of the greatest directors in film history.</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
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<strong><u><span style="font-size: 16pt;">NEW</span></u></strong><strong><u><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> TRAILERS FOR THE MOST ANTICIPATED UPCOMING FILMS</span></u></strong><br />
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<em><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey</span></b></em><br />
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial;">In a carefully controlled roll-out</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">, the first official trailer for <em><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey </span></em><em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;">has been released.</span></em></span><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;">This film adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s novel, The Hobbit, is directed by Peter Jackson, and the footage is from first of this two-part series, which is a </span></em><span style="font-family: Arial;">prequel to the famous <i>The Lord of The Rings Trilogy</i>.</span><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey</span></em><span style="font-family: Arial;"> is <em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;">scheduled for national release, </span></em></span><em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;">December 14, 2012</span></em><em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;">.</span></em><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;">The trailer is available in a private screening area <a href="http://www.thehobbit.com/index.html"><b style="color: #274e13;"><u>at this link</u></b></a>.</span></em><i><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></i><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><u><span style="font-size: 16pt;">FILMS OPENING THIS WEEK </span></u></b><b><u><span style="font-size: 16pt;">AND</span></u></b><b><u><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></u></b><b><u><span style="font-size: 16pt;">NEXT</span></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><u><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br />
</span></u></b><b><u><span style="font-size: 16pt;"></span></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial;">Opening</span></i><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">December 25, 2011</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1093357/"><b style="color: blue;"><i><u>The Darkest Hour</u></i></b></a>– Action, Horror, Sci-Fi, Thriller- PG-13-<i> </i>because of <i>“sci-fi action violence and some language</i></span><i>.” </i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: green; font-family: Arial;">Opened</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">December 23, 2011</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1285241/"><b style="color: blue;"><i><u>Don 2</u></i></b></a></span><em> </em><span style="font-family: Arial;">– Action- NOT RATED-<i> </i>NOTE: In limited release.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% yellow; font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial;">Opening</span></i><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">December 25, 2011</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0477302/"><b style="color: blue;"><i><u>Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close</u></i></b></a>– Drama- PG-13-<i> </i>because of <i>“emotional thematic material, some disturbing images, and language</i></span><i>.” </i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">NOTE: In limited release – opens wide on January 20, 2012.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: green; font-family: Arial;">Opened</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">December 23, 2011</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> <em><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1410063/"><b style="color: blue;"><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Flowers of War</span></u></b></a> </em>– Drama, History- R-<i> </i>because of <i>“strong violence including a sexual assault, disturbing images, and brief strong language.” </i>NOTE: </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">New York</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">, </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Los Angeles</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> and </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">San Francisco</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> only.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: green; font-family: Arial;">Opened</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">December 23, 2011</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> <em><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1714209/"><b style="color: blue;"><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">In the Land of Blood and Honey</span></u></b></a> </em>– Drama, Romance, War-R- because of <i>“war violence and atrocities including rape, sexuality, nudity and language.” </i>NOTE: </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Los Angeles</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> and </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">New York City</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> only.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: green; font-family: Arial;">Opened</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">December 23, 2011</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0279231/"><b style="color: blue;"><i><u>Miss Minoes</u></i></b></a></span><em> </em><span style="font-family: Arial;">– Comedy, Family, Fantasy - PG-<i> </i>because of <i>“brief language, smoking and rude behavior</i></span><i>.” </i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">NOTE: In limited release.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial;">Opening</span></i><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">December 30 2011</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1880418/"><b style="color: blue;"><i><u>Newlyweds</u></i></b></a>– NOT RATED-NOTE: Limited information at the time of this posting.</span></div><h1><i><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Opening</span></i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">January 4, 2012</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><img src="http://img2.blogblog.com/img/video_object.png" style="background-color: #b2b2b2; " class="BLOGGER-object-element tr_noresize tr_placeholder" id="ieooui" data-original-id="ieooui" /> <style>
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</style> <![endif]--><u style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;"></span></i><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;"></span></i></u><em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">–<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1827487/"><b style="color: blue;"><u><i><b><u><i>Once Upon a Time in Anatolia</i></u></b></i></u></b></a>-Drama- NOT RATED- NOTE: In limited release.</span></h1><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><img src="http://img2.blogblog.com/img/video_object.png" style="background-color: #b2b2b2; " class="BLOGGER-object-element tr_noresize tr_placeholder" id="ieooui" data-original-id="ieooui" /> <style>
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</style> <![endif]--> <div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial;">Opening</span></i><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">December 28, 2011</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1233334/"><b style="color: blue;"><i><u>Pariah</u></i></b></a>– Drama- R-<i> </i>because of <i>“sexual content and language</i></span><i>.”</i> NOTE: <span style="font-family: Arial;">Los Angeles</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">, </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">San Francisco</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> and </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">New York City</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> only.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: green; font-family: Arial;">Opened</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">December 23, 2011</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1440266/"><b style="color: blue;"><i><u>Pina</u></i></b></a>–Documentary, Musical- PG- because of <i>“some sensuality/partial nudity and smoking</i></span><i>.”</i> <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">NOTE: </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Los Angeles</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> and </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">New York City</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> only.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial;">Opening</span></i><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">December 30, 2011</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1832382/"><b style="color: blue;"><i><u>A Separation</u></i></b></a>– Drama- PG-13-<i> </i>because of <i>“mature thematic material</i></span><i>.”</i> <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">NOTE: In limited release.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial;">Opening</span></i><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">December 25, 2011</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1568911/"><b style="color: blue;"><i><u>War Horse</u></i></b></a> – Drama, War-PG-13- because of <i>“intense sequences of war violence</i></span><i>.”</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: green; font-family: Arial;">Opened</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">December 23, 2011</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> <em><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1389137/"><b style="color: blue;"><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">We Bought a Zoo</span></u></b></a> </em>– Comedy, Drama, Family- PG-<i> </i>because of <i>“language and some thematic elements.”</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Arial;">For information on films that opened <b>December 16, 2011</b> which included:<span> </span><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">Addiction Incorporated</span></em><em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;">;<span> </span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span> </span></span></em><i>The Adventures of Tintin</i><em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;">;<span> </span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked!</span></em><em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;">;<span> </span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">Carnage</span></em><em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;">;<span> </span></span></em><i>Cook County</i>;<span> </span><em><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span> </span>Corman's World: Exploits of a Hollywood Rebel</span></em>;<span> </span><i>The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo</i>;<span> </span><i>Mission Impossible – Ghost Protocol</i>, and<span> </span><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows</span></em><em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;">,</span></em> please click on the link below. <span></span></span><br />
<a href="http://nationalchildrensentertainment.blogspot.com/2011/12/popcorn-report-guide-to-this-weeks_16.html"><span class="graybigtxt"><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies</span></u></b></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">For information on films that opened <b>December 9, 2011</b> which included:<span> </span><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">I Melt with You</span></em><em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;">;<span> </span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">Knuckle</span></em><em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;">:<span> </span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">New Year’s Eve</span></em><em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;">;<span> </span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Sitter</span></em><em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;">;<span> </span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy</span></em><em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;">;<span> </span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">W.E</span></em><em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;">.;<span> </span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">We Need to Talk About Kevin</span></em><em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;">,<span> </span>and </span></em><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">Young Adult</span></em><i>, </i>please click on the link below. <span></span></span><br />
<a href="http://nationalchildrensentertainment.blogspot.com/2011/12/popcorn-report-guide-to-this-weeks_09.html"><span class="graybigtxt"><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies</span></u></b></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">For information on films that opened </span><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">December 2, 2011</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> which included:<span> </span><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">Answers to<b> </b>Nothing</span></em><em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;">;<span> </span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">Coriolanus</span></em><em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;">;<span> </span></span></em><i>Kinyarwanda</i>;<span> </span><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">Outrage</span></em><em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;">;<span> </span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">Pastorela</span></em><em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;">;….</span></em><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">Shame</span></em><em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;">, and<span> </span></span></em><i>Sleeping Beauty, </i>please click on the link below. <span></span></span><br />
<a href="http://nationalchildrensentertainment.blogspot.com/2011/12/popcorn-report-guide-to-this-weeks.html"><span class="graybigtxt"><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies</span></u></b></span></a><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">For information on films that opened <b>November 18, 2011</b> through <b>November 25, 2011</b> (Thanksgiving Week Report) which included:<span> </span><i>Another Happy Day</i>;<span> </span><i>The Artist</i>;<span> </span><i>Arthur Christmas</i>;<span> </span><i>A Dangerous Method</i>;<span> </span><i>The Descendants</i>;<span> </span><i>Happy Two Feet</i>;<span> </span><i>Hugo</i>;<span> </span><i>The Lie</i>;<span> </span><i>The Muppets</i>;<span> </span><i>My Week with Marilyn</i>;<span> </span><i>Tomboy</i>;<span> </span><i>The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1</i><span> </span>and <span> </span><i>Tyrannosaur<em><span style="font-family: Arial;">,</span></em></i> please click on the link below. </span></div><a href="http://nationalchildrensentertainment.blogspot.com/2011/11/popcorn-report-guide-to-thanksgiving.html"><span class="graybigtxt"><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies</span></u></b></span></a><br />
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</span></span></u></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">For information on films that opened <b>November 11, 2011</b>, which included:<span> </span><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">11-11-11;<span> </span>The Greening of Whitney Brown;<span> </span>Immortals;<span> </span>Into the Abyss - A Tale of Death, a Tale of Life;<span> </span>J. Edgar;<span> </span>Jack and Jill;<span> </span>London Boulevard;<span> </span>Melancholia<span> </span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;">and </span></em><em><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span> </span></span></em><i>Tropa de Elite 2 – O Inimigo Agora E (Elite Squad: The Enemy Within)<em><span style="font-family: Arial;">,</span></em></i> please click on the link below. </span></div><a href="http://nationalchildrensentertainment.blogspot.com/2011/11/popcorn-report-guide-to-this-weeks_11.html"><span class="graybigtxt"><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies</span></u></b></span></a><br />
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</span></span></u></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">For information on films that opened </span><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">November 4, 2011</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;">, which included:<span> </span><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas</span></em><em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;">;<span> </span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">Killing Bono</span></em><em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;">;<span> </span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Son of No One</span></em><em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;"> and<span> </span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">Tower Heist,</span></em> please click on the link below. </span></div><a href="http://nationalchildrensentertainment.blogspot.com/2011/11/popcorn-report-guide-to-this-weeks.html"><span class="graybigtxt"><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies</span></u></b></span></a><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">For information on films that opened <b>September 23 to </b></span><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">October 28, 2011</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;">, please click on the link below. </span></div><a href="http://nationalchildrensentertainment.blogspot.com/2011/10/popcorn-report-guide-to-this-weeks_28.html"><span class="graybigtxt"><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies</span></u></b></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">For information on films that opened </span><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">August 19, 2011</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> to </span><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">September 16, 2011</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;">, please click on the link below. </span><br />
<a href="http://nationalchildrensentertainment.blogspot.com/2011/09/popcorn-report-guide-to-this-weeks_16.html"><span class="graybigtxt"><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies</span></u></b></span></a><i><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></i><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">For information on films that opened </span><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">June 24, 2011</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> to<b> </b></span><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">August 12, 2011</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;">. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://nationalchildrensentertainment.blogspot.com/2011/08/popcorn-report-guide-to-this-weeks_12.html"><span class="graybigtxt"><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies</span></u></b></span></a><b><i><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">For information on films that opened <b>May 20</b> to </span><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">June 17, 2011</span></b><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">, </span></i><span style="font-family: Arial;">please click on the link below. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://nationalchildrensentertainment.blogspot.com/2011/06/popcorn-report-guide-to-this-weeks_17.html"><span class="graybigtxt"><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies</span></u></b></span></a><b><i><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">For information on films that opened <b>April 1</b> to </span><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">May 13, 2011</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;">, please click on the link below. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://nationalchildrensentertainment.blogspot.com/2011/05/popcorn-report-guide-to-this-weeks.html"><span class="graybigtxt"><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies</span></u></b></span></a><b><i><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">For information on films that opened the weeks of Friday, <b>February 4</b> to <b>Friday March 25, 2011</b> please click on the link below, where you will also find previous listings and links for prior weeks in January, as well as films that opened in 2010:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://nationalchildrensentertainment.blogspot.com/2011/03/popcorn-report-guide-to-this-weeks_25.html"><span class="graybigtxt"><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies</span></u></b></span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><strong><span style="font-family: Arial;">G</span></strong><span style="font-family: Arial;"> GENERAL AUDIENCES (All Ages Admitted) <strong><span style="font-family: Arial;">PG</span></strong> PARENTAL GUIDANCE SUGGESTED (Some Material May Not Be Suitable for Children) <strong><span style="font-family: Arial;">PG-13</span></strong> PARENTS STRONGLY CAUTIONED (Some Material May Be Inappropriate for Children Under 13) <strong><span style="font-family: Arial;">R</span></strong> RESTRICTED (Under 17 Requires Accompanying Parent or Adult Guardian) <strong><span style="font-family: Arial;">NC-17 NO </span></strong></span><strong><span style="font-family: Arial;">ONE</span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: Arial;"> 17 </span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: Arial;">AND</span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: Arial;"> UNDER ADMITTED </span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal;">– As determined by the Rating Board/Motion Picture Association of America.</span></strong>Paula Sladehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02923061193682673368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3181852274593682596.post-31423663009097025832011-12-21T16:38:00.000-08:002011-12-22T05:29:56.801-08:00DVD teaches important life skills that open a world of possibilities<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DWMc1rSNd2c/TvJ6QzvqviI/AAAAAAAABrA/w0FOVgPQK_E/s1600/Shanti+Generation+DVD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DWMc1rSNd2c/TvJ6QzvqviI/AAAAAAAABrA/w0FOVgPQK_E/s320/Shanti+Generation+DVD.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">On </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">August 15, 2011,</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> the <b><u><a href="http://www.med.umich.edu/mott/npch/pdf/081511toptenreport.pdf"><span style="color: blue;">National Poll on Children’s Health</span></a></u></b>, conducted by the C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, was released. It brought to light startling new health concerns that are facing </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">America</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">’s youth. Drug abuse is now tied with childhood obesity as their #1 concern followed by: smoking and tobacco use, teen pregnancy, bullying, Internet safety and stress. Bullying, in particular, has become a national concern following some recent youth suicides. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Earlier in the year, we provided some suggestions for parents and caregivers for <a href="http://nationalchildrensentertainment.blogspot.com/2011/06/book-report-books-about-bullying.html"><b style="color: blue;"><u>books </u></b></a>and <a href="http://nationalchildrensentertainment.blogspot.com/2011/11/stellar-lineup-of-musicians-tackle.html"><b style="color: blue;"><u>music</u></b></a> that not only inform and provide useful strategies to help combat bullying, but are entertaining to children and teens while getting positive messages across in non-confrontational ways. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Today, we’re providing information on a </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">DVD</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> series that certainly fits this same mold, <b><i>SHANTI GENERATION: </i><i>YOGA SKILLS FOR YOUTH PEACEMAKERS.</i></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Yoga is practiced by nearly 14 million American adults, and it also has developmental benefits for young people that help instill self-confidence, combat obesity, develop physical strength and improve academic achievement, while cultivating inner peace and mindfulness. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Yoga has also been found to be beneficial for children with ADHD, Autism and chronic disease, helping them to stay physically healthy and mentally focused. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">SHANTI GENERATION</span></i><span style="font-family: Arial;"> was developed by noted </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Southern California</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> yoga instructor, Abby Wills, in tandem with the direct input from seven </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Los Angeles</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> teenagers.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The video does not require previous training in yoga, and it is a program that <i>talks to</i> and <i>not at</i> kids.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The production values<i> </i>of this </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">DVD</span><i><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></i><span style="font-family: Arial;">are high end and include tight editing and a hip sound track with soothing music by<span style="color: black;"> Aaron Wills (a/k/a P-Nut, </span>bassist of the rock band 311). The total presentation is designed to capture the attention of young people.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Unlike most yoga videos, boys as well as girls demonstrate the exercises rather than an instructor,<b> </b>while the teens’ multiracial makeup is more reflective of modern </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">America</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Wills, who holds a Masters in Education, has had 15 years of hands-on experience working in schools, communities, and in international workshops for teachers. Her approach to yoga for youth is informed by studies in social justice and developmental education, which provide her unique insights in understanding the specific needs of the educator as well as the student.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> “<i>Shanti</i>,” means peace in Sanskrit. In fact, says Wills, <i>“We plan to build a movement by teaching young people peacemaking skills, to build a world that respects and celebrates differences in effort to create a culture of peace and unity. <span style="color: black;">The yoga program we developed </span>cultivates social and emotional learning, or SEL, through mindfulness practices including movement, breathing and meditation. Each practice is offered in a context directly relevant to the developmental needs of adolescent youth.” </i>She adds,<i> “The program is designed to empower teens to cope with real life challenges, including bullying.” </i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">The <i>SHANTI GENERATION: YOGA SKILLS FOR YOUTH PEACEMAKERS </i>90-minute </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">DVD</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"> features:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Over 30 unique options for beginner and experienced yogis:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">5 unique half-hour practice sequences: Creating Happiness, Energy Amplified, Choosing Peace, Being Sound and Voice Choice Possibility </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Library of Poses: 18 mini sequences for Focus, Energy and Calm </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 7pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Breathing Room: 5 sequences featuring stress management and self-regulation</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Self-Connection Room: two mindful awareness practices</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 7pt;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Interviews with the seven teen yoga students</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 7pt;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Optional narration in Spanish and Japanese</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Below is the official trailer for <i>SHANTI GENERATION: YOGA SKILLS FOR YOUTH PEACEMAKERS</i> and a second video introducing you to some of the young people who are part of this unique program.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Suggested retail price for <i>SHANTI GENERATION: YOGA SKILLS FOR YOUTH PEACEMAKERS is </i>$16.95 and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Shanti-Generation-Skills-Youth-Peacemakers/dp/B002FPX1CC"><b style="color: blue;"><u>Amazon.com</u></b></a> has best price of $14.95.</span></div>Paula Sladehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02923061193682673368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3181852274593682596.post-72332841520124200412011-12-20T13:00:00.000-08:002011-12-20T13:21:45.348-08:00Eight fun Chanukah tips to share with children in your life<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEgsDUIPBq_0pyCcjCbWfSvXBE0W3URvl0t-s3U8ZjVPkNW2rUggc6vvGuFwmKjelLu3VUYHT_PcnokHalpGuwwPitzoQgB2aoSsTLliTa1rEEhD8vlyIyLiShA_wCC4AyIJZ-AAFbpy4-/s1600/Celebrating+Hanukkah.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEgsDUIPBq_0pyCcjCbWfSvXBE0W3URvl0t-s3U8ZjVPkNW2rUggc6vvGuFwmKjelLu3VUYHT_PcnokHalpGuwwPitzoQgB2aoSsTLliTa1rEEhD8vlyIyLiShA_wCC4AyIJZ-AAFbpy4-/s320/Celebrating+Hanukkah.jpg" width="218" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i style="color: blue;"><b>'Celebrating Chanukah' photo by Paula Slade</b></i></span></td></tr>
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<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Parents’ Choice® award-winning kids’ musician <b><a href="http://mamadoni.com/"><u style="color: blue;">Mama Doni</u></a> </b></span><span style="font-family: Arial;">(a.k.a Doni Zasloff Thomas) is wishing everyone a Happy Chanukah and she’s provided some fun videos to share with your child each night.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">This Chanukah season, Doni offers <b><i>Mama Doni’s Eight Fun Tips for Chanukah</i></b>, a series of 30-second video segments, featured at the end of this article, with a fun family activity for each of the eight days of the holiday.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">These are Mama Doni’s</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> tips — in her own words and they include:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">DAY</span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;"> 1. Makin’ Lotsa Latkes!</span></u></b><b><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;"> </span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">“</span></i></b><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">Chanukah is a celebration of light and oil, so we make latkes because making them uses so much oil! Start the holiday off right with a fun latke contest. Gather some friends and make the traditional latkes, but then ask everyone to think of a special ingredient to throw into the batter. Try making veggie latkes like carrots (I call those carrotlatkes), broccoli (i call those broccolatkes), fruits like apples (applelatkes), banana (bananalatkes), even crazy things like spaghetti (spaghettilatkes), chicken (bokalatkes), or even chocolate chips (chocolatkes)! You can even make a latke sundae with sprinkles. Kids can be the judges. Yum! Let me know how you did! “</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">DAY</span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;"> 2: Get Your Dreidel On!</span></u></b><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">“</span></i></b><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">It's dreidel night! The dreidel is a four-sided top etched with Hebrew letters, which stand for the phrase, "A great miracle happened here." That miracle is the miracle of Chanukah. Now, this is a chance for you to get your dreidel on-- for chocolate coins. Get yourself some dreidels and some gelt (instead of gelt, you can also use chocolate kisses or lollipops, or you can go healthier and play with fruit snacks or boxes of raisins).<br />
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</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">Everyone spins the dreidel, and depending on what Hebrew letter the top lands on, you either win all of the candy (gimel), half of the candy (hey), none of the candy (nun) or have to give one back (shin). What I like to do is after everyone has had a turn to spin, is take a ROCKSTAR BREAK, and turn on your Chanukah tunes on my Chanukah Fever CD, and have a Chanukah dance party! Everyone gets a candy or gelt if they go crazy dancing and singing! Then back to playing…. “</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">Day 3: The Story of Chanukah</span></u></b><b><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">“The Jewish holiday of Chanukah literally lights up our homes! Chanukah is also called “The Festival of Lights,” referring to the flames that we light on our menorahs on each of the holiday’s eight nights. The story of Chanukah is a celebration of the victory of the Maccabees and the rededication of the </span></i><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">Jerusalem</span></i><i><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></i><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">Temple</span></i><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">. It also commemorates the miracle of the oil that burned for eight days when there was only enough for one day. Chanukah is about hope and spiritual light, and it’s a time to be with friends and family, as we celebrate the light in our lives. “</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">DAY</span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;"> 4:</span></u></b><u><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;"> <b>Are you Grateful?</b></span></u></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">“On this day, get out a piece of paper and think about eight things you are most grateful for in your life. Make your lists and read them to each other. You can set up an area of your house as a stage, and everyone in your family can get on stage and read his or her list. Of course if you want to sing the list, go for it! (Sing the list to the melody of “Maotzur”…)”</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><u><b><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">DAY</span></b><b><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;"> 5: Is It “Chanukah” or “Hanukkah?”</span></b></u></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">“Everyone says the name of this holiday differently, but both ways are cool. Something fun to do on this day is try replacing your "h" sound with the "chh" sound for a little while. You can say things like "chello?" or "chow are you?" It might make your throat tickle as well as give you the Chhhanukah giggles! Make sure to wish everyone a "Chappy Chanukah!”</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">DAY</span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;"> 6:</span></u></b><u><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;"> <b>Honey This Ain’t Money</b></span></u></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">“Everyone knows about Hanukkah gelt, (the Yiddish term for money) right? It looks a lot like change or gold, but it is actually made of chocolate! A fun thing to do on this day is go to the store with your mom or dad or babysitter. Put the Hanukkah gelt in your pocket ,and then when you get the cash register, take your Hanukkah gelt ,and hand it to the person at the counter as if you were paying with real change. Only let the joke go for a couple of seconds, because you are not trying to be mean, just a little silly! Make sure your mom or dad has real change ready to pay right away. Maybe the store owner will have a good laugh with you, and remember to wish him or her a happy holiday!”</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">DAY</span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;"> 7</span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">: Gobble Up Sufganiyot!!!</span></u></b><u><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;"></span></u></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">“Did you know that jelly donuts, also known as "sufganiyot," are a traditional Hanukkah treat? Kids all over the world are gobbling them up at Hanukkah time! Now, imagine a place made out of… JELLY?! Jelly donut boats, jelly streams, jelly birds, jelly donut houses... Imagine this crazy cool place with me.”</span></i></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">DAY</span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;"> 8: Eight Special People in Your Life</span></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">“It's the last night! This is the night where you can pick eight people in your life. These could be your mom, dad, grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins, friends... eight people who are special to you, and you can call them (or if they are nearby, you can give them a hug) and wish them a happy happy Hanukkah and tell them how much you love them.”</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">In addition to the video below, which is for the first night, <b><i>Mama Doni’s Eight Fun Tips for Chanukah</i></b> are on the home page of her website — <b style="color: blue;"><a href="http://mamadoni.com/" target="_blank">http://mamadoni.com</a></b> -- through the end of December, where you and your children will be able to view <i>all eight videos</i> plus<b> </b>an energizing and fun music finale that will get the whole family movin’ and groovin'.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Mama Doni, a resident of Montclair, New Jersey, hopes that her music will add some Jewish flavor to the lives of people everywhere. </div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">As you can see from the video, she speaks with great passion about preserving the priceless Yiddish and Jewish spirit by imbuing it with a contemporary vibe that connects to life in our times. </div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">All of Mam Doni’s recordings recordings are available nationwide, as CDs and digital downloads, from Barnes and Noble, Amazon, FYE.com, iTunes, and select Costco locations.</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Doni currently has a number of projects in the works, which include: A Mama Doni book; DVD; new CD and a TV pilot.</div>Paula Sladehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02923061193682673368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3181852274593682596.post-21007210568328818452011-12-19T17:25:00.000-08:002011-12-19T17:25:27.784-08:002011 Holiday Guide: Part 3 - Gifts of Music<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib2VEj3VspnW1IJWrjtstasplqi0MUXS2n2kgvB8s_6ApkuWQE_8LmDtU7MaK5TC65qDRFkQiA77YBEAdUVdQ7hri2J23pya0p38rQLS2d2zuK8AdcCyB8Rmjwv6MgiqowcmRgufHUo9-S/s1600/SNOWMAN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib2VEj3VspnW1IJWrjtstasplqi0MUXS2n2kgvB8s_6ApkuWQE_8LmDtU7MaK5TC65qDRFkQiA77YBEAdUVdQ7hri2J23pya0p38rQLS2d2zuK8AdcCyB8Rmjwv6MgiqowcmRgufHUo9-S/s320/SNOWMAN.jpg" width="154" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><span style="color: red;">"Street Corner Snowman" photo by Paula Slade</span></i></span></b></td></tr>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Today we wrap up our section on musical gifts, which are perfect for not only the holidays, but year round listening as well. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The products, which appear below were released during 2011 and are performed by an incredibly diverse and talented mix of musical artists.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">All of these albums have been researched for quality as well as value, and are geared to provide the children in your life with many hours of positive and fun-filled entertainment. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Best pricing options, available at the time of this posting are provided below, but it is suggested that you cross-compare CD and MP3 prices with your favorite online as well as stick and brick retailers when available.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">From now, and until </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">December 21, 2011</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">, more offerings will continue to be featured in other entertainment categories.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">As a reminder, you may want to bookmark this page to further enjoy the musical journey at your leisure, and enable you to connect with the many other product reviews that occurred this year and in 2010, which are available through archived posts on the right side of this page.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">As always, you are the best judge of what is appropriate for your child’s entertainment.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: red; font-size: 18pt;">Christmas in </span></i></b><b><i><span style="color: red; font-size: 18pt;">Concord</span></i></b><b><i><span style="color: red; font-size: 18pt;"></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitpBZ4ORfKCQNGQ3L0QLQx8S4nzvq_Bp-m2ZQk4wsKKy1RFv8waFSzsCCOUNDWUn3Mbp1-7Z9Siqp2SJVxAwIDHL-15KxZ1sxZi-TuJcNHh_2-yplgr_ZVL1mVAEZo66Wch3EG0nVSX-3Z/s1600/Dan+Zanes+Christmas+in+Concord.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitpBZ4ORfKCQNGQ3L0QLQx8S4nzvq_Bp-m2ZQk4wsKKy1RFv8waFSzsCCOUNDWUn3Mbp1-7Z9Siqp2SJVxAwIDHL-15KxZ1sxZi-TuJcNHh_2-yplgr_ZVL1mVAEZo66Wch3EG0nVSX-3Z/s1600/Dan+Zanes+Christmas+in+Concord.jpg" /></a></div><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">From Grammy Award-Winning artist, </span><a href="http://www.danzanes.com/bios/danzanes"><b><u><span style="color: green; font-family: Arial;">Dan Zanes</span></u></b></a><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"> and Festival Five Records comes a recent digital release, <b><i>Christmas in</i></b> <b><i>Concord</i></b>, a delightful small-scale celebration of old Christian tunes that have been a part of Christmases in Zanes’ hometown of Concord, NH for generations.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Of the EP Zanes notes, <i>“I moved away from that narrow canon in the years since I left home as a seventeen year old in favor of more varied musical pastures, but this holiday season something pulled me back. From my vantage point here in Brooklyn, where every holiday tradition is represented and the parties are much more mixed and worldly than anything I could have imagined back then, I now realize that there were some very moving songs being sung year after year and I’m grateful for the memories of those parties and for the experience of gathering year after year with friends and neighbors to sing, eat, have a few laughs and eat some pickled herring.” </i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Tracks include the following selections:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">1. Angels We Have Heard on High</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">2. Deck the Halls</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">3. It Came upon a </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Midnight</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"> Clearer</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">4. Joy to the World</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">5. Silent Night</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Sound samples for<i> Christmas in Concord</i> are available exclusively through </span><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/christmas-in-concord-ep/id483046725?ls=1"><b><u><span style="color: green; font-family: Arial;">iTunes</span></u></b></a><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">, where the MP3 downloads for each track is $1.29, or all five tracks for $3.99. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: red; font-size: 18pt;">Tumble Bee</span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-cIdZ98iO8GJ9e0wzIR230FoPEH0B0cCalfZGVMqUewYGMoRO0ZqVtIAWcXrMwveuA-SC0izGb3X2EHkWs-PXcH0AGLf3LXScY42HuZA4Co55D48BzM-TCpqDkbENc5ODkbkAj29t0i_o/s1600/Tumble+Bee+Laura+Vers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-cIdZ98iO8GJ9e0wzIR230FoPEH0B0cCalfZGVMqUewYGMoRO0ZqVtIAWcXrMwveuA-SC0izGb3X2EHkWs-PXcH0AGLf3LXScY42HuZA4Co55D48BzM-TCpqDkbENc5ODkbkAj29t0i_o/s1600/Tumble+Bee+Laura+Vers.jpg" /></a></div><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal;">Acclaimed indie folk artist</span></b><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"> </span></b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laura_Veirs"><b><u><span style="color: green; font-family: Arial;">Laura Veirs</span></u></b></a><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">'</span></b><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal;"> first family recording </span></b><b><i><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Tumble Bee</span></i></b><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal;"> delves into the great American folk song tradition</span></b></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">The recording covers a wide range of folk songs, from early 20th century work songs to the ballads of Jimmie Rodgers, Woody Guthrie, Peggy Seeger and Harry Belafonte. </span><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRt8U-gAawObbF_G4c8J1AIzvx86Q1m5qcEvDVl3FCCrywZQ-0mqFzpWUH6qo1XCvDtlbu7a4XqkRvFezlnaTWmpHYH8TQDlOymk9-Xig0pPiK3owdCkjNFuZbsCOTJnKHpcTirbmYMd7m/s1600/LauraViers10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRt8U-gAawObbF_G4c8J1AIzvx86Q1m5qcEvDVl3FCCrywZQ-0mqFzpWUH6qo1XCvDtlbu7a4XqkRvFezlnaTWmpHYH8TQDlOymk9-Xig0pPiK3owdCkjNFuZbsCOTJnKHpcTirbmYMd7m/s1600/LauraViers10.jpg" /></a><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">The youthful innocence in Veirs’ voice lends itself well to the jaunty spirit of the album.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Veirs and renowned record producer </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tucker_Martine"><u><span style="color: green; font-family: Arial;">Tucker Martine</span></u></a><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">, her long-time collaborator on seven of her eight records, have created a piece of art that is sure to appeal to children as well as adult fans of Veirs’ previous work. The album features guest appearances by </span><a href="http://decemberists.com/"><u><span style="color: green; font-family: Arial;">Colin Meloy</span></u></a><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"> (Decemberists), </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_James"><u><span style="color: green; font-family: Arial;">Jim James</span></u></a><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"> (My Morning Jacket), </span><a href="http://www.belafleck.com/"><u><span style="color: green; font-family: Arial;">Béla Fleck</span></u></a><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"> and </span><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style>
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</style> <![endif]--><a href="http://www.drummerworld.com/drummers/Brian_Blade.html"><u><span style="color: green; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Brian Blade</span></u></a><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"> (drummer for Bob Dylan) among many others.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Inspired by the birth of her son and by countless fans who’ve told her over the years how much their kids love her records, Veirs became curious about the history of American children’s music. She and Martine listened to hundreds of songs from the past several centuries, including Harry Smith’s famous <i><span style="font-family: Arial;">Anthology of American Folk Music </span></i>and the deep catalog of American music from </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Smithsonian Folkways<span style="color: black;">. They selected what Veirs calls, <i>“a sampling that reflects our richness as a people.”</i></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Sound samples for all 13 tracks <i>Tumble Bee</i> are available at <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Tumble-Bee-Laura-Veirs/dp/B005OQU78U"><b><u><span style="color: green;">Amazon.com</span></u></b></a> where <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Tumble-Bee/dp/B005OEONTQ/ref=tmm_msc_title_0"><b><u><span style="color: green;">MP3 downloads</span></u></b></a> are offered at $0.89 per track or $8.99 for the entire album.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Best price for the “New” CD is from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B005OQU78U/ref=tmm_acd_new_olp_sr?ie=UTF8&condition=new"><b><u><span style="color: green;">Amazon Marketplace</span></u></b></a> for $9.37.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">The CD package includes a D.I.Y. kit to make your own <i><span style="font-family: Arial;">Tumble Bee </span></i>mobile.</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: red; font-size: 18pt;">Golden Kids Rules</span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYZmY6vBHYB9nY8tEF5UxHKiimT5S9gqtRNChrGgsBMfU16fhLhQMKEm5ECRdXs8zsqYu31vBl5n9bxO9OPQi4dGj8tTltvtymgqmA86rocKu9hGJ3vSxBUSCpCVTAW4ebrAalkLFWSuHn/s1600/Chip+Taylor+and+the+Grandkids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYZmY6vBHYB9nY8tEF5UxHKiimT5S9gqtRNChrGgsBMfU16fhLhQMKEm5ECRdXs8zsqYu31vBl5n9bxO9OPQi4dGj8tTltvtymgqmA86rocKu9hGJ3vSxBUSCpCVTAW4ebrAalkLFWSuHn/s1600/Chip+Taylor+and+the+Grandkids.jpg" /></a></div><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chip_Taylor"><b><u><span style="color: green; font-family: Arial;">Chip Taylor</span></u></b></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">, renowned musician and songwriter, who is probably best recognized for music mega hits “Angel of the Morning” and “Wild Thing,” has created a charming contribution to family music with this <a href="http://www.folkways.si.edu/albumdetails.aspx?itemid=3362"><u><span style="color: green;">Smithsonian Folkways Recordings</span></u></a> release, <b><i>Golden Kids Rules</i></b> featuring Chip Taylor and the Grandkids.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1uH2K-OEWWul2CM7Epw6oQ0fH3ujNCZP00H54gp7MTJeFVJhdzL1yd6BrnU8FAq52Ge1hw_hzWMCQCN17YQAkUCs1rIsBhKV6ACcIof8BEspRxN_DzKcInbBCSjjpSDIjDUEzsDRtU2yr/s1600/Chip+Taylor+and+the+Grandkids2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1uH2K-OEWWul2CM7Epw6oQ0fH3ujNCZP00H54gp7MTJeFVJhdzL1yd6BrnU8FAq52Ge1hw_hzWMCQCN17YQAkUCs1rIsBhKV6ACcIof8BEspRxN_DzKcInbBCSjjpSDIjDUEzsDRtU2yr/s1600/Chip+Taylor+and+the+Grandkids2.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Generational love, wisdom and original songs fill the 13 tracks on this 38-minute album blending </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Taylor</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">’s seasoned voice with the youthful interplay of his three granddaughters, Riley, Kate, and Samantha.</span><br />
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</div><span style="font-family: Arial;">A true family affair, </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Taylor</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">'s brother, actor Jon Voight, provides an insightful introduction to the artist and the album in the accompanying liner notes which also include a 20-page book of song lyrics. Voight writes<i>, “Charm is an ingredient we seem to have lost in music over the years...and purity. To me, this album is a treasure that comes just at the right time to lift us to a reminder of the power of family and the majesty of children.”</i></span><br />
<h1 style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">In the video below, </span><span class="long-title"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Chip Taylor discusses the making of <i>Golden Kids Rules</i> at the 2011 Smithsonian Folklife Festival, where songs from the album debuted. </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"></span></h1><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="246" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/gO3P-ktn7PI" width="425"></iframe><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Sound samples for all tracks of <i>Golden Kids Rules</i> are available through <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005FT2MXO/ref=dm_dp_cdp?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1323980326&sr=301-1"><b><u><span style="color: green;">Amazon.com</span></u></b></a> where <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Golden-Kids-Rules/dp/B005SR79HM/ref=sr_shvl_album_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1323980326&sr=301-1"><b><u><span style="color: green;">MP3 downloads</span></u></b></a> are $0.99 per track or $8.99 for the entire album.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Best price for the <i>Golden Kids Rules</i> CD format is through <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B005FT2MXO/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&qid=1323980326&sr=301-1&condition=new"><b><u><span style="color: green;">Amazon Marketplace</span></u></b></a> “New” for $7.27.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 18pt;">Music Play for Folks of All Stripes</span></b></i><span style="color: red; font-size: 18pt;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCBoAWaB2Z-nEuJBDXMzvYZSTPyIVi8K0swVROd7eNC85hyphenhyphenHV5Pd5fwyjyBsqxiH_kU5mznAzRe0vJhuP39Q41IlnGqsc6R5WpOtO6XWeBmL2f-tlQvWUtBuJDiUI7r26AvcXkVVLbRQX8/s1600/MusicPlayforFolksofallStrips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCBoAWaB2Z-nEuJBDXMzvYZSTPyIVi8K0swVROd7eNC85hyphenhyphenHV5Pd5fwyjyBsqxiH_kU5mznAzRe0vJhuP39Q41IlnGqsc6R5WpOtO6XWeBmL2f-tlQvWUtBuJDiUI7r26AvcXkVVLbRQX8/s1600/MusicPlayforFolksofallStrips.jpg" /></a></div><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Award-winning musician, author and child development specialist </span><a href="http://www.jimgill.com/literacy_events.html"><b><u><span style="color: green; font-family: Arial;">Jim Gill</span></u></b></a><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"> released his sixth playful recording for young children and the adults who care for them: <i><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">Music Play for Folks of All Stripes.</span></b></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Like all of Gill’s CDs, <i><span style="font-family: Arial;">Music Play for Folks of All Stripes </span></i>invites active participation from listeners. Known as the “Poet of Play,” Gill’s style, when he toys with each of the song’s lyrics and music, has the effect of inviting kids, parents and caregivers to play together. Opportunities abound in this album for physical movement and active expression. There are clap-alongs, finger plays, pretend games and imaginative dances, all suitable for playrooms, family rooms and even classrooms.</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">The 15 new songs represent a range of musical styles, from symphonic to country, improvised jazz to polka, so there is something for music lovers “of all stripes.” There are also show tunes, a country waltz, a piece that includes bagpipes, and a special number called “Living Inside of a Jar,” which is accompanied entirely by musicians who blow, pluck and strike, xylophone-style, on glass bottles.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-6hcNFXP0qaYjQHxCQbM3tbl7_Q7Chq15N3gNLigXeAX7ZL49PMYwJzUyRWIWDKv_QLZP2b9oS-3tRw3ymySRNvVPbjDu2vCboGg0l1lLOTFosqFUxLDKwe1fOTSvioR1xpY4KUiI0o3w/s1600/jim+gill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-6hcNFXP0qaYjQHxCQbM3tbl7_Q7Chq15N3gNLigXeAX7ZL49PMYwJzUyRWIWDKv_QLZP2b9oS-3tRw3ymySRNvVPbjDu2vCboGg0l1lLOTFosqFUxLDKwe1fOTSvioR1xpY4KUiI0o3w/s1600/jim+gill.jpg" /></a><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Gill is a nationally acclaimed musician and child development authority who often speaks to early childhood educators, care providers and children’s librarians on the intrinsic value of play and the many connections between music play and literacy.</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">Music Play for Folks of All Stripes</span></i><span style="font-family: Arial;"> is available to sound sample and purchase direct from <a href="http://www.jimgill.com/music_books.html"><b><u><span style="color: green;">Gill’s website</span></u></b></a> where the CD is available to purchase for $16.00 and includes <span style="color: black;">a </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">DVD</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"> featuring live-action music videos relating to selected songs on the album. </span></div><h1 style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Below is a video of </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Jim Gill and “Beethoven's Five Finger Play,” which is one of the tracks featured in <i>Music Play for Folks of All Stripes.</i></span></h1><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="246" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/iUnFms_gJus" width="425"></iframe><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 18pt;">Small Potatoes</span></b></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj8b9ThiCXfAD8sKhEMpY0cJH8ndfx3As0iw9k52G30h3hO0P8DGF2ZNkelXUMs2rwnVugBwcFF_h3DoCEqsZTwIHJdoLJqqCY3xpO4PLAJHZj7FgaozFSi8DUX0EKek_aI2ISE3wbO7oV/s1600/small+potatoes+one.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj8b9ThiCXfAD8sKhEMpY0cJH8ndfx3As0iw9k52G30h3hO0P8DGF2ZNkelXUMs2rwnVugBwcFF_h3DoCEqsZTwIHJdoLJqqCY3xpO4PLAJHZj7FgaozFSi8DUX0EKek_aI2ISE3wbO7oV/s1600/small+potatoes+one.jpg" /></a></div><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;">On September 6, we featured a post about the launch of “</span></i><a href="http://nationalchildrensentertainment.blogspot.com/2011/09/small-potatoes-launches-today-on-disney.html"><i><b><u><span style="color: green; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;">Small Potatoes</span></u></b></i></a><i><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;">,” a series of animated shorts on Disney Junior. Over the last several months, that article received an extensive amount of page views, which attests to the fact that this adorable block of children’s programming has an enormous following. </span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;">The show now has a fun and eclectic selection of downloadable songs from the program, which are available to sound sample through </span></i><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/small-potatoes/id463682907"><i><b><u><span style="color: green; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;">iTunes</span></u></b></i></a><i><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;"> for $0.99 per track, with the video, “Imagination” downloadable for $1.49.</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKLei1fV1P9APM4FT7aHuBs6RVH5mqTQUvKUM21gNVASvz3i9frP-wHgyGFHsMScZOuRMV2fK9JtL2jWl_QsdiAhhwr01kKKEpFkqi9o1rv5Zj_ho58aIcZrODSZh-RO3lBT6zjt3M_uqe/s1600/small+potatoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKLei1fV1P9APM4FT7aHuBs6RVH5mqTQUvKUM21gNVASvz3i9frP-wHgyGFHsMScZOuRMV2fK9JtL2jWl_QsdiAhhwr01kKKEpFkqi9o1rv5Zj_ho58aIcZrODSZh-RO3lBT6zjt3M_uqe/s1600/small+potatoes.jpg" /></a><i><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;"> </span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;">These are delightful and cheerful tunes that entertain with a capital “E." </span></i><br />
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<i><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;">Plus, there’s a brand new track, just in time for the holiday season, “Jingle Spuds.”</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;">Below for your enjoyment is the Small Potatoes animated short, “You Can Be What You Want to Be".</span></i></div><br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="246" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/I7db-Z98vvc" width="425"></iframe>Paula Sladehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02923061193682673368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3181852274593682596.post-90291105086190112722011-12-16T15:02:00.000-08:002011-12-16T15:02:57.805-08:00The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week's movies with ratings and trailers<div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEXKKD_knZNMfdHPGFhRQuJTb9F1NS_aq3XezDoLWHXhxmG6COtJNorNdGaDlDlRAPFqWahnV7pIxGMiei7noMulFrZ8InxGxHnYTytHJId7X3KJRPZ9BvNe5J-rNiR2rLPnUs80b9203Q/s1600/popcorn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEXKKD_knZNMfdHPGFhRQuJTb9F1NS_aq3XezDoLWHXhxmG6COtJNorNdGaDlDlRAPFqWahnV7pIxGMiei7noMulFrZ8InxGxHnYTytHJId7X3KJRPZ9BvNe5J-rNiR2rLPnUs80b9203Q/s1600/popcorn.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
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</style> <![endif]--><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">‘Popcorn’ photo by <a href="http://www.publicdomainpictures.net/view-image.php?image=750"><span style="color: blue;">Petr Kratochvil</span></a></span></i></b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">It’s time to make weekend family entertainment plans and see if this week’s current crop of films will be part of your schedule. The following report covers motion picture theatrical releases opening nationwide beginning </span><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">Friday, Dec. 16, 2011</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> along with current film industry news.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Arial;">The movies listed below have a rating, which has been established by the <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1438989524"><u style="color: blue;">Motion Picture Association of </u></a></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1438989524"><u style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">America</span></u><u style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> (</span></u><u style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">MPAA</span></u></a><span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://www.mpaa.org/"><span style="color: blue;">)</span></a> and have been provided with an italicized commentary from the <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1438989530"><u style="color: blue;">Classification and Ratings Administration (</u></a></span><a href="http://www.filmratings.com/filmRatings_Cara/"><u style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">CARA</span></u><u style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">)</span></u></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">If a film has not been provided with an official rating, additional information may, or may not be provided.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">If a film is designated NC-17, very limited information may be furnished.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">For your convenience, each film title links directly to the <a href="http://www.imdb.com/"><u style="color: blue;">Internet Movie Data Base</u></a>, which provides the most comprehensive listing about the movie’s storyline, and includes a trailer, cast and crew information, initial audience reaction (if prior screenings have taken place) and parent advisories when available.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">As always, you are the single best judge for determining your child’s choice of entertainment.</span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-size: 16pt;">NEWS</span></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNag4GoLau9oOKAzJuOdbkknRgMUw0EudupxCZALILZBeTf9fYXkyEIrxsHKWwHMF4cKXoMxsIPafTBynVMdmWH7pNOkXs1wscaBUeP07CXLIP5uAoE4h_nXUyV0UAEn7Qb99kmokJ5FKw/s1600/WARHORSETHREE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNag4GoLau9oOKAzJuOdbkknRgMUw0EudupxCZALILZBeTf9fYXkyEIrxsHKWwHMF4cKXoMxsIPafTBynVMdmWH7pNOkXs1wscaBUeP07CXLIP5uAoE4h_nXUyV0UAEn7Qb99kmokJ5FKw/s1600/WARHORSETHREE.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">On </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">November 27, 2011</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">, one of the most anticipated films for the holiday season, WAR HORSE, was presented in an advanced screening in </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">New York City</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> by DreamWorks Pictures.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The event, offered fans from around the globe the opportunity to submit questions to WAR HORSE director Steven Spielberg, and the 54-minute video below gives an in-depth look into this upcoming film and one of the greatest directors of all time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">WAR HORSE opens in theaters nationwide, </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Sunday, December 25, 2011</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="246" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/kKld9pcOowc" width="425"></iframe><br />
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</style> <![endif]--> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">FILMS OPENING THIS WEEK</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Opened </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">December 15, 2011</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> <em><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1735495/"><b style="color: blue;"><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">Addiction Incorporated</span></u></b></a> </em>– Documentary, Biography- PG-13-<i> </i>because of <i>“brief language.” </i>NOTE: </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">New York City</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> only.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">Opening</span></i></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">December 21, 2011</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0983193/"><b style="color: blue;"><i><u>The Adventures of Tintin</u></i></b></a>– Animation, Action, Adventure, Family, Mystery-PG- because of <i>“adventure action violence, some drunkenness and brief smoking.” </i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Opened </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">December 16, 2011</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1438989547"><em style="color: blue;"><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">Alvin</span></u></b></em></a><em><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1615918/"><b style="color: blue;"><u><span style="font-family: Arial;"> and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked!</span></u></b></a> </em><span style="font-family: Arial;">– Animation, Comedy, Family, Fantasy, Music- G-<i> </i><i>Suitable for all audiences</i><i>.</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i><u><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br />
</span></span></u></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Opened </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">December 16, 2011</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> <em><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1692486/"><b style="color: blue;"><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">Carnage</span></u></b></a> </em>– Comedy, Drama- R<span style="color: blue;">-</span><i> </i>because of <i>“language.”</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i><u><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br />
</span></span></u></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Opened </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">December 16, 2011</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1147682/"><b style="color: blue;"><i><u>Cook County</u></i></b></a>–Drama- R- NOTE: Reason for </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">MPAA</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> rating not available at the time of publication.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Opened </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">December 16, 2011</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> <em><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1185371/"><b style="color: blue;"><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">Corman's World: Exploits of a Hollywood Rebel</span></u></b></a> </em>– Documentary - R-<i> </i>because of <i>“some violent images, nudity and language.” </i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">Opening</span></i></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">December 20, 2011</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1568346/"><b style="color: blue;"><i><u>The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo</u></i></b></a></span><em> </em><span style="font-family: Arial;">–Drama, Thriller- R- because of <i>“brutal violent content including rape and torture, strong sexuality, graphic nudity, and language.” </i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">Opening</span></i></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">December 21, 2011</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1229238/"><b style="color: blue;"><i><u>Mission Impossible – Ghost Protocol</u></i></b></a> – Action, Adventure, Thriller-PG-13- because of <i>“</i></span>sequences of intense action and violence <i><span style="font-family: Arial;">disturbing violence and behavior, some sexuality and language.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Arial;">NOTE: Opening in wide release on this date (limited release on 12/15 and selected </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">IMAX</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> theaters on 12/16).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Opened </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">December 16, 2011</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1515091/"><em style="color: blue;"><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows</span></u></b></em></a>– Action, Adventure, Crime, Mystery, Thriller- PG-13-<i> </i>because of <i>“intense sequences of violence and action, and some drug material.” </i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Arial;">For information on films that opened <b>December 9, 2011</b> which included:<span> </span><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">I Melt with You</span></em><em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;">;<span> </span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">Knuckle</span></em><em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;">:<span> </span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">New Year’s Eve</span></em><em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;">;<span> </span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Sitter</span></em><em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;">;<span> </span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy</span></em><em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;">;<span> </span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">W.E</span></em><em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;">.;<span> </span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">We Need to Talk About Kevin</span></em><em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;">,<span> </span>and </span></em><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">Young Adult</span></em><i>, </i>please click on the link below. <span></span></span><br />
<a href="http://nationalchildrensentertainment.blogspot.com/2011/12/popcorn-report-guide-to-this-weeks_09.html"><span class="graybigtxt"><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies</span></u></b></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">For information on films that opened </span><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">December 2, 2011</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> which included:<span> </span><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">Answers to<b> </b>Nothing</span></em><em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;">;<span> </span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">Coriolanus</span></em><em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;">;<span> </span></span></em><i>Kinyarwanda</i>;<span> </span><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">Outrage</span></em><em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;">;<span> </span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">Pastorela</span></em><em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;">;….</span></em><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">Shame</span></em><em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;">, and<span> </span></span></em><i>Sleeping Beauty, </i>please click on the link below. <span></span></span><br />
<a href="http://nationalchildrensentertainment.blogspot.com/2011/12/popcorn-report-guide-to-this-weeks.html"><span class="graybigtxt"><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies</span></u></b></span></a><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">For information on films that opened <b>November 18, 2011</b> through <b>November 25, 2011</b> (Thanksgiving Week Report) which included:<span> </span><i>Another Happy Day</i>;<span> </span><i>The Artist</i>;<span> </span><i>Arthur Christmas</i>;<span> </span><i>A Dangerous Method</i>;<span> </span><i>The Descendants</i>;<span> </span><i>Happy Two Feet</i>;<span> </span><i>Hugo</i>;<span> </span><span> </span><i>The Lie</i>;<span> </span><i>The Muppets</i>;<span> </span><i>My Week with Marilyn</i>;<span> </span><i>Tomboy</i>;<span> </span><i>The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1</i><span> </span>and <span> </span><i>Tyrannosaur<em><span style="font-family: Arial;">,</span></em></i> please click on the link below. </span></div><a href="http://nationalchildrensentertainment.blogspot.com/2011/11/popcorn-report-guide-to-thanksgiving.html"><span class="graybigtxt"><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies</span></u></b></span></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><b><i><u><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br />
</span></span></u></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">For information on films that opened <b>November 11, 2011</b>, which included:<span> </span><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">11-11-11;<span> </span>The Greening of Whitney Brown;<span> </span>Immortals;<span> </span>Into the Abyss - A Tale of Death, a Tale of Life;<span> </span>J. Edgar;<span> </span>Jack and Jill;<span> </span>London Boulevard;<span> </span>Melancholia<span> </span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;">and </span></em><em><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span> </span></span></em><i>Tropa de Elite 2 – O Inimigo Agora E (Elite Squad: The Enemy Within)<em><span style="font-family: Arial;">,</span></em></i> please click on the link below. </span></div><a href="http://nationalchildrensentertainment.blogspot.com/2011/11/popcorn-report-guide-to-this-weeks_11.html"><span class="graybigtxt"><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies</span></u></b></span></a><br />
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</span></span></u></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">For information on films that opened </span><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">November 4, 2011</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;">, which included:<span> </span><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas</span></em><em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;">;<span> </span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">Killing Bono</span></em><em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;">;<span> </span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Son of No One</span></em><em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;"> and<span> </span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">Tower Heist,</span></em> please click on the link below. </span></div><a href="http://nationalchildrensentertainment.blogspot.com/2011/11/popcorn-report-guide-to-this-weeks.html"><span class="graybigtxt"><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies</span></u></b></span></a><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">For information on films that opened <b>September 23 to </b></span><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">October 28, 2011</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;">, please click on the link below. </span></div><a href="http://nationalchildrensentertainment.blogspot.com/2011/10/popcorn-report-guide-to-this-weeks_28.html"><span class="graybigtxt"><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies</span></u></b></span></a><br />
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</span></u></b></span><i><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">For information on films that opened </span><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">August 19, 2011</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> to </span><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">September 16, 2011</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;">, please click on the link below. </span><br />
<a href="http://nationalchildrensentertainment.blogspot.com/2011/09/popcorn-report-guide-to-this-weeks_16.html"><span class="graybigtxt"><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies</span></u></b></span></a><i><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></i><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">For information on films that opened </span><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">June 24, 2011</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> to<b> </b></span><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">August 12, 2011</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;">. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://nationalchildrensentertainment.blogspot.com/2011/08/popcorn-report-guide-to-this-weeks_12.html"><span class="graybigtxt"><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies</span></u></b></span></a><b><i><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">For information on films that opened <b>May 20</b> to </span><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">June 17, 2011</span></b><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">, </span></i><span style="font-family: Arial;">please click on the link below. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://nationalchildrensentertainment.blogspot.com/2011/06/popcorn-report-guide-to-this-weeks_17.html"><span class="graybigtxt"><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies</span></u></b></span></a><b><i><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">For information on films that opened <b>April 1</b> to </span><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">May 13, 2011</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;">, please click on the link below. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://nationalchildrensentertainment.blogspot.com/2011/05/popcorn-report-guide-to-this-weeks.html"><span class="graybigtxt"><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies</span></u></b></span></a><b><i><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">For information on films that opened the weeks of Friday, <b>February 4</b> to <b>Friday March 25, 2011</b> please click on the link below, where you will also find previous listings and links for prior weeks in January, as well as films that opened in 2010:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://nationalchildrensentertainment.blogspot.com/2011/03/popcorn-report-guide-to-this-weeks_25.html"><span class="graybigtxt"><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies</span></u></b></span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><strong><span style="font-family: Arial;">G</span></strong><span style="font-family: Arial;"> GENERAL AUDIENCES (All Ages Admitted) <strong><span style="font-family: Arial;">PG</span></strong> PARENTAL GUIDANCE SUGGESTED (Some Material May Not Be Suitable for Children) <strong><span style="font-family: Arial;">PG-13</span></strong> PARENTS STRONGLY CAUTIONED (Some Material May Be Inappropriate for Children Under 13) <strong><span style="font-family: Arial;">R</span></strong> RESTRICTED (Under 17 Requires Accompanying Parent or Adult Guardian) <strong><span style="font-family: Arial;">NC-17 NO </span></strong></span><strong><span style="font-family: Arial;">ONE</span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: Arial;"> 17 </span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: Arial;">AND</span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: Arial;"> UNDER ADMITTED </span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal;">– As determined by the Rating Board/Motion Picture Association of America.</span></strong>Paula Sladehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02923061193682673368noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3181852274593682596.post-44638111472629164972011-12-14T13:27:00.000-08:002011-12-16T10:21:01.865-08:002011 Holiday Guide: Apps for iPad, iPhones and iPod Touch<div class="article"><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSB-k2EA3RrBDNPQcFIBRbJF92DWVDyVpd99u4RHb6ZcGkqPV-HfVjSN-9-FXAP4JbUOxa72_Z1cyVM3P-gupyBGkB_V7ScL8L2QQAFjQIKCwW4vtNXqsH2GKAtzXGI_FfqeZvq2VWZ3Jr/s1600/All+kinds+of+Santas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSB-k2EA3RrBDNPQcFIBRbJF92DWVDyVpd99u4RHb6ZcGkqPV-HfVjSN-9-FXAP4JbUOxa72_Z1cyVM3P-gupyBGkB_V7ScL8L2QQAFjQIKCwW4vtNXqsH2GKAtzXGI_FfqeZvq2VWZ3Jr/s320/All+kinds+of+Santas.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>"All Kinds of Santas" photo by Paula Slade</b></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
This is the ninth installment of this series that provides numerous entertainment options for holiday gift giving for children and teens, and today we turn our attention to one of the hottest emerging categories for entertainment- applications (also known as “apps”) for iPads, iPod Touch and iPhones.</div><div class="article"><br />
</div><div class="article">Children and teens are rapidly embracing these new technologies and there are numerous apps provided for entertainment, many of them extremely affordable, once you determine the choice of your technology device.</div><div class="article"><br />
</div><div class="article">The applications for the devices appear below and have been researched for quality as well as value. All are geared to provide hours of positive and fun-filled entertainment.</div><div class="article"><br />
</div><div class="article">If you happened to have missed earlier posts to this series, which began in November, links are provided in the right hand column on this page. Also, be sure to check out archived posts from this year and last year, as many products, in multiple categories, have been featured.</div><div class="article"><br />
</div><div class="article">As always, you are the best judge of what is appropriate for your child’s entertainment.<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;">The Night Before Christmas</span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkumJqF32iEw_6c46_VUV2TZIqPmvZr_dNqhFcmWUYDh8v7nvRdNgvPHGesuBFVI9A508rYfi2zbpmVJt1ZBTMqjGj0ZSd89UNe7twN5t4suP_b8KZGN85501wdH_iCUjyGnxVQC_Xafqh/s1600/The+Night+Before+Christmas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkumJqF32iEw_6c46_VUV2TZIqPmvZr_dNqhFcmWUYDh8v7nvRdNgvPHGesuBFVI9A508rYfi2zbpmVJt1ZBTMqjGj0ZSd89UNe7twN5t4suP_b8KZGN85501wdH_iCUjyGnxVQC_Xafqh/s1600/The+Night+Before+Christmas.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Based on the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Night-Before-Christmas-Clement-Moore/dp/1936140063"><u style="color: #274e13;">5-star book and recording</u></a> published by Imagine Books, this recently released app is a totally charming interactive and musical re-telling of the all-time favorite holiday tale by Clement C. Moore. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The<i> Night Before Christmas</i> includes magnificent illustrations by Eric Puybaret; narration, music and sounds by Peter Paul and Mary, and interactive magic added by Touchoo.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">This app has numerous functions: Auto Play; record; listen to the recording; read to me and read by myself, along with pages that spring to life with touchable surprises.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Below is a video preview of <i>The Night Before Christmas</i>, which is compatible with Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad and requires iOS 3.2 or later.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="318" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/SgrIkvR8m8k" width="425"></iframe><br />
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</style> <![endif]--> <div class="MsoNormal">Additional information, and screenshots, for <b><i>The Night Before Christmas</i></b> are available through <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/the-night-before-christmas/id487301056?mt=8"><b><u><span style="color: green;">iTunes</span></u></b></a> where the app is priced at $1.99.</div><br />
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</div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;">A Charlie Brown Christmas</span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXtoc9PKNfc_xW2HF-CS1jTtxEtu1Wp1MzcHqPjK8h_BZiSFHEeledWJ2eq279OQbYvdntwlcXFiVdAWXTaKNKFC75QBAG5KG2yboe7m0cxElrOjPx119R8gijS0j0hsiiJ802etJ1Qg3J/s1600/Charlie+Brown+Christmas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXtoc9PKNfc_xW2HF-CS1jTtxEtu1Wp1MzcHqPjK8h_BZiSFHEeledWJ2eq279OQbYvdntwlcXFiVdAWXTaKNKFC75QBAG5KG2yboe7m0cxElrOjPx119R8gijS0j0hsiiJ802etJ1Qg3J/s1600/Charlie+Brown+Christmas.jpg" /></a></div><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">From Loud Crow Interactive, comes a true classic translated into an interactive storybook delight.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The whole family will have fun with the entire Peanuts gang as they discover the true meaning of Christmas.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">You’ll be able to unlock decorations for a Charlie Brown Christmas Tree; play Schroeder's piano; finger-paint with Peanuts characters and more, while you listen to the story, which is narrated by Peter Robbins, the original voice of Charlie Brown.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Below is a video preview of <i>A Charlie Brown Christmas</i>, which is compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad, and requires iOS 3.2.2 or later.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="246" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/k2DLfv74iVE" width="425"></iframe><br />
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Additional information, screenshots, and reviews for <b><i>A Charlie Brown Christmas</i></b> are available through <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/a-charlie-brown-christmas/id476508724?ls=1&mt=8"><b><u><span style="color: green;">iTunes</span></u></b></a> where the app is priced at $6.99.<br />
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</div><div class="article"><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;">There’s No Place Like Space!: All About Our Solar System</span></i></b></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga9ShrREfS5PNBehygw4x66lEd_5EZEsY2iBpJQ6SPVigtI9xN0Iy35Na-93qY7yz4Z6G8Y4fDx0f6CIQeOs3vvkQBVFVF7YPfsshFUu2ujX9dI1DPErV70n34Kx7mOGoMTXhHM1rXuuCM/s1600/CatintheHatTheresNoPlaceLikeSpace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga9ShrREfS5PNBehygw4x66lEd_5EZEsY2iBpJQ6SPVigtI9xN0Iy35Na-93qY7yz4Z6G8Y4fDx0f6CIQeOs3vvkQBVFVF7YPfsshFUu2ujX9dI1DPErV70n34Kx7mOGoMTXhHM1rXuuCM/s1600/CatintheHatTheresNoPlaceLikeSpace.jpg" /></a></div></div><div class="MsoNormal">From Oceanhouse Media, Inc. and The Cat in the Hat's Learning Library, comes an app that not only entertains but educates young ones.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The “Cat in the Hat” is your child’s guide as he takes “Sally” and “Dick” on a voyage through our solar system. Along the way, kids will learn fascinating and fun facts; interact by tapping on stars to see constellations; learn about the planets and more.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="app-requirements">This app is c</span>ompatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad and requires iOS 3.0 or later.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Additional information, screenshots, and reviews for <b><i>There’s No Place Like Space! : All About Our Solar System</i></b> is<b><i> </i></b>available through <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/app/theres-no-place-like-space%21/id478616320?ign-mpt=uo=6&mt=8"><b><u><span style="color: green;">iTunes</span></u></b></a> where the app is priced at $5.99.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;">A Duck in </span></i></b><b><i><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;">New York City</span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlPS9mQY5d1Fyrs-MGbEiYmNzbz63CLXEMZhR5bzh8h7pYu_TJC1sAihbGenqqvHPOhoXlphBJSTg4_sIoCT_naD4mMYN3lAb0WREa2ZFMphbZI94VtxxcrZ6uB3i9wePkouZt554JAgWg/s1600/A+Duck+in+New+York+City+app.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlPS9mQY5d1Fyrs-MGbEiYmNzbz63CLXEMZhR5bzh8h7pYu_TJC1sAihbGenqqvHPOhoXlphBJSTg4_sIoCT_naD4mMYN3lAb0WREa2ZFMphbZI94VtxxcrZ6uB3i9wePkouZt554JAgWg/s1600/A+Duck+in+New+York+City+app.jpg" /></a></div><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Kids will have a great time, reading, listening, watching and singing along with this excellent app for iPad.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>A Duck in New York City</i> app is based on the critically acclaimed Parents' Choice Gold Award-winning storybook - music CD by author/singer/songwriter Connie Kaldor, illustrated by Fil & Julie, and published by The Secret Mountain.<br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">The story is about a little duck from the prairie that has a big dream—making it to New York City and doing his ducky dance on Broadway.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Filled with stunning illustrations, sophisticated animation, superb musical performance and captivating narration, this is a heartwarming and funny tale about self-esteem and following your dreams.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Below is a preview of <b><i>A Duck in New York City</i></b>, which is compatible with iPad, and requires iOS 4.3 or later.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="295" mozallowfullscreen="" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/29774887?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="400"></iframe><br />
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Additional information as well as screen shots for <b><i>A Duck in New York City</i></b> is<b><i> </i></b>available through <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/a-duck-in-new-york-city/id466922425?mt=8"><b><u><span style="color: green;">iTunes</span></u></b></a> where the app is priced at $3.99.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;">Let's Go Chipper - Nature and Environmental Movies, Books and Activities</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiAhFU-fy3gMTHnn0U4_VW86uCD30_SKg0pW5ijGE4MEspCgUcc33a_tQGlqH-ney4nieVnAC1J1Za5fYjI0-nbWXWHHxLv1MfOuGY9kbnDfa4eYy-yOxtiGeqVs-Rg-5EtYju-Y9LT8BN/s1600/Lets+Go+Chipper+app.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiAhFU-fy3gMTHnn0U4_VW86uCD30_SKg0pW5ijGE4MEspCgUcc33a_tQGlqH-ney4nieVnAC1J1Za5fYjI0-nbWXWHHxLv1MfOuGY9kbnDfa4eYy-yOxtiGeqVs-Rg-5EtYju-Y9LT8BN/s1600/Lets+Go+Chipper+app.jpg" /></a></div><h1><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">From IAGmedia, a conscientious green media company that playfully delivers content and programs that instill positive life skills and respect for the environment in young children, comes adventures in nature with Chipper, the ambassador of the great outdoors.</span></h1><div class="MsoNormal">Chipper playfully teaches good character, and a love for animals and the environment in this all-inclusive portal to the parks filled with coloring activities, nature-inspired movies, books, music videos, activities and more.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">No in-app purchases are required, plus you get a free gift with download. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Honored as an I-Parenting "Hot Product" winner, and a Disney Family Fun winner, this app is educational and fun, encompassing academic standards in Science, Arts, Literature, and Social Skills.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Chipper and friends sing songs, tell stories, and provide games that help foster the social and emotional growth of young children - playfully. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">To learn more about Let's Go Chipper! Into the Great Outdoors series, please visit <span style="color: green;"><a href="http://www.letsgochipper.com/"><span style="color: green;">www.letsgochipper.com</span></a></span>.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The app is compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad and requires iOS 3.1 or later.<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Additional information as well as screen shots for <b><i>Lets Go Chipper </i></b>is<b><i> </i></b>available through <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/lets-go-chipper/id365305372?mt=8"><b><u><span style="color: green;">iTunes</span></u></b></a> where the app is priced at $0.99.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;">Not Without Bear</span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7iPl4eXLsmf-k_8ZIUzDxf0760-cUkLf-63PzPQ8R6ldZEoIoONLR5_HYbG50odtlj4CyMhB9j9_KmoJWV5OwjebPCWjPdUZ4JwrEsYhUElvQzsra2E9K-OBLEejchtoNMTynjH-3NOE-/s1600/Not+Without+Bear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7iPl4eXLsmf-k_8ZIUzDxf0760-cUkLf-63PzPQ8R6ldZEoIoONLR5_HYbG50odtlj4CyMhB9j9_KmoJWV5OwjebPCWjPdUZ4JwrEsYhUElvQzsra2E9K-OBLEejchtoNMTynjH-3NOE-/s1600/Not+Without+Bear.jpg" /></a></div><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">This is an absolutely endearing story about a little girl,”Audrey” and her best friend “Bear,” who goes missing at bedtime.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">This app, published by appropo llc, is sure to become a bedtime favorite.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Children will listen to the story or have it read to them; they’ll be able to move pillows; travel around the world; open cupboards, smooth blankets, listen to music and so much more –all enhanced with sound effects and the ability to touch words and hear them spoken.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Based on Anna Grossnickle Hines charming picture book, this app is a delight.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Check out the animated screen shots at: <a href="http://www.appropo.co/appropo/home.html" style="color: #274e13;">http://www.appropo.co/appropo/home.html</a></div><div align="right"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable"><tbody>
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</tbody></table></div><div class="article">This app is compatible with iPad and requires iOS 3.2 or later.</div><div class="article"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Additional information as well as screen shots for <b><i>Not Without Bear </i></b>is<b><i> </i></b>available through <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/not-without-bear/id473598566?mt=8"><b><u><span style="color: green;">iTunes</span></u></b></a> where the app is priced at $3.99.</div><div class="article"><br />
</div><h1 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;">NASA App HD by </span><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;">NASA</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;">Ames</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;">Research</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;">Center</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;"></span></h1><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2zCjNRzd6DVEQS19FO-ENNwYUgf8TRsZvOTS61KrTEiTOkjxfEDLfaLjCp0n1xD_OAhxjMgVEo5oxwmu5AjyMBbqOvZi6clqO4UZ4TcDNIUmXCRPrDjh_g5xfu5Md8g9hlQMnODfWfqgC/s1600/NASA+app.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2zCjNRzd6DVEQS19FO-ENNwYUgf8TRsZvOTS61KrTEiTOkjxfEDLfaLjCp0n1xD_OAhxjMgVEo5oxwmu5AjyMBbqOvZi6clqO4UZ4TcDNIUmXCRPrDjh_g5xfu5Md8g9hlQMnODfWfqgC/s1600/NASA+app.jpg" /></a></div><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">This is a totally <b>FREE</b> app from NASA for iPad, sure to be treasured by teens who are interested in science and astronomy. They will be amazed at the number of features in this app- everything from live-streaming of NASA TV and launch information as well as countdown clocks to ISS and an Earth Orbiting Satellite Tracker, plus Facebook® Connect and Integrated Twitter™ for sharing.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The app is compatible with iPad, and a WiFi or 3G network connection, and needs iOS 4.3 or later.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The application collects, customizes and delivers an extensive selection of dynamically updated mission information, images, videos and Twitter feeds from various online NASA sources in a convenient mobile package.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The video below of the NASA App HD will show you the wealth of NASA information available for your teen’s iPad. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="318" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/VAs8gbb3vR4" width="425"></iframe><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal">To download FREE, visit <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/nasa-app-hd/id387310098?mt=8"><b><u><span style="color: green;">iTunes</span></u></b></a>.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;">A Present for </span></i><i><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;">Milo</span></i><i><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;">: A Touch-and-Surprise Storybook</span></i></b></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeZM7Gq4yrBXNCAW8T21z5tKlwayFusus9-BTX97mGBosBs_tU0DDscYy1NAMREUaC2vTGUaszg_JIqTsRI3APL3p3TN_Idu8Fkp4F3OypvQxYlEf67hbMfuWjXPv8CfMUWzedF60MydeT/s1600/S+Present+for+Milo+app.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeZM7Gq4yrBXNCAW8T21z5tKlwayFusus9-BTX97mGBosBs_tU0DDscYy1NAMREUaC2vTGUaszg_JIqTsRI3APL3p3TN_Idu8Fkp4F3OypvQxYlEf67hbMfuWjXPv8CfMUWzedF60MydeT/s1600/S+Present+for+Milo+app.jpg" /></a></div><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">From Ruckus Media Group comes an app that provides more than 80 tap-interactive objects that initiate more than 125 animations.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">This charming digital storybook provides narration, sound effects, music, read-along function, and surprises on every page that will provide hours of enjoyment for active little minds and busy fingers.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>A Present for Milo</i> has been honored with About.com's "2011 Readers' Choice Award for 'Best App for Kids’"; a Parents' Choice Award Winner: Mobile Apps; a “Best Apps Ever Award" Finalist (from 148apps.com) and a " Mom's Choice Award for "App and Software."</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Below is a video preview of <i>A Present for Milo</i>, which is compatible with iPad, and requires iOS 3.2 or later.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="318" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/MtAFPWGeWBk" width="425"></iframe><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal">Additional information as well as screen shots for <b><i>A Present for Milo </i></b>is<b><i> </i></b>available through <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/a-present-for-milo-a-touch/id405288824?mt=8#ls=1"><b><u><span style="color: green;">iTunes</span></u></b></a> where the app is priced at $3.99.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>Paula Sladehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02923061193682673368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3181852274593682596.post-5634224727949479522011-12-12T12:27:00.000-08:002011-12-12T12:28:22.334-08:002011 Holiday Guide: Hanukkah Gifts<h3 class="post-title entry-title"><br />
</h3><div class="post-header"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIQ8mZuIOJ23J-K2SFMvxT855NlHc9JMWNZYqmtWQ-TIJry9Q2W1SKaAb162SlXrsulofPXmHoUgZfXsJeaDmMB_6EKxnBIjW748vMUwm3jNFqRFf-5no9OlvG8vZScugGXHgBud3khyphenhyphenM1/s1600/Chanukah+Menorah.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIQ8mZuIOJ23J-K2SFMvxT855NlHc9JMWNZYqmtWQ-TIJry9Q2W1SKaAb162SlXrsulofPXmHoUgZfXsJeaDmMB_6EKxnBIjW748vMUwm3jNFqRFf-5no9OlvG8vZScugGXHgBud3khyphenhyphenM1/s320/Chanukah+Menorah.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Hanukkah, the Festival of Light, which begins at sundown Tuesday, Dec.20, 2011 is celebrated in Jewish households for eight nights, and provides plenty of opportunity for candle lighting, dreidel spinning, latke making (making potato pancakes), gift-giving, gelt-getting (gifts of money), music making and story telling.<br />
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Last year, we featured some of the best Hanukkah presents, which are classic entertainment items, many geared toward the four to eight year old range, but when shared in a family’s home setting, these gems were sure to delight all ages.<br />
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This year, we've again included the favorites that have stood the test of time and will probably be around for many more years to engage, inspire and entertain, plus we've also included some new additions that we believe are classics in the making.<br />
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Please remember, best pricing at the time of this post has been provided for your convenience, but it is always a good idea to cross compare with your favorite online as well as stick-and brick-retailers.<br />
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As always, you are the final authority in selecting appropriate items for your child’s entertainment.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>First, we start with books. </b></i></span><br />
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<u style="color: red;"><b>A Faraway Island</b></u> is the 2010 winner of the Mildred L. Batchelder Award for <i>“an outstanding children's book translated from a foreign language and subsequently published in the United States.”</i><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXOB4X_R0rfCwTlq6gQrf0gWd4iTzsteuyXTzQ-2kxNLdAKWEQtG0gaieoa-47MA1hdafOzHlEQ3jVVh7ATBYhSxpAX0Ax0Pzbes8l8bQ3DLNqff2mYfYeHtPQ5JYqLmMMbDBkJJX-jMzz/s1600/faraway+island.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXOB4X_R0rfCwTlq6gQrf0gWd4iTzsteuyXTzQ-2kxNLdAKWEQtG0gaieoa-47MA1hdafOzHlEQ3jVVh7ATBYhSxpAX0Ax0Pzbes8l8bQ3DLNqff2mYfYeHtPQ5JYqLmMMbDBkJJX-jMzz/s320/faraway+island.jpg" width="208" /></a></div>Originally published in Swedish in 1996 as "En o i havet," the book was written by Annika Thor, translated by Linda Schenck, and published by Delacorte Press (an imprint of Random House Children's Books.)<br />
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A poignant and riveting novel that takes a different look at the Holocaust, as two Austrian sisters are separated from their family, and evacuated to an island off the coast of Sweden. Each girl placed with a different foster family.<br />
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<i>"From School Library Journal Grade 5–8— In this gripping story, Stephie and Nellie, two Austrian Jewish sisters, are evacuated in 1938 from Vienna to a Swedish island and placed in separate foster homes. Twelve-year-old Stephie has promised her parents that she will try to ease her younger sister's way, a burdensome promise to keep. Auntie Alma, Nellie's Swedish mother, is warmer and more welcoming than Auntie Märta, Stephie's more austere foster parent."</i> (Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.) <br />
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Reviews for A Faraway Island are available at <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Faraway-Island-Annika-Thor/dp/0385736177/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1292534078&sr=1-1">Amazon.com</a>, and best pricing for this hardbound edition is through <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/0385736177/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&qid=1292534078&sr=1-1&condition=new">Amazon Marketplace</a> at $2.24. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>The items that are listed below were published during the early 1990’s but have remained in print because of their delightful ability to transcend generations, and all are available through favorite booksellers as well as most local libraries.</b></i></span><br />
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<u style="color: red;"><b>Latkes and Applesauce: A Hanukkah Story</b></u> by Fran Manushkin and Robin Spowart<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimZ0nOhiLx9J0voT_sO3-z-gS8OxceaHKCpdkaz9j0-LbB-jpgw8QP5onKHW4uz-wGXQh8hpg_1iVxbtPsEqfNq5zwPf5rylsGL5QcwXQQ_Q-RQGQbvpvB45UyrRYiXEiDVAeC4lsAhP1n/s1600/latkes+and+applesauce.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimZ0nOhiLx9J0voT_sO3-z-gS8OxceaHKCpdkaz9j0-LbB-jpgw8QP5onKHW4uz-wGXQh8hpg_1iVxbtPsEqfNq5zwPf5rylsGL5QcwXQQ_Q-RQGQbvpvB45UyrRYiXEiDVAeC4lsAhP1n/s320/latkes+and+applesauce.jpg" width="262" /></a><br />
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A gentle tale about a peasant family, whose potato crop was buried in a blinding early snowstorm and their apple harvest, meager at best – left them with nothing to eat for the Hanukkah holiday. Despite their poverty, they invite a stray cat and dog into their household for shelter and care from the cruel winter storm, and are blessed with a miracle of sorts on the eighth day of Hanukkah. With beautifully illustrated chalk drawings, the book also includes an explanation of the holiday, directions for playing dreidel and a wonderful recipe for latkes.<br />
Reading level: Ages 4-8<br />
Paperback: 32 pages <br />
Publisher: Scholastic Paperbacks (October 1, 1992) <br />
Best price available is at <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/0590422650/ref=sr_1_1_np_1_main_olp?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1291251192&sr=1-1&condition=new">Amazon Marketplace</a><br />
ketplace for a new paperback is $1.75<br />
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<div style="text-align: right;"><u style="color: red;"><b>The Chanukah Guest</b></u> by Eric A. Kimmel and Giora Carmi </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCu5JqwCHz2gGtw4K5fQcqxouxLa_lefKjelTXlfW2n1SR1rQdrnd8b77aGeMqaS8sib4qZCpOt71tiR_xAeCgYG4KlX0-AsHYCqqJq4P59fagQS13vH8p5rawLs08KRiTHYwle8HIa3yc/s1600/Chanukah+Guest.gif" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCu5JqwCHz2gGtw4K5fQcqxouxLa_lefKjelTXlfW2n1SR1rQdrnd8b77aGeMqaS8sib4qZCpOt71tiR_xAeCgYG4KlX0-AsHYCqqJq4P59fagQS13vH8p5rawLs08KRiTHYwle8HIa3yc/s320/Chanukah+Guest.gif" width="240" /></a></div>A totally silly story about 97-year old “Bubba” (Grandmother) Brayna, who each year during Hanukkah, makes the best latkes in the village, but this year, because she is very hard of hearing and almost blind, mistakes a hungry bear for her invited guest (the Rabbi), and feeds him all her latkes.<br />
Reading level: Ages 4-8<br />
Paperback: 32 pages <br />
Publisher: Holiday House (September 1992) <br />
Best price for "Collectible" paperback in "very good" condition is at <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/0590451375/sr=/qid=/ref=olp_pg_collectible?ie=UTF8&coliid=&startIndex=0&me=&qid=&sr=&seller=&colid=&condition=collectible">Amazon Marketplace</a> for $1.97.<br />
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<u style="color: red;"><b>Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins</b></u> by Eric A. Kimmel and Trina Schart Hyman<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie-cMSMarFMmXhniz6bB3z4lcdROE66USYOozqt0LIdhk5TqqTNiXC007EXLDPPFSUy439QCuk_pDY7qcAhId3shJ9CUVONeWmCbss0Ezif5m6XLSfXAwDEs3WAS4d_9XdoLcwamC8HdqX/s1600/Hershel+and+the+Hannukah.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie-cMSMarFMmXhniz6bB3z4lcdROE66USYOozqt0LIdhk5TqqTNiXC007EXLDPPFSUy439QCuk_pDY7qcAhId3shJ9CUVONeWmCbss0Ezif5m6XLSfXAwDEs3WAS4d_9XdoLcwamC8HdqX/s320/Hershel+and+the+Hannukah.jpg" width="253" /></a></div>Worse than the “Grinch,” a number of holiday-hating hobgoblins (each a nasty prankster) set out to ruin Hanukkah for an entire village, but “Hershel of Ostropol” outwits them all. Trina Schart’s Caldecott Award-winning illustrations are the perfect match to Kimmel’s cleverly told story. <br />
Reading level: Ages 4-8<br />
Paperback: 30 pages <br />
Publisher: Holiday House (September 1994) <br />
Best price available for paperback "new" condition is at <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/0823411311/ref=sr_1_1_np_1_main_olp?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1323713941&sr=1-1&condition=new"><u>Amazon Marketplace</u></a> for $3.44 <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Now, for top recommended DVDs -</b></i></span></span> <br />
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</b></u></div><div style="color: red; text-align: center;"><u><b>Lights: The Miracle Of Chanukah </b></u></div><div style="color: red; text-align: center;"><u><b><br />
</b></u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh6fiaU1VXQfkAgXeQxzUD_evZMuqT1DZgaR3-8H4AfO9tmwGnLUeIe_Z37vSJ7pnGiO44mq7mrv91SlJOlsUcvlTMhDMoUCQEB-2P51cRL0ghgpacJhSCPoztzjeELlnc0buwxWcHsCXn/s1600/Lights+the+miracle+of+hanukah.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh6fiaU1VXQfkAgXeQxzUD_evZMuqT1DZgaR3-8H4AfO9tmwGnLUeIe_Z37vSJ7pnGiO44mq7mrv91SlJOlsUcvlTMhDMoUCQEB-2P51cRL0ghgpacJhSCPoztzjeELlnc0buwxWcHsCXn/s320/Lights+the+miracle+of+hanukah.jpg" width="227" /></a></div> <br />
This 24-minute animated short explains the history behind the celebration of Chanukah, which also includes a special section about the Hebrew alphabet. A wonderful introduction of the holiday for children and features the voice over talents of Paul Michael Glaser, Judd Hirsch and Leonard Nimoy.<br />
Presented in color, Dolby sound and full screen DVD format.<br />
Best price at <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B000BGH2M2/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&condition=new">Amazon Marketplace</a> $10.50.<br />
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<div style="color: red;"><u><b>Lambchop's Chanukah and Passover Surprise </b></u></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlvQvewrGrvhZDo_FvMR-uXVqrsT9fZtVgizUXoJwjf8BCOZDsHcIZYvHkd7a2FNOOwlRWffZ71MO8BNfe8QLuDbiefB9PTE2niU39AbT7fd2qav1hNmtq67zL5cwtaF86nn0v7SpK3bBB/s1600/LamchopHannukah.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlvQvewrGrvhZDo_FvMR-uXVqrsT9fZtVgizUXoJwjf8BCOZDsHcIZYvHkd7a2FNOOwlRWffZ71MO8BNfe8QLuDbiefB9PTE2niU39AbT7fd2qav1hNmtq67zL5cwtaF86nn0v7SpK3bBB/s320/LamchopHannukah.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />
"Lamb Chop," "Charlie Horse," "Hush Puppy" and of course the beloved and late Shari Lewis tell you everything you need to know about the two Jewish holidays of Chanukah and Passover. This charming, G-Rated, 128 minute DVD also features guest appearances by Dom DeLuise, Robert Guillaume and Alan Thicke. <br />
Best price from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B00006JDRE/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&condition=new">Amazon Marketplace</a> for $11.79.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Here are the perfect music choices to ring in the holiday and for all year listening -</b></i></span><br />
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<div style="color: red;"><u><b>Chanukah Fever</b></u></div><div style="color: red;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3rZ76gIV8uxrH5ZUPlm8RjXWA78oL3yuDWHqf55nEX1B4FyHZLRwb8FnwQR3R9oAGynvxzrOAShPnBzh2WwwWk-EuHUXflEKsWR5zMkOfMswakPmoxu4D0xp0FpcBgg7xUYQjYGvaYudX/s1600/ChanukahFever.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3rZ76gIV8uxrH5ZUPlm8RjXWA78oL3yuDWHqf55nEX1B4FyHZLRwb8FnwQR3R9oAGynvxzrOAShPnBzh2WwwWk-EuHUXflEKsWR5zMkOfMswakPmoxu4D0xp0FpcBgg7xUYQjYGvaYudX/s320/ChanukahFever.jpg" width="319" /></a></div><br />
"Mama Doni,” also known in real life as Doni Zasloff Thomas, an attractive and energetic 21st century, New Jersey-based Jewish mother and preschool-teacher-turned-entertainer, captivates kids and families with her fun-loving renditions of Chanukah songs.<br />
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Winners of the Simcha Award at the 2008 International Jewish Music Festival, Amsterdam, Mama Doni Band serves up a wide range of musical styles from reggae to rock with blends of Klezmer and even disco along with a few other genres mixed in.<br />
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Clever lyrics abound along with a bit of wacky shtick to celebrate not only the holiday but a beloved heritage.<br />
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You can preview all 14 tracks of Chanukah Fever at <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Chanukah-Fever-Mama-Doni/dp/B002WV2THC/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1323716203&sr=1-1-catcorr">Amazon.com</a> where the CD format is available for $13.84, or the option for an MP3 album download for $8.99 or .99 cents per track. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B002WV2THC/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&qid=1323716203&sr=1-1-catcorr&condition=new">Amazon Marketplace</a> also has "new" condition CD's starting at $9.77.<br />
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You don’t have to be Jewish to enjoy the following: A video of "Chanukah Fever" by The Mama Doni Band. Enjoy!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Mf9mnp08NO4" width="420"></iframe><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Another hit from Mama Doni - <u style="color: red;"><b>Shabbat Shaboom!</b></u></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoc1bBsECBDreQrAIGySPh1mFv1e7JVRtV8gy7RFFysY21TJlnXK3jbZr-_oaA35lq_1b6eCYadnAQCc_wy5pxRAZyTi7y_KkaErReg5zsBX7au7mmLn0qSPrGkbYAvT-GUqf2VXZrz3k2/s1600/Shabbat+Shaboom+CD+Cover+_+72dpi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoc1bBsECBDreQrAIGySPh1mFv1e7JVRtV8gy7RFFysY21TJlnXK3jbZr-_oaA35lq_1b6eCYadnAQCc_wy5pxRAZyTi7y_KkaErReg5zsBX7au7mmLn0qSPrGkbYAvT-GUqf2VXZrz3k2/s1600/Shabbat+Shaboom+CD+Cover+_+72dpi.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">Earlier this year the inimitable Mama Doni brought her special brand of “funky music with a Jewish twist” to a new “Challah-Day” album, perfect for year round listening, <i>Shabbat Shaboom</i>. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The original songs and stories<b> </b>on<b> </b><i>Shabbat Shaboom</i> transport listeners to a place where the album’s warmly sincere pop-rock title track happily melds with a Gloria Estefan-meets-Fiddler on the Roof conga line tune, "Challah-Day,” where the reggae-influenced “Mazel Tov” meets a disco ditty, “Sabbath Queen.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Shabbat Shaboom</i> touches on such aspects as lighting candles, being with family (mishpocha), celebrating bat mitzvahs, and even the “workout” that Mama Doni mischievously terms "synagoguersizing." </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Shabbat Shaboom</i> marks the first Mama Doni CD to showcase the entire Mama Doni Band. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdZiTGDrGxEhcBXj0ujut8-vSBdtBvg1_CYaevi1lDyvly2tlwfe9CogQYYTxQuwAU50XgJyCo6f0fKxLuvz9pMDAU2FER9cQpppDO-s__1c6wz1JufUTb5rYPivWnL9p2yxO1J0W9-cRh/s1600/SHABBAT+SHABOOM+photo+credit+Ron+Holtz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdZiTGDrGxEhcBXj0ujut8-vSBdtBvg1_CYaevi1lDyvly2tlwfe9CogQYYTxQuwAU50XgJyCo6f0fKxLuvz9pMDAU2FER9cQpppDO-s__1c6wz1JufUTb5rYPivWnL9p2yxO1J0W9-cRh/s1600/SHABBAT+SHABOOM+photo+credit+Ron+Holtz.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>The Mama Doni Band photo by Ron Holtz</b></td></tr>
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">Sound samples for all 21 tracks of Shabbat Shaboom are available through <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Shabbat-Shaboom-Challah-Celebration-Family/dp/B005012UWK/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1323717961&sr=1-1"><u>Amazon.com</u></a>, where the entire <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Shabbat-Shaboom-Challah-Celebration-Family/dp/B005FWB70U/ref=tmm_msc_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1323717961&sr=1-1"><u>MP3 album</u></a> is priced at $8.99 or $0.99 per down-loadable track. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Best pricing for the CD version is through <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B005012UWK/ref=tmm_acd_new_olp_sr?ie=UTF8&qid=1323717961&sr=1-1&condition=new"><u>Amazon Marketplace</u></a> for $2.90.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: red;"><u><b>Celebrate Jewish Lullabies Volume 1</b></u></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW6dWwR6n_7jBNVDnczeH4ZPpaxaBRDkO4CnpMaawHRJj65D5QEj_xIUQ0oFce-y9In7c_B7XTzXbNJbmKD21hDsUE44RX32UV-Kq-Uy04AM_Ae22SwK_9chSLF53troaEL9qltb4Qo-WK/s1600/Celebrate+Jewish+Lullibies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW6dWwR6n_7jBNVDnczeH4ZPpaxaBRDkO4CnpMaawHRJj65D5QEj_xIUQ0oFce-y9In7c_B7XTzXbNJbmKD21hDsUE44RX32UV-Kq-Uy04AM_Ae22SwK_9chSLF53troaEL9qltb4Qo-WK/s1600/Celebrate+Jewish+Lullibies.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">In his fifteenth album release, guitarist/singer <a href="http://www.craignco.com/about/bio.php"><u>Craig Taubman</u></a> has assembled a beautiful lineup of sweet musical treats for children.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Performed by numerous artists that include Craig Taubman, David Paskin, Yael Meyer and others, this excellent collection of tenderly performed songs with lyrics that paint gentle pictures, is sure to help little ones drift peacefully off to dreamland.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">A Fall 2011 Parent’s Choice Award-winning album, <i>Celebrate Jewish Lullabies Volume 1</i> is available to sound sample and in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Celebrate-Jewish-Lullabies-Volume-1/dp/B004RVCCFY/ref=tmm_msc_title_0">MP3 download</a> for $0.99 per track or $8.99 for all 14 tracks from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Celebrate-Lullabies-Taubman-Various-Artists/dp/B004S2S9HW"><u>Amazon.com</u></a>, where you will also find the Audio CD available for $13.07.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Now, for something really different...</b></i></span><br />
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<div style="color: red; text-align: center;"><u><b>Bannanagrams Hebrew</b></u></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAVh1_b2Fs9uVj_zQUtZ9kB5pDTUNkXyiWFzm1pLusebqU2E9TBiW4OLCz8F_U8AkFHlTyduwmDO6L6AAYQ6llccrSkj7ujeS_nkUesY04GFbO8ubqdpn-6pkJA-OfSVUTb1PIH_aMD1nc/s1600/Hebrew+Bananagrams.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAVh1_b2Fs9uVj_zQUtZ9kB5pDTUNkXyiWFzm1pLusebqU2E9TBiW4OLCz8F_U8AkFHlTyduwmDO6L6AAYQ6llccrSkj7ujeS_nkUesY04GFbO8ubqdpn-6pkJA-OfSVUTb1PIH_aMD1nc/s320/Hebrew+Bananagrams.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">One of the most unique and primarily word-of-mouth promoted games, Bananagrams has taken the country by storm, and now it’s gone global with international editions, which now include Hebrew.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">As a word formation game, it is slightly similar to Scrabble but it is fast-paced, portable and almost addictive as you can play in groups or solo. The game has simple rules and is very affordable. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Bannanagrams in Hebrew is available only through the following distributor:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.bananagrams.co.il/en/">http://www.bananagrams.co.il/en/</a> and is priced at approximately $26.41 US dollars, which includes all shipping.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The video below shows some teens having a great time with this unique edition of Bannanagrams.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="243" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/8VldTIY08sQ" width="420"></iframe>Paula Sladehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02923061193682673368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3181852274593682596.post-76334093089073279142011-12-09T14:02:00.000-08:002011-12-12T08:58:54.818-08:002011 Holiday Guide: Children's DVDs<div class="MsoNormal"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv0DKtmwoN6xtpHj9ICTRH47UJMYMcuVswa-TsJxPTZt385ZynCUkiy3ZkbCqLWZbovZJIhEhVooxX9yMzd6te46gu0Fz5T_IVzagXFSG7GB4xvZBt4gc5GrT6_2PCG0g58eHtZlOztCj8/s1600/Mr.++Mrs.+Snowman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv0DKtmwoN6xtpHj9ICTRH47UJMYMcuVswa-TsJxPTZt385ZynCUkiy3ZkbCqLWZbovZJIhEhVooxX9yMzd6te46gu0Fz5T_IVzagXFSG7GB4xvZBt4gc5GrT6_2PCG0g58eHtZlOztCj8/s320/Mr.++Mrs.+Snowman.jpg" width="280" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: red;">'Mr. & Mrs. Snowman' photo by Paula Slade</span></b></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Today we turn our attention back to children’s DVDs, specifically some of the newest releases, which not only entertain, but educate and instill positive values.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The products listed below have been researched for quality as well a value.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Best pricing links have been provided at the time of this publication, but it is suggested that you may want to cross compare with your favorite online or stick and brick retailer.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">As always, you are the best judge of what is appropriate in terms of your child’s entertainment</span>.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">From the <a href="http://www.newkideo.com/scholastic/caldecott-favorites-featuring-the-snowy-day-3-pk-dvd/"><u><b><span style="color: #274e13;">NewKideo</span></b></u></a>, comes a new release, <b><span style="color: red;">SCHOLASTIC STORYBOOK TREASURES CALDECOTT FAVORITES</span></b>.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJpR_I0aWSgCylB23f1dganZ0b6ldnU_G6x6Ig5wYxnRk907uoMluGIDYxV3eVobqyZIYcgyi7pUbKbrALD1K9kCTbpwvJ2r0KHsXYdphcCiA1_knJQCtLavmZuRWwImgBydyx3jQy4xRZ/s1600/ScholasticCaldecottFavoritesDVD3pk-NS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJpR_I0aWSgCylB23f1dganZ0b6ldnU_G6x6Ig5wYxnRk907uoMluGIDYxV3eVobqyZIYcgyi7pUbKbrALD1K9kCTbpwvJ2r0KHsXYdphcCiA1_knJQCtLavmZuRWwImgBydyx3jQy4xRZ/s320/ScholasticCaldecottFavoritesDVD3pk-NS.jpg" width="207" /></a></div><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">This 3-disc </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">DVD</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> set provides over 199 minutes of some of the </span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial;">20<sup>th</sup> Century’s</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">finest children’s picture book classics, beautifully adapted with animation, narration and music, featuring 23 beloved stories.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial;">The Caldecott Medal was named in honor of nineteenth-century English illustrator Randolph Caldecott, and it is awarded annually by the American Library Association to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial;">All of the adaptations in this set were hand-picked to beautifully uphold the integrity and prestige of the storybooks awarded the Caldecott medal.</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">CALDECOTT FAVORITES not only offers a visual feast, but is narrated by such notables as John Lithgow, Laura Dern, Jane Harvey, and many others.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">This collection is h</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial;">ighlighted by Caldecott Award winners Robert McCloskey’s “<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Make-Way-Ducklings-Robert-McCloskey/dp/0670050172/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1323456091&sr=1-3-fkmr0"><u style="color: #274e13;">Make Way for Ducklings</u></a>” (1942) and “<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Snowy-Day-50th-Anniversary/dp/067001270X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1323456179&sr=1-1"><u style="color: #cc0000;">The Snowy Day</u></a>” (1963) by Ezra Jack Keats, and Caldecott Honor stories “<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Small-Pond-Denise-Fleming/dp/B005SMVM70/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1323456242&sr=1-3"><u style="color: #274e13;">In the Small, Small Pond</u></a>” and Jerry Pinkney’s “<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ugly-Duckling-Caldecott-Honor-Book/dp/068815932X/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1323456326&sr=1-1-fkmr0" style="color: #cc0000;"><u>The Ugly Duckling</u></a>” -- which are packaged together for the very first time. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial;">The set also features modern classics such as “<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bear-Snores-Karma-Wilson/dp/0689831870"><u style="color: #274e13;">Bear Snores On</u></a>”, “<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bark-George-Jules-Feiffer/dp/0062051857/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1323456428&sr=1-1"><u style="color: #cc0000;">Bark George</u></a>”, “<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Story-about-Reading-Railroad-Books/dp/0448421658/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1323456495"><u style="color: #274e13;">The Story About Ping</u></a>”, “<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Antarctic-Antics-Book-Penguin-Poems/dp/015204602X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1323456555&sr=1-1"><u style="color: #cc0000;">Antarctic Antics</u></a>” and lots more.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;"><span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">T</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">he stories in this </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">DVD</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"> set support all-important themes that include honesty, humor and respect.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The <b style="color: red;">SCHOLASTIC STORYBOOK TREASURES CALDECOTT FAVORITES</b><span style="color: black;"> features the ever-popular enhanced read along function, bonus stories and Spanish versions of “The Snowy Day”, “Whistle for Wille” and “</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Make Way</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"> for Ducklings,” and carries a suggested retail price of $24.95 with current best price available through <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B005CB6MNQ/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&condition=new"><u><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Amazon Marketplace</span></b></u></a> for $10.79. </span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">From the beloved storybooks, which were translated into the incredibly popular and award-winning HBO series, comes<b> </b></span><b><span lang="EN-CA" style="color: red; font-family: Arial;">BABAR: THE CLASSIC SERIES: BEST FRIENDS FOREVER</span></b><span lang="EN-CA" style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"> and<b> </b></span><b><span lang="EN-CA" style="color: red; font-family: Arial;">BABAR: THE </span></b><b><span lang="EN-CA" style="color: red; font-family: Arial;">CLASSIC</span></b><b><span lang="EN-CA" style="color: red; font-family: Arial;"> </span></b><b><span lang="EN-CA" style="color: red; font-family: Arial;">SERIES</span></b><b><span lang="EN-CA" style="color: red; font-family: Arial;"> </span></b><b><span lang="EN-CA" style="color: red; font-family: Arial;">SCHOOL</span></b><b><span lang="EN-CA" style="color: red; font-family: Arial;"> DAYS</span></b><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Arial;">, now on </span><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Arial;">DVD</span><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Arial;">.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Arial;">Based on the Jean and Laurent de Brunhoff’s 1931 storybook classic, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babar_the_Elephant"><i style="color: #274e13;"><u>Histoire de Babar</u></i></a>, these are fully restored and re-mastered animated television episodes from the 1989-91 series. These DVDs are visually beautiful, and gently impart excellent core family values. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Arial;">The series also teaches the most valuable lesson of all: despite life's challenges, great things are possible if one never gets discouraged.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Arial;">Babar the Elephant King has, for 80 years, captivated millions around the globe in a</span><b><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Georgia;"> </span></b><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Arial;">multitude of best-selling books (over 12 million sold worldwide and more than 1000 titles in print).</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Arial;">BABAR: THE CLASSIC SERIES comes to rich life with these two releases from <a href="http://www.entertainmentonegroup.com/"><u style="color: #274e13;">Entertainment One</u><span style="color: #274e13;">.</span></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-CA" style="color: red; font-family: Arial;">BABAR: THE CLASSIC SERIES: BEST FRIENDS FOREVER</span></b><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Arial;">, <span style="color: black;">features episodes that focus on the bonds Babar shares with his pals and family.</span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM8QxD3oTRhZNcEFknsVbWr2ATAMboTNoKQ5MW5MGjN6XUgPdF2e36cb-zoRF8boGCJWvfp7cJTBUO8QzT1zLhD_x0FF1UwMbxQYgabHFVA1T76cGM0nGE6-aUH0a-UH21_q-8C5-0rsnh/s1600/Babarbestfriendsforever.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM8QxD3oTRhZNcEFknsVbWr2ATAMboTNoKQ5MW5MGjN6XUgPdF2e36cb-zoRF8boGCJWvfp7cJTBUO8QzT1zLhD_x0FF1UwMbxQYgabHFVA1T76cGM0nGE6-aUH0a-UH21_q-8C5-0rsnh/s320/Babarbestfriendsforever.jpg" width="235" /></a></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">In each of the adventures on BEST FRIENDS FOREVER, the Elephant King discovers important lessons on love, friendship, teamwork and understanding. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">The </span><span lang="EN-CA" style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">DVD</span><span lang="EN-CA" style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"> includes four episodes with an approximate total run time of 90 minutes and includes an 8-page coloring book.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-CA" style="color: red; font-family: Arial;">BABAR: THE CLASSIC SERIES: SCHOOL DAYS</span></b><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Arial;"> <span style="color: black;">features four episodes about Babar’s own school day adventures as well as those of his friends and family. In each tale Babar learns important lessons on acceptance, honesty and patience. </span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFRwTtIX1qUHLv3govJQ9HfS7de-IqyFHJ4mfQeavwGbwNXwrrNqU5n7lVWIukl5gzpHuKlZOx6DuX8WaN4gh58lHHxn1pdRikq-dMWNSjdGjExHJxKHCxTEhssgsNenP2T_7PyvO1KOxG/s1600/Babarschooldays.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFRwTtIX1qUHLv3govJQ9HfS7de-IqyFHJ4mfQeavwGbwNXwrrNqU5n7lVWIukl5gzpHuKlZOx6DuX8WaN4gh58lHHxn1pdRikq-dMWNSjdGjExHJxKHCxTEhssgsNenP2T_7PyvO1KOxG/s320/Babarschooldays.jpg" width="234" /></a></div></div><h1><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">The video below is taken from the BABAR CLASSIC SERIES opening theme song, and it is an excellent example of the timeless and endearing quality of these stories.</span></h1><br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/2LUHCa_jnHE" width="420">&lt;p&gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br /&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br /&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;</iframe><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">The suggested retail price for both BEST FRIENDS FOREVER and SCHOOL DAYS is $14.95 each. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="display: none; font-family: Arial;">To learn more about </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">For more information about <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">BABAR THE CLASSIC SERIES: BEST FRIENDS FOREVER</span></b> visit <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Babar-Classic-Best-Friends-Forever/dp/B0057FGCIC/ref=sr_1_cc_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1323462335&sr=1-2-catcorr"><b><u><span style="color: green;">Amazon.com</span></u></b></a>.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Best price for this episode is through <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B0057FGCIC/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&qid=1323462335&sr=1-2-catcorr&condition=new"><b><u><span style="color: green;">Amazon Marketplace</span></u></b></a> where it is available “new” for $4.49.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">You will also learn more about <b style="color: #cc0000;">BABAR THE CLASSIC SERIES: SCHOOL DAYS</b> by visiting this link at <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Babar-Classic-Artist-Not-Provided/dp/B0057FGD3G/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1323462335&sr=1-1-catcorr"><b><u><span style="color: green;">Amazon.com</span></u></b></a>.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Best price for BABAR THE CLASSIC SERIES: SCHOOL DAYS is through <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B0057FGD3G/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&condition=new"><b><u><span style="color: green;">Amazon Marketplace</span></u></b></a> where it is available “new” for $5.00.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b><i style="color: red; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">If you're still searching for that perfect gift idea, be sure to check back as more posts in other categories will be provided until December 21, or visit previously published articles.</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="color: red; display: none;">If you found this article to be helpful, but are still searching for additional options, please see links below to previous Gift Guide suggestions:</span></i></b></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="color: red; display: none;">If you found this article to be helpful, but are still searching for additional options, please see links below to previous Gift Guide suggestions:</span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="color: green; display: none; font-family: Arial;">2011 </span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: green; display: none; font-family: Arial;">Holiday</span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: green; display: none; font-family: Arial;"> Guide: </span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: green; display: none; font-family: Arial;">Holiday</span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: green; display: none; font-family: Arial;"> DVDs for gift giving</span></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="color: green; display: none; font-family: Arial;">2011 </span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: green; display: none; font-family: Arial;">Holiday</span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: green; display: none; font-family: Arial;"> Guide: </span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: green; display: none; font-family: Arial;">Holiday</span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: green; display: none; font-family: Arial;"> Music for gift giving</span></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: green; display: none; font-family: Arial;">2011 </span></b><b><span style="color: green; display: none; font-family: Arial;">Holiday</span></b><b><span style="color: green; display: none; font-family: Arial;"> Guide: Audio Books and celebrations of Christmas</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: green; display: none; font-family: Arial;">2011 </span></b><b><span style="color: green; display: none; font-family: Arial;">Holiday</span></b><b><span style="color: green; display: none; font-family: Arial;"> Guide: Part 1 Gifts of music for year round listening</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: green; display: none; font-family: Arial;">2011 </span></b><b><span style="color: green; display: none; font-family: Arial;">Holiday</span></b><b><span style="color: green; display: none; font-family: Arial;"> Guide: Part 2 Gifts of music for year round listening</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: green; display: none; font-family: Arial;">2011 </span></b><b><span style="color: green; display: none; font-family: Arial;">Holiday</span></b><b><span style="color: green; display: none; font-family: Arial;"> Guide: Best books of the year</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="color: red; display: none;">If you found this article to be helpful, but are still searching for additional options, please see links below to previous Gift Guide suggestions:</span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="color: green; display: none; font-family: Arial;">2011 </span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: green; display: none; font-family: Arial;">Holiday</span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: green; display: none; font-family: Arial;"> Guide: </span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: green; display: none; font-family: Arial;">Holiday</span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: green; display: none; font-family: Arial;"> DVDs for gift giving</span></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="color: green; display: none; font-family: Arial;">2011 </span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: green; display: none; font-family: Arial;">Holiday</span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: green; display: none; font-family: Arial;"> Guide: </span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: green; display: none; font-family: Arial;">Holiday</span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: green; display: none; font-family: Arial;"> Music for gift giving</span></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: green; display: none; font-family: Arial;">2011 </span></b><b><span style="color: green; display: none; font-family: Arial;">Holiday</span></b><b><span style="color: green; display: none; font-family: Arial;"> Guide: Audio Books and celebrations of Christmas</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: green; display: none; font-family: Arial;">2011 </span></b><b><span style="color: green; display: none; font-family: Arial;">Holiday</span></b><b><span style="color: green; display: none; font-family: Arial;"> Guide: Part 1 Gifts of music for year round listening</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: green; display: none; font-family: Arial;">2011 </span></b><b><span style="color: green; display: none; font-family: Arial;">Holiday</span></b><b><span style="color: green; display: none; font-family: Arial;"> Guide: Part 2 Gifts of music for year round listening</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: green; display: none; font-family: Arial;">2011 </span></b><b><span style="color: green; display: none; font-family: Arial;">Holiday</span></b><b><span style="color: green; display: none; font-family: Arial;"> Guide: Best books of the year</span></b></div>Paula Sladehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02923061193682673368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3181852274593682596.post-1950009046501255562011-12-09T12:47:00.000-08:002011-12-09T12:47:39.578-08:00The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week's movies with ratings and trailers<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2_ZwvQR3DX-t1D15jWpBncpRDQR7ppyO6BFz2Rx8JdxGbkNjdFikBtQW8bvFm6Ha0fI8-QUM3I4X3ppdpF5KCrk5Kpg7yGiXPB6jaom2UAqyq5IJ7c0sHjmcJxqxT2u7bBgPXjNWgM63M/s1600/popcorn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2_ZwvQR3DX-t1D15jWpBncpRDQR7ppyO6BFz2Rx8JdxGbkNjdFikBtQW8bvFm6Ha0fI8-QUM3I4X3ppdpF5KCrk5Kpg7yGiXPB6jaom2UAqyq5IJ7c0sHjmcJxqxT2u7bBgPXjNWgM63M/s1600/popcorn.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">‘Popcorn’ photo by <a href="http://www.publicdomainpictures.net/view-image.php?image=750">Petr Kratochvil</a></span></i></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">It’s time to make weekend family entertainment plans and see if this week’s current crop of films will be part of your schedule. The following report covers motion picture theatrical releases opening nationwide beginning </span><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">Friday, Dec. 9, 2011</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;">. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Arial;">The movies listed below have a rating, which has been established by the <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_2054916912"><u style="color: blue;">Motion Picture Association of </u></a></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_2054916912"><u style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">America</span></u><u style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> (</span></u><u style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">MPAA</span></u></a><span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://www.mpaa.org/"><span style="color: blue;">)</span></a> and have been provided with an italicized commentary from the <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_2054916916"><u style="color: blue;">Classification and Ratings Administration (</u></a></span><a href="http://www.filmratings.com/filmRatings_Cara/"><u style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">CARA</span></u><u style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">)</span></u></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">If a film has not been provided with an official rating, additional information may, or may not be provided.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">If a film is designated NC-17, very limited information may be furnished.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">For your convenience, each film title links directly to the <a href="http://www.imdb.com/"><u style="color: blue;">Internet Movie Data Base</u></a>, which provides the most comprehensive listing about the movie’s storyline, and includes a trailer, cast and crew information, initial audience reaction (if prior screenings have taken place) and parent advisories when available.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">As always, you are the single best judge for determining your child’s choice of entertainment.</span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">FILMS OPENING THIS WEEK</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Opened </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">December 9, 2011</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> <i><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1691920/"><b style="color: blue;"><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">I Melt with You</span></u></b></a> </i>– Drama- R-<i> </i>because of <i>“pervasive drug use and language, some violence and sexual content.” </i>NOTE: Video on demand.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Opened </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">December 9, 2011</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> <i><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1606259/"><b style="color: blue;"><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">Knuckle</span></u></b></a> </i>– Documentary, Biography, Drama- R-<i> </i>because of <i>“violent content and language.” </i>NOTE: In limited release.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i><u><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br />
</span></span></u></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Opened </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">December 9, 2011</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> <i><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1598822/"><b style="color: blue;"><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">New Year's Eve</span></u></b></a> </i>– Comedy, Romance- PG-13<span style="color: blue;">-</span><i> </i>because of <i>“language including some sexual references.”</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i><u><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br />
</span></span></u></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Opened </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">December 9, 2011</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> <i><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1366344/"><b style="color: blue;"><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Sitter</span></u></b></a> </i>– Comedy - R-<i> </i>because of <i>“crude and sexual content, pervasive language, drug material and some violence.” </i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Opened </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">December 9, 2011</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1340800/"><i style="color: blue;"><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy</span></u></b></i></a>– Thriller- R-<i> </i>because of <i>“violence, some sexuality/nudity and language.” </i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Opened </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">December 9, 2011</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1536048/"><i style="color: blue;"><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">W.E.</span></u></b></i></a>– Drama, Romance-R- because of <i>“some domestic violence, nudity, and language.” </i>NOTE: </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">New York City</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> and </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Los Angeles</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> only.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Opened </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">December 9, 2011</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1242460/"><i style="color: blue;"><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">We Need to Talk About Kevin</span></u></b></i></a>– Drama, Thriller-R- because of <i>“disturbing violence and behavior, some sexuality and language.” </i>NOTE: </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">New York City</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> and </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Los Angeles</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> only.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Opened </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">December 9, 2011</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> <i><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1625346/"><b style="color: blue;"><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">Young Adult</span></u></b></a> </i>– Comedy, Drama- R- because of <i>“language and some sexual content.” </i>NOTE: In limited release- then opens wide on </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">December 16, 2011</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Arial;">For information on films that opened </span><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">December 2, 2011</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> which included: <i><span style="font-family: Arial;">Answers to<b> </b>Nothing</span></i><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;">; </span></i><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">Coriolanus</span></i><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;">; </span></i><i>Kinyarwanda</i>; <i><span style="font-family: Arial;">Outrage</span></i><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;">; </span></i><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">Pastorela</span></i><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;">;….</span></i><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">Shame</span></i><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;">, and </span></i><i>Sleeping Beauty, </i>please click on the link below. </span><br />
<a href="http://nationalchildrensentertainment.blogspot.com/2011/12/popcorn-report-guide-to-this-weeks.html"><span class="graybigtxt"><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies</span></u></b></span></a><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">For information on films that opened <b>November 18, 2011</b> through <b>November 25, 2011</b> (Thanksgiving Week Report) which included: <i>Another Happy Day</i>; <i>The Artist</i>; <i>Arthur Christmas</i>; <i>A Dangerous Method</i>; <i>The Descendants</i>; <i>Happy Two Feet</i>; <i>Hugo</i>; <i>The Lie</i>; <i>The Muppets</i>; <i>My Week with Marilyn</i>; <i>Tomboy</i>; <i>The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1</i> and <i>Tyrannosaur<i><span style="font-family: Arial;">,</span></i></i> please click on the link below. </span></div><a href="http://nationalchildrensentertainment.blogspot.com/2011/11/popcorn-report-guide-to-thanksgiving.html"><span class="graybigtxt"><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies</span></u></b></span></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><b><i><u><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br />
</span></span></u></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">For information on films that opened <b>November 11, 2011</b>, which included: <i><span style="font-family: Arial;">11-11-11; The Greening of Whitney Brown; Immortals; Into the Abyss - A Tale of Death, a Tale of Life; J. Edgar; Jack and Jill; London Boulevard; Melancholia </span></i><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;">and </span></i><i><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></i><i>Tropa de Elite 2 – O Inimigo Agora E (Elite Squad: The Enemy Within)<i><span style="font-family: Arial;">,</span></i></i> please click on the link below. </span></div><a href="http://nationalchildrensentertainment.blogspot.com/2011/11/popcorn-report-guide-to-this-weeks_11.html"><span class="graybigtxt"><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies</span></u></b></span></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><b><i><u><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br />
</span></span></u></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">For information on films that opened </span><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">November 4, 2011</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;">, which included: <i><span style="font-family: Arial;">A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas</span></i><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;">; </span></i><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">Killing Bono</span></i><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;">; </span></i><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Son of No One</span></i><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;"> and </span></i><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">Tower Heist,</span></i> please click on the link below. </span></div><a href="http://nationalchildrensentertainment.blogspot.com/2011/11/popcorn-report-guide-to-this-weeks.html"><span class="graybigtxt"><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies</span></u></b></span></a><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">For information on films that opened <b>September 23 to </b></span><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">October 28, 2011</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;">, please click on the link below. </span></div><a href="http://nationalchildrensentertainment.blogspot.com/2011/10/popcorn-report-guide-to-this-weeks_28.html"><span class="graybigtxt"><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies</span></u></b></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">For information on films that opened </span><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">August 19, 2011</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> to </span><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">September 16, 2011</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;">, please click on the link below. </span><br />
<a href="http://nationalchildrensentertainment.blogspot.com/2011/09/popcorn-report-guide-to-this-weeks_16.html"><span class="graybigtxt"><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies</span></u></b></span></a><i><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></i><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">For information on films that opened </span><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">June 24, 2011</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> to<b> </b></span><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">August 12, 2011</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;">. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://nationalchildrensentertainment.blogspot.com/2011/08/popcorn-report-guide-to-this-weeks_12.html"><span class="graybigtxt"><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies</span></u></b></span></a><b><i><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">For information on films that opened <b>May 20</b> to </span><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">June 17, 2011</span></b><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">, </span></i><span style="font-family: Arial;">please click on the link below. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://nationalchildrensentertainment.blogspot.com/2011/06/popcorn-report-guide-to-this-weeks_17.html"><span class="graybigtxt"><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies</span></u></b></span></a><b><i><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">For information on films that opened <b>April 1</b> to </span><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">May 13, 2011</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;">, please click on the link below. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://nationalchildrensentertainment.blogspot.com/2011/05/popcorn-report-guide-to-this-weeks.html"><span class="graybigtxt"><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies</span></u></b></span></a><b><i><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">For information on films that opened the weeks of Friday, <b>February 4</b> to <b>Friday March 25, 2011</b> please click on the link below, where you will also find previous listings and links for prior weeks in January, as well as films that opened in 2010:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://nationalchildrensentertainment.blogspot.com/2011/03/popcorn-report-guide-to-this-weeks_25.html"><span class="graybigtxt"><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies</span></u></b></span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">G</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> GENERAL AUDIENCES (All Ages Admitted) <b><span style="font-family: Arial;">PG</span></b> PARENTAL GUIDANCE SUGGESTED (Some Material May Not Be Suitable for Children) <b><span style="font-family: Arial;">PG-13</span></b> PARENTS STRONGLY CAUTIONED (Some Material May Be Inappropriate for Children Under 13) <b><span style="font-family: Arial;">R</span></b> RESTRICTED (Under 17 Requires Accompanying Parent or Adult Guardian) <b><span style="font-family: Arial;">NC-17 NO </span></b></span><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">ONE</span></b><b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> 17 </span></b><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">AND</span></b><b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> UNDER ADMITTED </span></b><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal;">– As determined by the Rating Board/Motion Picture Association of America.</span></b>Paula Sladehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02923061193682673368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3181852274593682596.post-44919640228721498712011-12-07T15:23:00.000-08:002011-12-07T15:23:07.896-08:002011 Holiday Guide: Best books of the year<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy-A-LBdMuT0AlUQ9fULMmvLCTphIkqW0rj7Qf67GwJLo-kFIGAplTQ0UyXsizP32Zzmt0HtTALslbW6COBeZAmKDD-IP0reH7XJcd800BERaSR13LId6pgZm8zC6zLukEtSbc2LLUoW6q/s1600/SmilingSnowman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy-A-LBdMuT0AlUQ9fULMmvLCTphIkqW0rj7Qf67GwJLo-kFIGAplTQ0UyXsizP32Zzmt0HtTALslbW6COBeZAmKDD-IP0reH7XJcd800BERaSR13LId6pgZm8zC6zLukEtSbc2LLUoW6q/s320/SmilingSnowman.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>'Smiling Snowman' photo by Paula Slade</b></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;">This is the sixth installment of this series that provides numerous entertainment options for holiday gift giving for children and teens, and today we turn our attention to the best books released this year. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;">The products, which appear, below have been researched for quality as well as value, and are geared to provide hours of positive and fun-filled entertainment.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;">Best pricing options, at the time of this posting are provided below, but it is suggested that you cross-compare, when available, book prices and editions with your favorite online as well as stick and brick retailers, as pricing may fluctuate on a daily basis.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;">If you happened to have missed earlier posts, links are provided at the end of this article. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;">Also, you may wish to bookmark this page, as the links include reviews and videos, (when available) that enable further in-depth exploration at your leisure.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;">As always, you are the best judge of what is appropriate for your child’s entertainment.</div> <b><i><u>Moon over Manifest</u></i></b> is written by Clare Vanderpool, published by Delacorte Press, an imprint of Random House Children's Books, a division of Random House, Inc.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpvK2mmGeybwzkKCYse-aZGeD-PPQD1alzMUWcnPj1JbXl4KdgNMt2kS7tPQ60JWbe9h1dR3jrNZwqh5YvWbSvfYwdrZ-wtE8rlhI09c3JipfDk2OuC3yFJRacatQ_0spLCOIcMFbcQOnp/s1600/MoonoverManifest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpvK2mmGeybwzkKCYse-aZGeD-PPQD1alzMUWcnPj1JbXl4KdgNMt2kS7tPQ60JWbe9h1dR3jrNZwqh5YvWbSvfYwdrZ-wtE8rlhI09c3JipfDk2OuC3yFJRacatQ_0spLCOIcMFbcQOnp/s320/MoonoverManifest.jpg" width="211" /></a></div><br />
Designated this year’s winner of the John Newbery Medal, for the <i>“most outstanding contribution to children's literature,”</i> <i>Moon over Manifest</i> is a brilliant debut novel for author Vanderpool.<br />
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The story, a beautifully woven mixture of history and fiction is told in first person by “Abilene”, a 12-year old girl in search of her father’s family history, in a town that holds many secrets and tantalizing characters.<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;">Below for your enjoyment, is the official book trailer for <i>Moon over Manifest</i>.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: red; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/JmlfFvpUM5c" width="420"></iframe></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;">Best pricing for the hardcover edition in “new” condition is through <b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/0385738838/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&condition=new"><u>Amazon Marketplace</u></a></b> for $9.25. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;">Best pricing for paperback edition is direct from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Moon-Over-Manifest-Clare-Vanderpool/dp/0375858296/ref=tmm_pap_title_0"><b><u>Amazon.com</u></b></a> for $7.99.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><br />
</div><i><b><u>A Sick Day for Amos McGee</u></b></i>, illustrated by Erin E. Stead, written by Philip C. Stead, this is a Neal Porter Book, published by Roaring Brook Press, a division of Holtzbrinck Publishing, and it is the 2011 winner of the Randolph Caldecott Medal for the <i>“most distinguished American picture book for children.” </i><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibTzxs23SxzN_b54wgnk6Af_devq3uOEEAzNaRptKg8Xn5NcLEY6m9DXRvXS0IRpJ3z6tRTL6EtbIDBWC7tS3PJ-_vU-X_R6b435DXIYSuWVyQDsJSNB-CNYZwck8jvRQbXOP5NZe6bQwd/s1600/ASickDayforAmosMcGee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibTzxs23SxzN_b54wgnk6Af_devq3uOEEAzNaRptKg8Xn5NcLEY6m9DXRvXS0IRpJ3z6tRTL6EtbIDBWC7tS3PJ-_vU-X_R6b435DXIYSuWVyQDsJSNB-CNYZwck8jvRQbXOP5NZe6bQwd/s1600/ASickDayforAmosMcGee.jpg" /></a></div><br />
A charming tale that highlights the important bonds of friendship, <i><b>A Sick Day for Amos McGee</b></i><b> </b>, follows zookeeper Amos McGee’s caring animal friends as they treat him with a special visit of get-well greetings.<br />
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The woodblock print illustrations are very satisfying visuals that fully enhance this gentle story.<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal">Connect to the video below, with children's book illustrator Erin E. Stead as she talks about the woodblock printing process she used to create the picture book illustrations for <i>A Sick Day for Amos McGee.</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="243" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/3TuHyU-onkc" width="420"></iframe></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">More detailed customer reviews for <i>A Sick Day for Amos McGee</i> are available through <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sick-Day-Amos-McGee/dp/1596434023/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1323279808&sr=1-1"><b><u>Amazon.com</u></b></a>.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Best price for this hardbound edition in “new” condition is through <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/1596434023/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&qid=1323279808&sr=1-1&condition=new"><b><u>Amazon Marketplace</u></b></a> for $9.73.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><b><i><u>Ship Breaker</u></i></b><u> </u>is written by Paolo Bacigalupi, published by Little, Brown and Company, a division of Hachette Book Group<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLhg82w8XD4ym5VwOUyUu0Mgn-8A9H__lrBWgB94KrEomo6Gwc9QbZNJdwdHMD8ja0-hPLczCOlqW7wqNcJgqaaxXU8gaYBzbfdpd4_OAIg8ifZhlIKOHQf7VmfPUqo5DeI9NzMmgtPNd2/s1600/ShipBreaker.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLhg82w8XD4ym5VwOUyUu0Mgn-8A9H__lrBWgB94KrEomo6Gwc9QbZNJdwdHMD8ja0-hPLczCOlqW7wqNcJgqaaxXU8gaYBzbfdpd4_OAIg8ifZhlIKOHQf7VmfPUqo5DeI9NzMmgtPNd2/s320/ShipBreaker.JPG" width="210" /></a></div><br />
<i>Ship Breaker</i> was honored with the 2011 Michael L. Printz Award for <i>“excellence in literature written for young adults.”</i><br />
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A dark and dystopian, post apocalyptic future serves as the setting for this YA/adult crossover gripping tale about a teenage boy, “Nailer” and his day-to-day existence, which teeters on the edge of survival.<br />
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A fast-paced read, some parents may find <i>Ship Breaker’s</i> theme and conflicts more appropriate for older readers.<br />
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In the video below, author Paolo Bacigalupi provides additional insights into his book <i>Ship Breaker</i>.<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/fIzEGbDHAhs" width="420"></iframe></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;">Read more reviews through <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ship-Breaker-Paolo-Bacigalupi/dp/0316056219"><b><u>Amazon.com</u></b></a>. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;">Best price “new” condition paperback is through <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/0316056197/ref=tmm_pap_new_olp_0?ie=UTF8&condition=new"><b><u>Amazon Marketplace</u></b></a> for $5.22. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;">Hardcover edition, best price “new” condition is also found through <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/0316056219/ref=tmm_hrd_new_olp_sr?ie=UTF8&condition=new"><b><u>Amazon Marketplace</u></b></a> for $5.93.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><b><i><u>Dave the Potter: Artist, Poet, Slave</u></i></b> illustrated by Bryan Collier, written by Laban Carrick Hill (Little, Brown and Company, a division of Hachette Book Group, Inc.)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhykxDxLT4oRZ0iwJ4EfOPHPpQB7c9m21yt7JOqzMDX0tPW2NJtfdSTcqdbEGHc789ZO1Ot_nxmMf36PGatROOO1KJ7TKofy0eWvrAtFrj9kfxQcsvx8nAo12lZd5B_i_E3OD5cx5POBwLJ/s1600/DavethePotterArtistPoetSlave.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhykxDxLT4oRZ0iwJ4EfOPHPpQB7c9m21yt7JOqzMDX0tPW2NJtfdSTcqdbEGHc789ZO1Ot_nxmMf36PGatROOO1KJ7TKofy0eWvrAtFrj9kfxQcsvx8nAo12lZd5B_i_E3OD5cx5POBwLJ/s1600/DavethePotterArtistPoetSlave.JPG" /></a></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;">This uplifting and inspirational Coretta Scott King (Illustrator) Book Award-winner is a beautiful marriage of watercolor, collage, warm earth tones and poetry, in a tale, based on historical fact of a literate slave in 19<sup>th</sup> century South Carolina, whose exquisite pottery is still prized today.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;">To find out more about <i>Dave the Potter: Artist, Poet, Slave</i>, visit <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dave-Potter-Artist-Poet-Slave/dp/031610731X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1323282200&sr=1-1"><b><u>Amazon.com</u></b></a>.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;">Best pricing is available through the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/031610731X/ref=tmm_hrd_new_olp_sr?ie=UTF8&qid=1323282200&sr=1-1&condition=new"><b><u>Amazon Marketplace</u></b></a> at $9.65 for the hardcover “new” condition edition.<br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><b><i><u>One Crazy Summer</u></i> </b>written by Rita Williams-Garcia, (Amistad - an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers) is the recipient of this year’s Coretta Scott King (Author) Book Award, which recognizes <i>“an African American author of outstanding books for children and young adults.”</i> <i> </i><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKVVJtLH_D-PgvcnToeuev8xOP-PYxgWdFz3ND-QFSBwOCs0zCIgwU_k4e40EjR90KmDSBaBY3OBD3JVk6wHUVZwj4PxohBLG1c8yVubKC0ZrEfS5foaWnVdwY0xo9aOGnc77JlCMGzXvL/s1600/OneCrazySummer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKVVJtLH_D-PgvcnToeuev8xOP-PYxgWdFz3ND-QFSBwOCs0zCIgwU_k4e40EjR90KmDSBaBY3OBD3JVk6wHUVZwj4PxohBLG1c8yVubKC0ZrEfS5foaWnVdwY0xo9aOGnc77JlCMGzXvL/s320/OneCrazySummer.jpg" width="211" /></a></div><br />
<i>One Crazy Summer </i>also received the Scott O’Dell Award for Historical Fiction in addition to other honors.</div><div class="MsoNormal">In 1968, 11-year-old “Delphine” and her two younger sisters “Vonetta” and “Fern” travel to California and encounter relationship challenges with their mother who had abandoned them at early age.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">A sometimes humorous, but definitely compelling drama, <i>One Crazy Summer</i> takes a hard look at family relationships, friendships and the social issues of that time.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">In the video below, author Rita Williams-Garcia discusses her book <i>One Crazy Summer </i>at the Vermont College of Fine Arts.<br />
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</div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="243" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/t5V4GcqniHk" width="420">&lt;p&gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/frame&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br /&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br /&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br /&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br /&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br /&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;</iframe><br />
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</style> <![endif]--> <div class="MsoNormal">More reviews on <i>One Crazy Summer</i> are available through <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Crazy-Summer-Historical-Fiction-Awards/dp/0060760885/ref=tmm_hrd_title_popover?ie=UTF8&qid=1323282853&sr=1-"><b><u>Amazon.com</u></b></a>.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Best price for the hardcover edition in “new” condition is through <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/0060760885/ref=tmm_hrd_new_olp_sr?ie=UTF8&qid=1323282853&sr=1-1&condition=new"><b><u>Amazon Marketplace</u></b></a> for $9.05</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>One Crazy Summer</i> is set for paperback release on December 27, 2011 and may be ordered in advance through <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0060760907/sr=1-1/qid=1323282853/ref=olp_product_details?ie=UTF8&me=&qid=1323282853&sr=1-1&seller="><b><u>Amazon.com</u></b></a> where the price is listed at $6.99. (Release-day delivery option may be available at checkout for most continental U.S. addresses.)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><em><b><u>A Time of Miracles</u></b></em><strong> </strong><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;">is</span> </strong>written by Anne-Laure Bondoux and translated by Y. Maudet. Publisher is Delacorte Press, an imprint of Random House Children’s Books, a division of Random House, Inc.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEityhvlCykNFjXoXGE54xNvPe709XBQazhV9RZ_zfym3oAKCcQ31CoQibW6j1a7dYslWv8GdW7RasWjM5b-EgrlrKH5HUFqQMXr8aoZvpSGSP6psgvMB-IIeEs6t44dWnbAjZDs6r13sA6q/s1600/ATimeforMiracles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEityhvlCykNFjXoXGE54xNvPe709XBQazhV9RZ_zfym3oAKCcQ31CoQibW6j1a7dYslWv8GdW7RasWjM5b-EgrlrKH5HUFqQMXr8aoZvpSGSP6psgvMB-IIeEs6t44dWnbAjZDs6r13sA6q/s320/ATimeforMiracles.jpg" width="211" /></a></div><br />
<i>A Time for Miracles</i> is the 2011 winner of the Mildred L. Batchelder Award for <i>“an outstanding children's book translated from a foreign language and subsequently published in the </i><i>United States</i><i>.” </i><br />
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Originally published in French in 2009 as “Le Temps des Miracles,” <i>A Time of Miracles</i>, is the story of a young refugee in search of his identity.<br />
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Exquisite prose and richly crafted in details, this journey of self-discovery spreads from the war torn Caucasus to France, and carries messages of hope and love from characters that live long in the mind after the book is closed.<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal">Additional reviews for <i>A Time of Miracles</i> are available at <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Time-Miracles-Anne-Laure-Bondoux/dp/0385739222/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1323285366&sr=1-1"><b><u>Amazon.com</u></b></a>, and best pricing for this hardbound edition in “new” condition is through <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/0385739222/ref=tmm_hrd_new_olp_sr?ie=UTF8&qid=1323285366&sr=1-1&condition=new"><b>Amazon Marketplace</b></a> at $8.86.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The paperback edition in “new” condition is best priced at $7.99 through <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Time-Miracles-Anne-Laure-Bondoux/dp/0375860363/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1323285366&sr=1-1"><b><u>Amazon.com</u></b></a>.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Times;">If you found this article helpful, or are still searching for more gift ideas, you may want to read previous installments of The Gift Guide by connecting to the links below:</span></i></b><span style="font-family: Times;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://nationalchildrensentertainment.blogspot.com/2011/11/2011-holiday-guide-holiday-dvds-for.html"><b>2011 Holiday Guide: Holiday DVDs for gift-giving</b></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><u><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br />
</span></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://nationalchildrensentertainment.blogspot.com/2011/11/2011-holiday-guide-holiday-music-for.html"><b>2011 Holiday Guide: Holiday Music for gift-giving</b></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://nationalchildrensentertainment.blogspot.com/2011/11/2011-holiday-guide-audio-books-and.html"><b>2011 Holiday Guide: Audio Books and celebrations of Christmas</b></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://nationalchildrensentertainment.blogspot.com/2011/11/2011-holiday-guide-part-1-gifts-of.html"><b>2011 Holiday Guide: Part 1-Gifts of Music for year round listening</b></a></div><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><img src="http://img2.blogblog.com/img/video_object.png" style="background-color: #b2b2b2; " class="BLOGGER-object-element tr_noresize tr_placeholder" id="ieooui" data-original-id="ieooui" /> <style>
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</style> <![endif]--><h3 style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://nationalchildrensentertainment.blogspot.com/2011/11/2011-holiday-guide-part-2-gifts-of.html">2011 Holiday Guide: Part 2 - Gifts of Music for year round listening </a></span></h3>Paula Sladehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02923061193682673368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3181852274593682596.post-87401593765308739762011-12-06T07:23:00.000-08:002011-12-06T07:23:18.607-08:00Free out of this world holiday cards from the Hubble Space Telescope<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikuNySfiRS7ssL0Mrrq0mggb8yA-u5yD6sKkJBWW_mrk2kCvRUplFiMgHeokKKbxGY9jrLIkUqwripi-YjrsrxO5UewonXtS06VNjBPWjPFLHngBVss8aJ5WEvbPh4P9Bp87JPEh6uBIsH/s1600/Hubble+Card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikuNySfiRS7ssL0Mrrq0mggb8yA-u5yD6sKkJBWW_mrk2kCvRUplFiMgHeokKKbxGY9jrLIkUqwripi-YjrsrxO5UewonXtS06VNjBPWjPFLHngBVss8aJ5WEvbPh4P9Bp87JPEh6uBIsH/s320/Hubble+Card.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Free holiday cards on Hubblesite</i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRQElaoOV3zP2KUaqD3uEfUk9hfzaSDlLUZ0sl2xbavI7Vg1HxPEThO1rBHHOoFS0PMvGO4y60wmm2eauEjqiWqa7QbmT88rIv1h8gyx3c0uCHMa82OWFt8ry5VPEe18rSNlNewm3mKx7l/s1600/Hubble+Card+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRQElaoOV3zP2KUaqD3uEfUk9hfzaSDlLUZ0sl2xbavI7Vg1HxPEThO1rBHHOoFS0PMvGO4y60wmm2eauEjqiWqa7QbmT88rIv1h8gyx3c0uCHMa82OWFt8ry5VPEe18rSNlNewm3mKx7l/s1600/Hubble+Card+2.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial;">Your children can say, “Season’s Greetings” this year by printing out their very own free holiday cards while getting a bird’s eye view of the universe, and a fabulous science lesson at the same time - all from the good folks at <span style="color: red;"><a href="http://hubblesite.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">Hubblesite</span></a></span>.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioyQvAaeYIXpcJ7Em7p71JdklVzieny5lREWw2Hi4qqNZulpLtE8SrsSZ0ro-68En7YeF7fewuZ_fl7v5NODYNvJj8r1lYy52vko7hh3ty5ADmB0ItuF7ovBts24raYRpVPwyhvrSrXiQP/s1600/Hubble+Card+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioyQvAaeYIXpcJ7Em7p71JdklVzieny5lREWw2Hi4qqNZulpLtE8SrsSZ0ro-68En7YeF7fewuZ_fl7v5NODYNvJj8r1lYy52vko7hh3ty5ADmB0ItuF7ovBts24raYRpVPwyhvrSrXiQP/s1600/Hubble+Card+3.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial;">Hubblesite is the home for all things about the Hubble Space Telescope, the world’s first space-based optical telescope named by NASA to honor American astronomer, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edwin_Hubble" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">Edwin P. Hubble</span> </a>(1889-1953), the man whose decade-long observations of our ever-expanding universe provided “Hubble’s Law,” the foundation for the “Big Bang” model of creation.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ4rDn66aHZ51LqGHQGhUcOr9XCOvAWS4Y_sMdTyMX_cc7x3Sta1wlhJvAG1-u0k-2V01f9xje2L9qhUouBtIvEhpwT4bjxCCTE5KFRTHheEh7rE7GKCgakzHSitMn8gL10x7jFVi6qlhy/s1600/Hubble+Card+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ4rDn66aHZ51LqGHQGhUcOr9XCOvAWS4Y_sMdTyMX_cc7x3Sta1wlhJvAG1-u0k-2V01f9xje2L9qhUouBtIvEhpwT4bjxCCTE5KFRTHheEh7rE7GKCgakzHSitMn8gL10x7jFVi6qlhy/s1600/Hubble+Card+4.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial;">In addition to the free and unique <a href="http://hubblesite.org/gallery/holiday/" style="color: red;" target="_blank">holiday cards</a>, children can further explore the Hubble web site and download <a href="http://hubblesite.org/gallery/wallpaper/" style="color: red;" target="_blank">magnificent wallpapers</a>; tour the <a href="http://hubblesite.org/gallery/" style="color: red;" target="_blank">Hubble gallery</a> seeing all the planets, stars, nebulae and galaxies that Hubble has captured with its lenses; get their own Hubble photos in three easy steps through the <a href="http://hubblesite.org/gallery/printshop/" style="color: red;" target="_blank">Hubble Print Shop</a>, and even stop by <a href="http://hubblesite.org/gallery/movie_theater/" style="color: red;" target="_blank">Hubble’s Movie Theater</a> where they can view a series of short videos that provide glimpses into Hubble's activities, discoveries and science, plus lots more fun-filled activities to spark the inquisitiveness of any junior astronomer.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigDfjPJLlKGcawID3Lkhjeb1jYCJqWmgoEhnphcVTE9jsaH_fdgi0fHyYGceQM6FJ6fs-wW30t8uUv_z4eOx3ycZ9x3YsD3jlsTe8lZH76IVjPdgfePHAnGMK4Rq01_zhb7sDt6TpCFfuQ/s1600/Hubble+Card+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigDfjPJLlKGcawID3Lkhjeb1jYCJqWmgoEhnphcVTE9jsaH_fdgi0fHyYGceQM6FJ6fs-wW30t8uUv_z4eOx3ycZ9x3YsD3jlsTe8lZH76IVjPdgfePHAnGMK4Rq01_zhb7sDt6TpCFfuQ/s1600/Hubble+Card+5.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial;">Probably one of the best scientific exploration investments ever made, the Hubble was launched from the space shuttle Discovery on </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">April 24, 1990</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> at a cost of $1.5 billion, and was targeted for a 20-year visual discovery mission, orbiting the Earth at a low altitude of 380 statute miles every 97 minutes, and at a speed of 17,500 mph.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQIMy0D2L0YrwJTY_NebzWjBL-eAZSvzrWsEKui2odMCqNV1aUR3ZHMEVcnKs0ZsDrTfLfwGSOvbOt50CVMwUTvhrzJk63JLwO8RGpfbVs6qbULhlXB8vK_V-U-CcWUpEImbWeT7cDWhBI/s1600/Hubble+Card+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQIMy0D2L0YrwJTY_NebzWjBL-eAZSvzrWsEKui2odMCqNV1aUR3ZHMEVcnKs0ZsDrTfLfwGSOvbOt50CVMwUTvhrzJk63JLwO8RGpfbVs6qbULhlXB8vK_V-U-CcWUpEImbWeT7cDWhBI/s1600/Hubble+Card+6.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Faster than you can say “crab nebula,” children</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"> can also see snapshots of the Hubble Space</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"> Telescope in flight, and learn about</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"> Hubble’s “ground crew” - the people who make it all happen.</span><br />
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</div>Paula Sladehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02923061193682673368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3181852274593682596.post-40993122993294745132011-12-02T15:04:00.000-08:002011-12-09T07:41:36.154-08:00The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week's movies with ratings and trailers<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi6JtAvQpxXJgdJaT4fCoqv1ULzk6nKb8HEaxKG1fMePAqyo7HRxr0eawMpKYgtS6RvszQuZoy_Ol7AGmXr2nGsthM9EyU66WaMi5tdUILX8CtAcIPBqgsodjZaGG5Jjyjf7Q8kh4Nxcqp/s1600/popcorn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi6JtAvQpxXJgdJaT4fCoqv1ULzk6nKb8HEaxKG1fMePAqyo7HRxr0eawMpKYgtS6RvszQuZoy_Ol7AGmXr2nGsthM9EyU66WaMi5tdUILX8CtAcIPBqgsodjZaGG5Jjyjf7Q8kh4Nxcqp/s1600/popcorn.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">‘Popcorn’ photo by <a href="http://www.publicdomainpictures.net/view-image.php?image=750"><span style="color: blue;">Petr Kratochvil</span></a></span></i></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">It’s time to make weekend family entertainment plans and see if this week’s current crop of films will be part of your schedule. The following report covers motion picture theatrical releases opening nationwide beginning </span><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">Friday, Dec. 2, 2011</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> along with current film industry news.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></div><span style="font-family: Arial;">The movies listed below have a rating, which has been established by the <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_2020484917"><u style="color: blue;">Motion Picture Association of </u></a></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_2020484917"><u style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">America</span></u><u style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> (</span></u><u style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">MPAA</span></u></a><span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://www.mpaa.org/"><span style="color: blue;">)</span></a> and have been provided with an italicized commentary from the <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_2020484921"><u style="color: blue;">Classification and Ratings Administration (</u></a></span><a href="http://www.filmratings.com/filmRatings_Cara/"><u style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">CARA</span></u><u style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">)</span></u></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">If a film has not been provided with an official rating, additional information may, or may not be provided.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">If a film is designated NC-17, very limited information may be furnished.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">For your convenience, each film title links directly to the <a href="http://www.imdb.com/"><u style="color: blue;">Internet Movie Data Base</u></a>, which provides the most comprehensive listing about the movie’s storyline, and includes a trailer, cast and crew information, initial audience reaction (if prior screenings have taken place) and parent advisories when available.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">As always, you are the single best judge for determining your child’s choice of entertainment.</span><br />
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<b><u><span style="font-size: 16pt;">NEW</span></u></b><b><u><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> TRAILERS FOR THE MOST ANTICIPATED UPCOMING FILMS</span></u></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt;">JOHN CARTER</span></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEfLNQihSspoiylVoxSCh5tZYWmYX-h3uaioNH2abzPib8HfBrNNE2xoECieoNHUcvpngUWvUFAJreWTikIa4aG5Y3q_FyZHoHafG3e-TEE8UHHqlI_XhCEWkQDH_-Z2xVsGNwC3Eva8kk/s1600/john-carter-one-sheet-600x888.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEfLNQihSspoiylVoxSCh5tZYWmYX-h3uaioNH2abzPib8HfBrNNE2xoECieoNHUcvpngUWvUFAJreWTikIa4aG5Y3q_FyZHoHafG3e-TEE8UHHqlI_XhCEWkQDH_-Z2xVsGNwC3Eva8kk/s320/john-carter-one-sheet-600x888.jpg" width="216" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The Edgar Rice Burroughs sci-fi hero is brought to big screen life, as is Mars and its aliens in the Disney film JOHN CARTER, which opens nationwide </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">March 9, 2012</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">. Below is the official premiere trailer.</span><br />
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<object class="ign-videoplayer" data="http://media.ign.com/ev/prod/embed.swf" height="246" id="vid_20cfd91de975660f9035e9572a31b030" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://media.ign.com/ev/prod/embed.swf" /><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#000000" /><param name="flashvars" value="url=http://www.ign.com/videos/2011/11/30/john-carter-trailer"/></object><br />
<div style="width: 425px;"><a href="http://www.ign.com/videos/2011/11/30/john-carter-trailer"><br />
</a></div><h1><span class="long-title"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt;">BEAUTY </span></span><span class="long-title"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt;">AND</span></span><span class="long-title"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt;"> THE BEAST - Coming to Theaters in 3D </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt;"></span></h1><br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="246" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/xD5pcGp62ec" width="425"></iframe><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">FILMS OPENING THIS WEEK</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Opened </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">December 2, 2011</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> <i><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1523939/"><b style="color: blue;"><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">Answers to Nothing</span></u></b></a> </i>– Drama, Mystery- R-<i> </i>because of <i>“some strong sexual content, nudity, violence and language.” </i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Opened </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">December 2, 2011</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> <i><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1372686/"><b style="color: blue;"><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">Coriolanus</span></u></b></a> </i>– Drama, Thriller- R-<i> </i>because of <i>“some bloody violence.” </i>NOTE: </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Los Angeles</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> and </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">New York City</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> only.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i><u><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br />
</span></span></u></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Opened </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">December 2, 2011</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1572154/"><b style="color: blue;"><i><u>Kinyarwanda</u></i></b></a></span><i> </i><span style="font-family: Arial;">– Drama, Romance- NOT RATED<span style="color: blue;">-</span><i> </i><i> </i>NOTE: In limited release.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i><u><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br />
</span></span></u></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Opened </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">December 2, 2011</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1462667/"><i style="color: blue;"><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">Outrage</span></u></b></i><b style="color: blue;"><i><u> (Autoreiji)</u></i></b></a></span><i> </i><span style="font-family: Arial;">– Crime, Drama- R-<i> </i>because of <i>“strong brutal bloody violence throughout, language, a scene of sexuality and some nudity.” </i>NOTE: In limited release.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Opened </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">December 2, 2011</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2011183/"><i style="color: blue;"><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">Pastorela</span></u></b></i></a>– Comedy, Fantasy- R-<i> </i>because of <i>“language throughout, brief sexual content and some violence.” </i>NOTE: In limited release.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Opened </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">December 2, 2011</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1723811/"><i style="color: blue;"><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">Shame</span></u></b></i></a>– Drama-NC-17- because of <i>“some explicit sexual content.” </i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Opened </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">December 2, 2011</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> <b><i><u><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1588398/"><span style="color: blue;">Sleeping Beaut</span></a><span style="color: blue;">y</span></u></i></b></span><i style="color: blue;"> </i><span style="font-family: Arial;">– Drama- NOT RATED.<i><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">For information on films that opened <b>November 18, 2011</b> through <b>November 25, 2011</b> (Thanksgiving Week Report) which included: <i>Another Happy Day</i>; <i>The Artist</i>; <i>Arthur Christmas</i>; <i>A Dangerous Method</i>; <i>The Descendants</i>; <i>Happy Two Feet</i>; <i>Hugo</i>; <i>The Lie</i>; <i>The Muppets</i>; <i>My Week with Marilyn</i>; <i>Tomboy</i>; <i>The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1</i> and <i>Tyrannosaur<i><span style="font-family: Arial;">,</span></i></i> please click on the link below. </span></div><div style="color: blue;"><a href="http://nationalchildrensentertainment.blogspot.com/2011/11/popcorn-report-guide-to-thanksgiving.html"><span class="graybigtxt"><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies</span></u></b></span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i><u><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br />
</span></span></u></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">For information on films that opened <b>November 11, 2011</b>, which included: <i><span style="font-family: Arial;">11-11-11; The Greening of Whitney Brown; Immortals; Into the Abyss - A Tale of Death, a Tale of Life; J. Edgar; Jack and Jill; London Boulevard; Melancholia </span></i><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;">and </span></i><i><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></i><i>Tropa de Elite 2 – O Inimigo Agora E (Elite Squad: The Enemy Within)<i><span style="font-family: Arial;">,</span></i></i> please click on the link below. </span></div><a href="http://nationalchildrensentertainment.blogspot.com/2011/11/popcorn-report-guide-to-this-weeks_11.html"><span class="graybigtxt"><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies</span></u></b></span></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><b><i><u><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br />
</span></span></u></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">For information on films that opened </span><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">November 4, 2011</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;">, which included: <i><span style="font-family: Arial;">A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas</span></i><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;">; </span></i><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">Killing Bono</span></i><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;">; </span></i><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Son of No One</span></i><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;"> and </span></i><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">Tower Heist,</span></i> please click on the link below. </span></div><a href="http://nationalchildrensentertainment.blogspot.com/2011/11/popcorn-report-guide-to-this-weeks.html"><span class="graybigtxt"><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies</span></u></b></span></a><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">For information on films that opened <b>September 23 to </b></span><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">October 28, 2011</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;">, please click on the link below. </span></div><a href="http://nationalchildrensentertainment.blogspot.com/2011/10/popcorn-report-guide-to-this-weeks_28.html"><span class="graybigtxt"><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies</span></u></b></span></a><br />
<span class="graybigtxt"><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span></u></b></span><i><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">For information on films that opened </span><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">August 19, 2011</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> to </span><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">September 16, 2011</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;">, please click on the link below. </span><br />
<a href="http://nationalchildrensentertainment.blogspot.com/2011/09/popcorn-report-guide-to-this-weeks_16.html"><span class="graybigtxt"><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies</span></u></b></span></a><i><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></i><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">For information on films that opened </span><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">June 24, 2011</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> to<b> </b></span><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">August 12, 2011</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;">. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://nationalchildrensentertainment.blogspot.com/2011/08/popcorn-report-guide-to-this-weeks_12.html"><span class="graybigtxt"><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies</span></u></b></span></a><b><i><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">For information on films that opened <b>May 20</b> to </span><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">June 17, 2011</span></b><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">, </span></i><span style="font-family: Arial;">please click on the link below. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://nationalchildrensentertainment.blogspot.com/2011/06/popcorn-report-guide-to-this-weeks_17.html"><span class="graybigtxt"><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies</span></u></b></span></a><b><i><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">For information on films that opened <b>April 1</b> to </span><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">May 13, 2011</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;">, please click on the link below. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://nationalchildrensentertainment.blogspot.com/2011/05/popcorn-report-guide-to-this-weeks.html"><span class="graybigtxt"><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies</span></u></b></span></a><b><i><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">For information on films that opened the weeks of Friday, <b>February 4</b> to <b>Friday March 25, 2011</b> please click on the link below, where you will also find previous listings and links for prior weeks in January, as well as films that opened in 2010:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://nationalchildrensentertainment.blogspot.com/2011/03/popcorn-report-guide-to-this-weeks_25.html"><span class="graybigtxt"><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies</span></u></b></span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">G</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> GENERAL AUDIENCES (All Ages Admitted) <b><span style="font-family: Arial;">PG</span></b> PARENTAL GUIDANCE SUGGESTED (Some Material May Not Be Suitable for Children) <b><span style="font-family: Arial;">PG-13</span></b> PARENTS STRONGLY CAUTIONED (Some Material May Be Inappropriate for Children Under 13) <b><span style="font-family: Arial;">R</span></b> RESTRICTED (Under 17 Requires Accompanying Parent or Adult Guardian) <b><span style="font-family: Arial;">NC-17 NO </span></b></span><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">ONE</span></b><b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> 17 </span></b><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">AND</span></b><b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> UNDER ADMITTED </span></b><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal;">– As determined by the Rating Board/Motion Picture Association of America.</span></b>Paula Sladehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02923061193682673368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3181852274593682596.post-80844265994988414872011-12-02T11:58:00.000-08:002011-12-02T11:58:25.166-08:00Save the date: Fun-filled December for live performances and events<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicwDmIatAzwRQOs_pWimg__KFslhMFzDHDWAaKDustskDpSg9cOxsLOTxGV8Fxifl5qHdFbOVyIKw1SmPBTQdqAAXGKZ2IwVWWbk1dcCw3pUtQOKB7JDZ-FgODLTQdqilYaV5DPcDGouM9/s1600/ThreeCarolersChristmasLightsWeinsheimerShari.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicwDmIatAzwRQOs_pWimg__KFslhMFzDHDWAaKDustskDpSg9cOxsLOTxGV8Fxifl5qHdFbOVyIKw1SmPBTQdqAAXGKZ2IwVWWbk1dcCw3pUtQOKB7JDZ-FgODLTQdqilYaV5DPcDGouM9/s400/ThreeCarolersChristmasLightsWeinsheimerShari.jpg" width="301" /></a></td></tr>
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</style> <![endif]--> <div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b><i>Three Carolers Christmas Lights by<span style="color: green;"> <a href="http://www.publicdomainpictures.net/browse-author.php?a=1453"><span style="color: green;">Shari Weinsheimer</span></a></span></i></b></span></div></td></tr>
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<span class="subheading">The month of December simply sparkles with family oriented activities. Be sure to grab your calendar and save the date for this outstanding line-up.</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="subheading"><b><u><span style="color: blue; font-size: 16pt;">AMHERST</span></u></b></span><span class="subheading"><b><u><span style="color: blue; font-size: 16pt;">, </span></u></b></span><span class="subheading"><b><u><span style="color: blue; font-size: 16pt;">MASSACHUSETTS</span></u></b></span></div><span class="subheading"><b><u><span style="color: blue; font-size: 16pt;"><br />
</span></u></b></span><span class="subheading"><b><u><span style="color: blue; font-size: 16pt;"></span></u></b></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMxZ8KJSrtK0nE543vCyOz6fVbhv4LXnuFkjGg-Mmjg-zwZMiOeANwne9YbaUv7w5T7G5t_TyMGkI8tljh6Uc-DQytQ2H1ZUWib25bNmVxrrm-HqI1xRQCDpnw8Lq5mEuDAwLQGeOWSsOK/s1600/eric+carle+butterfly+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMxZ8KJSrtK0nE543vCyOz6fVbhv4LXnuFkjGg-Mmjg-zwZMiOeANwne9YbaUv7w5T7G5t_TyMGkI8tljh6Uc-DQytQ2H1ZUWib25bNmVxrrm-HqI1xRQCDpnw8Lq5mEuDAwLQGeOWSsOK/s1600/eric+carle+butterfly+2.png" /></a></div><span class="subheading"><b><u><span style="color: blue; font-size: 16pt;"><br />
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<span class="subheading">The <a href="http://www.carlemuseum.org/"><b><u><span style="color: #339966;">Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art</span></u></b></a> is brimming with fun-filled entertainment and activities that are prefect for families. </span><br />
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<span class="subheading">Below is a list of upcoming events that are sure to please.</span><br />
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<span class="subheading"><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;">Talking About Words and Pictures</span></b></span><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;"><br />
<span class="subheading">with author, illustrator, musician, Barney Saltzberg</span></span></b><br />
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Sunday,<b> </b><span class="subdate">December 4, 2011</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXrlcJqXKUrarD5IPAygtCCkI8ULFeDfc29qHlgxHns3o0Ckb0uefVtgKWpgTADeL5SA8wwMDm9zgQzlzJ2zNlImQoDnKyl2ipbUkdCidj4rdZKP7qPlwhZ1FDCSi7GxJJdoM1VwLybXom/s1600/barney_saltzberg_author_pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXrlcJqXKUrarD5IPAygtCCkI8ULFeDfc29qHlgxHns3o0Ckb0uefVtgKWpgTADeL5SA8wwMDm9zgQzlzJ2zNlImQoDnKyl2ipbUkdCidj4rdZKP7qPlwhZ1FDCSi7GxJJdoM1VwLybXom/s1600/barney_saltzberg_author_pic.jpg" /></a><span class="subdate">11:30 am - </span><span class="location">In the Auditorium</span><br />
<span class="subdate">Doors open for this event at 11:00 am</span><br />
<span class="subdate">Museum opens at 12:00 pm</span><br />
<span class="subdate">Free; Museum Admission extra</span><br />
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Join The Carle’s bookseller, blogger, and book-lover, Andy Laties as he engages <a href="http://www.barneysaltzberg.com/"><b><u><span style="color: green;">Barney Saltzberg</span></u></b></a> in a conversation about his career and his books.<br />
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Book signing to follow.<br />
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=3181852274593682596" name="2011"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=3181852274593682596" name="E1298"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=3181852274593682596" name="OOPS_From_Blunder_to_Wonder_br_A_Magical"></a><span class="subheading"><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;">OOPS…From Blunder to Wonder</span></b><span style="color: red;"> </span></span><span style="color: red;"><br />
</span><span class="subheading"><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;">A Magical Musical and Visual Journey with Barney Saltzberg</span></b></span><br />
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Sunday, <span class="subdate">December 4, 2011</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizEwlNIbXjn6KHRJHkjwWzOasTxWj0fh4FaCcqrWX8Mt3RhfhTEdpHPK6xdSXJSa1K6Po4sRxOHGkG8Cf9dHOTx57hmz5KcFKPNI7N9NhCMTv0PHz-lqBjvKsU_f6cgzcchcwtvkKseBYI/s1600/tiBarneySalzbergBookEricCarle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizEwlNIbXjn6KHRJHkjwWzOasTxWj0fh4FaCcqrWX8Mt3RhfhTEdpHPK6xdSXJSa1K6Po4sRxOHGkG8Cf9dHOTx57hmz5KcFKPNI7N9NhCMTv0PHz-lqBjvKsU_f6cgzcchcwtvkKseBYI/s1600/tiBarneySalzbergBookEricCarle.jpg" /></a><span class="subdate">1:00 pm - </span><span class="location">In the Auditorium</span><br />
<span class="subdate">Free with Museum Admission</span><br />
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Join Barney as he takes you on a magical journey through words pictures, and song. Learn about the creative force behind the bestselling <i>Peekaboo Kisses</i>, <i>Good Egg</i>, and <i>Beautiful Oops!</i>, his latest one-of-a-kind interactive book that shows young readers how every mistake is an opportunity to make something beautiful.<br />
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Book signing to follow<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/2fZjMYdQjGM" width="420"></iframe><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="subheading"><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;">Handmade Cards and Books</span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Thursday,<b> </b><span class="subdate">December 8, 2011</span><br />
<span class="subdate">1:00 - 5:00 pm</span><span class="subdate"> - </span><span class="location">In the Art Studio</span><br />
<span class="subdate">$50 (Members $45)</span><br />
Ages 16 and up</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">With the holidays just around the corner, learn how to create handmade cards and unique books for those friends and family on your gift list. We’ll cover our favorite bookmaking techniques for teachers, librarians and parents to adapt to your classroom, library or home. You’ll go home with a collection of small handmade books and the techniques to create them again and again.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Instructor: Diana MacKenzie</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Registration is required. Please <a href="http://www.carlemuseum.org/Register" style="color: #274e13;" target="_blank">click here</a> for information on how to register.</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=3181852274593682596" name="An_Evening_with_Jules_and_Kate_Feiffer"></a><span class="subheading"><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;">An Evening with Jules and Kate Feiffer</span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Thursday,<b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></b><span class="subdate">December 8, 2011</span><br />
<span class="subdate">6:00 pm - 8:00 pm - </span><span class="location">In the Auditorium</span><br />
<span class="subdate">Free</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Dv4MJztRtiy_bdoBMRfOMQgxjW7wIBovMS04tUe7XLIkUc-RuNJY2jHXvVpBeT1qMaXitCNwDlFIL5635Ej6WOf_sIM3yDYoMEWw-oi5dJKYKffqUgTfCghKG5C8h28HGvAcoxDqZTre/s1600/JulesPhiefferEricCarle.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Dv4MJztRtiy_bdoBMRfOMQgxjW7wIBovMS04tUe7XLIkUc-RuNJY2jHXvVpBeT1qMaXitCNwDlFIL5635Ej6WOf_sIM3yDYoMEWw-oi5dJKYKffqUgTfCghKG5C8h28HGvAcoxDqZTre/s1600/JulesPhiefferEricCarle.png" /></a></div><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Pulitzer Prize-winning father and acclaimed children’s book author, <a href="http://www.julesfeiffer.com/"><b><u><span style="color: green;">Jules Feiffer</span></u></b></a> and his daughter, <a href="http://www.katefeiffer.com/"><b><u><span style="color: green;">Kate Feiffer</span></u></b></a> have collaborated on a number of books. Whether seizing a moment in history or paying homage to a parent/child memory, this team is one you will not want to miss. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Bound by love, respect and good humor Jules and Kate will share tales of their collaborations and thoughts on their craft in a presentation designed to entertain and inform all who attend.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Book signing to follow</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=3181852274593682596" name="The_Best_of_the_Best_in_2011_with_Susan_"></a><span class="subheading"><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;">The Best of the Best in 2011 with Susan Bloom</span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoAWV4ks_fer23wwDQ_r6NV5WhWBKezDQMh5aF8IL4j6Kj0WFVSby9qW2JRfE2ZWZh9GDkuDPPc77ig7RKtc0tTx86bkHT2hcMyTjkldWoenLn2Lrh41_P6msUPMv38fMFtkQbz5iUAlZ7/s1600/Eric+Carle+susanbloom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoAWV4ks_fer23wwDQ_r6NV5WhWBKezDQMh5aF8IL4j6Kj0WFVSby9qW2JRfE2ZWZh9GDkuDPPc77ig7RKtc0tTx86bkHT2hcMyTjkldWoenLn2Lrh41_P6msUPMv38fMFtkQbz5iUAlZ7/s1600/Eric+Carle+susanbloom.jpg" /></a>Saturday,<b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></b><span class="subdate">December 10, 2011</span><br />
<span class="subdate">1:00 pm</span><span class="subdate"> - </span><span class="location">In the Auditorium</span><br />
<span class="subdate">Free with Museum Admission</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
This highly popular annual event is in anticipation of the 2012 Caldecott Medal, which is awarded annually to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children for the preceding year. <a href="http://www.simmons.edu/undergraduate/academics/departments/english/faculty/bloom.php"><b><u><span style="color: green;">Susan Bloom</span></u></b></a> selects her favorites. Learn from this outstanding professor of Children’s Literature and reviewer for <i>The Horn Book</i> what makes these books rise above the rest.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=3181852274593682596" name="Special_Storytime_with_Micha_Archer"></a><span class="subheading"><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;">Special Storytime with Micha Archer</span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioapNURNnKOK2j2FOyYDv6MX3m9XH2S9Fcm-QgvsOiQY8OWvvNHL2xND8Tp-fi-iGqwr40OUab2uOYJmtnAh0SAbDuJp_ejj0XS9jh4lQDCSxmW4xdMeSE__yIFPNB4zWiboycdwlh2mnj/s1600/Eric+Carle+archer_lola%2527s+fandango+E.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioapNURNnKOK2j2FOyYDv6MX3m9XH2S9Fcm-QgvsOiQY8OWvvNHL2xND8Tp-fi-iGqwr40OUab2uOYJmtnAh0SAbDuJp_ejj0XS9jh4lQDCSxmW4xdMeSE__yIFPNB4zWiboycdwlh2mnj/s1600/Eric+Carle+archer_lola%2527s+fandango+E.jpg" /></a></div><span class="subdate">December 10, 2011</span><br />
<span class="subdate">2:00 pm</span><span class="subdate"> - </span><span class="location">In the </span><span class="location">Reading</span><span class="location"> Library</span><br />
<span class="subdate">Free with Museum Admission</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
As an artist, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Micha-Archer/e/B001JPA94C"><b><u><span style="color: green;">Micha Archer</span></u></b></a> has been inspired by her travels around the globe and the challenge of making pictures that are both beautiful and informative. Join her for a Special Storytime in the Reading Library where she’ll read from her newest book and talk about her process as an artist. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
Book signing to follow.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="subheading"><b><i><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></i><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="" name="i_Mouse_and_Lion_i"></a><span class="subheading"><b><i><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;">Mouse and Lion</span></i></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigil64qln5mWj2aHINNnGDsdeLCsFo8XNKglV-sQ9aN6NU2lndS0MFppxgBESTGvGEhqnCNNkXR4jwXCM12fIhr1k_m6zJ43nMWdplwI_YK7yBy9Tq4q13v_XXvJdQpiEguV-tdahylWMz/s1600/Eric+Carlemouse-and-lion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigil64qln5mWj2aHINNnGDsdeLCsFo8XNKglV-sQ9aN6NU2lndS0MFppxgBESTGvGEhqnCNNkXR4jwXCM12fIhr1k_m6zJ43nMWdplwI_YK7yBy9Tq4q13v_XXvJdQpiEguV-tdahylWMz/s1600/Eric+Carlemouse-and-lion.jpg" /></a><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="subdate">December 18, 2011</span><br />
<span class="subdate">2:00 pm</span><span class="subdate"> - </span><span class="location">In the </span><span class="location">Reading</span><span class="location"> Library</span><br />
<span class="subdate">Free with Museum Admission</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Join first-time author <a href="http://www.publishersweekly.com/9780545101479"><b><u><span style="color: green;">Rand Burkert</span></u></b></a> (illustrator’s son) and Caldecott Honoree, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nancy_Ekholm_Burkert"><b><u><span style="color: green;">Nancy Ekholm Burkert</span></u></b></a> as they share the story behind their first collaboration, <i>Mouse and Lion</i>. After talking about the inspiration and process behind the extraordinary art created for the retelling of one of Aesop’s most well-known fables, Rand will perform a selection of original songs and music inspired by the tales of Aesop and drawn from an album he recently produced. This is a program featuring wonderful music and great art to be enjoyed by all. <br />
Book signing to follow.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="" name="CactusHead_Puppets_Presents_br_i_The_Jus"></a><span class="subheading"><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;">CactusHead Puppets Presents <i>The Just So Stories</i></span></b></span><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2hyphenhyphengCEeq9_GPklO3ChFUBlLzrgZJTqmcSb2ah67xsTl40h2wSEVNvRvn2uBboN2wQ6kSIYINtoch7NR81j6x1DlA0iUzcczTPBIUR2Iu-n1baQFaXPkeASnVxnroSDip_gY8XzJJsnzhJ/s1600/Eric+Carlecactushead1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2hyphenhyphengCEeq9_GPklO3ChFUBlLzrgZJTqmcSb2ah67xsTl40h2wSEVNvRvn2uBboN2wQ6kSIYINtoch7NR81j6x1DlA0iUzcczTPBIUR2Iu-n1baQFaXPkeASnVxnroSDip_gY8XzJJsnzhJ/s1600/Eric+Carlecactushead1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><br />
</span></b><span class="subdate">December 27 and </span><span class="subdate">December 28, 2011</span><br />
<span class="subdate">2:00 pm</span><span class="subdate"> - </span><span class="location">In the Auditorium</span><br />
<span class="subdate">$5 (Members $4.50)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://cactusheadpuppets.blogspot.com/"><b><u><span style="color: green;">The Cactus Head Puppets</span></u></b></a> present three stories of mischief and magic that tell how some of your favorite animals came to be, in charming and silly adaptations of <i>How the Camel Got His Hump</i>, <i>How the Rhino Got His Skin</i> and <i>The Beginning of the Armadillos</i>.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span>Tickets may be purchased in advance at the Museum Admissions Desk or by calling (413) 658-1126.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art </div><div class="MsoNormal">125 West Bay Road | Amherst, MA 01002 | Phone: (413) 658-1100 <b><span style="color: green;"></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: green;"><a href="http://www.carlemuseum.org/"><span style="color: green;">www.carlemuseum.org</span></a></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><u><span style="color: blue; font-size: 16pt;">BOSTON</span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: blue; font-size: 16pt;">, </span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: blue; font-size: 16pt;">MASSACHUSETTS</span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: blue; font-size: 16pt;"></span></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><u><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br />
</span></span></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;">BOSTON CIVIC SYMPHONY PRESENTS A FAMILY HOLIDAY POPS</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Holiday favorites, a sing along, and a visit from Santa - the <a href="http://www.bostoncivicsymphony.org/"><b><u><span style="color: green;">Boston Civic Symphony’s</span></u></b></a> Family Holiday Pops has it all. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">This year’s concert will take place on Saturday, December 17, 2:00 pm at the <a href="http://www.regiscollege.edu/campus_community/fine_arts.cfm"><b><u><span style="color: green;">Fine Arts Center</span></u></b></a>, Regis College in Weston. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzYFH9eyZ6XwrqrwNJkySoVumHyt-mq3dciJeOrbK9djJmVVUsv_Mu4t_zVlzDFIgFqcuzueMmRKu1ZHLFKomEEwW6qSVdg8rT0gI_xFx9jmjrj5YRcJwyFm3LAjUkohV1RlqHFPS-d5XB/s1600/BostonCivicDeborahSelig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzYFH9eyZ6XwrqrwNJkySoVumHyt-mq3dciJeOrbK9djJmVVUsv_Mu4t_zVlzDFIgFqcuzueMmRKu1ZHLFKomEEwW6qSVdg8rT0gI_xFx9jmjrj5YRcJwyFm3LAjUkohV1RlqHFPS-d5XB/s1600/BostonCivicDeborahSelig.jpg" /></a>Conductor Max Hobart and the orchestra will perform traditional holiday music featuring soprano <a href="http://www.deborahselig.com/Welcome.html"><b><u><span style="color: green;">Deborah Selig</span></u></b></a> as soloist. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">A special treat this year will be the performance of seven year old Sophie Burns, who will sing “All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth,” composed by her great-grandfather <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donald_Yetter_Gardner"><b><u><span style="color: green;">Donald “Pops” Gardner</span></u></b></a>. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Children will have the opportunity to come onstage to sing to Santa and to conduct the orchestra.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">There’s free parking at Regis College and free refreshments provided</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Tickets go fast on this concert, and were sold out last year.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Tickets are $20.00 for adults and $10.00 for children, and may be purchased online through the orchestra’s web site at <b><u><span style="color: green;"><a href="http://www.bostoncivicsymphony.org/"><span style="color: green;">http://www.bostoncivicsymphony.org/</span></a></span></u></b> or by calling 1-800-595-4TIX. <br />
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For more information, please call 1-617-923-6333. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</span></span></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="color: blue; font-size: 16pt;">HOBOKEN, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK CITY, WEST HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT & WEST NYACK, NEW YORK</span><span style="color: blue;"><br />
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</span></u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;">Mama Doni &The Mama Doni Band Bring National Tour to the Tri-State Area with <i>‘CHANUKAH FEVER’</i></span></b></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyufW2HbQM_0MPNH7ze6KnumGkeQY9eSNsxGizVSMe6PViPKBk0YxqUuNLoUxRHjnsup2NZl8ZfoafJml97DeCHVLawgpDCARlPsUV_tIkwchAkuPKsC8zfoxXINlrk2DSuXHyeoNQbCIk/s1600/MamaDoniHanukahFever.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyufW2HbQM_0MPNH7ze6KnumGkeQY9eSNsxGizVSMe6PViPKBk0YxqUuNLoUxRHjnsup2NZl8ZfoafJml97DeCHVLawgpDCARlPsUV_tIkwchAkuPKsC8zfoxXINlrk2DSuXHyeoNQbCIk/s1600/MamaDoniHanukahFever.jpg" /></a></div><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;"><i> </i> </span></b><br />
Hot on the heels of a tremendously successful summer tour,<b> </b>the fall/winter Mama Doni National Tour<b> </b>has begun.<br />
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<b style="background-color: #274e13;"><u><span><span style="background-color: white;"></span></span><span><span style="background-color: white;"></span></span></u></b> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> <o:PixelsPerInch>72</o:PixelsPerInch> <o:TargetScreenSize>1024x768</o:TargetScreenSize> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> </w:Compatibility> <w:DoNotOptimizeForBrowser/> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style>
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</style> <![endif]--><a href="http://www.mamadoni.com/"><b><u><span style="color: green; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Mama Doni and The Mama Doni Band</span></u></b></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"> </span>are highlighting the Chanukah season with four special <b>“Chanukah Fever” </b>shows in the NYC tri-state region from December 11 – 18.<br />
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Families can join in Mama Doni’s high-energy pre-Chanukah festivities at concerts in Manhattan<b> </b>and West Nyack<b>, </b>NY.<br />
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There will also be shows in West Hartford, CT and Hoboken, NJ. Performance details are below.<br />
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Doni Zasloff Thomas, a.k.a. Mama Doni<b>,</b> is the lead singer/songwriter of The Mama Doni Band<b>, </b>honored with a 2011 Parents’ Choice® Award<b> </b>for their recent release,<b> <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Shabbat-Shaboom-Challah-Celebration-Family/dp/B005012UWK"><u style="color: #274e13;">Shabbat Shaboom</u></a>,</i> </b>and<b> </b>winner of the Simcha Award for “Inspiring Joy Through Music” in competition with more than 100 bands from 15 different countries at the 2008 International Jewish Music Festival in Amsterdam.<br />
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The band celebrates Jewish culture with irrepressible zest in its interactive family rock concerts filled with catchy pop songs that break the mold of traditional Jewish music. Quirky, offbeat, and unpredictable, The Mama Doni Band offers up a contagious and unexpected blend of reggae, rock, disco, Latin, klezmer and “Jewgrass” – all woven together with a hip Jewish sensibility.<br />
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Mama Doni promises plenty of surprises throughout this year’s Chanukah concerts, including giveaways of chocolate gelt, Mama Doni CDs, posters and free downloads of Mama Doni songs to everyone in attendance.<br />
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According to Carrie Stetler in The Star-Ledger, Doni Zasloff Thomas “<i>is proud to have a schtick. And that schtick, she says, is to ‘Jewify’ all forms of music – from country to reggae to holiday songs.” </i>The Miami Herald enthused,<i> “Not since Woody Allen's Radio Days has American Jewish youth culture been celebrated with such a sublime mix of silly and substantive.”<br />
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Kids will boogie like a dreidel, air guitar with the band (“Latke Man” style), join in an applesauce vs. sour cream rock-along, and chime in on the eternal question of "Chanukah" or "Hanukah.” Rocking out for Chanukah, Mama Doni & The Mama Doni Band will perform such<b> <i>“</i></b><i>latkelicious”</i> songs as "The Funky Gold Menorah,” "La Vida Dreidel,” and "I Say Chanukah (You Say Hanukah!).” The band will go all out with a wild bluegrass version of “Honey, This Ain’t Money” (about Chanukah gelt), and, as a special treat, several new songs will be showcased, including the soon-to-be-famous “The Land of Sufganiyot” (a reggae song about jelly doughnuts).<br />
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Parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles should join in the fun and come prepared to get up and dance at these spirited Jewish rock concerts that guarantee that Chanukah will never be the same.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/eGg65d-7FrM" width="420"></iframe><br />
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<div style="color: #274e13;"><b>CHANUKAH FEVER! WITH MAMA DONI & THE MAMA DONI BAND</b></div><div style="color: #274e13;"><br />
</div><b>WHEN:</b> <b><u>Sunday, December 11, </u></b><b><u>4:00 p.m.</u></b><br />
<b>WHERE:</b> JCC Rockland, 450 West Nyack Rd., West Nyack, NY 10994<br />
<b>TICKETS</b>: In advance: $8 members, $12 non-members; at the door: $10 members, $15.00 non-members.<br />
<b>INFO</b>: 845-362-4400. <b><u><span style="color: green;"><a href="http://www.jccyofrockland.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: green;">http://www.jccyofrockland.org/</span></a></span></u><span style="color: green;"> </span></b><br />
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<b>WHEN:</b> <b><u>Saturday, December 17, </u></b><b><u>6:30 p.m.</u></b><br />
<b>WHERE:</b> Mandell JCC, 335 Bloomfield Avenue, West Hartford, CT 06117<br />
<b>TICKETS</b>: In advance: $10 members, $12 non-members; at the door: $12 members, $15 non-members.<br />
<b>INFO</b>: 860-231-6316 . <b><u><span style="color: green;"><a href="http://www.mandelljcc.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: green;">http://www.mandelljcc.org/</span></a></span></u></b><u><span style="color: green;"><br />
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<b>WHEN:</b> <b><u>Sunday, December 18, </u></b><b><u>10:30 a.m.</u></b><b> <br />
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<b>WHERE:</b> Kaplan Cooperative Preschool at United Synagogue of Hoboken, 115 Park Ave., Hoboken, NJ 07030<br />
<b>TICKETS</b>: Synagogue members $10. Non-members $18. Kaplan preschool students, free.<br />
<b>INFO</b>: 201-222-9696. <b><u><span style="color: green;"><a href="http://www.hobokensynagogue.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: green;">http://www.hobokensynagogue.org/</span></a></span></u><span style="color: green;"> <br />
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<b>WHEN:</b> <b><u>Sunday, December 18, </u></b><b><u>3:00 p.m</u>.</b><b> <br />
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<b>WHERE:</b> 92nd Street Y, Bronfman Center for Jewish Life, <span style="color: #320032;">Buttenwieser Hall,</span>1395 Lexington Ave., New York, NY 10128<br />
<b>TICKETS</b>: $15<br />
<b>INFO</b>: 212-415-5500. <b><u><span style="color: green;"><a href="http://www.92y.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: green;">http://www.92y.org</span></a></span></u></b><br />
<b><u><span style="color: green;"><span style="color: green;"></span></span></u> </b> <br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><u><span style="color: blue; font-size: 16pt;">MORE IN </span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: blue; font-size: 16pt;">NEW YORK CITY</span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: blue; font-size: 16pt;"></span></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRQyH_QwzroYkdvpRd_3QV5xZdiZ7ocEvw-c3RAQNpqgS7DVSmFjYUfsIonYFEuWCMEQPlVnttclEbacfWbaDXDVxMX1CH-y3-xm-eC7sK7Npm_9sVMcyFk3hRBcaQbiIO7VoQhlUkyxFx/s1600/symphonyspace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRQyH_QwzroYkdvpRd_3QV5xZdiZ7ocEvw-c3RAQNpqgS7DVSmFjYUfsIonYFEuWCMEQPlVnttclEbacfWbaDXDVxMX1CH-y3-xm-eC7sK7Npm_9sVMcyFk3hRBcaQbiIO7VoQhlUkyxFx/s1600/symphonyspace.jpg" /></a><b><u><span style="color: green;">Symphony Space</span></u></b>, the Upper West Side cultural mecca with its <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> <o:PixelsPerInch>72</o:PixelsPerInch> <o:TargetScreenSize>1024x768</o:TargetScreenSize> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> </w:Compatibility> <w:DoNotOptimizeForBrowser/> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style>
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</style> <![endif]--><a href="http://www.symphonyspace.org/series/77"><strong><u><span style="color: green; font-size: 12pt;">Just Kidding</span></u></strong></a><b><span style="color: green;"> </span></b><b><span style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b>series, offers some wonderful family-centric events this month<a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=3181852274593682596" name="133f00e3b0a0d4ec_A_Story_Worth_Telling_w"></a> - everything from d<b><span style="color: black; font-weight: normal;">iscovering Chris Van Allsburg's new book, and enjoying captivating American folk music with Elizabeth Mitchell and friends, to joining in on the</span></b> <b><span style="color: black; font-weight: normal;">New Year's Eve countdown till noon with Tim & the Space Cadets. Take a look at these fun offerings below.</span></b><br />
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<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;">Thalia Kids' Book Club:</span></b><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;"> <b>Chris Van Allsburg with Jon </b><b>Scieszka</b></span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sunday, December 4, 1 pm</span></b></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: black;">Tickets are going fast for this latest event in the highly interactive author series for kids ages 8 to 12.</span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimhbXwiVK_nJh_uDreP7wDwSZ5td_EIH8uWzE9zgNykRpsNghomBpxPKZQmhToerPuUioUZEtbRp3D9DxWxrAHXghsa_7w2Fk4Bg23Uaw_qwaoVQzWFjc8C241pcCsSsrhGhqsYy5OE4pd/s1600/Chris+VanAllsburg200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimhbXwiVK_nJh_uDreP7wDwSZ5td_EIH8uWzE9zgNykRpsNghomBpxPKZQmhToerPuUioUZEtbRp3D9DxWxrAHXghsa_7w2Fk4Bg23Uaw_qwaoVQzWFjc8C241pcCsSsrhGhqsYy5OE4pd/s1600/Chris+VanAllsburg200.jpg" /></a></div><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.chrisvanallsburg.com/flash.html"><b><u><span style="color: green;">Chris Van Allsburg</span></u></b></a>, the winner of two Caldecott Medals, for <i>Jumanji </i>and <i>The Polar Express</i>, talks about his acclaimed new short story collection <i>The Chronicles of Harris Burdick</i>, in which skilled storytellers such as Kate DiCamillo, Stephen King and Sherman Alexie spin imaginative tales inspired by the original illustrations from Van Allsburg’s 1984 wordless classic, <i>The Mysteries of Harris Burdick.<br />
<br />
</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black;">Top author and <i>Harris Burdick</i> story contributor </span><a href="http://www.jsworldwide.com/"><b><u><span style="color: green;">Jon Scieszka</span></u></b></a><span style="color: black;"> joins the conversation and performs his story "Under the Rug."</span><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Tickets: $15</div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="246" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/M3kpYep7EQw" width="425"></iframe><br />
<br />
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</style> <![endif]--> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;">Elizabeth Mitchell</span></b><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;"> <b>and You Are My Flower <em><span style="font-style: normal;">with</span></em> Special Guests</b></span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIeFWfipu3kUJihrOEYXmZ2eVKYR73knjpN1MBe0QiLDRTHfXkiLjMuF54TugsmArrREk9jAIg6S3UEvJHrTfa2r7MjH6yJJcq-J_OUNFanY5FLRlvf63oaF7-YnOxPXeSl_jrR7LNttKb/s1600/elizabeth_mitchell2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIeFWfipu3kUJihrOEYXmZ2eVKYR73knjpN1MBe0QiLDRTHfXkiLjMuF54TugsmArrREk9jAIg6S3UEvJHrTfa2r7MjH6yJJcq-J_OUNFanY5FLRlvf63oaF7-YnOxPXeSl_jrR7LNttKb/s1600/elizabeth_mitchell2.jpg" /></a><span style="color: black;"> </span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;">Saturday, December 17</span></strong></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"> 11 am</span></strong></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: black;">Smithsonian Folkways artist </span><a href="http://youaremyflower.org/"><b><u><span style="color: green;">Elizabeth Mitchell's</span></u></b></a><span style="color: black;"> gentle, heartfelt music transfixes audiences of all ages with homespun renditions of great songs by Woody Guthrie, Bob Marley, The Velvet Underground, Vashti Bunyan, Gillian Welch and more. The quiet sweetness and intimacy of her concerts cement her as an icon whose music will be remembered for years to come. Dan Zanes says, <i>“This is the family music that I love---soulful, mysterious, inclusive and rollicking!"</i></span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: black;">For this holiday time performance, Elizabeth and her family band (husband Daniel Littleton and daughter Storey) will be joined by<span> <strong><span style="font-weight: normal;">some very special musical guests. </span></strong></span></span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: black;">Ticket holders will also be eligible to enter a raffle for a child-sized ukulele and other great prizes.</span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;">Tickets: $13 to 20</span></strong><b><br />
<br />
</b><span style="color: black;"></span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><strong><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;">December 17th is the Just Kidding Members' </span></strong><strong><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;">Holiday</span></strong><strong><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;"> Party!</span></strong></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: black;">Join other Symphony Space Family Members for cookie decorating after the Elizabeth Mitchell show. Call </span><b><span style="color: green;"><a href="tel:212.864.1414%20x223" target="_blank"><span style="color: green;">212.864.1414 x223</span></a></span></b><span style="color: black;"> to become a member and RSVP for the party.</span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><strong><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;">A New Year's Eve 'Countdown to </span></strong><strong><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;">Noon</span></strong><strong><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;">' Family Concert with Tim & the Space Cadets</span></strong></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLAYNjtLoxOKUL7-BwznzHECL2nKi1oRPzHGxaSPb6Kk_Kb8iaFK9Sfvs_bIBrTxAM3oootEg-XBd8JKIyjLDoenNaMd_Ddlp7Ni6xkkhZ7cKrb8DRx87ViPEGZOzvhDClsCrToKleC_aX/s1600/Tim+%2526+the+Space+Cadets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLAYNjtLoxOKUL7-BwznzHECL2nKi1oRPzHGxaSPb6Kk_Kb8iaFK9Sfvs_bIBrTxAM3oootEg-XBd8JKIyjLDoenNaMd_Ddlp7Ni6xkkhZ7cKrb8DRx87ViPEGZOzvhDClsCrToKleC_aX/s1600/Tim+%2526+the+Space+Cadets.jpg" /></a></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;">Saturday, December 31,</span></strong></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"> 11 am</span></strong></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Celebrate New Year’s Eve with <a href="http://www.timandthespacecadets.com/"><b><u><span style="color: green;">Tim & the Space Cadets</span></u></b></a>, a dynamic family-friendly NYC based pop rock band. It' will be an end-of-year party the whole family will remember.</div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Tim’s songs exist somewhere in the realm between Raffi and Blink-182, inspired by memories of school days, snow days, pizza parties and summer vacations. Their song “Superhero” enjoys frequent spins on Sirius-XM’s Kids Place Live.</div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Kids are invited to bring party hats and tooting horns to help ring in the New Year.</div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;">Tickets: $13 to $20</span></strong></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><strong><span style="color: black; font-weight: normal;">Symphony Space</span></strong><b><span style="color: black;"> </span></b><span style="color: black;">is located at <strong><span style="font-weight: normal;">2537 Broadway</span> </strong>(at 95th Street) in New York City. <br />
For ticket information, contact the box office at (212) 864-5400 or </span><b><span style="color: green;"><a href="mailto:boxoffice@symphonyspace.org" target="_blank"><span style="color: green;">boxoffice@symphonyspace.org</span></a></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</style> <![endif]--> <div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="color: blue; font-size: 18pt;">SAN</span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: blue; font-size: 18pt;"> </span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: blue; font-size: 18pt;">FRANCISCO</span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: blue; font-size: 18pt;"> </span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: blue; font-size: 18pt;">&</span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: blue; font-size: 18pt;"> </span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: blue; font-size: 18pt;">CUPERTINO</span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: blue; font-size: 18pt;">, </span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: blue; font-size: 18pt;">CALIFORNIA</span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: blue; font-size: 18pt;"></span></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="color: blue; font-size: 18pt;"><br />
</span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: blue; font-size: 18pt;"></span></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><em><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal;">Peter and the Wolf</span></b></em><b><i><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></i></b></div><h4><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVb3gooud_0AejmzUak6AME-rG2t5iwYVET3aj7OJ2zI6bEq0mMlKZFWZ-z7snl9ZnQr3RbwYhUnCQpDY2x3cWFvcoUL-E6Fndz7gVPb4EY-4pFPYaAIJ67ZJarEoPgqNL5H_uU_Np0Lui/s1600/Chita+Rivera-Chita_150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVb3gooud_0AejmzUak6AME-rG2t5iwYVET3aj7OJ2zI6bEq0mMlKZFWZ-z7snl9ZnQr3RbwYhUnCQpDY2x3cWFvcoUL-E6Fndz7gVPb4EY-4pFPYaAIJ67ZJarEoPgqNL5H_uU_Np0Lui/s1600/Chita+Rivera-Chita_150.jpg" /></a>Conductor/Performers</h4><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> <o:PixelsPerInch>72</o:PixelsPerInch> <o:TargetScreenSize>1024x768</o:TargetScreenSize> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> </w:Compatibility> <w:DoNotOptimizeForBrowser/> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style>
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</style> <![endif]--><a href="http://www.donatocabrera.com/Donato_Cabrera/Home.html"><span class="eventsmallheading"><b><u><span style="color: green; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Donato Cabrera</span></u></b></span></a><b><u><span style="color: green; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"><br />
</span></u></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">conductor</span><b><u><span style="color: green; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"></span></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="color: green; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"><br />
</span></u></b><a href="http://www.chitarivera.com/"><span class="eventsmallheading"><b><u><span style="color: green;">Chita Rivera</span></u></b></span></a><b><u><span style="color: green;"> </span></u></b><br />
narrator<br />
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<a href="http://www.sfsymphony.org/season/festival.aspx?id=46254"><span class="eventsmallheading"><b><u><span style="color: green;">San Francisco</span></u></b></span><span class="eventsmallheading"><b><u><span style="color: green;"> Symphony Youth Orchestra</span></u></b></span></a><b><u><span style="color: green;"> </span></u></b><br />
<b><u><span style="color: green;"><br />
</span></u></b><br />
<b><u><span style="color: green;"> </span></u></b><br />
Delight your children with the annual presentation of <em>Peter and the Wolf</em> including festive holiday songs- perfect for music lovers of all ages. The legendary Chita Rivera joins the San Francisco Symphony Youth Orchestra as special guest narrator for this charming tale. You'll also enjoy classics from <em>The Nutcracker</em> and more!<br />
<h4>Program</h4><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Tchaikovsky</b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Russian Dance from <i>The Nutcracker </i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Prokofiev</b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Music from <i>Romeo and Juliet</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Liadov</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><em>The Music Box</em></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Dvořák</b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Slavonic Dance No. 2 in E minor </div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Falla</b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Final Dance from <em>The Three-Cornered Hat</em></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>J. Strauss, Sr.</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Radetzky March</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Prokofiev</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Peter and the Wolf</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Trad.</b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Carol Sing-Along </div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><em><span style="font-style: normal;">Please note this is a kid-sized concert with no intermission. Half price for ages 17 and under.</span></em></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span>Sat, Dec 10, 2011</span><span> </span><span>1:00pm</span><br />
<a href="http://www.sfsymphony.org/season/directionsandtransportation.aspx"><b><u><span style="color: green;">Davies Symphony Hall</span></u></b></a><br />
$15 to $57</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span>Sat, Dec 10, 2011</span><span> </span><span>4:00pm</span><br />
Davies Symphony Hall<br />
$15 to $57</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span>Sun, Dec 11, 2011</span><span> 3:00pm</span><br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_713141976"><b><u><span style="color: green;">Flint</span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: green;"> Center (</span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: green;">Cupertino</span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: green;">, </span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: green;">CA</span></u></b></a><b><u><span style="color: green;"><a href="http://www.flintcenter.com/">)</a><br />
</span></u></b>$15 to $48</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>For further information or to purchase tickets:<span> </span><u><span style="color: green;">http://www.sfsymphony.org/season/Event.aspx?eventid=50242</span></u></b></div><br />
</div>Paula Sladehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02923061193682673368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3181852274593682596.post-3569364965963851502011-12-01T09:45:00.000-08:002011-12-01T09:45:04.789-08:00Nominees for the 54th Annual Grammy Awards Announced<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Yesterday evening, nominations for the 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards® were announced by The Recording Academy® during a special televised broadcast, <i>The GRAMMY® Nominations Concert Live!! — Countdown To Music's Biggest Night.</i></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Nominations in 78 categories reflected a considerable range of talent that represents myriad musical tastes.</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The following are the nominees for the Best Children’s Album with links to each recording.</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Congratulations to all the nominees, and am delighted to say that two earlier posted favorites were acknowledged. In case you missed those reviews they have been republished below.</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards will be held on Sunday, Feb. 12, 2012, at Staples Center in Los Angeles and be broadcast live on CBS from 8 – 11:30 p.m. (ET/PT).</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">For a complete list of all categories and nominees be sure to visit: <a href="http://www.grammy.com/nominees"> http://www.grammy.com/nominees</a></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Best Children's Album Nominees</span></b></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: red; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>All About Bullies... Big And Small</b></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">(Various Artists)</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">James Cravero, Gloria Domina, Kevin Mackie, Steve Pullara & Patrick Robinson, producers</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">[Cool Beans Music & East Coast Recording Co.]</div><div style="color: red; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>SEE REPUBLISHED REVIEW WITH LISTENING LINKS BELOW</i></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: red; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/davidsharpe3"><b>Are We There Yet?</b></a></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The Papa Hugs Band</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">[Indie]</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: red; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Fitness Rock & Roll</b></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Miss Amy</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">[Ionian Productions, Inc]</div><div style="color: red; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>SEE REPUBLISHED REVIEW WITH LISTENING LINKS BELOW</i></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/thebananaplant"><b>GulfAlive</b></a></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The Banana Plant</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">[The Banana Plant]</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/ilovetomthallssongsoffox"><b>I Love: Tom T. Hall's Songs Of Fox Hollow</b></a></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">(Various Artists)</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Eric Brace & Peter Cooper, producers</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">[Red Beet Records]</div><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="color: red;">FITNESS ROCK AND ROLL - AMY OTEY</b></span></span><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNS2RxSxAYI2YG_PIfEshnjNh40UFpPdgfbzWnUeRC7sK6sTjB5plj9ujrr_y67qnxef3HUrc08-Mx-ofyB_1_jUaXzmrfbsn-QAhtj_iDqXWEmPpW6am0wz2QAM5V95-NmDzicjsTskW2/s1600/Amy+Otey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNS2RxSxAYI2YG_PIfEshnjNh40UFpPdgfbzWnUeRC7sK6sTjB5plj9ujrr_y67qnxef3HUrc08-Mx-ofyB_1_jUaXzmrfbsn-QAhtj_iDqXWEmPpW6am0wz2QAM5V95-NmDzicjsTskW2/s320/Amy+Otey.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Singer/songwriter <a href="http://www.missamykids.com/bio.html" style="color: #351c75;"><b><u>Amy Otey</u></b></a>, might easily be dubbed the ‘First Lady of Musical Fitness,’ with her newest CD release, <b>Fitness Rock and Roll</b>.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">She has performed at such varied venues as the </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Kimmel</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Center</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> to the White House for the Easter Egg Roll.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Otey, who is an official advocate of the <a href="http://www.presidentschallenge.org/"><u>President’s Challenge Program</u></a>, has dedicated this fifth album release to helping children become fit by embracing a healthier active lifestyle. Her award-winning body of musical work and her background as a physical fitness educator has placed her in a unique position to get kids engaged and moving with music.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGNJNTYJ8yU_nqwK1cPmeH9aA_u_5s0VgNyN3BZlsx6koFp96whfUgT3nCxyhC8SZ2pGKgQePvZfNqmqke9vl1mJ5pRmuyQCdnVf50O3d_nlh46X66OcHE0WYeWPdO5Umxz3SMcZkU-yte/s1600/Amy+Otey+album+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGNJNTYJ8yU_nqwK1cPmeH9aA_u_5s0VgNyN3BZlsx6koFp96whfUgT3nCxyhC8SZ2pGKgQePvZfNqmqke9vl1mJ5pRmuyQCdnVf50O3d_nlh46X66OcHE0WYeWPdO5Umxz3SMcZkU-yte/s1600/Amy+Otey+album+cover.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>Fitness Rock and Role</b> is a fun energizing mix of tunes that beckons youngsters to get up off the couch to dance and move along while getting in shape.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">All of Amy Otey’s CD’s are available through <a href="http://www.cdbaby.com/Artist/MissAmy"><b><u>CD Baby</u></b></a>, where you can sound sample the 12 song tracks from <b>Fitness Rock and Roll</b> as well as all of her other albums.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>Fitness Rock and Roll</b> is available in CD format for $13.99 and MP3 download for $0.99 per track, or $10.00 for the entire MP3 album.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Be sure to check out Otey’s <a href="http://www.missamykids.com/"><u>free downloadable lesson plans</u></a> that accompany this and her other CDs.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></div><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="color: red; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">ALL ABOUT BULLIES BIG AND SMALL - VARIOUS ARTISTS</b></span></div><span style="color: #3d3a3a; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"> <br />
</span><span style="color: black;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXN1VHy-A3JNzxFcSjjd62wr03CCA4uYUVlMXJuDkRTyjjcnNYEphr30D-DTgYZEArpFxeY_wPC1rxhLiXAJMvar2cNfzjGVeGYXwHoZzvnxpAkOOSxAytlPxLdWpgANd4Ta9DIxKp0TZO/s1600/All+About+Bullies+Big+%2526+Small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXN1VHy-A3JNzxFcSjjd62wr03CCA4uYUVlMXJuDkRTyjjcnNYEphr30D-DTgYZEArpFxeY_wPC1rxhLiXAJMvar2cNfzjGVeGYXwHoZzvnxpAkOOSxAytlPxLdWpgANd4Ta9DIxKp0TZO/s1600/All+About+Bullies+Big+%2526+Small.jpg" /></a></div><br />
</div><a href="http://www.coolbeansmusic.com/"><i><u><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;">Steve Pullara</span></u></i></a><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;">, a Grammy nominated Producer and Parents’ Choice and NAPPA Awards- Winner, </span></i><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal;">has created a one-of-a-kind recording that effectively tackles head-on, the difficult topic of bullying in the album, </span></b><b><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">All About Bullies… Big and Small</span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal;">.</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal;">Pullara, who not only served as Producer and Supervising Creative Director for this recording, is also part of the performance line-up. In the creation of<i> All About Bullies,</i> Pullara assembled one of the most diverse and recognized teams of </span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://allaboutbulliesbigandsmall.com/artists">recording artists</a></span><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal;"> and </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://allaboutbulliesbigandsmall.com/the-producers"><u>producers</u></a></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal;"> in the music industry. The contributing credits for this album read like a “Who’s Who”, and the end result and combined creativity is a recording that not only entertains but fosters parent/child communication about a difficult topic.</span></b><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial;">All About Bullies</span></i><span style="font-family: Arial;"> is a masterfully crafted gem that marries spoken words delivering wise messages, poetry and music, and toe-tapping tunes with meaningful lyrics. The end result offers up 37 unique tracks, with a mix of genres created from one of the largest assembled musical casts, each participating artist offers their own special message and approach on the subject of bullying.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Full-track sound samples are available for listening at: </span><br />
<div style="color: blue;"><b><a href="http://allaboutbulliesbigandsmall.com/albums/all-about-bullies-big-and-small"><span style="font-family: Arial;">http://allaboutbulliesbigandsmall.com/albums/all-about-bullies-big-and-small</span></a></b></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/coolbeansmusic"><b style="color: blue;"><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">CD Baby</span></u></b></a><span style="font-family: Arial;"> has the entire <i>All About Bullies… Big and Small </i>CD album available for $15.00, or MP3 download of the entire album for $10.00.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">All profits from the proceeds of this recording are donated to <a href="http://www.pacerkidsagainstbullying.org/?gclid=CJarr6euuawCFU1x5QodVW3lrQ"><b style="color: blue;"><u>PACERKidsAgainstBullying.org</u></b></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span></div><span style="font-family: Arial;">Pullara’s commitment to this anti-bullying project is best summed up when he says <i>“Always keep in mind, we have another tomorrow and that bullying shouldn’t be a part of childhood.”</i></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Below, for your enjoyment are three music videos created from the album.</span><br />
<h1 style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Debbie and Friends – “Walk Away”</span></h1></div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="246" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/-wlWLwP6etE" width="425"></iframe><br />
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<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Blue October- “Jump Rope”</span></b></div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="318" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Fqh-ucVG510" width="425"></iframe> <br />
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<h1 style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Peter Alsop – “Courage”</span></h1><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="318" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Zaql2qXlTxI" width="425"></iframe>Paula Sladehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02923061193682673368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3181852274593682596.post-60577038885973041052011-11-29T14:11:00.000-08:002011-11-29T14:11:18.880-08:002011 Holiday Guide: Part 2 - Gifts of Music for year round listening<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq4cMYE68gX9mgBYt0fzZwK8qNaQL_DFQ2mMNgx5-jcNW_wiQmETR8pJEEwWBoED6FGJMiGqZmGPiIytRqROO1yB8Xkg7pAL2Cpihlo-eLK53STAfMz58r5Ocg3jDJ9Y_hNovyqehcXs-i/s1600/Singing+Santa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq4cMYE68gX9mgBYt0fzZwK8qNaQL_DFQ2mMNgx5-jcNW_wiQmETR8pJEEwWBoED6FGJMiGqZmGPiIytRqROO1yB8Xkg7pAL2Cpihlo-eLK53STAfMz58r5Ocg3jDJ9Y_hNovyqehcXs-i/s320/Singing+Santa.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>"Singing Santa" photo by Paula Slade</b></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Today we continue exploring musical gifts that are perfect for year round listening entertainment. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The products, which appear below were released during 2011 and are performed by an incredibly diverse and talented mix of musical artists.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">All of these albums have been researched for quality as well as value, and are geared to provide the children in your life with many hours of positive and fun-filled entertainment. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Best pricing options, available at the time of this posting are provided below, but it is suggested that you cross-compare CD and MP3 pricing with your favorite online as well as stick and brick retailers when available.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">From now, and until </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">December 21, 2011</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">, more music offerings will be featured as well as many other entertainment categories.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">As a reminder, you may want to bookmark this page to further enjoy the musical journey at your leisure, as there are many choices in this category, all with links for preview listening and ordering.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">As always, you are the best judge of what is appropriate for your child’s entertainment.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 18pt;">The </span></u></b><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 18pt;">Family</span></u></b><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 18pt;"> </span></u></b><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 18pt;">Garden</span></u></b><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 18pt;"> Billy Kelly</span></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAkQEzpZ4RnIrnXrAATz8_KgbnlfSgf6NDRDTCB0SC6_9cS6dD2LOeiwhJv4d-DBjf8N062ujM6d9dGT_2AIXjvYAPIzI9lvV5Kxq9Cgsz9_8kFvDxdlpyu4Q7IeqFxwCCZzuq3zzEuD4J/s1600/Billy+Kelly+TheFamilyGarden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAkQEzpZ4RnIrnXrAATz8_KgbnlfSgf6NDRDTCB0SC6_9cS6dD2LOeiwhJv4d-DBjf8N062ujM6d9dGT_2AIXjvYAPIzI9lvV5Kxq9Cgsz9_8kFvDxdlpyu4Q7IeqFxwCCZzuq3zzEuD4J/s1600/Billy+Kelly+TheFamilyGarden.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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</div><span style="font-family: Arial;">Earlier this year in April, independent recording artist, <a href="http://www.thebillykellyshow.com/"><u style="color: #990000;">Billy Kelly</u></a> launched his third family album, a 37-minute, fun-filled collection of songs, <b><i>The Family Garden</i></b>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">It’s an “anything goes” tribute that grows in this garden and easily moves from country to ragtime to rock.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Songs cover the gamut from the sweet and sincere “We Could Be Pen Pals,” co-written and performed with guest artist Molly Ledford from the band <a href="http://www.lunchmoneymusic.com/"><u style="color: #990000;">Lunch Money</u></a>, to the hilarious “The Invention of the Straw” – a great lesson in creative kid-think that’s loaded with false information from beginning to end. NPR’s <i>All Things Considered</i> once described Kelly’s brand of entertainment as having <i>“An endearingly oddball sense of humor,”</i> and it continues to charm in this outing.</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPo0Y-P43MGdHl8PSWyp0FPXWd7Uu3dcU27APMren71_WBmaubMEj9PZ9D_WPsAagR-qJIRQ1f0hpnw8_iv9gT1bSDciu9CgUFcZerCjiYTsGfKcvz3Il_hSiIC8TBsvTWpEqVoyUleRMw/s1600/Billy+Kelly+Headshot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPo0Y-P43MGdHl8PSWyp0FPXWd7Uu3dcU27APMren71_WBmaubMEj9PZ9D_WPsAagR-qJIRQ1f0hpnw8_iv9gT1bSDciu9CgUFcZerCjiYTsGfKcvz3Il_hSiIC8TBsvTWpEqVoyUleRMw/s1600/Billy+Kelly+Headshot.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Sound samples for all 16 tracks of <i>The Family Garden</i> are available through <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Family-Garden-Billy-Kelly/dp/B004TA2I7A"><b style="color: #274e13;"><u>Amazon.com</u></b></a>, where <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Family-Garden/dp/B004VFROCW/ref=tmm_msc_title_0"><b style="color: #274e13;"><u>MP3 downloads</u></b></a> are offered at $0.99 per song or $8.99 for the entire download album. (<span class="tiny">Compatible with MP3 Players – including iPod®), iTunes and Windows Media Player.)</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Audio CD format, which also includes all 16 tracks, is available from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B004TA2I7A/ref=tmm_acd_new_olp_sr?ie=UTF8&condition=new"><b style="color: #274e13;"><u>Amazon Marketplace</u></b></a> with best price “new” starting at $4.45. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Below for your enjoyment is a Kelly video, which he’s known for creating for his fans. It features one of the tracks from the </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Family</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Garden</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">, “That Old American Flag” – based on a true-life tale from his childhood.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 18pt;">Putumayo</span></u></b><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 18pt;"> Kids Presents Kids World Party</span></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGpWglpyp_l4j5bGvktLbWaof-64Th8qhPzJpJCC0hHuVDAdihgMpRoV_wb-EBEKJCzaksNIHNQUqQa3K55UlbeY1Vj4rsMvlJC-x87_bwZqDwsroWPE05Jl7aRdoQmGUwYHt3FnUjiYf7/s1600/Putumayo-Kids-Kids-World-Party.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGpWglpyp_l4j5bGvktLbWaof-64Th8qhPzJpJCC0hHuVDAdihgMpRoV_wb-EBEKJCzaksNIHNQUqQa3K55UlbeY1Vj4rsMvlJC-x87_bwZqDwsroWPE05Jl7aRdoQmGUwYHt3FnUjiYf7/s1600/Putumayo-Kids-Kids-World-Party.jpg" /></a></div><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Music is truly an international language, and nowhere is it shared more than in this delightful global collection, <b><i>Kids World Party</i></b>.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Twelve upbeat songs reflecting artists from the </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">United States</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">, </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Canada</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">, </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">France</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">, </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Switzerland</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">, </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">South Africa</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">, </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">India</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">, </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Mexico</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">, </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Trinidad and Tobago</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">, </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Italy</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> and </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Cuba</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> - all guaranteed to have families singing and dancing to the inviting rhythms on these tracks.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Released to celebrate the 50<sup>th</sup> anniversary of the Nobel Peace-Prize-winning organization, <a href="http://www.amnesty.org/"><u style="color: #990000;">Amnesty International</u></a>, each CD purchase of <i>Kids World Party</i> will provide $0.50 in support to Amnesty’s continued work on promoting and protecting human rights worldwide. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Sound samples for all 12 tracks of <i>Kids World Party </i>are available through <a href="http://www.putumayo.com/kids_world_party?section=kids"><b style="color: #274e13;"><u>Putumayo Kids</u></b></a>, where suggested retail price is $14.98.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Audio CD format, which includes all 12 tracks, is also available from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B004X7UV0U/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&condition=new"><b style="color: #274e13;"><u>Amazon Marketplace</u></b></a> with best price “new” starting at $9.00. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 18pt;">Live in </span></u></b><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 18pt;">Lexington</span></u></b><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 18pt;">: Under the Copper Beech Ben Rudnick and Friends</span></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrh4vWPTll7hZCKdtR1oLER2HywfHxiPYGfoMe9hUz0hc4lyftxEj7lz1ZaQadALgQ1iPMr7WRCEy9Gn-RURYUU7o6HAMVK0pR-FCqwon2JQkmKb-lYAEZ88jSarWAc9kCST6gKgif6Hye/s1600/Ben+Rudnick+and+Friends+Under+the+Copper+Beech.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrh4vWPTll7hZCKdtR1oLER2HywfHxiPYGfoMe9hUz0hc4lyftxEj7lz1ZaQadALgQ1iPMr7WRCEy9Gn-RURYUU7o6HAMVK0pR-FCqwon2JQkmKb-lYAEZ88jSarWAc9kCST6gKgif6Hye/s1600/Ben+Rudnick+and+Friends+Under+the+Copper+Beech.jpg" /></a></div><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">An outstanding live concert experience, with <a href="http://benrudnick.com/" style="color: #990000;"><u>Ben Rudnick & Friends</u></a>, winners of five Parents Choice® Awards</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">, is heard in this 78-minute, 25-track album that offers light folk, bluegrass, country, calypso, second-line New Orleans jazz, and multiple rock interpretations in, <b><i>Live in Lexington: Under the Copper Beech</i></b>.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The recording, a display of brilliant musicianship, reaches all age levels and was captured in a performance in front of an audience of more than 2,000 on the village green in </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Lexington</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">, </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Massachusetts</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">July 11, 2008</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjekVVDtnfraIrL9vbqNuMS7VQF-PSgpY39jo_052X9vPLGPtjxMfFVzBoJDRVz2Qmny1F0Klw4jf2o5z33mb5fTez4xXszWxwpTS1ey2zaCl3CuxYUQxxnCRGPayhFFcTtFIgTtJ90Oi89/s1600/Ben+Rudnick+Head+shot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjekVVDtnfraIrL9vbqNuMS7VQF-PSgpY39jo_052X9vPLGPtjxMfFVzBoJDRVz2Qmny1F0Klw4jf2o5z33mb5fTez4xXszWxwpTS1ey2zaCl3CuxYUQxxnCRGPayhFFcTtFIgTtJ90Oi89/s1600/Ben+Rudnick+Head+shot.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">Live in Lexington: Under the Copper Beech</span></i></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> is Ben Rudnick & Friend’s ninth album, released in August, and features songs from their first six recordings and some favorite cover tunes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Sound samples for all 25 tracks of <i>Live in Lexington: Under the Copper Beech</i> are available through <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Live-Lexington-Under-Copper-Beech/dp/B005ELP4QA/ref=sr_1_4?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1322510976&sr=1-4"><b style="color: #274e13;"><u>Amazon.com</u></b></a>, where <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Live-Lexington-Under-Copper-Beech/dp/B005HZ1HR8/ref=tmm_msc_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1322510976&sr=1-4"><b style="color: #274e13;"><u>MP3 downloads</u></b></a> are offered at $0.99 per song or $8.99 for the entire download album. (<span class="tiny">Compatible with MP3 Players – including iPod®), iTunes and Windows Media Player.)</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The Audio CD format, which also includes all 25 tracks, is available from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B005ELP4QA/ref=tmm_acd_new_olp_sr?ie=UTF8&qid=1322510976&sr=1-4&condition=new"><b style="color: #274e13;"><u>Amazon Marketplace</u></b></a> with best price “new” starting at $10.98. </span><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 18pt;">These are My Friends Alastair Moock</span></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-uLUlKXQVBvb_fZHuu80GGY-q9mIuLZkF-hxPvTzgeadrDXv8ZW99XXUYC7Ul8NnPJt1KpuaCv1fNBEtKmYvxuhTNGM-vM0r29Wrflf3ur66QMgzGCsqI4_WHeTDioXp1rQYAlCOced5x/s1600/Alastair+Moock+Album.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-uLUlKXQVBvb_fZHuu80GGY-q9mIuLZkF-hxPvTzgeadrDXv8ZW99XXUYC7Ul8NnPJt1KpuaCv1fNBEtKmYvxuhTNGM-vM0r29Wrflf3ur66QMgzGCsqI4_WHeTDioXp1rQYAlCOced5x/s1600/Alastair+Moock+Album.jpg" /></a></div><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">A fun family hootenanny is offered up by <a href="http://www.moock.com/bio.php"><u style="color: #990000;">Alastair Moock</u></a> in this October album release, <i>These are My Friends</i>.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Fourteen tracks, reflecting the best in American roots music comes from one of </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Boston</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">’s best-known musicians. </span><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgurjbO14llQcKsyyAUl2oADbkJLgkG9BDk8J6lIZ0yFwxAxiP88BgRRyhUZkJGarm76uQDpf7lz446B727So7ABn5TeB1E_Vs4HbMQdKeXUhpNBe4UIv3q0ucSuuG15O-KIKtp5yuRWsbc/s1600/AlastairMoock+Marla+Brod.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgurjbO14llQcKsyyAUl2oADbkJLgkG9BDk8J6lIZ0yFwxAxiP88BgRRyhUZkJGarm76uQDpf7lz446B727So7ABn5TeB1E_Vs4HbMQdKeXUhpNBe4UIv3q0ucSuuG15O-KIKtp5yuRWsbc/s1600/AlastairMoock+Marla+Brod.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><b>Photo by Marka Brod</b></i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">These are My Friends</span></i><span style="font-family: Arial;"> is Moock’s seventh CD, and the second that is dedicated specifically to kids. His first child-centered release, <a href="http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/alastairmoock3"><i style="color: #990000;"><u>A Cow Says Moock</u></i></a> won a 2010 NAPPA Gold Award, and <i>These are My Friends</i> is poised to garner many new young fans as well.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The album features collaborative performances with some of Moock’s own friends, which includes a Who’s Who of Boston folk and acoustic musicians including <a href="http://www.raniarbo.com/"><u style="color: #990000;">Rani Arbo</u></a>, <a href="http://markerelli.com/"><u style="color: #990000;">Mark Erelli</u></a>, <a href="http://vanessatrien.com/"><u style="color: #990000;">Vanessa Trien</u></a>, and <a href="http://lorimckenna.com/"><u style="color: #990000;">Lori McKenna</u></a> to name a few. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Sound samples for all 14 tracks of <i>These are My Friends</i> are available through <a href="http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/alastairmoock1"><b style="color: #274e13;"><u>CD Baby</u></b></a>, where MP3 downloads are offered at $0.99 per song or $12.99 for the entire download album.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Audio CD format, which includes all 14 tracks, is also available from <a href="http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/alastairmoock1"><b style="color: #274e13;"><u>CD Baby</u></b></a> for $14.99. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">For your enjoyment, below is a music video created from the title track from the album <i>These are My Friends</i>. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="243" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/k-6wMUmLGDY" width="420"></iframe><br />
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</style> <![endif]--> <div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #990000; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><i>If you found this article helpful, or are still searching for more gift ideas, you may want to read previous installments of The Gift Guide by connecting to the links below:</i></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #990000; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75;"><a href="http://nationalchildrensentertainment.blogspot.com/2011/11/2011-holiday-guide-holiday-dvds-for.html"><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">2011 Holiday Guide: </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Holiday</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> DVDs for gift-giving</span></b></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;"><a href="http://nationalchildrensentertainment.blogspot.com/2011/11/2011-holiday-guide-holiday-dvds-for.html"><b><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span></b></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;"><a href="http://nationalchildrensentertainment.blogspot.com/2011/11/2011-holiday-guide-holiday-music-for.html"><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">2011 Holiday Guide: </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Holiday</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> Music for gift-giving</span></b></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;"><a href="http://nationalchildrensentertainment.blogspot.com/2011/11/2011-holiday-guide-audio-books-and.html"><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">2011 Holiday Guide: Audio Books and celebrations of Christmas</span></b></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;"><a href="http://nationalchildrensentertainment.blogspot.com/2011/11/2011-holiday-guide-part-1-gifts-of.html"><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">2011 Holiday Guide: Part 1-Gifts of Music for year round listening</span></b></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #274e13;"><br />
</div>Paula Sladehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02923061193682673368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3181852274593682596.post-9469268011427504022011-11-27T15:14:00.000-08:002011-11-27T17:30:22.819-08:002011 Holiday Guide: Part 1- Gifts of Music for year round listening<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8P_xYa0yX0ouLHNT-Ijt7z6r7JlhH0wWxnn8YXxpEaNn0dQgbVnQlgT_7PCayl0kURE6dhk5pFyYXG8yH4qu3de-unBfHQU3wA4inXQv8DZ2QHBMAwM7_OL1mIdBysk-UiItaSAGPnGis/s1600/Carolers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8P_xYa0yX0ouLHNT-Ijt7z6r7JlhH0wWxnn8YXxpEaNn0dQgbVnQlgT_7PCayl0kURE6dhk5pFyYXG8yH4qu3de-unBfHQU3wA4inXQv8DZ2QHBMAwM7_OL1mIdBysk-UiItaSAGPnGis/s320/Carolers.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>"Doll Carolers" photo by Paula Slade</b></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Today we turn our attention to one of the most popular gift categories - “Music.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Over the last 12 months, some very talented and creative musical artists released a wide variety of albums, which cover a multitude of musical genres and tastes, perfect for gift giving for children and teens.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The products, which appear below have been researched for quality as well as value, and are geared to provide the children in your life with many hours of positive and fun-filled entertainment. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Best pricing options, available at the time of this posting are provided below, but it is suggested that you cross-compare CD and MP3 pricing with your favorite online as well as stick and brick retailers when available.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">From now, and until </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">December 21, 2011</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">, more offerings will be featured in this, and many other entertainment categories.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">You may want to bookmark this page to enjoy the musical journey at your leisure, as there will be many choices provided, all with links for preview listening and ordering.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">As always, you are the best judge of what is appropriate for your child’s entertainment.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #990000;"><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 18pt;">Strange Dees, Indeed The Deedle Deedle Dees</span></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUDRihbTSX941cBN7xPnREof_fRdBUtTZ3hKK1aI6mtbS7RRxXqh3q7YHGkhh0kmmjFvcHKknLnpEu9dlzpOD-VLotIkzDSOWM1FnMQVyg4wLZBd2UNGmroRcyepVlcLHkZYCl0siDy83w/s1600/Strange+Dees+Indeed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUDRihbTSX941cBN7xPnREof_fRdBUtTZ3hKK1aI6mtbS7RRxXqh3q7YHGkhh0kmmjFvcHKknLnpEu9dlzpOD-VLotIkzDSOWM1FnMQVyg4wLZBd2UNGmroRcyepVlcLHkZYCl0siDy83w/s1600/Strange+Dees+Indeed.jpg" /></a></div><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">History comes alive in song from “</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">America</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">’s Ultimate Teaching Band,” The <a href="http://thedeedledeedledees.com/"><u style="color: #990000;">Deedle Deedle Dees</u></a> and their newest release, <b><i>Strange </i></b></span><b><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">Dees</span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">, Indeed</span></i></b><span style="font-family: Arial;">.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">A totally creative and inventive mix of musical storytelling crammed with historical facts, folklore and even science as </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Dees</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> tackle tunes about Marie Curie, Mayor LaGuardia, Sacagawea and more.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Deedle Deedle Dees’ two previous albums, <b><i><a href="http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/deedle2"><u style="color: #990000;">Freedom in a Box</u></a> </i></b>and<b><i> <u><span style="color: #990000;"></span></u></i></b></span><a href="http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/deedle3"><u style="color: #990000;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">American History + Rock and Roll = The Deedle Dee Dees</span></i></b></u></a><span style="font-family: Arial;"> have won national acclaim as does their live performances at schools, libraries, theaters, parks and family venues.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Sound samples for all 19 tracks of <i>Strange </i></span><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">Dees</span></i><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">, Indeed</span></i><span style="font-family: Arial;"> are available through Amazon.com, where <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Strange-Dees-Indeed/dp/B005VW4LAW/ref=tmm_msc_title_0"><b style="color: #274e13;"><u>MP3 downloads</u></b></a> are offered at $0.99 per song or $8.99 for the entire download album. (<span class="tiny">Compatible with MP3 Players – including iPod®), iTunes and Windows Media Player.)</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Audio CD format, which also includes 19 tracks, is available from <a href="http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/thedeedledeedledees"><b style="color: #274e13;"><u>CD Baby</u></b></a> with best price at $10.00. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #990000;"><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 18pt;">Little Nut Tree Dan Zanes and Friends</span></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji2w3avMneiMS6PmB1MLjRHKJk9PP-0RsKNxLtQdxfM3aMSrG0qQEodkycohBDDzpqjB5JqJBBHgKsNtys6yR5nrjdexR8S-tw3wi0Sqm08zIEjL7nSdgdUgP1k5nArI2rl_wDsBE0z4wN/s1600/Dan+Zanes+Little+Nut+Tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji2w3avMneiMS6PmB1MLjRHKJk9PP-0RsKNxLtQdxfM3aMSrG0qQEodkycohBDDzpqjB5JqJBBHgKsNtys6yR5nrjdexR8S-tw3wi0Sqm08zIEjL7nSdgdUgP1k5nArI2rl_wDsBE0z4wN/s1600/Dan+Zanes+Little+Nut+Tree.jpg" /></a></div><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Grammy-winners <a href="http://www.danzanes.com/"><u style="color: #990000;">Dan Zanes and Friends</u></a> have released something for everyone in an all-ages family favorite album, <b><i>Little Nut Tree</i></b>.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Five years and a follow-up to their award winning CD, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Catch-That-Train/dp/B000QZW64C/ref=sr_shvl_album_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1322427942&sr=301-1"><b style="color: #990000;"><i><u>Catch That Train</u></i></b></a>, this newest release brings together an impressive collaboration of musical artists including <a href="http://www.andrewbird.net/"><u style="color: #990000;">Andrew Bird</u></a>, <a href="http://www.sharonjonesandthedapkings.com/"><u style="color: #990000;">Sharon Jones</u></a>, <a href="http://www.sierraleonesrefugeeallstars.com/fr_home.cfm"><u style="color: #990000;">The Sierra Leon Refugee All Stars</u></a> and <a href="http://joanosborne.com/"><u style="color: #990000;">Joan Osborne</u></a>.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Sound samples for all 16 tracks of <i>Little Nut Tree</i> are available through <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Little-Nut-Tree-Zanes-Friends/dp/B005EYP96W"><b style="color: #274e13;"><u>Amazon.com</u></b></a>, where <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Little-Nut-Tree/dp/B005J2F48W/ref=tmm_msc_title_0/192-5224425-0219351"><b style="color: #274e13;"><u>MP3 downloads</u></b></a> are offered at $0.99 per song or $6.99 for the entire download album. (<span class="tiny">Compatible with MP3 Players – including iPod®), iTunes and Windows Media Player.)</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Audio CD format, which includes 16 tracks, is available from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B005EYP96W/ref=tmm_acd_new_olp_sr/192-5224425-0219351?ie=UTF8&condition=new"><b style="color: #274e13;"><u>Amazon Marketplace</u></b></a> with best price “new” starting at $6.94. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #990000; text-align: center;"><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 18pt;">Making Silly Faces Nick Deysher</span></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrL_1GkrgHWhbcwC4ZqvPUzKJNYDXt9dK4EDbCrse-jdjW-zitKGmAOW2S3ll2Nk4UYV4hj5w8_nMdtW1nG0NVwNDkG54r0rw85CZg0cyF1JWDXjy3Du5ylSbdF_jJeCt_cqwP7bJGxF6N/s1600/Making+Silly+Faces+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrL_1GkrgHWhbcwC4ZqvPUzKJNYDXt9dK4EDbCrse-jdjW-zitKGmAOW2S3ll2Nk4UYV4hj5w8_nMdtW1nG0NVwNDkG54r0rw85CZg0cyF1JWDXjy3Du5ylSbdF_jJeCt_cqwP7bJGxF6N/s1600/Making+Silly+Faces+cover.jpg" /></a></div><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Recently voted one of the Top Ten Kids Albums of the Year by Parent’s Magazine, <a href="http://www.inthenickoftimemusic.com/about-nick-deysher/"><u style="color: #990000;">Nick Deysher’s</u></a> <b><i>Making Silly Faces</i></b>, captures childhood in 13 tuneful tracks reflecting the sounds of popular music from the 70’s, to the present day.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVlkBhVCPbKPeRrREuHhBK1tD6872FcWJ59xPWZwXJY8vV7RZOFGxiaxH9lDtaBnlipWLDZRjSfNRmIIxTAUCwZ910zeVFs-9KeTLxLSQ76QAFXxaxAAwqehz9uoEoNbt-R9LeNRZ2hJOy/s1600/Making+Silly+Faces+True+Headshot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVlkBhVCPbKPeRrREuHhBK1tD6872FcWJ59xPWZwXJY8vV7RZOFGxiaxH9lDtaBnlipWLDZRjSfNRmIIxTAUCwZ910zeVFs-9KeTLxLSQ76QAFXxaxAAwqehz9uoEoNbt-R9LeNRZ2hJOy/s1600/Making+Silly+Faces+True+Headshot.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">Deysher, an indie children’s music artist and pre-school teacher, who records under the moniker “<a href="http://www.inthenickoftimemusic.com/"><u style="color: #990000;">In the Nick of Time</u></a>” is no stranger to awards, having garnered a 2010 Parents’ Choice Gold for his CD, <a href="http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/innickoftime2"><b style="color: #990000;"><i><u>People, Places & Things</u></i></b></a>.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">In this newest release,<i> Making Silly Faces,</i> Dreysher embraces multiple music genres, from rock to sea shanty, disco and even a touch of reggae, Latin, folk and funky hip-hop, delivered in songs with positive messages about trying new things, having patience, and saying, "please".</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Sound samples for all 13 tracks of <i>Making Silly Faces</i> are available through <a href="http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/inthenickoftime1"><b style="color: #274e13;"><u>CD Baby</u></b></a> and <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/making-silly-faces/id452284413"><b style="color: #274e13;"><u>iTunes</u></b></a> where MP3 downloads are offered at $0.99 per song or $9.99 for the entire download album. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Audio CD format, which also includes all 13 tracks, is available from <a href="http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/inthenickoftime1"><b style="color: #274e13;"><u>CD Baby</u></b></a> for $12.99. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #990000;"><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 18pt;">Sing Along! Caspar Babypants</span></u></b><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVAJIpq4TKzsGoYO7McAs4Umv3eDaInDdgz1KGhY2AJ_GVaaIp-q9HlcHkULIycFpg-wtP6Lyyii0yk0i0mpHwAhbN2Y2XTn8hYUUmFfFhCgyQPd6ydnMcOrzP1-A2VL8uZaSgv9Dy8Uuw/s1600/CasparBabypantsSingAlong.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVAJIpq4TKzsGoYO7McAs4Umv3eDaInDdgz1KGhY2AJ_GVaaIp-q9HlcHkULIycFpg-wtP6Lyyii0yk0i0mpHwAhbN2Y2XTn8hYUUmFfFhCgyQPd6ydnMcOrzP1-A2VL8uZaSgv9Dy8Uuw/s1600/CasparBabypantsSingAlong.jpg" /></a></div><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 18pt;"><br />
</span></u></b></div><a href="http://babypantsmusic.com/fr_home.cfm"><u style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Caspar Babypants</span></u></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">, also known by his grown-up fans as Chris Ballew, songwriter and singer for </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Seattle</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">’s <a href="http://www.presidentsrock.com/"><u style="color: #990000;">The Presidents of the United States of America</u></a> rock band, released his fourth children’s album, <b><i>Sing Along!</i></b> and it is a pure delight for the under six crowd as well as parents and caregivers.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Inspiration for <i>Sing Along!</i> came from the call-and-response format found in African folk melodies and work songs from early American history, and Ballew offers his enticing lyrics that beg to be repeated in <i>Sing Along’s</i> mix of original music and updated traditional tunes.</span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtsevNm5Y9sP333_ls99nXvgvGbqctkA4hE15SVAXAi98SzhQ1zaoXAdxFaszHjri0UpTPihB4WUxcDMgpUCzdnGGn-xG8MD5HSdsAJjPYym5To2bg1HtEanJFs4WOAbMuXsbX36OHN18N/s1600/Chris+Ballew+Josie+Ballew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtsevNm5Y9sP333_ls99nXvgvGbqctkA4hE15SVAXAi98SzhQ1zaoXAdxFaszHjri0UpTPihB4WUxcDMgpUCzdnGGn-xG8MD5HSdsAJjPYym5To2bg1HtEanJFs4WOAbMuXsbX36OHN18N/s1600/Chris+Ballew+Josie+Ballew.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Chris Ballew photo by Josie</span></b></i> <b><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Ballew</i></span></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-family: Arial;">Some well-known guest artists lace the album including <a href="http://www.francesengland.com/"><u style="color: #990000;">Frances England</u></a>, <a href="http://www.weirdal.com/"><u style="color: #990000;">Weird Al Yankovic</u></a>, <a href="http://droge.com/flash"><u style="color: #990000;">Pete Droge</u></a> and <a href="http://www.pearljam.com/stonegossard"><u style="color: #990000;">Stone Gossard</u></a> to name a few.</span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Sound samples for all 20 tracks of <i>Sing Along!</i> are available through <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sing-Along-Caspar-Babypants/dp/B005DBLZL4"><b style="color: #274e13;"><u>Amazon.com</u></b></a>, where <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sing-Along/dp/B005BYUVCM/ref=tmm_msc_title_0"><b style="color: #274e13;"><u>MP3 downloads</u></b></a> are offered at $0.99 per song or $8.99 for the entire download album. (<span class="tiny">Compatible with MP3 Players – including iPod®), iTunes and Windows Media Player.)</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Audio CD format, which also includes all 20 tracks, is available from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B005DBLZL4/ref=tmm_acd_new_olp_sr?ie=UTF8&condition=new"><b style="color: #274e13;"><u>Amazon Marketplace</u></b></a> with best price “new” starting at $7.59. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">For your enjoyment, below are two music videos created from the tracks on this album, and they provide excellent examples as to the diversity in <i>Sing Along!</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/jNIq-mM_G10" width="420"></iframe><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="243" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/8YgnmWu-hEg" width="420"></iframe><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: red; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><i>If you found this article helpful, or are still searching for more gift ideas, you may want to read previous installments of The Gift Guide by connecting to the links below:</i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #990000;"><b><a href="http://nationalchildrensentertainment.blogspot.com/2011/11/2011-holiday-guide-holiday-dvds-for.html"><span style="font-family: Arial;">2011 Holiday Guide: </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Holiday</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> DVDs for gift-giving</span></a></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><a href="http://nationalchildrensentertainment.blogspot.com/2011/11/2011-holiday-guide-holiday-music-for.html"><span style="font-family: Arial;">2011 Holiday Guide: </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Holiday</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> Music for gift-giving</span></a></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><a href="http://nationalchildrensentertainment.blogspot.com/2011/11/2011-holiday-guide-audio-books-and.html"><span style="font-family: Arial;">2011 Holiday Guide: Audio Books and celebrations of Christmas</span></a></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>Paula Sladehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02923061193682673368noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3181852274593682596.post-8545859819791521822011-11-23T12:51:00.000-08:002011-11-23T12:51:20.153-08:002011 Holiday Guide: Audio books and celebrations of Christmas<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><img src="http://img2.blogblog.com/img/video_object.png" style="background-color: #b2b2b2; " class="BLOGGER-object-element tr_noresize tr_placeholder" id="ieooui" data-original-id="ieooui" /> <style>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUfpbLsASfJcs3uXoBjhloq207ZvOWvv6JftqgYuYScUvCN9_tFgbtUbICuPeCkDXpZsHR6_tyRq65-5mqwJpsGira7K0kff_pCIVCOkbJpdvPwUkS3bO7YzXdnyrWfc5fr4PimZXwsFFI/s1600/Santa+and+sack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUfpbLsASfJcs3uXoBjhloq207ZvOWvv6JftqgYuYScUvCN9_tFgbtUbICuPeCkDXpZsHR6_tyRq65-5mqwJpsGira7K0kff_pCIVCOkbJpdvPwUkS3bO7YzXdnyrWfc5fr4PimZXwsFFI/s320/Santa+and+sack.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>'Santa with sack' photo by Paula Slade</b></i></td></tr>
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Today’s article, the third installment in this series, serves as an introduction to <b><u><span style="color: red;">audible.com</span></u></b>, and also provides entertainment ideas in the category of Christmas audio books that are perfect for taking along on holiday travels, or just enjoying the season at home.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Audible.com is an Amazon company. Their audio books, which number over 100,000 selections, are offered abridged, unabridged and in dramatized formats, and are set at reasonable price points.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The full library collection, which audible offers, ranges from audio books for Kids and Teens, to New Releases, Best-sellers and Award-winners. Other categories you’ll find include: Mysteries; Thrillers; Sci-Fi; Fantasy; History and more.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Audible.com provides easy browsing and shopping by category and also allows you to narrow your gift search down to a specific keyword, author, title or narrator.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Excellent sound samples are provided enabling you to listen to your selection before you purchase.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">All audio books are compatible with <span class="adbl-info">iPod®, iPhone®, BlackBerry,</span> and more than 500 popular MP3 players. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Audible also provides telephone-shopping support at <span>1-888-283-5051</span> (</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">USA</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> & </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Canada</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">), <span>973-820-0400</span> (International) Mon - Fri </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">9:00 AM - 10:00 PM ET</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">, Sat </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">10:00 AM - 7:00 PM ET</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">, and online customer service support 24 hours a day / 7 days a week.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Currently, audible.com is offering several rather enticing <b><u><span style="color: green;">membership programs</span></u></b> based on either a monthly or annual rate, which start as low as $7.49 per month to $229.50 per year. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Purchasing without membership advantages and at straight retail pricing is always an option.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="adbl-info"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Christmas audio books that are featured have been researched for quality as well as value, and are geared to provide the children or teen in your life with many hours of positive and fun-filled entertainment.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="adbl-info"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The color-highlighted Christmas audio books that are below are provided with links for standard pricing as well as special discounted membership pricing </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="adbl-info"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Each audio book's title will connect you with a sound sample, so you may wish to bookmark this page to enable <span style="color: black;">further explorations</span> at your leisure or to browse for <a href="http://www.audible.com/browseaudio/1402859021/177-2244256-5473111?ie=UTF8&pf_rd_r=19T992135H7YRRSNJQRT&pf_rd_m=A2ZO8JX97D5MN9&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_i=1402858021_at&pf_rd_p=1302706762&pf_rd_s=top-2"><u style="color: #990000;">non-holiday titles</u></a>.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="adbl-info"><span style="font-family: Arial;">From now until </span></span><span class="adbl-info"><span style="font-family: Arial;">December 21, 2011</span></span><span class="adbl-info"><span style="font-family: Arial;">, many other new offerings will be featured on National Children’s Entertainment, covering a wide variety of entertainment-oriented items, so if you don’t find something today, be sure to check back often.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="adbl-info"><span style="font-family: Arial;">As always, you are the best judge of what is appropriate for your child’s entertainment</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 18pt;"><a href="http://www.audible.com/pd/ref=sr_1_20?asin=B002V1AGEG&qid=1321984334&sr=1-20"><span style="color: red;">A Christmas Carol [Simon & Schuster Version]</span></a> </span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNXw-6gMAYEQx_Hhq_vAKStE6gnulBnIMRCfNaTUbPvStLiuahEx8fE7nviHlPGf_RPyTHZQEWbLjg9m1w7z44F4BMPJTBnFTFPVeQNvQy-wHJAYCIHT45RdmyRAGk7h39Yhx3MzHJnCaw/s1600/Christmas+Carol.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNXw-6gMAYEQx_Hhq_vAKStE6gnulBnIMRCfNaTUbPvStLiuahEx8fE7nviHlPGf_RPyTHZQEWbLjg9m1w7z44F4BMPJTBnFTFPVeQNvQy-wHJAYCIHT45RdmyRAGk7h39Yhx3MzHJnCaw/s1600/Christmas+Carol.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">AUDIOBOOK </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">ABRIDGED</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="adbl-label-an"><span style="font-family: Arial;">By</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> <span class="adbl-prod-author"><span style="color: green;"><a href="http://www.audible.com/search/ref=sr_asrch_lnk_20?searchAuthor=Charles+Dickens&qid=1321984334&sr=1-20"><span style="color: green;">Charles Dickens</span></a></span> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="adbl-label-an"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Narrated by</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> <span class="adbl-prod-author"><span style="color: green;"><a href="http://www.audible.com/search/ref=sr_nsrch_lnk_20?searchNarrator=Patrick+Stewart&qid=1321984334&sr=1-20"><span style="color: green;">Patrick Stewart</span></a></span> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="adbl-prod-author"><span style="font-family: Arial;">In this tale about the true meaning of Christmas and the generosity of spirit, Patrick Stewart, one of the finest actors of stage, television and screen delivers an outstanding interpretation of Charles Dickens’ classic novel. His narration brings true theatre to the mind’s eye.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="adbl-label"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Length:1 hr and 47 mins</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="adbl-label"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Release Date:</span></span><span class="adbl-label"><span style="font-family: Arial;">09-25-06</span></span><span class="adbl-label"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="adbl-label"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Regular Price:</span></span><span class="adbl-reg-price"><span style="font-family: Arial;">$13.27 </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="adbl-label"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Special Offer: </span></span><span style="color: green; font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://www.audible.com/offers/1402860021?asin=B002V1AGEG"><span style="color: green;">Learn how to get this for $7.49</span></a></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></div><h1><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></h1><h1><span style="color: red;"><a href="http://www.audible.com/pd/ref=sr_1_1?asin=B002V1C0WC&qid=1322073237&sr=1-1"><span style="color: red; font-size: 18pt;">How the Grinch Stole Christmas</span></a></span><span style="color: red; font-size: 18pt;"></span></h1><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSS6B-CmcYSwi0C8Ixh7q3hSPGRTHpsXrGKimGOwsymYex0dK8PQW43yswIHhF-Oo9r0BlRYjj_XRQx61l5QE3GbncjggBCdHtgeNWP-bGqr46riN91YaOvz0DCZYSH-GfqUcSAWOgjslO/s1600/Grinch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSS6B-CmcYSwi0C8Ixh7q3hSPGRTHpsXrGKimGOwsymYex0dK8PQW43yswIHhF-Oo9r0BlRYjj_XRQx61l5QE3GbncjggBCdHtgeNWP-bGqr46riN91YaOvz0DCZYSH-GfqUcSAWOgjslO/s1600/Grinch.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">AUDIOBOOK </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">UNABRIDGED</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="adbl-label-an"><span style="font-family: Arial;">By</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> <span class="adbl-prod-author"><span style="color: green;"><a href="http://www.audible.com/search/ref=sr_asrch_lnk_1?searchAuthor=Dr.+Seuss&qid=1322073237&sr=1-1"><span style="color: green;">Dr. Seuss</span></a></span> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="adbl-label-an"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Narrated by</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> <span class="adbl-prod-author"><span style="color: green;"><a href="http://www.audible.com/search/ref=sr_nsrch_lnk_1?searchNarrator=Walter+Matthau&qid=1322073237&sr=1-1"><span style="color: green;">Walter Matthau</span></a></span> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="adbl-prod-author"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Boris Karloff may own the television version of the Grinch, but in this audio book, Walter Matthau takes center stage and delivers a performance like a favorite uncle - a true child’s delight.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="adbl-label"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Length:12 mins</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="adbl-label"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Release Date:</span></span><span class="adbl-label"><span style="font-family: Arial;">06-26-06</span></span><span class="adbl-label"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="adbl-label"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Regular Price:</span></span><span class="adbl-reg-price"><span style="font-family: Arial;">$3.93 </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="adbl-label"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Special Offer: </span></span><span style="color: green; font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://www.audible.com/offers/1749?asin=B002V1C0WC"><span style="color: green;">Learn how to get this FREE!</span></a></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 18pt;"><a href="http://www.audible.com/pd/ref=sr_1_7?asin=B002UP1I36&qid=1321985335&sr=1-7"><span style="color: red;">A Child's Christmas in Wales</span></a></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 18pt;"> </span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNiWA5wppLAa2WkMGrVWaCQpSwadkmtuECN1nNd-_nd_BOTHJRrIjk0o04rQ8Lw3vcZrORISN2rt0SdDAVNt0TM3kDXOUbAohOwuivUXMUJwBJWH833_ofwLrFsY-Ga9z4DO-Urez1ufD3/s1600/A-Childs-Christmas-in-Wales-.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNiWA5wppLAa2WkMGrVWaCQpSwadkmtuECN1nNd-_nd_BOTHJRrIjk0o04rQ8Lw3vcZrORISN2rt0SdDAVNt0TM3kDXOUbAohOwuivUXMUJwBJWH833_ofwLrFsY-Ga9z4DO-Urez1ufD3/s1600/A-Childs-Christmas-in-Wales-.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">AUDIOBOOK </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="adbl-label-an"><span style="font-family: Arial;">By</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> <span class="adbl-prod-author"><span style="color: green;"><a href="http://www.audible.com/search/ref=sr_asrch_lnk_7?searchAuthor=Dylan+Thomas&qid=1321985335&sr=1-7"><span style="color: green;">Dylan Thomas</span></a></span> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 18pt;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="adbl-label-an"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Narrated by</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> <span class="adbl-prod-author"><span style="color: green;"><a href="http://www.audible.com/search/ref=sr_nsrch_lnk_7?searchNarrator=Dylan+Thomas&qid=1321985335&sr=1-7"><span style="color: green;">Dylan Thomas</span></a></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="adbl-prod-author"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">A recording of this caliber doesn’t get much better than this – pairing the words and the distinctive voice of one of the greatest writers of the 20<sup>th</sup> century, Thomas' rich language melts into tender recollections of Christmas past. Prose narrated like pure poetry.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="adbl-label"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Length:48 mins</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;">.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="adbl-label"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Release Date:</span></span><span class="adbl-label"><span style="font-family: Arial;">12-16-99</span></span><span class="adbl-label"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 18pt;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="adbl-label"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Regular Price:</span></span><span class="adbl-reg-price"><span style="font-family: Arial;">$13.27 </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="adbl-label"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Special Offer: </span></span><span style="color: green; font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://www.audible.com/offers/1402860021?asin=B002UP1I36"><span style="color: green;">Learn how to get this for $7.49!</span></a></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 18pt;"><a href="http://www.audible.com/pd/ref=sr_1_1?asin=B002V1CDK6&qid=1321985505&sr=1-1"><span style="color: red;">The Night Before Christmas</span></a> </span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvexWv8z_LWkbTVMV_kpnA5UJ0-UBNKrWtQjtKkQ2gBJm4jrA-kV_P7IdV2q1U6Jv4xfdrU-L-3ImjSTeI1CExCAhdh8IuZSbJqR401ZOi7pKGIhZLz0UmAw17QjiT95bxDy4jkQq9rBhS/s1600/Night+Before+Christmas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvexWv8z_LWkbTVMV_kpnA5UJ0-UBNKrWtQjtKkQ2gBJm4jrA-kV_P7IdV2q1U6Jv4xfdrU-L-3ImjSTeI1CExCAhdh8IuZSbJqR401ZOi7pKGIhZLz0UmAw17QjiT95bxDy4jkQq9rBhS/s1600/Night+Before+Christmas.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">AUDIOBOOK </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">UNABRIDGED</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="adbl-label-an"><span style="font-family: Arial;">By</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> <span class="adbl-prod-author"><span style="color: green;"><a href="http://www.audible.com/search/ref=sr_asrch_lnk_1?searchAuthor=Clement+Clarke+Moore&qid=1321985505&sr=1-1"><span style="color: green;">Clement Clarke Moore</span></a></span> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="adbl-label-an"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Narrated by</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> <span class="adbl-prod-author"><span style="color: green;"><a href="http://www.audible.com/search/ref=sr_nsrch_lnk_1?searchNarrator=Peter+Linz&qid=1321985505&sr=1-1"><span style="color: green;">Peter Linz</span></a></span> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Linz</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> delivers a happy, animated and energized narration of this classic Clement Moore poem.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="adbl-label"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Length:5 mins</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="adbl-label"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Release Date:</span></span><span class="adbl-label"><span style="font-family: Arial;">02-08-08</span></span><span class="adbl-label"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="adbl-label"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Regular Price:</span></span><span class="adbl-reg-price"><span style="font-family: Arial;">$1.95 </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="adbl-label"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Special Offer: </span></span><span style="color: green; font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://www.audible.com/offers/1749?asin=B002V1CDK6"><span style="color: green;">Learn how to get this FREE!</span></a></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">If you’ve found this article to be helpful with your holiday shopping, you may also want to review the following previous posts.</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: red; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://nationalchildrensentertainment.blogspot.com/2011/11/2011-holiday-guide-holiday-music-for.html">2011 Holiday Guide: Holiday music for gift-giving </a></span></i></div><h3 style="color: red; font-weight: normal;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://nationalchildrensentertainment.blogspot.com/2011/11/2011-holiday-guide-holiday-dvds-for.html"><span style="font-family: Arial;">2011 </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Holiday</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> Guide: </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Holiday</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> DVDs for gift-giving</span></a></span></i></h3>Paula Sladehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02923061193682673368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3181852274593682596.post-53965294755829768752011-11-21T16:31:00.000-08:002011-11-21T16:32:15.650-08:002011 Holiday Guide: Holiday music for gift-giving<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgry0hvvOqnRJj-sVUY0IX154A7DFOG_628xyLNDTOAKpVrWHsnvV_rA1Y-JgnLLvlnLc3bfy3uGroUaReslJ5m_C0Lkj0grstn5Swvevy_ETziDHpyqQp81jf-Ff6UF4_o7KF-rSxNRVyP/s1600/JOY.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgry0hvvOqnRJj-sVUY0IX154A7DFOG_628xyLNDTOAKpVrWHsnvV_rA1Y-JgnLLvlnLc3bfy3uGroUaReslJ5m_C0Lkj0grstn5Swvevy_ETziDHpyqQp81jf-Ff6UF4_o7KF-rSxNRVyP/s320/JOY.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>"Blocks of Joy" photo by Paula Slade</b></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><h3 style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Today we turn our attention to gifts of holiday music, which includes the best selections for <span style="color: #990000;">Christmas</span>, </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Hanukkah and Kawanzaa.</span></h3><h3 style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">This article, the second installment in this series, provides information and ideas for parents and caregivers for children’s entertainment-oriented gifts. </span><span style="color: black;"></span></h3><h3 style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">From now until </span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">December 21, 2011</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">, new offerings will be featured in multiple entertainment categories, including more posts to come on music, which is our largest category.</span></h3><h3 style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">The products, which appear below, have been researched for quality as well as value, and are geared to provide the children in your life with many hours of positive and fun-filled entertainment.</span></h3><h3 style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Although pricing has been provided for you at time of this publication, it is suggested that you cross-compare with various online as well as stick and brick retailers when available.</span><span style="color: black;"></span></h3><h3 style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">For all of the featured albums, links for sound samples, MP3 downloads and CDs are provided, so you may wish to bookmark this page to enable further explorations at your leisure. </span><span style="color: black;"></span></h3><h3 style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">As always, you are the best judge of what is appropriate for your child's entertainment.</span></h3><h3 style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span><span style="color: black;"></span></h3><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="color: #990000;"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Putumayo</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> Celtic Christmas</span></b></div><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO2kKYG-xvoNJqNfBmBhjavv_dwn7Q7ap2SXzZSFCO5-cdDiDSsRiwIrYz2t_HCivEo2O0F3tuTXotqL-Xnjr7C2pWg3OrACnCchjRjMFPs1lUg3yJUzdVfXYTE2J19YFMXQOtUDjJCaJn/s1600/celtic-christmas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO2kKYG-xvoNJqNfBmBhjavv_dwn7Q7ap2SXzZSFCO5-cdDiDSsRiwIrYz2t_HCivEo2O0F3tuTXotqL-Xnjr7C2pWg3OrACnCchjRjMFPs1lUg3yJUzdVfXYTE2J19YFMXQOtUDjJCaJn/s1600/celtic-christmas.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"> This is an enchanting collection of some of the most beloved holiday music, which has been reinterpreted with Celtic flair, and given new life by various well-known artists - <b><i>Putumayo Celtic Christmas</i></b>.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Following the highly successful <a href="http://www.putumayo.com/" style="color: #990000;"><u>Putumayo</u></a> Christmas releases such as <a href="http://www.amazon.com/JAZZ-BLUES-CHRISTMAS-PUTUMAYO-PRESENTS/dp/B001DHIXBM/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1321905411&sr=1-1"><i style="color: #990000;"><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">A Jazz & Blues Christmas</span></u></i></a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/NEW-ORLEANS-CHRISTMAS-PUTUMAYO-PRESENTS/dp/B000I2IS72/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1321905516&sr=1-1"><i style="color: #990000;"><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">New Orleans Christmas</span></u></i></a><i><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></i>and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Putumayo-Presents-Christmas-Around-World/dp/B0000AYLHW/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1321905566&sr=1-1"><i style="color: #990000;"><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">Christmas Around the World</span></u></i></a>, which combined have sold over 1 million copies, this album represents the Celtic musical flavors of Ireland, Scotland, England, Canada and United States, and incorporates harmonious vocals as well as instrumentals utilizing fiddle, harp, flute and mandolin. </span><br />
<br />
</div><span style="font-family: Arial;">This 11-track album features the following songs and artists:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">1. <span class="section0">The </span></span><span class="section0"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Albion</span></span><span class="section0"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> Christmas Band </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;">–<span class="section1"> “Here We Come A Wassailing” </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">2. <span class="section0">Charles T. Cozens </span>–<span class="section1"> “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">3. <span class="section0">The Gothard Sisters </span>–<span class="section1"> “Little Drummer Girl” </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">4. <span class="section0">DruidStone </span>–<span class="section1"> “Noel Nouvelet”</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">5. <span class="section0">David Huntsinger </span>–<span class="section1"> “Angels We Have Heard on High” </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">6. <span class="section0">Charles T. Cozens </span>–<span class="section1"> “Good King Wenceslas” </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">7. <span class="section0">Lasairirfhíona Ní Chonaola </span>–<span class="section1"> “Nollaig Bhan (White Christmas)” </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">8. <span class="section0">Steve Schuch & Night Heron Consort </span>–<span class="section1"> “Joy to the World”</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">9. <span class="section0">Áine Minogue </span>–<span class="section1"> “Manx Jezebel Carol” </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">10. <span class="section0">David Arkenstone </span>–<span class="section1"> “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">11. <span class="section0">Dougie MacLean </span>–<span class="section1"> “Auld Lang Syne” </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Full one-minute sound samples are available for previewing at <a href="http://www.putumayo.com/celtic-christmas-1" style="color: #990000;"><b><u>http://www.putumayo.com/celtic-christmas-1</u></b></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">MP3 downloads are available for $.0.99 per track or the entire album for $8.99 at <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Putumayo-Celtic-Christmas/dp/B005TDUV6G/ref=tmm_msc_title_0"><b style="color: #990000;"><u>Amazon.com</u></b></a>.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="olpcondlink"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The suggested retail price for the Putumayo Celtic Christmas CD is $14.98, and currently through <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005IY39VK/ref=dm_dp_cdp?ie=UTF8&s=music"><b style="color: #990000;"><u>Amazon Marketplace</u></b></a> pricing begins at </span></span><span class="price"><span style="font-family: Arial;">$9.36.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #990000;"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Glee: The Music, The Christmas Album Volume 2</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicB59L47_Dnw7agJ_hx7rU57QbCt3JdOMnV_VPyBUgp2GE_aM9g2xHSuTFAuhgGbYj00SuHCnew5355PUTllx9UNTUOcKkAS2zLMQzUmysMXjdpDLTvVL3Zl9YgGVNGNOBZdt-KhO_Da2W/s1600/Glee+Christmas+Album.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicB59L47_Dnw7agJ_hx7rU57QbCt3JdOMnV_VPyBUgp2GE_aM9g2xHSuTFAuhgGbYj00SuHCnew5355PUTllx9UNTUOcKkAS2zLMQzUmysMXjdpDLTvVL3Zl9YgGVNGNOBZdt-KhO_Da2W/s320/Glee+Christmas+Album.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="swspritesstar50"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Sure to delight the teens in your life and followers of the hit television show <a href="http://www.fox.com/glee/"><b style="color: #990000;"><i><u>Glee</u></i></b></a>.</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">This is a five-star rockin’ album that includes the following songs and cast favorites:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">1. "All I Want For Christmas Is You" - Amber Riley (Mercedes) <br />
2. "Extraordinary Merry Christmas" - Darren Criss (</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Blaine</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">) and Lea Michele (Rachel) <br />
3. "Santa Baby" - Naya Rivera (Santana) <br />
4. "Christmas Eve With You" - Jayma Mays (Emma) and Matthew Morrison (Will) <br />
5. "Little Drummer Boy" - Kevin McHale (Artie) <br />
6. "River" - Lea Michele (Rachel) <br />
7. "Do You Hear What I Hear?" - Lindsay Pearce and Alex Newell (`Glee Project') <br />
8. "Let It Snow" - Darren Criss (</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Blaine</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">) and Chris Colfer (Kurt) <br />
9. "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town" - Mark Sailing (Puck), Cory Monteith (Finn) and Samuel Larsen (`Glee Project') <br />
10. "Christmas Wrapping" - Heather Morris (</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Brittany</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">) <br />
11. "Blue Christmas" - Damian McGinty (Rory) <br />
12. "Do They Know It's Christmas" - Cory Monteith (Finn), Amber Riley (Mercedes), Lea Michele (Rachel), Chris Colfer (Kurt), Kevin McHale (Artie), Heather Morris (Brittany), Mark Salling (Puck), Jenna Ushkowitz (Tina), Naya Rivera (Santana) <br />
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</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Sound samples for previewing and MP3 downloads are available through <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Glee-Music-Christmas-Album-2/dp/B005V0VG16/ref=pd_nr_zgc_m_music_display_on_website_2?ie=UTF8&s=music&pf_rd_p=87772162&pf_rd_s=right-3&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_i=465672&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1EMABG0Z9KE90R4DYZ5Y"><b style="color: #990000;"><u>Amazon.com</u></b></a> where the entire album is offered at $10.99, or individual tracks at $1.29 each. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The full CD format is best priced through <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B005V0VG16/ref=tmm_acd_new_olp_sr?ie=UTF8&condition=new"><b style="color: #990000;"><u>Amazon Marketplace</u></b></a> starting at $9.28.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><h1 style="color: #990000; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Kwanzaa Album</span></h1><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoKXWenclF0sdqNPR-2dmH7hwee-TDWPIJB0TnoP3nuwoMhGnTzs5eSnLmAjs_W7fhh4NvUyoO_b2KGNFaIGCIuVh7sGbzpAL1h-7DEEJ3zNPrwNOCffyikg8_D1Bbm4FP36JCZb-atAvE/s1600/Kawanza+Album.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoKXWenclF0sdqNPR-2dmH7hwee-TDWPIJB0TnoP3nuwoMhGnTzs5eSnLmAjs_W7fhh4NvUyoO_b2KGNFaIGCIuVh7sGbzpAL1h-7DEEJ3zNPrwNOCffyikg8_D1Bbm4FP36JCZb-atAvE/s1600/Kawanza+Album.jpg" /></a></div><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">From <a href="http://www.kwanzaaalbum.com/artist_info.htm"><u style="color: #990000;">Women of the Calabash</u></a> comes <b><i>The Kwanzaa Album</i></b>, one of the finest recordings available that celebrates the rich cultural heritage of the holiday.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The album features beautifully performed and lush harmonious vocals with a mix of percussion instruments made from natural materials such as bamboo, calabash and wood. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Tracks (some sung in the African language) include the following selections:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">1. “Shekere Samba”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">2. “Arara Yemonya”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">3. “Nksoi Sikelel'iafrica”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">4. “</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Ituri</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Forest</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">5. “Chemutenguire”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">6. “Mya Si Grei”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">7. “Saraka”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">8. “Ishe Oluwa”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">9. “Yankady”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">10. “Mena”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">11. “Oshun Chant”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">12. “Ogunire”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">13. “Seven Principles”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">14. “Gourd Cuanco”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">15. “Coming Home”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">16. “Lift Every Voice and Sing”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Sound samples and MP3 download for each track of <i>The Kawanzaa Album</i> is available for $0.99, or $8.99 for the entire 16-track album through <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Kwanzaa-Album-Women-Calabash/dp/B00000GUYJ/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1321895164&sr=1-1"><b style="color: #990000;"><u>Amazon.com</u></b></a>. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The full CD format is best priced and available through <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B00000GUYJ/ref=tmm_acd_new_olp_sr?ie=UTF8&qid=1321895164&sr=1-1&condition=new"><b style="color: #990000;"><u>Amazon Marketplace</u></b></a> starting at $10.99. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><h1 style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Lights, Vol 2. A Hanukkah Sampler</span></h1><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXnx04Y7wKL4XwgpwXMM3C_ZAIewfAPGmygT4LanyhuYwq_0mgugeATrHmNHAhuqzGA-ggSXV-fKo3i-FPU2CzR-CGO3QfVetWP4EnYN5MAlSk4h8QBAsr7uA2HyIQhLrB_JW1AvjfuqBR/s1600/Hannukah+Sampler.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXnx04Y7wKL4XwgpwXMM3C_ZAIewfAPGmygT4LanyhuYwq_0mgugeATrHmNHAhuqzGA-ggSXV-fKo3i-FPU2CzR-CGO3QfVetWP4EnYN5MAlSk4h8QBAsr7uA2HyIQhLrB_JW1AvjfuqBR/s1600/Hannukah+Sampler.jpg" /></a></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">A festive and tuneful addition to the holiday, eighteen delightfully performed Hanukkah tracks in this brand new album release featuring many popular artists of Jewish music, including <a href="http://www.craignco.com/about/bio.php"><u style="color: #990000;">Craig Taubman</u></a>, <a href="http://klezmatics.com/"><u style="color: #990000;">The Klezmatics</u></a> and <a href="http://albertomizrahi.com/"><u style="color: #990000;">Alberto Mizrahi</u></a> to name just a few.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The entire album is sure to delight the whole family and includes the following selections and artists:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> 1. Maoz Tzur - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000QJUKG4/ref=dm_dp_adp1">Craig Taubman</a> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">2. Pass the Candle - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0014NOE0E/ref=dm_dp_adp2">Michelle Citrin</a> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">3. Tzur Chayenu - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000QJZL0O/ref=dm_dp_adp3">Josh Nelson</a> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">4. Fire - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0013OCJZQ/ref=dm_dp_adp4">Yael Meyer</a> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">5. I Have a Little Dreidl - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000QJJLUK/ref=dm_dp_adp5">Joshua Nelson</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">6. Hanerot - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000QKIM4A/ref=dm_dp_adp6">Pharaoh's Daughter</a> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">7. Scottish Niggun - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0064UTRSQ/ref=dm_dp_adp7">Rabbi Menachem Creditor</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">8. Hanukah Gelt - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000QJQJLO/ref=dm_dp_adp8">The Klezmatics</a> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">9. This Light Tonight - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00160KM9C/ref=dm_dp_adp9">Elana Jagoda</a> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">10. Rock of Ages - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000QKM9SK/ref=dm_dp_adp10">Rebbesoul</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">11. New Light - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001BMKISA/ref=dm_dp_adp11">Naomi Less</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">12. Ocho Kandelikas - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000QJPK8C/ref=dm_dp_adp12">Alberto Mizrahi</a> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">13. Mi Yimalel - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000QJUKG4/ref=dm_dp_adp13">Craig Taubman</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">14. Hanerot Halalu - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000QKKVGW/ref=dm_dp_adp14">Mare Winningham</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">15. Suri Goali Yah - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0064UTRFY/ref=dm_dp_adp15">Hillel Tigay / Year 1</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">16. B’Rakhot L’ Hanukka - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0064UTRLI/ref=dm_dp_adp16">Milken Archive</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">17. Shehechianu - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000QJUKG4/ref=dm_dp_adp17">Craig Taubman</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">18. Honika Electronica - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0016NEVW8/ref=dm_dp_adp18">Smooth-E</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">T<span style="font-family: Arial;">he MP3 release and pricing for <i>Lights, Vol 2. A Hanukkah Sampler</i> will be available on </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2011</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> through <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Lights-Vol-2-Hanukkah-Sampler/dp/B0064Z7X3W"><b style="color: #990000;"><u>Amazon.com</u></b></a>, where sound samples for the entire album are already available.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Sing We Now of Christmas</span></b></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM39tn0oPYXPysrXgbPEOSzDRSUHtTb0k1RVajwItA6lwrn2_n01sIe4sqiGh_q16eggb_0LZ0K9ijKU8vZNsPQQU96L9xmY-mB0dOCxaWomtoXr6sTbw-76jNunXBjSsB3Wged2jOGEKB/s1600/Sing+We+Now+of+Christmas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM39tn0oPYXPysrXgbPEOSzDRSUHtTb0k1RVajwItA6lwrn2_n01sIe4sqiGh_q16eggb_0LZ0K9ijKU8vZNsPQQU96L9xmY-mB0dOCxaWomtoXr6sTbw-76jNunXBjSsB3Wged2jOGEKB/s1600/Sing+We+Now+of+Christmas.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">Sing We Now of Christmas</span></i></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> is superb and meticulously recorded album of classic holiday carols performed a cappella from <a href="http://www.nonstopmusique.com/about/"><u style="color: #990000;">Non Stop Musique</u></a>.</span><br />
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</div><span style="font-family: Arial;">Originally created as a program to assist families and choral groups master the art of singing four-part harmony, <i>Sing We Now of Christmas</i> was launched late last year with multiple rehearsal CDs that make learning music by ear easy for soprano, alto, tenor and bass. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The harmonies are all-original and are designed to appeal to a wide audience. Written specifically in keys that are sung by the average person, each part is easy to grasp with this program.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The full chorus CD or MP3 download is perfect for singing along or just listening.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Musical tracks include the following favorites:</span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">1. “Angels We Have Heard On High”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">2. “Away In A Manger”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">3. “</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Coventry</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> Carol”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">4. “Deck the Halls”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">5. “The First Nowell”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">6. “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">7. “Good King Wenceslas”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">8. “Hark! the Herald Angels Sing”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">9. “It Came Upon A </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Midnight</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> Clear”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">10. “Joy to the World!”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">11. “O Come All Ye Faithful”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">12. “O Little Town of </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Bethlehem</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">13. “Silent Night”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">14. “What Child Is This”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">15. “We Wish You A Merry Christmas”</span><br />
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</div><span style="font-family: Arial;">The full-chorus MP3 is available to sound sample and download at <a href="http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/nonstopmusique"><b style="color: #990000;"><u>CD Baby</u></b></a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sing-We-Now-of-Christmas/dp/B00458ATJA/ref=sr_shvl_album_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1321818213&sr=301-1"><b style="color: #990000;"><u>Amazon.com</u></b></a> for $0.99 per track. The entire MP3 album is available for $8.99 at <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sing-We-Now-of-Christmas/dp/B00458ATJA/ref=sr_shvl_album_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1321818213&sr=301-1"><b style="color: #990000;"><u>Amazon.com</u></b></a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The CD format for <i>Sing We Now of Christmas</i> is available direct from <a href="http://www.nonstopmusique.com/products/"><b><u style="color: #990000;">Non Stop Musique</u></b></a> for $12.00, where you will also find pricing for this unique teaching program. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">If you happen to live in the </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Bellingham</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">, </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Washington</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> area, members of the Non Stop Christmas Carolers are performing at multiple venues during December; you can check out their schedule here: <b><a href="http://www.nonstopmusique.com/about/events/" style="color: #990000;">http://www.nonstopmusique.com/about/events/</a></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Below for your enjoyment, is a video that explains Non Stop Musique’s teaching by ear program in depth.</span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/B-sAxJQUEkc" width="420"></iframe><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #274e13;"><i><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">If you found this post helpful, you may wish to check out the following for additional gift ideas:</span></b></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://nationalchildrensentertainment.blogspot.com/2011/11/2011-holiday-guide-holiday-dvds-for.html"><span style="color: #990000;">2011 Holiday Guide: Holiday DVDs for gift-giving</span> </a></b></div>Paula Sladehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02923061193682673368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3181852274593682596.post-32023731197103549962011-11-18T10:43:00.000-08:002011-11-18T10:53:28.167-08:00The Popcorn Report: Guide to Thanksgiving week’s movies with ratings and trailers<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjEdva48cDbHJyVZRh2WZqSnKsllYiceItzio3m_fIWhQmFgeuZLegWa7dditsRGXiDnOtLlcnUfalBCB64eHwTqcPRttwYoHlq1cXFKaw9e-w64c2F6_Piis67S9S5tslOPBuDXQuXUgT/s1600/popcorn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjEdva48cDbHJyVZRh2WZqSnKsllYiceItzio3m_fIWhQmFgeuZLegWa7dditsRGXiDnOtLlcnUfalBCB64eHwTqcPRttwYoHlq1cXFKaw9e-w64c2F6_Piis67S9S5tslOPBuDXQuXUgT/s1600/popcorn.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="color: black;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">‘Popcorn’ photo by <a href="http://www.publicdomainpictures.net/view-image.php?image=750">Petr Kratochvil</a></span></i></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></b> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">It’s time to make Thanksgiving holiday family entertainment plans and see if this current crop of films will be part of your schedule. The following report covers motion picture theatrical releases opening nationwide beginning </span><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">Friday, November 18, 2011</span></b><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=3181852274593682596&postID=3202373119710354996" name="9214064287109064203"></a><span style="font-family: Arial;"> through </span><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">November 25, 2011</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;">, along with current film industry news.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Arial;">The movies listed below have a rating, which has been established by the <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_123791139"><u style="color: blue;">Motion Picture Association of </u></a></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_123791139"><u style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">America</span></u><u style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> (</span></u><u style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">MPAA</span></u></a><span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://www.mpaa.org/"><span style="color: blue;">)</span></a> and have been provided with an italicized commentary from the <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_123791143"><u style="color: blue;">Classification and Ratings Administration (</u></a></span><a href="http://www.filmratings.com/filmRatings_Cara/"><u style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">CARA</span></u><u style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">)</span></u></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">If a film has not been provided with an official rating, additional information may, or may not be provided.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">If a film is designated NC-17, very limited information will be furnished.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">For your convenience, each film title links directly to the <a href="http://www.imdb.com/"><u style="color: blue;">Internet Movie Data Base</u></a>, which provides the most comprehensive listing about the movie’s storyline, and includes a trailer, cast and crew information, initial audience reaction (if prior screenings have taken place) and parent advisories when available.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">As always, you are the single best judge for determining your child’s choice of entertainment.</span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-size: 16pt;">NEWS</span></u></b></div><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt;">To celebrate new Muppet movie release Disney provides free app for fans: ‘Tap Tap Muppets’ </span></b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjViToB15SNLW0KKETWmEh-LXkf5AUZtNruotceh16s1UMQZcMagqDeFeEtKJ_G6KFp9umhMIXibM3kACkwr_T-EnK9-mJMUPwflWvqC24Dhwsp0_8ks4mT7jxfgP4aMeH6sfjwYTb8SQ3H/s1600/Muppets+Tap+Tap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjViToB15SNLW0KKETWmEh-LXkf5AUZtNruotceh16s1UMQZcMagqDeFeEtKJ_G6KFp9umhMIXibM3kACkwr_T-EnK9-mJMUPwflWvqC24Dhwsp0_8ks4mT7jxfgP4aMeH6sfjwYTb8SQ3H/s320/Muppets+Tap+Tap.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Disney Mobile just released “Tap Tap Muppets” for the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad, and it’s available for free from the App Store.</span><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">“Tap Tap Muppets” brings Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, Animal and the rest of the gang together for fans to join in the fun and celebrate their favorite Muppet music.</span><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Based on the popular “Tap Tap Revenge” gameplay (the<span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;"> most successful mobile music franchise of all time) “Tap Tap Muppets” </span>features six full tracks including three songs from Disney’s “The Muppets” soundtrack, which is set for release by Walt Disney Records on Monday, Nov. 21, 2011. </span><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The app also includes three of the most memorable songs from the Muppets tribute compilation, “The Green Album.” </span><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">“Tap Tap Muppets” Full Song List Includes:</span></u><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> “Life’s A Happy Song” Performed by Jason Segel, Amy Adams and Walter</span><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> “Let’s Talk About Me” Performed by Chris Cooper</span><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">“Me Party” Performed by Amy Adams and Miss Piggy</span><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">“The Muppet Show Theme” Performed by OK Go</span><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">“Movin’ Right Along” Performed by Alkaline Trio</span><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">“Night Life” Performed by Brandon Saller and Billy Martin (Good </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Charlotte</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">)</span><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">“Tap Tap Muppets” also includes video, character profiles, movie info, and the ability for players to connect socially to the Muppets.</span><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">“Given the important role music has always played with the Muppets, it makes perfect sense that ‘Tap Tap Muppets’ is the first Disney-branded game for the ‘Tap Tap’ franchise,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Arial;">said Bart Decrem, general manager of Disney Mobile. He adds, <i>“This app gives Muppets fans and gamers alike an opportunity to experience the beloved music of the Muppets in an entirely new environment.”</i></span><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The launch of “Tap Tap Muppets” on the App Store coincides with the theatrical nationwide big screen release of Disney’s <b><i>The Muppets</i></b> on </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2011</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The video below provides a glimpse of what the app is all about.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The “Tap Tap Muppets” App is available for free from the App Store on iPhone, iPod touch or iPad, or at <span style="color: #1f497d;"><a href="http://www.itunes.com/app/taptapmuppets" target="_blank">http://www.itunes.com/app/taptapmuppets</a></span>.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="246" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/f9EYGz5lFL8" width="425"></iframe><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt;">‘TANGLED’</span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt;"> directors to premiere their short film ‘<i>TANGLED EVER AFTER’</i></span></b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitDQ8bXsSAoo_WJ-4Gn55eAv-mldq3g3isdbIIz7D-tQ3JdI8d0eGKKHpzHxNkjI8EUypUUwQgsWx_dlAuaQXoB_qbmJqb2iodFptqMWGfAMv7PB2wQMcY1J59z2l-qI8CHYyOul94OTyF/s1600/Tangled+Ever+After.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitDQ8bXsSAoo_WJ-4Gn55eAv-mldq3g3isdbIIz7D-tQ3JdI8d0eGKKHpzHxNkjI8EUypUUwQgsWx_dlAuaQXoB_qbmJqb2iodFptqMWGfAMv7PB2wQMcY1J59z2l-qI8CHYyOul94OTyF/s1600/Tangled+Ever+After.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Walt Disney Studios announced that directors Nathan Greno and Byron Howard, the talented team behind Disney Animation Studio’s global blockbuster <i>Tangled</i>, will premiere a delightful new animated short film spotlighting the royal wedding of Rapunzel (Mandy Moore) and Flynn Rider – a.k.a Eugene – (Zachary Levi) in front of each screening of <i>Beauty and the Beast </i>in 3D, which opens on Friday, Jan. 13, 2012. </span><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Tangled Ever After</span></i><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"> is an ideal accompaniment to <i>Beauty and the Beast</i>, which is returning to the big screen in Disney Digital</span><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">3D™ and introducing a whole new generation to the classic with new 3D imagery. </span><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">By popular demand, Greno and Howard are bringing back some of Disney’s most beloved characters when <i>Tangled Ever After </i>picks<a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=3181852274593682596" name="133a39cbb8aba7b7__GoBack"></a> up where <i>Tangled</i> left off. The Kingdom is in a festive mood as everyone gathers for the royal wedding of Rapunzel and Flynn. However, when Pascal and Maximus, as flower chameleon and ring bearer, respectively, lose the gold bands, a frenzied search and recovery mission gets underway.</span><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">As the desperate duo tries to find the rings before anyone discovers that they’re missing, they leave behind a trail of comical chaos that includes flying lanterns, a flock of doves, a wine barrel barricade and a very sticky finale. </span><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">Beauty and the Beast</span></i><span style="font-family: Arial;"> was nominated for six Academy Awards®, winning Oscars® for Best Song, by the renowned Alan Menken and Howard Ashman, and Best Original Score (Menken).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div><b><u><span style="font-size: 16pt;">NEW</span></u></b><b><u><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> TRAILERS FOR THE MOST ANTICIPATED UPCOMING FILMS</span></u></b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF93cP3MjFafRBS5GX5rItGI2yMrGBdEtKW3_LV-Jt7lIlKj_NRcihgjzRjOLV5_SyL85ln5Kf91FNGRj-zcYRnIPCVTG8N5ZQf4JaWAKcuhI9WnnkN2DG9CJRHZhggTp7BHsLGL1CJpFv/s1600/BRAVE_Onesheet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF93cP3MjFafRBS5GX5rItGI2yMrGBdEtKW3_LV-Jt7lIlKj_NRcihgjzRjOLV5_SyL85ln5Kf91FNGRj-zcYRnIPCVTG8N5ZQf4JaWAKcuhI9WnnkN2DG9CJRHZhggTp7BHsLGL1CJpFv/s320/BRAVE_Onesheet.jpg" width="215" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt;">BRAVE </span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; text-transform: uppercase;">Disney•Pixar</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">Genre:</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> Animation/Comedy/Adventure</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">Rating:</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> To be determined</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">U.S.</span></b><b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> Release Date:</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">June 22, 2012</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">Voice Talent:</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> Kelly Macdonald, Emma Thompson, Billy Connolly, Julie Walters, Kevin McKidd, Craig Ferguson, Robbie Coltrane</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">Directors:</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> Mark Andrews and Brenda Chapman</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">Producer:</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> Katherine Sarafian</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">Composer:</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> Patrick Doyle</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Since ancient times, stories of epic battles and mystical legends have been passed through the generations across the rugged and mysterious Highlands of Scotland. In <b><i>Brave</i></b>, a new tale joins the lore when the courageous </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Merida</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> (voice of Kelly Macdonald) confronts tradition, destiny and the fiercest of beasts.</span><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Merida</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> is a skilled archer and impetuous daughter of King Fergus (voice of Billy Connolly) and Queen Elinor (voice of Emma Thompson). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=3181852274593682596" name="133b2feb32d9271f_OLE_LINK35"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=3181852274593682596" name="133b2feb32d9271f_OLE_LINK34"></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Determined to carve her own path in life, </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Merida</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> defies an age-old custom sacred to the uproarious lords of the land: massive Lord MacGuffin</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> (voice of Kevin McKidd), surly Lord Macintosh (voice of Craig Ferguson) and cantankerous Lord Dingwall (voice of Robbie Coltrane).</span><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Merida</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">’s actions inadvertently unleash chaos and fury in the kingdom, and when she turns to an eccentric <a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=3181852274593682596" name="133b2feb32d9271f__GoBack"></a>old Witch (voice of Julie Walters) for help, she is granted an ill-fated wish. The ensuing peril forces </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Merida</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> to discover the meaning of true bravery in order to undo a beastly curse before it’s too late.</span><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Directed by Mark Andrews and Brenda Chapman, and produced by Katherine Sarafian</span><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">Studio Notes:</span></b><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Director Mark Andrews served as story supervisor for the Disney•Pixar films “Ratatouille” and “The Incredibles,” and was Oscar<sup>®</sup>-nominated as the co-writer/co-director of the Pixar short “One Man Band.” He also contributed to the screenplay as co-writer and served as second unit director for the 2012 Walt Disney Studios film “John Carter.”</span><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Director Brenda Chapman directed DreamWorks Animation’s “The Prince of Egypt” and was story supervisor for the Disney classic “The Lion King.” </span><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Producer Katherine Sarafian produced the Pixar short film “Lifted” and served as production manager for “The Incredibles.”</span><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Actress Kelly Macdonald stars as Margaret Schroeder on HBO's "Boardwalk Empire," and as Ravenclaw's ghost, The Grey Lady, in “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2.” Her film credits also include “No Country for Old Men,” “</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Gosford</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Park</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">” and “Trainspotting.” </span><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Appearing in the movies “Men in Black 3” and “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2,” Emma Thompson is an Oscar®-winning actress (“Howards End”) and screenwriter (“Sense and Sensibility”) who most recently starred in, wrote and executive produced “Nanny McPhee Returns.” </span><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Scottish comedian Billy Connolly most recently served as narrator for the Walt Disney Animation Studios short “The Ballad of Nessie” and appeared in “Gulliver’s Travels.”</span><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">Brave</span></i></b><span style="font-family: Arial;">, a grand adventure full of heart, memorable characters and signature Pixar humor, opens Friday, June 22, 2012, in Disney Digital 3D™ in select theaters.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Below for your enjoyment, is the newly released trailer for <i>Brave</i>.</span></div><br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="246" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/TEHWDA_6e3M" width="425"></iframe><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">FILMS OPENING THIS WEEK</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Opened </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">November 18, 2011</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1719071/"><b style="color: blue;"><i><u>Another Happy Day</u></i></b></a></span><i> </i><span style="font-family: Arial;">– Drama- R-<i> </i>because of <i>“teen drug/alcohol abuse, pervasive language including sexual references, and brief graphic nudity.” </i>– NOTE: </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Los Angeles</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> and </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">New York City</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> only.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">Opening</span></i></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">November 23, 2011</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1655442/"><b style="color: blue;"><i><u>The Artist</u></i></b></a></span><i> </i><span style="font-family: Arial;">– Comedy, Romance, Drama- PG-13-<i> </i>because of <i>“a disturbing image and a crude gesture.”</i> – NOTE: In limited release.<i> </i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i><u><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br />
</span></span></u></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">Opening</span></i></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">November 23, 2011</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1430607/"><b style="color: blue;"><i><u>Arthur Christmas</u></i></b></a></span><i> </i><span style="font-family: Arial;">– Animation, Comedy, Drama, Family- PG-<i> </i>because of <i>“some mild rude humor.” </i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">Opening</span></i></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">November 23, 2011</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1571222/"><b style="color: blue;"><i><u>A Dangerous Method</u></i></b></a></span><i> </i><span style="font-family: Arial;">– Drama, Thriller- R-<i> </i>because of <i>“sexual content and brief language.” </i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Opened </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">November 16, 2011</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> in </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Los Angeles</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> and </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">New York City</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> and now in wider release as of </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">November 18, 2011</span><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;"> </span></i><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1033575/"><b style="color: blue;"><i><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Descendants</span></u></i></b></a><i> </i><span style="font-family: Arial;">– Comedy, Drama-R- because of <i>“language including some sexual references.” </i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Opened </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">November 18, 2011</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1402488/"><b style="color: blue;"><i><u>Happy Feet Two</u></i></b></a></span><i> </i><span style="font-family: Arial;">– Animation, Comedy, Family, Music- PG- because of <i>“some rude humor and mild peril.”</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">Opening</span></i></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">November 23, 2011</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0970179/"><b style="color: blue;"><i><u>Hugo</u></i></b></a></span><i> </i><span style="font-family: Arial;">– Adventure, Drama, Family, Fantasy, Mystery- PG-<i> </i>because of <i>“mild thematic material, some action/peril and smoking.” </i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Opened </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">November 11, 2011</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1531930/"><b style="color: blue;"><i><u>The Lie</u></i></b></a></span><i> </i><span style="font-family: Arial;">– Drama- R-<i> </i>because of <i>“language and some drug use.” - </i>NOTE: </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Los Angeles</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> and </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">New York City</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> only.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i><u><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br />
</span></span></u></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">Opening</span></i></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">November 23, 2011</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1204342/"><b style="color: blue;"><i><u>The Muppets</u></i></b></a></span><i> </i><span style="font-family: Arial;">– Comedy, Family, Musical- PG-<i> </i>because of <i>“some mild rude humor.” </i></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">For information on films that opened <b>November 11, 2011</b>, which included:<span> </span><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">11-11-11;<span> </span>The Greening of Whitney Brown;<span> </span>Immortals;<span> </span>Into the Abyss - A Tale of Death, a Tale of Life;<span> </span>J. Edgar;<span> </span>Jack and Jill;<span> </span>London Boulevard;<span> </span>Melancholia<span> </span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;">and </span></em><em><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span> </span></span></em><i>Tropa de Elite 2 – O Inimigo Agora E (Elite Squad: The Enemy Within)<em><span style="font-family: Arial;">,</span></em></i> please click on the link below. </span></div><a href="http://nationalchildrensentertainment.blogspot.com/2011/11/popcorn-report-guide-to-this-weeks_11.html"><span class="graybigtxt"><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies</span></u></b></span></a><br />
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</span></span></u></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">For information on films that opened </span><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">November 4, 2011</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;">, which included:<span> </span><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas</span></em><em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;">;<span> </span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">Killing Bono</span></em><em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;">;<span> </span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Son of No One</span></em><em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;"> and<span> </span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">Tower Heist,</span></em> please click on the link below. </span></div><a href="http://nationalchildrensentertainment.blogspot.com/2011/11/popcorn-report-guide-to-this-weeks.html"><span class="graybigtxt"><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies</span></u></b></span></a><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">For information on films that opened </span><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">October 28, 2011</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;">, which included:<span> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">13</span></i><span style="font-family: Arial;">;<span> </span><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">And They're Off</span></em><em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;">:….;</span></em><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">Anonymous</span></em><em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;">:<span> </span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Double</span></em><em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;">;<span> </span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">In Time</span></em><em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;">;<span> </span></span></em><i>Janie Jones</i>;<span> </span><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">Like Crazy</span></em><em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;">;<span> </span></span></em><i>Medianeras</i>;<span> </span><i>My Reincarnation</i>;<span> </span><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">Puss in Boots</span></em><em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;"> and </span></em><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Rum Diary,</span></em> please click on the link below. </span></div><a href="http://nationalchildrensentertainment.blogspot.com/2011/10/popcorn-report-guide-to-this-weeks_28.html"><span class="graybigtxt"><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies</span></u></b></span></a><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">For information on films that opened <b>October 21, 2011</b>, which included:<span> </span><i>Being Elmo: A Puppeteers Journey</i>;<span> </span><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">Elevate</span></em><em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;">;<span> </span></span></em><i>Glitch in the Grid</i>;<span> </span><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">Johnny English Reborn</span></em><em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;">;<span> </span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">Le Havre</span></em><em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;">;<span> </span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">Margin Call</span></em><em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;">;<span> </span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">Martha Marcy May Marlene</span></em><em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;">;<span> </span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Mighty Macs</span></em><em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;">;<span> </span></span></em></span><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">Norman</span></i><span style="font-family: Arial;">; <span> </span><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">Oranges and Sunshine</span></em><em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;">;<span> </span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">Paranormal Activity 3</span></em><em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;">;<span> </span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">Revenge of the Electric Car</span></em><em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;">;<span> </span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">Snowmen</span></em><em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;">, </span></em><span> </span>and<span> </span><em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;">The Three Musketeers,</span></em> please click on the link below. </span></div><a href="http://nationalchildrensentertainment.blogspot.com/2011/10/popcorn-report-guide-to-this-weeks_22.html"><span class="graybigtxt"><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies</span></u></b></span></a><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">For information on films that opened </span><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">October 14, 2011</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;">, which included:<span> </span><i>The Big Year</i>;<span> </span><i>Father of Invention</i>;<span> </span><i>Fireflies in the Garden</i>;<span> </span><i>Footloose</i>;<span> </span><i>The Skin I Live In</i>;<span> </span><i>Texas Killing Fields</i>;<span> </span><i>The Thing</i>, and <i>Trespass</i>, please click on the link below. </span></div><a href="http://nationalchildrensentertainment.blogspot.com/2011/10/popcorn-report-guide-to-this-weeks_14.html"><span class="graybigtxt"><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies</span></u></b></span></a><br />
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</div><span style="font-family: Arial;">For information on films that opened <b>October 7, 2011</b>, which included:<span> </span><i>1911</i>;<span> </span><i>Blackthorn</i>;<span> </span><i>Dirty Girl</i>;<span> </span><i>The Human Centipede II</i>;<span> </span><i>The Ides of March</i>;<span> </span><i>Real Steel</i> and <i>The Way</i>, please click on the link below. </span><br />
<a href="http://nationalchildrensentertainment.blogspot.com/2011/10/popcorn-report-guide-to-this-weeks.html"><span class="graybigtxt"><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies</span></u></b></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
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</div><span style="font-family: Arial;">For information on films that opened <b>September 30, 2011</b>, which included:<span> </span><i>50/50</i>;<span> </span><i>Courageous</i>;<span> </span><i>Dream House</i>;<span> </span><i>Margaret</i>;<span> </span><i>Sarah Palin: You Betcha</i>;<span> </span><i>Take Shelter</i>;<span> </span><i>Tucker & Dale vs. Evil</i>, and <i>What’s Your Number?</i> , please click on the link below. </span><br />
<a href="http://nationalchildrensentertainment.blogspot.com/2011/09/popcorn-report-guide-to-this-weeks_30.html"><span class="graybigtxt"><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies</span></u></b></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
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</div><span style="font-family: Arial;">For information on films that opened </span><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">September 23, 2011</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;">, which included:<span> </span><i>Abduction</i>;<span> </span><i>Dolphin Tale</i>;<span> </span><i>Killer Elite</i>;<span> </span><i>Machine Gun Preacher</i>;<span> </span><i>Moneyball</i>;<span> </span><i>Pearl Jam Twenty</i>;<span> </span><i>Puncture</i>, and <i>Thunder Soul</i>, please click on the link below. </span><br />
<span class="graybigtxt"><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">T<a href="http://nationalchildrensentertainment.blogspot.com/2011/09/popcorn-report-guide-to-this-weeks_23.html">he Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies</a></span></u></b></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">For information on films that opened </span><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">August 19, 2011</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> to </span><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">September 16, 2011</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;">, please click on the link below. </span><br />
<a href="http://nationalchildrensentertainment.blogspot.com/2011/09/popcorn-report-guide-to-this-weeks_16.html"><span class="graybigtxt"><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies</span></u></b></span></a><i><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></i><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">For information on films that opened </span><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">June 24, 2011</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> to<b> </b></span><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">August 12, 2011</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;">. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7;"><a href="http://nationalchildrensentertainment.blogspot.com/2011/08/popcorn-report-guide-to-this-weeks_12.html"><span class="graybigtxt"><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies</span></u></b></span><b><i><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></i></b></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://nationalchildrensentertainment.blogspot.com/2011/08/popcorn-report-guide-to-this-weeks_12.html"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">For information on films that opened <b>May 20</b> to </span><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">June 17, 2011</span></b><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">, </span></i><span style="font-family: Arial;">please click on the link below. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://nationalchildrensentertainment.blogspot.com/2011/06/popcorn-report-guide-to-this-weeks_17.html"><span class="graybigtxt" style="color: #674ea7;"><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies</span></u></b></span><b><i><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></i></b></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://nationalchildrensentertainment.blogspot.com/2011/06/popcorn-report-guide-to-this-weeks_17.html"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">For information on films that opened <b>April 1</b> to </span><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">May 13, 2011</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;">, please click on the link below. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://nationalchildrensentertainment.blogspot.com/2011/05/popcorn-report-guide-to-this-weeks.html"><span class="graybigtxt"><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies</span></u></b></span></a><b><i><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">For information on films that opened the weeks of Friday, <b>February 4</b> to <b>Friday March 25, 2011</b> please click on the link below, where you will also find previous listings and links for prior weeks in January, as well as films that opened in 2010:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://nationalchildrensentertainment.blogspot.com/2011/03/popcorn-report-guide-to-this-weeks_25.html"><span class="graybigtxt"><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies</span></u></b></span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><strong><span style="font-family: Arial;">G</span></strong><span style="font-family: Arial;"> GENERAL AUDIENCES (All Ages Admitted) <strong><span style="font-family: Arial;">PG</span></strong> PARENTAL GUIDANCE SUGGESTED (Some Material May Not Be Suitable for Children) <strong><span style="font-family: Arial;">PG-13</span></strong> PARENTS STRONGLY CAUTIONED (Some Material May Be Inappropriate for Children Under 13) <strong><span style="font-family: Arial;">R</span></strong> RESTRICTED (Under 17 Requires Accompanying Parent or Adult Guardian) <strong><span style="font-family: Arial;">NC-17 NO </span></strong></span><strong><span style="font-family: Arial;">ONE</span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: Arial;"> 17 </span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: Arial;">AND</span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: Arial;"> UNDER ADMITTED </span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal;">– As determined by the Rating Board/Motion Picture Association of America.</span></strong></div>Paula Sladehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02923061193682673368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3181852274593682596.post-65211821023450403912011-11-16T13:36:00.000-08:002011-11-23T18:17:17.170-08:002011 Holiday Guide: Holiday DVDs for gift-giving<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ2T6mFFRi3RbsC8cas1Wo_T0xN9MqafuCWbBRBO7d6wUMA_6oj8s-Z0ZCTmzdBorFSIH68whr2G7pzokLI3EJB5CTHtbrLSseJRyJ6XliMwVcxdJvDn1nXqlFju7SMEIPxbCQpkl6R7AV/s1600/Santas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ2T6mFFRi3RbsC8cas1Wo_T0xN9MqafuCWbBRBO7d6wUMA_6oj8s-Z0ZCTmzdBorFSIH68whr2G7pzokLI3EJB5CTHtbrLSseJRyJ6XliMwVcxdJvDn1nXqlFju7SMEIPxbCQpkl6R7AV/s320/Santas.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>"Santas" photo by Paula Slad<span style="font-family: Arial;">e</span></b></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><h3 style="color: black;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">With Thanksgiving just a week away, we turn our attention to preparing for the upcoming holiday season.</span></i></h3><h3 style="color: black;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></i></h3><h3 style="color: black;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">This article, the first installment in this series, provides information and ideas for parents and caregivers for children’s entertainment-oriented gifts. </span></i></h3><h3 style="color: black;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></i></h3><h3 style="color: black;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">From now until </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">December 21, 2011</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">, new offerings will be featured in multiple entertainment categories.</span></i></h3><h3 style="color: black;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></i></h3><h3 style="color: black;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Today, we focus on some new </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">DVD</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"> releases for this year.</span></i></h3><h3 style="color: black;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></i></h3><h3 style="color: black;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">The products, which appear below have been researched for quality as well as value, and are geared to provide the children in your life with many hours of positive and fun-filled entertainment.</span></i></h3><h3 style="color: black;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></i></h3><h3 style="color: black;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Although pricing has been provided for you at time of this publication, it is suggested that you cross-compare with various online as well as stick and brick retailers when available.</span></i></h3><h3 style="color: black;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></i></h3><h3 style="color: black;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">For some of the listed DVDs, trailers are provided, so you may wish to bookmark this page to enable viewing, or further explorations of the highlighted links at your leisure. </span></i></h3><h3 style="color: black;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></i></h3><h3 style="color: black;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">As always, you are the best judge of what is appropriate for your child's entertainment.</span></i></h3><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #cc0000;"><div style="color: black;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #cc0000;"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="color: #cc0000;"><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">GIVING THANKS…</span></u></b><b style="color: #cc0000;"><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">AND</span></u></b><b style="color: #cc0000;"><u><span style="font-family: Arial;"> MORE STORIES TO CELEBRATE AMERICAN HERITAGE</span></u></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghvJS1LeqwD8TPO2uXNmPQy8iZ4XFHY1ChywwDkDYRsuwm5gZaGqiI-VTlHYpgmUsUcd2Fiep6hWwZRH9z1b7ygalwQuB1g9vO-DQuwd50iH9IkbCsMnF_81pXiJeRqVrbQoQrqVIlaqxQ/s1600/Giving+Thanks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghvJS1LeqwD8TPO2uXNmPQy8iZ4XFHY1ChywwDkDYRsuwm5gZaGqiI-VTlHYpgmUsUcd2Fiep6hWwZRH9z1b7ygalwQuB1g9vO-DQuwd50iH9IkbCsMnF_81pXiJeRqVrbQoQrqVIlaqxQ/s320/Giving+Thanks.jpg" width="223" /></a></div><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Just in time for Thanksgiving, and as families gather together, comes the latest offering from Scholastic Storybook Treasures – <b><i>Giving Thanks… and More Stories to Celebrate American Heritage</i></b>.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">American history and friendship skills, are the emphasis on this </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">DVD</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">, which includes four stories to help celebrate what makes our country great, including the recent Parent’s Choice Award winner “Lincoln & Douglass: An American Friendship” by Nikki Giovanni, narrated by Danny Glover. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Other stories include “Giving Thanks”, narrated by Native American Mohawk leader </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Chief</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Jake</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Swamp</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"> and offering an alternative language track in the Mohawk language, “Hiawatha” and Marcia Sewall’s “The Pilgrims of Plimouth”, which dramatically chronicles the </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">arrival of the Pilgrims in the </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">New World</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The 92-minute </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">DVD</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> (plus bonus extras) includes the ever-popular read-along function, and an interview with “Lincoln & Douglass” author Nikki Giovanni.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The suggested retail price for <b><i>Giving Thanks… and More Stories to Celebrate American Heritage</i></b> is $14.95 and is available through <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Giving-stories-celebrate-American-Heritage/dp/B005B0QYTA"><u style="color: #cc0000;">Amazon Marketplace</u></a> starting at $5.69.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="color: #cc0000;"><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">A CHRISTMAS WEDDING TAIL</span></u></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJviFI5g-yX5kIpwTF-HMQQw2CQn85e0-Zpo-X9DJyJTzV4GEIrrK9qA84wENPYZ4cxEPOXPaF26RP5xdFLPLUCLLpDBmnx-T5S0WQUYMA3f1LqDMOmu9o7KiWvR7gefA2aSZFVGkJ_NHV/s1600/A+Christmas+Wedding+Tail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJviFI5g-yX5kIpwTF-HMQQw2CQn85e0-Zpo-X9DJyJTzV4GEIrrK9qA84wENPYZ4cxEPOXPaF26RP5xdFLPLUCLLpDBmnx-T5S0WQUYMA3f1LqDMOmu9o7KiWvR7gefA2aSZFVGkJ_NHV/s320/A+Christmas+Wedding+Tail.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">From <a href="http://www.anchorbayentertainment.com/Entertainment.aspx" style="color: #274e13;"><u>Anchor Bay Entertainment</u></a> and Michael Feifer (producer/director of <b><i>The Dog Who Saved Christmas Vacation</i></b> and <b><i>Your Love Never Fails</i></b>) comes an adorable and heartwarming new holiday release, <b><i>A Christmas Wedding Tail</i></b>, which launches at retailers nationwide starting </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2011</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">A Christmas Wedding Tail</span></i></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> is a Family/Romantic-Comedy about canine matchmakers and their blended families, as they navigate the challenges and triumphs of relationships.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #274e13;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">Product Details</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">“Jennie Garth (“90210”) stars as Susan, an unemployed </span></i><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">Los Angeles</span></i><i><span style="font-family: Arial;"> museum curator and widowed single mom temporarily living in a small </span></i><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">California</span></i><i><span style="font-family: Arial;"> town with her three sensitive sons. </span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">Jake (Brad Rowe of “</span></i><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">General</span></i><i><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></i><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">Hospital</span></i><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">”) is a single dad of two tomboys who owns a local winery. </span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">When Susan’s dog Rusty (voiced by Jay Mohr of “Ghost Whisperer”) falls for Jake’s poodle Cheri (voiced by Nikki Cox of “</span></i><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">Las Vegas</span></i><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">”), these canine matchmakers help their owners fall in love too. </span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">Tom Arnold and Catherine Hicks (“Seventh Heaven”) also co-star in this film.”</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">A Christmas Wedding Tail</span></i></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> is rated PG for <i>“mild language”</i> and includes an Audio Commentary with Executive Producers Jeffery Schenck and Barry Barnholtz and Writer/Co-Producer Peter Sullivan, plus <b><i>A Christmas Wedding Tail: Dog Tracks</i></b>. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Suggested retail price: $19.98 and the </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">DVD</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> is available at <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Wedding-Tail-Tom-Arnold/dp/B005QIOK48"><u style="color: #cc0000;">Amazon.com</u></a> with release-day delivery option, which may be available at checkout for most continental </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">U.S.</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> addresses.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Below, for your enjoyment is the trailer for <b><i>A Christmas Wedding Tail</i></b></span></div><h1 style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">A Christmas Wedding Tail Trailer</span></h1><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="246" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/asoo1zWNykQ" width="425"></iframe><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">BABAR </span></u></b><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">AND</span></u></b><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;"> FATHER CHRISTMAS</span></u></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyN7npzFoBzF7F3GOIGFCZrKCeHk-s1Fr-CGknEfLS-WnmTOUAckNgjfrV8xVbam1N8MOcr6OeXlsE6qQoS6AUsoEUDT4UhnzrmWSCMjGAUSpjr9-KymywGYgbUzUFngOdat70pKnKTt0o/s1600/Babar+and+Father+Christmas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyN7npzFoBzF7F3GOIGFCZrKCeHk-s1Fr-CGknEfLS-WnmTOUAckNgjfrV8xVbam1N8MOcr6OeXlsE6qQoS6AUsoEUDT4UhnzrmWSCMjGAUSpjr9-KymywGYgbUzUFngOdat70pKnKTt0o/s320/Babar+and+Father+Christmas.jpg" width="222" /></a></div><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal;">From </span></b><a href="http://www.entertainmentonegroup.com/"><u style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Entertainment One</span></u></a><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal;">, comes a beloved holiday classic that has been digitally restored and re-mastered on </span></b><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal;">DVD</span></b><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal;"> – </span></b><b><i><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Babar and Father Christmas</span></i></b><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal;">.</span></b><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"> </span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">This delightful holiday animated tale takes Babar on a journey to find Father Christmas, and save the day for his children and everyone in Celestville.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">This year, Babar celebrates his 80<sup>th</sup> birthday being everyone’s favorite elephant whose stories highlight core family values.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"> As a special bonus this </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">DVD</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"> includes a Babar coloring book plus two extra episodes of Babar - “A Child in the Snow” and “The Gift” </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The suggested retail price of <b><i>Babar and Father Christmas, </i></b>which runs 70-minutes, is $14.98. The </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">DVD</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> is now available through <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Babar-Father-Christmas-Artist-Provided/dp/B005GP7EWG/ref=sr_1_1?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1321468958&sr=1-1"><u style="color: #cc0000;">Amazon Marketplace</u></a> starting at $6.22.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Below, for your enjoyment is the trailer that includes complete storyline for <b><i>Babar and Father Christmas</i></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #274e13;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">Babar and Father Christmas Trailer</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="318" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/_o1bZp5tPBI" width="425"></iframe><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #cc0000; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">25 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS</span></u></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #cc0000; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span></u></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHbXrn7-LuKg3eT_YskLuKRO894xkoh47qdl4CkEb8576vJH3x1uQsr_zQuWajlSAN5u4rxSNIDa1cedFfVnbJR9pmhyckC9-qBIbaUjCE3ZOJSkQA3DYsw8ie8n8luGTcTYcUODwBwpZ_/s1600/25+Days+Until+Christmas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHbXrn7-LuKg3eT_YskLuKRO894xkoh47qdl4CkEb8576vJH3x1uQsr_zQuWajlSAN5u4rxSNIDa1cedFfVnbJR9pmhyckC9-qBIbaUjCE3ZOJSkQA3DYsw8ie8n8luGTcTYcUODwBwpZ_/s320/25+Days+Until+Christmas.jpg" width="227" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #cc0000; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
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</span></span></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Also from Entertainment One, and at retailers nationwide comes, <b><i>25 Days Until Christmas, </i></b>a unique Advent calendar on </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">DVD</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal;">A wonderful way to start a new family holiday tradition, </span></b><b><i><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">25 Days Until Christmas</span></i></b><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal;"> reintroduces the Bible into your holiday festivities </span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">by counting down the Advent calendar with daily scripture readings of the Christmas story, beautiful high definition winter scenes, seasonal devotions and beloved inspirational music<b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Listen one day at a time or “play all.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Suggested retail price this 60-minute plus extras </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">DVD</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> is: $14.98. <b><i>25 Days Until Christmas</i></b> is available for immediate shipping through <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Days-Until-Christmas-Artist-Provided/dp/B005GP7EF8"><u style="color: #cc0000;">Amazon</u></a> with a price of $9.99.<span style="color: black;"></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>Paula Sladehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02923061193682673368noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3181852274593682596.post-65777955868515068532011-11-15T12:44:00.000-08:002011-12-01T08:40:38.924-08:00Stellar lineup of musicians tackle bullying in meaningful and entertaining ways<div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho249drEgvETNBSLAFtYEvrx1eRUYOYSnEiMn4n8A3KYIp3r1GAwwpeSkJ3_r85FJmXH8qppih36qmJUjXyUSZoeyjvhv9kFLSglOUa5RKt4XsZo-uxD3YHXlY9HmfBxKxgr3Ti2BhkOl-/s1600/pacer-kids-against-bullying-version-3-e1300685723898.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho249drEgvETNBSLAFtYEvrx1eRUYOYSnEiMn4n8A3KYIp3r1GAwwpeSkJ3_r85FJmXH8qppih36qmJUjXyUSZoeyjvhv9kFLSglOUa5RKt4XsZo-uxD3YHXlY9HmfBxKxgr3Ti2BhkOl-/s320/pacer-kids-against-bullying-version-3-e1300685723898.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><span style="font-family: Arial;">This past October was National Anti-Bullying Month, and it was established to create awareness in the media, hopefully reaching out to parents and educators with news and messages about this consistently growing problem, which unfortunately may spell tragedy in young lives.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Bullying affects kids every day and not just for a month.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">In June, this column covered some startling facts about bullying along with excellent literary resources to share and help open a dialogue with the children and teens in your life. Authors J.D. Holiday, Annie Fox and 70 other writers were part of a recommended reading list, which you’ll find by connecting to this previous post – <a href="http://nationalchildrensentertainment.blogspot.com/2011/06/book-report-books-about-bullying.html"><b style="color: blue;"><u>The Book Report: Books about ‘Bullying’</u></b></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br />
</span></span></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">In today’s column, we cover a host of musicians who have joined the anti-bullying cause and whose music addresses this burgeoning problem, which is not only fraught with intimidation and cruelty, but issues of self-esteem.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Each of these recommended CDs helps to reach kids on a different entertaining level.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2_-4iHd1557Q9yyz_jQRgrPYMR0qPlwCLSKwtIFVkeoTPsybhC2dBRfa89si7dN_Cy8FjBGL41bTot2q7amlFtUgCbS-z0aoW7OJhtFdW18Uz-op8PPvtVPvcn_guKeg0mVqFGGhgpk4z/s1600/Big+Bully.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2_-4iHd1557Q9yyz_jQRgrPYMR0qPlwCLSKwtIFVkeoTPsybhC2dBRfa89si7dN_Cy8FjBGL41bTot2q7amlFtUgCbS-z0aoW7OJhtFdW18Uz-op8PPvtVPvcn_guKeg0mVqFGGhgpk4z/s1600/Big+Bully.jpg" /></a></div><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">From <a href="http://recessmusic.com/"><b style="color: blue;"><u>Recess Music</u></b></a> and their Best Foot Forward Series comes <b><i>Big Bully</i></b>, a compilation of 15 tuneful tracks (45-minutes, ages 4-11) featuring genres that range from pop to rock, rap to country, all expertly performed by highly recognizable music industry professionals – performers include <a href="http://www.milkshakemusic.com/"><u>Milkshake</u></a>, <a href="http://www.hipwaders.net/"><u>The Hipwaders</u></a>, <a href="http://www.marykayemusic.com/"><u>Mary Kaye</u></a> and <a href="http://unclebrothers.com/"><u>The Uncle Brothers</u></a> (to name a few) who ply their craft with important messages for kids that are delivered in a meaningful and non-preachy way. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Tracks such as “I’m Sorry,” “Don’t Bully Me” and “I Can Make a Difference” impart a good dose of recognition and enlightenment on a kid-friendly level.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">Big Bully</span></i><span style="font-family: Arial;"> is available to sound sample and download in MP3 format from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Big-Bully-Best-Foot-Forward/dp/B004P96WAE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1303755469&sr=8-1"><b style="color: blue;"><u>Amazon.com</u></b></a> for $0.99 per track, or all 15 songs for $8.99. The CD format is also available through Amazon for $13.14 or Amazon Marketplace for $6.12.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqXr1d6MTi3Q9T756PZL8jv68tzIcVTKiPHurVVEOZ_DQK7-717711puVxEMWB5pmuxiq4zLvNo7zGuQ3aoh-4CAgOgc9pQ7hcSDmjti7IDNCNkDtUrzcPqs-1RFODOLtlJ18PY2otSXhO/s1600/U+R+Some+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqXr1d6MTi3Q9T756PZL8jv68tzIcVTKiPHurVVEOZ_DQK7-717711puVxEMWB5pmuxiq4zLvNo7zGuQ3aoh-4CAgOgc9pQ7hcSDmjti7IDNCNkDtUrzcPqs-1RFODOLtlJ18PY2otSXhO/s1600/U+R+Some+1.jpg" /></a></div><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Arial;">Also from Recess Music,<i> </i>comes an awesome adjunct album to the <i>Big Bully</i> CD – <b><i>U R SOME 1</i></b>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Again, part of the Best Foot Forward Series, this newest release, <i>U R SOME 1</i> includes 12 tracks (32 minutes ages 4-11) with songs that focus on self-awareness, acceptance and self-esteem.</span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Gifted children’s musicians <a href="http://peterhimmelman.com/kids.html"><u>Peter Himmelman</u></a>, <a href="http://www.annamoo.com/"><u>Anna Moo</u></a>, <a href="http://www.hunktabunkta.com/"><u>Katherine Dines</u></a> and others provide an upbeat and happy recording whose overall message stresses that being human and unique is a pretty nifty thing.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The album is available to sound sample and download in MP3 format from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/UR-Some-1/dp/B005QE7ETK/ref=tmm_msc_title_0"><b style="color: blue;"><u>Amazon.com</u></b></a> for $0.99 per track, or all 12 songs for $8.99. The CD format is also available through <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005MQJLA2/ref=dm_dp_cdp?ie=UTF8&s=music"><b style="color: blue;"><u>Amazon</u></b></a> for $13.14 or Amazon Marketplace for $8.31.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXN1VHy-A3JNzxFcSjjd62wr03CCA4uYUVlMXJuDkRTyjjcnNYEphr30D-DTgYZEArpFxeY_wPC1rxhLiXAJMvar2cNfzjGVeGYXwHoZzvnxpAkOOSxAytlPxLdWpgANd4Ta9DIxKp0TZO/s1600/All+About+Bullies+Big+%2526+Small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXN1VHy-A3JNzxFcSjjd62wr03CCA4uYUVlMXJuDkRTyjjcnNYEphr30D-DTgYZEArpFxeY_wPC1rxhLiXAJMvar2cNfzjGVeGYXwHoZzvnxpAkOOSxAytlPxLdWpgANd4Ta9DIxKp0TZO/s1600/All+About+Bullies+Big+%2526+Small.jpg" /></a></div><br />
</div><a href="http://www.coolbeansmusic.com/"><i><u><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;">Steve Pullara</span></u></i></a><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;">, a Grammy nominated Producer and Parents’ Choice and NAPPA Awards- Winner, </span></i><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal;">has created a one-of-a-kind recording that effectively tackles head-on, the difficult topic of bullying in the album, </span></b><b><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">All About Bullies… Big and Small</span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal;">.</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal;">Pullara, who not only served as Producer and Supervising Creative Director for this recording, is also part of the performance line-up. In the creation of<i> All About Bullies,</i> Pullara assembled one of the most diverse and recognized teams of <a href="http://allaboutbulliesbigandsmall.com/artists"><u>recording artists</u></a> and <a href="http://allaboutbulliesbigandsmall.com/the-producers"><u>producers</u></a> in the music industry. The contributing credits for this album read like a “Who’s Who”, and the end result and combined creativity is a recording that not only entertains but fosters parent/child communication about a difficult topic.</span></b><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial;">All About Bullies</span></i><span style="font-family: Arial;"> is a masterfully crafted gem that marries spoken words delivering wise messages, poetry and music, and toe-tapping tunes with meaningful lyrics. The end result offers up 37 unique tracks, with a mix of genres created from one of the largest assembled musical casts, each participating artist offers their own special message and approach on the subject of bullying.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Full-track sound samples are available for listening at: </span><br />
<div style="color: blue;"><b><a href="http://allaboutbulliesbigandsmall.com/albums/all-about-bullies-big-and-small"><span style="font-family: Arial;">http://allaboutbulliesbigandsmall.com/albums/all-about-bullies-big-and-small</span></a></b></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/coolbeansmusic"><b style="color: blue;"><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">CD Baby</span></u></b></a><span style="font-family: Arial;"> has the entire <i>All About Bullies… Big and Small </i>CD album available for $15.00, or MP3 download of the entire album for $10.00.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">All profits from the proceeds of this recording are donated to <a href="http://www.pacerkidsagainstbullying.org/?gclid=CJarr6euuawCFU1x5QodVW3lrQ"><b style="color: blue;"><u>PACERKidsAgainstBullying.org</u></b></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span></div><span style="font-family: Arial;">Pullara’s commitment to this anti-bullying project is best summed up when he says <i>“Always keep in mind, we have another tomorrow and that bullying shouldn’t be a part of childhood.”</i></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Below, for your enjoyment are three music videos created from the album.</span><br />
<h1 style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Debbie and Friends – “Walk Away”</span></h1></div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="246" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/-wlWLwP6etE" width="425"></iframe><br />
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<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Blue October- “Jump Rope”</span></b></div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="318" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Fqh-ucVG510" width="425"></iframe> <br />
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<h1 style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Peter Alsop – “Courage”</span></h1><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="318" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Zaql2qXlTxI" width="425"></iframe>Paula Sladehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02923061193682673368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3181852274593682596.post-18533690117781653602011-11-11T13:50:00.000-08:002011-11-11T13:50:23.731-08:00The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week's movies with ratings and trailers<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBcZfT8kgD30Im3A3d7DeZSqtPsvvIzU5Dqvv3xrlVi3XjJ1S42OJ4sFKtecKDz6KRVBTCI4NsO8pjk0e8ruvUrzDoxoHVZszIiYAoGRmrnkBBk9Hl9p8KD9iN2kxtWOlamXkkfHWCep7T/s1600/popcorn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBcZfT8kgD30Im3A3d7DeZSqtPsvvIzU5Dqvv3xrlVi3XjJ1S42OJ4sFKtecKDz6KRVBTCI4NsO8pjk0e8ruvUrzDoxoHVZszIiYAoGRmrnkBBk9Hl9p8KD9iN2kxtWOlamXkkfHWCep7T/s1600/popcorn.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b><i>‘Popcorn’ photo by <a href="http://www.publicdomainpictures.net/view-image.php?image=750"><span style="color: blue;">Petr Kratochvil</span></a></i></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">It’s time to make weekend family entertainment plans and see if this week’s current crop of films will be part of your schedule. The following report covers motion picture theatrical releases opening nationwide beginning </span><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">Friday, November 11, 2011</span></b><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=3181852274593682596&postID=1853369011778165360" name="9214064287109064203"></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Arial;">The movies listed below have a rating, which has been established by the <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_2066537093"><u style="color: blue;">Motion Picture Association of </u></a></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_2066537093"><u style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">America</span></u><u style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> (</span></u><u style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">MPAA</span></u></a><span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://www.mpaa.org/"><span style="color: blue;">)</span></a> and have been provided with an italicized commentary from the <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_2066537097"><u style="color: blue;">Classification and Ratings Administration (</u></a></span><a href="http://www.filmratings.com/filmRatings_Cara/"><u style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">CARA</span></u><u style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">)</span></u></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">If a film has not been provided with an official rating, additional information may, or may not be provided.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">If a film is designated NC-17, very limited information will be furnished.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">For your convenience, each film title links directly to the <a href="http://www.imdb.com/"><u style="color: blue;">Internet Movie Data Base</u></a>, which provides the most comprehensive listing about the movie’s storyline, and includes a trailer, cast and crew information, initial audience reaction (if prior screenings have taken place) and parent advisories when available.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">As always, you are the single best judge for determining your child’s choice of entertainment.</span><br />
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<b><u><span style="font-size: 16pt;">FILMS OPENING THIS WEEK</span></u></b><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Opened November11, 2011 </span><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1712159/"><i style="color: blue;"><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">11-11-11</span></u></b></i></a><i> </i><span style="font-family: Arial;">– Horror, Thriller- R-because of <i>“bloody violence.” </i>– NOTE: In limited release.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Opened </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">November 11, 2011</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> <i><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1507564/"><b style="color: blue;"><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Greening of Whitney Brown</span></u></b></a> </i>– Adventure-PG- because of <i>“brief mild language.”</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Opened </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">November 11, 2011</span><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;"> </span></i><i><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1253864/"><b style="color: blue;"><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">Immortals</span></u></b></a> </i><span style="font-family: Arial;">– Action, Drama, Fantasy-R- because of <i>“sequences of strong bloody violence, and a scene of sexuality.” </i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i><u><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br />
</span></span></u></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Opened </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">November 11, 2011</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> <i><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1972663/"><b style="color: blue;"><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">Into the Abyss - A Tale of Death, a Tale of Life</span></u></b></a> </i>– Documentary, Crime- PG-13-<i> </i>because of <i>“mature thematic material and some disturbing images.” </i>– NOTE: In limited release.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i><u><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br />
</span></span></u></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Opened </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">November 11, 2011</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> <i><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1616195/"><b style="color: blue;"><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">J. Edgar</span></u></b></a> </i>– Biography, Drama- R-<i> </i>because of <i>“brief strong language.” </i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i><u><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br />
</span></span></u></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Opened </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">November 11, 2011</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> <i><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0810913/"><b style="color: blue;"><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">Jack and Jill</span></u></b></a> </i>– Comedy- PG-<i> </i>because of <i>“crude material including suggestive references, language and comic violence.” </i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i><u><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br />
</span></span></u></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Opened </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">November 11, 2011</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_2066537133"><i style="color: blue;"><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">London</span></u></b></i></a><i><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1213648/"><b style="color: blue;"><u><span style="font-family: Arial;"> Boulevard</span></u></b></a> </i><span style="font-family: Arial;">– Crime, Drama, Romance- R-<i> </i>because of <i>“strong violence, pervasive language, some nudity and drug use.” </i>–NOTE: In limited release.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i><u><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br />
</span></span></u></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Opened </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">November 11, 2011</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> <i><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1527186/"><b style="color: blue;"><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">Melancholia</span></u></b></a> </i>– Drama,Sci-Fi- R-<i> </i>because of <i>“some graphic nudity, sexual content and language.” -</i>NOTE: </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Los Angeles</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> and </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">New York</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> only.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i><u><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br />
</span></span></u></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Opened </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">November 11, 2011</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1555149/"><b style="color: blue;"><i><u>Tropa de Elite 2 – O Inimigo Agora E (Elite Squad: The Enemy Within)</u></i></b></a></span><i> </i><span style="font-family: Arial;">– Action, Crime, Drama, Thriller-<i> </i>NOT RATED<i> -</i>NOTE: </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">New York City</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> only.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i><u><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br />
</span></span></u></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">For information on films that opened </span><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">November 4, 2011</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;">, which included: <i><span style="font-family: Arial;">A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas</span></i><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;">; </span></i><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">Killing Bono</span></i><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;">; </span></i><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Son of No One</span></i><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;"> and </span></i><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">Tower Heist,</span></i> please click on the link below. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div style="color: blue;"><a href="http://nationalchildrensentertainment.blogspot.com/2011/11/popcorn-report-guide-to-this-weeks.html"><span class="graybigtxt"><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies</span></u></b></span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">For information on films that opened </span><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">October 28, 2011</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;">, which included: </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">13</span></i><span style="font-family: Arial;">; <i><span style="font-family: Arial;">And They're Off</span></i><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;">:….;</span></i><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">Anonymous</span></i><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;">: </span></i><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Double</span></i><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;">; </span></i><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">In Time</span></i><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;">; </span></i><i>Janie Jones</i>; <i><span style="font-family: Arial;">Like Crazy</span></i><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;">; </span></i><i>Medianeras</i>; <i>My Reincarnation</i>; <i><span style="font-family: Arial;">Puss in Boots</span></i><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;"> and </span></i><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Rum Diary,</span></i> please click on the link below. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><a href="http://nationalchildrensentertainment.blogspot.com/2011/10/popcorn-report-guide-to-this-weeks_28.html"><span class="graybigtxt"><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies</span></u></b></span></a><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">For information on films that opened <b>October 21, 2011</b>, which included: <i>Being Elmo: A Puppeteers Journey</i>; <i><span style="font-family: Arial;">Elevate</span></i><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;">; </span></i><i>Glitch in the Grid</i>; <i><span style="font-family: Arial;">Johnny English Reborn</span></i><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;">; </span></i><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">Le Havre</span></i><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;">; </span></i><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">Margin Call</span></i><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;">; </span></i><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">Martha Marcy May Marlene</span></i><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;">; </span></i><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Mighty Macs</span></i><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;">; </span></i></span><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">Norman</span></i><span style="font-family: Arial;">; <i><span style="font-family: Arial;">Oranges and Sunshine</span></i><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;">; </span></i><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">Paranormal Activity 3</span></i><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;">; </span></i><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">Revenge of the Electric Car</span></i><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;">; </span></i><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">Snowmen</span></i><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;">, </span></i> and <i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;">The Three Musketeers,</span></i> please click on the link below. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><a href="http://nationalchildrensentertainment.blogspot.com/2011/10/popcorn-report-guide-to-this-weeks_22.html"><span class="graybigtxt"><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies</span></u></b></span></a><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">For information on films that opened </span><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">October 14, 2011</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;">, which included: <i>The Big Year</i>; <i>Father of Invention</i>; <i>Fireflies in the Garden</i>; <i>Footloose</i>; <i>The Skin I Live In</i>; <i>Texas Killing Fields</i>; <i>The Thing</i>, and <i>Trespass</i>, please click on the link below. </span></div><a href="http://nationalchildrensentertainment.blogspot.com/2011/10/popcorn-report-guide-to-this-weeks_14.html"><span class="graybigtxt"><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies</span></u></b></span></a><br />
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</div><span style="font-family: Arial;">For information on films that opened <b>October 7, 2011</b>, which included: <i>1911</i>; <i>Blackthorn</i>; <i>Dirty Girl</i>; <i>The Human Centipede II</i>; <i>The Ides of March</i>; <i>Real Steel</i> and <i>The Way</i>, please click on the link below. </span><br />
<a href="http://nationalchildrensentertainment.blogspot.com/2011/10/popcorn-report-guide-to-this-weeks.html"><span class="graybigtxt"><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies</span></u></b></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
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</div><span style="font-family: Arial;">For information on films that opened <b>September 30, 2011</b>, which included: <i>50/50</i>; <i>Courageous</i>; <i>Dream House</i>; <i>Margaret</i>; <i>Sarah Palin: You Betcha</i>; <i>Take Shelter</i>; <i>Tucker & Dale vs. Evil</i>, and <i>What’s Your Number?</i> , please click on the link below. </span><br />
<a href="http://nationalchildrensentertainment.blogspot.com/2011/09/popcorn-report-guide-to-this-weeks_30.html"><span class="graybigtxt"><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies</span></u></b></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
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</div><span style="font-family: Arial;">For information on films that opened </span><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">September 23, 2011</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;">, which included: <i>Abduction</i>; <i>Dolphin Tale</i>; <i>Killer Elite</i>; <i>Machine Gun Preacher</i>; <i>Moneyball</i>; <i>Pearl Jam Twenty</i>; <i>Puncture</i>, and <i>Thunder Soul</i>, please click on the link below. </span><br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_2066537179"><span class="graybigtxt" style="color: #351c75;"><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies</span></u></b></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">For information on films that opened </span><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">August 19, 2011</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> to </span><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">September 16, 2011</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;">, please click on the link below. </span><br />
<a href="http://nationalchildrensentertainment.blogspot.com/2011/09/popcorn-report-guide-to-this-weeks_16.html"><span class="graybigtxt"><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies</span></u></b></span></a><i><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></i><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">For information on films that opened </span><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">June 24, 2011</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> to<b> </b></span><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">August 12, 2011</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;">. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://nationalchildrensentertainment.blogspot.com/2011/08/popcorn-report-guide-to-this-weeks_12.html"><span class="graybigtxt"><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies</span></u></b></span></a><b><i><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">For information on films that opened <b>May 20</b> to </span><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">June 17, 2011</span></b><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">, </span></i><span style="font-family: Arial;">please click on the link below. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://nationalchildrensentertainment.blogspot.com/2011/06/popcorn-report-guide-to-this-weeks_17.html"><span class="graybigtxt"><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies</span></u></b></span></a><b><i><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">For information on films that opened <b>April 1</b> to </span><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">May 13, 2011</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;">, please click on the link below. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://nationalchildrensentertainment.blogspot.com/2011/05/popcorn-report-guide-to-this-weeks.html"><span class="graybigtxt"><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies</span></u></b></span></a><b><i><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">For information on films that opened the weeks of Friday, <b>February 4</b> to <b>Friday March 25, 2011</b> please click on the link below, where you will also find previous listings and links for prior weeks in January, as well as films that opened in 2010:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://nationalchildrensentertainment.blogspot.com/2011/03/popcorn-report-guide-to-this-weeks_25.html"><span class="graybigtxt"><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies</span></u></b></span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">G</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> GENERAL AUDIENCES (All Ages Admitted) <b><span style="font-family: Arial;">PG</span></b> PARENTAL GUIDANCE SUGGESTED (Some Material May Not Be Suitable for Children) <b><span style="font-family: Arial;">PG-13</span></b> PARENTS STRONGLY CAUTIONED (Some Material May Be Inappropriate for Children Under 13) <b><span style="font-family: Arial;">R</span></b> RESTRICTED (Under 17 Requires Accompanying Parent or Adult Guardian) <b><span style="font-family: Arial;">NC-17 NO </span></b></span><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">ONE</span></b><b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> 17 </span></b><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">AND</span></b><b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> UNDER ADMITTED </span></b><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal;">– As determined by the Rating Board/Motion Picture Association of America.</span></b>Paula Sladehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02923061193682673368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3181852274593682596.post-82355645232659036132011-11-10T13:42:00.000-08:002011-11-10T13:42:46.791-08:00This week’s top picks for upcoming live entertainment<div class="MsoNormal"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2HxNFiVeSJ23BAMr4rrbmngCK8_QSxJ_usThJ2zCG7zzHtzTBoH794OsERntkNwAObfzy6eNzHKQt2sbrlvomWlskZawwRbE56clexwA0tfelSXr4JMVBx3UNhm0LCdu2FtFFCMhoocvD/s1600/DancerbyPeterGriffin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2HxNFiVeSJ23BAMr4rrbmngCK8_QSxJ_usThJ2zCG7zzHtzTBoH794OsERntkNwAObfzy6eNzHKQt2sbrlvomWlskZawwRbE56clexwA0tfelSXr4JMVBx3UNhm0LCdu2FtFFCMhoocvD/s320/DancerbyPeterGriffin.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>"Dancers' photo by <a href="http://www.publicdomainpictures.net/view-image.php?image=7613&picture=dancers"><span style="color: blue;">Peter Griffin</span></a></b></i></td></tr>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal;">Mark your calendar and save these dates for the following entertaining and diverse line-up of events in New York City, Amherst, Massachusetts and Santa Monica, California.</span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">New York City</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Just Kidding at Symphony Space all-ages series will continue to provide </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">New York City</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> families with ground-breaking entertainment most Saturdays through April 2012, and on this Saturday, November 12, at </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">11:00 a.m.</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> <b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal;">Just Kidding</span></b> provides one of the nation's top "kindie rock" stars, <a href="http://www.joanieleeds.com/"><b style="color: blue;"><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">Joanie Leeds and the Nightlights</span></u></b></a><b><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal;">.</span></b></span><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwABNxmpgycbQBSSrUc-IQp3jqbaISELcywH2D5Kt9VFyopY6alUhk9aSoE68L6uO5uJvmsFDO-8w1TMA8VU-DuDg94_11ueddTJvwA0bCq-oYW_CgAcy7Mm33BFTcJvYw09IujKbGoJJs/s1600/joanie+leeds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwABNxmpgycbQBSSrUc-IQp3jqbaISELcywH2D5Kt9VFyopY6alUhk9aSoE68L6uO5uJvmsFDO-8w1TMA8VU-DuDg94_11ueddTJvwA0bCq-oYW_CgAcy7Mm33BFTcJvYw09IujKbGoJJs/s320/joanie+leeds.jpg" width="180" /></a><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal;">Leeds</span></b><b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;">is one of those big, beautiful rock 'n roll sopranos whose voice goes full-out or soft and tender, and she uses both to full effect. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Her tuneful melodies and rich, funny and thoughtful child-respecting lyrics give depth and irresistible zip to songs about sunglasses at the beach, goodnight hugs, popcorn popping and creative blame-shifting.<br />
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</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;">Check out the video below from Leed’s </span></i><i><b><span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=30757385&msgid=456394&act=UT8Q&c=277010&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fuser%2FJoanieleeds" target="_blank"><span style="font-style: normal;">YouTube channel</span></a> </span></b></i><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;">to see her in action.</span></i><i><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="243" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/QxOJoZVyzNo" width="420"></iframe><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Then, on Saturday, November 17 at </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">11:00 a.m.</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> Just Kidding offers a unique mix of multimedia performance art from the <b><span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=30757385&msgid=456394&act=UT8Q&c=277010&destination=http%3A%2F%2Ftrachtenburgfamilyslideshowplayers.com%2F" target="_blank">Trachtenburg Family Slideshow Players </a> </span></b>when they present their "indie-vaudeville conceptual art-rock pop band" concert.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkBG9qcWIsN0jho0EQubg_ShxwFF1YTz_eTLePAdMcgeu-4poJkZG-LhyaYgMGPBtjROt53gYHabiQ6Xnw1Ec8__ZDys9LvER_0HIkrh4ponUKLRV3eTXt1ziS6HTtEEY7u9HlevvHe6TE/s1600/Trachtenburg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkBG9qcWIsN0jho0EQubg_ShxwFF1YTz_eTLePAdMcgeu-4poJkZG-LhyaYgMGPBtjROt53gYHabiQ6Xnw1Ec8__ZDys9LvER_0HIkrh4ponUKLRV3eTXt1ziS6HTtEEY7u9HlevvHe6TE/s1600/Trachtenburg.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal;"></span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Originally from </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Seattle</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">, and now based in </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Brooklyn</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">, the Trachtenburgs are a domestic trio (dad Jason, mom Tina Piña, and 16-year-old daughter Rachel), who play quirky indie pop songs in the key of "unironic." </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">It's all good, clean fun with one major catch: All the songs and carefully rhyming lyrics come from the vintage slide collections they've found at estate or garage sales that accompany their performances. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The intrepid trio has appeared on Nick Jr. and the "Conan O'Brien Show," and they've taken their show on the road to Bonnaroo, the </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Edinburgh</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> festival as well as comedy clubs around the nation - all the while winning over famous fans like Meg White (The White Stripes), Matt Groening ("The Simpsons") and John Waters ("Hairspray"). </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Trachtenburgs have just released a new CD called <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Lost-And-Found/dp/B0056BA8CS"><i style="color: blue;"><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">Lost and Found</span></u></b></i></a><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">.</span></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">and for your enjoyment below, <b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal;">the Players on Nick Jr.'s</span></b><b><i><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal;">"Jack’s Big Music Show”.</span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></i></b></span></div><br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/aycGHdfHhHg" width="420"></iframe><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">This diverse line-up is part of the ongoing weekly shows aimed at children ages 3 to 9 and their families. For details about all of the shows, tickets and subscription information, visit <b><span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=30757385&msgid=456394&act=UT8Q&c=277010&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.symphonyspace.org%2Fseries%2F77" target="_blank">Just Kidding</a> </span></b>online<b><span style="font-family: Arial;">. </span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Amherst</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">, </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Massachusetts</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.carlemuseum.org/"><b style="color: blue;"><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art</span></u></b></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">, 125 West Bay Road, Amherst, Massachusetts, is presenting Picture Book Theatre featuring Eric Carle’s <i>“Slowly, Slowly, Slowly,” said the Sloth </i>and<i> Rooster’s Off To See The World, </i>Saturdays, November 12, 19, 26 and Friday, November 25 with 45-minutes performances at 2:00 and 3:00 p.m.<i>. </i>Tickets are $5 and can be reserved in advance by calling the Museum at 413-658-1126.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Directed by founder Therese Brady Donohue, <a href="http://www.picturebooktheatre.com/"><b style="color: blue;"><u>Picture Book Theatre</u></b></a> is now in its sixth season and is known for adapting picture books into puppets and dance productions suitable for all ages, especially the very young.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">This year’s productions include the premiere of the stick puppet show <i>“Slowly, Slowly, Slowly,” said the Sloth, w</i>ith music composed by Karen A. Tarlow.</span><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE8X5mQm2BJnJ0ugQYr12M-D6czET6ceKr-e33Sfa2FbtoLeDV0A_1H5c2mr50sEdF0p9W9LY7bNTtx_8s23lmBJrFaXGLufn4gy297FZ2XrsrERW8FyZt2hMa3uTUgOk1sPZnvqFcM2-Q/s1600/slothrooster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE8X5mQm2BJnJ0ugQYr12M-D6czET6ceKr-e33Sfa2FbtoLeDV0A_1H5c2mr50sEdF0p9W9LY7bNTtx_8s23lmBJrFaXGLufn4gy297FZ2XrsrERW8FyZt2hMa3uTUgOk1sPZnvqFcM2-Q/s1600/slothrooster.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The story includes 27 puppets representing endangered rain forest species. Norton Juster voices a recorded introductory message from Eric Carle and Onawumi Jean Moss is the storyteller. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Double cast local puppeteers include Margaret Arsenault, Frances Caparello, Joan Hanson, Naomi Ossar, Diane Westfall, and Karin Wilburn and professionally designed lighting is by Steve Morgan and operated by Dan Fedora of Harrison Digital Productions. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Each family will receive a copy of Carle’s <i>“Slowly, Slowly, Slowly,” said the Sloth</i> during the show (like a libretto) to reread and relive what they have seen. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">A grant from the Amherst Cultural Council administered by the Massachusetts Cultural Council has helped to underwrite this new show.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The second show is a revival of Carle’s <i>Rooster’s Off To See The World </i>that showcases young dancers from <a href="http://www.amherstballet.org/"><b style="color: blue;"><u>Amherst Ballet</u></b></a>. Sharing the title role are Isabel Wardlaw and Stone Dresser. The dancing role of two cats is shared between Amy Benedetto and Isabela Gomez, and Madeline Poole and Rachel Oram-Brown. Music is again by Karen Tarlow and the recorded narration is by Museum Chief Curator Nick Clark. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">All puppets in the show exactly replicate the illustrations in the Carle books. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">For further information about these performances and current exhibitions in the Museum’s galleries and many other ongoing events visit the Museum’s website at <b style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.carlemuseum.org/" target="_blank">www.carlemuseum.org</a></b><span style="color: blue;">.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Santa Monica</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">, </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">California</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">To celebrate the launch of her newest CD, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Everyday-Adventures/dp/B005VW31XA"><b style="color: blue;"><i><u>Everyday Adventures</u></i></b></a>, award-winning singer/songwriter Deborah Poppink (a/k/a affectionately known by her fans as <a href="http://www.didipop.com/"><b style="color: blue;"><u>“DidiPop”</u></b></a>) is appearing at the legendary McCabe’s Guitar Shop, 3101 Pico Boulevard., at 31st Street, Santa Monica, California on Sunday, November 13 at 11:00 a.m.</span><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAatiorbO1WqFZZZF35ARL4krRoMHoSFpb1HppR9MqaeIT28p63Yr3c98hYLUeyUZRG0IWa55_fIGzNrxCT7Lg96YmULKQVqQsCnDCB934AsRxJ0N0Odjj5xTWApOcxg0r2qpfzcNkfKjf/s1600/DidiPop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAatiorbO1WqFZZZF35ARL4krRoMHoSFpb1HppR9MqaeIT28p63Yr3c98hYLUeyUZRG0IWa55_fIGzNrxCT7Lg96YmULKQVqQsCnDCB934AsRxJ0N0Odjj5xTWApOcxg0r2qpfzcNkfKjf/s1600/DidiPop.jpg" /></a></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The performance includes a 5-piece band (not too loud) costume changes and magic. Plus, there will be Mardi Gras beads for the kids, and a chance for them to do the hula with the magnificent BoBo Bernstein on pedal steel.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> DidiPop will play spoons, piano, guitar, ukulele and even some mock accordion. </span></div><h4><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Ticket price is </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">$8 (kids under 2 get in free). To purchase tickets online, connect to McCabe’s website at <a href="http://www.mccabes.com/condata.html"><b><span style="color: blue;">http://www.mccabes.com/condata.htm</span></b>l</a> </span></h4><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Below, for your enjoyment, is a sample of DidiPop’s <i>The Cool Alphabet Song</i>, which she’ll be performing at McCabe’s.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/jMaEEy-DHPQ" width="420"></iframe>Paula Sladehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02923061193682673368noreply@blogger.com1