A very special free Halloween treat for parents as well as children…

Neil Gaiman reads The Graveyard Book free online - check it out at my other blog, Paula Slade: In My Humble Opinion



Enjoy and Happy Halloween!

The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week's movies with ratings and trailers

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 Friday, October 29, 2010.

The movies listed below have a rating, which has been established by the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) and have been provided with an italicized commentary from the Classification and Ratings Administration (CARA).

If a film has not been provided with an official rating, additional information may, or may not be provided.

If a film is designated NC-17, very limited information will be furnished.

For your convenience, each film title links directly to the Internet Movie Data Base, 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.

As always, you are the single best judge for determining your child’s choice of entertainment.

Opened October 29, 2010 Aftershock -Drama, History- NOT RATED-NOTE: Limited release

Opening October 31, 2010 The Feed-Horror- NOT RATED

Opened October 29, 2010 The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest –Crime, Drama, Thriller- R-because of “strong violence, some sexual material, and brief language.” NOTE: In limited release

Opened October 29, 2010- Monsters – Drama, Horror, SciFi, Thriller- R- because of “language.” NOTE: In limited release – New York, New York; Austin, Texas and Los Angeles, California

Opening November 3, 2010- Outside the Law–Action, Drama, History- NOT RATED

Opened October 29, 2010- Saw 3D – Horror, Mystery- R- because of “sequences of grisly bloody violence and torture, and language.”

Opened October 29, 2010 Waste Land -Documentary-NOT RATED – NOTE: Limited release New York, New York.

Opened October 29, 2010 Welcome to the Rileys -Drama- R- because of “strong sexual content, brief drug use and pervasive language involving a teenager.” NOTE: Limited release in Massachusetts, New York and California

Opened October 29, 2010- Wild Target –Action, Comedy, Crime, Drama – PG-13- because of “violence, some sexual content and brief strong language. ” NOTE: Limited release in New York, New York; Los Angeles and Hollywood, California.

For information on films that opened the week of Friday, October 22, 2010, which include: Boxing Gym; Hereafter; Inhale; Kalamity; Knucklehead; Paranormal Activity 2; Punching the Clown; Rising Stars; Strange Powers: Stephin Merritt and the Magnetic Fields; The Company Men and The Taqwacores, please click on the following link:

The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies

For information on films that opened the week of Friday, October 15, 2010, which include: Conviction; Down Terrace; I Want Your Money; Jackass 3-D; N-Secure; Pure Country 2: The Gift; Red; 11/4/08 and The Last Play at Shea, please click on the following link:

The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies

For information on films that opened the week of Friday, October 8, 2010, which include: As Good as Dead; Buried; Ghetto Physics: Will the Real Pimps and Hos Please Stand Up?; Inside Job; I Spit on Your Grave; It’s a Funny Kind of Story; Leaving; My Life as We Know It; My Soul to Take; Nowhere Boy; October; Secretariat; Stone and Vision: From the Life of Hildegard von Bingen, please click on the following link:

The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies

For information on films that opened the week of Friday, October 1, 2010, which include: Barry Munday; Case 39; Chain Letter; Freakonomics; Hatchet II; Let Me In and The Social Network, please click on the following link:

The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies

For information on films that opened the week of Friday, September 24, 2010, which include: Buried; Jack Goes Boating; Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole; Like Dandelion Dust; Tapestries of Hope; Waiting for Superman; Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps and You Again, please click on the following link:

The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies

For information on films that opened the week of Friday, September 17, 2010, which included: Alpha and Omega; Catfish; Devil; Easy A; Kinshasa Symphony; The Town and You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger, and for all other films that opened August 6 to September 10, 2010, please click on the following

The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies

For information on films that opened the weeks of June 11 to July 30, 2010, please click on the following link:

The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies

For information on films that opened prior to June 11, 2010, please see archived issues of this report at my Arts & Entertainment homepage at the National Edition of Examiner.com.

G GENERAL AUDIENCES (All Ages Admitted) PG PARENTAL GUIDANCE SUGGESTED (Some Material May Not Be Suitable for Children) PG-13 PARENTS STRONGLY CAUTIONED (Some Material May Be Inappropriate for Children Under 13) R RESTRICTED (Under 17 Requires Accompanying Parent or Adult Guardian) NC-17 NO ONE 17 AND UNDER ADMITTED – As determined by the Rating Board/Motion Picture Association of America.

Halloween DVD celebration from Scholastic Storybook Treasures

The Scholastic Corporation, the world’s largest publisher and distributor of children’s books, in conjunction with their award-winning media division, Weston Woods Studios, have hit a Halloween home run with their Storybook Treasures DVD, A Very Brave Witch.

This audio/visual compilation, which includes some of the finest children’s book classics that celebrate the wonder of this autumn holiday, entertainingly captures not only the heart and imagination of childhood, but serves as an excellent reinforcement for maintaining reading skills and creating a love for literature.

Expertly crafted, A Very Brave Witch utilizes professional actors and narrators, delightful musical backgrounds, animation or cleverly shot camera panning, and in four of the eight videos, a special highlighted read-along text feature appears at the bottom of the screen and follows the narration.

This Storybook Treasures DVD includes all of these Halloween classics:

A Very Brave Witch (written by Alison McGhee, illustrated by Harry Bliss, narrated by Elle Fanning) – Animated from the best-selling New York Times/award-winning American Library Association book, this opening salvo is a direct hit and includes the highlighted read-along feature. It’s a charming tale of a little witch whose curiosity about trick-or-treat helps her overcome her fear of humans and find a new bond of friendship.

By the Light of the Halloween Moon (written by Caroline Stutson, illustrated by Kevin Hawkes, narrated by Sherry Stringfield) –Wiggling toes tempt a variety of not-so-scary goblins and ghouls that showcases not only an entertaining story but Cajun fiddle music to round it out.

A Dark, Dark Tale (written and illustrated by Ruth Brown) –The inventive and expert narration of this whimsically illustrated and simple text creates rib-tickling scariness, taking young readers on an auditory and visual journey with the word “dark.”

Georgie (Written and illustrated by Robert Bright, narrated by David DeVries) – First published in 1944, this evergreen-classic, friendly little ghost needs a new home to haunt.

The Witch in the Cherry Tree (written by Margaret Mahy, illustrated by Jenny Williams) – David and his mother must find a way to protect their freshly baked cakes from the tricky witch in the cherry tree, who longs for fresh baked goodies.

The Three-Legged Cat (Written by Margaret Mahy, illustrated by Jonathan Allen) -- Tom, the pegged-legged cat, who dreams of wandering in the outside world, finds himself with a new owner in this text-rich hilarious tale of mistaken identity.

The Three Robbers (Written and illustrated by Tomi Ungerer) -- A precious animated story of a little orphan girl who sets three robbers straight, turning their gold to good. Unique visuals and humorous narration are a highlight.

Little Tim and the Brave Sea Captain (Written and illustrated by Edward Ardizzone) –First published in 1936, this storybook gem with classic illustrations takes “Little Tim” on a seafaring adventure of a lifetime, which ultimately proves there is no other place like home.

Run Time : 69 minutes
Format: DVD/Single Price: $8.49

The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week's movies with ratings and trailers

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 Friday, October 22, 2010.

The movies listed below have a rating, which has been established by the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) and have been provided with an italicized commentary from the Classification and Ratings Administration (CARA).

If a film has not been provided with an official rating, additional information may, or may not be provided.

If a film is designated NC-17, very limited information will be furnished.

For your convenience, each film title links directly to the Internet Movie Data Base, 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.

As always, you are the single best judge for determining your child’s choice of entertainment.

Opened October 22, 2010 Boxing Gym -Documentary- NOT RATED- NOTE: New York only.

Opened October 22, 2010- Hereafter – Drama, Fantasy- PG-13- because of “mature thematic elements including disturbing disaster and accident images and brief strong language.”

Opened October 22, 2010- Inhale– Action/Adventure, Drama- NOT RATED- NOTE: New York only.

Opened October 22, 2010 Kalamity -Thriller- R- because of “pervasive language, including sexual references and some violent content.” NOTE: New York only.

Opened October 22, 2010- Knucklehead – Comedy, Drama – PG-13- because of “some crude humor, language and some fighting action.” NOTE: Limited release

Opened October 22, 2010 Paranormal Activity 2 -Horror- R- because of “some language and brief violent material.”

Opened October 22, 2010 Punching the Clown-Comedy- NOT RATED- NOTE: New York only.

Opened October 22, 2010 Rising Stars -Drama, Family- PG- because of “some mild thematic material.” NOTE: Limited release in Grandville, Michigan, Tulsa, Oklahoma and Nashville, Tennessee only.

Opening October 27, 2010- Strange Powers:Stephin Merritt and the Magnetic Fields–Documentary- NOT RATED

Opened October 22, 2010- The Company Men – Drama- R - because of “language and brief nudity.”

Opened October 22, 2010- The Taqwacores– Drama- NOT RATED- NOTE: New York only, then opening in Los Angeles on November 12, 2010

For information on films that opened the week of Friday, October 15, 2010, which include: Conviction; Down Terrace; I Want Your Money; Jackass 3-D; N-Secure; Pure Country 2: The Gift; Red; 11/4/08 and The Last Play at Shea, please click on the following link:

The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies

For information on films that opened the week of Friday, October 8, 2010, which include: As Good as Dead; Buried; Ghetto Physics: Will the Real Pimps and Hos Please Stand Up?; Inside Job; I Spit on Your Grave; It’s a Funny Kind of Story; Leaving; My Life as We Know It; My Soul to Take; Nowhere Boy; October; Secretariat; Stone and Vision: From the Life of Hildegard von Bingen, please click on the following link:

The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies

For information on films that opened the week of Friday, October 1, 2010, which include: Barry Munday; Case 39; Chain Letter; Freakonomics; Hatchet II; Let Me In and The Social Network, please click on the following link:

The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies

For information on films that opened the week of Friday, September 24, 2010, which include: Buried; Jack Goes Boating; Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole; Like Dandelion Dust; Tapestries of Hope; Waiting for Superman; Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps and You Again, please click on the following link:

The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies

For information on films that opened the week of Friday, September 17, 2010, which included: Alpha and Omega; Catfish; Devil; Easy A; Kinshasa Symphony; The Town and You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger, and for all other films that opened August 6 to September 10, 2010, please click on the following

The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies

For information on films that opened the weeks of June 11 to July 30, 2010, please click on the following link:

The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies

For information on films that opened prior to June 11, 2010, please see archived issues of this report at my Arts & Entertainment homepage at the National Edition of Examiner.com.

G GENERAL AUDIENCES (All Ages Admitted) PG PARENTAL GUIDANCE SUGGESTED (Some Material May Not Be Suitable for Children) PG-13 PARENTS STRONGLY CAUTIONED (Some Material May Be Inappropriate for Children Under 13) R RESTRICTED (Under 17 Requires Accompanying Parent or Adult Guardian) NC-17 NO ONE 17 AND UNDER ADMITTED – As determined by the Rating Board/Motion Picture Association of America.

Charles McCreery: Creating classical music for today's youth

Today we conclude a series of posts that covered resources for introducing children to classical music, and now it’s time to familiarize you with contemporary classical composer, Charles McCreery, whose free downloads of music compositions for piano, chamber group, orchestra and voice are an added bonus for introducing the genre, and are perfect for children who want to learn more through actual practice and performance.

A member of the British Academy of Composers and Songwriters, and an associate member of the Incorporated Society of Musicians, McCreery’s ELEGY FOR VIOLIN AND PIANO was short listed for the Match Composition Prize.

His sheet music, which is published through St. Maur Music, reflects tonality and is also tuneful as well as accessible for children of all ages and abilities.

Never a fan of modernist, atonal music such as Schoenberg or Stockhausen, McCreery cites the musical influences in his life as being “Tallis, Byrd, Purcell, Schubert, Chopin, and Wagner,” He says, “I am inspired by the example of the great composers I admire. Hearing their music can make one want to emulate (not imitate) them.”

One need only to listen to McCreery’s compositions and you are drawn into a world that transports and has a gentle feel. This is intentional as McCreery says; “Music is not primarily about sound, it is about meaning.” He adds, “In my opinion, a great deal of modern ‘classical music’ is without meaning -the sound is often aversive too.”

Pianist John Lill, CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) and winner who shared first prize at the 1970 International Tchaikovsky Competition describes McCreery’s music as “heartening and uplifting,” and operatic mezzo-soprano/Celtic crossover artist, Kathleen Proctor-Moore has referred to his works as “truly beautiful.”

Gifted in multiple domains, in addition to his music compositions, McCreery holds a doctorate from Oxford University for research on hallucinatory experiences in normal people, and is the author of a number of books, including Lucid Dreaming, the Paradox of Consciousness During Sleep, co-authored with Celia Green.

To help children get started, many of McCreery’s compositions are available to download free of charge by following this link to Sibeliusmusic and clicking on the folder for the individual score group, which will then provide a drop down menu of various compositions. Simply click on the composition title and you’ll be taken to a separate page where you are provided with a Scorch toolbar that permits viewing and free downloading.

A popular download is McCreery’s THIRTEEN TOLKIEN SONGS for Children's Voices, Solo, Duet and Chorus. Dr Julia Gasper, LGSM (Licentiate of the Guildhall School of Music) says, “For those who only know Tolkien via the recent blood-and-thunder films, this song-cycle by Charles McCreery will give a very different angle on the classic saga. Here we find a gentle and ethereal world, where rhythms lilt and words echo.”

To be added to a mailing list and be notified whenever St Maur Music publishes new sheet music or CDs by Charles McCreery, simply email stmaurmusic@yahoo.co.uk

More of Charles McCreery’s music can be heard on YouTube at St Maur Music’s YouTube page and below for your enjoyment, is piece no. 2, “Reverie,” which is part of a set of TEN SHORT EASY PIECES FOR PIANO.

Boston Civic Symphony opens 86th season with family concert

The Boston Civic Symphony, the city’s second oldest continuously performing orchestra, launches the first concert of their 2010-2011 series, “A Season of Prize Winners,” featuring a delightful family concert on Sunday, October 17, 2010 at the Fine Arts Center, Regis College, in Weston, Massachusetts.

Music Director Max Hobart, who celebrates his 30th year at the podium, will be joined by radio celebrity and concert pianist, Virginia Eskin, who will act as host for an afternoon that begins with a pre-concert instrument petting zoo at 1:00 p.m.

Featured guest artists are talented young musicians from Project STEP (String Training and Educational Program) performing both alone and with the orchestra, as well as 13 year-old piano prodigy, Kadar Qian (pictured above) winner of the 2010 James R. Powers Concerto Competition as soloist.

Qian will perform the first movement of Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 3.

Also on tap for the afternoon, former WBZ-TV Arts and Entertainment Reporter, Joyce Kulhawik, narrates Daniel Pinkham’s Make Way for Ducklings, based upon the popular children’s story by Robert McCloskey.

Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for children, and may be purchased online at www.bostoncivicsymphony.org or by calling 1-800-595-4TIX.

For more information, please visit the Civic’s web site or call 1-617-923-6333.

The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week's movies with ratings and trailers

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 Friday, October 15, 2010.

The movies listed below have a rating, which has been established by the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) and have been provided with an italicized commentary from the Classification and Ratings Administration (CARA).

If a film has not been provided with an official rating, additional information may, or may not be provided.

If a film is designated NC-17, very limited information will be furnished.

For your convenience, each film title links directly to the Internet Movie Data Base, 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.

As always, you are the single best judge for determining your child’s choice of entertainment.

Opened October 15, 2010- Conviction – Biography, Drama, Thriller- R- because of “language and some violent images.”

Opened October 15, 2010- Down Terrace – Comedy - R- because of “violence, pervasive language and some drug use.” NOTE: Limited release

Opened October 15, 2010- I Want Your Money-Documentary- PG- because of “thematic elements, brief language and smoking.”

Opened October 15, 2010- Jackass 3D – Documentary, Action, Comedy- R - because of “male nudity, extremely crude and dangerous stunts throughout, and for language.”

Opened October 15, 2010- N-Secure– Drama- R- because of “language, some sexual content and brief violence.”

Opened October 15, 2010- Pure Country 2: The Gift–Drama, Romance, Music, Musical- PG- because of “some language and thematic material.” NOTE: Not available in all markets.

Opened October 15, 2010- Red- Comedy, Action/Adventure -PG-13-because of “intense sequences of action violence and brief strong language.”

Opening October 20, 2010-11/4/08 –Documentary-NOT RATED- Note: May be in limited release.

Opening October 21, 2010- The Last Play at Shea-Documentary, Music- NOT RATED – NOTE: Scheduled for one day only at this time, advance ticket sales through http://www.thelastplayatshea.com/

For information on films that opened the week of Friday, October 8, 2010, which include: As Good as Dead; Buried; Ghetto Physics: Will the Real Pimps and Hos Please Stand Up?; Inside Job; I Spit on Your Grave; It’s a Funny Kind of Story; Leaving; My Life as We Know It; My Soul to Take; Nowhere Boy; October; Secretariat; Stone and Vision: From the Life of Hildegard von Bingen, please click on the following link:

The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies

For information on films that opened the week of Friday, October 1, 2010, which include: Barry Munday; Case 39; Chain Letter; Freakonomics; Hatchet II; Let Me In and The Social Network, please click on the following link:

The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies

For information on films that opened the week of Friday, September 24, 2010, which include: Buried; Jack Goes Boating; Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole; Like Dandelion Dust; Tapestries of Hope; Waiting for Superman; Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps and You Again, please click on the following link:

The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies

For information on films that opened the week of Friday, September 17, 2010, which included: Alpha and Omega; Catfish; Devil; Easy A; Kinshasa Symphony; The Town and You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger, and for all other films that opened August 6 to September 10, 2010, please click on the following

The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies

For information on films that opened the weeks of June 11 to July 30, 2010, please click on the following link:

The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies

For information on films that opened prior to June 11, 2010, please see archived issues of this report at my Arts & Entertainment homepage at the National Edition of Examiner.com.

G GENERAL AUDIENCES (All Ages Admitted) PG PARENTAL GUIDANCE SUGGESTED (Some Material May Not Be Suitable for Children) PG-13 PARENTS STRONGLY CAUTIONED (Some Material May Be Inappropriate for Children Under 13) R RESTRICTED (Under 17 Requires Accompanying Parent or Adult Guardian) NC-17 NO ONE 17 AND UNDER ADMITTED – As determined by the Rating Board/Motion Picture Association of America.

Introducing a child to classical music: How to make friends with a symphony orchestra

With stringent budget cuts occurring in national as well as local economies, it is no wonder schools are suffering during this recession. Art and music curricula are being cut left and right. They generally are the first programs to be eliminated.

Whether you ascribe to research done on the importance of right brain development in the visual arts, or the “Mozart Effect,” which has been associated with music, it is imperative that children be provided a solid education in both artistic disciplines.

Music and art classes are essential in developing an understanding and an appreciation of not only who we are, but where we have come from as humans.

Education in both domains determines the entertainment choices that are carried throughout one's life.

Specifically regarding music, what can a parent do when music appreciation (the very core of musical education) isn't offered in a school setting?

Get free on-line help from the world famous San Francisco Symphony and their entertaining as well as educational web site - SFS Kids Fun With Music.

If you need to upgrade your media player in order to participate on the SFS site, not to worry, you will automatically be prompted and provided a free download that takes a moment to install.

Once you're good-to-go, you’ll find the site is colorful, well organized, and affords the opportunity for parents and children to explore the various instruments that make up an orchestra and hear actual instrument sound samples.

There is also a virtual music lab to learn everything about basic musical symbols and notation, along with such concepts as: tempo; rhythm; pitch; harmony; symbols, and instrumentation.

Once the ‘basics’ are in place, move up to the next level and play a tune or two on SFS’s "Performalator," or actually create your own musical masterpiece in "Composerizer."

In a separate section on the site is a click-on radio with six different music channels, which introduces some of the world's most famous concert pieces along with short stories about each of the compositions.

Depending on reading and technology skills, older children will easily surf this site without parental assistance.

As a child's musical interest and abilities strengthen, there's a "First Timer's Guide" with some helpful facts, which provide a good discussion platform before venturing out to an actual performance.

Many communities around the country have "Pops" concerts during the summer that are family-friendly and often free of charge; this would be another good step to introducing a young person to the appreciation and joy of classical music.

Major orchestras such as: Boston Symphony; New York Philharmonic; Baltimore Symphony and the San Francisco Symphony also offer children's concerts, which are geared towards specific age levels and are shorter in duration, plus they carry the added benefit of a lower ticket price.

After all, since the YouTube Symphony Orchestra made its debut at Carnegie Hall on April 15, 2009 the world of classical music has not been the same - it's taken a giant step in becoming very popular with younger generations.

Disney's 'Tangled' : 2 newly released character bio videos

Fans of Walt Disney Studios’ upcoming animated feature, TANGLED, now get a closer look at this fun-filled movie with the release of these two new trailers.

TANGLED is the comedic retelling of the classic fairytale, Rapunzel, and is scheduled for nationwide release, Wednesday, November 24, 2010.

In the first video below, you’ll meet “Rapunzel” (voiced by Mandy Moore.) She’s not your typical damsel in distress but a lovely and spunky 18-year-old with 70 feet of hair and who’s ready to break out of her tower home and sheltered life to meet the outside world head-on.





In this second video, meet “Flynn Rider” (voiced by Zachary Levi.) He’s a charming, handsome and ultra confident thief on the run who finally meets his match - Rapunzel.

Halloween fun nationwide: "Go Boo at the Zoo"

This time of year, zoos nationwide open their gates to children and families for extra doses of fun and entertainment, along with the opportunity to see animals great and small.

Many zoos have activities that range from costume contests to pumpkin carving and crafts, and even hayrides or mazes.

Most have trick-or-treating on the premises and some zoos offer a haunted house, discounted admission and even live musical entertainment.

The following is a list of top picks around the country for “Boo at the Zoo” or as some call it, “Zoo Boo” and even "Zoo Howl." Just click on the zoo’s link for further information.

You and your child will have a frightening good time.

Atlanta Zoo, Atlanta, Georgia

Baton Rouge Zoo, Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Binghamton Zoo at Ross Park, Binghamton, New York

Bronx Zoo, Bronx, New York

Brookfield Zoo, Chicago, Illinois

Detroit Zoo, Detroit, Michigan

Franklin Park Zoo, Boston, Massachusetts

Houston Zoo, Houston, Texas

Knoxville Zoo, Knoxville, Tennessee

Lake Superior Zoo, Duluth, Minnesota

Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Garden, Los Angeles, California

National Zoo, Washington, D.C.

Philadelphia Zoo, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Pittsburgh Zoo, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Potter Park Zoo, Lansing, Michigan

Sacramento Zoo, Sacramento, California

Santa Barbara Zoo, Santa Barbara, California

Stone Zoo, Stoneham, Massachusetts



For more fun seasonal offerings, be sure to visit my other website: Paula Slade: In My Humble Opinion - "Autumn Fun: Pick-your-own-pumpkins a definitive guide" and "It's apple pickin' time: The definitive Guide to pick-your-own-apples nationwide" Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4

The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week's movies with ratings and trailers

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 Friday, October 8, 2010.

The movies listed below have a rating, which has been established by the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) and have been provided with an italicized commentary from the Classification and Ratings Administration (CARA).

If a film has not been provided with an official rating, additional information may, or may not be provided.

If a film is designated NC-17, very limited information will be furnished.

For your convenience, each film title links directly to the Internet Movie Data Base, 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.

As always, you are the single best judge for determining your child’s choice of entertainment.

Opened October 8, 2010- As Good as Dead – Thriller- R- because of “violence, language and some drug content.”

Opened October 8, 2010- Buried – Drama, Mystery, Thriller- R- because of “language and some violent content.” NOTE: Limited release

Opened October 8, 2010 Ghetto Physics: Will the Real Pimps and Hos Please Stand Up?-Drama- R- because of “language including some sexual references.”

Opened October 8, 2010- Inside Job – Documentary- PG-13 - because of “some drug and sex-related material.” NOTE: Limited release

Opened October 8, 2010- I Spit on Your Grave- Crime, Thriller- NOT RATED

Opened October 8, 2010- It's Kind of a Funny Story-Comedy, Drama-PG-13-because of “mature thematic issues, sexual content, drug material and language.” NOTE: Limited release

Opened October 8, 2010- Leaving –Drama, Romance- NOT RATED – NOTE: Limited release

Opened October 8, 2010- Life as We Know It –Romance- PG-13- because of “sexual material, language and some drug content.”

Opened October 8, 2010- My Soul to Take –Thriller, Horror- R- because of “strong bloody violence and pervasive language and including sexual references.”

Opened October 8, 2010- Nowhere Boy –Biography, Drama, Music-R-because of “language and a scene of sexuality.” Note: Limited release

Opening October 14, 2010- October- Drama- NOT RATED-NOTE: No further information avaiable.

Opened October 8, 2010- Secretariat –Drama, Sport-PG-because of “brief mild language.”

Opened October 8, 2010- Stone –Drama, Thriller-R-because of “strong sexuality and violence, and pervasive language.”

Opened October 8, 2010- Tamara Drewe -Comedy-R-because of “language and some sexuality.” NOTE: Los Angeles and New York only

Opening October 13, 2010- Vision: From the Life of Hildegard von Bingen- Drama, Other- NOT RATED

For information on films that opened the week of Friday, October 1, 2010, which include: Barry Munday; Case 39; Chain Letter; Freakonomics; Hatchet II; Let Me In and The Social Network, please click on the following link:

The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies

For information on films that opened the week of Friday, September 24, 2010, which include: Buried; Jack Goes Boating; Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole; Like Dandelion Dust; Tapestries of Hope; Waiting for Superman; Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps and You Again, please click on the following link:

The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies

For information on films that opened the week of Friday, September 17, 2010, which included: Alpha and Omega; Catfish; Devil; Easy A; Kinshasa Symphony; The Town and You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger, and for all films that opened August 6 to September 10, 2010, please click on the following

The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies

For information on films that opened the weeks of June 11 to July 30, 2010, please click on the following link:

The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies

For information on films that opened prior to June 11, 2010, please see archived issues of this report at my Arts & Entertainment homepage at the National Edition of Examiner.com.

G GENERAL AUDIENCES (All Ages Admitted) PG PARENTAL GUIDANCE SUGGESTED (Some Material May Not Be Suitable for Children) PG-13 PARENTS STRONGLY CAUTIONED (Some Material May Be Inappropriate for Children Under 13) R RESTRICTED (Under 17 Requires Accompanying Parent or Adult Guardian) NC-17 NO ONE 17 AND UNDER ADMITTED – As determined by the Rating Board/Motion Picture Association of America.

Garden gnomes in love: Touchstone Pictures’ GNOMEO & JULIET

Shakespeare's love story, Romeo and Juliet gets a total makeover in Touchstone Pictures’ GNOMEO & JULIET, and is scheduled for release February 11, 2011.

Billed as an “off-the-wall” comedic retelling of the classic tale, GNOMEO & JULIET, directed by Kelly Asbury (SHREK 2), features music by Elton John and the voice talents of James McAvoy and Emily Blunt in the title roles, as well as Michael Caine, Jason Statham, Maggie Smith, Patrick Stewart, Ashley Jensen, Stephen Merchant, Matt Lucas, Richard Wilson and Ozzy Osbourne.

Formatted in crowd-pleasing 3-D, the animated/adventure is set in a world filled with plastic flamingoes, lawnmower races and star-crossed garden gnomes.

For your viewing enjoyment, a first look at GNOMEO & JULIET.

Outstanding lineup of new programming on National Geographic Channel

Naica, Chihuahua, MEXICO: Cavers exploring Naica's Los Crystales cave where more than a hundred giant crystals have grown. (Photo Credit: © Speleoresearch & Films/ Oscar Necoechea)

During the month of October, the National Geographic Channel provides several excellent television choices for the entire family, starting with the launch of the series, Making History, followed by the new season premier of Dog Whisperer, and then an extraordinary two-hour special, Into the Lost Crystal Caves.

Making History, which debuts on Tuesday, October 5, 2010 at 9 PM ET/PT is a definitive ‘how to’ for building meticulous historical reenactments that utilize the latest advances in digital technology, extensive research and the expertise of a team of seasoned graphic-designers, to give you an inside look into the techniques for re-creating some of the most crucial events and figures in the history of mankind.

In this week’s first episode of Making History, we are given a behind-the-scenes look at one of humanity’s most hated dictators, Hitler, and are provided pivotal moments in his life, everything from his infamous speech hailing 150,000 soldiers at the Nuremburg rally, to what might have been on Hitler’s mind moments before his death.

Making History then continues during the month with episodes about Nostradamus on Tuesday, October 12, Stonehenge on Tuesday, October 19, and Gangsters on Tuesday, October 26, all at 9 PM ET/PT.

The video below, “Making Plague Victims,” is excerpted from the Nostradamus episode and shows the design team’s magic in re-creating a plague pit from the 1500’s, using lots of ingenuity, on a tiny production budget and with a handful of actors. The results are amazing.



Later this week, a National Geographic audience family-favorite, as season seven of Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan debuts.

The series kicks off with Millan being joined by comedian and television personality, Howie Mandel and his wife Terry, as they deal with their chomping Chihuahua, “Lola,” and her very aggressive behavior.

The Dog Whisperer: Lola and Bebe & Sadie airs Friday, October 8, 2010, at 8 PM ET/PT.

Then, on Sunday, October 10, 2010, the National Geographic Channel presents a high-definition special at its best, Into the Lost Crystal Caves.

Billed as possibly, “one of the greatest natural marvels ever found,” the Lost Crystal Caves of Naica, Chihuahua, Mexico are hidden 1,000 feet beneath the earth’s surface. They are about the size of a football field, as high as a two-story building and contain gigantic razor sharp gypsum formations never before seen by man.

You’ll journey with a group of international scientists below the surface of the earth, where temperatures hover at a life-threatening 113 degrees with 90 percent humidity, and see first-hand this “devastatingly beautiful hell-on- earth.”

Into the Lost Crystal Caves airs Sunday, October 10, 2010 at 8 PM ET/PT.

Below, a video excerpt from Into the Lost Crystal Caves: “Exploring a Deadly Cave” – See the exceptional measures it takes to explore and film in the cave’s hostile environment.

The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week's movies with ratings and trailers

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 Friday, October 1, 2010.

The movies listed below have a rating, which has been established by the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) and have been provided with an italicized commentary from the Classification and Ratings Administration (CARA).

If a film has not been provided with an official rating, additional information may, or may not be provided.

If a film is designated NC-17, very limited information will be furnished.

For your convenience, each film title links directly to the Internet Movie Data Base, 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.

As always, you are the single best judge for determining your child’s choice of entertainment.

Opened October 1, 2010- Barry Munday – Drama- R- because of “sexual content and language.” NOTE: Limited release

Opened October 1, 2010- Case 39 – Action/Adventure, Horror- R - because of “violence and terror, including disturbing images.”

Opened October 1, 2010- Chain Letter-Action/Adventure, Horror-R-because of “strong bloody sadistic violence throughout, language and brief nudity.” NOTE: Limited release

Opened October 1, 2010- Freakonomics –Documentary- PG-13- because of “elements of violence, sexuality/nudity, drugs, and brief strong language.” NOTE: Limited release

Opened October 1, 2010- Hatchet II- Horror-NOT RATED- NOTE: Limited release

Opened October 1, 2010- Let Me In –Horror- R- because of “strong bloody horror violence, language and a brief sexual situation.”

Opened October 1, 2010- The Social Network-Drama-PG-13-because of “sexual content, drug and alcohol use and language.”

For information on films that opened the week of Friday, September 24, 2010, which include: Buried; Jack Goes Boating; Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole; Like Dandelion Dust; Tapestries of Hope; Waiting for Superman; Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps and You Again, please click on the following link:

The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies

For information on films that opened the week of Friday, September 17, 2010, which included: Alpha and Omega; Catfish; Devil; Easy A; Kinshasa Symphony; The Town and You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger, and for all films that opened August 6 to September 10, 2010, please click on the following

The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies

For information on films that opened the weeks of June 11 to July 30, 2010, please click on the following link:

The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies

For information on films that opened prior to June 11, 2010, please see archived issues of this report at my Arts & Entertainment homepage at the National Edition of Examiner.com.

G GENERAL AUDIENCES (All Ages Admitted) PG PARENTAL GUIDANCE SUGGESTED (Some Material May Not Be Suitable for Children) PG-13 PARENTS STRONGLY CAUTIONED (Some Material May Be Inappropriate for Children Under 13) R RESTRICTED (Under 17 Requires Accompanying Parent or Adult Guardian) NC-17 NO ONE 17 AND UNDER ADMITTED – As determined by the Rating Board/Motion Picture Association of America.