Disney launches Descendants, the official mobile game inspired by the hit Disney Channel movie, Disney’s Descendants, available on iOS, Android and Windows devices. In Descendants, fans can create their own unique Descendants character and then join Mal, Evie, Jay, Carlos and more of their favorite characters for a wickedly fun adventure in the world of Descendants. As they play, fans will be able to experience all the iconic locations from the movie from Isle of the Lost and Auradon, such as the Gallery of Villains and Tourney Field.
Players will start the game by creating their own stylish avatar with more than 450 pieces of clothing and accessories inspired by the movie. As players unlock iconic locations in the game, they will discover fun quests like organizing school parties with Mal and tailoring costumes with Evie for a play. Players will collect special rewards along the way that will raise school spirit and help grow their ‘Legendary’ status.
Game activities include:
Style showcase: Players can create their own unique character and stand out from the crowd with millions of fashionable combinations, from stylish Auradon preppy to edgy Isle style.
Exciting missions: As they progress through the game, players can organize school parties with Mal, tailor costumes with Evie for a play, and unveil more exciting quests with the help of the coolest students at Auradon Prep.
Be legendary: Players can collect special rewards along the way to raise school spirit and grow their ‘Legendary’ status.
Explore Auradon: Ride on Ben’s scooter to travel between locations and uncover iconic areas such as the Tourney Field, Gallery of Villains, Carnival Grounds and many more.
A good getaway is more than a great location, with first-class amenities and gourmet food. It is also about people. And on my recent visit to JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa, I met some very inspiring souls – while also basking in the sun and luxury of a four-star hotel.
My adventure began when I heard that the Marriott had partnered with The Biggest Loser Resort, to become the new West Coast location for the weight loss and wellness program, inspired by the hit television show, which returns in 2016 for a 17th season.
As the newest addition to The Biggest Loser Resort portfolio, JW Marriott Desert Spring Resort & Spa offers guests access to its state-of-the-art amenities, including four spacious pools, two championship golf courses, an award-winning tennis program, and one of the largest full-service spa and fitness facilities in Southern California.
“The JW Marriott brand’s commitment to health and well-being aligns perfectly with The Biggest Loser Resort program goals,” said Lesley Carey, president of The Biggest Loser Resort. “We are thrilled to partner with this luxury destination and work together to provide our guests with the necessary tools and inspiration to embark on this life changing experience.”
I stayed at the JW Marriott during the opening weekend of The Biggest Loser Resort and I not only got treated to the beauty of the resort, but I also met some of the past and present participants of The Biggest Loser program. One of the people I met was chef and nutritionist Cheryl Forberg, who for the past 15 seasons has created healthy and delicious menus for both the TV show and the resort.
During my visit, Cheryl gave advice on eating healthy and smart and showed us how easy it can be to make good choices when going to the market and when waking up in the middle of the night with those dreaded hunger pains.
I also sampled some of the food that The Biggest Loser enrollees eat while at the resort and it was fantastic. I had a pulled pork sandwich with jicama and apple slaw on gluten-free bread, with hints of Mandarin orange, jalapenos and lime juice; and a California turkey wrap with turkey breast, turkey bacon, arugula and avocado, on a whole grain tortilla.
When not eating healthy, members of The Biggest Loser program exercise in their own fitness area, or on one of the many resort lawns. And like other Marriott guests, they also soak up all the luxury the resort has to offer.
Located in Palm Desert, a few miles east of Palm Springs, the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa resembles an island paradise. The place is highlighted by a massive, towering lobby with waterfalls and ponds and boats coming in and out of giant glass doors. The vessels take guests sightseeing around the resort’s lake or to dinner at one of the restaurants.
Other property highlights include six restaurants, two championship golf courses, four swimming pools, a full-service spa, fitness center, tennis and volleyball courts, and a scenic jogging path. There are also lots ducks, black and white swans, flamingos, and even Kookaburras floating about the waterways.
Throughout a stay at The Biggest Loser Resort Palm Desert, guests will work with a team of counselors and coaches who help provide the knowledge, tools and confidence to achieve results and sustain a commitment to healthy eating, regular exercise and overall well-being. Matt Hagler, CEO of Biggest Loser Resort, says The Biggest Loser program is ideal for guests at any stage of life.
The program includes stress management through life coaching workshops, dietary direction and a strong focus on physical activity, beginning with training through activities such as cardio, water aerobics, and outdoor hikes, among others.
The Biggest Loser Resort Palm Desert is located at 74-855 Country Club Drive in Palm Desert, CA 92260. For more information on participating in the program, visit: www.biggestloserresort.com or call 760.341.2211. For more information on just staying at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa, visit: Visit www.desertspringsresort.com
In 2016, Knott’s Berry Farm’s Ghost Town will celebrate its 75th anniversary with two major offerings next summer. The centerpiece of the summer 2016 celebration is the interactive entertainment experience, Ghost Town Alive!, which immerses guests in new stories and adventures in the familiar town of Calico. The west is about to get even wilder when GhostRider returns from a major restoration project with all new trains that will gallop along over 4,500 feet of new wooden track.
In summer 2016, Ghost Town Alive! will allow guests young and young at heart to live the west through inventive new ways to interact with characters and environments as each day, a different story will unfold throughout all of Ghost Town. From pledging one’s allegiance to notorious bandits, to saving the day alongside courageous cowboys, guests play an active role in shaping the events of the day. Every evening, the day’s story culminates with a town wide celebration of 75 years of Calico.
Walter Knott’s love for the Wild West was evident in the attention to detail that he put into the peek-ins peppered throughout town. Next summer, select peek-ins will be transformed into authentic working establishments, and guests will be welcomed to step inside. At the Barber Shop, guests can walk in and meet Calico’s trusted barber who’s rife with town gossip.
In the Sheriff’s office, guests can try their luck at a game of cards with the sneaky Sheriff and other Calico townsfolk. Here, guests can also decide whether they join the lawmen to hunt down the bandits or choose the criminal life and end up with their face on a handmade wanted poster.
In the heart of Ghost Town, the Barn will close on April 4, and when it reopens for Ghost Town Alive!, it will have been transformed into a working horse stable where guests can visit with Calico’s friendly equestrian team.
Construction is underway on a new Calico Stage, which will open across the train tracks from its current location, in the area Screamin’ Swing formerly occupied. The stage, themed after an old abandoned mine, will feature an all-new show for summer 2016. The standing viewing area for the new stage is nearly twice as large as the current viewing area, ensuring even more guests can enjoy seasonal live entertainment. The new venue is scheduled to open in Spring of 2016.
When the new Calico Stage opens, the space that the existing stage and viewing area currently occupy will become Calico Park. Here, guests will enjoy a shady respite from the hustle and bustle of the Town, with a small stage for live performances, and twinkling lights adorning the trees after the sun sets. Calico Park is set to open in Summer 2016. Adjacent to Calico Park stands the iconic Calico Saloon, which will feature a raucous new show next summer. A new western stunt show in Wagon Camp will also debut in summer 2016. Both the Calico Saloon and Wagon Camp will close in early 2016 in for renovations and new show preparations.
Ghost Town Alive! will take interactive storytelling to new heights when it debuts next summer, and for guests really seeking to achieve some heights, they should look no further than to the return of the beloved classic wooden roller coaster, GhostRider.
Since 1998, GhostRider has been giving white-knuckle rides to even the toughest cowpokes. It still looms over Ghost Town as the longest, fastest and tallest wooden rollercoaster on the West Coast. In September 2015, work began to completely restore and preserve this classic wooden rollercoaster. The project is a partnership with Great Coasters International and includes re-profiling and a complete wooden re-tracking of the entire 4,533 ft. long track.
In Disney’s “Alice Through the Looking Glass,” an all-new spectacular adventure featuring the unforgettable characters from Lewis Carroll’s beloved stories, Alice returns to the whimsical world of Underland and travels back in time to save the Mad Hatter. Directed by James Bobin, who brings his own unique vision to the spectacular world Tim Burton created on screen in 2010 with “Alice in Wonderland,” the film is written by Linda Woolverton based on characters created by Lewis Carroll and produced by Joe Roth, Suzanne Todd and Jennifer Todd and Tim Burton with John G. Scotti serving as executive producer. “Alice Through the Looking Glass” reunites the all-star cast from the worldwide blockbuster phenomenon, including: Johnny Depp, Anne Hathaway, Mia Wasikowska and Helena Bonham Carter along with the voices of Alan Rickman, Stephen Fry, Michael Sheen and Timothy Spall. We are also introduced to several new characters: Zanik Hightopp (Rhys Ifans), the Mad Hatter’s father and Time himself (Sacha Baron Cohen), a peculiar creature who is part human, part clock.
Alice Kingsleigh (Wasikowska) has spent the past few years following in her father’s footsteps and sailing the high seas. Upon her return to London, she comes across a magical looking glass and returns to the fantastical realm of Underland and her friends the White Rabbit (Sheen), Absolem (Rickman), the Cheshire Cat (Fry) and the Mad Hatter (Depp), who is not himself. The Hatter has lost his Muchness, so Mirana (Hathaway) sends Alice on a quest to borrow the Chronosphere, a metallic globe inside the chamber of the Grand Clock which powers all time. Returning to the past, she comes across friends – and enemies – at different points in their lives, and embarks on a perilous race to save the Hatter before time runs out.
Presented in Digital 3D™, Real D 3D and IMAX® 3D, Disney’s “Alice Through the Looking Glass” opens in U.S. theaters on May 27, 2016.
Hallmark Channel’s annual ‘COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS’ event returns with 55 continuous days of holiday-themed entertainment for the whole family, featuring more than 1300 hours of content and an all-star line-up of 17 original holiday-themed movie premieres. In 2014, Countdown to Christmas brought 74 million viewers to the network in November and December, making Hallmark Channel #1 among households and key demos.
This year’s line-up features the directorial debut of Grammy-winning superstar Mariah Carey in the original film, “A Christmas Melody” airing December 19, in which she will also star.
Hallmark is expanding the holiday viewing tradition with its first ever Thanksgiving Week stuffed full of five new Hallmark Channel original movies, including the world premiere of Candace Cameron Bure’s “A Christmas Detour” on Saturday, November 28. The movie tells the story of two New York City-bound travelers who find themselves inextricably linked when a snowstorm reroutes them to an airport hotel in Buffalo.
The holiday fun continues with Lori Loughlin, Dermot Mulroney and Bailee Madison in “Northpole 2: Open for Christmas,” premiering November 21 and continuing the story of the charming and uplifting elf named Clementine.
Viewers will also see original films starring Julie Benz, Katie Findlay, Faith Ford, Shenae Grimes-Beech, Danica McKellar, Christopher Lloyd, Wyatt Nash and William Shatner, to name just a few of the talent across Hallmark’s 17 original offerings.
“Hallmark Channel has established ‘Countdown To Christmas’ as a beloved and important holiday tradition for families nationwide,” said Michelle Vicary, Executive Vice President, Programming, Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movies & Mysteries. “We are honored to be a part of these celebrations by telling uplifting holiday stories that are a testament of the spirit of the season.”
Christmas 2015 begins on Halloween Night, October 31 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Hallmark Channel with the holiday staple, “Home Alone.” The next day, Hallmark Channel begins its launch of original titles. “Countdown To Christmas” original movie premieres for 2015 are as follows:
“Tis The Season For Love,” starring Sarah Lancaster and Brendan Penny, Sunday,
November 1 (8 p.m. ET/PT, 7C); “Ice Sculpture Christmas,” starring Rachel Boston and Emmy® Nominee Brenda
Strong, Saturday, November 7 (8 p.m. ET/PT, 7C); “Charming Christmas,” starring Julie Benz and David Sutcliffe, Sunday, November 8
(8 p.m. ET/PT, 7C); “I’m Not Ready For Christmas,” starring Alicia Witt, George Stults, Brigid Brannagh,
Dan Lauria and Maxwell Caulfield, Saturday, November 14 (8 p.m. ET/PT, 7C); “Christmas Incorporated,” starring Shenae Grimes-Beech and Steve Lund, Sunday,
November 15 (8 p.m. ET/PT, 7C); “Northpole: Open for Christmas,” starring Lori Loughlin, Dermot Mulroney and
Bailee Madison, Saturday, November 21 (8 p.m. ET/PT, 7C); “Merry Matrimony,” starring Jessica Lowndes and Christopher Russell, Sunday,
November 22 (8 p.m. ET/PT, 7C); “Once Upon A Holiday,” starring Briana Evigan, Paul Campbell and Greg Evigan,
Wednesday, November 25 (8 p.m. ET/PT, 7C); “The 12 Gifts of Christmas,” starring Katrina Law, Aaron O’Connell and Donna Mills,
Thursday, November 26 (8 p.m. ET/PT, 7C); “Crown For Christmas,” starring Danica McKellar, Friday, November 27 (8 p.m.
ET/PT, 7C); “A Christmas Detour,” starring Candace Cameron Bure, Paul Greene, Sarah Strange
and David Lewis, Saturday, November 28 (8 p.m. ET/PT, 7C); “Angel of Christmas,” starring Jennifer Finnigan, Jonathan Scarfe and Holly Robinson
Peete, Sunday, November 29 (8 p.m. ET/PT, 7C).
Hallmark Hall of Fame’s “Just in Time for Christmas,” starring Eloise Mumford,
Michael Stahl-David, William Shatner and Christopher Lloyd, Saturday, December 5 (8 p.m.
ET/PT, 7C); “Karen Kingsbury’s The Bridge,” starring Katie Findlay, Wyatt Nash, Ted McGinley
and Faith Ford, Sunday, December 6 (8 p.m. ET/PT, 7C); “On the Twelfth Day of Christmas,” starring Brooke Nevin and Robin Dunne,
Saturday, December 12 (8 p.m. ET/PT, 7C); “A Christmas Melody,” starring Mariah Carey, Saturday, December 19 (8 p.m. ET/PT,
7C); “Christmas Land,” Saturday, December 20 (8 p.m. ET/PT, 7C).
Through a series of misunderstandings, Alvin, Simon and Theodore come to believe that Dave is going to propose to his new girlfriend in Miami…and dump them. They have three days to get to him and stop the proposal, saving themselves not only from losing Dave but possibly from gaining a terrible stepbrother.
ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: THE ROAD CHIP
Comedy Release: December 18, 2015 Director: Walt Becker Producers: Janice Karman, Ross Bagdasarian Written by: Randi Mayem and Adam Sztykiel, based on characters Alvin and The Chipmunks created by Ross Bagdasarian and The Chipettes created by Janice Karman Cast: Jason Lee, Tony Hale, Kimberly Williamss-Paisley, Josh Green, Bella Thorne, Justin Long, Matthew Gray Gubler, Jesse McCartney, Kaley Cuoco-Sweeting, Anna Faris, Christina Applegate
Starting November 21st, Knott’s Berry Farm is filled with the spirit of the holiday season as it wondrously transforms into Knott’s Merry Farm! The perfect place to make holiday memories and traditions invites guests to celebrate with thrilling attractions, live entertainment, a crafts fair, festive food, lavish holiday decorations, and nightly snow in Ghost Town.
Returning this year, the PEANUTS® gang, and a cast of world class ice skaters perform in the breathtaking ice show, Merry Christmas, Snoopy! in the 2,100 seat Charles M. Schulz Theatre. In this whimsical show, Snoopy enjoys all of the best parts of the season, including trimming the Christmas tree, awaiting Santa’s arrival, and attending the Christmas Ball! Select dates, November 21 – Jan 3 (dark Wednesdays).
The Wilderness Dance Hall in Ghost Town transforms into Santa’s Christmas Cabin for the holiday season. Here, the young and the young at heart can share their wish lists with jolly ol’ St. Nick and take home a picture of the occasion. Indulge in holiday delights like Santa’s homemade cookies, mouthwatering pastries, fresh roasted nuts, seasonal craft beer, and decadent cinnamon rolls. Knott’s world-famous holiday treats can be found all throughout Ghost Town, including fresh poured-to-order maple lollipops at the Gold Trails Hotel, holiday churros from the Churro Factory, and warm gingerbread men baked at the Farm Bakery.
The Ghost Town and Calico Railroad will once again invite guests to celebrate Christmas on Engine 41. Vintage railcars are filled with an ever-changing group of cheery Ghost Town denizens eager to share their busy Christmas plans. A perfect reprieve from the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season, the Camp Snoopy theater will debut an all-new show, Christmas Time is Here, Charlie Brown. The show features a delightful mash up of some of your favorite holiday songs with a cheerful and heartwarming dose of the Peanuts gang.
Relax and unwind in Knott’s Christmas Crafts Village, as Ghost Town transforms into a shopping wonderland filled with dozens of local artisans selling their unique gifts.
Can’t-miss highlights of the Village include powerful chainsaw sculpting and elegant glass blowing demonstrations. Entrance to the Knott’s Christmas Crafts Village is free Monday through Thursday, November 23 – December 10, and is included with theme park admission every day. Strolling the pathways of Ghost Town, the Calico Carolers share the sounds of the season through songs and hand bell chimes. In the intimate setting of Ghost Town’s historic Bird Cage Theatre, Knott’s melodrama company brings to life Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol and O. Henry’s A Gift of the Magi with daily performances.
When the sun sets on the Farm, the buildings and paths in Ghost Town will twinkle to the beat of holiday music while snow gently falls. This year, snow falls across even more of Ghost Town, from the School House to the Saloon and down to the Assay Office. Another nighttime tradition at Knott’s Merry Farm is Snoopy’s Merriest Tree Lighting show on the Calico Square Stage. This whimsical tree lighting features a cast of marching toy soldiers, the loveable Mrs. Claus, dancing snowmen, and the world’s most famous beagle, Snoopy!
The toe tappin’, hand clappin’, comedy and bluegrass of Krazy Kirk and the Hillbillies continues their Knott’s Merry Farm residency this holiday season in the Birdcage Theatre on select nights. Plus, the upbeat blue grass quartet, the Ghost Town Miners, make their eagerly awaited return to the Fireman’s BBQ stage. Southern California’s finest live bluegrass bands can only be seen at Knott’s Merry Farm.
The perfect stocking stuffer is now on-sale! A 2016 Season Pass includes one free admission in 2015, unlimited visits in 2016 with no blackout dates, discounts on select food and merchandise, and access to exciting year-round seasonal events. For affordable year-round fun for everyone on your “nice” list, Season Passes start at just $81.00, the best price of the year for a limited time.
The lively city of Buena Park is a popular tourist destination that offers year-round mild climate and premier proximity to Disneyland, shopping and beaches. In fact, Buena Park’s award-winning attractions, restaurants and hotels have earned it the distinction as one of the ‘Most Fun Small Towns’ in America by Rand McNally.
One of the city’s largest attractions Knott’s Berry Farm, was honored with the prestigious Linsberg Applause Award. The accolade is bestowed to the best amusement park’s in the world and it’s easy to see why Knott’s won with its first-class entertainment, storied past and thrilling rides — including one of the world’s longest and tallest wooden roller coasters, Ghost Rider.
Four time winner of Tripadvisor’s Certificate of Excellence Award and ranking amongst the most popular dinner shows in the country is Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament. Their popular venue offers jousting, sword fighting and a four course meal fit for a king. If looting and pillaging is more your style, Pirate’s Dinner Adventure welcomes landlubbers to partake in the World’s Most Interactive Dinner Show. Voted OC Weekly’s “Best Tourist Attraction in Orange County,” visitors are dazzled by the swashbuckling swordplay, aerial artistry and special effects.
Buena Park offers several esteemed restaurants including Coffee Code, named “Best Coffeehouse in Orange County” by OC Weekly. Chicago based company, Portillo’s and winner of five Silver Platter Awards for the best restaurant in the country serves up the tastiest sausages, Italian beef sandwiches and hamburgers around. For an affordable yet sophisticated menu visit Spencer’s Bistro, prepared by “Orange County’s 2014 Best Chef,” Spencer Kim. Of course no meal is complete without dessert and Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlor’s oversized treats have earned them the honor of Best Restaurant, Best Ice Cream and Nickelodeon’s Best Family Friendly Restaurant. Award-winning Chef’s Henry Cheng, Chili Yin and Li Che Chen offer the freshest pastries and desserts in town at 85°C Bakery Cafe. For the fourth year in a row, the café is recognized as one of the Best Taiwan Global Brands.
After a full day of excitement, rest well in one of Buena Park’s award -winning hotels like the Fairfield Inn and Suites. The properties updated rooms, complimentary breakfast, free Wi-Fi and friendly staff earned it Tripadvisor’s 2015 Certificate of Excellence Award. Voted Business of the Year by the Buena Park Chamber of Commerce, the Holiday Inn Hotel and Conference Center has undergone a multi-million dollar renovation featuring modern rooms, large renovated pool area and full service restaurant and bar.
VISIT BUENA PARK
Located just 5 miles from Disneyland, 10 miles from Huntington Beach and 20 miles from Los Angeles is the charming town of Buena Park. A vacation hot spot, the city is home to world-famous entertainment, interactive dinner shows and one-of-kind shopping. For more information please contact Visit Buena Park at 800-541-3953 or VisitBuenaPark.com.
Halloween is just around the corner and Disney/Pixar just released some really cool activity sheets to share with your family including The Good Dinosaur Pumpkin Stencil (download by clicking the image below). This stencil is perfect when for kids of all ages.
You can also download more of The Good Dinosaur Activity sheets below. (All sheets are in PDF Format that you can print at home.)
About the Movie
“The Good Dinosaur” asks the question: What if the asteroid that forever changed life on Earth missed the planet completely and giant dinosaurs never became extinct? Pixar Animation Studios takes you on an epic journey into the world of dinosaurs where an Apatosaurus named Arlo (voice of Raymond Ochoa) makes an unlikely human friend. While traveling through a harsh and mysterious landscape, Arlo learns the power of confronting his fears and discovers what he is truly capable of.
Directed by Peter Sohn and produced by Denise Ream (“Cars 2”), Disney•Pixar’s “The Good Dinosaur” opens in theatres on Nov. 25, 2015 in 3D.
Based on the 2005 documentary of the same name, Sandra Bullocks newest project aims to entertain the lowest common denominator that is interested in political satires, meaning there may actually be more joy to come from this film than expected. OUR BRAND IS CRISIS is funny, suspenseful, unpredictable and surprisingly captivating. Be weary of early reviews for this film as they may be more harsh than David Gorden Green’s (GEORGE WASHINGTON) film deserves. In era that many may choose to wait for DVD for a release like this, Our Brand Is Crisis offers heart and a strong moral with a screenplay that just keeps the audience engaged, “period”.
The film is based around the 2002 Bolivian presidential election where a failing-in-the-polls politician hires an American political consulting firm to help win the campaign. The firm, Greenberg Carville Shrum, brings in retired strategist “Calamity” Jane Jodine (Sandra Bullock) to manage the campaign. In order to take candidate Castillo out of the pit Jane must go up against her slimy nemesis Pat Candy (Billy Bob Thorton). The two of them will do whatever it takes to get the “win” even if it isn’t necessarily morally right.
Our Brand Is Crisis isn’t necessarily about the actual troubled campaign itself, but rather what Jane and her team must do to convince the people of Bolivia to believe in this man, Castillo. He’s your arrogant, stone-faced, cold candidate that comes across as just that. The hilarity comes from the antics they must partake in to change the public’s perception, but at what costs? The film arises many questions that may hit close to home. These are American strategists that even take note how Americans love their negative ads, but that the Bolivians will not gravitate to any candidate who does the same. Jane’s team must figure out what’s Castillo’s brand, what is he selling, and why citizens can trust him.
The brand of course is “crisis” and the team is out there convincing the public that Bolivia is heading towards an epic crisis that only their candidate can lead them out of. For a moment their tactic feels real and genuine, but at times the lines become blurred leaving no idea what’s right and flat out wrong. It opens many questions that relate to America and probably many other countries.
Beyond the “better than what others are saying” screenplay, the cast is as strong as it can be with a top-notch performance from Sandra Bullock and a creepy egotistical performance from Billy Bob Thorton that just seems to fit perfectly. His clever near-sadistic one-liners and punch-worthy smirks made him an ideal antagonist. There are break out performances, maybe not Oscar worthy, but memorable, including the films innocent blind follower and supporter of Castillo, “Eddie” (Reynaldo Pacheco) who’s performance could be the make it or break it for the entire film. Well, he nails it!
The subplot features Eddie and his friends and how they fit into the political atmosphere of Bolivia along with their disagreements toward the candidates. However, it’s the time they spend with Jane that would later become a focal point of the film that I believe made Our Brand Is Crisis standout for me.
The ensemble of a cast also includes Jane’s team of strategists with the likes of Anthony Mackie (Avengers), Ann Dowd (The Leftovers), Scoot McNair, and Zoe Kazan. All a clear character within themselves and never distracting but nearly a perfect support. The group is well-rounded and mostly likable; perhaps forgettable but nothing that brings the film down. The team provides plenty of humor and that gives the film its own sense of self.
Our Brand Is Crises raises many questions of our a political makeup, but doesn’t stop there. There are many themes that can work toward life in general rather than just politics. It asks the right questions and proves a moral that has more to do what we can all do rather than what our leaders can do for us. There may be a very famous quote that pertains to this.
It’s not a film that will get a ton a people to the theaters, but it is a film that has a place in today’s society. It is timely and thoughtful. It’s worth the trip to the theater, but sadly I know it will still end up being seen on a tiny screen by many when a premium channel puts it on repeat in the future. I’m glad I got to see this one in the theater.
Ubisoft® and Disney Interactive has announced action-adventure platformer Gravity Falls: Legend of the Gnome Gemulets is now available, exclusively on Nintendo 3DS™, for $29.99 suggested retail price.
Gravity Falls: Legend of the Gnome Gemulets is adapted from Disney XD’s #1 series, “Gravity Falls” and takes players on a new and original adventure. Players must help Jeff the Gnome retrieve the stolen ancient Gnome Gemulets. Equipped with enchanted gnome weapons, players will fight off supernatural creatures, defeat monstrous villains and traverse elaborate landscapes during their quest. Meet popular characters from the show, like Soos, Grunkle Stan, Old Man McGucket and more.
• Made in collaboration with the show’s creator, Alex Hirsch: Hirsch consulted on game script and artwork.
• Play as both Dipper and Mabel: Help the siblings work together, with dual-character gameplay. Switch between characters at any time, and use their unique powers and abilities to complement one another.
o Dipper is bestowed with Gnome Battle Cuffs which deliver powerful punches at close range, and keeps his trusty flashlight by his side to shed light on the many mysteries in Gravity Falls.
o Mabel wields the Fleece of Bezazzlement that lets her whip her sweater sleeves to attack monsters from afar, and her grappling hook is at the ready to help access areas otherwise out of reach.
• Solve an all-new mystery: Gravity Falls: Legend of the Gnome Gemulets features a new, original adventure. Unravel the mystery to learn new lore about the inhabitants of Gravity Falls and unlock secrets of the town’s past.
• Enter the world of Gravity Falls: The acclaimed UbiArt Framework game engine brings the look and feel of the show to Nintendo 3DS. Lush backgrounds and beautiful graphics allow players to explore their favorite places from the show, such as the Mystery Shack and the Gnome Forest, like never before.
I love a compact getaway, where everything is within walking distance and I don’t have to worry about driving for dining, shopping, sightseeing or activities. This is what I liked about my recent visit to Ventura Harbor Village, where myriad restaurants, shops and beach-front adventures are located in one charming spot, within a casual stroll of a great hotel.
My excursion to Ventura began at the Four Points by Sheraton Ventura Harbor Resort, where a friend and I checked into a comfortable, 2nd floor room, overlooking a large lawn with the hotel Jacuzzi sitting in the middle of it. The room was highlighted by two Sheraton Four Comfort queen beds, large flat screen TV, office desk area with free high-speed Internet, and a balcony with a table and chairs.
Located on 17 coastal acres, the Sheraton also boasts an outdoor pool and whirlpool and a 24-hour fitness center. But its best amenity is its proximity to Ventura Harbor Village, where I spent most of my time.
Now celebrating its 50th anniversary, Ventura Harbor Village features a marina with more than 1,359 slips, 35 unique shops and dockside restaurants, two waterfront hotels, sandy beaches and green spaces, water sports activities, and boating and cruising options.
I began my harbor visit with lunch at Boatyard Cafe (www.theboatyardcafe.com), where I enjoyed a delicious Char-Grilled Fish sandwich, “fully dressed” with seasoned fresh lime juice and lemon pepper, served on a brioche bun. With this I enjoyed a cup of creamy clam chowder and a wonderful view of the colorful boats in the harbor.
After lunch I walked over to Ventura Boat Rentals (www.venturaboatrentals.com), where my friend and I rented a paddle boat and peddled our way around the harbor, cruising near million dollar yachts and old sea ships; waving at large curious sea birds; and looking for fish in the water below. Our hour-long voyage was not only exciting, but it was also a great workout on the legs!
Besides paddle boats, Ventura Boat Rentals offers kayaks, surf bikes, stand up paddle boards and electric boats for up to 12 passengers. Public Harbor Boat Tours run on weekends all year long and daily in the summertime. Private charters are also available for up to 49 passengers and are available anytime.
From the boat we walked over to Channel Islands National Park Visitor’s Center, where we learned about the fascinating Channel Islands National Park. Known as “The American Galapagos,” the park encompasses five remarkable and remote islands off the Ventura coast: Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, San Miguel and Santa Barbara. The Channel Islands and encircling waters are home to over 2,000 plants and animals, of which 145 are found nowhere else in the world including the Island Fox.
Established as a National Park in 1980, each of the islands is a fascinating world unto itself. World class diving, hiking, kayaking, sea cave exploration, photography, snorkeling, camping, wildlife and wildflower viewing, the Channel Islands offers uninterrupted time with family and friends while relaxing to the soothing sounds of the natural world. To get to the islands, most people use Island Packers (www.islandpackers.com), the official company taking visitors to the islands.
Our next stop at Ventura Harbor Village was dinner at Milano’s Italian Restaurant (www.milanositalianrestaurant.com). With waterfront dining with breathtaking views, Milano’s specializes in traditional Italian cuisine, East Coast style pizza and healthy sandwiches and salads.
Our dinner at Milano’s began with roasted clams with apple wood smoked bacon, artichoke, chopped tomato and red pepper, and a couple glasses of merlot. We followed this with Southwest Salmon Ceviche, marinated in citrus, tossed with cilantro, tomato, red onions, jalapeños and spices and served with tortilla chips. We then split a memorable chicken parmesan with seasoned breaded chicken, topped with homemade marinara and mozzarella, baked and served with a side of spaghettini.
Back at the Sheraton, we ended the day with a soak in the Jacuzzi. In the morning we walked back to the harbor village for a cup of coffee at Coffee Dock & Post and then relaxed on a bench and watched the fishing boats come in and out of the harbor.
Disney+ has announced that an all-new episode of “The Simpsons” is now streaming exclusively on the streaming service. The full-length episode, titled “Yellow Planet,”...
