When Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment (WB Games) invited us to a preview for Scribblenauts Showdown, a video game that combines creati...
When Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment (WB Games) invited us to a preview for Scribblenauts Showdown, a video game that combines creative wordplay with fast-paced multiplayer fun, of course we grabbed our controllers and headed over!
Note: I was invited as media to this event. However, any personal views expressed are always 100% my own.
It's been a while since we played any of the Scribblenauts video games, so we're excited to see something new from the brand.
While Scribblenauts Showdown is based on the Scribblenauts series, which is known for combining wordplay and animations, the Showdown video game encourages players to spell out objects to bring it in the game. Which I think leads to educational and creative game play.
Showdown also offers lots of fun ways to play with friends and family. My son played competitive mini games where he had to dig, dance and eat faster then the other player. It was hilarious.
He also spent some time in the Scribblenauts Sandbox to complete achievements and unlock objects to bring them to life and in the game.
Scribblenauts Showdown definitely offers families a video game that is different but is still fun. Check out the game trailer and features.
GAME FEATURES:
Showdown Mode – Up to four competitors can join the fun with the brand-new party mode where players must imagine their way to victory through card-based strategy and creative skill. “Wordy” mini-games require unleashing the best object or character from the game’s vast dictionary, while action-oriented “Speedy” mini-games reward the player who completes a given challenge first. Player progress is displayed on a board game style map, with multiple ways to get to the finish line first!
Versus Mode – Two players can go head-to-head in more than 25 mini-games that vary in every session. Versus Mode allows continuous play of games by shuffling players into game after game for non-stop fun. This mode can also be played solo.
Sandbox Mode – Explore new objectives in the series’ popular creative playground featuring eight challenging levels. One or two players can put their imagination to the test to solve objectives and earn hidden Starites and Achievements. Sandbox is also the perfect destination for 1 or 2 players to test their creativity and unleash whatever objects they can imagine and watching them interact in unpredictable ways.
Everyone’s a Scribblenaut – Players can either choose, or design, their own original Scribblenaut to represent them throughout the game, which can be further customized with unique clothing and quirky accessories by earning Starites and completing achievements
Scribblenauts Showdown will be available for $39.99 on March 6 for PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch.
The Lay’s Smiles Experience pop-up store opened in NYC for just 3 days, so we had to stop by and check it out before it leaves. Note: ...
The Lay’s Smiles Experience pop-up store opened in NYC for just 3 days, so we had to stop by and check it out before it leaves.
Note: I was invited as media to this event. However, any personal views expressed are always 100% my own.
While there, we checked out the different stations including a ball pit, giant Mr. Potato Head and swing room!
Each station offered fun photos opps designed to make you smile. Which ties in nicely with the Lay’s specially designed bags available nationwide starting February 12 – April 7.
Not only do these bags have a fun "smile" design to them, they can also make a difference in someone's life through Operation Smile.
For every purchase of these Lay’s specially designed bags, a donation will be made to Operation Smile up to $1 million.
Operation Smile is an international children’s medical charity dedicated to improving the health and lives of children and young adults worldwide who suffer from cleft conditions by providing access to safe surgical care.
So make sure to visit the Lay’s Smiles Experience pop-up located at 4 Times Square between W 42nd St. and W. 43rd St. It's open to the the public from Thursday, February 8 – Saturday February 10 from 11:00 AM EST – 6:30 PM EST.
For more information on “Smile with Lay’s” , visit www.Lays.com
It's no secret I LOVE movies and all the entertainment elements. Matter of fact over the past few years, this site has been semi consume...
It's no secret I LOVE movies and all the entertainment elements. Matter of fact over the past few years, this site has been semi consumed with movies reviews, interviews and whatnot. But for 2018, that's going to change.
While I can't fully stop covering movies and family entertainment, I can cut back. And I have already started to. Which is probably a good thing because the amount of popcorn, soda and candy treats I ate was getting out of hand!
So what's the deal? Why the change? Well a few things
First, unless I was going to fully become some kind of film critic, being all about the movies wasn't a good fit for this site. I tried balancing the movie info with other posts but really and honestly I wasn't good at it.
Then I thought I could write about films on another site. A site dedicated to movies and entertainment. Which means I have to split my time between my site and another site. Again, honestly I struggle with giving enough time to this site, not sure how splitting time will go. But you never know. I might pursue this in the future.
Second, my families movie interests have changed. When my son was younger it made sense to cover films and home entertainment for that age range. But my son is moving towards the tweens and his interest have changed. Vastly. Now we're dealing with life and social issues, so we're more interested the films that reflect that. Films he can relate to.
On my end, I'm more interested in films for adults. Films I can enjoy on the rare night out alone, or with adult friends or even *gasp* while on a date! Films that make me think, feel or see a different point of view on an adult level.
Third, I want to personally write more. This has been an on going struggle for me. So many times I want to share a thought or something non related to films or even parenting but don't have room on my editorial calendar. Yes I have one of those!
Can you believe sometimes there's no room for me to post about something I want to? On my own blog?! Yeah NO! That's changing in 2018.
So does this mean no more movie and entertainment posting? NO WAY! I'm still posting that info, just less and more target. I'm also changing how I post that info. Gonna try to share more about why I'm sharing about a particular movie, besides it's coming out. Go see it :)
So I hope that explains why I need to step off the red carpet of movies. But have no fear, there's still lots to talk about outside of the entertainment spotlight.
While at the Schomburg's 6th Annual Black Comic Book Festival, we had to check out the digital panels featuring "Black Panther: Sou...
While at the Schomburg's 6th Annual Black Comic Book Festival, we had to check out the digital panels featuring "Black Panther: Soul of a Machine", a graphic novel created by Lexus and Marvel, who partnered on the car featured in the upcoming Black Panther movie.
Note: I attended Schomburg's 6th Annual Black Comic Book Festival as a regular person and received no perks or compensation. I am not required to share the information about Schomburg, Lexus or Black Panther. I shared because, come on, it's all so cool. Any views expressed are always 100% my own.
"Black Panther: Soul of a Machine" Custom Graphic Novel
Envisioned by head writer Fabian Nicieza, the story teams Black Panther with the ultimate machine—the LC 500—as they work together to thwart Machinesmith's villainous plans to infiltrate Wakanda's systems. Contributors to the novel include Geoffrey Thorne and Chuck Brown.
Lexus was also the presenting sponsor of the 6th Annual Black Comic Book Festival. Gotta give a shoutout to Lexus for being down with the black superhero crew!
So while my son was busy swiping and reading the story, I took a peek at the car included in the storyline. I mean come on, that blue car was all kinds of shiny and eye catching. Def something to take note of.
Seems the Lexus car wasn't just designed for the graphic novel. There's a real life version, which is one of two new vehicles — a 2018 LC Inspiration Series production car and a concept coupe dubbed the Black Panther Inspired LC - inspired by Marvel Studios' "Black Panther" film, in U.S. theaters on Feb. 16, 2018.
The limited-edition 2018 Lexus LC Inspiration Series (only 100 slated to be sold in the U.S.) features an exclusive deeply saturated, iridescent Structural Blue color. The first vehicle in Lexus' Inspiration Series, it celebrates the attributes of sophistication, performance and innovation embodied by the Black Panther character, King T'Challa, and his home country of Wakanda.
"The Inspiration Series takes our flagship products and makes them even more exclusive and distinguished," said Brian Bolain, general manager, Lexus marketing. "Our collaboration with Marvel Studios' 'Black Panther' features a technologically advanced blue LC and was the perfect inspiration for the first car in the Series."
Inspired by the morpho butterfly, the paint, which contains no actual blue pigment, is developed through an eight-month process. Its unique construction reflects blue light and highlights the vehicle's dynamic design and features to produce a compelling motion effect even when parked.
This vehicle is the first in a succession of Inspiration Series vehicles Lexus plans to create for each of its flagship models.
Separately, the Black Panther Inspired LC concept coupe is a celebration of the Black Panther and Wakanda itself—complete with a powertrain that gets an extra boost from vibranium, the mythical ore found only in the Black Panther's home of Wakanda.
"This is what it's all about," said Mindy Hamilton, Marvel's SVP of global partnerships & marketing. "We're bringing our two worlds together by letting our imaginations run wild like there are no limits to what's possible. That's what Black Panther and the nation of Wakanda represent in the film, and it's been incredible to work with Lexus as we attempt to re-create that ideology here in our own corner of the universe."
Additional features of the Black Panther Inspired LC include:
Pulsating underbody glow
Side-view mirror design based on a panther's claw with instinctual positioning technology to align with driver's eyeline
Black Panther mask inlay on hood with vibranium-powered core indicator nodes
Vibranium-infused self-healing paint treatment
Customized body-widening kit
System controlled by unique Wakandan B-CPU (Brain/Computer Interface) creating a symbiotic relationship between the vehicle and its driver
Remote Pilot Kimoyo Bead Interface allows the Black Panther Inspired LC to be driven remotely from control stations within Birnin Zana
Much like Black Panther's uniform, the sheet metal of the Black Panther Inspired LC is reinforced with a layer of vibranium weave, making the vehicle almost entirely bulletproof.
Sounds VERY COOL right? Can't wait to see the car in action? You can get a peek in this extended version for "Long Live the King" Commercial, released by Lexus & Marvel Studios' "Black Panther" for the Super Bowl.
The high-impact story in "Long Live the King" revolves around the character of T'Challa in his role as Black Panther recovering stolen vibranium and his nearly simultaneous need to represent his country as king at a world leadership conference.
The Lexus LS 500 F SPORT is the only vehicle both powerful and luxurious enough to keep pace with a Super Hero and escort a king. With appearances by the country's elite bodyguards, the Dora Milaje, and unexpected help from Wakanda, "Long Live the King" will thrill fans.
The song "Legend Has It" by Run the Jewels, with its driving beats and "step into the spotlight" lyric, provides the perfect soundtrack for the action as the Black Panther and the LS 500 F SPORT make their thrilling debuts.
"Long Live the King," directed by Samuel Bayer, incorporates actual footage from the film—notably, of Letitia Wright as T'Challa's sister, Shuri—and features many of the film's actors, including the Dora Milaje team of Wakandan special forces: Janeshia Adams-Ginyard, Marija Abney and Zola Williams.
The ad was shot using only original costumes and gear from the film, including the Black Panther/King T'Challa outfits, Dora Milaje battle suits and vibranium canisters.
Even the film's fight choreographer, Jonathan (JoJo) Eusebio, was engaged to stage the spot's fight scene. It features VFX work by Luma, the studio who created Black Panther's suit FX for the film.
Dang, Lexus is out here doing it ALL for the fans. I'm so excited and proud they see the value in being part of the black superhero community.
Now, can someone get my keys!? I'm ready to drive to the movies for the release of BLACK PANTHER on February 16, 2018!
Marvel Studios' "Black Panther" follows T'Challa who, after the death of his father, the King of Wakanda, returns home to the isolated, technologically advanced African nation to succeed to the throne and take his rightful place as king.
But when a powerful old enemy reappears, T'Challa's mettle as king-and Black Panther-is tested when he is drawn into a formidable conflict that puts the fate of Wakanda and the entire world at risk. Faced with treachery and danger, the young king must rally his allies and release the full power of Black Panther to defeat his foes and secure the safety of his people and their way of life.
Starring: Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong'o, Danai Gurira, Martin Freeman, Daniel Kaluuya, Letitia Wright, Winston Duke, with Angela Bassett, with Forest Whitaker, and Andy Serkis.
Marvel Studios' Black Panther - Official Trailer
The film is directed by Ryan Coogler and produced by Kevin Feige with Louis D'Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Nate Moore, Jeffrey Chernov and Stan Lee serving as executive producers. Ryan Coogler & Joe Robert Cole wrote the screenplay.
The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's has returned to New York City Center for performances from Nov.29 to Dec.31, which includes the...
The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's has returned to New York City Center for performances from Nov.29 to Dec.31, which includes the Family Matinee series on Saturdays at 2pm.
Note: I received tickets for review purposes. Views expressed are always 100% my own.
We attended a Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, family matinee performance and enjoyed it so much! We saw AMAZING performances including:
credi: AAADT in Billy Wilson's The Winter in Lisbon. Photo by Christopher Duggan
The Winter in Lisbon - rhythmic and colorful ballet celebrating four decades of Dizzy Gillespie’s brilliant music.
credit: AAADT in Robert Battle's Mass. Photo by Paul Kolnik.
Mass - a 2017 company premiere by Artistic Director Robert Battle with a score by frequent collaborator John Mackey, showcasing Mr. Battle’s signature ritualistic choreography.
credit: AAADT in Alvin Ailey's Revelations. Photo by Paul Kolnik
Revelations (with live music!) - Springing from Ailey’s childhood memories of growing up in the south and attending services at Mount Olive Baptist Church in Texas, Revelations pays homage to the rich cultural heritage of the African-American and explores the emotional spectrum of the human condition.
After the family matinee performance, there was a question-and-answer session with 3 of the Ailey’s dancers. The dancers answered audiences questions including
- How do dancers get into Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater?
- What do they do when something goes wrong on stage?
- How do they prepare before performances?
- What motivates them to dance?
And LOTS of other questions! I'd share some of the answers with you but I think it's better for you to take your family and ask/hear in person. It's a great way to get a peek into the lives of the dancers, as well as hear what it means to them to dance with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.
Robert Battle: Why see Ailey now?
The Ailey Organization invites audiences of all ages to experience the Family Matinee series - performances on Saturdays at 2pm that are all followed by a question-and-answer session with Ailey’s acclaimed dancers.
The finale of every Family Matinee program will be Alvin Ailey’s timeless American masterpiece Revelations - one of the most well-known and respected ballets in the history of dance, acclaimed as a must-see for all.
Whether watching as a child for the first time, as a parent remembering his or her childhood experience with live theater, or as a family that has made Ailey a holiday tradition, all will enjoy the magic of Ailey.
SEASON HIGHLIGHTS & SPECIAL PROGRAMS
Family Matinee Series (Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30)
On Saturday afternoons, bring the whole family to enjoy the performance and stay for a free Q&A with the Ailey dancers in the theater following the inspiring finale of Revelations, which is acclaimed as a must-see for all ages.
Celebrating the Men of Ailey (Dec. 17 at 7:30pm)
Ailey celebrates the strength, power, and dynamism of its male dancers in a special one-night-only program featuring performances by veteran dancers Clifton Brown, Vernard Gilmore, Yannick Lebrun, Jamar Roberts, and Glenn Allen Sims.
Christmas Eve Performance (Dec. 24 mat)
Dance into the holidays with a festive matinee performance on Christmas Eve, featuring Twyla Tharp’s The Golden Section, Billy Wilson’s The Winter In Lisbon, Robert Battle’s Ella, and Alvin Ailey’s timeless Revelations.
New Year’s Eve Season Finale (Dec. 31 eve)
Join Ailey for a very special New Year’s Eve Season Finale, including repertory favorites, and a Revelations finale. Revelations - performed with live music
TICKET TO DANCE
The New York City Center season welcomes the return of “Ticket to Dance,” which invites audience members to try their first Ailey Extension class FREE with the presentation of a performance ticket stub (returning students receive a free class with the purchase of a 10 - class card). The offer is valid for 60 days from the performance date.
Tickets starting at $29 are on sale at the New York City Center Box Office, through CityTix® at (212) 581-1212, or online at www.nycitycenter.org
Discount tickets are available for Ailey Super Fans who purchase tickets for more than one performance, for students with an appropriate ID, and for groups of 10 or more (discounts do not apply to $29 tickets). For group sales, call 212-405-9082 or e-mail groupsales@alvinailey.org.
For information about Ailey’s New York City Center season, visit www.alvinailey.org
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