4K/UltraHD Review: “Super 8”

  • SUPER 8
  • Starring: Kyle Chandler and Elle Fanning
  • Directed by: J,J. Abrams
  • Rated: PG 13
  • Running time: 1 hr 52 mins
  • Paramount

JJ Abrams directs a love letter to Steven Spielberg about kids and a mysterious alien in 2011’s “Super 8.” . It’s “The Goonies” meets “Close Encounters” meets “E.T.” and very entertaining. It’s also an homage to the cinematic 80s tropes and is a heartwarming tale coping with loss and grief.

“Super 8” is celebrating its 10th anniversary and what better way to celebrate than to indulge in the brand new 4K UHD Blu Ray collection. Since the film is only 10 years old, it benefits from the high definition tremendously, as this is the best the film has ever looked on video. It has been encoded in TrueDolby HD sound, giving it a demo-worthy soundtrack that also incorporates some excellent LFE subwoofer activity that’ll drive your neighbors crazy! 

The story is about a small group of teen misfits encountering a misunderstood extra-terrestrial. There’s much to absorb here though. We have a father and son who must live on without mom. We have an alcoholic father raising a daughter. We have a scientist involved in a government cover up. However the camaraderie of the kids seems to make all of these problems a bit lighter. The fact the kids are all budding filmmakers adds even more comedic flavor to the story. Throw in some of the best special effects of the time (Industrial Light & Magic) and you truly have a unique viewing experience. This film reeks of nostalgia and intentionally has a Spielbergian feel to it as well and that’s okay. It is obviously intended as it is a love letter to Steven Spielberg (the kids are perhaps the biggest indication).

“Super 8” is truly super great and highly recommended in the 4K format. .

EXTRAS

  •  Audio Commentary 
  •  The Dream Behind Super 8
  •  The Search for New Faces 
  •  Meet Joel Courtney 
  •  Rediscovering Steel Town 
  •  The Visitor Lives 
  •  The 8mm Revolution 
  •  Scoring Super 8 
  •  Do You Believe in Magic?
  •  Deconstructing the Train Crash 
  •  Deleted Scenes 

8 Tools That Will Make College Writing a Piece of Cake

Writing is an essential part of the college experience. Many students might find it time-consuming, with all the proofreading and editing involved. Luckily, several helpful tools will make this process easier and faster. After all, no one is born a good writer; it is a skill everyone learns, so you can get better at it.

Of course, none of these tools will do the writing for you. If you want someone to take care of assignments, you can always ask EssayHelp for assistance. In other cases, the tools below can make your college life much more convenient.

Grammarly

This is one of the best proofreading tools out there. With it, proofreading your essays or research papers will be a breeze. It is available both for free and as a subscription-based premium option. 

You can download it as a Microsoft Word add-in, separate desktop tool, or as a Google Chrome plugin. Grammarly helps to eliminate any grammar, spelling, or punctuation mistakes. It also rates the whole text and highlights any tautology or expressions that have simpler versions. Overall, it is an amazing software that can save a lot of time.

Hemingway Editor

This is an online completely free tool that helps to make any text more readable. You can copy-paste your writing there and get a score of how easy to follow it is. If you tend to use complicated constructions, this editor is perfect for you. 

The good score is 9 and lower. It also shows the overall word count and highlights all the parts of the text that can be improved. For example, it highlights passive voice, unnecessary adverbs, and hard to read sentences.

Thesaurus

This is a very helpful website for those who want to enrich their vocabulary. Overall, it works as a perfect online dictionary. If you are looking for a synonym of a particular word, type it in, and get lots of results. 

They are divided by color into the direct synonyms and more distant options. You can also find similar words according to the nouns, verbs, or adjectives.

Google Docs

This one might seem like a no-brainer, but many students miss out on several specific benefits of this tool. First of all, it is completely free to use and allows collaboration on documents. So if you are working on a group project, it is an excellent choice.

Secondly, it has several templates for various types of documents that make editing faster. Thirdly, it has a voice typing feature. It is a fascinating helper for those, who want to be done with their texts faster. 

We speak faster than we type and voice recognition is a great assistant. After that, you’ll just need to edit a bit and your text is ready to go.

One Look

If you want to have all the dictionaries in one place, this website is exactly what you need. It is a very useful and simple tool that searches the word through a variety of dictionaries. This is a great tool for those studying high-level topics, such as those in law school seeking to become Brooklyn car accident attorneys. If you need a refresher or need a quick answer, this is a great tool for legal dictionaries and other sources. For example, you can find tons of different definitions with sources and usage examples. There is another beneficial feature – “related words”. One can search by keyword or phrase related terms and words to make their writing more advanced and professional.

Google Scholar

To put it simply, this is an academic search engine that helps tremendously with research. The main feature, of course, is to show only peer-reviewed and scholarly sources for any inquiry. 

So if you are looking for academic publishing, you need to use it. Many learners do not know about another fascinating functionality of this tool. Under each search result, there is a quotation sign and if you click on it, you’ll get an already formed reference for your paper. 

They are available in MLA, APA, and Chicago. This is an excellent way to make your references perfect without any effort.

Bubbl.us

This tool is designed for easy mind mapping. It is better to use it before you start writing. The main goal is to generate and organize all the ideas on the subjects. It helps to be more logical in your writing. 

It also allows finding the most powerful arguments among the ones you have. In general, it is a very good exercise for idea flow and making sure you haven’t forgotten anything.

Word Counter

It is a very simple and straightforward tool that counts the number of words. If you, for some reason, do not use Word Document or cannot count the symbols for sure – this site will save you. It also shows whether the text is not too long for Facebook, Twitter, or Google, if you need this info. There is also a spell check function, too.

In Summary

Writing doesn’t have to be dull and tiring. These solutions will make it fun and fast for you. Now you can edit, proofread, and reference with ease. 

The dictionaries will help in enriching your vocabulary and making writing more sophisticated. In general, it is always great to benefit from technology and new ways of studying.

8 Best Public Colleges and Universities in the State of New York

The state of New York has several landmarks that make it famous worldwide. These are a bustling Big Apple city and the stunning natural landscape. Among its many prominent features is the most extensive system of higher education in the country.

With over 64 campuses, the state welcomes thousands of students every year. A large percentage of these schools found their place in the US top public universities. 

If you are looking to spend your college years in New York, here’s a tip. Do not hesitate to resort to write my essay on EssayPro services right away. They will help you craft an impressive admission essay. It will surely get you into your desired university.

Here are your best options for public colleges based on academic expertise and other aspects of student life. 

Binghamton University – SUNY

Binghamton University has the perfect blend of history and modernization. It is ranked as the top public university in the state of New York. Sprawling across 930 acres, the campus offers a suburban setting. 

The undergraduate enrollment rate is over 14,000 students per year. Its location in Vestal, N.Y, also makes it home to a nature preserve. It includes a forest and landscape that encourages students to participate in outdoor activities. The university’s most coveted departments include History, Public Administration, and Psychology. 

The college hosts more than 200 student organizations. These include several organized sororities and fraternities. Along with a focus on the academy, the university is equally renowned for embracing sustainability on the campus. 

Stony Brook University – SUNY

Stony Brook is another public institution tied with Binghamton University in the US News list of top New York Universities. The campus sprawls for over 1450 acres. The university is also home to the magnificent Ashley Schiff Park Preserve. 

With its campus on the North Shore of Long Island, it is fairly accessible from the city, only 60 miles away. The institute’s most regarded department is the Stony Brook University Medical Center. It also has branches in Southampton and a Manhattan classroom. The university houses the only undergraduate journalism academy in the New York state system. 

University at Buffalo – SUNY

Founded in 1846, the University at Buffalo is the largest institution in the SUNY system. It focuses on research-based studies. The campus is located close to the Canadian border in upstate New York. The North campus resembles the classic architecture. The newest downtown campus is dedicated to the university’s research centers. 

This multi-campus institution is organized around 13 separate schools and colleges. They range from arts, medicine, law, business, social studies, education to many more. The college has a student-faculty ratio of 13:1. Students can take their pick from graduate programs, doctoral degrees, or professional courses. 

SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry

SUNY ESF is one of the most distinguished environmental schools in the country. Though relatively small in size with a city campus of 12 acres, it remains high-rated for its niche education. 

The institute is known for its 20 short Bachelor of Science programs. These extend from fisheries to aquatics. There are also professional degrees, such as paper engineering and landscape architecture. The college partners with Syracuse University. It gives students access to shared facilities and other organizations. The enrollment to this college is competitive, with an acceptance of 61%. 

Baruch College – CUNY

Baruch College’s location in Manhattan is one of the students’ incentives. It offers quick access to unparalleled internships and career opportunities. The college is highly rated. It has one of the most ethnically diverse student bodies among the American Universities. 

The academics of Baruch are offered through the Zicklin College of Business. Apart from the graduate and undergraduate programs, there are also Executive, as well as Ph.D. programs. The courses cover business, finance, analytics, data science, taxation, and real estate. 

University at Albany – SUNY

UAlbany is among the oldest universities under the SUNY program. The institution offers over 50 undergraduate majors and 120 graduate programs. The college is also renowned for its education and business schools. Among its most highly ranked courses are social work, criminal justice. There are also specializations provided at the Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy. 

The suburban campus has an area of 610 acres and holds a high zeal for associate history. The students have more than 200 clubs, sports teams, and organizations to explore. 

John Jay College of Criminal Justice – CUNY

John Jay College holds the reputation of being one of the first liberal arts colleges focused on criminal justice. A part of the City University of New York system, the institute prepares students for public service. 

There are 41 undergraduate majors in total. They include forensic psychology and criminology along with criminal justice. There are also 16 master’s programs that offer research opportunities as well. The campus is situated in Midtown Manhattan. 

Geneseo – SUNY

This residential liberal arts college attracts brilliant students from across the state. Its reputation holds in being highly selective that maintains high standards of education. The acceptance rate is 65%. The college offers majors in psychology and communications, among other programs. Geneseo is also one of the leading producers of physics bachelor degrees in the US. It has a high number of alumni with doctorates in the STEM fields. 

Wrapping Up 

New York state has a wide array of public institutions with diverse specializations. You can choose between the urban and the rural setting. Or opt for a campus with feet on the two boats to make the best of both.

8 Top-Preferred Educational Tools for Students to Use in 2020

More than 5,000,000 students worldwide are enrolled in online courses. These statistics from educational experts prove the efficiency of such an approach to learning. The demand for study apps grows every day. Software developers create more and more new solutions for both tutors and students and even parents. We have picked several of the best options for students to review. Here are the top-recommended applications for you.

Projeqt

The most effective way to study and memorize things is through presentations. Visual elements help to understand the world around better. That is why students may benefit from using Projeqt. It is an application designed to assist students and tutors by introducing different topics to the audiences. If you wish to develop multimedia presentations easily and fast, this tool is your chance. The app makes it possible to insert links, images, quizzes, videos, and other elements.

Buncee

Sharing multimedia lessons is simpler when you use a special online tool. One of such solutions is Buncee. This software is designed to gain and develop these skills:

The software offers more than 10,000 graphics for students of different academic levels. Also, the app allows recording video and audio, integrating with the various social platform, etc. The software helps users to communicate stories and show excellent learning acquisition.

Buncee is a great way to present your project in class in front of the tutor and classmates. Teachers also benefit from using this instrument. The application was built based on the curriculum standards of the top colleges and universities.

Edmodo

There are social platforms that help job seekers meet their employers. There are social networks that connect musicians around the world. Thus, there is a place for the gathering of tutors and their students. Edmodo functions as a social platform form for mentors and learners. It is possible to:

  • Come up with collaborative teams
  • Create and share study materials
  • Evaluate individual performance
  • Interact with parents, etc.
  • Find help if you ask yourself – “How to write my paper properly?”

The local educational processes are based on tech innovations. The approaches are highly personalized based on the user’s questionnaire.

AdmitHub

A college paper for admission is one of the most important documents a student will ever develop. An application essay can become a winning ticket to a higher educational institution. However, a student should know some tips and tricks that professional essay writers consider useful in the process of writing.

This app is basically introduced as a user-friendly chatbot. With the help of this tool, users can get free, professional guidance and tutorials. This application integrates well with many social platforms. For example, you can connect your Facebook account to AdmitHub. The service is full of talented tutors from real colleges and universities. They will inform you about the requirements of different institutions and how to submit a successful application paper.

Your personal mentor will lead you through the admission process. It is a great helper for young applicants.

FluentU

Many students who come to the United States from different regions of the world face language barriers. This application is one of the ramping language instruments used by young people and professionals around the world. The tool offers help with the following:

  • English
  • Spanish
  • Chinese
  • French
  • German
  • Japanese

You will study the language and enrich your vocabulary with the help of online videos, audios, film trailers, etc. The tool also assists in getting acquainted with different cultures.

Udemy

Udemy is like an online academy with plenty of educational opportunities. The main focus of the service is language learning. This application offers a great variety of languages. In addition, students may apply for such courses as:

  • Design
  • Business administration
  • Management & Marketing
  • Web development, etc.

Students can take some courses free of charge. The prices of the paid classes may achieve up to $200. The tool makes it possible to learn right what you need at the professional level with the minimum of investments.

Khan Academy

This website is similar to Udemy. It is a non-profit organization. This service offers some basic academic disciplines as well as more narrow ones. You can pick one of the following courses to get enrolled:

  • Computer Science
  • Engineering
  • Construction
  • Natural Sciences
  • Math
  • Arts
  • Humanities
  • Finance
  • Economics

Disabled students or other young people who cannot attend physical classes for some reason will benefit from using this online resource. It is possible to obtain professional diplomas that will be recognized by various authoritative organizations.

EduClipper

This website is a perfect place for students and tutors to share sources for their works like research papers and dissertations. In every academic project, pupils have to cite and reference various materials. Users who find useful pieces of content on the web share it with others using different categories. The search system here is very simple and clear. The app allows:

  • Managing content
  • Improving research methods
  • Having a digital record of the achievements

It is possible to have a virtual class. One can also create an educational portfolio.

As you can see, a great variety of online services offers effective assistance with various subjects. You can study a subject in full, overcome language barriers, make new friends, and more. We recommend starting with the tools that propose free trials.

ANTI-FLAG ANNOUNCE VAINSTREAM 2016 LIVESTREAM AND CHAT AT VEEPS.COM ON AUGUST 8

Following up the “Quarantine Sucks, Let’s Party” digital tour, ANTI-FLAG will stream their Vainstream 2016 set and chat live with fans on Saturday, August 8, at 3pm PT/6pm ET/11pm BST. The stream will premiere a brand new mix and edit of the set filmed in Münster, Germany.

“We honestly had such a fantastic time reconnecting with everyone during the ‘Quarantine Sucks, Let’s Party! Virtual Tour’’that we jumped at this opportunity to do something similar again,” the band says. “For the first time ever, our Vainstream 2016 set will be streaming via Veeps.com. We will be hanging out in the chat and greatly look forward to the camaraderie, empathy, and kindness we all gain from punk rock and the scene around it. See you in the virtual pit!”

Livestream tickets are available here, with “pay what you want” options ranging from $10 to $50.

$20+ will receive a free poster signed by the band.

For additional info on Vainstream RockFest, go here

LAMB OF GOD Releases First New Music in Five Years, “Checkmate,” from Upcoming Self-Titled Album, Due Out May 8

 Watch the Video for “Checkmate” Now via lamb-of-god.com 

Pre-Order Lamb Of God at http://lambofgod.lnk.to/LOG

LAMB OF GOD has revealed a brand new single and video, “Checkmate,” from the band’s first release in five years and the first to feature new drummer Art Cruz. The self-titled Lamb Of God is due out May 8 via Epic Records.

Watch “Checkmate” now at: http://lamb-of-god.com.

“‘Checkmate’ brings together all the components of the LAMB OF GOD sound that we’ve been developing over the last two decades, but with the ambition and ferocity that comes with the start of a new chapter for our band,” says guitarist Mark Morton. “Re-energized and reignited, this is LAMB OF GOD 2020. We’ve never been more excited.”

The fact that the band’s eighth studio effort would warrant ‘self-titled’ status is a testament to the band’s pride and satisfaction with these songs and this period in their creativity.

“Putting only our name on it is a statement,” Blythe says. “This is LAMB OF GOD. Here and now.” 

A true collaboration between all members of the band, LAMB OF GOD’s eighth studio album is an amalgam of each individual’s contributions, blended to create a singular style. Guitarists Mark Morton and Willie Adler fuel the album with a mountain of riffs, taking what Lamb of God are known for, and unbelievably, upping the ante to new levels. The rhythm section of John Campbell, looming large as a rhythmic shadow, and drummer Art Cruz, who makes his studio debut with LAMB OF GOD here on this record, underpin the proceedings with passion, sweat and expansive dynamics. Vocalist D. Randall Blythe is as angry, insightful, and informed as ever. Never one to shrink from facing the darker aspects of our nature head-on, Blythe delivers with no punches pulled, and as only he and Lamb of God can in 2020.

In celebration of the release of “Checkmate” and the announce of the new album, LAMB OF GOD will appear at a special show at the House of Vans in Chicago on February 14. The event is free and fans can RSVP beginning at 12 noon CST today at HouseOfVans.com The event will include a photography exhibit featuring photos from D. Randall Blythe that will be included in the new LAMB OF GOD album artwork. Harm’s Way will open the show.

In the midst of writing the ten songs that appear on Lamb Of God, the group hit pause on the works-in-progress to man the stage as main support Slayer’s “The Final Campaign.” After months of playing their best-known songs nightly, LAMB OF GOD returned to the new tracks and began to work with longtime producer Josh Wilbur (Korn, Megadeth, Gojira, Trivium). Special guests Jamey Jasta (Hatebreed) and Chuck Billy (Testament) also make appearances on Lamb Of God.

Lamb Of God pre-orders are available at http://lambofgod.lnk.to/LOG.

Lamb Of God tracklisting:

1. Memento Mori

2. Checkmate 

3. Gears

4. Reality Bath

5. New Colossal Hate

6. Resurrection Man

7. Poison Dream (feat. Jamey Jasta)

8. Routes (feat. Chuck Billy) 

9. Bloodshot Eyes

10. On The Hook

The Richmond, Virginia, quintet propelled heavy metal into the new millennium two decades ago with the prophetically titled New American Gospel. They followed with 2003’s As the Palaces Burn, which made the Rolling Stone list of the Top 100 Greatest Metal Albums of All Time. Ashes of the Wake, released in 2004, was the first LAMB OF GOLD album to be certified gold by the RIAA, as was 2006’s Sacrament, which also made a Top 10 Billboard 200 chart debut. In 2009, LAMB OF GOD released Wrath, their first with Wilbur at producer, and earned the number one album spot on Billboard’s Hard Rock, Rock, and Tastemaker charts, with a number two position on the Billboard 200. 

Those number one positions were repeated with 2012’s Resolution, which swung effortlessly between thrash, traditional metal, sludgy doom, with flashes of crust punk swagger and bravado. LAMB OF GOD’s last album, VII: Sturm und Drang (2015) made its debut on the Billboard 200 at number three and finished number 2 in the world charts, reaching Top 5 in five countries and six addition Top 15 positions.

In 2020, LAMB OF GOD is re-energized and unrelenting, ready to lay claim to the metal throne.

LAMB OF GOD tour dates:

2/14- Chicago, IL @ House of Vans *Headline show

European tour with Kreator and Power Trip:

3/27 – Stockholm, SE @ Fryshuset Arenan

3/28 – Copenhagen, DK @ Forum Black Box

3/30 – Oulu, FI @ Club Teatria

3/31 – Helsinki, FI @ Ice Hall Black Box

4/2 – Kraków, PO @ Tauron Arena

4/3 – Berlin, DE @ Columbiahalle

4/4 – Oberhausen, DE @ Turbinenhalle

4/5 – Wiesbaden, DE @ Kulturzentrum Schlachthof

4/7 – Zurich, CH @ Samsung Hall

4/8 – Munich, DE @ Zenith

4/9 – Ludwigsburg, DE @ MHP Arena

4/11 – Hamburg, DE @ Sporthalle

4/14 – Barcelona, ES @ Razzmatazz

4/15 – Madrid, ES @ Sala Riviera

4/17 – Paris, FR @ L’Olympia Bruno Coquatrix

4/18 – Saarbrücken, DE @ Saarlandhalle

4/19 – Brussels, BE @ Ancienne Belgique

4/21 – Bristol, UK @ O2 Academy Bristol

4/22 – Manchester, UK @ Manchester Academy

4/23 – Glasgow, UK @ O2 Academy Glasgow

4/24 – Birmingham, UK @ O2 Academy Birmingham

4/25 – London, UK @ O2 Academy Brixton 

5/9 – Daytona Beach, FL @ Welcome to Rockville *US Festival

LAMB OF GOD is:

D. Randall Blythe – Vocals

Mark Morton – Guitar

Willie Adler – Guitar

John Campbell – Bass

Art Cruz – Drums

Blu-ray Giveaway: “Game of Thrones – Season 8”

To celebrate the release of HBO’s “Game of Throne: Season 8” on Blu-ray, Media Mikes would like to our fans a chance to win a Blu-ray of this season. If you want to win this great prize, please leave a comment with your favorite character from Game of ThronesThis giveaway will remain open until December 3rd at Noon, Eastern Time. This is open to our readers in US only. One entry per person, per household. All other entries will be considered invalid. Media Mikes will randomly select winners. Winners will be alerted via email.

Game of Thrones: Season 8 on Blu-ray also exclusively features:

·       Game of Thrones: The Last Watch: A documentary featured on DVD in two parts by filmmaker Jeanie Finlay chronicling the making of the final season. 

·       When Winter Falls: Exclusive 30-minute featurette with showrunners David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, along with major stars and behind-the-scenes players, breaking down all that went into the colossal filming of the “Battle of Winterfell” in Season 8, Episode 3.

·       Duty is the Death of Love: A compelling look at how the team behind Game of Thrones and its major stars, including Kit Harington, Peter Dinklage and Emilia Clarke, brought the show to its conclusion in the series finale, “The Iron Throne.”

·   Audio Commentaries: 10 Audio Commentaries with cast and crew, including the show’s creators, Benioff and Weiss, on the final season.

·       Deleted and Extended Scenes: 5 never-before-seen deleted or extended scenes from season 8.

·       Histories and Lore: New animated pieces giving the history and background of notable season 8 locations and storylines.

Taylor Hawkins & The Coattail Riders “Get The Money” Set For Nov. 8 Release

“GET THE MONEY” ALL-NEW FULL-LENGTH ALBUM FEATURING ALL-STAR ROCK ROYALTY SUPPORTING CAST OUT NOVEMBER 8 ON SHANABELLE/RCA RECORDS

On November 8, Taylor Hawkins will descend from the levitating drum throne on which he’s spent two years on tour supporting Foo Fighters’ international #1 album Concrete and Gold. The forthcoming third Taylor Hawkins and the Coattail Riders album, Get The Money, will be released by Shanabelle/RCA Records on that date, and can be pre-ordered now with all pre-orders receiving the instant grat track “Crossed The Line” (featuring guest turns from Hawkins’ bandmate Dave Grohl and Yes vocalist Jon Davison).

Pre-Order Get The Moneyhere. Listen to “Crossed The Line” here. Exclusive Merch bundles are also be available here.

Produced by John Lousteau and Taylor himself, and mixed by Sylvia Massy, Get The Money follows Taylor’s 2016 six-song mini-LP KOTA by three years almost to the day, and features a scope far wider than KOTA’s takes on suburbia’s bizarro underbelly. The new album finds Taylor and Coattail Riders Chris Chaney, Brent Woods and John Lousteau accompanied by an all-star supporting cast including Taylor’s fellow Foo Fighters Dave Grohl and Pat Smear, Roger Taylor, Joe Walsh, Duff McKagan, Nancy Wilson, Chrissie Hynde, Perry Farrell, LeAnn Rimes and more, collectively creating a staggering, epic sprawl that swerves from classic rock to prog and glam and all points between.

The track listing for Get The Money is:

  1. Crossed the Line (featuring Dave Grohl, Jon Davison)
  2. Don’t Look At Me That Way (featuring Duff McKagan, Nancy Wilson)
  3. You’re No Good at Life No More (featuring Dave Grohl)
  4. I Really Blew It (featuring Dave Grohl, Perry Farrell)
  5. Queen Of The Clowns  (featuring Mark King)
  6. Get the Money (featuring Joe Walsh, Chrissie Hynde, Duff McKagan)
  7. C U in Hell (featuring LeAnn Rimes)
  8. Middle Child (featuring Dave Grohl)
  9. Kiss the Ring
  10. Shapes Of Things (featuring Roger Taylor, Pat Smear)

Since the Texas-born Laguna-bred force of nature made his Foo Fighting debut on the tour supporting 1997’s sophomore opus The Colour and the Shape, he has been an essential element of the sound and personality of the last great American arena/stadium rock band.  He’s played on Grammy-winning FF albums including “There Is Nothing Left To Lose” , “One by One” and “Wasting Light”, and contributed lead vocals to Concrete and Gold’s “Sunday Rain,” as well as “Cold Day In The Sun” from 2005’s In Your Honor.

Taylor’s previous extracurricular output includes two albums from Taylor Hawkins and the Coattail Riders, one with The Birds of Satan, the above-mentioned KOTA mini-LP that featured Hawkins on lead vocals and nearly every instrument.

Enter to Win Digital Download for Game of Thrones: Season 8

To celebrate the digital release of Game of Thrones: Season 8, Media Mikes would like to our fans a chance to win a digital download of this season. If you want to win this great prize, please leave a comment with your favorite character from the seriesThis giveaway will remain open until June 20th at Noon, Eastern Time. This is open to our readers in US only. One entry per person, per household. All other entries will be considered invalid. Media Mikes will randomly select winners. Winners will be alerted via email.

The epic final run of HBO’s television phenomenon, Game of Thrones: Season 8,is now available to own on Digital Download. In addition to the hit series’ concluding six episodes, the purchase includes the two-hour feature documentary Game of Thrones: The Last Watch, by filmmaker Jeanie Finlay, and two featurettes: “The Long Night” and “The Final Season”.

In its final season of duplicity and treachery, nobility and honor … and an epic clash between the living and the dead, Game of Thrones: Season 8 answers a myriad of questions surrounding the fate of the series’ protagonists. Will the revelation that Jon Snow is a Targaryen, and the legitimate heir to the Iron Throne, undermine his relationship with Daenerys? How will Sansa, Arya and Bran –not to mention numerous northern Houses allied with the Starks –react to the appearance of traditional foes at the gates of Winterfell? Will Cersei’s devious strategy of fortifying her defense of King’s Landing yield dividends? And above all: can the Army of the Dead be defeated? This season is executive produced by David Benioff, D.B. Weiss, Carolyn Strauss, Frank Doelger, Bernadette Caulfield and co-executive produced by Bryan Cogman, Guymon Casady, Vince Gerardis and George R.R. Martin.

Earning a total of 132 Emmy® nominations and 47 wins to date, Game of Thrones: Seasons 1-8 is also now available to own on Digital, with select bonus content from each individual season, as well as the Game of Thrones: The Last Watch documentary.

Extra Content for Season 8 Digital Download Includes*:

● The Final Season: Join the cast and crew of Game of Thrones as they reflect on the final season of HBO’s epic, Emmy(R)-winning series. Interviews include show runners David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, along with stars Peter Dinklage, Emilia Clarke, Lena Headey, Kit Harington, and many others.

● The Long Night: “The Long Night” indeed. Join Game of Thrones show runners David Benioff and D.B. Weiss along with many of the major stars and behind-the-scenes players as they look back at the colossal filming that was the Battle of Winterfell in Season 8, episode 3. This special spotlights the weaponry, lighting, special effects and more that went into the making of this unforgettable episode.

*Extra content is included only with participating partners

Film Review: “Oceans 8”

OCEAN’S 8

Starring:  Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett and Anne Hathaway

Directed by:  Gary Ross

Rated:  PG 13

Running time:  1 hour 50 mins

Warner Bros

We are introduced to Debbie Ocean (Bullock) as she is being released from prison, having done five years for a crime she claims she didn’t commit (she was set up).  Sadly, we soon learn that Debbie was NOT rehabilitated, as she cons her way into everything from cosmetics to a swanky hotel room.  She also takes the time to stop at her brother Danny’s grave, letting the audience know in the first 10 minutes not to look for that assumed George Clooney cameo.  As soon as she’s settled she begins putting into place a plan that she has been perfecting for three years.  And she only needs seven people to help her.

 

Slow and plodding at the beginning, with a mostly satisfying conclusion, “Ocean’s 8” boasts an amazing cast of women with their own amazing list of accomplishments,  Between the eight members of the “gang” are four Oscars, two Emmys, eight Grammys, six Golden Globes and five BAFTAs.  Sadly none of them brought them to work with them, as the plot progresses so slowly that seeing one of the ladies flash their trophies might have added some excitement to the proceedings.

 

In a nutshell, Debbie has decided to steal a $150 million necklace at the annual Met Gala.  She then rounds up a smorgasbord of like-minded associates…everyone from Rhianna’s surveillance expert to Mandy Kaling’s diamond expert.  The actresses are fine in their roles, but, despite attempts to give them some kind of personality, they’re all very similar in delivery and demeanor.  Which makes this film pale against Clooney’s “Ocean” trilogy.  Heck, even the great 60s version with Frank Sinatra was more fun.  The difference is that those films had set characters that did not act the same.  This film could have used the comedy duo of Casey Affleck and Scott Caan or the blustery antics of Bernie Mac.  Gary Ross is a fine director who knows how to keep the action moving, but here his script has conspired against him.

Eight Fun Mobile Games to Play When You are Really Bored

We’ve all been there, bored out of our wits, stuck at home, waiting for the train or traveling with the bus, and we have all wished to be relieved of that boredom. So, what can be done about it? There are actually lots of things you can do. One of them is playing online casino games, and if you don’t already then we suggest giving it a try. It is an amazing way to deal with boredom. There are so many games on offer, meaning, so many ways to kill time.

  • Neo Monsters. Let’s start with a real old-school game, we are talking about Neo Monsters, available on both iOS and Android, it is monster collecting battle with cool graphics reminscient of Game Boy and old Super Nintendo. We are very happy to recommend this game for all of you.
  • Townsmen. This is an awesome game, reminiscent of the game settlers, which was a big thing a few years back. It’s a simulator, where the goal is to create a town, by using resources and by creating new ones. The idea is to be strategic as well as a good tactician, in order to complete different assignments with respects to the town you are building, in order to succeed.
  • Jackpot Paradise. It is not possible to recommend games to kill the boredom, without recommending this extraordinary Casino site, this is quite a new name in the online gambling world, and yet, it is already well known and well liked. The site offers a great Welcome Bonus for new players. How about 10 free Slots and up to £200 matching bonuses? Go to Jackpot Paradise and check it out.
  • KleptoCats. One might argue that this is a game for children, however, we couldnt disagree more. Who does not love cats? And why cannot an adult play game be both cute and funny? Why not play a game where you own a bunch of adorable cleptomaniac cats that will bring you all kinds of stuff for your room? Sounds weird? It is, but we promise you will also find it interesting and hilarious. The game is available on both iOS and Android.
  • Bet365. There is no way presenting a list of hilarious and fun online games without mentioning Bet365. This is a great Casino and Sports Betting site that offers its own Casino application. The site’s Casino app is powered by Playtech, and as such, it offers some of the best games around. There are Slots as well as Live Casino games on offer, such as Roulette and Blackjack.
  • Trivia Crack. Here is yet another great game, fun to play, together with your friends. This is an application, a multiplayer application in reality, that offers a trivia game concerning completely useless information. We liked it a lot when trying it out, it gave us quite a few laughs. If you have great remote friends, then this is the game for you, and you will most likely share a lot of laughters from afar.
  • Lucky Nugget. We present to you, yet another great Casino appliction. This is a great site with a good reputation that has been around for more than 10 years in total. When the site receantly launched its own Casino application few were surprised as it was a great way for it to notch up its success a bit. Lucky Nugget is powered by the amazing Microtech and installing on your mobile device unlocks 50 free spins for real money.
  • Twofold. This beautifully designed puzzle game is a real mental challenge, it offers great gameplay as well as lots of fun. For those of you that have played Candy Crush, this game is the perfect continuation of your gaming career. However, the game is a bit tricky from the get go and it requires a little bit of getting used to. The tutorial is great though, and so with lots of help, the players are eased into the role of Twofold-players.

 

“The Peanuts Movie” Arrives on Digital HD February 12, Collector’s Edition Blu-ray & DVD March 8, 2016


LOS ANGELES, CA (January 12, 2016) – Fans of all ages will rejoice as Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment’s THE PEANUTS MOVIE arrives on Digital HD Feb. 12 and Collector’s Edition Blu-ray™ & DVD March 8, 2016. Every underdog has his day in this fun, family film hailed by critics as “clever and charming” (USA Today), “the year’s best family film” and “funny and heart-warming” (CBS Radio News).

And for a limited time, get a Snoopy Flying Ace plush toy with THE PEANUTS MOVIE DVD,
Blu-ray™ and Digital HD combo pack on March 8 making it the perfect gift for Easter baskets.

In THE PEANUTS MOVIE, good ol’ Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus and the rest of the beloved Peanuts gang appear as you’ve never seen them before in a brand-new feature film from the imagination of Charles M. Schulz and the creators of Ice Age. Join everyone’s favorite eternal optimist, Charlie Brown, as he embarks on a heroic quest, while his beagle pal Snoopy takes to the skies to pursue his arch nemesis, the Red Baron. It’s a hilarious and heart-warming adventure!

THE PEANUTS MOVIE is directed by Steve Martino (Dr. Seuss’ Horton Hears a Who!) and produced and written by Bryan Schulz, Craig Schulz and Cornelius Uliano. Paul Feig (Spy, The Heat) and Michael Travers are also film producers.

With the Collector’s Edition Blu-ray™, DVD and Digital HD fans can go deeper into the world of THE PEANUTS MOVIE with these fun-filled special features! Watch all-new Snoopy Snippets, check out the delightful documentary about the film’s extraordinary journey from the comics to the big screen, learn to draw Peanuts characters, sing along to music videos, choose your favorite songs from Snoopy’s Playlist and more!

THE PEANUTS MOVIE Blu-ray 3D™, Blu-ray™ & Digital HD includes:

Feature film in high definition
Special Features:

  • Snoopy Snippets – Can’t get enough of your favorite Peanuts characters? These six all-new Snoopy Snippets will brighten your day!
  • You Never Grow Up Charlie Brown – In this fascinating documentary, you’ll learn about Charles Schulz, the history of the Peanuts gang, and their journey to the big screen!
  • Snoopy’s Sibling Salute – It’s a Snoopy family reunion as The Peanuts Movie filmmakers introduce viewers to Snoopy’s siblings: Andy, Olaf, Spike, Belle and Marbles.
  • Learn To Draw Snoopy, Woodstock and Charlie Brown – Director Steve Martino provides fun, step-by-step tutorials on how to draw Snoopy, Woodstock and Charlie Brown.
  • Get Down With Snoopy and Woodstock Music Video – Clap, dance and sing along with Snoopy, Woodstock and Charlie Brown to an all-new version of everyone’s favorite Peanuts song!
  • “Better When I’m Dancin’” Meghan Trainor Lyric Video – The Peanuts gang is dancing up a storm with moves like you’ve never seen before—and on-screen lyrics so you can sing along.
  • “Better When I’m Dancin’” Meghan Trainor Music Video – Escape to a wonderful, whimsical world with Meghan Trainor’s music video for her hit song “Better When I’m Dancin’.”
  • Behind The Scenes of “Better When I’m Dancin’” – Meghan Trainor takes you on an exclusive tour behind the scenes and on the set of her “Better When I’m Dancin’” music video!
  • Snoopy’s Playlist – Now the music from the movie is at your fingertips—use Snoopy’s Playlist to jump directly to your favorite songs.

THE PEANUTS MOVIE DVD includes:

Feature film in standard definition
Special Features:

  • Snoopy Snippets – Can’t get enough of your favorite Peanuts characters? These six all-new Snoopy Snippets will brighten your day!
  • Learn To Draw Snoopy, Woodstock and Charlie Brown – Director Steve Martino provides fun, step-by-step tutorials on how to draw Snoopy, Woodstock and Charlie Brown.
  • Get Down With Snoopy and Woodstock Music Video – Clap, dance and sing along with Snoopy, Woodstock and Charlie Brown to an all-new version of everyone’s favorite Peanuts song!
  • “Better When I’m Dancin’” Meghan Trainor Lyric Video – The Peanuts gang is dancing up a storm with moves like you’ve never seen before—and on-screen lyrics so you can sing along.
  • “Better When I’m Dancin’” Meghan Trainor Music Video – Escape to a wonderful, whimsical world with Meghan Trainor’s music video for her hit song “Better When I’m Dancin’.”
  • Behind The Scenes of “Better When I’m Dancin’” – Meghan Trainor takes you on an exclusive tour behind the scenes and on the set of her “Better When I’m Dancin’” music video!
  • Snoopy’s Playlist – Now the music from the movie is at your fingertips—use Snoopy’s Playlist to jump directly to your favorite songs.

Blu-ray Review “Dragon Ball: Season Eight”

Actors: Sean Schemmel, Christopher R. Sabat, Stephanie Nadolny
Directors: Mike McFarland
Number of discs: 4
Rated: Unrated
Studio: Funimation
Release Date: October 28, 2014
Run Time: 775 minutes

Season: 4 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3 out of 5 stars

We are getting close to the end folks, FUNimation Entertainment just released the Blu-ray for “Dragon Ball Z: Season Eight Uncut”, which features episodes 220-253 of the classic anime series, presented in remastered high definition. It has been a blast getting to re-watch this series totally uncut and delivered in this wonderful Blu-ray release. I know haters will always hate but I love Dragon Ball Z and this is easily the best that I have ever seen this show. Personally, I do not want December to come any faster since that brings the release of season nine and the completion of this series uncut on Blu-ray. Every way it has been an amazing run!

Official Synopsis: The forces of good and evil have converged upon the planet Earth, and the fate of the universe hangs in the balance! The evil wizard Babidi has traveled across the galaxy on a quest for revenge, hoping to fulfill his father’s thwarted dreams of universal domination. Meanwhile, the Supreme Kai has come to enlist the aid of the Z-Fighters in an effort to prevent Babidi from completing his plans and awakening a monster of unimaginable terror: Majin Buu.

These episodes have undergone a frame-by-frame restoration to remove any blemishes, tape marks and foreign bodies from the film. Funimation has been consistently delivering for the fans on this series and this season is no different. There are three audio tracks included, the Japanese audio and two English tracks: the U.S. English-language broadcast dub and a mix with English dialogue and Japanese music. These have also been re-mastered in the interest of noise reduction and superior sound quality. This series has also received a precise shot-by-shot reframing to create “a modern HD widescreen presentation.”

The special features are not too bad either. There is a “Inside Dragon Ball Z” with an interview with Kyle Hebert aka the voice of adult Gohan and the narrator. There is also a “Inside Dragon Ball Z” with an interview with Kara Edwards, who is known for voicing Videl, Goten, and Gotenks. “Dragon Ball Z: Coming to America” is a feature about how the series has become so popular in the U.S. There is a Textless Opening/Closing Song included. Lastly there is a U.S. Trailer for the Blu-ray and also additional trailers included.

Product Review “Coleman: Evanston Screened 8 Tent & Sunridge Rectangular Sleeping Bags”

I grew up in Long Island, NY and never camped as a kid (or at least that I ever remember). I do remember going for the first time (as far as I was concerned) when I was around 18 with my girlfriend (now wife) and her family. It was fun but I never really got into the whole idea of camping. I do love the idea of experiencing the great outdoors but I never had the urge to do it again. After moving to Orlando, FL and starting a family, we have have a two year old and things start to change.

The last few years, I was looking around Orlando and see tons and tons of amazing places to camp and new experiences to share with my daughter and wife. So the next thing, I knew I would need is the goods. I needed a good tent that we could use on this new planned adventure. My wife (who did camp as a kid) would always tell me that her parents would fight more when putting up a tent then any other time. So I knew I needed something that wasn’t going to make us get a divorce.

I started with Coleman since they are the first brand that comes to my mind when I think about outdoor equipment. They recommended to me the brand new Coleman Evanston Screened 8 Tent. This tent is absolutely amazing. I called it the spa of tents. First of all, the thing has two rooms, which is unbelievable and can easily sleep eight people comfortably. You have the part where you sleep and then a sort of sitting area like a covered porch, so you can enjoy the fresh air still without the bugs.

So back to the setup for the tent, which scared me but let me tell you this thing was easy as pie to setup. I had my wife time it and it took ONLY 20 minutes to the entire tent up…and that is with unpacking for the first time and figuring out what was what. I know when we attempt this for second time, we can probably cut that time in half. I mean 20 minutes is absolutely nothing. This baby is a dream to put up and it literally looks like a mansion of all tents when it is up.

Then of course the dismantling also was thought to be a problem. Are we really suppose to put this giant tent into this little carrying bag? But no joke, this thing was a piece of cake to take down and store with no problems at all. Since we are in Florida, it does rain from time to time. So this tent is designed to hold up to the weather. IT comes with Insta-Clip™ Pole attachments that stand up to high wind and the WeatherTec™ System’s patented welded floors and inverted protected seams help ensure (actually in fact it it guarantees to keep you dry) you stay dry. I can’t wait to do this again and throughout the years and getting a chance to explore all over. I tell you one thing, I will never do it without a Coleman EVER!

I thought to myself, I got the tent but what were we going to sleep on that is when Coleman again recommended to me another one of their amazing products. The Coleman Sun Ridge Sleeping Bag is perfect choice if you are looking for a great sleeping option. This sleeping bag allows you to sleep comfortably outside even when it’s 40⁰ F. You may not think Florida gets cold but it certainly does especially in the early months of the year, so this is going to come in very handy.

The bag itself has a designed, patented zipper system that takes the fabric away from the zipper to avoid snags and zips up all the way every time, which is always pain when using a sleeping bag. It also features a Thermolock system that reduces heat loss through the zipper. Of course it is important to be able to easily pack it up as well. This bag as a Roll Control™ loop fasteners that makes it super easily to put away and store. I can honestly say that our first family camping experience was outstanding and it was all due to Coleman products. I look forward to our next adventure!

The Cross-Country “Rio 2” Summer Party Tour Stops in 8 Major Markets Bringing Soccer Fever, Games, Samba Lessons, and Fun for the Whole Family!

JOIN THE SUMMER’S BIGGEST PARTY AS
TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX HOME ENTERTAINMENT BRINGS THE SIGHTS AND SOUNDS OF THE AMAZON TO YOUR HOMETOWN

The Cross-Country RIO 2 Summer Party Tour Stops in 8 Major Markets 
Bringing Soccer Fever, Games, Samba Lessons, and Fun for the Whole Family!

– RIO 2 is on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital HD July 15 – 

Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment brings the party to the people with its cross country RIO 2 Summer Party Tour. Families will have plenty of reason to shake a tail feather down to the tour; it’s full of interactive activities for all ages including portable viewing stations to watch soccer games, live from Rio; screenings of RIO 2; Samba performances and lessons; customizable Carnival masks; soccer challenges, and much more! All guests can also turn their fun into a global sensation by joining a cross country karaoke   from the party via the sing- and dance-along photo booth.

SCHEDULE: 

Date City Venue Event Times Game Times
Monday, 6/30 New York South Street Seaport 12-6:30pm ET 12 & 4pm ET
Tuesday, 7/1 Philadelphia Franklin Square 12-6:30pm ET 12 & 4pm ET
Saturday, 7/5 Atlanta Mall of Georgia 12-6:30pm ET 12 & 4pm ET
Tuesday, 7/8 Cincinnati Riverfront Park Smale Field 1-6pm ET 3pm ET
Wednesday, 7/9 Chicago Kohl Children’s Museum 1:30-6:30pm CT 3pm CT
Saturday, 7/12 St. Louis St. Louis Galleria 1-6pm CT 3pm CT
Monday, 7/14 Dallas The Parks at Arlington 12-5pm CT N/A
Friday, 7/18 Los Angeles Hollywood & Highland Center 12-5pm PT N/A
.

With the Blu-ray/DVD and Digital HD release right around the corner, Fox Home Entertainment will bring the party from the Amazon this summer with a bunch of family-friendly fiestas across the country. You can find the Summer Party Tour any time of day, check out pictures from the tour, follow the GPS enabled tour bus, and explore all sorts of RIO 2 goodies at www.rio2summertour.com.  Follow the tour on social media with #rio2summertour.