Central Texas News

 

Veronica-Mars-DVD-Giveaway

On the eve of graduating law school, Veronica Mars has put Neptune and her amateur sleuthing days behind her. While interviewing at high-end New York law firms, Veronica Mars gets a call from her ex-boyfriend Logan who has been accused of murder. Veronica heads back to Neptune just to help Logan find an attorney, but when things don’t seem right with how Logan’s case is perceived and handled, Veronica finds herself being pulled back into a life she thought she had left behind.

See it In Theaters MARCH 14 

 Enter the Veronica Mars DVD Giveaway!

 

Disclosure / Disclaimer: No monetary compensation was obtained for this post. I received a complimentary product to giveaway. The opinions expressed here are mine and may differ from yours. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides concerning the use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

 

Disneys-The-Pirate-Fairy-Sneak-Peek

From the world of “Peter Pan” comes “The Pirate Fairy,” a swashbuckling new adventure about Zarina (voice of Christina Hendricks), a smart and ambitious dust-keeper fairy who’s captivated by Blue Pixie Dust and its endless possibilities. When Zarina’s wild ideas get her into trouble, she flees Pixie Hollow and joins forces with the scheming pirates of Skull Rock, who make her captain of their ship. Tinker Bell (voice of Mae Whitman) and her friends must embark on an epic adventure to find Zarina, and together they go sword-to-sword with the band of pirates led by a cabin boy named James (voice of Tom Hiddleston), who’ll soon be known as Captain Hook himself. With laughter, heart, magic and thrills, “The Pirate Fairy” sets sail April 1, 2014. 

 

2014-Texas-State-Parks-Photography-Contest

Ready. Aim. Click! Grab your camera and head to one of more than 90 state parks and historic sites this spring to participate in the second annual Texas State Parks Photo Contest. With new categories added this time around, photographers of all ages have a chance to win.

Whether it’s a photo from a weekend get together with friends, or even a “selfie,” your playful moments at your favorite state park could be published in the Texas Parks and Wildlife Magazine. Additionally, you could win a new HERO3+ Silver Edition GoPro® video camera from Whole Earth Provision Co., valued at $300.

Photos must be entered between March 1 and midnight, April 14.

This year’s categories will feature photos by kids (17 and under), photos by adults (18 years or older) and Instagram photos.

To enter, visit: www.texasstateparks.org/photography and follow the links to the contest. Sign into Flickr (Yahoo), or for entrants who prefer to sign in with an existing Google account or Facebook account, there’s a way to do that, too. Select “Join This Group” to be added to the “2014 Texas State Parks Photo Contest,” then upload your entries.

Don’t forget to tag the state park or natural area where the photo was taken. Photos must be tagged with “17U” if you are under 17 years of age. Instagram entries must be tagged with the hashtag #MyParkPic and include the name of the state park where the photo was taken.

The photo contest is open to all photographers, except TPWD employees and their immediate family. Winners will be contacted on or about May 15 through their Flickr or Instagram accounts. For complete contest rules, visit www.tpwd.state.tx.us/state-parks/parks/things-to-do/photo-contest-rules .

Whether you plan to enter the contest or not, Texas’ state parks offer a wide array of locations to view and photograph yourself and others in the company of some of the state’s most remarkable scenery, flowers, wildlife and landmarks.

For a complete park list, visit: www.texasstateparks.org.

Recently I posted about the Listerine 21-Day Challenge that my family and I were participating in. Have you participated in the Listerine 21 Day Challenge? You still have time to get involved in the challenge in an effort to improve your own oral care, and to help children in need, by posting your own “Swish Selfies” on the LISTERINE® Brand’s Facebook page.

Submit your own selfie and you could win the weekly $500 prize. Listerine will also donate $5 to Oral Health America for each photo submitted!

The Listerine 21-Day Challenge has been amazing for our family. Not only has it brought my family together in the morning and night during this new routine but it has made us more aware of our oral health as well as health in general.

Let’s face it, Listerine has a bad rap. It’s the stuff your mom made you swish in your mouth that was icky. There are so many wonderful options now with Listerine! No more ick! Especially for kid. My girls loved swishing the children’s Smart Rinse. In fact, I think the word was “Yummy”. It’s always great to have something that is good for your children that they actually enjoy using.

Our task was to use the following products for 21 days:

  • LISTERINE® Antiseptic
  • LISTERINE® SMART RINSE®
  • LISTERINE® WHITENING® Original Gel Fluoride Anticavity Toothpaste
  • REACH® Floss

We all feel such an improvement. Our mouths feel fresh and healthy. We are excited to visit the dentist next month to see how our hard work has improved our oral health for the better.

Keep in mind, oral health is forever not just for 21 days. Keep the challenge going! Stay strong and encourage your family to have better oral health for a bright and healthy future.

Disclosure / Disclaimer:  I received products from Johnson & Johnson Healthcare Products Division of McNEIL-PPC, Inc. and The Motherhood as part of my participation in the LISTERINE® 21 Day Challenge. The opinions expressed here are mine and may differ from yours.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision’s 16 CFR, Part 255:  “Guides concerning the use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

 

Post-Honey-Bunches-of-Oats-Morning-Energy

I love cereal. My kids love cereal. We all love cereal! 🙂 The best thing about cereal is, you don’t just have to have it for breakfast. It such a versatile food.

With Daylight Savings just around the corner, Post Honey Bunches of Oats wants to make sure America keeps moving and stays energized. Post Honey Bunches of Oats recently launched a new variety of Honey Bunches of Oats – Morning Energy! This new cereal is available in two delicious flavors, Chocolatey Almond Crunch and Cinnamon Crunch. New Honey Bunches of Oats Morning Energy is power-packed with protein, fiber, and whole grain to get you going and keep you going!
 
Post Honey Bunches of Oats want to know what you would do with more energy in the morning. On Monday, March 10 they’re encouraging fans to Tweet @HBOats, and let them know what you would do with more #MorningEnergy. Do that and you’re entered to win! 
 
It really is that easy – send a tweet to @HBOats and you could win $1000! (Please note, when you post your tweet it has to tag @HBOats and include the #MorningEnergy hashtag to be eligible for the sweepstakes.) This sweeps is open for 24 hours, beginning at 12:01AM on Monday, March 10.  For full rules please visit: http://www.morningenergysweeps.com/

 

The-Boxtrolls

Oh wow! This looks like it is going to be really good. Looking forward to seeing The Boxtrolls!

From the creators of “Coraline” and “ParaNorman,” The Boxtrolls releases in theaters on September 26! Check out a new teaser trailer below. The Boxtrolls tells the story of a community of quirky, mischievous creatures lovingly raising an orphaned human boy named Eggs in the amazing cavernous home they’ve built beneath the streets of Cheesebridge.

Story: A family event movie from the creators of “Coraline” and “ParaNorman” that introduces audiences to a new breed of family – The Boxtrolls, a community of quirky, mischievous creatures who have lovingly raised an orphaned human boy named Eggs (voiced by Isaac Hempstead-Wright) in the amazing cavernous home they’ve built beneath the streets of Cheesebridge. When the town’s villain, Archibald Snatcher (Academy Award winner Ben Kingsley), comes up with a plot to get rid of the Boxtrolls, Eggs decides to venture above ground, “into the light,” where he meets and teams up with fabulously feisty Winnifred (Elle Fanning). Together, they devise a daring plan to save Eggs’ family.

 

Microsoft-Studio-SXSW

Windows and Windows Phone bring music to life with a performance by DJ Questlove in the Microsoft Studio at SxSW. Guests will be using the Nokia Lumia 1020 Windows Phone with a 41MP camera to get closer to the action.

Photo opportunities include:

  • Visuals of Questlove DJing on an Acer Aspire S7 Windows PC
  • Visuals of guests taking the Ultimate Selfie with Microsoft Technology
  • Visuals of guests using the 41MP Nokia Lumia 1020 Windows Phone

*No broadcast crews or professional videography allowed onsite*

This American DJ, music journalist and record producer is best known as the drummer and joint front man for The Roots. He currently appears nightly on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon as The Roots serve as the show’s house band.  

The Microsoft Studio at SxSW brings to life what is possible when you mix creativity and technology. They will showcase innovations in music, gaming, travel, photography and social media from Windows, Xbox, Surface, Microsoft Research and more! Follow #ReadyWhenYouAre and #MicrosoftStudio for updates on everything happening at the Microsoft Studio during SxSW. Not to mention, there’s space to lounge, relax, recharge and fuel up.

The space will open to SXSW attendees March 8th-13th, from 9AM-5PM and to those who RSVP to scheduled programming. To find out what’s on the schedule in the space from music performances to gallery openings and to RSVP for programing go here.

Saturday March 8
Doors open at 7:30 Ages 18+

Microsoft Studio
323 Congress Ave at w. 4th St.
Austin, TX 78701

 

Alamo-Drafthouse-Cinema-Logo

Alamo Drafthouse announced that the long awaited Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar and The Highball will open in Summer 2014!

ALAMO_plaza view

Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar’s nine screens will feature new release movies, family and independent films, as well as the Alamo’s unique signature repertory programming. Each of the auditoriums will be equipped with state-of-the-art Sony 4K digital projection and Dolby digital surround sound with select auditoriums also equipped for archival 35mm projection.

All seating is assigned and can be reserved at the time of ticket purchase online or in-person at the box office. Customers are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy Alamo’s pre-show entertainment of rare clips, videos, and shorts that are custom-curated to complement each feature film or event.

The Highball, rebuilt directly adjacent to the South Lamar theater, returns with its full service bar, uniquely themed karaoke rooms, dance floor, stage, and lounge area, along with its newest feature, a formal outdoor patio.  There will not, however, be bowling lanes at the new Highball.

 

The-Hunger-Games-Catching-Fire-Movie-Poster

Meet the cast members from The Hunger Games: Catching Fire film as they sign copies at Walmart at these locations in celebration of Lionsgate’s home entertainment release of the movie on Blu-ray Disc, DVD, Digital HD, VOD and Pay-Pery-View March 6 at 11 pm leading up to the midnight release March 7th! Once the clock hits midnight more than 2,000 Walmart stores will celebrate the Blu-ray and DVD release with special giveaways.
 
Select locations with special attendees are below: 
 
Orange County, California
Who: Willow Shields (“Primrose Everdeen”) 
Where: Walmart
2300 N Tustin St. 
Orange, CA 92865
When: Thursday, March 6
Media Call time: 10:30 pm
Signing: 11pm – 1 am
 
Chicago Area, Illinois 
Who: Meta Golding (“Enobaria”) and Bruno Gunn (“Brutus”)
Where: Walmart
1100 S. Randall Road. 
Elgin, IL 60123
When: Thursday, March 6
Media Call time: 10:30 pm
Signing: 11pm – 1 am
 
Secaucus, New Jersey 
Who: Stephanie Leigh Schlund (“Cashmere”) and Lynn Cohen (“Mags”) 
Where: Walmart
400 Park Place 
Secaucus, NJ 07094
When: Thursday, March 6
Media Call time: 10:30 pm
Signing: 11pm – 1 am

 

Transformers-Prime-Ultimate-Bumblebee-DVD

Spring into action with BUMBLEBEE from Hasbro Studios’ Emmy® Award-winning series TRANSFORMERS PRIME!  Beloved by kids and legions of fans worldwide, BUMBLEBEE is a dedicated warrior and a scout who serves as part of the elite squad lead by OPTIMUS PRIME. Though he may be one of the smallest and youngest of the TRANSFORMERS, don’t let that fool you. Time and time again, this AUTOBOT proves that he has the bravery to fight for what is right and the tenacity to throw himself into action to battle against his opponents no matter where they appear. On February 25, 2014, Shout! Factory Kids, in collaboration with Hasbro Studios, will release TRANSFORMERS PRIME: ULTIMATE BUMBLEBEE on DVD, featuring a collection of four best BUMBLEBEE adventures from the TRANSFORMERS PRIME lore. Packed with visually stunning CG animation and unforgettable characters, this new DVD delivers fun-filled home entertainment that kids and parents will enjoy! Bring home TRANSFORMERS PRIME: ULTIMATE BUMBLEBEE DVD at an affordable low price of $9.99. SRP. 

Four action-packed BUMBLEBEE adventures include:

  • Masters and Students
  • Operation Bumblebee, Part 1
  • Operation Bumblebee, Part 2
  • Deadlock

 “Bumblebee VS Jet Plane” 

 “Bumblebee Can’t Transform” 

 

Click Communications: BLOGGER BUTTONS &emdash;

 

 

LATE-NITE-CATECHISM-Long-Center-Austin-Texas

We hope you’re ready Austin, because Sister is coming to Austin to teach you a thing or two! But don’t worry, she should fit right in to the city’s “weird” vibe with her glow-in-the-dark rosaries and laminated saint cards. Late Nite Catechism is March 21-23 at The Long Center.

Catechism classes are never as much fun – or as hilarious – as when they are led by Sister in the international hit comedy Late Nite Catechism by Vicki Quade and Maripat Donovan. 

Become a part of Sister’s classroom in this uproarious piece of theater that takes audience members back-sometimes nostalgically, sometimes fearfully-to children they once were. The interactive comedy experience brings Sister into the crowd to reward good students with gifts, while abrupt moods swings cause Sister to scare the crowds. 

The Catholic Register (Toronto) said, “The show appeals to Catholics and non-Catholics alike since ‘Sister’ clearly explains religious references in lighthearted ways while maintaining a serious tone that isn’t too preachy and far from being saccharine.”  The New York Times declared “Late Nite Catechism speaks to an audience much broader than the membership of any one church.”

Late Nite Catechism, which was nominated for an Outer Critics Circle Award in New York and recently won the L.A. Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Lead Performance for Maripat Donovan, is currently playing in New York, Seattle, San Francisco, St. Louis, Vancouver, Scottsdale, New Orleans, Los Angeles and Chicago, where it has been playing to full audiences since it opened in 1993.  Productions in Boston, Sydney and Melbourne recently ended after playing two years in each city.  While in Austin, Sister will be available for private classes and fundraisers through Entertainment Events, Inc. at (877) FUNNY NUN.

Tickets are available at TheLongCenter.org or by calling (512) 474.LONG (5664). Also available at the Long Center’s 3M Box Office located at 701 West Riverside Drive at South First Street.  For groups of 10 and more, call 512-457-5161 or groupsales@thelongcenter.org