.@TeddyOutReady: January 2016

Friday, January 29, 2016

Disney’s #TheFinestHours Now Storms in Theatres

Based on the remarkable true story, Disney new release "The Finest Hours" takes us to the U.S. Coast Guard in in Chatham, Massachusetts. On February 18, 1952, a massive northeaster struck New England, pummeling towns along the Eastern seaboard and wreaking havoc on the ships caught in its deadly path, including the SS Pendleton, a T-2 oil tanker bound for Boston, which was literally ripped in half, trapping more than 30 sailors inside its rapidly-sinking stern. The storm arrived to deal with all ships around without showing any mercy. The senior officer on board of SS Pendleton, first assistant engineer Ray Sybert played by Casey Affleck realizes that he has to take charge of the frightened crew and inspire the men work together to ride out one of the worst storms to ever hit the East Coast. The team has to keep the half of the ship afloat as long as possible and wait for help or miracle to happen. Snow, wind, cold, dark around and the half of the ship struggle to keep alive in this fierce weather. The crew manages to do everything possible, making the pump working, navigating through the storm and most important communicating when all the lines in the ship are broken. No phones, computers, signs or anything to communicate and evaluate the surrounding on the boat level, only people standing at the distance they can hear each other and shouting the numbers and instructions.


Meanwhile, as word of the disaster reaches the U.S. Coast Guard station in Chatham, Warrant Officer Daniel Cluff orders a dangerous operation to rescue the SS Pendleton crew. Four men, led by Coast Guard Captain Bernie Webber played by Chris Pine, set out in a small boat to find SS Pendleton and save people. Through frigid temperatures, high waves and hurricane-force winds I think the saving mission was in danger itself. Four men in a boat were so close to the thought to give up and get back to the shore without finding SS Pendleton ship. Their struggles were obvious as the fierce ocean and storm are not making any difference what ship is there small or big, only little hope of people can overcome everything.


Saying about effect, I admit that the ocean, wind and waves look impressive in 3D, especially when the boat try float through and keep up. It was pure luck how Bernie Webber team found the tanker, since they lost communication with the coast in the middle of the mission. When finally what is left after SS Pendleton was found, the crew of 32 people manage to get on a little boat which is intended for much less capacity and not without accidents. I had a feeling that the SS Pendleton team was more upset with saying bye to their ship than the fact that they were saved, it was somewhat personal only marine people can understand. The way home to the coast was filled with fewer adventures except severe cold and freezing temperature that made everyone squeeze and hope they get home safe.

I like how the story is presented in the movie - songs, marine theme, boats, lighthouses, visual effects, design characters outfit and songs. And I would be more than happy to see more romance scenes, love and support, just to be it like in a real story or may be how I expect it to be. Right now I do not remember anything supportive except rosy chicks of Miriam played by Holliday Grainger, though she could bring much more to this incredible story.

"The Finest Hours" is one of those stories everyone remembers for a long time, they become a legend and shared many years and centuries. It has that warm feeling home, family and support when you need it the most. "The Finest Hours" storms into theatres today, January 29, 2016.
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Thursday, January 28, 2016

Taking Care of Our Aging Parents & Sharing Responsibilities #ElizzCaregiving

This post brought to you by Elizz. The content and opinions expressed below are that of Teddy Out Ready.



Having a big multi-generation family brings not only great holiday time, strong ties, emotional and financial support, but also responsibilities and challenges you may have never faced before. Time flies, our kids grow and do not even notice that as we are getting older. Our parents become older too and they need care and support as never before.  As our parents age, we become the first who they rely on. Starting from helping with filling basic forms on the computer to arranging medical appointments and schedules, we become caregivers to our seniors and do it without any hesitation. Caregiving requires lots of patience, time, and understanding from both sides. Once our father started having problems with his vision, his ability to perform usual daily tasks became a challenge, even a visit to a bathroom or taking a bath became somewhat requiring a constant presence of a caregiver. Our father often says that he does not require any help and can manage basic chores by himself, and we all know that it is not true. Another situation when I have to take my mom to medical exams because her hearing abilities are getting worse and she cannot hear all the necessary information related to her health and life.

Family caregiving is not always easy because you need to balance your life, family, work, young children and many other things. Sometimes it comes to arguments and conflicts when there are more than one caregiver in a family and the responsibilities shared between family members. It is always a question of communication and understanding. We often hear that "she is her daughter that’s why she has to care for her mother" or "she is not working and sitting with young kids at home so she has to take the auntie to the doctor’s appointment". I think the most important is do not let caregiving take you too far so that it affects your health, personal life and work no matter if it driven by guilt, compassion or a sense of duty.
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Caregiving is all about balance, communication and support. I do not want my parents and family feel that they are a burden to me only because they require extra help and care. Currently 1 in 4 Canadians identified as a caregiver, and that number is expected to grow to 1 in 3 by 2020. Caregiving takes much time and energy but we are ready to do everything for our family.

Elizz

On search of some support and encouragement we came across Elizz. It offers tons of information including articles and resources for the Do It Yourself (DIY) Caregiver, virtual advice through caregiver coaches and nurse advisors, health care services provided in the home. Caregivers can find everything needed in one convenient place.

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My first stop was on-line resources on Elizz.com and I really liked the Do It Yourself (DIY) Caregiver set of articles especially Challenges of being a caregiver: Managing work-life balance. I recognized our situation and our struggles. It was great to find some support and guidance and see the bigger picture of what is going on in our family life, our feelings and how to cope with them. Elizz also offers peer-to-peer group support as well as a personalized social network called Tyze, which helps individual caregivers to manage their situation and connections with family.

Which Elizz caregiver services are right for you?  Take 5 Stages of Caregiving Quiz  to find what fits you and your family.

Elizz is powered by Saint Elizabeth Health Care, a Canadian not-for-profit with over 100 years of experience.
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Thursday, January 21, 2016

Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs: The Signature Collection Release & #Toronto Screening (Giveaway)

We love Disney classic stories. We can watch them over and over again and enjoy favorite characters, follow the plot till the tiniest details and sing the songs. One of our beloved Disney movies is Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs which is available now for purchase in Digital format and coming out on Blu-Ray on February 2nd. We are excited about the Signature Collection release, what means we get better sound, colors and extra features. There were lots of version of Snow White story but Disney's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs still remains our favorite.

Snow White

Forever enchanting and inspiring, Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs embodies The Walt Disney Signature Collection’s legacy of animation. In this epic story of love and friendship, the kind and beautiful princess Snow White wins the hearts of the Seven Dwarfs and triumphs over the evil plans of a wicked Queen. Snow White escapes her jealous stepmother and befriends the lovable seven dwarfs - Doc, Sneezy, Grumpy, Happy, Bashful, Sleepy and Dopey. Then Princess falls under the Queen's wicked spell, only an act of true love can save her.

Get the movie called “The Greatest Animated Film Of All Time," (American Film Institute) in High Definition Blu-ray and for the first time ever on Digital HD, with special features for the entire family! These cold winter days enjoy the magical Snow White story, memorable characters and unforgettable music of the greatest animated movie of all time!

To celebrate this fantastic release we are excited to giveaway two family passes to the screening of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in Toronto thanks to Walt Disney Studios Canada. It will be taking place at Scotiabank Theatre Toronto on January 30. There will be a green screen photo-opp and concessions will be provided along with the screening starting promptly at 10:30am.

For your chance simply fill the Rafflecopter form below. The giveaway is open to Canadian residents who can attend the screening in Toronto. Each pass admits four.

Screening Details
Saturday, January 30th
Scotiabank Theatre Toronto
 10:30am – screening
 -Concessions will be provided
-There will be a green screen photo-opp

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Tuesday, January 19, 2016

Celebrate Family Day at Mississauga Kids #FamilyDay Extravaganza (Giveaway)

Akil Augustine
Our Media Preview Host Akil Augustine
February is fast approaching and, as Ontarians, we have a wonderful opportunity to spend a day with a whole family and celebrate Family Day. This year we are going to have a very special long week-end, when after romantic Valentine’s Day, Family Day will take fun to a new level. Now it is time to plan this special week-end and find which activities your family would love to be involved into. If you are in Toronto, we suggest you to visit Mississauga Kids Family Day Extravaganza. Last year it was so much fun. This year Mississauga Kids Family Day Extravaganza will bring even more exciting performances and activities for the whole family not to be missed. We attended recently media preview and looking forward to the event.

SuperDogs

The second annual Family Day Extravaganza will be taking place on February 15th, 2016 at the Mississauga Convention Centre from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. It features President’s Choice SuperDogs with five shows to bring the best dogs can do including tricks, high-jumping, playing Frisbee, hockey and more. SuperDogs can count, spell, read and find lost objects, just visit one of the shows. Over 40% of the SuperDogs have been adopted from Shelters or Humane Societies across North America. When they aren’t performing, they’re personal pets! After the show Teddy asked if he can have a dog, may be one day.

Fantastic shows will be presented by Safari Science with their reptile friends from around the world. You’ll see and touch snakes, lizards, turtles, tree frogs and more. Safari Science shows are interactive. Be ready to learn more about reptiles and ask questions.

For sports fans freestyle basketball champion Q-Mack will be back with breathtaking basketball tricks, juggling, magic and balancing acts. His team also introduces Canadian Beatboxing Champion, J-BOX, the master of 300 sound effects.

Wij the Magician
Wij the Magician
Suzie Sunshine will share her passion for music through a lively interactive performances and Wij the Magician will impress families with his incredible magic tricks. Home Depot will host their workshop where parents and kids can work together on building wooden crafts. Last year we built a flower pot and a bird house. These are pretty cool workshops because kids use real instruments and work like real engineers following the design instructions.

Georgie Porgie treats

Family Day Extravaganza is going to be a fun event, just arrive early to see all the fantastic performances and participate in family-friendly activities. Do not forget to check Georgie Porgie cakes & gifts as they make delicious treats for any special occasion. Bouncy castles, robotics, interactive exhibits, sports, games, Frozen Princesses, a Storm Trooper, Bat Man, Spider Man and fun day is yours to celebrate!

Georgie Porgie

Advance tickets are $12 each or $43 for a Family Pack of 4 tickets plus HST and service fees. Children 12 month and under are free. Loot bags will be given to the first 300 families at the door and the parking is free.

Stormtrooper

Last year all tickets were sold out, get your tickets today as advance ticket price is really good!

For our readers we are happy to give away one Family Pack (4 tickets) thanks to Mississauga Kids. The giveaway is open to Canadian residents who can attend Mississauga Kids Family Day Extravaganza on February 15.

 photo Teddy at Mississauga Kids Family Day Extravaganza Media Preview_zpscorkpwgu.jpg

The winner will receive e-tickets to the event. The giveaway ends February 5, 2016.

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Wednesday, January 13, 2016

Join Dipsy, Tinky Winky, Laa-Laa & Po in New Teletubbies Series on Family Jr. #Canada

Get ready to dance, explore and laugh with the newest iteration of the world-renowned preschool brand Teletubbies is back and now you can watch it on Family Jr. Tinky Winky, Dipsy, Laa-Laa and Po arrive in Canadian homes this year to entertain little ones. I am glad to see Teletubbies return, as the initial series I used to watch with my nephews probably more than a decade ago. That time Teletubbies were extremely popular that kids wanted only Tinky Winky, Dipsy, Laa-Laa and Po toys and Teletubbies themes birthday parties. With the wide selection of programming on TV for pre-schoolers I often not very familiar with characters and their names, but with Teletubbies Teddy was even surprised that I know the names of the characters and their behavior.

Teletubies in Canada

Join the iconic TeletubbiesTinky Winky, Dipsy, Laa-Laa and Po – in a world filled with love and laughter as they explore their Home Dome and the magical countryside of Teletubbyland through comedic and physical play. A staple to the series are the positive themes highlighted by the Teletubbies including sharing, respect for others and inclusiveness. Familiar and beloved features from the original series return including The Noo-noo, Tubby Custard, Tubby Toast, Rabbits, Voice Trumpets and Baby Sun, and are joined by some brand new surprises guaranteed to delight Family Jr.’s youngest viewers. Look out for the Tubby Phone, the Tubby Custard Ride and the Teletubbies’ new CGI-enhanced touch screen tummies, which will link to preschoolers exploring, laughing and learning – just like the Teletubbies!

Fans can visit FamilyJr.ca play games and download activities and colouring sheets featuring their favourite characters.

The extraordinary voice cast lending their talents to the new iteration of Teletubbies includes: Jane Horrocks (Absolutely Fabulous) as the Tubby Phone; popular British television and radio presenter Fearne Cotton and Academy award-winning actor Jim Broadbent (Iris, Harry Potter) as the Voice Trumpets; and up-and-coming actor and comedian Daniel Rigby as the show’s narrator. Antonia Thomas will narrate the opening and closing lines.

Global phenomenon Teletubbies first launched in March 1997 and became one of the most successful global children’s brands of all time. It has reached over one billion children to date and the original episodes have aired in over 120 territories in 45 different languages. Multi award-winning Teletubbies is a children’s television series targeted at preschool viewers and designed to encourage young children to watch television creatively. Full of fun and exploration, it inspires confidence and curiosity and nurtures childhood development.

Teletubbies show is on regular schedule now, every Saturday and Sundays at 8 a.m. ET join Tinky Winky, Dipsy, Laa-Laa, Po and their friends on Family Jr .
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Tuesday, January 12, 2016

Sing It Out A Little Bit Stronger with New Sonshine and Broccoli Album It’s a Beautiful Day

Keeping kids entertained and active is easy if you find great music, songs and activities. I am always amazed how children love music and dancing as they grow and hear new tunes every single day. Music helps children learn, grow, love, cheer, be active and change their lives for better. It is the wonderful way to communicate and send positive messages. Our house has lots of children music resources thanks to our aunts and grandparents. Teddy plays piano and enjoys music a lot.

Sonshine and Broccoli

Recently, we had a chance to listen Sonshine and Broccoli latest music album It’s a Beautiful Day. This new release is a wonderful combination of music styles jazz, pop and rock, the songs which make kids sing and enjoy the tunes. Over a decade Lisa Sonshine and Brock (Broccoli) Burford have been entertaining families with their music CDs and performances. Before having a child I had no idea about any children entertainers, now I was so excited to find out Sonshine and Broccoli is Toronto’s one of the most popular children’s bands. Lisa Sonshine and Brock Burford write music and lyrics for their songs, play and perform. They have two successful children's albums: Sonshine and Broccoli Jam (2004) and Feel The Beat (2009). And after listening third one It’s a Beautiful Day, we really want to see Sonshine and Broccoli live performance.

Sonshine and Broccoli CD

It’s a Beautiful Day album songs are catchy and easy to remember. And as Teddy noticed, even the lyrics are mostly about children’s life: High Five when he plays sports games, Rock Paper Scissors at school and skating in Try Something New. Our parent & child favorite is Sing It Out song, just sing it with all your strength, no matter if you had a great day filled with fun and excitement or you are in a bad mood, just sing it out and feel good, it works like a magic.

It’s a Beautiful Day is great family album to enjoy; little ones love music and songs written by Sonshine and Broccoli. I am even taking a copy to Teddy’s younger cousins to listen. Parent’s life is not the easiest but with music, songs and smiles, there are more beautiful days prepared for all of us, young children and grown-ups.
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Wednesday, January 6, 2016

Monster Jam Tour 2016 in #Toronto

Monster Jam is back to Toronto with giant trucks ready to roar, smash and crash. While January is pretty calm month after holiday festivities, and the weather in our city getting much colder, we are excited to cheer up and get loud with Maple Leaf Monster Jam. No guilt, fear or limits with high jumps and speed at the Rogers Centre on January 16 and January 17 this year.

Monster Jam Teddy

We have been to Monster Jam shows for the last four years and every time it was fun for the whole family. We had a chance to meet the best drivers and be close to the enormous machine, they all are very impressive. It is pretty loud at the show so young kids and even adults should wear ear protective devices or plugs. Monster Jam is a very special show, because only there you can watch jumping School Bus and TV characters like Scooby-Doo or Iron Outlaw  doing crazy tricks, turns and smashing the obstacles on purpose.  The twelve-feet-tall, ten-thousand-pound machines will keep you entertained till the end of the show.  Monster Jam custom-designed trucks are very strong and their drivers brave and confident in racing and tricks.

Monster Jam Toronto

This year Monster Jam Toronto features Cam McQueen, driver of Canada’s Northern Nightmare, Scott Liddycoat, driver of Dragon, Zombie and Rage, Grave Digger®, Son Uva Digger, Monster Mutt Rottweiler, Scooby Doo, Alien, Bounty Hunter, Iron Outlaw, Wrecking Crew, Higher Education, Black Stallion, Storm Damage and Hurricane Force. One of the best the Party in the Pits will be held on January 16 (3pm-5pm) and January 17 (10:30am-12pm). They give fans the opportunity to get a close view of the trucks up and meet the drivers of the enormous Monster Jam trucks. Pit Party Passes are $10, and event ticket must be presented upon entry for access. Have fun and enjoy the show!

Monster Jam
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