“The 5th Wave,” by Rick Yancey
Ages: 12-17
Pages: 480
Synopsis: “The Passage” meets “Ender's Game” in an epic new series from award-winning author Rick Yancey. After the 1st wave, only darkness remains. After the 2nd, only the lucky escape. And after the 3rd, only the unlucky survive. After the 4th wave, only one rule applies: trust no one. Now, it's the dawn of the 5th wave, and on a lonely stretch of highway, Cassie runs from Them. The beings who only look human, who roam the countryside killing anyone they see. Who have scattered Earth's last survivors. To stay alone is to stay alive, Cassie believes, until she meets Evan Walker. Beguiling and mysterious, Evan Walker may be Cassie's only hope for rescuing her brother — or even saving herself. But Cassie must choose: between trust and despair, between defiance and surrender, between life and death. To give up or to get up. - Penguin Young Readers Group
“Iron Man 3”
Rated: PG-13
Length: 130 minutes
Synopsis: When Tony Stark's world is torn apart by a formidable terrorist called the Mandarin, he starts an odyssey of rebuilding and retribution.
Violence/scary rating: 4
Sexual-content rating: 2
Profanity rating: 3
Drugs/alcohol rating: 2.5
Family Time rating: 3. If your kids have watched the other “Iron Man” movies, this one should be OK for them as well.
(Ratings are judged on a five-point scale, with 5 being “bad for kids” and 1 being “fine for kids.”)
Family vacations are always a great time for family bonding and exploring new places. With some careful planning, the trip can be packed full of fun from the minute you lock the front door to the minute you arrive back home, exhausted and ready to share stories of your adventures with friends and family.
Traveling with children does require careful planning, but taking a little extra time to plan ahead will make your time spent together that much more rewarding. Take these ideas into consideration as you organize your family trip.
- Traveling organization - If you're on a road trip this spring or summer, keeping track of all the snacks, games and travel necessities isn't easy. Put a few household items to use, and you'll be able to keep everything where it belongs, instead of having it rolling around under the seats. For example, a shoe organizer hung over the back of the front seats helps to keep all children's toys and activities within reach. And a divided cardboard drink container is an excellent storage kit for needed items like snacks, tissues, hand wipes, etc. For airline travels, the mantra "less is more" comes into play. Have each child pack one carry-on, such as a metal lunchbox or a backpack, with all their traveling necessities. Crayons and coloring books, as well as small game books like crossword puzzles or word searches are recommended.
- Create "snacktivities" - Package the snacks you'll be eating on the go with activities to keep the kids busy. For example, a new coloring book with a juice box and a snack will help everyone forget they're on a long trip.
- Make the hours work for you - If you have the ability, schedule your travel time during bedtime or naptime. Plan frequent breaks where everyone can get out of the car and run around, releasing pent up energy. Try to avoid driving during rush hour traffic, which would add additional stresses to everyone in the vehicle. For airplane travel, avoid leaving on peak travel days if you can.
- Get creative with snacks - Mix up the traditional to keep the snacks interesting, which can help make the travel time appear to pass much quicker. Create your own trail mix, or give the kids paper plates, sandwich crackers, cheese and fruit make their own "snack creations" in the shapes of animals. Visit www.lance.com for additional snack recipes and snacking ideas.
- Play together - When in doubt, good old-fashioned car games such as "I Spy" can provide hours of entertainment for the entire family. While in the car ask kids to look at billboards, road signs, license plates and buildings to find the letters of the alphabet in order. For instance, to find an "A" the child might see Applebee's and say it aloud, then move on to finding the letter B. You can also play counting games with younger children. Count blue vans, find 10 horses, count rest stops or water towers. How many people pass you on the highway? Count those, too. There are endless possibilities.
- Brandpoint
“Thirteen Reasons Why,” by Jay Asher
Ages: 12 and up
Pages: 336
Synopsis: Clay Jensen returns home from school to find a strange package with his name on it lying on his porch. Inside he discovers several cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker - his classmate and crush - who committed suicide two weeks earlier. Hannah's voice tells him that there are 13 reasons why she decided to end her life. Clay is one of them. If he listens, he'll find out why. Clay spends the night crisscrossing his town with Hannah as his guide. He becomes a firsthand witness to Hannah's pain, and learns the truth about himself-a truth he never wanted to face. - Penguin Group (USA) Incorporated
Here’s a look at some of the most-anticipated family-friendly (PG-13 and PG) movies of the summer:
Star Trek into the Darkness: J.J. Abrams follows up his huge 2009 hit by going where he’s never gone before in taking a franchise that was once on life-support and guiding it into deeper, more exciting frontiers. All the regulars – including Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto – return, along with gorgeous newcomer Alice Eve, as the crew of the Enterprise battle a nutcase bent on inflicting mass destruction upon the universe. May 17.
Epic: DreamWorks presents its annual spring animation release, this one based on a children’s book by William Joyce. In it, an army of bugs battle an evil spider queen. Beyonce and Colin Farrell lend their voices. May 24.
After Earth: “The Pursuit of Happyness” team of Will and Jaden Smith rejoin forces for this futuristic story about a father and son learning to work together after they crash land on Earth 1,000 years after the apocalypse. M. Night Shyamalan directs. May 31.
Man of Steel: After encountering box-office kryptonite with 2006’s “Superman Returns,” the Man of Steel (Henry Cavill) attempts to bounce back in this adventure from director Zack Snyder, who doesn’t exactly instill confidence, considering the poor reception his rendering of “The Watchmen” received. At least he had the good sense to cast Amy Adams as Lois Lane. June 14.
Monsters University: We saw him in “When Harry Met Sally,” now we get to see how Billy Crystal’s Mike met Sully (voice of John Goodman) in Pixar’s college-set prequel to “Monsters Inc.” One is safe to assume their initial acquaintance was less than harmonious – perhaps, even scary. June 21.
The Lone Ranger: Just when you thought Hollywood was through pillaging old TV shows, up pops the “Pirates of the Caribbean” duo of producer Jerry Bruckheimer and director Gore Verbinski to put Ke-mo sah-bee (Armie Hammer) and Tonto (Johnny Depp) back to work. In keeping with the current trend, this is yet another origin story in which Tonto recounts how the crime-fighting duo came to be. July 3.
Despicable Me 2: Gru (voice of Steve Carell), the curmudgeonly father of three adorable little girls, enlists with the Anti-Villain League to help vanquish a super villain. July 3.
Turbo: Ryan Reynolds and Samuel L. Jackson lend their voices to an animated tale about a snail dreaming of becoming the fastest crustacean on Earth. July 17.
The Smurfs 2: The surprise 2010 hit gets its inevitable sequel. Expect the dudes in blue to amass plenty of green. July 31.
Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters: Logan Lerman, so great in “The Perks of Being a Wallflower,” steps back into Greek mythology to reprise the role of Percy Jackson, the adventurous son of Poseidon, who travels in hot pursuit of the Golden Fleece. Aug. 7.
Planes: Disney gives aircraft the same treatment that “Cars” gave automobiles. Considering how awful “Cars 2” proved to be, it’s hard to get excited, especially when the talent-starved Dane Cook is leading the voice talent. Aug. 9.
One Direction: This is Us: If you like One Direction, and every girl under 12 does, then this film is for you, as the lads from England get the Miley, Jonas, Bieber–style docu-concert film treatment. Aug. 30.
- Reviews by Al Alexander
A lot of things change when you become a parent. The shows you watch, the restaurants you go to and the concept of sleep as you once knew it all evolve when your family structure transforms from a "me" to a "we." And increasingly, personal gadgets like smartphones are following the same trend.
"One day I looked at my phone and realized I had almost as many apps on it for my daughter as I did for myself," says Kat Holmes, principal designer for Microsoft's Windows Phone. "My smartphone had stopped being just mine." In fact, a recent study conducted by Babycenter.com shows that 75 percent of moms regularly hand over their smartphone to their kids.
We asked Kat for a few tech tips for creating balance as you share your smartphone with your kids.
- Partner with your kids to curate their mobile experience: To make mobile time fun, set aside time with your kids to choose new mobile content together, including new apps, music and videos. You'll have peace of mind knowing what your kids are looking at, while giving them a sense that there is a space that's just for them.
- Smartphones can be a simple way for kids to create and share: Smartphones aren't just about apps, they're also a way for kids to capture and share the world from their point of view. "My kids like to make little video messages for me and post them for me to find later," says Kat.
- Technology is more than entertainment, it can be educational: A recent Qualcom survey found that 74 percent of parents have downloaded a mobile app for their kids. While many apps out there are solely for fun and entertainment, there are hundreds of great educational apps that can help kids hone their skills - everything from drawing to spelling to memorizing.
- Turn that fighting into a lesson on sharing: As a mother of two, Kat has learned that sometimes one phone isn't enough, noting, "With more than one kid in the room, it's pretty common to have fights over whose turn it is. Try uploading a stopwatch or timer app to your device and encourage your kids to engage in five- to 10-minute increments, and then hand it over to the next in line."
- Brandpoint
“Dreams Come True: All They Need Is You!” by Mike Dooley
Ages: Children
Pages: 32
Synopsis: An enchanted night reveals what every little girl and boy already knows: that dreams come true, all they need is you! During a nighttime dream, three young friends lift off in a hot air balloon over the moon and past the stars to a wonderland of dolphins, islands, and the simplest of rhyming life-lessons that are easy to learn and fun to share.
-- Totally Unique Thoughts
“Oblivion”
Rated: PG-13
Length: 124 minutes
Synopsis: A veteran assigned to extract Earth's remaining resources begins to question what he knows about his mission and himself.
Violence/scary rating: 4
Sexual-content rating: 3
Profanity rating: 3
Drugs/alcohol rating: 2.5
Family Time rating: 3. Stick to the PG-13 rating for this one.
(Ratings are judged on a 5-point scale, with 5 being “bad for kids” and 1 being “fine for kids.”)
According to the Pet Allergy Worldwide Survey (PAWS) sponsored by Novartis Animal Health, 44 percent of pet owners are unaware that their pet can suffer from chronic seasonal allergies.
Atopic dermatitis is one of the most common allergic skin diseases in pets and is estimated to affect 10 to 15 percent of animals. It is also among the top 10 reasons that pet owners take their cats to their veterinarians. The disease is chronic, recurrent and requires lifelong management.
According to the PAWS survey, 80 percent of pet owners would like to know more about how to recognize and treat pet allergies. To determine whether a pet's symptoms warrant a veterinary visit and possible treatment to relieve the symptoms, pet owners can take a simple online quiz developed by veterinarians at www.itchfreepet.com.
Signs of allergic dermatitis in pets may vary, but common symptoms include red, scaly patches, persistent itching and scratching, and biting or licking of paws. Hair loss and sores are also common, as a result of the itching and scratching, although the pattern for this differs between dogs and cats. By taking this online quiz, pet owners can determine if they should bring their pet to the veterinarian for testing.
Just like people, dogs and cats can suffer from seasonal allergies to pollen, as well as year-round allergies to dust mites and mold spores. Although the underlying mechanism of the allergic response is similar to what people experience, the symptoms are quite different. People with allergies sneeze, cough and suffer from runny nose, eye irritation and sinus problems. Allergic cats and dogs, by contrast, itch, scratch and lose their hair.
In the past, treatments were limited to creams and steroids, which either caused limited effectiveness or less-than-desirable side effects when used long-term. Today, while there is no cure for atopic dermatitis, there are more options to help animals find relief. Pet owners can ask their veterinarians about a drug that treats the problem.
"Allergic dermatitis for some pets means scratching or licking more frequently than what is considered normal, and for other pets it can mean sores and furless patches on the skin or painful paw biting that gets in the way of exercise, sleep and overall comfort for the animal," says Dr. Keith Hnilica. "It is important to take your pet to see the veterinarian if you suspect your pet may have allergies, to determine whether it is a candidate for a long-term, comforting solution to this painful condition."
- Brandpoint
“The Elite,” by Kiera Cass
Ages: 13-17
Pages: 336
Synopsis: The selection began with 35 girls. Now, with the group narrowed down to the Elite, the competition to win Prince Maxon's love is fiercer than ever. The closer America gets to the crown, the more she struggles to figure out where her heart truly lies. Each moment she spends with Maxon is like a fairy tale, filled with breathless, glittering romance. But whenever she sees her first love, Aspen, standing guard, she's swept up in longing for the life they'd planned to share. America is desperate for more time. But while she's torn between her two futures, the rest of the Elite know exactly what they want -- and America's chance to choose is about to slip away.
-- HarperCollins Publishers
“42”
Rated: PG-13
Length: 2:08
Synopsis: This is a biopic about Jackie Robinson (who wore number 42) and his struggle to break the color barrier in baseball.
Violence/scary rating: 2
Sexual-content rating: 3
Profanity rating: 5 (because of the N word; but note the context of this historical story)
Drugs/alcohol rating: 2
Family Time rating: 3. A good movie for teens, but as above, note that the N word is used a lot.
(Ratings are judged on a five-point scale, with 5 being “bad for kids” and 1 being “fine for kids.”)
Warm weather is here for the next few months, and that means you'll be spending more time outdoors with family and friends - and more time with summer pests. Mosquitoes, fire ants, bees, wasps and yellowjackets are some of summer's worst bugs. And those pests can be more than a mere nuisance.
In 2012, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported more than 5,300 cases of West Nile virus throughout the United States. West Nile can be a serious disease for some people (about 1 in 150), according to the CDC.
"The best way to protect yourself from mosquitoes is to take the proper precautions," says Orkin entomologist and technical services director Dr. Ron Harrison. "Use insect repellent when spending time outdoors, empty any standing water from around your home, and either stay inside or wear long sleeves and pants if you must be outside during dusk and dawn, because that is when mosquitoes are most active."
Orkin recommends preventing these backyard pests from being summertime bothers by remembering the following tips:
- Clean up spilled food and drinks immediately, and keep food stored tightly, especially during outdoor picnics.
- Rinse out cans before recycling, and empty garbage cans and recycling bins often.
- Seal cracks around doors and windows.
- Keep gutters and downspouts clean and keep plants away from your home's foundation.
- Brandpoint
“Inferno (Chronicles of Nick Series #4),” by Sherrilyn Kenyon
Ages: 13-17
Pages: 464
Synopsis: Nick has his driver's license and he's not afraid to use it. But turning 16 isn't what he thought it would be. While other boys his age are worried about prom dates and applying for college, Nick is neck deep in enemies out to stop him from living another day. No longer sure if he can trust anyone, his only ally seems to be the one person he's been told will ultimately kill him. But life spent serving the undead is anything except ordinary. And those out to get him have summoned an ancient force so powerful even the gods fear it. As Nick learns to command and control the elements, the one he must master in order to combat his latest foe is the one most likely to destroy him. As the old proverb goes, fire knows nothing of mercy, and if Nick is to survive this latest round, he will have to sacrifice a part of himself. However, the best sacrifice is seldom the sanest move. Sometimes it's the one that leaves your enemies confused. And sometimes, you have to trust your enemy to save your friends. But what do you do when that enemy is you?
-- St. Martin's Press
“Jurassic Park 3-D”
Rated: PG-13
Length: 127 minutes
Synopsis: Something goes wrong at a dinosaur theme park, and the creatures are on the loose.
Violence/scary rating: 4
Sexual-content rating: 2
Profanity rating: 2.5
Drugs/alcohol rating: 2.5
Family Time rating: 3. The classic dinosaur movie is back on the big screen, in 3-D. The dinosaurs might be scarier to young ones in this format, but otherwise it’s a decent family film.
(Ratings are judged on a five-point scale, with 5 being “bad for kids” and 1 being “fine for kids.”)
When it comes to U.S. pet ownership, 39 percent of households own at least one dog, and 33 percent own at least one cat, according to the Humane Society of the United States. Furry family members bring joy and excitement to a household, and providing the best care possible helps ensure pets have a long, healthy life.
Unfortunately, with so much information available, it's easy to become confused about what's really best for them. To cut through the clutter, Dr. Ashley Gallagher, veterinarian at Friendship Hospital For Animals and petMD contributor, sheds some light on some of the most common pet myths.
- Myth 1: If cats have nine lives, what do dogs have? Cats' curious nature and quick reaction times are likely the basis of the nine lives reputation, but in reality owners need to remember that both cats and dogs need to be cared for during their one life. That is why it's important to schedule regular veterinary visits to ensure your pet has a long, healthy and happy one. Your pet needs annual wellness checkups, vaccines, dental exams and nutritional consultations, just like humans do.
- Myth 2: Table scraps are OK. Did you know that 1 ounce of cheddar cheese for a 20-pound dog is like a human eating more than one and a half chocolate bars? That same piece of cheese for a 10-pound cat is like eating almost three full chocolate bars! Table scraps are basically empty calories for cats and dogs. They need precisely balanced nutrition for their specific life stage and special needs to remain healthy.
- Myth 3: Dogs wag their tail when they are happy. Dogs wag their tail for many reasons; the most common is that they are either happy or nervous. Cats will also wag or flick their tail when they are upset or thinking. Pets communicate via complex body language rather than vocal expression like humans. Learning to read what your pet is telling you will go a long way in helping to build a fulfilling relationship. Ask your veterinarian for advice if you feel stuck learning your pet's body language cues.
- Myth 4: Letting my dog out in the yard is enough exercise. Dogs and cats both need plenty of physical activity and mental stimulation to stay healthy. If you just leave your dog out in the yard alone they might not get much of either. It's important to take them for walks, play fetch or simply run around together. Not only will it make for a happier, healthier dog, but it will also help to strengthen your relationship. Cats should be kept indoors for their safety, but there are plenty of toys that work their brains and their bodies at the same time. Visit your local pet store to find some toys that fit the bill.
- Brandpoint
“The Rising,” by Kelley Armstrong
Ages: 13-17
Pages: 407
Synopsis: Things are getting desperate for Maya and her friends. Hunted by the powerful St. Clouds and now a rival Cabal as well, they're quickly running out of places to hide. And with the whole world thinking they died in a helicopter crash, it's not like they can just go to the authorities for help. All they have is the name and number of someone who might be able to give them a few answers. Answers to why they're so valuable, and why their supernatural powers are getting more and more out of control. But Maya is unprepared for the truths that await her. And now, like it or not, she'll have to face down some demons from her past if she ever hopes to move on with her life. Because Maya can't keep running forever. Old secrets are revealed and unexpected characters make a surprising return in this stunning conclusion to Kelley Armstrong's New York Times bestselling Darkness Rising trilogy. - HarperCollins Publishers
“The Host”
Rated: PG-13
Length: 125 minutes
Synopsis: When an unseen enemy threatens mankind by taking over their bodies and erasing their memories, Melanie will risk everything to protect the people she cares most about, proving that love can conquer all in a dangerous new world. This is an adaptation of Stephenie Meyer’s novel of the same name.
Violence/scary rating: 3.5
Sexual-content rating: 2.5
Profanity rating: 2
Drugs/alcohol rating: 2
Family Time rating: 3. This isn’t “Twilight,” but it’s not bad for teens.
(Ratings are judged on a five-point scale, with 5 being “bad for kids” and 1 being “fine for kids.”)
Morning sickness - pregnancy-related nausea - is very common, especially during the first trimester. However, the problem isn't the same for every woman, as the nausea can occur at any time of day or night (not just in the morning) and some women experience it throughout their pregnancy. For some women, it's a minor annoyance. For others, it can become a serious issue. No one is sure exactly what causes it, but hormonal changes that take place during pregnancy probably play a role. Morning sickness relief can be complicated, too, since many women try to avoid taking medications during pregnancy.
Fortunately, if you're experiencing morning sickness, there are natural, alternative remedies that can help control your upset tummy, and help you keep your news private until you're ready to share. Some are age-old (taking ginger for an upset stomach) and some are leading edge (using a wrist band to provide acupressure). Here are some nonmedicinal remedies you can use to relieve morning sickness:
- Lifestyle changes: Making certain changes in your eating habits can also help relieve morning sickness, according to the Mayo Clinic. The clinic's website recommends mothers-to-be choose foods that are high-carb, low-fat and easy to digest, and avoid greasy, spicy and fatty foods. Having an empty stomach can actually make nausea worse, so consider snacking on a few crackers or a piece of dry toast before getting out of bed and snacking throughout the day rather than eating three larger meals.
- Ginger: For centuries, Asian cultures have recognized ginger's ability to help settle an upset stomach. You may find sipping ginger tea will help relieve your nausea, or you can increase the use of this spice in your cooking to help create a more even, lasting effect. For times when you need quick relief, you can try ginger lozenges.
- Aromatherapy: Sensitivity to certain smells is also common during pregnancy and can even bring on pregnancy-related nausea. Aromas can also help relieve symptoms. Scents like ginger, peppermint and spearmint can help an unsettled stomach feel better. At home, try potpourri or sachets scented with these essential oils.
- Acupressure: Just as wearing an acupressure wrist band can help fight motion sickness, these bands may help moms-to-be relieve morning sickness.
- Brandpoint
“Between Shades of Gray,” by Ruta Sepetys
Ages: 12-17
Pages: 352
Synopsis: Fifteen-year-old Lina is a Lithuanian girl living an ordinary life — until Soviet officers invade her home and tear her family apart. Separated from her father and forced onto a crowded train, Lina, her mother, and her young brother make their way to a Siberian work camp, where they are forced to fight for their lives. Lina finds solace in her art, documenting these events by drawing. Risking everything, she imbeds clues in her drawings of their location and secretly passes them along, hoping her drawings will make their way to her father's prison camp. But will strength, love, and hope be enough for Lina and her family to survive? This powerful tale of heartbreak and hope is sure to haunt readers long after they finish the last page.
-- Penguin Group (USA) Incorporated
“The Croods”
Rated: PG
Length: 98 minutes
Synopsis: After their cave is destroyed, a caveman family must trek through an unfamiliar fantastical world with the help of an inventive boy.
Violence/scary rating: 2
Sexual-content rating: 1.5
Profanity rating: 1.5
Drugs/alcohol rating: 1.5
Family Time rating: 2. A great family film all around.
(Ratings are judged on a five-point scale, with 5 being “bad for kids” and 1 being “fine for kids.”)
