How Massive Can 'The Hunger Games' Actually Be?

 By: Sean O’Connell

As The Hunger Games fast approaches, Jennifer Lawrence is trying her best to temper our expectations. It’s not working.

 

"The movies could be a huge flop, and everybody is getting excited about nothing," the Oscar nominee tells Celebritext. "Who knows?"

 

Well, anyone who has been paying attention knows that Gary Ross’s adaptation of Suzanne Collins’ best-selling novel was on track for blockbuster status. The books come with a sizeable, built-in audience. And Lionsgate studio was angling The Hunger Games series to be the logical replacement for the recently departed Harry Potter franchise and the soon-to-be-defunct Twilight saga.

 

Then two events occurred within a few days of each other that led me believe that even those of us expecting big things were seriously underestimating the drawing power of The Hunger Games.

 

First, the studio announced a multi-city mall tour that promises to bring Lawrence, Ross and other Hunger Games cast and crew members to select cities to meet and greet with fans. Twilight enthusiasts know that Summit regularly does the same thing with its vampire-and-werewolf franchise, suggesting that Games was taking a page out of Twilight’s massively successful playbook.

 

Then, in a move that raised even more eyebrows, The Hunger Games surpassed a record for advance ticketing that previously was held by The Twilight Saga: Eclipse. In addition, Hunger Games accounted for 83% of ticket sales on the day they went up for the public. I knew awareness was high, thanks to Super Bowl commercials and selective interview spots on major networks. I didn’t know the Games had that big of a following.

 

Prior to these two events, I would have argued that it’s unfair to compare The Hunger Games to Twilight, and to expect this new movie to perform at the same box office level as the wildly popular vampire series. Now, I’m not so sure. The first Twilight opened to $69.6 million in 2008, on its way to a $192 million gross in the States. The sequels only went up from there, with Breaking Dawn: Part 1 topping out at $281.2M last November.

 

Could The Hunger Games hit those numbers? Surpass them? And will March 23 – the day The Hunger Games opens in theaters – mark the beginning of the Summer Blockbuster season … which seems to kick off earlier and earlier each year? Share your thoughts on The Hunger Games. How big could it possibly be? Or is Lawrence on to something when she sheepishly suggests that the survival story of Katniss Everdeen could be "a huge flop?"

City of Miami Launching New Trolley Service

 By Patricia Tirone (NBCmiami.com)

The City of Miami will commence its new, free trolley transportation services for the Health and Stadium Districts Thursday.

 

The trolley route will pass along sites including Jackson Memorial Hospital, University of Miami’s Miller School of Medicine, Biomedical Research Institute and Hospital, the courthouse, Marlins Stadium, and others.

 

The Health District route travels between Northwest 7^th Avenue and Northwest 14^th Avenue, and between Northwest 14^th Street to Northwest 20^th Street.

 

The Trolley service will run every 15 minutes between 6:30 a.m. and 11 p.m. An official launch will be held next week at Jackson Memorial.

 

Late Spring, the city will expand its service to the Downtown area along Brickell Avenue and Biscayne Boulevard, and a loop which will connect the Health District and Overtown.

 

More additions to the route are expected in early 2013.

Miami's Spartan Race

Miami's Spartan Race took place Saturday and Sunday (2/25, 2/26). Thousands showed up. Many ran through mud, slipped under barbed wire, and pulled huge tires for two hours.

It was amazing, so awesome lol says the person who just cheered and took pictures from the sidelines.... Once again the dynamic duo of the hubby (Guille) and my bestie's husband (Gordie) partook in this race on Saturday.  "It was No Joke!" This is the third race they have participated in having done the Warrior Dash in December (3miles), the Tarzan Cup Race in January (3 miles), and now the Spartan Race (8 challenging miles at Oleta State Park). I must say I am so proud of them.  Next Up I believe is the Tarzan Cup Race http://miamisportsmagazine.com/tarzan/ which comes back to Miami in April in its original location Virgina Key Park.  Who knows maybe for that race I'll finally join them.....stay tuned!!!!

Spartan Race™, the global leader in Obstacle Racing since 2005, was designed by seven insane ultra athletes and a Royal Marine. If you have tried trail races, mud runs, tough mudder runs, or a warrior dash, it's time to step up to a brutal Spartan Race obstacle course. You can tackle a Spartan Sprint, a Super Spartan, maybe even attempt a brutal Spartan Beast, but only a few of you will have the heart to graduate up to our Death Race; the world championship of obstacle racing, and an endurance race like NO other. Are you unbreakable?

Why Spartan? Because the Spartans were tough as nails. Why race our obstacle course races? Because we all thrive under pressure, survival of the fittest. Our goal is simple... to get you off your couch, throw you in the mud & trails, and feed you one tough endurance event day that will be the adrenalin rush of your life.

An obstacle course race is designed to test your resilience, strength, stamina, quick decision making skills, and ability to laugh in the face of adversity. We want to own obstacle racing and our unique obstacle course trail races will demand every ounce of your strength, ingenuity, and animal instinct.

http://www.spartanrace.com/florida-obstacle-racing-super-spartan-miami.html

Here are some pictures of the Spartans:

Gordie & Guille

Burpees....

 

Isabel & Cassie Posing before their race!

Ready for battle

Awesome Job Guille!

Exhausted? Yesss!!!!!

Pull Up Challenge

Till the Next Race!!!!

I was a bit limited to the pictures I was able to take since the spectators didn't have much access once the racers took off until they made their way around to the end.  I did find this video of someone who raced who was able to capture a lot.  Enjoy! and as I said till the next race!

Pinecrest Gardens March Events

For a total list of Events for March at Pinecrest Gardens check out the link below:
http://pinecrest-fl.gov/index.aspx?page=34

Great Event! Eggstravaganza - Highly recommend buying tickets in advance!

 A Hop Through Pinecrest Gardens

Date:	Saturday, March 31, 2012
Time:	10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Admission:	$5 per person general admission
Featuring:	Egg hunts Interactive games Arts and craft Strolling Characters Wildlife Shows Face Painting Balloon Art Lots of Food Vendors
2011 Sample Activities: Egg Hunt Schedule Activity Schedule	TICKETS WILL BE ON SALE 1 MONTH PRIOR TO THE EVENT! Call 305.669.6990

  

          

Celebrate springtime, celebrate children and celebrate the joy of Easter at Pinecrest Gardens’ signature event, Eggstravaganza.  Stroll through our magnificent winding paths with our very own Spring Bunny and enjoy a cast of cute and cuddly characters to entertain you along the way. The day will be filled with “eggciting” activities for the entire family including egg hunts, face painting, balloon art, interactive games, music, arts and crafts, our petting zoo, and so much more. This is the event that every child will want to attend.  Mark your calendar today!

Planning the Month of March

by Barbara Shelby (kidactivites.net)

Looking for fun-filled ideas or professional support?
KidActivities.net is dedicated to school-age care professionals--additionally it's a great resource for pre-school thru high school educators, parents, grandparents, and baby sitters --in short ANYONE who loves engaging children!

Make your monthly planning easy! Look at what's going on each day and do something to recognize or celebrate it. Put "what the day" is on your daily information board-- along with the rest of the plans for the day!

Flower: Jonquil
Birthstone: Aquamarine
Astrological Sign: Pisces: February 20 to March 20
Aries: March 20 to April 19 

March is:

• National Craft Month (See all the Craft Categories on 'category side bar'!)• Women's History Month
• American Red Cross Month
• National Peanut Butter Month (See below)• Kite Month (See below) • Frozen Food Month (Make some frozen goodies with your kids-See page bottom)
• Help Someone See Month (For 'Comunity Service'-collect old eye glasses and donate to a  clinic)• Irish-American Heritage Month  • St. Patrick's Day (See Categories)• International Listening Awareness
• Noodle Month (See Noodle/Pasta Category)• Non-Fiction Reading & Writing Month
• Nutrition Month
• Optimism Month
• Poetry Month (See idea below)
• Play the Recorder Month
• Spring Month• Umbrella Month (See page bottom)• Poison Prevention Awareness Month

• Music in our School Month! Ideas Here!

• PURPLE DAY IS MARCH 26...Wear purple to support epilepsy awareness worldwide. (Visit Purple Theme Category) 

For more details check out the link: http://www.kidactivities.net/

Preparing a Child to Welcome a New Sibling

by Sandra of "Chockababy" (mamapedia.com)

There is no doubt that babies require full attention when being welcomed into our lives. This certainly can cause some jealousy for siblings, and some very sad faces from the child that now has to share his space, time, and parents. There are many aspects of welcoming a baby that siblings can be not only a part of, but also feel like they are contributing to. Feeling like they are helping in the transition and not being ‘replaced’ by the baby is extremely important.

Here are a few tips to help prepare siblings with welcoming baby:

Talk to your child about your pregnancy. Involve your child in pregnancy news, your growing baby bump, doctor appointments, and all aspects of the growing baby. Children respond well to interesting and informative chats, the miracle of pregnancy can definitely make for an amazing topic.

One of the greatest things your child can do to help you prepare for a baby is to help organize the baby’s new room. Allow for time to bond while preparing your nursery. Kids love feeling productive and helpful, so it’s great when they know they have contributed their ideas and time to their little brother or sister’s new living space.

Hear your child’s opinions on name choices. Choosing a name for baby is a big decision, so gathering their thoughts on the topic, perhaps allowing them to contribute name choices, lets them know you value their opinion.

Talk to your child about the role they play as a big brother or big sister, and even as a role model. Help them understand that you are a loving, growing family, and another baby means more love to go around for everyone.

Make regular weekly play-dates to bond with your older child. Babies can take up so much time of your day, but a sibling should never feel that there is no time for them to have mommy or daddy all to his or her own. Planning alone time, separate from family and baby time, is a great way for kids to fee; secure that they still have that one-on-one time with you.

Invest in literature to help siblings appreciate the meaning of adding a new little life to your family and sharing their world. There is a great collection of children’s books guiding parents and kids to this great adjustment. Going to the library is a great way to read all about the amazing venture they are about to embark on as a big sister or big brother.

Check with your hospital or birthing center about classes for siblings and bonding with baby. These classes, just like touring the hospital and birthing programs, can be very informational and just what you need to learn of more great ways to ease up any tension between siblings.

A child should never feel as if he or she is being replaced. They should all feel loved in their very own way, and the best way to do that is to allow for bonding time from the very beginning. Learning to love, treasure and be there for their siblings is a lifelong lesson that it’s never too early to learn.

Fun & Fit as a Family 2012 - Jungle Island

It was a great Sunday at Fun & Fit as a Family 2012. The annual event designed to bring the South Beach Wine & Food Fest to the munchkin set pairs celeb chefs, cooking demos, sponsor booths, DJs and giveaways aplenty to Jungle Island. Top chefs this year include Rachael Ray (cooking up turkey tacos), Guy Fieri, Jeff Mauro, Rocco, Zimmerman while foodie favorites include Dominos Pizza, Pollo Tropical and Barilla Pasta (this is definitely a commercial affair). Carnival outfitted little ones with temporary tattoos & color-on hats and munchkins feasted on fresh-pressed apple/pineapple/spinach juice and a self-serve frozen yogurt bar.  It was indeed a great event!

Ready for the 2 Legged Race

Guy Fieri

Jeff Mauro

Rachel Ray

Zimmerman

Rocco