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How To Train Your Dragon 2 Toys

There is a lot more cute and interesting merchandise available for this movie. We lamented the failings from the toys for the first movie four years ago. Some of that was fixed as show merchandise came out, but it wasn’t until this movie that things really improved.

Plush toys:
The first movie’s toy line failed here, the plush toys didn’t look anything like the actual movie characters. Come on, stuffed dragons basically sell themselves unless they look ridiculous. And they looked really bad.

The official plush available everywhere are still really bad. Super low quality and mass produced, but at least they look more like the actual characters for this movie.

Small (8 in) and Large (14 in)

This Toothless is from the show line, better but not great:

There is now a plush pillow available, which has the best wings out there but the oddest face:

The best by far for this movie is the Build a Bear Toothless:

The wings are not permanently attached, Toothless wears them like a backpack and you can take them off to dress him up. Why they made this choice I will never know, they have other plush toys with permanently attached wings so it is disappointing but the toy still looks way better than other yet produced.

Unfortunately he is sold out on their website and in most stores, but you can sign up here to be notified when they get a new shipment.

The basic figures are about the same, with new ones for the new dragons. I won’t show those because you can find them in all stores with merchandise for the film.

However, they do have some really cute mini figures for around $6 depending on what store you get them at:

Toothless

Cloud Jumper

Funko Pop also has cute collectible figures, which are for sale at Hot Topic and should be available where other Funko figures are sold.

Toothless

Stormfly

There is also a set of Mystery Mini figures from Funko which are smaller than their regular figure line and come in a closed box so you do not know which one you will get.

Two different versions of Toothless (of four different designs):

Hookfang

Keep an eye out if you want to add to your How To Train Your Dragon collection, there is a lot of new merchandise worth looking into!

-Cola and Fizz

June 19, 2014

How To Train Your Dragon 2 – Review

If you enjoyed the movie How To Train Your Dragon, you need to see the sequel! How To Train Your Dragon 2 is exceptional!

If you never saw the first movie, How To Train Your Dragon is the story of an island town of Vikings plagued by dragon attacks. However, it turns out dragons are much more than they appear. The main story revolves around a viking named Hiccup, the son of the town’s leader, who befriends a powerful and playful dragon which he names Toothless. Their friendship changes everything. It is a story of understanding, growth, friendship and family. Dreamworks did an excellent job on this movie with quality animation and story.

Toothless the Night Fury is simply irresistible, cute for a dragon, and just the right amount of attitude:

The sequel continues that story with the same characters five years later.

Hiccup then and now:

(source)

This movie has more mature themes than the first, but right in line with the aging of the main characters and what life can bring. The movie can make you laugh, cry, and feel triumphant. There are new dragon species in the movie, and the world really expands beyond the main Island of Berk. You can learn more and watch videos on the How To Train Your Dragon website.

I was a bit unsure of what this movie would be, given that sequels are hardly ever as good. This was exceptional, just as good as (if not for some viewers even better than) the first. It was everything I could want from a sequel, especially given that it took 4 years to make. The animation is beautiful, I would say almost Pixar quality.The textures, lighting, scale, and landscapes seem even more real and very well done. The dragons appear as if they are flying, and the scale differences between them never seem unbelievable. If dragons are in scenes with humans talking front and center they will be doing interesting things in the background, a very nice touch. Toothless has even more personality and you learn even more about Night Furies. I loved the movie and went into not knowing too much so I don’t want to ruin any of the actual story, you will just have to see it to find out even more!

I also wanted to note that I saw the movie twice, once on a regular screen and once on IMAX, both were 3D. It is worth it to see the movie on a larger screen! The 3D is also very nice, it adds to the perception of the landscapes, flights, and action rather than taking away from it or utilizing cheap gags to make it “worth” the experience.

Go see How To Train Your Dragon 2, I don’t think you will be disappointed!

Our Review Score: 4.9/5 paws

– Cola and Fizz

Never saw the first movie? You can buy it now on Amazon (DVD or Blu-ray):
<br />

June 15, 2014

entertainment fun movies No comments Cola and Fizz

2014 Belmont Stakes Saturday

The Belmont Stakes, the final race in the illusive Triple Crown, is this Saturday June 7! You can watch on NBC, the live coverage starts at 4:30 but I think the actual race takes place around 6 pm. On NBC sports you can see a show about California Chrome at noon, and then race day coverage from 2:30 on until post race coverage at 7.

Can California Chrome make racing history? Many horses have won the first two races only to fail to win the third and longest.

Chrome at Belmont Park:

(Jason Szenes/EPA)

There are 11 horses in the race, some of which have been contenders against California Chrome since the Kentucky Derby. Wicked Strong is back for a second race against Chrome, and Ride on Curlin and General a Rod are back for their third go. Chrome will be running from the number 2 post position, which is sort of unfavorable (5 is the most favored) but the race is one of the longest, with the widest turns, and fewer horses than other races. Maybe even more important, Secretariat ran from an inside post position when he won the Belmont Stakes (even though he only had to beat 4 other horses no one is disputing his raw strength and ability).

Wicked Strong is a favorite to steal the win from Chrome because he is more fresh, placed well in his past two races, and has run best in New York. Ride on Curlin finished second to Chrome in the Preakness, who took the most favored post position number 5, could also pose a big threat. No one should forget Commanding Curve either, he raced against Chrome in the Kentucky Derby and finished in second place. The newcomer to the race which poses the biggest threat to Chrome is Tonalist, who won the Peter Pan Stakes at Belmont Park, which has historically indicated a horse prime to place well in the Belmont Stakes.

Tonalist:

(Chelsea Durand/NYRA)

Everything is uncertain at this point, I want Chrome to win but he has some impressive competition. It all comes down to race day, don’t forget to watch!

Interested in picking up some official California Chrome merchandise? I had no idea you could get such items, but given his popularity and the chance for a Triple Crown I am guessing this stuff is selling! Find it at the Belmont Stakes store here.

– Cola

June 5, 2014

entertainment Events fun horses No comments Cola and Fizz

Dolphin Tale 2

Dolphin Tale 2, the sequel to the first movie about Winter the tail-less dolphin, will be in theaters September 19, 2014!

(wikipedia)

Here is the preview:

Another Dolphin Tale movie?!? The first movie was very inspiring, and I expect the same of the second. The original featured the story of Winter the dolphin who lost her tail, the people who went to great lengths to save her, and those who were inspired by them all.

Dolphin Tale 2 will also have Winter in it, but will feature the story of another rescued baby dolphin named Hope. Both were rescued by the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, and both can be visited there! It is also the principle filming location for the dolphins. Winter played herself in the first Dolphin Tale and will return for the sequel. Hope will also play herself in the upcoming movie. More amazing still, Hope came to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium during the wrap up of the Dolphin Tale movie. She was injured and separated from her mother, found in same area where Winter was previously discovered.

Here is Winter without the prosthetic tail designed specifically for her:

Here she is wearing the new tail:

(Barcroft Media)

And here is Hope with Winter – Hope is the one with a full tail:

(DEMASKE/Times)

I am really looking forward to seeing this movie!

If you live anywhere near Clearwater or are going their for vocation maybe consider visiting the Clearwater Marine Aquarium to visit these two dolphins!

– Cola

Also, if you have not seen the first Dolphin Tale I highly suggest it. Inspiring and heartwarming.

<br />

May 8, 2014

entertainment fun movies News No comments Cola and Fizz

140th Kentucky Derby Winner

There were many great horses trying for the chance to wear the roses today at Churchill Downs. Only one can be the winner!

Today’s winner is:
California Chrome

(Getty Images)

Second place: Commanding Curve

Third place: Danza

Fourth place: Wicked Strong

May 3, 2014

Events fun horses No comments Cola and Fizz

Kentucky Derby is Tomorrow

The 140th Kentucky Derby race is tomorrow May 3! This famous horse race takes place at Churchill Downs and lasts for only a couple minutes. The winning horse is guaranteed at least $2 million. Post time is 6:24 pm EST, but coverage begins at 4 for you to enjoy on NBC.

The Kentucky Derby is the first of the three Triple Crown races, with the Preakness and Belmont stakes following soon after. It has been 36 years since the last TC winner – Affirmed in 1978. Will we see a Triple Crown winner this year? It is very early to say, so lets take a look at some of this years best KD contenders.

California Chrome

(Wall Street Journal)

California Chrome is the horse to beat this Derby! He is the favorite, and it is reportedly his race to lose. He has won his last four races by a combined total margin of 24 lengths. His odds are doing so well now that if he goes to race with them he will be the biggest favorite to win a derby since Big Brown in 2008. He is an impressive animal, with strength to go and hopefully strength to finish this long and fast paced race. His jockey is Victor Espinoza, who won the Derby in 2002 on War Emblem. He also drew a perfect starting position at position 5. Of course, rarely does a favorite actually win the Derby and moreover it is his first race outside of California. How will California Chrome run in Kentucky?

Wicked Strong

(Boston Magazine)

Wicked Strong comes from Boston and was named in the wake of the Boston Marathon bombing. The name Boston Strong was already taken, so this little guy received the appropriate Wicked Strong. If he wins, his owners will donate 5% of his winnings to The One Fund (which helps those affected by the bombing). What gives him a good chance at the Derby? His last race at the Wood Memorial was a sort of come from behind win, giving him a reputation for being able to rally at the end. Will the spirit and strength of Boston, and some come from behind speed, be the ticket to win this year? I do hope he places well!

Danza

(courier journal)

Danza is the winner of the Arkansas Derby creating quite a buzz for his chances at winning the Derby. Danza entered that race with 40-1 odds because it was the first time he ever ran over 7/8 of a mile and he had spent a few months recovering from a knee injury. He stayed in the leading pack the entire race and pulled off a 4 3/4 lengths win. He is a sprinter, muscular and tough. And yes, he is named after Tony Danza who tweeted with excitement about the horse’s win in Arkansas and plans to attend the Derby. Given such a strong recent performance, and how well he is training at the moment, he is a possible favorite to win.

Intense Holiday

(SB Nation)

Intense Holiday also has very good odds to win this year. He has eight races before this one, impressive given how little many of these horses run before this race. He is good when he has to work to win, keeping back a bit and then making the effort towards the end. He has placed well in his last three races. And while not truly exemplary, his stamina and strength may be just is called for tomorrow.

Samraat

(Kansas City)

Samraat has had an impressive 6 races, coming in second only once to Wicked Strong. He can go the distance, winning even as he raced longer and harder races. He can pace well, and fight well. He could be a good contender to take the win tomorrow from the more favored California Chrome.

And one final horse, one I like for his name:
Uncle Sigh

(Newsday)

Yes, Uncle Sigh is named after Uncle Si on the show Duck Dynasty. Love Uncle Si! So crazy to listen to, the uncle you always wanted to have. Anyways, his name is not spelled correctly because his owner did not want to go through everything you need to do to get the permission to use a living person’s name. Uncle Sigh has not been unimpressive in his races, but he did not place well in the last race he ran because he did not get a great start and was forced to run wide. For the Derby he will be in position 3, so he might actually have a very good chance to run the race the way he excels. Could Crazy Uncle Sigh win this Derby?

Watch the Kentucky Derby tomorrow on NBC!

May 2, 2014

Events fun horses No comments Cola and Fizz

Eating Out With Stuffed Animals?

Japan has a culture that supports all things cute! The Moomin Cafe lets solo diners sit with large stuffed animals at their tables to keep them company!

Our owner does not go out to eat by herself that often, but this must make the experience more fun! Definitely something to talk about later and take pictures of when a solo meal would have been otherwise uneventful.

Take a look:

(RocketNews/Twitter)

Moomin Cafe is a themed restaurant, based on a Finnish book series about hippopotamus like creatures, also known as Moomin, by author Tove Jansson. Some of the main characters:

(Screengrab/RocketNews)

There are nine books total in the series. The main character of the Moomin series of books and comic strips is Moomintroll, who lives with his father (moominpappa) and mother (moominmamma). There is also a host of other characters. The books and comics have inspired different tv series including one popular in Japan, animated movies, and a children’s theme park called Moomin World.

Diners have been flocking to the restaurant and many pictures have been posted online of patrons with their stuffed animal friends, and often just the stuffed animals themselves.

Here are tables with stuffed animals awaiting new human freinds:

(RocketNews/Twitter)

A diner’s picture of their stuffed animal enjoying some dessert:

(Instagram)

A stuffed friend across the table with themed table covering:

(Twitter/RocketNews)

The walls are covered in drawings from the series, so too are the table cloths. Even the food is themed to fit with the book series:

(Twitter/RocketNews)

Love this idea (but it needs more guinea pigs)! This is a unique restaurant concept, and with a theme more easy to relate to (Disney etc) it could work in the US. It is interesting and family friendly. The restaurant could even have a way to buy the large stuffed animals as well.

– Cola and Fizz

All photos from the Business Insider

April 30, 2014

food fun No comments Cola and Fizz

The Butter End Cakery

I recently saw a few of the The Butter End Cakery’s creations and wanted to feature the business in a post!

The Butter End creates amazing unique cakes and chocolate sculptures (plus a lot more)! You may have heard of this bakery before, they have done a couple high profile cakes for celebrities. The company specializes in high end cakes and desserts, using only the finest ingredients like cage free eggs and real vanilla bean extract. Cake flavors range from Vanilla to Blueberry Walnut, and some can even come gluten free or vegan. Custom cake prices start at $250 and sculpted cakes start at $500. They are located in Santa Monica CA, if you are in the area and are in need of cake or dessert for a special occasion check them out.

Little dragon birthday cake:

A pug gets a chance to help celebrate:

Such a neat way to include your dog! This is funny and minimal. You can have an elegant cake that does not only feature your dog, but still includes them for your special day!

Chocolate Mammoth sculpture:

Here is the full sculpture, not necessarily cute but definitely amazing:

Another chocolate sculpture of dinosaurs:

(all above pictures from thebutterend on Instagram)

Kermit the Frog:

(The Butter End)
This is a groom’s cake and the body is all edible cake.

Baby elephant shower cake:

(The Butter End)
The little elephant looks like a real stuffed animal!

White dragon wedding cake:

(The Butter End)
This beautiful white dragon is made of 9 and a half pounds of white modeling chocolate! Even the lace wings are edible. This cake is so elegant and charming even with it being a dragon on a wedding cake! You can see a video of the cakes creation here.

A little different angle, with different lighting:

(thebutterend)
You can see all the little details in the scales and face.

To learn ever more The Butter End Cakery, or to inquire about getting a cake, please see their website here.

April 15, 2014

art Events food fun No comments Cola and Fizz

Squirrel Pictures!

Mary Krupa, a student at Penn State University, befriended a squirrel on campus she calls Sneezy. For treats, Sneezy will sit with tiny paper hats on his head and pose with props for photos! Sneezy even has a Facebook page – Sneezy the Penn State Squirrel.

Squirrels easily adapt to “begging” and taking food from people (especially on college campuses), but they usually are not this compliant or tame.

Check out some pictures of Sneezy:

At a picnic:

Joker for April Fools:

Squirrel Appreciation day:
It must have been difficult to get this hat to stay on with the fuzzy stuff on the brim. Genius idea though!

Halloween costume of Frankenstein’s Monster:

The little “shoes” make this even more adorable! The plastic pumpkin is a very nice touch.

Cowboy:

I love the idea of papercraft for light outfit props that can easily be shaken off and do no damage to the animal. Look at those adorable boots!

All of these photos and more can be seen on Sneezy’s facebook page here. Like Sneezy’s page to see future pictures and to show your support!

We here at FT think that we might be trying on some papercraft hats in the near future. I mean, it would be far better than some things our human has made us try on…

– Cola and Fizz

April 3, 2014

fun funny squirrel No comments Cola and Fizz

Awesome Google April Fools’ Day Jokes

Even if you didn’t enjoy my Cabbit joke, Google always has awesome April Fools’ Day jokes! This year was no different. Here were my favorites:

1. Google maps Pokemon Challenge

Here is a video that explains how they planned to hire the Pokemon Master who was able to complete the challenge of finding digital Pokemon hidden all over the world. Of course, technology is not advanced enough for this to really happen. But it does look like fun!

Google actually put 150 different Pokemon all over the world on their map application and allowed users to search for them and “catch” them. Each catch updated your Pokedex, so you could see which ones you found.

Here are screen shots of a Pokemon on the map and what catching it looked like:

Here is what your Pokedex looked like once you caught all 150 Pokemon:

2. Emoji Translation for Chrome
Have you ever wanted to translate everything you type into picture Emoji? You know, those little face pictures that convey meaning like happy, sad, excited, etc. I have not either, but the concept is really funny:

3. Chromecast for Squirrels
Squirrels can now use Google’s Chromecast device to stream videos, movies, and more with new paw friendly technology:

I loved this one, I mean squirrel superheros?!

4. Google Apps for Business Dogs
This one was my second favorite! Apps just for your dog so they can participate in doing business too, how useful! And of course the dog they feature in the video is simply adorable.

April 2, 2014

fun funny No comments Cola and Fizz

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