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!

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

Hiccup then and now:
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(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.

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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!

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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.

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

Our Review Score: 4.9/5 paws
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– Cola and Fizz

 

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

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Wednesday Woof! – Golden Retriever Puppies

Another Wednesday, another Woof!

An organization which helps rescue Golden Retrievers did this photo shoot as a way to show off the adorableness of the breed (as if they needed any help):

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(reddit)

golden retriever puppies are simply perfect, but I am glad that there are organizations helping any in need.

Have a great rest of the week!

-Cola

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No Triple Crown This Year

Did you watch the disappointing Belmont Stakes race? For another year there is no Triple Crown winner.

Tonalist won:
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(BostInno)

It was clear that California Chrome just didn’t have what it took to make it to the end. He finished a very disappointing 4th. Was it the injury he sustained to his foot? Did he really just not have the power? And more, what of his owner’s attitude on the loss? The first and second place horses were both fresh to the competition and had placed the same way at the last race they both ran on the same course. Sure, it would be quite a different race if no new horses competed for these three races. It is much different to push a horse so much in so few weeks while having them compete with fresh animals who have experienced no such stress. And while that might be a way to see more Triple Crown winners, the sport has never been that way. If a horse can manage with all the stress and competition they are truly worthy of their title but if they only raced only the same horses it would be less of an accomplishment. I think the words of Chrome’s owner have overshadowed Chrome’s actual accomplishments and place a negative light on the whole thing. We must lose with grace and dignity, and it isn’t like Chrome is done earning them money. They are probably set, and Chrome will never be anything less than a champion.

– Fizz

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Backyard Deer

This doe was wandering around our backyard! The human took the time to take pictures of this creature instead of feeding us more treats. How dare she?! Whitetail deer are interesting, but guinea pigs need treats on demand.

Well, we must share the pictures so here they are:
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She was eating and wondering peacefully before being bothered by this red winged blackbird which flew into her back:
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She seems confused as it passes by and perches in a nearby tree:
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She decides to go investigate:
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And seems generally interested in the bird!
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Then it flew up again and she got scared and ran:
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Our owner loves these “majestic” creatures (her words, not ours).

-Cola and Fizz

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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:
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(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:
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(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.
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– Cola

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Wednesday Woof: Pomeranian Dino

What, a Wednesday Woof that is actually posted on Wednesday?!? It has been a while since that happened but my human reminded me today.

Here is a Pomeranian dressed as a dinosaur, looking at an adorable stuffed dinosaur:
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(reddit)

*Rawr means I love you in Dinosaur*

That is Boo of course, the adorable Pom with many cute pictures out there. I just loved this one for making something not really cute (dinos) into something fuzzy and irresistable. If you want to see more of Boo, you can follow him on facebook here.

– Fizz

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Animal Friendships: Mr. G and Jellybean

Have you seen the news story about the goat Mr. G and the burro Jellybean?

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(Animal Place)

Mr. G and Jellybean were rescued from a neglectful owner in Southern California who kept them in a tiny pen without shade and with little water and food. However, the rescue did not make them happier. The animals were separated and taken to different rescue centers. Mr. G was healthy but perplexed staff when he lied down in a corner of his enclosure and refused to move or eat for six days.

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(Animal Place)

The staff at Animal Place quickly realized that he was grieving the loss of his female friend Jellybean and decided to do something about it. One of their volunteers drove for hours to retrieve Jellybean from the rescue center she was at and brought her to Mr. G. The goat instantly brightened up, acted excited, and soon began to eat again. Watch the video below to see how excited the friends were to be reunited. Mr. G and Jellybean will never be separated again!


(Animal Place/First Spark Media)

This story demonstrates that animals do form friendships, or at least bonds strong enough to deserve to be called friendship. Mr. G was willing to go without food, possibly to starve to death, over losing Jellybean. I admire the animal sanctuary workers who took it upon themselves to make the situation right and reunite the pair.

Animal Place is a sanctuary in California that rescues farm animals from all types of farming situations (which they house and/or adopt out) and to educate the public about these animals and their needs. They have a 600 acre sanctuary in Grass Valley CA and a 60 acre animal shelter in Vacaville CA. The sanctuary in Grass Valley is a forever home for rescued animals and a great place to visit. You can go see the approximately 300 animal residents and learn about what happens to many animals in the farming industry (they do promote a vegan lifestyle, so be aware that they don’t support animal farming in any way for food). The animal shelter in Vacaville is called Rescue Ranch and there they rescue, rehabilitate and then re-home farm animals. They focus on chicken rescue by working with egg farmers to provide a life for chickens after they stop laying instead of slaughter for meat. This shelter is not open to the public. Animal Place fits into a unique place to help animals that previously had few supporters. Check out their website for more information or pay them a visit if you live in or will be near Grass Valley CA.

-Fizz

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Wednesday Woof – Puppy Ears Edition

Wednesday is here, or it was yesterday, and you should look at this puppy just because:

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(imgur)

Look at those ears! There is no way to resist a face that adorable, unless you like guinea pigs more…Then it might be easy. And for the record guinea pigs are not good at keeping track of what day of the week it is, our human is supposed to be on top of that.

-Fizz

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Preakness Stakes Winner

The 2014 winner of the Preakness is California Chrome!

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(Tommy Gilligan/USA Today)

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(Mitch Stringer/USA Today)

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(Winslow Townson/USA Today)

There is a chance for a Triple Crown this year! Only 11 have ever been able to win all three races, so the odds are stacked against California Chrome, but he has proven to be a great horse. Three weeks until the next race the Belmont Stakes, Saturday June 7.

2nd: Ride on Curlin

3rd: Social Inclusion

4th: General A Rod

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