Beantown Review

Boston's Digital Lifestyle & Consumer Tech Site

  • Technology
    • For the Home
    • Computing
      • Hardware
      • Software
    • Automotive Tech
  • Sight & Sound
    • HDTV, 4K & Beyond
      • For Your Eyes Only
    • Hear This
      • Headphones
      • Speakers
    • Lights, Camera
  • Mobility
    • Apps
    • Phones & Phablets
    • Case Protection
    • Laptops
    • Wearables
    • Apparel & Bags
  • Beantown Gaming
    • Consoles
    • Gaming Hardware
    • Game Reviews
  • Entertainment
    • The Interviews
    • Blu-Ray Releases
    • Film Reviews
    • Digital Hollywood
      • Cable TV
      • Network TV
      • Streaming Services
    • Kool Stuff
    • Ping Pong Time
    • Toying Around
  • Lifestyle
    • Clothing
  • Giveaways
You are here: Home / 2018 / Archives for December 2018

Archives for December 2018

Book Review: Absolutely Everything! A History of Earth, Dinosaurs, Rulers, Robots …

12/19/2018 By Hakan Can

Absolutely Everything History Book Review

It’s that time of year again. Parents (and other family members) are searching for (and buying) what to give their kids during this holiday season. Enter British Author Christopher Lloyd, who back in October introduced his latest children’s history book titled “Absolutely Everything! A History of Earth, Dinosaurs, Rulers, Robots and Other Things To Numerous to Mention.” This is arguably the longest title of any book we’ve seen in recent memory. Is Absolutely Everything the right history book for your kids? Let’s find out.

Absolutely Everything! A History of Earth, Dinosaurs, Rulers, Robots and Other Things To Numerous to Mention

Christopher Lloyd’s book is comprised of 15 chapters spanning some 330 pages. Fourteen are dedicated to science and history, with the final chapter covering more personal interests of the author. Upon opening the book, you’ll notice that the type font is large and legible, and the use of colors and imagery is prolific.

Absolutely Everything History Book Review

This book is aimed at kids aged 10-14, principally those in 6th through 9th grades. I can attest to this as most of what’s covered in the first 14 chapters was taught to yours truly when in those grades. Lloyd’s telling of history is a general one, nothing too specific or wordy. One might even say that the wording was typed while wearing kid gloves.

The first third of this book is devoted to science, what we think we collectively know or is generally accepted about this planet, the solar system, and the universe. Reading these chapters brought back memories of my 7th-8th-grade science class taught by Mr. Young.

Now, while this has nothing to do with the book, what I remember most about Mr. Young was his occasionally eccentric behavior. A few weeks before Halloween and Fools Day, he would start growing a beard. Then on those holidays, he would arrive at school with one side of his beard shaved clean off all-the-while dressed as former pro tennis player Chris Evert. It was a sight to behold.

The second half of the book covers the history of the world as we know it. There’s no more guessing thanks to the creation of written (translatable) language. Topics covered here are early civilizations that have come and gone, wrapping up with the middle ages.

The final third of the book covers the last 700 years of our existence.

Any of these chapters could fill up a 330-page book on their own. In fact, there are thousands of such books available at our disposal. This book is meant to wet the appetite for further learning. If a particular chapter excites you, let’s say the one on dinosaurs, then you pick a book on dinosaurs. I recommend Ultimate Dinopedia from Nat Geo Kids.

What I like about this book.

Absolutely Everything kicks off with a bang, literally a ‘big bang.’ This is the topic covered in the first chapter “Nothing to Something.” These first 20 pages are dedicated to the formation of the universe as well as this very planet.

This is followed by the sea creatures from hundreds of millions of years ago that made their way onto land, leading up to the dinosaurs. Do you know a child who isn’t interested in dinosaurs? I can’t think of one.

I recall from my childhood wanting to be a paleontologist when I grew up. So that dream never came to true; regardless, I’m still fascinated by these creatures that walked the earth hundreds of millions of years ago.

Absolutely Everything History Book Review

What you read here should complement what you’ve already learned in your junior high public school science courses.

Those of you who believe in the teachings of the flat earth society, unintelligent design, or some other theory won’t like these initial 3 or 4 chapters. You need not worry as the book is about to jump into the recorded history of man.

This book takes you from the early Mesopotamian and Egyptian civilizations to the Greeks, the Romans, across continents to the Americas and China. It covers the rise and fall on numerous civilizations and their lasting impact on the world. In fact, I was a bit surprised that it covered Chinese and Islamic history.

The book wraps up with the age of exploration, peoples and industrial revolutions, and then into global conflicts such as WWII. Sadly, as we all know, wars didn’t end with that one.

What I don’t like about this book

The title and the cover of the Absolutely Everything are unappealing. The title is unnecessarily lengthy, and the cover is poorly designed. A lot more thought should have gone into both.

Regrettably, this book couldn’t be called History of the World, Part I, as this title has already been used by the great Mel Brooks.

Perform a title search under “Absolutely Everything” on any number of web browsers. You’ll come up with results that have nothing to do with this particular book. In fact, you’ll quickly learn that numerous books begin with these same two words. Unfortunately for the publisher, this leads to plenty of needless confusion.

Additionally, the book could have done without most, if not all of the simple illustrations.

Absolutely Everything History Book Review

I get it, this is an introductory kid’s history and science book. More often than not, visual indicators are more compelling than words, but there are millions of terrific photographs in numerous image libraries available to choose from. Unmistakably, there are photographs in Absolutely Everything. All I’m suggesting here is that I would have preferred more of them.

Chapter 15 is a tough one to wrap my head around. I’m my opinion, it’s the only chapter worth skipping, stapling together, or outright removing from the book. It’s a departure from the previous 14 chapters and is full of what I believe are the author’s favored personal beliefs. Had I written a chapter on post World War II history and science, it would have actually focused on these subjects of history and science, and not reached into environmentalism, social views, and yes, mind-shaping. Rather than teaching, the author appears to be leading young minds in a narrow direction focusing on enlisting or recruiting to his ideas. For a chapter illustrated with an image of a robot, how about we stick to a chapter on robotics and the digital revolution.

Most kids under 10 don’t know a world before the advent of the smartphone.

Final Thoughts

You don’t have to be a teen to read this book. It’s a useful refresher for those of us long out of junior high school.

Is Absolutely Everything! A History of Earth, Dinosaurs, Rulers, Robots and Other Things To Numerous to Mention the best children’s history book of 2018? This is a question best answered after completing this and a few other books.

Absolutely Everything makes for a fitting gift regardless of holiday or occasion. It lists for $22, but you can get it on Amazon.com for 30% less at under $15. A link has been provided below.

• Follow What on Earth Books on Twitter
• Follow What on Earth Books on Facebook
• Follow What on Earth Books on YouTube

• Follow Beantown on Twitter
• Follow Beantown on Facebook
• Follow Beantown on Instagram

Don’t hesitate to head over to the What on Earth Books website to see their other learning product offerings. For more information, feel free to click their About Us page.

FTC Disclosure: What on Earth Books provided Beantown LLC with one (1) sample copy of Absolutely Everything for review purposes. This writer’s opinion is 100% his own and is not a paid product ambassador.

All photographs are the copyrighted property of Beantown LLC and/or What on Earth Books © 2018.

Filed Under: Entertainment 12/20/2018

Mezco Toyz One:12 Collective Green Lantern John Stewart Figure

12/15/2018 By Hakan Can

Green Lantern John Stewart figure

Available for shipment sometime between May and July 2019 comes the latest deluxe figure from the folks at Mezco Toyz, the One:12 Collective Green Lantern John Stewart figure. As seen in the Green Lantern comic books and DC Universe cartoons, this Green Lantern John Stewart figure is the newest DC Comics character to be added to the Mezco Toyz roster of DC Universe deluxe figures.

Green Lantern John Stewart figure
Green Lantern John Stewart figure

Read:   Mezco Toyz One:12 Collective Batman Sovereign Knight Onyx Figure

Is this the Best Green Lantern Figure of 2019?

Per the press release, “John Stewart – architect, U.S. Marine veteran, intergalactic guardian, and hero. After his service in the Marines, John Stewart was selected by the Guardians to be inducted into the Green Lantern Corps, bear the power ring, and protect Sector 2814 where his home planet, Earth, is located. An active member of the Justice League, Stewart stands along side the other great heroes of the DC Universe to uphold justice and protect his planet, sector, and fellow man against the powers of evil.”

“Intergalactic guardian of Sector 2814, John Stewart, is presented in his Green Lantern Corps uniform – intricately detailed and featuring a 3D chest insignia. Included is a real light-up Power Battery lantern as used by the Green Lantern Corps to recharge their power rings. Activate the light-up feature by placing the right fisted hand in the recess of the lantern.”

Should you happen to attend New York Comic Con or Toy Fair NY in 2019, head over to the Mezco Toyz booth and check out their current and future lines of figures and dolls. You’ll like what you see so much, that you’ll want to buy something right then and there.

The Green Lantern – John Stewart joins the One:12 Collective with a detailed outfit and portrait sculpture.

Scheduled for shipment in May-July 2019, pricing is set at $80 per unit + freight so pre-order today. Figures are deliverable only within the USA.

Green Lantern John Stewart figure
Green Lantern John Stewart figure

Read:   Avengers Assemble! The Black Panther Figure from Mezco Toyz

Mezco Toyz One:12 Collective Green Lantern John Stewart Figure

Exclusive
• Two (2) head portraits
• Over 32 points of articulation
• Hand painted authentic detailing
• Approx. 17 cm tall

Features
• Eleven (11) interchangeable hands including:
• One (1) pair of fists (left & right)
• One (1) pair of posing hands (left & right)
• One (1) pair of flying hands (left & right)
• One (1) lantern holding hand (left)
• One (1) smoking ring effect hand (right)
• One (1) star ring effect hand (right)
• One (1) blast ring effect hand (right)
• One (1) shield ring effect hand (right)

Green Lantern John Stewart figure
Green Lantern John Stewart figure

Read:   Introducing the Mezco One 12 Deadpool Action Figure

John Stewart Costume and Accessories

Costume
• Fitted suit with 3D chest insignia
• Wrist gauntlets
• Combat gloves
• Mid-calf boots

Accessories
• Power Battery with ring activated light-up function
• Energy Ball FX
• One (1) One:12 Collective display base with logo
• One (1) One:12 Collective adjustable display post

Green Lantern John Stewart figure
Green Lantern John Stewart figure

Read:   Mezco Toyz One:12 Collective Iron Man Armor Model 42 Figure

The Wrap

Per the folks at Mezco Toyz, “each figure is packaged in a deluxe, collector friendly box designed with collectors in mind.”

If you’re a collector of deluxe action figures or a fan of anything Green Lantern Corps, this Mezco One: 12 Collective Green lantern John Stewart figure is perfect for you. Don’t hesitate to check out the Mezco Toyz DC Universe page to see the latest DC Comics character announcements.

Follow Mezco Toyz and Beantown on any of the following social media platforms:

• Follow MezcoToyz on Twitter
• Follow MezcoToyz on Facebook
• Follow MezcoToyz on Instagram

• Follow Beantown on Twitter
• Follow Beantown on Facebook
• Follow Beantown on Instagram

FTC Disclosure: This writer is not a paid product ambassador for Mezco Toyz. I just love their stuff.

All photographs are the copyrighted property of Mezco Toyz © 2018-2019.

Read:   Introducing the Mezco One 12 Punisher Action Figure

Filed Under: Toying Around Tagged With: Action Figure, DC Comics, DC Universe, Green Lantern, John Stewart, Mezco Toyz, Toy Fair NY 12/15/2018

Mezco Toyz One:12 Collective Batman Sovereign Knight Onyx Figure

12/14/2018 By Hakan Can

Mezco Batman Sovereign Knight Onyx Figure

Available for shipment sometime between February and April 2019 comes the latest deluxe figure from the folks at Mezco Toyz, the One:12 Collective Batman Sovereign Knight Onyx Edition figure. As seen in the Batman comic books, DC Universe films, and many other formats, this Batman Sovereign Knight Onyx figure is the newest DC Comics character to be added to the Mezco Toyz roster of DC Universe deluxe figures.

Mezco Batman Sovereign Knight Onyx Figure
Mezco Batman Sovereign Knight Onyx Figure

Read:   Mezco Toyz One:12 Collective Cable Action Figure

Is this the Best Batman Figure of 2019?

Per the press release, “Using the tools and knowledge he has acquired since starting his war on crime, in combination with his upgraded arsenal, the Sovereign Knight is ready to take on the most dangerous of Gotham’s criminals.”

“The One:12 Collective Batman: Sovereign Knight – Onyx Edition features exclusively designed Bat-Suit body armor detail and a reinforced breast plate bat insignia. The Caped Crusader comes loaded with Bat-Gadgets including a Bat-Drone and Sonic Disruptor.”

Should you happen to attend New York Comic Con or Toy Fair NY in 2019, head over to the Mezco Toyz booth and check out their current and future lines of figures and dolls. You’ll like what you see so much, that you’ll want to buy something right then and there.

Batman: Sovereign Knight Onyx joins the One:12 Collective with a detailed outfit and portrait sculpture.

Scheduled for shipment in Feb-April 2019, pricing is set at $80 per unit + freight so pre-order today. Figures are deliverable only within the USA.

Mezco Batman Sovereign Knight Onyx Figure
Mezco Batman Sovereign Knight Onyx Figure

Read:   Avengers Assemble! The Black Panther Figure from Mezco Toyz

Mezco Toyz One:12 Collective Batman Sovereign Knight Onyx Edition

Exclusive
• Four (4) head portraits
• Over 30 points of articulation
• Hand painted authentic detailing
• Approx. 17 cm tall

Features
• Nine (9) interchangeable hands including:
• One (1) pair of fists (left & right)
• One (1) pair of posing hands (left & right)
• One (1) pair of gun holding hands (left & right)
• One (1) pair of batarang holding hands (left & right)
• One (1) kryptonite knuckle duster (right)

Mezco Batman Sovereign Knight Onyx Figure
Mezco Batman Sovereign Knight Onyx Figure

Read:   Introducing the Mezco One 12 Deadpool Action Figure

Batman Sovereign Knight Costume and Accessories

Costume
• Cowled Head
• Chest insignia
• Leather-like cape
• Fitted suit with body armor detail
• SAP gloves
• Utility belt with grappling gun holster
• Tactical boots

Accessories
• Ten (10) small batarangs
• One (1) large batarang
• One (1) bat-drone
• One (1) sonic distributor
• One (1) grappling gun
• One (1) grappling hook (inserts into gun)
• One (1) grappling hook with string attached (inserts into gun)

Mezco Batman Sovereign Knight Onyx Figure
Mezco Batman Sovereign Knight Onyx Figure

Read:   Mezco Toyz One:12 Collective Iron Man Armor Model 42 Figure

The Wrap

Per the folks at Mezco Toyz, “each figure is packaged in a deluxe, collector friendly box designed with collectors in mind.”

If you’re a collector of Batman figures or a fan of anything in the Gotham City/DC Universe, this Mezco One: 12 Collective Batman Sovereign Knight Onyx Edition figure is perfect for you. Don’t hesitate to check out the Mezco Toyz DC Universe page to see the latest DC Comics character announcements.

Follow Mezco Toyz and Beantown on any of the following social media platforms:

• Follow MezcoToyz on Twitter
• Follow MezcoToyz on Facebook
• Follow MezcoToyz on Instagram

• Follow Beantown on Twitter
• Follow Beantown on Facebook
• Follow Beantown on Instagram

FTC Disclosure: This writer is not a paid product ambassador for Mezco Toyz. I just love their stuff.

All photographs are the copyrighted property of Mezco Toyz © 2018-2019.

Read:   Introducing the Mezco One 12 Punisher Action Figure

Filed Under: Toying Around Tagged With: Action Figure, Batman, Batman Sovereign Knight, DC Comics, DC Universe, Mezco Toyz, Toy Fair NY 12/15/2018

First Man 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and DVD Release Date Announced

12/12/2018 By Hakan Can

First Man 4K Ultra HD release date

Available this coming January on store shelves and online everywhere comes First Man from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. The First Man movie Blu-ray™ + DVD + Digital HD release date as well as that for the 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray™ + Digital combo pack is set for January 22, 2019. The film is available on January 8th on Digital format. List pricing has been set at $23 for the Blu-ray™ + DVD and $34 for the 4K Ultra HD combo pack. If you shop at Amazon, you’ll probably pay less than these prices.

First Man Blu-ray release date

Universal’s First Man Blu-ray Release Date is set for January 22

PRESS RELEASE

Per the press release: “Follow the gripping and captivating true story of the first manned mission to the moon in FIRST MAN, arriving on Digital and via the digital movie app Movies Anywhere on January 8, 2019 and on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray™, DVD and On Demand on January 22, 2019 from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. FIRST MAN comes from acclaimed Oscar®-winning director Damien Chazelle (La La Land, Whiplash) and stars Ryan Gosling (La La Land, The Big Short) as Neil Armstrong and Claire Foy (“The Crown,” Breathe) as Janet Armstrong in the heroic and emotionally driven journey through a pivotal moment in the history of mankind. Receiving two Golden Globe® nominations for Best Supporting Actress (Foy) and Best Original Score (Justin Hurwitz), the critically acclaimed film is packed with bonus features including deleted scenes and special featurettes showing behind-the-scenes looks at creating the film.”

“Based on the book First Man: The Life of Neil A. Armstrong by James R. Hansen and from visionary filmmaker Damien Chazelle, FIRST MAN is the riveting story behind the first manned mission to the moon, focusing on Neil Armstrong and the decade leading to the historic Apollo 11 flight. A visceral and intimate account told from Armstrong’s perspective, the film explores the triumphs and the cost—on Armstrong, his family, his colleagues and the nation itself—of one of the most dangerous missions in history.”

“The critically acclaimed FIRST MAN comes from legendary executive producer Steven Spielberg (Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, Schindler’s List) alongside fellow executive producers Adam Merims and Josh Singer with a screenplay by Singer allowing audiences to relive the historic achievement in human history that has never been told cinematically. The film is “filled with outstanding performances from an all-star cast led by Gosling and Foy alongside an incredible roster of supporting talent including Kyle Chandler, Jason Clarke, Corey Stoll, Pablo Schreiber, Christopher Abbot,  and Ciarán Hinds.”

TRAILER

Read:   Halloween Movie Release Date Announced for 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, DVD

BONUS FEATURES

  • Deleted Scenes
  • Shooting for the Moon – Take an intimate look at the production of FIRST MAN and the collaborative relationship between Director Damien Chazelle and Ryan Gosling.
  • Preparing to Launch – It’s difficult to believe that FIRST MAN is the first major feature film to tell the journey to Apollo 11. Hear from Director Damien Chazelle and his cast why now is the time to tell the story of this historic event.
  • Giant Leap in One Small Step – A heroic character study, FIRST MAN sheds light on all the hard working individuals that got us to the moon and back.
  • Mission Gone Wrong – Watch as Ryan Gosling reenacts a test piloting sequence gone terribly wrong. Go behind the scenes to see how he trained to nail the landing, performing the majority of his own stunts.
  • Putting You In the Seat – Through the use of innovative technology, most of FIRST MAN was shot in-camera. Take an in-depth look behind the lens of this epic film.
  • Recreating the Moon Landing – Filmed in IMAX to show the vastness of the moon, find out all that it took to recreate the most famous moment in NASA history.
  • Shooting at NASA – Hear from Ryan Gosling and Director Damien Chazelle on how shooting at NASA brought unparalleled authenticity to FIRST MAN.
  • Astronaut Training – Go behind the scenes of the three day boot camp each of the actors underwent prior to filming FIRST MAN.
  • Feature Commentary with Director Damien Chazelle, Screenwriter Josh Singer and Editor Tom Cross

FILMMAKERS

  • Cast: Ryan Gosling, Claire Foy, Jason Clarke, Kyle Chandler, Corey Stoll, Christopher Abbot, Ciarán Hinds
  • Casting By: Francine Maisler CSA
  • Music By: Justin Hurwitz
  • Costume Design: Mary Zophres
  • Film Editor: Tom Cross ACE
  • Production Design: Nathan Crowley
  • Director of Photography: Linus Sandgren FSF
  • Executive Producers: Steven Spielberg, Adam Merims, Josh Singer
  • Produced By: Wyck Godfrey p.g.a, Marty Bowen p.g.a, Isaac Klausner, Damien Chazelle
  • Based on the Book By: James R. Hansen
  • Screenplay By: Josh Singer
  • Directed By: Damien Chazelle
First Man DVD release date
First Man DVD release date

Read:   The Handmaid's Tale Season 2 DVD/Blu-ray Announced

TECHNICAL INFORMATION 4K ULTRA HD

  • Street Date: January 22, 2019
  • Copyright: 2019 Universal Pictures Home Entertainment
  • Selection Number: 61201572 (US) / 61201574 (CDN)
  • Layers: BD-100
  • Aspect Ratio: Widescreen 16:9 2.40:1
  • Rating: PG -13 for some thematic content involving peril, and brief strong language
  • Video: 2160P Ultra HD Dolby Vision / HDR 10
  • Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish and French Subtitles
  • Sound: English Dolby Atmos & Dolby Digital 2.0, French & Spanish Dolby Digital Plus 7.1
  • Run Time: 2 hours 20 minutes

DOLBY VISION / DOLBY ATMOS® SOUNDTRACK

FIRST MAN 4K Ultra HD is available in Dolby Vision™. Leveraging the HDR innovation that powers Dolby’s most advanced cinemas around the world, Dolby Vision transforms the TV experience in the home by delivering greater brightness and contrast, as well as a fuller palette of rich colors.

FIRST MAN Blu-ray™ and 4K Ultra HD will feature a Dolby Atmos® soundtrack remixed specifically for the home theater environment to place and move audio anywhere in the room, including overhead. To experience Dolby Atmos at home, a Dolby Atmos enabled AV receiver and additional speakers are required, or a Dolby Atmos enabled sound bar.

First Man Blu-ray release date
First Man Blu-ray release date

TECHNICAL INFORMATION BLU-RAY™

  • Street Date: January 22, 2019
  • Copyright: 2018 Universal Pictures Home Entertainment
  • Selection Number: 61193705 (US) / 61193827 (CDN)
  • Layers: BD-50
  • Aspect Ratio: Widescreen 16:9 2.40:1
  • Rating: PG -13 for some thematic content involving peril, and brief strong language
  • Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish and French Subtitles
  • Sound: English Dolby Atmos & Dolby Digital 2.0, French & Spanish Dolby Digital Plus 7.1
  • Run Time: 2 hours 20 minutes

TECHNICAL INFORMATION DVD

  • Street Date: January 22, 2019
  • Copyright: 2018 Universal Pictures Home Entertainment
  • Selection Number: 61193704 (US) / 61193826 (CDN)
  • Layers: DVD 9
  • Aspect Ratio: Anamorphic Widescreen 16:9 2.40:1
  • Rating: PG -13 for some thematic content involving peril, and brief strong language
  • Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish and French Subtitles
  • Sound: English Dolby Digital 5.1 & Dolby Digital 2.0, French & Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1
  • Run Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Read:   Blu-ray/DVD: Den of Thieves Review

All photos are the courtesy and property of Universal Pictures Home Entertainment.

• Follow Universal Pictures Home Entertainment on Twitter
• Follow Universal Pictures Home Entertainment on Facebook
• Follow Universal Pictures Home Entertainment on Instagram

• Follow Beantown on Twitter
• Follow Beantown on Facebook
• Follow Beantown on Instagram

Filed Under: Blu-Ray Releases, Digital Hollywood Tagged With: 4K Ultra HD, Blu-Ray, Digital HD, DVD, First Man 12/13/2018

FOLLOW BEANTOWN

  • Facebook
  • Google+
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Tweets by @BeantownReview

Amazon Deals and Promos


Copyright © 2022 Beantown LLC - All Rights Reserved