'Rogue One' nails it! Even lukewarm fans feel the power of the force in 'Star Wars' story

"Must see "Rogue One" was the message texted from many a mobile as moviegoers left the first showing of the "Star Wars" story. The force was strong with fans and foes alike as they poured out of theaters. Despite predictions of a tepid storyline, "Star Wars: #Rogue One" was declared a win. Many diehard fans were prepared to hate this knockoff tale which debuted a whole new cast of characters and didn't touch the central story at all. They only went to get their lightsaber fix. But Jedi, padawan and even haters left glad they came. 'Rogue One' nails it! Even lukewarm fans feel the power of the force in 'Star Wars' story

Halloween costumes fail! Hilary Duff wins (sortof) as sexy pilgrim wows but Jason Walsh Indian Halloween costume fails

 Hilary Duff and boyfriend Jason Walsh couldn't be more ironic if they tried. As Native Americans are abused in the North Dakota pipeline protest, Walsh dressed like a North Dakota Indian for Halloween. Duff's sexy pilgrim Halloween costume failed too, but less so, and for different reasons. Hilary also oddly wowed, showing off weight loss in her itty-bitty Puritan getup.   Hilary Duff weight loss as sexy pilgrim wows as Jason Walsh Halloween costume fails

'DWTS' Cheryl Burke: Cirque du Soleil character dance may help Ryan Lochte shine in Viennese Waltz

"Dancing With The Stars" Cheryl Burke praised partner #Ryan Lochte for improved scores last week. The couple's Cha-Cha beat James Hinchcliffe and Sharna Burgess in a dance-off for immunity, but just barely. Burke says Lochte needs to get his head in the game for Cirque du Soleil Week on "DWTS." And the character dance Viennese Waltz just might give Lochte the confidence boost he needs to step up his dancing.   'DWTS' Cheryl Burke: Cirque du Soleil, Cha-Cha may let Ryan Lochte shine in Viennese Waltz

'The Case of: JonBenet Ramsey' fingers Burke Ramsey as murderer over pineapple jealousy

On the heels of Burke Ramsey's exoneration in interviews with Dr. Phil, a new documentary "The Case of: JonBenet Ramsey" fingers 9-year-old brother Burke as the murderer of the child pageant star. This isn't the first time Burke Ramsey has been suspected but this docu's suggestion of motive may be the most absurd. Despite DNA, garrote, and evidence to the contrary, filmmakers conclude that Burke Ramsey killed his sister in a pineapple fight. Their basis for this hypothesis is the mysterious bowl of pineapple and glass of milk found in the Ramsey home. But are these findings a mystery and do they provide irrefutable evidence in the sensational Boulder, Colorado beauty queen's murder?    'The Case of: JonBenet Ramsey' fingers Burke Ramsey as murderer over pineapple jealousy

Netflix 'Stranger Things' Season 2 coming soon to fill that strange addiction

Is Game of Thrones getting a little stale for you? How about a new addiction in TV shows? Netfllix Originals "Stranger Things" is collecting fans like kids collect Halloween candy. And yes, fans there will be a Season 2 "Stranger Things" if you glutted yourselves on Season 1 and want more! The Netfix Original sci-fi chiller first season left with questions than answers. And can we just agree that Netflix Originals are some of the best series TV ever? "Bloodline" "The Killing" "Orange is the New Black" "Making of a Murderer"--good stuff. But beware, they are addictive! Here's a little more on Netflix "Stranger Things" and its likeness to Stephen King books and movies.  

Preschool science in art learning centers: Dramatic play animal habitat dioramas

Just in time for Earth Month in April how about interactive preschool science lesson plans for learning centers? Here's a cross-curricular one that involves art, science and dramatic play learning centers. Dramatic play develops the preschool child's social, emotional, artistic, creative and communication skills. Dramatic play learning centers teach expression, self-awareness and confidence. Dramatic play lends itself to all content even for science learning centers. Here are homemade costumes, props and settings for preschool science within dramatic play learning centers. Children will create life-size habitat dioramas which I call bio-drama. Using recycled materials teaches real-life environmental science!  Preschool science in art learning centers: Dramatic play animal habitat dioramas | Examiner.com

Free printable paper castle models, coat of arms, heraldry, medieval castles | Examiner.com

Cut and paste activities make ideal educational tools. 3D models and dioramas are excellent book activities for reading response lessons. How about some free printable paper castles and 3D castle models for kids? This article includes free printable coat of arms patterns and designs for heraldry crafts to decorate moHistory teachers and homeschool parents will love these hands-on history crafts.   Free printable paper castle models, coat of arms, heraldry, medieval castles | Examiner.com

Valentines Day: Romantic plot twist movies, not schmaltzy love story films

Sweetest Day, the third Saturday in October, is devoted to romance. Couples buy cute gifts, go on dates, watch sappy movies about love. Isn't that sweet? Not so much, you don't think? If Sweetest Day makes you sick from sugary-romance overload, then how about a little reality therapy? Here are romantic movies with a plot twist. Watch these no-schmaltz love story films but don't look for heart-warming Nicholas Sparks here. These reality romance movies are perfect for parents whose honeymoon glitz has worn off.   Sweetest Day: Romantic plot twist movies, no-schmaltz love story films | Examiner.com