Image via Wikipedia

Kristen Stewart, of Twilight and New Moon, will be starring with James Gandolfini and Melissa Leo in a small independent film, Welcome to the Rileys, in which she plays a 16 year old stripper/lap dancer/prostitute. A bit different from her previous roles. She also appears nude in this dramatic movie. Kristen is actually 19, so she is technically an adult, but I have a feeling that many parents are not going to be happy with the message this will send to their tween and teen daughters.

Welcome to the Rileys is about a couple, Doug (Gandolfini) and Lois (Leo), who are dealing with their daughter's death. On a business trip Doug meets Mallory (Stewart) in a strip club and goes home with her. He pays her to live with her but doesn't want sex. He, and then later Lois also, try to rehabilitate her.

Are parents going to be able to stop their crazed Twilight fans from seeing this? Will this little independent movie that probably would have mostly been seen by adults in big cities now play to a much bigger audience? What do you think about this?

See also: Top 20 Fall Movies for Teens

View blog reactions

Have you seen The Doctors yet? This syndicated medical talk show, which premiered one year ago, has real doctors covering the latest medical news and health and fitness trends. The hosts each have different specialties. Dr. Travis Stork is an E.R. physician (and formerly on The Bachelor); Dr. Lisa Masterson is a obstetrician and gynecologist; Dr. Andrew Ordon is plastic surgeon and reconstructive surgery expert and Dr. James Sears is a pediatrician.

Last week I spoke to Doctors Stork and Sears on a conference call interview. Talk about bedside manner. They were two of the nicest people, not just doctors, I have ever spoken to. During his summer break from the show, Dr. Stork spent his time working in a real E.R. again. He said he did it because it was a chance from him to again do what he talks about every day. It wasn't a problem when people now recognized him, it gave them something to build a rapport on.

Since Dr. Sears still has a pediatric practice, I asked him if he has to turn new patients away due to his new found fame. He replied that he has added on extra doctors, and luckily his practice is a good distance away from Los Angeles proper in a less congested area.

The conference call was with all mom bloggers, so most of the questions were actual medical questions that The Doctors might get on the TV show. Some of the advice given (that applies to teens) was that plain soap is almost always just as good as antibacterial, most elective plastic surgery for teens is not a good idea unless there is a good medical reason, especially breast augmentation, most teens switch from a pediatrician to a family practitioner when they go to college, but make sure they don't fall through the cracks and diet supplements never work in the long run.

On The Doctors, the array of medical subjects dealt with are endless. You can find out what time and channel to watch the Doctors in your area on the listings page on The Doctors website. If you have a question for The Doctors you can ask it online. And if you are out in Los Angeles, why not go see The Doctors live. Give the show a try. It is entertaining and educational, what a great mix.

View blog reactions

I must admit that philosophy was never one of my favorite subjects because it always seemed too abstract. I was recently given the book, Heroes and Philosophy: Buy the Book, Save the World, to review and I enjoyed it immensely. I also actually enjoyed learning philosophy while reading, because I could now relate to the lessons through the use of the Heroes characters.

Not all television shows have enough philosophical implications to create a book. Heroes, on the other hand, is probably at the top of the list. Some of the many questions discussed in Heroes and Philosophy are:

1. What are the obligations of heroes?
2. The foreknowledge of the painter, is our fate predetermined?
3. What are the ethics of time travel and changing the past or future?
4. What are the philosophical implications of the memory loss (the Haitian) and mind-reading (Parkman)?
5. Are the heroes good?

Throughout the book, events that took place and quotes that were spoken during Heroes are discussed. This is a must read book for any Heroes fan, the philosophy lessons are a great bonus. If your teens watch heroes, what better way to buy them an educational gift that they will thank you for.

What about those of you that don't watch Heroes. Luckily, there are many other books in this Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture series. I'm sure that you and/or your teens must watch at least one of these :

• South Park and Philosophy
• Family Guy and Philosophy
• The Daily Show and Philosophy
• Lost and Philosophy (I can't wait to get this one)
  
• 24 and Philosophy
• Battlestar Galactica and Philosophy
• The Office and Philosophy
• House and Philosophy
• X-Men and Philosophy

There are also books in this series based on other types of pop culture such as Metallica and Philosophy, Batman and Philosopy, Watchmen and Philosophy and Terminator and Philosophy. If you are a pop culture lover, you can excel in philosophy. I will have to add this to my list of Top 10 Benefits of Watching Television.

View blog reactions

TextPlus App

Are your teens running up your mobile phone bills with thousands of text messages a month? Problem solved. That is, if you have an iPhone or iTouch. A new iPhone app has been released, TextPlus, that offers unlimited text messaging for FREE. The only slight catch is that you will see small ads on your text screen, a small price to pay.

Texting with TextPlus even works for the iTouch even though it doesn't have cellphone capabilities. The app sends them over the web and they are then converted. Some other benefits of TextPlus are push notifications with sound and an offline mode for reading messages.

Do you or your teens like to chat with more than one person at a time? TextPlus can be used for group or one-on-one conversations. You can turn this app into a chat room and have many friends read your texts at once.

Texting while Driving
Needless to say, I think this is as bad if not worse than drunk driving and it should be made illegal everywhere. But who is going to listen to me? Luckily a group has been formed, Txtresponsibly.org to raise awareness of the dangers of texting while driving and help prevent injury or death from this reckless act. Please visit this page and share it with everyone that you know, especially your teens. I still can't believe that anyone would actually text while driving, but I'm old-fashioned, I don't even like to talk on my cell while driving. Are any of these conversations or texts really worth your life or the life of someone you love?

See also:
ABC News Video on Teens and Texting with JuJu Chang
Text Messaging with your Teens

View blog reactions

Just in time for the holidays, Ubisoft will be releasing Your Shape, a revolutionary new exercise video game that lets you work work-out controller free. Your Shape includes a camera peripheral, for the Nintendo Wii system, that puts you onscreen alongside Jenny McCarthy, your workout buddy. The camera features motion tracking technology, which scans player's bodies to provide a completely personalized and interactive work-out.

After you complete an initial fitness test, McCarthy's avatar will personalize your workout routines to both your fitness levels as well as your fitness goals. If you are doing any of the exercises incorrectly, the motion tracking technology will notice it and guide you along.

Being able to workout with someone like Jenny McCarthy should make the exercise routine more fun. This is what McCarthy had to say about be chosen by Ubisoft for Your Shape: "“I am thrilled to be working with Ubisoft on Your Shape,” said Jenny McCarthy. “The features in the game are incredible, and you have to see the technology to believe it. I was blown away."

Your Shape should be fun for any member of your family. There are 480 fun workouts to choose from and you can pick from dozens of music and visual options. The only problem that you might have is that you will all be fighting over who gets to use it at any given moment. I can't wait to get one and try it out. Your Shape could be a hot holiday present this year.

View blog reactions

Girls have never felt more pressure to be perfect than now. With jobs so scarce and actresses as skinny as toothpicks, there is pressure coming from all directions. Claire Mysko, working with the organization Girls, Inc., has written a very helpful book for tween and teen girls, You're Amazing!: A no pressure guide to being your best self. This book helps girls deal with stereotypes and cliques, figure out the best way to balance school and a social life, and so much more.

An Amazing Girl doesn't feel the need to be perfect like a Supergirl does. A few qualities of an Amazing Girl are (there are more in the book):

• Asks questions
• Makes mistakes and learns from them
• Supports other girls
• Is proud of her accomplishments, no matter how big or small
• Takes care of her body, mind and spirit

Each chapter of the book contains surveys, activities to try, advice from other amazing girls, fun advice from successful women, but not lectures and pages for journal notes. There are even suggestions for instant messages. You're Amazing is a very real book. It is fun, quick reading and contains wonderful advice.

Girls, Inc. is a national nonprofit youth organization dedicated to inspiring all girls to be strong, smart and bold. They develop research-based informal education programs that encourage girls to take risks and master physical, intellectual and emotional challenges. Claire is the assistant director of communications at Girls, Inc.

Claire Mysko is also the co-founder of Inside Beauty, a website and outreach program designed to give girls a healthy fashion and beauty reality check. I first met Claire at meetup/interview session with two of the stars of Drop Dead Diva, where the discussion, because of the nature of the series, was mostly about body image. I can't think of anyone better suited to write You're Amazing!: A no-pressure guide to being your best self.

See also:
TEDxWomen - Teenage Girls Harmed by our Culture
Moms and Daughters Share 'Think' by Lisa Bloom
Drop Dead Diva: TV Comedy/Drama dealing with body image
Book that inspires and motivates teens to be happy
Self-help book for teen girls to gain self respect 
Gabrielle Bernstein offers Gen Y a Hip Guide to Happiness

View blog reactions

I just returned from attended the launch party of the virtual Sandwich Swap 'n' Share program to support Feeding America, the nation's leading domestic hunger-relief charity. Hellmann's and Best Food Mayonnaise have teamed up with Billy Ray Cyrus to create and promote this wonderful charity. We all hope that you will help too.

It is very easy to help and it won't cost you anything. All you need is a facebook account. Go to Hellmann's page on Facebook, create virtual sandwiches and share them with your friends. It literally takes a few seconds of your time and its fun. For every sandwich you create, 7 real lunches will be donated to Feeding America. For every sandwich shared, another 7 lunches will be donated. How can you not help out? In case you need even more incentive, by making a sandwich you will be entered to win a $250 grocery store gift certificate.

Billy Ray Cyrus is a multi-platinum recording artist, having sold more than 25 million albums worldwide, and is also an actor in film and television. Recently he has been enjoying a different type of fame, that as the father of teen sensation Miley Cyrus. He stars as her father in the hit series and movie Hannah Montana. "I am so honored that Hellmann's asked me to be part of this great project... I can't think of a more worthy cause" said Billy Ray Cyrus. Coming up soon there is going to be an eBay auction in which the highest bidder will get to swap a real sandwich with Billy Ray right before his concert in Niceville, Florida. Of course, all the proceeds of this auction will also go to Feeding America.

Feeding America is a network of more than 200 member food banks that supply food and groceries to 63,000 agencies that feed people at risk of hunger. They distribute more than 2.6 billion pounds of food each year. For more information visit the Feeding America website. Then please sign into Facebook and make some virtual sandwiches (I already made a roast beef with the works - 0 calories since it isn't real) and share them with your Facebook friends. Hellmann's is footing the bill here, not you. You just have to play make-believe.

See also:
Kelly Ripa launches Virtual Lemonade Stand for Ovarian Cancer Research 
Lady Gaga Partners with Zynga to Save The Children in Japan

View blog reactions

Global warming and the environment are serious topics that should be talked about. However, humor does often help especially if you want to discuss these topics with your teens. Bill McKibben, writer and environmentalist, was on the Colbert Report the other night. He is currently working on a campaign, 350.org, and spoke to Colbert about why 350 is the most important number in the world. This very funny clip helped to raise awareness of this serious topic:

The Colbert Report	Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c
Bill McKibben
www.colbertnation.com
Colbert Report Full Episodes Political Humor Health Care Protests

October 24, 2009 is going to be the 350 International Day of Action on Climate Change. In over 1,500 locations around the world, people will unite in a common call to lower carbon levels in the atmosphere to 350 parts per million. It will be a day of rallies, marches, bike rides, concerts and other events. If you want a better understanding of the concept of 350 and the environment, check out this page of frequently asked questions. I hope that Stephen Colbert's show will start everyone talking about the 350 movement.

See also: Back to school shopping: Go Green

View blog reactions

I've already written a few posts on this blog about social networking websites or online magazines for tweens but I just keep finding more. It is a great idea to have these social sites for tween girls only. Many parents aren't comfortable having their 8-12 year old daughters on Facebook or MySpace where people of all ages lurk. Here are five more websites that you can try to steer you tweens to:

1. iTwixie is a new site, barely a few months old and still in beta. The idea behind it is to challenge tweens to do or solve something or experience something new. Members can create a profile page, play games, master new challenges and join the iTwixi Volunteer Corps. There is also a book club and many interesting articles for the girls on the website.

2. girlZlikeme is actually an online magazine, not a regular social networking site. Although, girls can send in photos of themselves, pets, family, etc. to have them uploaded on the site so they do get to know each other somewhat. This magazine was started my a 12 year old year after a popular magazine wouldn't accept her sister's photo. There is a parent's page in which her father discusses the security of the site.

3. Beacon Street Girls social network for tweens is based on the series of young adult books, Beacon Street Girls, by Annie Bryant. The website is the product of B*tween Production, which also produces the books and all Beacon Street Girls media. If your daughters are already fans of the books, they will love this site. If they haven't read them, this might be a good introduction to them. From B*tween Productions: "We provide girls, especially those ages 9 to 13, with positive role models and empowering messages. We give them a look at a wide range of life experiences, supplying them with problem-solving tools that they can apply to their own lives. And we do it in a fun and entertaining way that makes girls want to come back again and again."

4. AllyKattz is for slighly older tween, girls from ages 10-15. It is a safe, fun community for girls to tackle real issues and solve problems; be heard; connec; discover their strengths; and be creative and ignite ideas. You may remember reading about them before when I wrote about the Tween Summit. The founder of AllyKatzz, Denise Restauri, is responsible for launching the first ever national Tween Summit that is being held this October in Washington D.C.

5. The Pink Locker Society is both a website and a book available to read on the website. The Pink Locker Society was formed to give girl-to-girl advice about anything, but especially PBBs, that is periods, bras and boys. Girls can submit questions to the website on all topics. The author of the book, Debra Moffit, is also the kids' editor of KidsHealth.org, which runs the website.

Here are five very different websites for tween girls. Check them out and see if any are right for your tween. Good luck.

See also: 
2 New Safe Tween Social Websites
KidzVuz - Tweens Create Video Reviews on Their Own Online Community
3 New Safe Social Websites for Tweens
Social Websites for Teens and Tweens
Websites for Teen and Tween Girls

View blog reactions

If you are a regular reader of this blog, you can probably tell that I am a fan of television and it has played a big role in my family's bonding. When I hear others proclaim that they don't watch TV or don't let their kids watch TV, as if it is just junk food for the mind, I realize that they have no idea what quality television is and the benefits it can have. Even bad television has its benefits.

The Top 10 Benefits of Watching Television:

1. Intelligence - Complex TV series such as Lost, Heroes and Battlestar Galactica require a great deal of thinking to understand what is happening. In fact, this was the argument of author Steve Johnson in his book Everything Bad is Good for You: How today's popular culture is actually making us smarter. See also 8 TV Shows That Make You Smarter.

2. Learn about different people and places - While nothing beats actual travel for this type of learning, most people are limited in the amount of travel they can do. TV opens up the world, whether through watching documentaries, or drama series with multicultural characters.

3. Water Cooler effect - TV can often give office mates with little in common, something to talk about. This is especially so with series that lend themselves to discussion such as American Idol, Lost or major events such as the finale of The Sopranos.

4. Laughter - Laughing is good for us. As the saying goes, laughter is the best medicine. It has been found to increase circulation, lower blood pressure and more. Watching a good comedy on TV can be a great way to find something to laugh about.

5. How-To - With cable channels such as HGTV and the Food Network, you can actually learn how to do almost anything to or for your home.

6. Excitement - Contest shows such as American Idol, Survivor and The Amazing Race give you the fun and excitement of having favorites and rooting for a winner. The benefits of sports for non-sports watchers.

7. Educational and Informative - With cable channels such as Discover, National Geographic and the History Channels, watching TV can be as educational as going to school. Plus, how many times have you learned something while watching a regular TV series? If it weren't for all the police and lawyer shows on TV, would anybody other than lawyers know what Miranda rights were?

8. Memory - With all the serial shows on television, from the complex like Lost, to the soapy, like Grey's Anatomy, we need to remember what has happened from week to week to enjoy them.

9. Makes exercise easier - When doing a stationary exercise like a treadmill, it can get very boring. Reading is difficult because of the movement. Music helps but doesn't give you anything to look at. There must be a reason why there are televisions in most gyms.

10. Gives families something to bond over - my favorite reason. From the time that I watched Sesame Street and Mr. Rogers with my kids to the current day when we spend hours talking about Lost, Chuck, The Big Bang Theory, Heroes and The Office, television has led to some great conversations. Often, talking about something that occurred in a TV show will lead to discussions of real life situations. If that isn't a benefit, I don't know what is.

Can you think of any other benefits of watching television that belong in the top 10? If you don't think any good comes from watching TV, please comment about that also. I'd love to hear all opinions.

See also:
Top 10 TV Series With Pop Culture References
20 Best TV Shows For Parent Teen Bonding
8 TV Shows That Make You Smarter
The 50 Most Discussed Television Series
Watching your Teens favorite TV shows is important

View blog reactions

I have been writing my blog, Connect with your Teens through Pop Culture and Technology, to help parents and teens connect with each other. However, I am not qualified to offer any advice on how adults or teens can improve their skills on connecting with other people. Fortunately, I found an author who can. How to Instantly Connect with Anyone: 96 All New Little Tricks for Big Success in Business & Social Relationships by Leil Lowndes will show you how to make a great impression wherever you go.

We can help our teens with their education, but it takes more than just a diploma to make it in the world. It isn't always easy to teach our teens social skills, especially if we haven't mastered them ourselves. Leil Lowndes, author of How to Instantly Connect with Anyone had bouts of shyness as a teenager which has made her very passionate about the subject. She has already written many other books on this topic.

Lowndes discusses why the number one key to instantly connecting with others is something called "Emotional Prediction". It calls for you to put yourself in the other persons shoes and anticipate their feelings. The book includes many ice-breaking tactics and is designed to put you at ease. You will read about some social nightmares that everyone can relate to and then tips to avoid them. You definitely won't want to miss the section on "10 Dumbest Things you should never say or do".

Here is just a small sampling of some specific tips that Lowndes writes about:

• Why your last impression is as vital as your first
• How to begin and end a meaningful e-mail
• The power of making eye contact
• Why stretching out a compliment makes it unforgettable
• Perfect icebreaker questions
• What to say when you forget or fumble someone's name
• Getting the opposite sex to notice you - every time

Especially in today's difficult job market, your teens will need every edge they can get. How to Instantly Connect with Anyone offers practical advice for anyone of any age. Problems connecting aren't always about shyness or confidence. Sometimes all you need is to know what to do.

See also: Tips for Teens by Teen Author in Brain Snacks for Teens on the Go

 

View blog reactions

Twilight fans don't have to wait much longer now. New Moon is being released in only three months, November 20, 2009. And to show that fall is almost here, Entertainment Weekly's Fall Movie Preview issue has just hit the stands. The cover picture is of Kristen Stewart (Bella) with Taylor Lautner (Jacob). Camp Edward may not be happy.

The article "New Moon: Secrets from the Set" contains information about the new director, the downsized role of Robert Pattinson and why Taylor Lautner got to keep his role as Jacob Black and the changes he has made in himself. Although I subscribe to the paper version of Entertainment weekly magazine and do recommend it, I suggest also looking at this article on the EW website for the videos about New Moon that they have included.

I am sure that there will be many more news stories, pictures and videos between now and November 20th to hold us all over until New Moon actually premieres.

See also: Top 20 Fall Movies for Teens

View blog reactions

The Woodstock Music Festival was held 40 years ago, from August 15th - 18th, at Yasgur's farm in Bethel, New York. Shortly afterward, a documentary movie, a soundtrack and a song by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young were all released. Now, to celebrate Woodstock's 40th anniversary and pay homage to the famous event, new works about the festival have been made.

Taking Woodstock
Taking Woodstock is a new movie, directed by Ang Lee, coming to movie theaters on August 28, 2009. This comedy is based on the memoirs of Elliot Tiber, an interior designer in Greenwich Village, who also owned the only musical festival permit in the town of Bethel, New York. Elliot's family owned a dumpy motel in the Catskills and his neighbor was Max Yasgur, who owned and operateed a 600 acre dairy farm down the road. With help from friends and opposition from townspeople, "Elliot finds himself swept up in a generation-defing experience that would change his life - and popular culture - forever". Take a look at the theatrical trailer for Taking Woodstock:



Woodstock: Now & Then
This two hour rock documentary will premiere on VH1 Friday, August 14 at 9pm ET. Woodstock: Now & Then celebrates and explores the history and fascination of Woodstock. During the premiere of this documentary this Friday night, a sneak peek of Taking Woodstock will be aired.

Contest
Rolling Stone magazine, Gibson guitars and Focus Features (studio behind Taking Woodstock) have teamed up to offer a contest to celebrate Woodstock. The winner receives a Gibson SG Special guitar that is an exact replica of the one that Pete Townshend played at Woodstock, and is autographed by him. The lucky winner also gets a Taking Woodstock T-shirt, a signed movie poster and $500 toward guitar lessons. So what do you have to do to win such a great contest? Not very much. Just go to the Rolling Stone/Taking Woodstock webpage and fill in the entry form. It couldn't be much easier.

Have fun celebrating Woodstock. I was too young to go to the festival in 1969, but old enough to know about it. I can't wait to watch both Woodstock: Now & Then and Taking Woodstock. I'm sure my sons will want to see them also.

View blog reactions

Actually, my son turned 20 last month. But on his birthday, since he is a huge Beatles fan, I wrote on his birthday card "It was 20 years ago today that you were born (and Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play)". Coming from his mom, I wasn't sure what he would think, but he thought it was cool.

I just finished reading Birth Day by Mark Sloan, M.D. for my Silicon Valley Moms book club so giving birth is on my mind. For a non-fiction book about the history of childbirth, it was fascinating. I was especially able to enjoy Birth Day since I will not be going through another one again.

Almost all of the changes in giving birth that have occurred by now in the United States had come about by the time I gave birth to my sons. I was awake and I had an epidural (after a few hours of torturous pain first). I felt sick just reading about what women went through in earlier times.

There is one change that Dr. Sloan wrote about that has been gradually taking place since I've had my kids. That is the use of a Doula to help the woman through labor, instead of just her unprepared husband. I've been hearing about them here and there and I think the idea sounds great. The husband is still around, but doesn't bear the coaching responsibility.

As much as I highly recommend Birth Day by Mark Sloan, M.D., if you are planning to have children soon, be careful about reading it. Reading about all the things that can go wrong during childbirth might not be the best thing to do at this time. However, when and if you do read it, you will learn more than you can imagine.

View blog reactions

My Secret Circle is a brand new social networking world for tweens ages 8 to 12. For parents, the best part is that it is the first ever completely secure social network. To enter My Secret Circle, you must first purchase a My Secret Circle Network Key.

This is how My Secret Circle is a totally secure and safe place for young girls online:

My Secret Circle is invisible to the online world and is not a Web site. By purchasing online access keys featuring proprietary technology with embedded browsers and unique ID codes, only friends can connect on My Secret Circle by exchanging private codes. Once a code is used to connect two friends, it is inactive and can never be used again. Since the codes are embedded in the product itself, girls never need to upload personal information online, further enhancing the security of the network.

My Secret Circle is also different from other social networking sites in that it can not be used to meet new people. It is a way for girls to have a private place to communicate with people they already know online. To be friends with somebody on My Secret Circle, you must first exchange your unique codes generated by the system. The codes must be printed out and given in person to real friends. The only people that can use a code is someone that has a key and has given you a friend code in exchange.

Even though parents will love the security of My Secret Circle, will tween girls love the site? I think so. There is a great deal to do once inside, especially for creative types. Girls can build profile pages with a Diva Designer avatar tool and there is an photo feature in which girls can upload photos, add text and create slideshows. Instant messaging, games and a journal are also available.

Created by Senario, My Secret Circle access keys are currently only available at Justice stores or their website. The price is $19.99 or you can purchase a B.F.F. pack with two keys for $29.99. If your daughter wants to be able to voice chat with her friends, there is a voice chat headset that sells for $14.99.

With all of free online social networking sites for tweens, are you will to pay for your daughters to use My Secret Circle? How much is complete security worth to you? This is a novel concept that might not be a bad idea for teens also, if they would ever accept it.

See also: National Tween Girl Summit: Big sponsors added to October event

View blog reactions

Twilight Weekly: Spotlight is supposed to premiere tonight, August 10, 2009 at 10pm ET on the cable's ReelzChannel. ReelzChannel is a cable TV channel that airs news about movies. With Twilight as popular as ever, evidenced by its near sweep of the Teen Choice Awards airing tonight on Fox, and the release of the New Moon sequel this fall, Reelz should have a sure fire hit on its hands. (Even thought Entertainment Weekly and a press release say it will air tonight, the Reelzchannel's actual online listings do not show it, so it is possible it was delayed).

Twilight Weekly: Spotlight is an expansion of one of the ReelzChannel's most popular shows, Spotlight. The show will be featuring all the news on the upcoming Twilight movies, New Moon and Eclipse. There will be interviews, behind-the-scenes coverage and special events. If you aren't sure if your cable provider includes Reelz, check this reelzchannel webpage to find out. Fans of the animated television show, The Critic, will be happy to know that they can view it also on this channel.

The ReelzChannel website itself is a fantastic source of movie information and news. In addition to movie news, the Reelz website offers trailers, box office info, interviews and more. And there is everything you could possibly want to read or look at about Twilight, including reporting from TwiCon.

View blog reactions

Cover of Sixteen Candles

Believe it or not, there was a day when movie studios did not cater to teens like they do now. Movies were not very often made for or about teenagers. In the fifties there were many silly summer beach movies and there was the occasional tragic drama like Rebel without a Cause and Splendor in the Grass, but the teen movie had not yet been born.

The only big movie made for and about teens during my teen years was American Graffiti in 1973. Then in 1975, the blockbuster Jaws by Steven Spielberg began to change everything. Although the blockbusters that were being created in the late 70s and early 80s such as Star Wars, Close Encounters of the Third Kind and Raiders of the Lost Ark were not about teens or even necessarily created for them, teens went in droves and saw them repeatedly. I wonder if this is when the studios finally realized that teens would spend money for movies if only movies were made for them. Without these blockbusters, would they have ever even greenlighted John Hughes' movies?

Once I was in my twenties, I heard about a movie called Sixteen Candles. Although John Hughes had written a few movies already, his biggest were Mr. Mom and National Lampoon's Vacation, he certainly wasn't associated with teen movies. I probably wouldn't have gone to see it but the commercials for it really sold me. I couldn't believe how much I loved it. Even more amazingly, by husband loved it also. It was funny, real and had great music. I think this will always be my favorite John Hughes movie, probably because it was so unexpected.

The string of movies that John Hughes made about teens in the eighties changed the way movies about teens were made. Would American Pie have been made without John Hughes' legacy? Teens today take for granted that there will always be dozens of movies regularly being released for and about them. Everyone always says that because the Baby Boomers are the largest generation, everything has always been about them. Not so with movies. We didn't have teen movies made for us and we don't have movies made for us now. We missed out on both ends. But luckily I still enjoying watching Sixteen Candles by John Hughes.

See also:
Top 12 Cult Movies for Teens 
Top 20 Fall Movies for Teens

View blog reactions

There is a new compilation movie review site on the web, and it could definitely give Rotten Tomatoes a run for its money. Movie Review Intelligence has a nice neat look and I like the information that they offer. Just as in Rotten Tomatoes, each film is given a % positive reviews, however, instead of red or green tomatoes, we actually see words such as good, great, etc. We are also told if the movie had big or just light coverage and how long the reviews were.

Movie Review Intelligence gives moviegoers and professionals – critics, filmmakers, marketers, distributors, exhibitors, and publishing editors – the most accurate and complete picture of movie reviews possible. The company analyzes reviews from 65 U.S. and Toronto newspapers, magazines, alternative weeklies, NPR and ‘At the Movies’ offering commentary, charts, summaries, averages and comparisons in real-time, 24 hour a day.

Although Movie Review Intelligence might look at less reviews than Rotten Tomatoes, quality can be more important than quantity. What sets this web site apart is the fact that it uses an approach that accurately reflects what is going on in the real world, in the real movie going marketplace. What counts is what moviegoers are reading and seeing, and that is what Movie Review Intelligence measures.

One of the other features on Movie Review Intelligence is the ability to compare films. There are also pages that give information on all the movie critics and publications that appear on the website. You can ever set up email alerts by preference of only wide releases, only limited releases or only best reviewed films.

I'm not saying that I am going to give up on Rotten Tomatoes. But I like having another similar website to go to. Movie Review Intelligence fits that bill.

See Also: Movie Taste Engine Website

View blog reactions

Are you a fan of the television series Lost. Are you also the type of person that loves to learn about things that interest you. There is enough educational Lost material on the ABC website to keep you busy until Lost premieres its season 6 schedule in 2010.

Lost University
Go to school online, majoring in Lost, for free. This could be more fun than your original education. Look at the list of first semester courses:

• HIS101: Ancient Writing on the Wall
• LAN101: Foreign Language for Beginners
• PHI101: I'm Lost, Therefore I am
• PHY101: Introductory Physics of Time Travel
• PHY301: Seminar: New Physics with Jeremy Davies
• SCI201: Jungle Survival Basics

According to the website, enrollment begins September 22, 2009, when you get to watch an introductory class: Lost101. Semester 1 then begins December 8, which not so coincidentally is the same date that the Lost season 5 Blu-ray goes on sale, which seems to be needed or recommended for the course. If you click into each course, you can then click into the reading list. So if you don't want to wait until December 8th, check out some of the books on the reading list now and get a head start.

Mysteries of the Universe: The Dharma Initiative
I a world where the Dharma Initiative is real, a documentary series has been made about this project that was previously discussed only in conspiracy circles. Mysteries of the Universe is a five-part video series. Episodes 1 and 2 have already been released. Episodes 3, 4 and 5 will become available in September, October and November. Here is episode one:




Other:
I previously wrote about the Lost Book Club on ABC which puts together all the books that we have ever seen on Lost. Whether they are being read by characters or just sitting in the background as a prop, you can find it here. For something else to keep you busy, check out ABC's Lost timeline.

See also:
Lost at Comic-Con: Top 10 Highlights
Lost: Season 6 news and untangled music video
Top 70 Lost Quotes - Season 1-5 

View blog reactions

New contest for spring 2010: 
Teens Spring Break Filmmaking Experience from Fresh Films


Have you ever wanted to experience a concert from backstage? How would you like to work on a rock documentary crew, interview the bands and capture the experience on film. If you are between the ages of 16 and 22, you can enter a contest to do just that. No experience required.

The Virgin Mobile Festival is a tremendous one day concert event, the largest music and arts festival on the east coast. This summer the concert lineup includes Blink 182, Weezer, Franz Ferdinand, Taking Back Sunday, Public Enemy and more. Kyocera, a supporter of the festival from the beginning, is holding this contest. Applications must be submitted by August 10th. The winner is based on the answer to two questions (each must be answered in 150 words or less):

1. Why do you want to be part of Kyocer's All Access program at the Virgin Mobile FreeFest?
2. What is going to set you apart from the other applicants whether you've made a film or not?

14 winners will be selected to work on the rock documentary crew. This documentary will debut nationally. If you are either a budding filmmaker or just a tremendous rock fan, this is a chance of a lifetime. The festival will take place August 30, 2009 in Columbia, Md. For more information go to the All Access Virgin Mobile Freefest website. Having a boring summer so far. Turn things around by applying to the Kyocera All Access contest.

See also: Majors & Minors - Teen Singing TV Contest with Celeb Coaches

View blog reactions

How often do your teen and tween students ask you a question while doing homework and you can't remember the answer. You are sure that learned it in school, so you say "I used to know that". Author Caroline Taggart has written a book, I Used to Know That: stuff you forgot from school that addresses this exact issue. Along with 2 other books from the same publisher on this topic, i before e (except after c): old school ways to remember stuff and My Grammar and I... Or Should That Be Me?: How to Speak and Write It Right, should help you appear like well-learned scholar to your teens.

Here is an example of what you can expect from I Used to Know That:

Five Trivia Facts You Probably Used to Know
By Caroline Taggart

1. Biology: What is photosynthesis? It is -- as we suspected -- to do with how plants grow. It's the process by which they convert carbon dioxide and water into carbohydrates, using the energy they absorb from light by means of a green pigment called chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is stored mainly in the leaves and is the reason most plants are green. Photosynthesis releases oxygen into the atmosphere, enabling the rest of us to breathe.

2. History: The war of 1812, between the U.S. and Britain, actually lasted nearly three years, from 1812 to 1815. Britain was already at war with France (under Napoleon) and the U.S. sided with the French. American ships, trying to break a blockade that would prevent supplies from reaching France, were being seized by the British, who then coerced American seamen into the Royal Navy. On top of that, the U.S. was disputing British control of territories in Canada; New England's support for Britain complicated the issue further. This war -- the last time the U.S. and Britain fought on opposing sides -- ended in stalemate when the British defeated Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo and subsequently lifted their blockade.

3. Literature: Where does the expression 'It just growed' come from? It's a misquotation from Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe (1811-96), a fiercely anti-slavery novel published in 1852, when this was the political hot potato in America. The most famous character is the slave girl Topsy, who didn't know where she came from (i.e. didn't realise that God had made her) and said, 'I s'pect I growed.'

4. Math: who was that Pythagoras guy anyway? He was a Greek mathematician and philosopher who lived in the 6th century BC. His theorem (the word comes from the same root as "theory" but means something that can be proved) states that in a right-angled triangle "the square on the hypotenuse is equal to the sum of the squares on the other two sides." The hypotenuse is the longest side of the triangle, opposite the right angle. This theorem really really matters to mathematicians, because it is fundamental to calculations used in architecture, engineering, astronomy, navigation and the like.

5. Geography: which were the original 13 states of the Union? In alphabetical order: Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Virginia. Delaware was the first to ratify the new constitution and is nicknamed "The First State" to this day.

Do you want to be able to help your teens and tweens with their homework. Then refresh your memories with I Used to know That, i before e (except after c) and My Grammer and I... Or Should That Be Me? It might be nice to relearn these things for your own sake also.

View blog reactions

Ever since my older son entered his teens, "Zits" has been my favorite comic strip. I don't think I ever identified with another comic strip more. When my older son began to outgrow Jeremy's 15 year old antics, my younger son grew right into them. For years my family laughed at ourselves through "Zits" almost every day.

If you've never read it, "Zits" is a syndicated comic strip about the life of Jeremy, a 15 year old teenager, his parents Walt and Connie Duncan, his best friend Hector and his sometimes girlfriend Sara. If you have teenage sons you can not help but enjoy "Zits".

My son began learning to play the guitar at the same time that Jeremy from "Zits" did. At the time, both of their favorite songs became Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin. Then a strip ran which had Jeremy and his mom connecting over their love for Stairway to Heaven. She then mentions to Jeremy that he was conceived during that song. The look on Jeremy's face was priceless and my son I and had a big laugh after I assured him that it was not the case with him.

Now, after 12 long years, Jerry Scott and Jim Borgman, artist and writer of "Zits", have decided to let Jeremy turn 16. They can now write about many new adventures, beginning with Jeremy taking his road test. This will all begin tomorrow, August 3, 2009. If you don't read one of the many newspapers that King Features distributes the "Zits" comic to, you can now read "Zits" online at Comics Kingdom.

I highly recommend the "Zits" comic strip to teens, parents and any family that will ever have or ever had teens. My whole family has been a fan for years. You might even want to check out the bound Zits books, so you can read the strips all at once as a story. You won't be sorry.

See also: 
Best Books for Families
Lunar Antics Comics - How Would Aliens View our Society?

View blog reactions