Is Avatar Appropriate for Kids?

 The movie Avatar  is a sci-fi masterpiece by director James Cameron. For the past six months, I have been waiting for its movie premier and here it is—bewildering thousands upon thousands of moviegoers around the world with its amazing technical feats.


I have been reading reviews on Avatar in the past three weeks. Some had the intention to be very critical, and lambasted on the director’s not-so-new movie formula but there were other reviews that gave high praises and acclaim to the director’s overall efforts to bring in yet another movie offering worthy of the Oscars.

Cameron’s 1997 movie blockbuster Titanic, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet, was a worldwide success. It is a film about the ill-fated maiden voyage of the RMS Titanic and love story between two people from different social classes (this part is fictional). When I watched the movie in a theatre, I was so mesmerized by the awe-inspiring visual effects that made me feel I was with Jack and Rose in the big ship. The sound effects and heart-wrenching Titanic song theme, moved me thousands of nautical miles away from where I was seated—at least in my imagination. Just recently, I saw the music video of Avatar’s movie theme song “I See You” sang by Leona Lewis, it brings back memories of Celine Dion singing on the Titanic ship. I learned later on that the group of people who produced Celine Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On” is the same group who worked on Leona Lewis’s “I See You”—seems like Cameron knows how to make use of his old successes for his comeback blockbuster film.

You might think that I have already seen Avatar—well, not yet. If I were to see it alone, I could have gone to the premier but since I want my kids to see a movie this Christmas break, I am (still) considering whether to take them to see Avatar or not. Kids-in-mind.com gives an objective review of the film as far as sex & nudity, violence & gore, and profanity are involved. The PG-13 rating of the movie makes it look acceptable to younger audiences but much explanation is demanded from parents and guardians who plan to take kids under 13 to see the film. It would be a big mistake to downplay on this—kids are really smart; smarter than we think. It will be best to orient kids on what they are about to see and give them a background of what a sci-fi film is. I am pretty sure that at the course of watching the movie, you will be asked with endless questions—at least this comes as a warning to you; but considering the possibility that you are allowing your kids to watch Avatar requires much responsibility from your part. Don’t be tempted to dismiss any questions that they may have—otherwise, they might seek for answers in other ways and might probably misundestood the whole issue. This will be very important when explainng to kids why the Na'vi population wears loin cloths for instance.

At this point, we are still thinking of a date when to see Avatar. At this time, it’s not a priority in our family although my kids are requesting to see it. I guess that right after seeing the movie, we might head our way to McDonald’s—seems like it’s been planned and all set in place (McDonald's & Avatar).

So if you haven’t seen Avatar yet, be sure to set a date before the New Year comes. I think we will all be enthralled with its spectacular visual effects and computer-generated images. If your kids are to watch it too, do your homework first and be prepared to answer any possible questions they may have. And of course while watching, don't forget your barrels of popcorn that will surely be a timesaver.

Happy Avatar, everyone!

Time for 'Miracle'

The first term has been a success for me as far as getting all my work done, and coming to class regularly. It was a period of adjustment and having had to balance all my commitments in life--but I am thankful and happy that I made it- reason enough for some celebration.

This Christmas break, it will be a time to reconnect with friends and family, and a time for some recollection. It will also be a time to unwind, and reminisce the year that has been.

I have my itinerary all set (somehow) for some partying, shopping and spending some good quality time with my lovable hubby and kids. But this will also be a time to share our blessings with others.

This seaon, spare some time to watch a local musical production entitled, 'Miracle'. I have the opportuntiy to be part of it as the dance choreographer for over 20 children. It is a multi-generational play where everyone is involved. Most importatnly, it tells of a wonderful story that you shouldn't miss.

Performance dates are on  December 13, 18, 19 and 20. Show starts at 7:00 p.m. FREE admission, FREE parking. Venue is at Calvary Temple in downtown, Winnipeg.

Bordertown Café

A couple of weeks ago, I watched a play. I thought it's a play that everyone in my family (including kids) will enjoy--but unfortunately, it's not tailored for everyone. It's a good thing that I watched alone and made a 'review' on how well it went. At least from my point of view as a student.

Play review
Bordertown Café
Nov. 18, 2009
Prairie Theatre Exchange
Three stars out of five


The inviting smell of bacon and eggs cooked on the set of Bordertown Café awakened the senses of the audience. Minus the fat, the 150-minute comedy-drama was a big draw to the sixty-something and above audience but not particularly exciting to the younger ones.

Bordertown Café was far from being snappy and fast-paced. Directed by Rosemary Dunsmore, this two-act play was about living in the border and deciding what borders to cross in order to be your true self.

17-year-old Jimmy (Jamie Spilchuk) was about to start in grade 12 in Nowhersville, Alberta when his estranged trucker dad called and offered Jimmy to come live with him and his new wife in Wyoming. Jimmy thought that moving to the US will solve his problems and keep him away from the drab life at his grandparents’ roadside diner and farm.

The first act of Kelly Rebar’s Bordertown Café opened with a country music fading in. The pitch-black set soon revealed a single bed where Jimmy was sleeping. The sound of birds chirping and vehicles passing by the highway, woke Jimmy up. What happened next was a series of yelling between the teenager and his 34-year-old feisty mom.

Janet-Laine Green as Maxine was the showiest character. Her continuous rant against the Queen Mother dominated most of her dialogues. Green took charge of the stage with her loud, unpredictable singing and overpowered nasal voice which the audience fell for.

Jillian Fargey portrayed the role of Marlene as inward-looking and conflicted. There’s depth in her performance by bringing intensity to her emotions especially in the first act where tension was felt when she spoke about her ex-husband remarrying an American woman and her shortcomings as a mother to Jimmy.

Jamie Spilchuk as Jimmy, showed a lot of teenage-angst which justified his character. He delivered his lines convincingly especially in the first act where he continually chastised himself and said, “I’m a zero winner, an A-one loser!”

Paul Stephen acted the role of Jim, the grandfather. He appeared to be the most relaxed in the play, consistently speaking in a well-mannered tone. His meek personality blended well with the other characters.

The second act was more focused letting the characters have some breathing space to convey their feelings. Although it’s calmer than the first act, the actors didn’t rest and still had so much acting and talking to do.

Set and costume designer Brian Perchaluk, set the stage to a 1950s-1960s style diner. Details were visible such as a jukebox, retro candy machines and metal luncheonette stools—all bringing a sense of period realism to the audience.

All throughout the play, the audience remained responsive—laughing upon hearing puns and memorable lines that sounded humorous such as in the scene when Maxine was talking to Marlene and said, “He is the only kid in the world who has never seen the left side of his father.”

Bordertown Café premiered on stage last 1987 at Prairie Theatre Exchange. The play was definitely dated and dragging. Probably younger people will learn a thing or two about their old folks when they see this play.

What I'm Talking About

"Tweet, tweet, tweet!"  These were probably the words that came out from my mouth when I successfully set-up my own Twitter account. Yes, I am now a bonafide user of Twitter--thanks to my public relations instructor who taught us how to create our own personal account.

I have friends who use Twitter for quite a long time now but I really didn't see its relevance on how it can help me in the log run. Now I know.

Drawing from the handout given to us by our instructor this morning, Twitter is called a "micro-blogging" site, because its users send out short messages (140 characters, maximum including spaces) messages, called "tweets," on any topic they want, and receive the tweets of other users they choose to follow. Also, tweets now reflect users' general thoughts, ideas, and inspirations, as well as links to other online content they think might interest their Twitter followers. Please click here to see the online guidebook from mashable.com.

To get in the loop, join Twitter!

Word Smart & MORE

It’s really surprising to know that the first term is almost over and that leaves me with a limited amount of time to get to know my classmates better. Although we’re all adults in our class, it’s amazing to see that we’re all like young children bursting with unlimited energy, creativity, and intelligence.

The theory of multiple intelligences suggests that there are many ways in which we synthesize or digest information, according to the educational theorist, Howard Gardner. He proposed that each person has a unique blend of these intelligences as he or she learns. The number of intelligences in the list ranges from seven to more than 10. (from the book, “Children’s Ministry in the 21st Century” by Craig Jutila, Jim Wideman and Pat Verbal)

That leaves me to think that I truly have my own way of learning things or digesting information, which I may similarly share with another person or group of persons in my class.

You may wonder now what the multiple intelligences are. So, here’s the list and have an enjoyable time figuring out which ones you belong to.

Word Smart: (I believe all creative communications students fall under this category). People who have verbal/linguistic intelligence choose to use language in all of its forms to learn. Anyone who is in this category, enjoy expressing themselves through written or spoken words. Also, learning a new language would not be that all difficult.

Logic Smart: If you have ever idolized Albert Einstein who developed the equation E=mc2, and have considered yourself to be a ‘little Einstein’ when you were younger (minus the unruly hair), then you are like the other people in this category who specialize in logical/mathematical processing. Children in this category lean on mathematical problem solving, logic, and scientific investigations.

Music Smart: “La, la, la, la, la, la, la, la!” If you can sing this from middle C to high C, then you prefer musical/rhythmic processing. Individuals in this category are inclined to recognizing rhythms, tones, and musical patterns as well as composing them.

Body Smart: If dramas, sports, creating objects, and dance appeal to you, then you are a body smart. People like you choose bodily or kinaesthetic learning wherein you get your whole body into the learning process through these different forms.

Picture Smart: Have you ever done any of those abstract tests before wherein you’re asked to determine the next object or pattern (for example) in a given series? People who have this ability have spatial/visual intelligence to see things in three dimensions and patterns easily. Anyone who has interpersonal abilities prefers to see things from the point of view of other’s intentions, motivations, and desires.

People Smart: If you are an intrapersonal processor who has a keener awareness of yourself, then you use that understanding to learn about the beautiful world around you.

Nature Smart: The naturalist comfortably and readily relates to living things and the systems of which he or she is a part.

So, do you know which type of learner you are or which intelligence you have? It’s very possible that you will identify yourself with several of these intelligences. Over the course of time, you will be able to learn more about yourself and will be surprised to discover new intelligences that may arise.

Teachers in general try to identify the intelligences that are being used. If children are writing interesting journals, teachers will engage them with verbal/linguistic. When kids are acting or role-playing, they will be involved with kinaesthetic.

Start rediscovering yourself and see which intelligence applies to you.

Get Electrified With The New Electric Company

Way before I entered pre-school, I was already watching The Electric Company—a children’s educational program produced by Sesame Workshop. Its ‘video’ classroom was full of comedy sketches, music, animation and special effects. There were many things I learned for sure, and one of them is learning how to read.

Here's  the intro of the original version of The Electric Company


I watched this show regularly as a kid and it helped me tremendously in my reading skills. This show may not be on the same level as Sesame Street (another fave of mine) since it didn’t use puppets in its show. But the creative concept behind The Electric Company was to make it fun, interactive and time-relevant; it’s witty and very hip, too—making reading a fun experience.

The actor Morgan Freeman who made movies such as Amistad, Bruce Almighty, Deep Impact, The Dark Knight and many others, was one of the ‘teachers’ in The Electric Company. It’s kind of neat to know that he was one of the guys in the show, doing everything he can to make things interesting for kids like me.

In January 19 of this year, The Electric Company premiered as a four episode mini-marathon on PBS. It then became a weekly series with an episode shown every Friday.

The new version has short animations, sketches and music videos, to those seen in the original version. The show incorporates a new concept, having a more urban feel to it as some songs are hip-hop and contemporary R&B-style. The new version also makes use of web elements and has a community outreach included in its program.

I believe young kids today will enjoy this show. Since it premiered on PBS this year, it has enjoyed a good and steady following—so for kids out there, tune in or visit their website at http://pbskids.org/electriccompany/

Help Today's Kids to Eat Healthy

We live in a time where fast food is the norm. I can say that I do have my share of eating ‘Burger X’ and ‘Burger Y’ many times over. But from the time I became a mom and have young kids of my own, my common sense takes over and my constant search for healthier choices has always been my motivation.

For a mom like me, I make it a point that my kids eat healthy. I would be a hypocrite to say that I didn’t encounter any struggles when it comes to encouraging my kids to eat a balanced meal each time around especially when food choices are concerned.

I do have my share of failures and successes when it comes to teaching and reinforcing my kids to eat healthy foods. In the past ten years, I spent countless hours planning for our meals every week. That would also include what foods to take for both school and work. Although I already have prior knowledge on what constitutes a healthy meal and which foods are good, and which ones are bad, I still learn along the way and make it a habit to be alert and conscious of the different kinds of foods made available. You would be surprised to know that in as much as there are many cuisine types to choose from, there are also hundreds upon hundreds of foods sold' in supermarkets, fresh markets and delis.

As a mother living in a world filled with 'too many choices', I can’t help but see all these fast food chains sprawl all over the place. So, whose kid wouldn’t know what McDonald’s is? Or, how Pizza Hut looks like? My kids would know perfectly well what the golden arches are and which kid’s meal to order. What I am trying to say here is this—we can help kids eat healthy and make smart food choices.

Here are the different ways I use to help my kids to eat healthy. These are my tips which I believe will help you a lot!-

1. Avoid the fast food solution. Plan meals ahead of time—this will surely demand a fraction of your time but it’s worth it. I suggest that you make a weekly meal plan that will include breakfast, lunch and dinner. If you’re up to it, you can develop a monthly meal plan that will include all four weekly meal plans.

2. Follow Canada’s Food Guide—you will be able to make sure that you meet your children’s daily food requirement, to help keep them strong and healthy.

3. Be armed with tons of recipes—Not a good cook?...well, having stacks of recipes that you think your children will love, will save you the hassle of thinking what to prepare or cook next. Make sure that you use recipes that will be good for family meals.

4. Eat what you preach—nothing is more encouraging and inspiring to kids than to see YOU eat healthy foods every time! So make the extra effort to eat lots of fruits and vegetables. Not only will it entice them, but this will be good for you, too!

5. Plan for a pizza night—loosen up and treat yourself! If you have successfully implemented a healthy weekly meal plan, you CAN surely include a pizza night! Not only will this be a treat for your kids, but this will also allow you some time to be together as a family! So, choose a movie and reserve that weeknight or Saturday night on a round of pizza!

6. Avoid those sweets—Since Halloween’s over, I bet that your kids (or maybe kids you know), have bags of sweets with them! Don’t let kids eat their candies and chocolates as if those were ‘snacks’. Reserve those sweets as treats or rewards. Better pack your kids with cut fruits and vegetables—it is far healthier than the sugar-coated ones.

7. Be creative in your food preparations—kids just LOVE to see ‘happy faces’ and colours in their meals. If you are cooking pancakes, slice up some bananas (crosswise) and use it as ‘eyes’ on their pancakes and use bits of chocolate chips to form the ‘mouths’. If you are preparing some chicken noodle soup, it will be best to add some ‘colour’ into it by adding chopped carrots and bell pepper. On the side, you can add sliced boiled egg. You’re the cook so you can be creative when preparing their meals.

8. Reserve the juice for later—you would be surprised that most juices we buy in stores today have sugar added in them, even if the label says, ‘from concentrate’ or ‘100% juice’. During mealtimes, it will be best for kids to drink water instead. After they have finished their glass of water, that will be the time for them to drink some juice. This practice will ensure that your kids are well hydrated. Also, water will help them digest their food better. In fact, water has numerous benefits to the body, so better make a wise choice on what you put on the table.Oh, don't you forget! After kids are done with their juice, let them have a drink of water again to help wash down the sugars from their mouths. This will help keep cavities away.

 So, there you go! If you have any suggestions on how we can help today’s kids eat healthy, just leave your comments on this blog and we’ll include them in a different post. By the way, here's anoter link which you might find very helpful- Seven Powerful Ways to Get Your Kids to Eat Healthy