A Blog for Busy Parents From the Editor of L.A. Parent

Archive for September, 2008

Date Night Frights

Friday, September 26th, 2008

OK, weary couples. Tired of the same ol’ movie and dinner date night? I have an idea for you: Knott’s Scary Farm. Nothing brings a couple together like a good fright! Before you scoff, consider this: Men love to have an opportunity to show their bravery. And girls, doesn’t it make you find kinda special when your fella puts his arm around you and gets you safely through Axe Murder Manor?

Knotts has long lead the amusement park pack during Halloween time. And this year is no exception. Because I have always been too chicken for such pursuits, L.A. Parent graphic designer Dean Gojobori bravely picked up the gauntlet to hit opening day on Sept 25. “That was fun!” was the overwhelming sentiment.

He cautions that the attraction isn’t suitable for little goblins under 13 (although the younger visitors got a gentler treatment from monsters), and some of the seven shows, 13 mazes and three scare zones include some scantily clad characters and off-color humor.

But for grownups trying to scare up a little excitement in their relationship? A killer-good time.

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Kermit Meets Sid

Friday, September 26th, 2008

You know the unobtrusive brick building on La Brea, where Kermit the Frog is perched and kindly tips his hat to passing motorists? That’s the Jim Henson Studios, a historically creative spot where Charlie Chaplin once housed his studios and production.

I recently trekked over with fellow Muppetophile and L.A. Parent graphic designer Terresa Burgess to hear about the latest production to roll out of the studios: Sid the Science Kid. In conjunction with KCET, Henson Studios created this new educational show, which premiered on PBS earlier in September. The show uses digital puppetry, in which a puppeteer manipulates a digital image rather than a fur and felt critter. The result is hyper-surreal and captivating for young audiences. Your kids will love it.

Terresa and I were treated to a tour of the property, which also was home to A&M Record Company. There’s not a “Creature Shop” per se, but we saw plenty of cool creations, some Emmys, cool offices and historic studio spaces. Made me want to watch some Charlie Chaplin movies – and pull out my Muppets in Space video.

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I’ve Got Mail

Thursday, September 25th, 2008

Because of the sheer volume of stuff that rolls into this office, it’s occasionally necessary to get some input from staffers and their kids on these cool products. Ronna Mandel, L.A. Parent’s editorial assistant, tried out the MagNext 360º Case (by MEGA Brands, $59.99, for ages 6 and older) on her son Coleman. Here’s the review:

Coleman and Gemma (Ronna’s daughter, age 14) had a great time playing with MAGNEXT, which means that children from ages 7 through 14 can find something entertaining and challenging within this set. They were able to make “spinny things, hanging things and all sorts of wacky things,” Coleman says. However, he added that in order for this product “to be even more fun, it needs more pieces.”

Packaged in a fun, easy-to-carry suitcase-like container, MAGNEXT contains 100 pieces in varying shapes and sizes, allowing the kids to come up with the zaniest, original designs. The red and grey carrying case also serves as a stage with several removable rectangular lids, which double as platforms for players’ constructions.

Posted in Nifty Products | No Comments »

Schooling the School

Wednesday, September 24th, 2008

For many of us, it’s back-to-school night season. Kate’s was this week, and I was blown away by one of her teacher’s presentations on technology in the classroom.

He showed parents a YouTube video on 21st-century learners.

How is your child’s school preparing teachers for this new generation of bloggers/texters/information sharers?

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Big Foot

Wednesday, September 24th, 2008

I drive an SUV. I recycle what I can but don’t always check to see if what I’m purchasing comes in a recyclable container. I don’t always buy organic, and I have to admit it, I like my dairy products (and the meat from said dairy provider).

That’s why I was hesitant to look at the Ecological Footprint Calculator, created by the originators of the concept, the Earth Day Network and the Global Footprint Network. And yes, the results from that calculation are not good: We’d need 4.4 Planet Earths to provide enough resources if everyone on this planet lived the way I do.

The graphic shows the results of my footprint calculator:

The good news is that there are relatively easy and painless ways I can have less impact on the planet: Telecommute some, cut down my red-meat intake just a bit, buy more organic and local produce. I’m worried about the polar bears and am constantly chasing the kids down to turn off lights and not run water. So I’m improving.

And this calculator is fun to play with. The graphics are cute (you can customize your look), and it’s easy to use.

So check it out and find out how you can take big steps to shrink your footprint!

Posted in Cool Thing to Do, Tips | No Comments »

Start Talking

Monday, September 15th, 2008

I’d like to start adding some cool podcasts to this blog, and lo and behold, as soon as I wished for it the SoundTech LightSnake Podcasting Kit arrived!

So while Kate was away last month, I decided to try it out with a quick Q&A with Jack. Forgive the indulgent, this-is-so-darned-cute-I-had-to-inflict-it-on-others mother moment, but I really couldn’t help myself.

Click to hear the Jack Interview!

 

The kit is pretty quick and easy to use and includes software (I just plugged the cable into my Mac and fired up Garage Band), a high-quality microphone, a LightSnake XLR Intelligent Microphone Cable, tripod desk stand with microphone clip and a one-year subscription to Acidplanet’s Prozone for podcast hosting. The whole setup goes for $129.99 and is readily available through Amazon and others.

Just hoping that, per the theme of this blog, I find time for the podcasting that I know I don’t have time for.

Posted in Interviews, Nifty Products | No Comments »

AYSO, Ah, So!

Friday, September 12th, 2008

OK, Kate started AYSO soccer last week. Any tips out there from AYSO veterans for a newbie like me? I was a bit overwhelmed with the “enthusiasm,” shall we say, of the parents and kids involved in this sport. I dabbled a bit in soccer when I was a kid, but entering this brave new world of long socks, “number 4 sized balls,” designated snack moms and dribbling drills in my den has been a bit like walking onto Jupiter for me.

Kate seems to be finding her “legs,” so to speak, and I’m trying to navigate the etiquette and terminology (”Close ‘em down!!!” is my new catch phrase).

At any rate, your advice is welcome!

Posted in Cool Thing to Do, Kid Management | No Comments »