Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Prince of Persia:Sands of Time - Movie Review

Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (Blu-ray/DVD Combo + Digital Copy) [Blu-ray]

My children wanted to see the Disney movie Prince of Persia: Sands of Time. I was thinking, great another remake of Aladdin. I was pleasantly surprised.

The graphics were excellent. My oldest son insisted the movie was based on a video game which explained some aspects to the movie. Heavy on the action, I still felt the story was strong enough to carry all the action.

There was one section that both I and my youngest son struggled with frustration. Either give us more clues or tell us already.

Families with older children (rated PG-13) could sit down and have a family movie night. I would caution families with children under ten. I'm not sure they would  understand the mystical scifi storyline.

There was also one scene in the beginning in which some sexual humor occurred. See Internet Movie DataBase for Parental Guidelines: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0473075/parentalguide .

I loved the overall theme of this movie, fight for your family. Brothers taking care of each other  even when appearances tell you otherwise regardless if family connections are biological or adopted.

Enjoy!
Kim Izzy

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Voting! What's The Big Deal?

Duck for President (New York Times Best Illustrated Books (Awards))

On my eighteen birthday, I watched a U.S. Presidential inaugration live on TV. Even though I was now an adult, I would have no say over the surpreme commander of our nation for four more years. What's the big deal?
My grandmother always said, "If you don't vote, you don't get to bitch." I agree. If you don't participate in the process, then you are part of the problem. Your voice didn't get heard.

Two years later for mid term elections, I had moved in with my grandparents in the big city. My parents had taken us for civic lessons in our very, very small elementary school voting location. Now, I was expected to vote in a very large public school in the bad part of a big city. My grandmother quite literally took me under her wing. I voted. I had a voice.

Daffy Duck for PresidentI have never regretted voting. Sometimes, I've been on the winning side and sometimes, I've been on the losing side. Still no regrets! I made the best decision with the information I had available at the time.

When your time comes, will you stand up and let your voice be heard? Your voice matters. Don't be afraid. People in other countries risk death for a chance to be heard. It matters that much! (Even if I use cartoons to illustrate my point.)

Kim Izzy

Friday, October 29, 2010

Halloween

Halloween Songs & Sounds

A little kid's holiday, right? Most of the best loved holidays are best when you're a kid. A magical time. Parents can go to great lengths to create and foster these magical beliefs.

Then one day, either by parent's choice, our choice or big mouth schoolmate's choice, we become aware of the truth surrounding our beloved figures and holiday. The sparkle or glow is never as bright again.

Scooby-Doo's Spookiest TalesWe have a choice. We can either make the most of it or settle for memories. My children are coming to the end of the parent fostered holiday magic. They haven't learned how to create their own magic and excitement. I can feel the difference.  Decorating for Halloween this year felt more like I asked them to wash the dishes. Unlike the excitement shown a few years back that had them giggling from tree to tree as they hung pumpkins, bats and ghost in nearby bushes and trees.  Excitement and joy are a choice.

Wishing you a happy safe Halloween!
Kim Izzy

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Book Review - Double Helix by Nancy Werlin

Double Helix


Double Helix by Nancy Werlin is a Edgar Award winner. The Edgar awards are sponsored by Mystery Writers of America. Usually when I start a book, I've at least read the back blurb. I came to Double Helix with only connotations of it's name and the picture on the cover, DNA & genetics.

This is not one of my favorite books but it is a compelling read. I struggled at times to understand why the main character was acting like such a jerk. Even by the end of the book I never found justification for his behaviour.

Keep reading,
Kim Izzy

P.S. Conservative readers will object to the liberal portrayal of parents.

Friday, October 22, 2010

Sesame Street:Song: I Love My Hair


          I love the story behind this video. A father of an adopted daughter creating a video trying to help her accept a part of herself she's struggling to like. GO DADDY!!!!
   I am amazed at the controversery surrounding this video. However I guess I shouldn't be. As a society, we liked to live behind Hollywood style images.
   For years, parents have been trying to help their children love and accept themselves. Instead, we like to put labels on. . . my nose is too big, too small, crooked, etc.. I am too short, too tall, fat, too thin, etc. . . my hair is fizzy, straight, curly, not blond, etc. . .
   Do we really all want to look alike? No, but normal.
   Merrian-Webster's online dictionary defines normal as conforming to a type, standard or regular pattern.
  Again I ask you, do we really all want to look alike? Does the pressure to conform change as we age? Yes and no. It peaks in our high school years but it never really goes away, at least according to every woman I've ever met or spoke with. I think it's also getting worse for again for boys/men.
   I'm not trying to tell people that you shouldn't wear a blond wig if you choose. But don't tell that precious child, there is something wrong with her body/hair in it's natural state, no matter the ethnic race.

Kim Izzy

White Mountain Puzzles Pretending to be a Normal Person

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Everyday Funny

   Yesterday, we had a day of rain. Today's sky was full of bright white fluffy clouds. During my errands, I left my young teenage children in the van. Standing at checkout, full sun beamed in the plate glass windows.
   The lady behind me the express checkout lane said, "It's pouring!"
   Looking outside the sun was shining and the rain was coming down in sheets. My kids were sitting in the van with the windows down. Thanks to modern technology, powder windows, they had no way to close the windows. I had the only set of keys with me in the store.
   Walking back to the car, I saw my daughter sitting in the front passenger seat using a purple and pink toddler umbrella as a shield. (Okay, it's time to clean out the van.) I laughed all the way to my vehicle.
   Then she told a funny on herself. When the rain started, she said to her brother, "Either the birds have started peeing or it's raining."
   I am glad it was raining. (Pee would have bee just too gross!)

Keep Laughing,
Kim Izzy

Funny Facebook Status Updates and More.

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Clash of the Titans - My Take

I rented Clash of The Titans for my teenage children. I haven't been the biggest fan of Mythology. It was partly the fault of my education or lack there of. While educating my children, I struggled through the Mythology units.

During my childhood, I was exposed to 'old wive's tales.' Modern science has debunked most of these tales. Life is safer if less colorful. Maybe the lack of these tales explains the our culture's current obsession with mythology ranging from vampires to Greek gods. Is it our need for something bigger, stronger, and more dangerous than mankind? Or a need to reconnect with the fears from our past to show us the path to victory over today's fears?

Clash of the Titans was time well spent watching my family enjoy the movie including the spectacular special effects. The movie is quite loaded with them. The screen play is well written. Even the mythology challenged like myself should be able to follow the story. My children, who are fairly well versed in Greek Mythology, loved it. Facebook teenage friends agreed.

Kim Izzy

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Heartsong Presents: Grace by Linda Ford Book Review


The advice most often given to writers is to read, read, and read some more. Read both types non fiction and fiction; read all genres.

Sometime ago, I picked up an 2004 Heartsong Presents. I know it’s out of date but it was a pleasure read as I was drawn in by the blurb on the back. While it is technically an adult book, the heroine is an young lady of eighteen or nineteen.


I wasn’t an young bride as is Grace. I lived several years on my own but suddenly being responsible for someone beside myself and “running” a household was a little intimidating. Grace does a great job of describing this coming of age. I haven’t read very many books that deal with this topic. Fortunately, it is well done.

Grace had me examining my life for areas where I too have succeeded when I took a chance to try something new. We learn more from our failures than we ever learn from playing it safe or letting someone else do it for us. An important lesson is not letting pride (or fear) stand in the way of getting/asking for help.


Kim Izzy

Thursday, September 30, 2010

Book Review - The Earthborn - Paul Collins



The Earthborn is a scifi YA story. Several hundred years ago, a space ship was dispatched to colonize a distant solar system. The planet was marginal at best and Earth's last transmission broadcast nuclear war. The ship, Colony, decided to return to Earth, purify it and recolonized it with Skyborn. Of course, as with any assumations, things go wrong. The human spirit to live and learn has survived.

The main character is a skyborn youth, causing me to question the title of the book. The story is well written until the end. It feels rushed and incomplete. Until the last few statements at the end of the book, I wondered if I was looking forward to a sequel.

While I didn't agree with some of the writer's assumptions, I could see his logic and enjoyed the story until the end. I walked away from this book disappointed.

Kim Izzy

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Book Review - Because of Anya by Margaret Peterson Haddix

YA author Margaret Peterson Haddix 's portrayal of a young woman defining herself by her appearance, specially her hair, was very poignant to me. It's a trait, we, women the world over, struggle with. We spend millions ever year to wash, condition, color, brush, pull up, pull back, highlight, straighten, curl, clip, cut, comb, tease, rat and . . .   Have I forgotten any? Okay, okay, maybe a few! (Ha! Ha!)

My grandmother lost her hair during her treatment for lung cancer. It was almost like she lost herself. Grandma was vigilante to keep her head covered at all times.

One evening a former boyfriend and I popped in for an unexpected visit. As we were saying our good byes for the night, Grandma reached up and realized that she wasn't wearing her wig or one of her caps. The look of horror spread across her face followed by anguish.

"Why did you tell me?" Grandma demanded.

"It isn't important to me. I love YOU with or without hair." I replied.

We had a good healthy cry. Even twenty plus years later, I can remember the love, laughter and acceptance shared in those moments. Around the family, Grandma was able to be more confident and comfortable. I like to think I was a small part of that.

While this book doesn't deal with cancer, it does deal with loss in a realistic and yet positive way. Because of Anya is a great read for women of any age. It speaks to me as the mother of a teenage daughter trying to negotiate these unknown waters. I'm recommending the book to my daughter.

Kim Izzy

P.S. My daughter loved it, too!

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Launched

This blog is a dream of mine. I am a concerned with trying to keep three blogs in the air, but I am hopeful. Each blog has it's own focus.  Leann Holland's Chattering's focus is writing for adult, women and romance (See my profile for link.).

Izzy's Corner's focus is children and teens. I love my children. I love having conversations with other children and teens. I look forward to writing for them.

Kim Izzy