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February 11, 2002
Quote: "Do you want me to tell you something really subversive?
Love is everything it's cracked up to be. That's why people are so cynical
about it. It really is worth fighting for, being brave for, risking everything
for. And the trouble is, if you don't risk everything, you risk even more."
(Erica Jong)
Dear Friends,
I have to admit it, Valentine's Day is my all-time favorite
holiday. When I was a child, my mother always had special Valentine's Day
presents for us which I later found out were the Christmas presents that she
hid so well she couldn't find them and la voila they emerged seven weeks later
- more appreciated probably than they would have been at Christmas.
Love. What a wonderful thing to celebrate. Isn't it the one
thing we all want in our lives more than anything else? To love and to be
loved.
This past weekend I found love everywhere I looked. My husband
and I shared dinner with my friend Liz and the new love in her life. They
were so blissfully happy, giggling like teenagers on a date.. that the whole
room became their bubble. Next, I was reminded of my friend Naomi's love for
her twin girls while searching for one of them who skated at the opening ceremony
for the Olympics. And again, I was reminded of how we work sometimes for the
love of the work more than anything else as I watched two beautiful videos,
two programs that will never be found on the shelves of Wal-Mart or Toys R
Us and are truly productions made from the spirit of love: "Dance of
the Young Nomads," a beautiful story told by the Friends of Tibetan Women's
Association about the displaced children of Tibet and "Ikingut"
a touching tale about discrimination and friendship that takes place in Iceland
during the early 1900s. These are touching tales about a commitment to love.
May the love in your life burn just a little brighter this fine week.
Enjoy,
Ranny
**** A Wonderful Message by Anonymous
***
The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings
but shorter tempers, wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more,
but have less. We buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller
families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less
sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems,
more medicine, but less wellness. We drink too much, smoke too much, spend
too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too
late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.
We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values.
We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often. We've learned how to
make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years.
We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the
street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space.
We've done larger things, but not better things. We've cleaned up the air,
but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We
write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned
to rush, but not to wait. We
build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than
ever, but we communicate less and less.
These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men
and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the
days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These
are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night
stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet,
to kill. .It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing
in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and
a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete.
Remember, spend some time with your loved ones, because they
are not going to be around forever. Remember, say a kind word to someone who
looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave
your side. Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that
is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.
Remember, to say, "I love you" to your partner and your loved ones,
but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes
from deep inside of you. Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for
someday that person will not be there again.
Give time to love, give time to speak and give time to share
the precious thoughts in your mind.
*** Congratulations to CQCM Members:
Genius Products and Warner Home Video ***
Genius Products and Warner Home Video, the home entertainment
distributor for AOL Time Warner, today announced the signing of an exclusive,
long-term production and distribution deal for the Baby Genius and Kid Genius
branded lines of children's entertainment home video product.
Warner Home Video will distribute the three award-winning Baby
Genius videos, Mozart and Friends, Mozart and Friends: Sleepytime and The
Four Seasons. Additionally, Warner and Genius Products plan to produce, distribute
and market at least two new Baby Genius home videos beginning in 2002 and
plan launch the Kid Genius home video series in 2003.
"Warner Home Video is thrilled to begin this partnership
with Baby Genius, a leading brand in the fast-growing category of children's
developmental edu-tainment," said Ewa Martinoff, WHV vice president,
family entertainment marketing. "The highly creative and entertaining
Baby Genius programs are the perfect fit for Warner Home Video's infant/toddler
initiative."
**** NEW ENDORSEMENTS, OLD CLASSICS
****
*** VALENTINE'S DAY SPECIAL RECOMMENDATION
****
This video for 2 to 7-year-olds is a classic that should be in every collection.
WHAT ABOUT LOVE (MISTER ROGERS' NEIGHBORHOOD). Love is never
easy to understand, especially when people who love each other get angry.
This program helps appreciate love and other feelings that accompany it. "It's
the people we love the most who can make us gladdest and maddest." Adult
Juror Comments: It's thought-provoking with simple, easy-to-understand style,
and a clear and compassionate tone. Provides a supportive emotional video
environment for kids. Very age-appropriate. Mister Rogers speaks slowly and
clearly. Kid Juror Comments: Presentation allows time to stop and reflect.
Appealed to older four- and five-year-olds. They responded best when questioned
by an adult about the content. One child said, "I like everything Mister
Rogers does." Video. 51 min.; $12.95; Age: 2-7. FAMILY COMMUNICATIONS,
INC.
Audio
** LEARN IN YOUR CAR: FRENCH ON THE WAY FETE - Teaches kids basic phrases,
numbers, sentence building, asking questions, and a vocabulary of nouns and
verbs. Includes audio CD, cassette tape, reusable activity book, pen and stickers.
Adult Juror Comments: Fun, informal way to learn French. Great educational
tool. Relaxed pace, slow and easy, just right for kids to pick up the phrases.
Activity book is good reinforcement. "My grandson and I were speaking
French at the end of a three-day car trip." Kid Juror Comments: Enjoyed
it quite a bit. "I like being able to say things in French." "We
liked to listen to Side One a second time before we listened to Side Two.
It gave us more practice." "I repeated all the words to try and
get them right." "I liked the activities." Audio. 70 min.;
$19.95; Age: 8-12. PENTON OVERSEAS, INC..
CD-ROM
*** 2002 GROLIER MULTIMEDIA ENCYCLOPEDIA DELUXE The 2002 Encyclopedia
provides easy access to 77,000 articles as well as an atlas, dictionary, and
thesaurus. The learning experience is enhanced with thousands of videos, illustrations,
web links, and more. Adult Juror Comments: Complete and extremely easy to
use. Short, to-the-point articles, photographs, video clips, dictionary and
thesaurus. Web links provided for online users. Helps users without internet
access can learn how to navigate the web. A great tool for students. Kid Juror
Comments: All of them - including youngsters with lower level reading and
computer skills - found it easy to use. "There really weren't any difficult
parts." "It is so extensive." "It gives us all we need
to do our homework. My school should have this." CD-Rom. WIN/MAC; 0 min.;
$29.95; Age: 10-18. SCHOLASTIC ENTERTAINMENT.
*** CLIFFORD LEARNING ACTIVITIES Children explore and learn
with Clifford, Cleo, and T-Bone as they travel around Birdwell Island helping
their neighbors and playing ten skill-building activities. Adult Juror Comments:
Excellent, strong software program. No glitches; runs smoothly with minimal
parental help and little frustration for kids. Great graphics and music, darling
animation. Multi-leveled. Reinforces kindergarten and preschool lessons. "I
can't say enough." Kid Juror Comments: Enjoyed it immensely. "I
really like it. Can I take it home with me?" "It was so much fun."
"I just love Clifford, he is funny and so nice to his friends."
"I get to add and sing too!" "I practiced my letters."
"It's the BEST!"/ CD-Rom. WIN/MAC; 0 min.; $19.95; Age: 3-7. SCHOLASTIC
ENTERTAINMENT.
*** I SPY TREASURE HUNT - By exploring Smuggler's Cove and solving
I Spy riddles, users cleverly reveal pieces of three treasure maps. Assemble
the pieces and follow the clues on your exciting hunt to discover the unique
treasures left behind by the town's legendary pirates. Adult Juror Comments:
Clever, challenging and entertaining. No errors and no problems. Video and
audio ran smoothly. Grand computer art. The difficulties are in ranges, not
levels. Encourages children to look at things differently. Very positive feedback.
No hints though. Kid Juror Comments: All agreed that it was fun - but hard.
Some got *VERY* frustrated. "Sometimes we were screaming and yelling
when we found a new piece or couldn't find something. But we still liked it."
"The program was simple to use." "I would give it a 15+ out
of 10." CD-Rom. WIN/MAC; n/a min.; $29.95; Age: 6-10. SCHOLASTIC ENTERTAINMENT.
Video
** HOLIDAY IN THE SUN (MARY KATE AND ASHLEY).Mary Kate and Ashley
are spending winter break at the lavish Atlantis resort in the Bahamas. But
that means they have to miss their school trip to Hawaii with all their friends.
Amidst all their fun, they come across an antiquities smuggling ring. Adult
Juror Comments: A fun mystery for young teens ready to start dating. Very
well done. Beautiful scenery and underwater views. The twins are mischievous
and get into trouble but suffer no consequences. They talk a lot about boys
and a very sexy dress is worn. Kid Juror Comments: When asked if they liked
the show, they replied: "It's Mary Kate and Ashley!" "I liked
their hair, I like their clothes…Mom, can I have it all?" Even boys
enjoyed it. "The family had a really fun vacation that is fun to watch."
"The Bahamas look cool." Video. 88 min.; $19.96; Age: 13-15. WARNER
HOME VIDEO. Coming out in DVD this week along with Passport to Paris and Winning
London.
** ELMO'S WORLD: WILD WILD WEST (SESAME STREET HOME VIDEO).Elmo
saddles up to learn all about the wild frontier! Join along as he rides a
horse, boards a magic stagecoach, sings classic cowpoke songs with Travis
Tritt, and dances at a hoe-down with the Noodle Family featuring Broadway's
Kristin Chenoweth. Adult Juror Comments: Fun and lively mix of adored familiar
characters, country western music and Western lifestyle. Just the right amount
of imagination and reality. Lots of diversity and encouragement. Kids take
care of pets, help each other and introduce some Spanish words. Kid Juror
Comments: Laughed a lot. Enjoyed hearing cowboys
stories and seeing kids in places like New Mexico. "I liked Mr. Banana
Man." "The kids helped Elmo and they helped the Noodles." They
were very interactive at the Monster Clubhouse and moved with the directions.
Video. 47 min.; $12.98; Age: 2-5. SESAME WORKSHOP.
*** MY LITTLE DEVIL Upon the death of his mother, a ten-year-old
boy in India is sent to a boarding school by his father. Saddened, he leaves
his best friend and the village of his childhood to lead a new life. Based
on memoirs by Joseph Macwan, "Lohi No Sambandh." Adult Juror Comments:
Extraordinary production of a moving story. On-location filming exposes mainstream
kids to the poverty, religion and lifestyles that exist outside the U.S. Story
unfolds slowly and thoughtfully, with believable incidences and characters
and much dignity. Kid Juror Comments: They were touched by Joseph's plight
and troubled by the pervasive sadness. "We could imagine how sad it would
be to not have your mom any more, to be in a new school, to not have friends
and to be in trouble." "It was sad, but the ending was happy."
Video. 88 min.; $0; Age: 8-12. PRODUCTIONS LA FÊTE.
** MIFFY: TELL ME A STORY MIFFY! The classic fairy tales Cinderella,
Snow White, Hop o' My Thumb and Little Red Riding Hood are introduced by Miffy,
the bunny book character by Dutch artist and author Dick Bruna. Narrated by
a child and illustrated in kid-friendly simple graphics. Adult Juror Comments:
Charming. Bold colors and uncomplicated images are appealing and easy to follow.
The child narrator's voice is tranquil, almost hypnotic. Although tastefully
handled, some of the content in these standard tales may be too strong for
very small children. Kid Juror Comments: Older kids loved the stories, younger
ones loved the graphics and music. The child narrator was a hit with all ages.
Smaller kids danced and clapped, and many asked to see the title again. Video.
25 min.; $12.98; Age: 2-5. PIONEER ENTERTAINMENT.
** MAGIC POWER SCOUTS: FIRST ADVENTURE! When a powerful book
of magic is stolen by the wacky warlord Twinkleflash, it's up to the good
witch Myrtle and her grandchild to get it back. She is able to transform three
ordinary kids into animals - giving them the gift of magic. Adult Juror Comments:
Unusual. Story and appearance very different from studio productions. Child
actors are unpretentious. Particularly good for learning about theater, puppets
and live performances. Video quality is inconsistent. Relies heavily on dialogue.
Kid Juror Comments: Kids liked the adventure, the magic and how they change
into animal forms. "At first I thought it was weird, but then I liked
it." "I want to see more." "The bully was mean."
They were bothered by the uneven audio quality. Video. 45 min.; $9.95; Age:
7-12. BLUE GIRAFFE PRODUCTIONS.
*** THE PRINCESS DIARIES - A plain-Jane teen is transformed
into a royal beauty when she discovers she is heir to the throne. A story
of first love, friendship and the meaning of family - a dream come true for
every kid who was
ever an outsider. Adult Juror Comments: Great feel-good movie. Wholesome and
fun, with absolutely believable but lovable characters. The princess handles
situations with dignity and grace. "My friends and I loved it, my kid
loved it, and her friends and their siblings loved it…even the boys."
Kid Juror Comments: Universal hit. Guys liked it, girls liked it more. "It
made me laugh more than anything I have watched." "It was realistic
- the girl is a geek with a princess inside." "The grandma was okay,
the mom was cool, and the cheerleaders were real mean." Video. 115 min.;
$22.99; Age: 8-18. BUENA VISTA HOME ENTERTAINMENT/DISNEY.
** FROM FARM TO TABLE - (AGRICULTURE FOR CHILDREN).Follow young
hosts as they explore each step in the fascinating journey of food cultivation
and processing. Visit an apple orchard, produce inspection, and a factory
that processes tomatoes. Then learn the different ways food is transported.
Adult Juror Comments: Accurate and educational. Professional and high quality
production with clear sound and crisp images. Good, broad-based coverage.
Positive in-class scenes with kids explaining things as they learn them. Information
is presented, reviewed and summarized. Kid Juror Comments: Younger kids enjoyed
it. "It reminded us of our lives and it showed things we haven't seen
before." Older kids were too familiar with the topic. "I already
know some of the stuff they were telling me to remember." All wanted
to visit one the places shown. Video. 23 min.; $29.95; Age: 5-12. SCHLESSINGER
MEDIA, INC.
*** KIDS FIRST Best Children's Film, Video or DVD of
the Year Award ***
*** KIDS FIRST! FILM, VIDEO AND DVD FESTIVAL ***
The KIDS FIRST! Film, Video and DVD Festival 2002 is coming
to Los Angeles April 13 - 27. For details, visit our website, http://www.kidsfirstinternet.org
The KIDS FIRST Best Children's Film, Video or DVD of the Year Award is intended
to honor media that are non-violent and non-biased but also engage a child's
imagination; stimulate curiosity and creativity; respect cultural diversity;
and challenge kids to think, reason, and ask questions.
You can vote for your favorite children's film, video or DVD
of the year on the KIDS FIRST! web site, http://www.kidsfirstinternet.org
. The winners will be announced Friday, April 26, 2002.
*** 2002 Craftsman/NSTA Young Inventors Awards Program ***
National Science Teachers Association and Sears, Roebuck and Company
This program challenges students to use creativity and imagination,
along with science, technology, and mechanical ability, to invent or modify
a tool. The award program is open to students in grades two through eight
who are residents of the United States and U.S. Territories. All applications
must be sent in by March 14, 2002. Two national finalists will receive a $10,000
U.S. Series EE Savings Bond (one winner grades two to five; one winner grades
six to eight); 10 national finalists will receive a $5,000 U.S. Series EE
Savings Bond (five winners in each grade category). For more info, go to http://www.nsta.org/programs/craftsman/
*** UCLA Internet Report ***
The Center for Communication Policy released the results of
the September 11 study as a supplement to the UCLA Internet Report. For additional
information, please go to http://www.ccp.ucla.edu.
*** The Best Kids' Stores: 25 Nominated for the Pannell Awards
***
The Women's National Book Association has nominated 25 stores--15 in the children's
bookstore category and 10 in the general bookstore category--for this year's
Lucile Micheels Pannell Award. The award, first given in 1983, "recognizes
retail booksellers who excel at creatively bringing books and children together
and inspiring children's interest in books and reading."
Here are the nominees in the children's bookstore category, perhaps one's
in your neighborhood:
Books Illustrated in Melbourne, Australia
Books of Wonder in New York, N.Y.
Butterfly Books in DePere, Wis.
Children's Book World in Haverford, Penn.
Children's Corner Bookshop in Spokane, Wash.
Eight Cousins Children's Books in Falmouth, Mass.
Flying Pig Children's Books in Charlotte, Vt.
Forever Books in St. Joseph, Mich.
Hicklebee's in San Jose, Calif.
Kids Ink in Indianapolis, Ind.
The Red Balloon inSaint Paul, Minn.
The Storyteller in Lafayette Calif.
Vancouver Kidsbooks in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
*** Wanted: Good Kids! ***
Do you know a child who's done something extraordinary for the community?
Turn him in today! He could win a $250 US Savings Bond from Jolly Rancher.
http://klnlive.com/article/0,1120,46-27146,00.html?wtlAC=cu0123,email-tl
*** New Book for Dads from Parent's Guide Press ***
Just in time. Publisher Edwin Steussy of Mars Publishing's/Parent's Guide
Press' announces a book for new dads, coinciding with a baby on the way for
Ed and wife. Congratulations on both fronts Ed. Details can be seen at
http://www.pgpress.com/Fall2002/FATHER.jpg Appropriate, no?
*** TV Addiction ***
"Television Addiction" was the cover story of this
month's Scientific American. "Perhaps the most ironic aspect of the struggle
for survival is how easily organisms can be harmed by that which they desire,"
the article begins. It tracks the ways in which compulsive TV viewing and
video game playing resemble other forms of addiction. If the term "couch
potato" touches a nerve in your house, check out http://www.sciam.com/2002/0202issue/0202kubey.html.
*** "Helping Youth Navigate the Media Age: A New Approach
to Drug Prevention"***
A new, free report featuring the results of the Media Literacy Summit held
by the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy's National Youth
Anti-Drug Media Campaign in June 2001 in Washington, D.C., is now available
for download at http://www.mediacampaign.org/kidsteens/media_age.pdf.
*** State Laws Beginning to Support Nursing Mothers ***
Nobody seriously doubts the value of breast-feeding, but until
recently the connection between nursing and employment hasn't been on policymakers'
radar screens. Stateline reports on a new trend: Lawmakers in 31 states have
approved breast-feeding legislation within the last eight years. http://www1.stateline.org/story.do?storyId=220863
***The Right Start for America's Newborns ***
Prospects for a more promising start to life improved for children born in
the 1990s, but a high percentages of babies in the United States continue
to enter the world prematurely, at birth weights that are below normal, and
to mothers who are unmarried, according to this updated Kids Count report.
http://www.aecf.org/kidscount/rightstart2002/
***A Nation Online: How Americans are Expanding Their Use
of the Internet ***
Children and teenagers use computers and the Internet more than any other
age group. But according to this Department of Commerce report, there is a
still an enormous access gap between affluent and low-income kids, and that
gap is not getting any narrower. http://www.ntia.doc.gov/ntiahome/dn/nationonline_020502.htm
*** Become a Coalition for Quality Children's Media Member
***
If you've found our e-zine and web site helpful, please consider
becoming a member of KIDS FIRST! Members help underwrite the various projects
of this organization and are a critical component of our success.
The Coalition for Quality Children's Media's relies on the generous
support of its members and donors to support its programs. An individual/family
membership is only $25/year. An organizational membership is $100/year. An
independent producer membership begins at $200/year. Visit our website (http://www.kidsfirstinternet.org)
or call our office for an application form.
**** KIDS FIRST! Book ***
Our book, A Parent's Guide to the Best Children's Videos, DVDs, and CD-ROMs,
is available now. To order your book, call our office, 505-989-8076 or send
in your request, to kfnews@http://www.kidsfirstinternet.org. You can view
sample pages of our book at http://www.pgpress.com/Book_Excerpts/kidvid/
*********************EVENTS and NEWS **********************
March 5, 2002, 9:30 am - 4:00 pm. The American Center for Children and Media,
Prix Jeunesse International and the Goethe-Institut New York invite you to
watch and discuss children's television items and short programs from around
the world Goethe-Institut New York, 1014 Fifth Avenue (at 82nd Street).
All professionals whose work involves children and media are
invited. There is no registration fee but advance registration is required
and space is limited. To register, send a fax to 847-390-9435 or email your
request to David Kleeman - [email protected]
March 14 & 15: BRAINCAMP 6, New York City - Speakers include:
Elie Dekel - President, Saban Consumer Products, Fox Family Worldwide; Robert
Friedman - President, AOL's Interactive Marketing Unit; Bill Jemas - Coo of
Marvel Enterprises and President of Publishing, Licensing and New Media: Gen
Fukunaga - Chairman, Funimation Productions; Faith Rogow, Ph. D. - Founder
and President of the Alliance for a Media Literate America; Tom Vellios -
President & CEO of Zany Brainy, Inc. For More Information Contact [email protected].
April 8-9 Women's Equality Summit, Washington, DC
Details: http://www.feminist.org/summit or , call 202) 393-7122.
April 13 - 27 KIDS FIRST! Film, Video and DVD Festival 2002 in Los Angeles.
Visit http://www.Kidsfirstinternet.org
To add your event to this list, please sent a notice to [email protected]
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