Archives for 2014

Wrapping Up the Gift of Time: Part Two Hunger Games

Update Dec. 21, 2014 Every year my teen prefers experiential "go-see-do" gifts to anything I can wrap up and put under the tree, (other than a GoPro which was a 'save up' winner for a milestone birthday) and so every year I have had a media "spin off" that segues from pop culture pervasiveness into an offline unplugged  adventure. Studies show that presence over presents … [Read more...]

Using Media Themes as Presence Over Presents

Dec. 21, 2014 Every year my teen prefers experiential "go-see-do" gifts to anything I can wrap up and put under the tree, (other than a GoPro which was a 'save up' winner for a milestone birthday) and so every year I have had a media "spin off" that segues from pop culture pervasiveness into an offline unplugged  adventure. Studies show that presence over presents continues … [Read more...]

Lottie Dolls: Positive Picks for Healthier Play

Jan. 4, 2016 About a year after I wrote this initial post, Lottie dolls have reached the stars, with recent accolades as the first doll in space designed as Stargazer Lottie by a six year old Canadian child. On Dec. 15, 2015, she launched into the media with input from real life 'sheroes' like astronomer Karen Masters and a hand from our own filmmaker friend Elena Rossini of … [Read more...]

TOADY Awards: Vote for Worst Toy and Inspire Change

Dec. 4, 2014 Every year I twist into a cartoon grimace and let out an “AAUGH!” like Charlie Brown when I scan the CCFC contenders on the TOADY "worst toys" list. (TOADY=Toys Oppressive And Destructive to Young Children)As much as I try to flip my lens toward what’s making waves with worthiness, there’s always one on the list that makes me stop and vote, “oh, no they … [Read more...]

Not Your Typical Dog Books for Kids: Media That Matters

Mar. 23, 2015 "Dogs make the best teachers"...Today is National Puppy Day, time to give a big "paws up" to our friends at A Puppy's New Home, creating respect, social emotional learning, and diversity lessons embedded in this new book series preparing families in a 'what to know before you go' mindset on adopting animals into your home. Excellent message for this day, and … [Read more...]