The History Channel Presents The Presidents

Posted on January 19, 2009 at 10:00 am

B+

Lowest Recommended Age:	Middle School
MPAA Rating:	NR
Profanity:	None
Alcohol/ Drugs:	Some references
Violence/ Scariness:	References to war and assassination
Diversity Issues:	A theme of the series
Date Released to Theaters:	2005
Date Released to DVD:	2005
Amazon.com ASIN:	B0007VY3ZK

This week we observe one of the great strengths of the system created by the founding fathers, the orderly transition to a new administration. In honor of the outgoing and incoming Presidents of the United States, take a look at this eight-part series from the History Channel about the Presidents from George Washington to George W. Bush, their careers and their lives, their triumphs and their disappointments.

‘Monsters vs. Aliens’ Trailer

Posted on January 18, 2009 at 4:00 pm

Take a look at this adorable trailer for “Monsters vs. Aliens” from DreamWorks, featuring the voices of voices of Reese Witherspoon, Paul Rudd, Hugh Laurie, Seth Rogen, Will Arnett, Rainn Wilson, Stephen Colbert, and Kiefer Sutherland:

It’s currently scheduled to open on March 17. I can’t wait!

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Animation Trailers, Previews, and Clips

Clip from ‘New In Town’

Posted on January 18, 2009 at 12:00 pm

I’m thrilled to be hosting the Washington DC-area screening for New in Town, a new romantic comedy with Renee Zellweger and Harry Connick, Jr.
Here’s a clip showing Zellweger getting some comforting advice from Siobhan Fallon Hogan.

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Trailers, Previews, and Clips

Ask a Real Nazi-Fighter

Posted on January 17, 2009 at 10:00 am

The Jewish Partisan Educational Foundation has put together free resources for teachers who want their students to learn about the resistance fighters who opposed the Nazis. Their website includes a place to ask real-life partisans like the Bielski brothers featured in “Defiance” questions about their experiences in fighting the Nazis. Reach the stories of these extraordinary heroes and see their pictures. And then read through some of their answers or ask some questions of your own.

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Internet, Gaming, Podcasts, and Apps

KidThing — Stories, Games, and Educational Content for Kids

Posted on January 17, 2009 at 8:00 am

Kidthing is a safe and secure place to find games and educational content for children.
Kidthing recently won The National Parenting Center’s 2009 Seal of Approval and has been selected to be the sole digital distribution partner for the National Education Association’s Read Across America 2008-09 resource calendar and guide. As part of this award-winning literacy program, Kidthing offers teachers a free digital download of select titles featured in NEA’s Read Across America calendar for use in the classroom each month.
It is is the first and only free digital media player made just for kids. It was created by parents to give kids a safe place to play and learn online away from web browsers and ads. After you download the free software you can select from an online store that has carefully selected and parent-approved digital animated books, interactive games, activities and videos. The downloads start at under a dollar and can be played even when the computer is not online. Kids can enjoy it away from home or in the car.
I was pleased to see that they now feature stories read aloud by Mrs. P, played by actress Kathy Kinney, who invites children to use their imaginations while she reads classic stories beside the crackling fire in her virtual library. She tells classics like Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Little Red Riding Hood, The Princess and the Pea, The Frog Prince and The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin.
It’s just getting started, but it seems to be very thoughtfully designed, with excellent content and a refreshing absence of ads. Definitely worth a look for any family with school-age children.