Teresa Guidice jail-bound and sorry, seriously time for an RHONJ holiday, folks - Grand Rapids Holidays | Examiner.com

Hi-ho, hi-ho it's off to jail we go, for Teresa Guidice, one of the "Real Housewives of New Jersey" says She Knows Reality TV magazine November 13. Evidently the RHONJ star has gotten in a wee bit o' trouble with the green (helping herself to others' that is). So the mama of four will do time and none of this in-house stuff like she requested. It's big girl prison for Guidice, says Gawker. All this points to one thing. It's seriously time to take a holiday from RHONJ, like yesterday!  Teresa Guidice jail-bound and sorry, seriously time for an RHONJ holiday, folks

Disney Frozen Olaf the Snowman party snack recipes

Disney Frozen is the hottest (pun intended) cartoon in decades. Frozen Halloween costumes will take top spots for 2014, featuring Princess Elsa, Princess Anna, Olaf the Snowman and other characters. Frozen is the perfect theme for Halloween, winter, birthday, solstice or just-because party. Here's a menu of Frozen-inspired Olaf the Snowman snacks and beverages kids will love!Frozen Olaf the Snowman party snacks, cookies and beverage recipes - Grand Rapids Holidays

 

Free Printable Doctor Who Masks for Halloween, Coloring Pages, Crafts

BBC's sci-fi show "Doctor Who" celebrates its 50th birthday in 2013. My youngest daughter discovered Doctor Who in 2005 when she was seven. The current Time Lord was the Ninth Doctor, Christopher Eccleston. The current Eleventh Doctor is Matt Smith. If you love galaxy hopping in the TARDIS, and battling Cybermen and Daleks here are free printable Doctor Who coloring pages to extend your adventures.  Free Printable Doctor Who Coloring Pages, Crafts, Masks

Yes, Virginia, Contestants DO Have Sex on The Bachelor

ABC's "The Bachelor" and "The Bachelorette"--what a hoot. Line a bunch of competitive exhibitionist singles up so the chosen exhibitionist can knock them out one at a time. Talk about a recipe for misery.

A few years ago, I pondered "aloud" in a article on Yahoo! if contestants had sex on the show. That would just be the coup de grace, wouldn't it?

When asked if Bachelors/Bachelorettes did the dirty host Chris Harrison said  'Well, Duhh...'.  Okay, so maybe it should be obvious. My 16 year old knew.

Evidently, each bachelor has sex with an average of three girls per season. So not everyone has sex. Whew. I feel much better now. Bachelor Bob Guiley was the reigning gigolo, racking up a five and one half sexual encounters.

Snarkiness notwithstanding, I'm worried about the emotional trauma involved. Did everyone check their brain at the door? With all those hook-ups, some contestants are bound to go home with lovely parting gifts in the form of STDS.

Then there's shame, rejection, self-doubt, hurt. Plus, who knows if the hook-ups end up together? I'd always be wondering if when he was with me, if it was better with Bachelorette #12, or 18 or #5? Then there's objectification and sexist issues.

I've heard of test-drives, but seems to me you're just getting someone else's (very) used goods. I know, few adults bring virginity to the table. But do we really want to create more opportunities for mindless sex? Hook-ups aren't as casual as people would like to believe. They leave emotional scars. Ask any therapist.

Try as we humans might to root out this monogamous habit, we just can't shake it. We just can't handle quick in and out connections (pun intended).

On-show sex pours emotional gasoline to the already-volatile Molotov cocktail that is "The Bachelor." I won't put it down to our lowering morals. Hook-ups have always happened. I will warn participants to watch out. Making a contest (and conquest) out of relationships is going to come back to bite.

For more on dating, relationships and intimacy, visit me at www.emotionalhealthhelp4u.blogspot.com.

Best American History Movies to Watch for 4th of July

The Americans tend to shroud their Revolutionary War in blind patriotism. And then the real stories don't get told because they would might make us question our blind faith in American ideals. To even suggest this, gets me labeled "unAmerican." I only question mindless patriotism. "Red white and blue" fever that keeps us from acknowledging our country's flaws. This list of American history and Revolutionary War films provides a more multi-dimensional view of the United States history. Watch them for 4th of July to get a clearer historical perspective. Best American History Movies to Watch for 4th of July

Pirate-Themed Boy Birthday Party Ideas, Like Pirates of the Caribbean

We raised four kids in a mobile home. So what I don't know about minimalist living, doesn't exist. I'm the Diva of DIY. My nickname is Frau Frugal! But for all that penny-pinching, we throw awesome kids' birthday parties. Here's pirate themed boy's birthday party guide, cheap and homemade. Use free printable pirate crafts and decorations. Add a dollop of imagination and voila. Oh and no gender-stereotype intended--it could be a mixed or girl's party too. Pirate Themed Boy Birthday Party Activities, Homemade and Cheap

Funny, Poignant, Feel-Good Movies for Mother's Day

Need some great movies to enjoy with mom on Mother's Day? Maybe you've lost your mother and need some heart therapy. Whether you're a mom, grandma, adoptive mom, foster mom, surrogate mom, primary care-giver, aunt, step-mom, godmother or you were born of a mother, watch these movies. You'll laugh and cry--sometimes both at once. Enjoy! Best Adult Movies to Watch with Mom on Mother's Day

Free Printable Disney Easter Cards and Crafts

Little ones love Disney characters. So why not celebrate the joy of Easter with these free printable Disney Easter activities. Need Easter greeting cards? Here are links for ten different Disney character Easter cards. Print Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Eyeore, Rabbit, Roo and all your friends from the Hundred Acre Woods. How about some free printable Looney Tunes Easter cards? You'll find printable Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Wile E. Coyote and other character cards and clipart. I've included links for other cartoon characters, too. For Easter letters, print stationery and write an Easter message to grandma and grandpa, teachers and friends. Free Printable Disney Easter Activities 

"Blackfish" Movie of SeaWorld Killer Orca Whale Tilikum Steals Show

Sundance film "Blackfish" is stealing the show, says CNN. Blackfish exposes SeaWorld's dark past and explores the story behind Tilikum, SeaWorld's killer orca whale. Blackfish was number one in cable news and highest-rated on CNN Films. "Blackfish " shows how Tilikum was stolen from his mother by whale hunters. Several orcas were killed. He was sold to a now-defunct marine amusement park. In 1991, Tilikum killed a trainer. Later, a man snuck in to the pool at night and was found dead on Tilikum's back. That park finally closed and Tilikum was bought by SeaWorld says Higher Grounds for Animals. SeaWorld said he'd only be used for breeding.  "Blackfish" SeaWorld Killer Orca Whale Tilikum Steals Show

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas Book and Movie Review

I don't pay much attention to movies and television. But I do look for educational and historically based films. I recently rented "The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas" (2008). It's about an unlikely friendship forged by two boys on opposite sides of a fence. A fence that contains a Nazi relocation (concentration) camp. Inside, is a Jewish boy Shmuel and outside, a German boy, Bruno. It's based on the book by the same name, by John Boyne.The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas Book and Movie Review - News - Bubblews

British History Murder Mystery TV Treasure--Whitechapel

I crave history mystery. Preferably with a juice murder. I just found a Brit series that fits the bill: "Whitechapel."Think Whitechapel and what comes to mind? Jack the Ripper. So the series begins with obligatory Ripper copycat murders.   British History Murder Mystery TV Whitechapel

Downton Abbey Mostly Downhill Abbey

Just my rant about the direction Downton Abbey is going, but a few words of praise for some stellar actors. Downton Abbey Mostly Downhill Abbey, with a Few Exceptions 

Eine Kleine Nachtmusik -Jazzy Blues with a Little Soul

When I am happy, jazz music raises me higher. When I'm down, I need me some blues. And soul, I like whatever my mood or season. With that in mind, here's eine kleine nachtmusik Mar-style, to take you through the night. We start off with "Miss Celie's Blues" from The Color Purple. Then, one of my favorite blues mamas Big Mama Thornton, "Hound Dog." Oh you thought the wannabe poser Elvis wrote it? Nah--he just sang it and nearly as good as Lady Mama. So here's everything from Deetroit Motown to New Orleans jazz funerals and some Bela Fleck funk sprinkled on top.Eine Kleine Nacht Music--Jazzy Blues with a Little Soul

Benedict Cumberbatch's Sherlock Season 3 Disappoints

I didn't watch Sherlock (with Benedict Cumberbatch) on matter of principle. I'm a real Sherlockian purist and was convinced modernizing would ruin the aura. I'm partial to period drama and feel like it's unfair to the author to change it up so much. I hated the Americanized Sherlock with Robert Downey Jr.



Well, I ran out of Agatha Christies and needed a Brit mystery fix. In desperation I tried Sherlock (being very prepared to hate it). And oh frabjuous day, I loved it. I liked the present-day twists on Victorian/Edwardian situations. I like the subtle but effective use of technology --texting, iPhones, internet. The substitution of blog for written biography works well. The metaphors, personalities, updated storylines retain the original flavour in the present-day. But on several levels,  Sherlock Season 3 is a Tad Disappointing

The Professor is Dead, Long Live Gilligans Island

Russell Johnson, better known to TV viewers as "The Professor" on "Gilligan's Island" passed away today. He was 89. Now doesn't that make you fellow 40-50 somethings feel old? I mean we grew up seeing the castaways every day after school. So it was schmaltzy? I've seen a lot worse today and that's just for little kids!  The Professor is Dead, Long Live Gilligans Island

Best Movies and Films to Watch for Chinese New Year

One of the best ways to learn about a culture and people is to read books and watch movies based in that country. Chinese New Year begins early in February. Here are best movies and films based in China to explore Chinese New Year.

"Mulan: Based on the story of Hua or Fa Mulan, a young Chinese girl who impersonates her father and leads her people in battle against the Mongols. The Disney movie is based on the Ballad of Mulan. Here are activities based on the Ballad of Mulan. Here is a transcript of the Ballad of Mulan in Chinese.

Since writing this, I would add "Snow Falling on Cedars" and "Memoirs of a Geisha." Those may not be appropriate for high school classes, but could be enjoyed at home with parental support. Best Movies and Films to Watch for Chinese New Year