Prince Poppycock John Quale Rocks Comic Opera in Gilbert and Sullivan Tradition

I'm nothing if not eclectic in musical tastes. Schizophrenic might be a better word. I can swing Thelonius Monk, to Ralph Stanley to UB40 to Spanish guitar to Bessie Smith to Gilbert and Sullivan. My newest love is Prince Poppycock, the musical phenomenon of John Andrew Quale. Styled on the comic opera of Mozart, the garish decadence of Regency England, the pomp of Louis XIV France and mountains of heaven-bound powdered wigs, Prince Poppycock is everything extravagant.

As Poppycock, Quayle auditioned on America's Got Talent. Sharon Osbourne gave him (her) the diva kiss and ovation.  I don't know if America is ready for this brand of talent (only those steeped in eons of musical theatre  like me, probably are).  Judging by the reception, we may be. Quale is no denim clad folk singer. He's a visual feast for the eyes. In complete Figaro regalia, from pompadour to harlequin maquillade to satin waistcoat to lace mitts to bowed dance slippers, Poppycock looks like he stepped the "Amadeus" Emporer Joseph II court scene. You've got to experience the boy to believe. Poppycock has a following in the LGBTQ community, but I hope those who aren't can step out of their comfort zone and give it a chance. It's a lot of fun. Prince Poppycock-- John Quale Comic Opera Alterego

Love Songs, Romantic Movies for Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is devoted to romance and what better way to initiate a romantic mood than with music? Here's a playlist of edgy, sensual music to warm the soul and ignite passion. They're not saccharine or smarmy--just good old raw emotion. Most I heard in old films, so I've included the movie title too. Most associated films are romantic, but not too mushily so. These love songs and arias come from an array of genres. You can listen to them on Youtube. Edgy, Sensual Love Songs for Valentine's Day

Disney "Oz: The Great and Powerful" Premiers March 8, 2013

Since the 70th anniversary of Warner Bros., "The Wizard of Oz", there's been talk about remaking the film. Disney's Tim Burton's "Alice in Wonderland" gave Oz new impetus. Sam Raimi will film the Disney prequel "Oz: The Great and Powerful" in Detroit, Michigan. Here are details on this iconic film companion, set to release March 8, 2013.  Disney "Oz: The Great and Powerful" Movie to Film in Michigan

Free Printable Despicable Me Minion Halloween Costume Ideas

Steve Carell's cartoon Despicable Me with the cute little yellow Twinkie-shaped minions is a huge hit. Last year I wrote an article on how to make a minion costume for Halloween. Judging by the popularity this year, I'm guessing people still like the show and its fun-sized characters. Want to make a Despicable Me minion Halloween costume? Here's how.

There are several options to create the yellow capsule shaped body of the Despicable Me minion. The first and easiest option is to make a cylinder from a large yellow poster board, draw on the minion face, goggles and blue overalls. Read on Easy Despicable Me Minion Halloween Costume Ideas

Boycott Casey Anthony Movie, Books

When Casey Anthony, the Florida mother accused of killing her 2-year-old child was found not guilty, public outrage spurred questions of movie deals. Now over a year after the Miami mom walked free, those rumors are still pending. Here are thoughts on why boycotting books and movies based on Casey Anthony is the best form of justice.

Probably the biggest issue of the Anthony trial was Casey's failure to report her daughter Caylee missing for more than 30 days. She was photographed partying and seeming completely unconcerned about her child's whereabouts. In and effort to bring other parents to accountability, "Caylee's Law" would make it a felony charge for failure to report a child missing or dead within a short period of time. Boycott Casey Anthony Book, Movie Deals

Free Printable Activities from The Hunger Games Books, Movies

It's an understatement to say that "The Hunger Games" book trilogy, by Suzanne Collins, has taken the world by storm. "The Hunger Games" movie blasted to top spot when it came out in March. The saga continues in "Catching Fire" and "Mockingjay" which don't stay long on book shelves. Planning to teach a unit on "The Hunger Games" books or movie? Here are free printable lesson plans and activities for several different content areas. As for age level, t he movie is acceptable for most ages, but the books are a bit graphic. I recommend using "The Hunger Games" series with kids over 12. Read more at Free Printable Activities from 'The Hunger Games' Book, Movie 

Most Banned Books--Authors of Teen Lit, Kids Literature

Sept. 24 to Oct.1, 2012 celebrated the 30th anniversary of the ALA Banned Book Week. BBW celebrates authors who broke convention to write books about touchy subjects. Here are stats about most oft-censored children and teen authors and literature. Most of these statistics hold true for adult literature as well. Many of the most challenged books were made into movies and some are regularly used in high school curriculum. Have I whetted your curiosity? Click here to find out if your favorite author, book or book-to-movie is on the list. (Six of our family favorites are right on top!) Most Banned Books? Authors of Teen, Children's Literature