Toy Story 2 (1999)

In “Toy Story,” we met Buzz Lightyear, a toy who didn’t know he was a toy. In the sequel, “Toy Story 2,” it’s Woody’s turn to have an identity crisis. While saving a toy from a yard sale box, Woody (Tom Hanks) accidentally falls into a “for sale” pile and is eagerly snatched up by Al, owner of Al’s Toy Barn. Al is a collector who has spent years looking for a Woody doll, and he makes an offer to Andy’s mother. She explains the toy is not for sale, but Al tucks Woody under a pile in his arms … Continue reading

Toy Story (1995)

What if toys came to life when their owners’ backs were turned? What if they had lives of their own that they lived while their owners were at school or asleep? This is the premise of the hit Pixar film, “Toy Story.” Andy is an imaginative little boy who loves cowboys. His favorite toy is a Woody doll, a cowboy dressed in a vest and hat. Andy has a cowboy bedspread, cowboy posters on his walls, and he spends most of his playtime pretending that Woody (voiced by Tom Hanks) is a sheriff who saves all the other toys from … Continue reading

The Toy That Saved Christmas (2002)

Okay, so it’s not Christmas anymore, but I’m trying to review the VeggieTales movies in order and this one comes next. We’ll keep the spirit of Christmas alive all year! Once upon a time, there was a town that didn’t “get” Christmas. They had it, but they didn’t understand it. They thought it was solely for the purpose of getting presents, and the television commercials didn’t help any. All day long, the people were bombarded with advertisements specifically designed to make the children whine and scream for that particular toy. It was a cranky, unhappy town. Up on the hill … Continue reading

Top Fisher Price Toys

While there are some incredible toy and media manufacturers around, Fisher Price definitely ranks near or at the top. For a long time, Fisher Price has been a household name, providing young and older children with educational toys. In fact, the company was first founded in 1930, which has been going strong ever since. Below are just a few of my recommendations for Fisher Price. -Tumble Time Tigger – Perfect for babies, this Fisher Price toy provides tons of fun with lively and energetic entertainment. The Tigger can dance around to music, as well as perform handstands, cartwheels, and much … Continue reading

There is No Insurance Against “Bad Mothering”

Two adult children in Illinois are suing their mother for being a “bad mother”. This case does not involve instances of abuse or neglect. Sadly, since one cannot purchase malpractice insurance in the case they are sued by their children, this mom is going to be paying her court fees out of pocket. No one ever said that parenting would be easy. People make mistakes from time to time, and this includes parents. It is normal for a mother to have a moment or two when she wonders if she is a good mother or not. The answer to that … Continue reading

The Love Between Grandmother and Grandson

Presidential hopeful Barack Obama just returned to the campaign trail after a brief 22-hour stop in Hawaii to visit his gravely ill 85-year-old grandmother. According to news reports, Madelyn Lee Payne Dunham is recovering from a broken hip, in addition to battling a recurrence of cancer. She also suffers from osteoporosis and has had a corneal transplant. In explaining Obama’s sudden trip to his childhood home, the senator’s spokesperson noted that Dunham’s health had deteriorated “to the point where her situation is very serious.” Yet, some in the media had the audacity to question whether Obama’s flight to Hawaii was … Continue reading

Devo Gets Mad-O at McDonald’s and Lilo’s Mystery Sis

If they could really “Whip It” they would probably choose to do so right at burger giant McDonald’s. Cult classic rockers Devo are furious that fast food chain McDonald’s is using the band’s likeness (or so claims the musical group) in a Happy Meal toy. The 80s hitmakers claim the “American Idol” tribute figure, New Wave Nigel, was based on their famous image, as seen in their popular “Whip It” video. Regarding the McDonald’s brouhaha, Devo bass player Gerald Casale, who came up with the punk rock band’s odd jumpsuited look, told news reporters: We’re in the midst of suing … Continue reading

Pixar: Where Math Meets Reality

I remember being in high school algebra class and wondering: “how am I really going to use this in the real world?” I don’t think I was the first math student to wonder such a thing, nor was I the last. It seems that there are even more reasons to take those math classes today than there were in the 1980’s. On Thursday, April 3rd, a scientist from Walt Disney’s Pixar Animation Studios will talk to Hamilton College students about “Math in the Movies”. Tony DeRose heads the research group at Pixar. He has a bachelor’s degree in physics and … Continue reading

How Old Are Your Favorite Disney Films?

I have a special little cupboard where I keep all of our Walt Disney children’s classics. OK, it is a pretty big cupboard and it is loaded with both DVDs and VHS tapes. Truth be told, I started collecting Disney movies long before I ever had children. Heck, I was collecting them long before I ever met my husband! I love the Disney classics and even some of the more recent children’s movies made by Disney/Pixar and I love that my kids are enjoying them too. The funny thing about Disney movies is that I could probably tell you where … Continue reading

New Beginnings For Hollywood Stars

Just call her Mama Elfman. Jenna Elfman’s rep is confirming that the actress and her actor husband Bodhi are the proud new parents of a healthy baby boy. Story Elias Elfman made his debut on July 23rd in Los Angeles. Elfman’s rep says the former Dharma & Greg star is doing fine. As for baby Story – who weighed in at 7 lbs. 2 oz. – he is reportedly already a fan of “classical music, a clean diaper, mom’s boobs and long naps.” This is the first child for the 35-year-old actress who played Dharma Finklestein Montgomery on the ABC … Continue reading