This week at my daughter's school, several students in her 6th grade class were called into the principal's office for starting or joining the Facebook group "I Hate My Teacher Mr. _____." The Facebook page listed the teacher by name and derogatory statements about the teacher were made. The students were issued a warning and the Facebook page was removed. The student who created the Facebook group was spared from suspension. When the principal phoned the parents, most parents did not know their child had an account on Facebook. The majority of 6th graders are not old enough to be on Facebook.
Facebook requires users to be at least 13 years old, but it is easy for an underage child to set up an account. Facebook provides a link to report an underage user, but it is difficult to locate on their website. At the 2010 SXSW Interactive Festival, I attended the panel "Negotiating the Parent/Teen Divide Over Social Networking." At the Q&A session, two different moms said they discovered their 12 year old daughters were on Facebook even though it was against their rules.
Is your child on Facebook? Maybe it's time to find out before the school principal calls.
Mommy Does SXSW 2010 - Skateland Film Review
Skateland (2010)
Directed by Anthony Burns
Skateland, a coming of age film set in East Texas was a happy surprise at the 2010 SXSW Film Festival. "Skateland" is a poignant, funny and warm hearted film set in 1983 small town Texas. The film is dedicated to director John Hughes and Hughes' influence on "Skateland" can be seen in its complex female characters, brilliant 80's soundtrack and strong ensemble cast.
Shiloh Fernandez stars as Richie Wheeler manager of the local skate rink Skateland. The popular but unambitious Richie enjoys partying and hanging out with friends. But when forced to deal with the demise of Skateland and the end of his parents' marriage; Richie begins to question his place in East Texas. Fernandez gives a solid performance as the lead and Ashley Greene co-stars as Michelle Burkham, Richie's love interest. Ashley Greene (Twilight's Alice Cullen) gives an admirable performance as the girl next door whose college ambitions will take her away from her home town. There is much chemistry within the ensemble cast, but the real breakout star is actor Heath Freeman. Freeman portrays Brent Burkham the successful motocross racer who moves back to town after his racing career falters. Freeman's sexy performance adds humor and charm to the film, but never goes over the top. His screen presence is undeniable and "Skateland" will be his stepping stone to bigger starring roles.
"Skateland" making the US festival rounds has been compared to "American Graffiti" and "Dazed and Confused." The film actually reminded me of "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" with its specific setting and the way it fluctuates between hilarious teen comedy and a film with serious consequences for its characters. "Skateland" abandons the raunch factor (common in many teen movies) and proves that unique teen dramas still exist.
Directed by Anthony Burns
Skateland, a coming of age film set in East Texas was a happy surprise at the 2010 SXSW Film Festival. "Skateland" is a poignant, funny and warm hearted film set in 1983 small town Texas. The film is dedicated to director John Hughes and Hughes' influence on "Skateland" can be seen in its complex female characters, brilliant 80's soundtrack and strong ensemble cast.
Shiloh Fernandez stars as Richie Wheeler manager of the local skate rink Skateland. The popular but unambitious Richie enjoys partying and hanging out with friends. But when forced to deal with the demise of Skateland and the end of his parents' marriage; Richie begins to question his place in East Texas. Fernandez gives a solid performance as the lead and Ashley Greene co-stars as Michelle Burkham, Richie's love interest. Ashley Greene (Twilight's Alice Cullen) gives an admirable performance as the girl next door whose college ambitions will take her away from her home town. There is much chemistry within the ensemble cast, but the real breakout star is actor Heath Freeman. Freeman portrays Brent Burkham the successful motocross racer who moves back to town after his racing career falters. Freeman's sexy performance adds humor and charm to the film, but never goes over the top. His screen presence is undeniable and "Skateland" will be his stepping stone to bigger starring roles.
"Skateland" making the US festival rounds has been compared to "American Graffiti" and "Dazed and Confused." The film actually reminded me of "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" with its specific setting and the way it fluctuates between hilarious teen comedy and a film with serious consequences for its characters. "Skateland" abandons the raunch factor (common in many teen movies) and proves that unique teen dramas still exist.
Mommy Does SXSW 2010 - Film Review
Barbershop Punk (2010)
Directed by Georgia Sugimura Archer and Kristin Armfield
The documentary "Barbershop Punk" follows the story of Robb Topolski a barbershop quartet singer and music fan. When Robb tries to legally share barbershop quartet music on the internet, he discovers Comcast blocking his file sharing ability. As a result, Robb stumbles into a fight against Comcast for net neutrality and common carrier laws. A fight that travels all the way to the FCC.
"Barbershop Punk" is a classic David versus Goliath tale fought on the internet. Robb Topolski's humble Midwestern demeanor and non-confrontational personality make you cheer for him and his underdog status. Politically, the film raises serious questions about who controls the internet and its contents. "Barbershop Punk" is a timely film in light of Google's decision to close its search engine in China this week.
Directed by Georgia Sugimura Archer and Kristin Armfield
The documentary "Barbershop Punk" follows the story of Robb Topolski a barbershop quartet singer and music fan. When Robb tries to legally share barbershop quartet music on the internet, he discovers Comcast blocking his file sharing ability. As a result, Robb stumbles into a fight against Comcast for net neutrality and common carrier laws. A fight that travels all the way to the FCC.
"Barbershop Punk" is a classic David versus Goliath tale fought on the internet. Robb Topolski's humble Midwestern demeanor and non-confrontational personality make you cheer for him and his underdog status. Politically, the film raises serious questions about who controls the internet and its contents. "Barbershop Punk" is a timely film in light of Google's decision to close its search engine in China this week.
Mommy Does SXSW 2010 - Film Reviews
I attended the 2010 SXSW Film Festival on business. As an attendee I saw three films Erasing David, Barbershop Punk and Skateland during the film festival. Here is my first review.
Erasing David (2009)
Directed by David Bond and Melinda McDougall
"Erasing David" was the best of the three films I saw at SXSW. The intriguing concept of "Erasing David" starts with director David Bond playing hide and seek from a team of private investigators who hunt him down using GPS, Facebook, and Google. This British documentary has as much suspense as "The Fugitive" and asks serious questions about personal privacy rights in the technology age.
David ditches his mobile phone, credit cards and family as he runs from one European country to another. Halfway through the film, David's mental state starts to wane as the pressure of living on the run bears down on him. He also feels guilty and conflicted about leaving his pregnant wife to take on this cat and mouse challenge. In the meantime, the private investigators dig through David's trash, spot him in a video blog and stake out his mother's house while closing in on him. The soundtrack by Michael Nyman perfectly scores the chase scenes and heightens David's paranoid state of mind.
Erasing David is an entertaining thriller now available on iTunes and Amazon Video on Demand. Not to be missed.
Erasing David (2009)
Directed by David Bond and Melinda McDougall
"Erasing David" was the best of the three films I saw at SXSW. The intriguing concept of "Erasing David" starts with director David Bond playing hide and seek from a team of private investigators who hunt him down using GPS, Facebook, and Google. This British documentary has as much suspense as "The Fugitive" and asks serious questions about personal privacy rights in the technology age.
David ditches his mobile phone, credit cards and family as he runs from one European country to another. Halfway through the film, David's mental state starts to wane as the pressure of living on the run bears down on him. He also feels guilty and conflicted about leaving his pregnant wife to take on this cat and mouse challenge. In the meantime, the private investigators dig through David's trash, spot him in a video blog and stake out his mother's house while closing in on him. The soundtrack by Michael Nyman perfectly scores the chase scenes and heightens David's paranoid state of mind.
Erasing David is an entertaining thriller now available on iTunes and Amazon Video on Demand. Not to be missed.
Mommy Does SXSW 2010 - Part 2
Sign at convention center
Google demo at SXSW Interactive Trade Show
Lego display at Screenburn Arcade
Apple store in Lego town
SXSW film box office
Line at G-Tech Theater to see Erasing David documentary
Erasing David film flyer
SXSW panel on teens & social networking
Skateland film screening at Paramount Theater
Mommy Does SXSW 2010 - Part 1
Congress Avenue Bridge/Bat Bridge
Film schwag bag contents
Audience at "Pay TV vs. Internet: Battle for Your TV" panel with Mark Cuban and Avner Ronen
Austin Convention Center evacuated after false fire alarm
Post No Bills - movie posters at SXSW
DJ at Ustream SXSW Party
Gym Class Heroes perform at The Phoenix during Ustream party
Biz Cards for Parenthood Blog
I picked up my new business cards today and they look great. I'm so happy with the way they turned out. Courtney at Judith Shakes Designs designed the business cards to compliment this blog. I love Courtney's style = hip, modern and accessible. At the printer my dear husband asked the printer to change his caricature's eyes to blue on the biz cards. I didn't think he cared about my blog, but apparently I was wrong. I thought it was cute he wanted to feel included in my blogging activities. The biz cards reflect his blue eyes and his caricature does look handsome.
I'm taking the business cards with me to SXSW Interactive. I plan to attend the 2010 SXSW Blogger & Google Reader Party so the cards will come in handy. If you're at the Blogger Party - say hi and I'll give you one of my new biz cards. I'm the Asian chick with the lil' PowerBook G4. I look forward to meeting fellow mommy/daddy bloggers there.
Hurt Locker Wins Big
Wow! Hurt Locker wins Best Picture Oscar and Kathryn Bigelow wins Best Director. Bigelow is the first woman to receive the Best Director Oscar. She beat out Quentin Tarantino and James Cameron - no small feat. Bigelow's Oscar win proves that a woman can direct a harsh war movie (or any other film genre) if given the chance.
If you haven't seen the Hurt Locker, go see it. And check out these earlier films by Kathryn Bigelow:
Near Dark
Point Break
Strange Days
Not bad for a girl.
If you haven't seen the Hurt Locker, go see it. And check out these earlier films by Kathryn Bigelow:
Near Dark
Point Break
Strange Days
Not bad for a girl.
Countdown to SXSW 2010
The 2010 South By Southwest Festival in Austin begins next week. This will be my first time at SXSW. I've been scrambling to get things done before I leave. On the business side, I've been working with graphic designers to get the logo, business card and website up and ready. On the home front, I'm making sure the kids are covered while I'm away. It has been a stressful but productive week, and I'm methodically crossing things off my checklist. I'll be relieved when I'm on the plane flight to Austin.
While in Austin, I plan to attend the SXSW Film and Interactive Festivals. There will be many films to see and many panels to attend. At the Interactive Fest I'm most interested in panel talks about media convergence. At the Film Fest I'm most interested in seeing scheduled attendees James Franco and Joseph Gordon Levitt. Girls, you know what I'm talkin' about.
There are so many events at SXSW that I'm already double booked and need to cut back on my schedule. SXSW Austin will be my first official business trip as a working mom and my first trip to Texas. Wish me luck and I'll keep you posted when I get there.
Ta-dah! The New & Improved Blog Design
Here is the new and improved Parenthood in the 21st Century blog. I am overjoyed by the new blog design. It looks better than I ever imagined. Now I feel pressure to improve my blog content to live up to the beauty of the new design.
The designer responsible for my blog's new look is Courtney at Judith Shakes Designs. Courtney is an amazing designer who is responsible for the look of many prominent blogs. I noticed the best designed blogs in my blogroll were done by Judith Shakes Designs. Courtney was easy to deal with and she even finished my design before the SXSW deadline. Courtney knows how to make blogs look good and she saved me from generic Blogger template syndrome.
The designer responsible for my blog's new look is Courtney at Judith Shakes Designs. Courtney is an amazing designer who is responsible for the look of many prominent blogs. I noticed the best designed blogs in my blogroll were done by Judith Shakes Designs. Courtney was easy to deal with and she even finished my design before the SXSW deadline. Courtney knows how to make blogs look good and she saved me from generic Blogger template syndrome.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
