tag:www.pbskids.org,2008-12-04:/itsmylife/blog//30 2012-05-10T14:55:25Z Movable Type Pro 4.24-en tag:www.pbskids.org,2010:/itsmylife/blog//30.2454 2012-05-10T15:13:53Z 2012-05-10T14:55:25Z

Mother's Day is kind of an interesting holiday. While most holidays we celebrate in the U.S. are adopted and adapted from other countries, this is one that originated here. In 1912, an American woman named Anna Jarvis was inspired by...

It's My Life Mother's Day is kind of an interesting holiday. While most holidays we celebrate in the U.S. are adopted and adapted from other countries, this is one that originated here. In 1912, an American woman named Anna Jarvis was inspired by the memory of her late mother to create the Mother's Day International Association and declare that the second Sunday in May would be recognized as Mother's Day. She was very specific about "mother" being singular, meaning that each family should honor its mothers individually, rather than a much less personal worldwide nod to all moms.

Throughout history, mothers have been celebrated in various places in various ways, but now there was a universal day not tied to religious or cultural traditions. Mother's Day was such a huge "hit" that by the 1920's, Anna Jarvis was horrified by how commercial the holiday had become and spent the rest of her life fighting it! How commercial is Mother's Day? Well, according to the National Restaurant Association, Mother's Day is THE most popular day of the year to eat out. It's estimated that this year, Americans will spend approximately $2.6 billion on flowers, $1.53 billion on pampering stuff like spa gift certificates, and another $68 million on greeting cards. Mama Mia!

Still...it's a lovely and wonderful thing to do, to honor our mothers. Maybe your mom is your best friend, or is totally driving you nuts these days, or you've grown apart but would like to bridge that gap. Maybe there are other women in your life in addition to -- or instead of -- your real mom who are like a mother to you. Whatever your situation, we hope you'll find some way that's special and honest to celebrate the forces of motherhood in your life...a way that you're comfortable with. You're never too old to draw a picture, make your own card, bead some jewelry, pick flowers, or plant something in someone's honor.

Here at IML you can celebrate Mother's Day too, on You Said It pages like The Coolest Thing Mom's Done and More Like Mom or Dad?

]]> tag:www.pbskids.org,2011:/itsmylife/blog//30.2535 2012-05-03T17:07:45Z 2012-05-03T15:36:05Z

Spring (and soon summer) is upon us! And for many IML'ers, that can only mean one thing...it's theme park time! Yes, even as you read this, vacationers of all ages are descending like crazy on countless water parks, adventure lands,...

It's My Life Spring (and soon summer) is upon us! And for many IML'ers, that can only mean one thing...it's theme park time! Yes, even as you read this, vacationers of all ages are descending like crazy on countless water parks, adventure lands, zoos, and entertainment mega-worlds. A day at a theme park can be a great way to spend quality time with parents, sibs, relatives, and friends, but it's not always easy to have fun the sun (or rain, or whatever) without going absolutely bonkers, passing out from exhaustion, or demanding to be traded to a less annoying group of people.

So IML has put together this list of Top Ten theme park survival tips for tweens:

1) Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Yeah, yeah, We know this sounds like "grandma advice." But sometimes grandmas are smart! They've been around long enough to know, for example, that those stylish, bejeweled metallic flip-flops will probably shred your feet after about an hour of walking across hot concrete, and that really cute mini-skirt might make it tough to go on certain rides. It's natural to want to look and feel your best, especially if you're spending the day with friends, but you're going to have more fun in the end if you can focus on what you're doing and seeing, not what you're wearing. (Also, keep in mind that you'll very likely get wet at some point in the day, from a ride or water feature or Shamu, so wear something that dries quickly.)

2) Divide and Conquer. We love family unity and friendly togetherness as much as anyone, but to survive a long day at a mega park, you're probably gonna have to split up and take different routes at some point...especially if you have a big group. It'll save a lot of arguing and whining about "what to do next." Don't rely only on cell phones to hook back up, in case technical difficulties come up. Instead, try the old-fashioned method of "Let's meet in front of Raging Rapids at 11 o'clock."

3) Think twice about getting in that looooooong line. Yeah, we know that you want to see the just-opened panda exhibit at the zoo, or take a spin on the brand new ultra-dragon roller coaster at the theme park. But is five minutes of fun worth two hours of waiting in line? If you spent those two hours in a different way, you could take your sweet time exploring the zoo's awesome reptile house, or maybe take five rides on the park's older (but still awesome) coaster instead.

4) Shun the sugar. Wait, what? But yummies are the best part! Of course, treat yourself to one or two things during the day. Everything in moderation! The surge-and crash that comes from sugar overload, plus the physical and emotional yuckiness that too many sweet treats can give you, could put a drain on the whole experience. Drink water instead of soda (or better yet, bring a water bottle and fill it up at fountains to save money and waste), and snack on a pretzel instead of a doughnut. 

5) Know the loopholes. Help the adults you're with to read up on the theme park's special time-saving tricks and programs so you can do less waiting in line. Some popular rides, shows, and attractions may have "fast pass" machines so you can get a timed ticket to come back and skip the main line later in the day. Check insider websites and message boards to pinpoint the best day and time to visit certain attractions.

6) Throw out the checklist. Try not to have a long list of every single thing you "must" do while you're at the park. Remember, it's not about packing in as much as you can during the day, but about having an overall good time. If that means slowing down and skipping a few things, so be it. You may have a better day in the end if you take an hour in the middle to rest with a long lunch than if you powered through to the point of exhaustion.

7) Think like a kid. No matter what age you are, places like zoos and theme parks are more fun if you don't think like a grown-up. If you're with younger children, seeing it through their eyes can really make things magical. Relax and have fun. Don't try to be cool and cynical. Be goofy, especially when you actually meet Goofy.

8) Be money smart. These places are designed to practically Hoover cash out of your pockets. Maybe you rely on the adults you're with to buy you everything at the park but if not, give yourself a personal budget for the day and stick to it by bringing snacks, saving your money for one or two souvenirs you really want, and forgoing stuff that costs extra. After it's all over, you'll most remember your experiences rather than the things you bought, and you may avoid that icky "I can't believe how much money I spent" feeling.

9) Don't be a herd animal. Try not to fall into the same patterns as everyone else at the park...that just leads to crowds and unhappiness. Think different. If nearly everyone packs the lunch spots at noon, try having a light snack at eleven and then lunch at 2, when the food lines are shorter and you won't have to fight for a table. If everybody and his cousin is swarming to the main drag for the 5pm parade, maybe that's the time for you to head to the opposite side of the park and get in the (now much shorter) line for the Mayhem Mountain ride.

10) Fights and feuds are normal, but don't let them spoil things. If you and your friends and family have regular tiffs at home, being in the strange, often stressful environment of a theme park can turn those tiffs into wars. Yes, you're here to have fun...but sometimes the pressure to have that fun (plus the heat, and crowds, and exhaustion) can make it harder to come by! Try to resolve conflicts on the spot using compromises and communication. If you have to give in more than you normally would, or put up with something you would never stand for at home, then so be it. You'll probably find that all the cool distractions will help you forget your disagreement and move on to creating great memories together.

Now it's your turn: share your own stories and tips on our Theme Park You Said It page. You can also get more advice in our Family Vacations section. 

Good luck, and have fun!

 
]]> tag:www.pbskids.org,2012:/itsmylife/blog//30.2583 2012-04-19T18:07:59Z 2012-04-19T18:11:32Z

This Sunday, April 22 is Earth Day 2012 -- an annual worldwide event aimed at spreading awareness of environmental issues. You're probably already bombarded with information at school, on TV, and elsewhere on the Web about Earth Day and how...

It's My Life Green Living and share your own thoughts on how to help the environment.

When we help the environment, we're also helping our planet's co-residents -- the animals. As you probably know, the issue of helping animals and wildlife conservation is a big one for us, because it's a big one for IML'ers. There's something about the way animals touch our hearts and remind us of the incredible power and beauty of nature. We were on the lookout for something that illustrates this in a fresh way for young people, and found the IMAX film "Born To Be Wild," which has just been released on DVD and Blu-ray.

In "Born To Be Wild," we meet amazing people who are dedicated to rescuing and raising orphaned wild animals so they can be returned to the lives they were meant for. In the rainforests of Borneo, Dr. Birute Mary Galdikas and her team care for baby orangutans who are the victims of deforestation, while in the savannahs of Kenya, Dame Daphne M. Sheldrick works to save and rehabilitate young elephants after their mothers are killed by poachers. The film, which is narrated by Morgan Freeman, made us laugh and go "awww" a lot (and even made us cry), really driving home the importance of the human-animal bond. It reminded us of just one of many reasons why environmental awareness matters.

Extras on the discs include wonderful additional footage, which is a good thing because you probably won't be able to get enough of the baby orangutans and elephants. It's a perfect DVD choice for your next family movie night, and unlike other things you might spend time watching, it will make you think...and hopefully act!

]]> tag:www.pbskids.org,2011:/itsmylife/blog//30.2530 2012-04-13T16:29:24Z 2012-04-13T20:41:12Z

So it's spring, and that's a GREAT excuse to go out and buy some new clothes. A new season might mean a new attitude, which might call for a new style! But what do you do if you're on a...

It's My Life
That's where the fantabulous art of embellishment comes in, and we know some of you IML'ers are already experts on that. Embellishment is when you take a piece of clothing that's rather basic and plain, then bling it up with graphic patches, iron-on's, and appliques, fabric ribbons and flowers, rhinestones and other shiny things. It's a really cool way to express yourself, shout your individuality, and explore your personal style. Think of it as "Project Runway" with none of the mean judging and all of the fun.

We were excited to discover a new website called FashionPlaytes that gives girls the opportunity to do this virtually, with the added bonus of actually being able to have their creations made! We asked FashionPlaytes founder Sarah McIlroy to share some tips for IML'ers who want to play around with clothing embellishment, whether it's online or on their own:

• Start with a theme or color. This will help guide you through the design process and give you a good start and vision for what you'd like to design. If you have an existing piece of clothing you'd like to work with, let the style of it inspire you. For instance, a simple solid-colored t-shirt is a great blank canvas to do something fancy, while a tank top that already has ruffles and a pattern might look best with only one or two simple accents. Don't use too many patterns or colors that might clash with one another and distract from your design.
  
  
• Don't forget that clothing's not the only thing that can be embellished. Purses, backpacks, tote bags, and other accessories like hats, scarves, etc. can also be spiffed up!
  
  
• Choose your materials and get stocked up. Go to a craft supply store and check out all the things you can put on fabric: paint, pens, rhinestones, heat transfers, glitter, etc. Decide whether you feel confident enough to sew things on, or use fabric glue (hot glue guns and sewing materials may be things you need to use with an adult around to help).

• Look for materials in a color palette and get comfortable mixing and matching fabrics and patterns. Don't be afraid to try something new like bright neon colors. It's fun to explore and see what other colors or patterns look good on you!

• Practice makes better. If you're drawing a design freehand, try it on a blank piece of paper first. Do a test run of something on scrap material first if you want to make sure you get it the way you want it on the final product. Keep in mind, however, that there are no such things as mistakes! Your "goofs" may end up being your favorite part of the design.
  
  
• Choosing and creating styles is a lot about learning to listen to yourself. Listen to how you're feeling that day, what makes you comfortable and confident, and most importantly, pick something that makes you feel good and try not to listen to what others say. That's the beauty of embellishment - learning to express yourself and wear clothing YOU designed, not something someone else told you to wear.

We hope that inspires you to go out and play fashion designer this weekend!


 


]]> tag:www.pbskids.org,2012:/itsmylife/blog//30.2582 2012-03-21T18:28:38Z 2012-03-21T18:34:56Z

In the world of entertainment, stars don't come much bigger than the Muppets. Movies, TV, records, web videos... you name it, they've conquered it over the course of many decades. The latest project from our fabulous furry, feathery and felty...

It's My Life
In this musical comedy we're introduced to a brand new character called Walter, who doesn't seem to fit in with the "normal" humans in his town. Walter is smaller, more colorful and, well, just plain more Muppety than even his brother Gary (played by Jason Segel). These siblings may look very different, but they support each other through good times and bad, and they share a fanatical devotion to their favorite TV stars who are...you guessed it...the Muppets. When Walter and Gary visit the Muppet Studios in Hollywood, they find that it's fallen upon hard times, and uncover a bad guy's dastardly scheme to take over the property. Determined to set things right, they resolve to find Kermit, Fozzie, Miss Piggy and the rest of the Muppets, and get the whole gang back together.

We won't spoil the rest in case you haven't seen it, but suffice to say that the international adventure that follows is filled with jokes, slapstick, songs, dancing, guest stars, and everything we've come to expect from The Muppets.

We're really psyched that the movie is now out of DVD and Blu-ray Disc, too. We watched the 3-disc "Wocka-Wocka" version, which includes a bunch of hilarious extras, including deleted scenes, bloopers, a making-of feature, and even a copy of the movie's awesome soundtrack, which features the Oscar-winning original song "Man or Muppet."

We also noticed that, although they mostly play it for laughs, "The Muppets" has a lot of great themes and ideas that fit right in with what we talk about every day here at It's My Life. Themes like trying to fit it, finding your place in the world, getting along with siblings and friends, and standing up to bullies.

We had a chance to talk about all these ideas, and a bunch of others, with Muppet stars Kermit the Frog and Walter. Kermit is, as always, so wise and inspiring! Check it out:




]]> tag:www.pbskids.org,2012:/itsmylife/blog//30.2581 2012-03-14T19:50:02Z 2012-03-15T18:42:10Z

"Happy Feet Two," the sequel to the 2006 Oscar-winning smash about a tap-dancing Emperor penguin, has just come out on DVD and Blu-ray (and even in 3D Blu-ray), and we at IML have watched it...well, let's say quite a few...

It's My Life "Happy Feet Two," the sequel to the 2006 Oscar-winning smash about a tap-dancing Emperor penguin, has just come out on DVD and Blu-ray (and even in 3D Blu-ray), and we at IML have watched it...well, let's say quite a few times. Why do we like it so much, you ask? Well, there's the awesome music, animation, and story, of course, but we think it's mainly because it has so many positive messages...messages that just happen to click with a lot of the things we talk about all the time here at It's My Life. Like these:

Don't give up on yourself. In "Happy Feet," we followed the story of a misfit penguin named Mumble, as he searched for his "heart song" and tried to save his flock from a mysterious fish shortage. This new movie gives us Mumble's son Erik, an awkward little guy who's mocked by many of the penguins in Emperor Land because he can't seem to sing or dance. Erik joins up with his two best pals and strikes out for someplace where he can find his true calling. There are missteps, and there are moments of doubt and fear, but Erik never truly gives up until he finds what he's after.

You don't have to follow the herd. Or, to put it more accurately, you don't have to follow the swarm. Will and Bill (voiced to hilarious effect by Brad Pitt and Matt Damon) are two krill (those tiny, shrimp-like creatures) who have lived their whole lives as part of a vast red cloud made up of "krillions" of their cousins, destined to be some larger creature's lunch. But when Will suddenly decides he's an individual and starts swimming in the opposite direction, the two embark on a funny and fascinating adventure that leads them to understand that they don't have to live like everyone else, and that every person's actions and decisions, no matter how tiny, can have a huge impact on the greater world. Also, Will tries to eat a leopard seal 10,000 times his size, which is pretty hilarious.

Bullies can change. In this story, the bully is Bryan the Beach Master, an elephant seal who's accustomed to getting what he wants by throwing his weight around (and we mean it literally -- this guy is HUGE). Stubborn and set in his ways, Bryan must eventually face the fact that his way of life isn't doing himself, or anyone else, any good, and that he might have to alter his thinking and his behavior so that things can get better.

Honesty is better than popularity. One of the great new characters in this movie is Sven, the "flying penguin" with the Swedish accent. Penguins cannot fly, of course, which is why Sven, a newcomer to Antarctica, blows everyone's mind by taking to the air on his little wings. This amazing ability turns Sven into the ultimate popular kid, with all the girls wanting to date him and all the guys wanting to be him...but he's hiding a secret: it's all based on a lie. Sven is, in fact, pretending to be something he's not, and in the end he must admit the truth about who he is, to himself and everyone else.

When in doubt, just dance! The world of "Happy Feet Two" is one where dancing and singing is a great way to express yourself, and even provides a solution or two. We'd like to live in that world...oh wait. We already do! (Some people just can't see it.)

The Blu-ray version of this release also comes with a great package of extras. For fans of Animal Planet and Discovery Channel type shows, there's a documentary about Antarctica that's every bit as entertaining as the animated feature. For the artists and aspiring animators, there's a way-cool feature that teaches viewers how to draw a penguin. And for you music lovers, there's a great making-of with singer Alecia Moore, a.k.a. Pink, who talks about acting as the voice of Gloria the penguin, and about writing a new song for the movie.

"Happy Feet Two" is rated PG for "some rude humor and mild peril." IML suggests you ask a parent or guardian before watching, but chances are, this is something everyone in the house will enjoy.

We'll leave you with one of our favorite scenes:

 



]]> tag:www.pbskids.org,2012:/itsmylife/blog//30.2580 2012-03-09T18:04:31Z 2012-03-09T18:39:44Z

Recently, we were excited to discover Kids Who Love To Cook, a website and cooking series that takes you into the kitchen with seven real-life kids to show their love of food and to help make cooking exciting for other...

It's My Life Kids Who Love To Cook, a website and cooking series that takes you into the kitchen with seven real-life kids to show their love of food and to help make cooking exciting for other kids, tweens, and teens, through videos, recipes, tips and advice, food adventures, and contests. Since we're always looking for ways to give IML'ers more Food Smarts, we asked two of the "Kids," 13-year-old Abby and 15-year-old Isabelle, to share a little more about themselves and this very cool project.

IML: Do you remember how you first got interested in cooking?

Isabelle: The first time I visited my grandma in Vienna, I fell in love with the pastries there and I wanted to learn how to make them, so I started baking. I was 10 or 11. And my dad is the biggest foodie! He's a walking, multi-city Zagat Guide -- he can tell you where to go if you want to eat a certain type of food or cuisine. My dad's a great cook and I must have gotten it from him.
 
Abby: My dad is Italian and at my grandma's house, they always have big feasts where cooking and eating is an all-day event. I also remember cooking with my dad when I was 5 or 6, I was his little assistant. On my mom's side, she cooked a lot of meals when I was growing up. She was a working mom in the city but she's the type to whip up cream for the apple pie. She didn't like to use canned whipped cream! I love her chocolate pudding, beef stew, and her super-delicious version of General Tso's chicken. Eating all that good food made me interested in cooking.

IML: What was the first dish you made that you were really proud of?

Isabelle: Chocolate Cake! I've been making it since I was 11 and I can make it it with my eyes closed.

Abby: Pancakes from scratch.

IML: Where do you find your favorite recipes?

Isabelle: Online, magazines, and sometimes I watch TV shows and get inspired to cook.

Abby: I like books. I love going to bookstores and I can spend hours in the cookbook section. I also love vintage cookbooks, and I'm starting a collection.

IML: Why do you think it's important for families to cook together?

Isabelle: Cooking is a great way to bond, and then you get to eat together, which is so relaxing and fun. I also get to boss my brothers, because it's usually the other way around!

Abby: Life is so busy for everyone. Cooking with my mom or dad is my alone time with them. We catch up, gossip, joke, and laugh a lot.
 
IML: What's the best thing about making a recipe that's part of a family tradition or culture?

Isabelle: I love the fact that the food we have on the table are family recipes. I feel that I am still connected to the past, to my grandparents, even if they are not in New York.

Abby: It's part of my identity, and a great way to continue family traditions. When I have my own family I can tell my kids, "My mom used to make this chocolate pudding when I was your age." They are beautiful memories and I still feel my mom's love.

IML: What's your favorite quick snack to make when you don't have a lot of time or energy?

Isabelle: I love yogurt with granola.

Abby: Insalata Caprese -- I slice a tomato, some mozzarella, drizzle with olive oil, add salt and pepper, and if we've got basil I add it too. We usually have tomatoes and mozzarella at home so that's my regular afternoon snack when I come home from school.  Or I put it inside a baguette and make a sandwich of it. I like to eat grapes and cheese too. I love cheese.

IML: What's your advice for young people who want to learn how to cook, but it may be more challenging for them -- like maybe an adult isn't always available to help or they just don't have the time, or it's too hard to get ingredients and tools?

Isabelle & Abby: Watch and learn from videos or cooking shows on TV! Start with simple dishes like Mini Turkey Burgers or Fettuccine Alfredo -- recipes with ingredients that are easily available at the supermarket.

IML: What's the coolest thing you've learned or experienced as part of being on the Kids Who Love To Cook team?

Isabelle: I used to be in a hurry to grow up and turn 16. Now I feel so much more mature, so there's no hurry. I also overcame my dislike of tomatoes (because of a sour tomato incident when I was a kid). I got to taste the most delicious yellow cherry tomatoes from Maine and now I love them!

Abby: Going places -- from Vermont to learn how to make cheese and maple syrup to an urban bee farm in Brooklyn. We go to a lot of interesting places and I get to taste all kinds of food!

You can visit Abby and Isabelle, along with the other awesome Kids Who Love To Cook, at www.kidswholovetocook.com.


]]> tag:www.pbskids.org,2012:/itsmylife/blog//30.2579 2012-03-02T19:11:48Z 2012-03-02T19:22:53Z

We know from your YSI submissions that a lot of you love to draw, paint, sketch, and just generally get your feelings and ideas onto paper in graphic form. Many of you have even talked about the mangas and comic...

It's My Life We know from your YSI submissions that a lot of you love to draw, paint, sketch, and just generally get your feelings and ideas onto paper in graphic form. Many of you have even talked about the mangas and comic books you've created. 14-year-old Emma Capps loves to write and draw comics too, and her works of art have appeared in national magazines. Her latest project, "The Chapel Chronicles," is a self-published collection of comics starring a smart (and smart-alecky) red-headed 11-year-old girl named Chapel, who often as not gets a bit lost in the world of her own vivid imagination while pursuing various adventures, from a battle of board games with her babysitter to impersonating Lady Gaga.

We recently chatted with Emma about Chapel, and her life as a young artist and writer.

IML: What's your creative process? How do you go from an empty white sheet of paper to a completed Chapel comic?

Emma: First, I brainstorm my idea. I'll try to find something I've observed or witnessed recently to use as a jumping-off point. Once I have the concept, I'll do a quick "thumbnail sketch," or a sketch that's small enough to be the size of my thumb, to block out the dialogue and what happens in the strip. Then I'll sketch the panels and ink them onto tracing paper. Once I have that, I scan the inks into the computer. I arrange, color, and letter the strip in Photoshop. Then I write some author's commentary and put it up on the site for my readers to enjoy.

IML: What's behind the decision to make Chapel the only visible human character? You have a lot of other people talking, but we never see them.

Emma: For now, I want the strip to focus mostly on Chapel's world through her perspective and highlight the hilarious and funny moments of what it means to be a preteen and teen. Chapel has other people she interacts with, of course, like her parents, her brother, and her nemesis, Fred. I have shown Chapel's family in the background of a couple strips in small paintings on the walls. Sometime in the future, I may include other characters in the strip.

IML: Chapel spends a lot of time living in a world of her own thoughts and imagination. Are you like that?

Emma: I would say I have flights of fancy quite a bit...I like to think about things I've done and things that could happen. Of course, this helps me quite a bit in dreaming up new Chapel comics! For some Chapel strips, I do draw directly from my own life, but I try to always make the comics very universally appealing. I only ever use something that's happened in my own life if I think it's something everyone can relate to. Chapel and I are similar in some ways, but we're also different in a lot of ways, too. For example, I don't really like to dress up or listen to Lady Gaga, whereas Chapel does. I'd say Chapel's a lot more competitive and courageous than I am, and I actually admire how much self-esteem she has to wear crazy outfits all the time! I don't think I'd be brave enough to wear a Lady Gaga dress to a wedding, that's for sure, and I think it's great that Chapel's confident enough to go ahead with it!

IML: Chapel seems to be an only child. Do you have any siblings?

Emma: Actually, Chapel isn't an only child. She has an older brother named Barnaby, but he hasn't come into the strip yet because he's currently away at college. I, however, am an only child. I'm not really sure if being an only child has shaped my personality very much. I'm certainly really close with my parents and I'm also a very independent person, but I don't really believe that having siblings would've changed any of those things about me. I'm certainly glad I have enough space for my various art projects, but I actually LOVE kids and sometimes wish I could've had a younger sister.

IML: A lot of tweens draw comics, but you took yours a few steps further. Why make comics to publish, rather than just for yourself or for friends?

Emma: I make my comics to make people smile, and by publishing them, I can make more people happy outside of my small circle of friends. I love it whenever someone from another state or another country comments on my webcomics saying my work has made them smile or laugh. That's the most precious thing in the world to me. If I can spread my work to more people via publishing, and because of that brighten more people's days with my comics, then that's what I'd like to do.

IML: Any advice for our IML'ers who like to write or draw?

Emma: My advice would be to draw and write every day! Don't worry too much about comparing yourself to others - a trap which, I'm sad to say, is really easy to fall into - but instead create something that makes you happy. If you keep creating things that personally make you happy and proud, other people will soon appreciate that and share in it as well!

IML: What's up next for you, and for Chapel?

Emma: In the short-term, this April I'm going to be exhibiting at a comic convention called MoCCA Fest (Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art) in New York City, and debuting a brand-new book of Season 2 of my Chapel webcomics. I'm really excited to go, and I hope lots of my readers can make it out to say hi! In the long-term, I definitely want to continue doing Chapel webcomics for at least another year or two. I also want to do some graphic novels, which would be very different from Chapel in both style and tone. I'm going to be working on one this summer! I've already got most of the plot planned out and a good majority of the characters designed. I'd also like to expand my line of Chapel greeting cards and gifts. My most farfetched dream would be to one day have Chapel comics, greeting cards, and gifts in stores nationwide! If that were to happen, it would be the most amazing thing in the world for me.

IML: Thanks for talking to us, and good luck!

To check out Emma's work, check out www.chapelchronicles.com. Also, enjoy this fun peek at how Emma makes one of her Chapel greeting cards:



]]> tag:www.pbskids.org,2012:/itsmylife/blog//30.2578 2012-02-23T15:50:22Z 2012-02-23T16:21:57Z

As you may know, being part of a performing group can really change your life. Being part of a performing group on a gigantic hit TV series can change your life to the 12th degree of awesomeness. Just ask Titus...

It's My Life As you may know, being part of a performing group can really change your life. Being part of a performing group on a gigantic hit TV series can change your life to the 12th degree of awesomeness. Just ask Titus Makin, Jr., a member of the fictional, but no less amazing, Warblers glee club on "Glee."

Titus plays David, and although you probably don't know this character's name, you've probably seen and heard him in every Warblers song to date. Titus has a bright future ahead of him and we think he's a performer to watch, with other roles such as NBC's "Game of Your Life" and ABC Family's "A Cinderella Story." We loved getting to know more about him!

IML: Your first starring project, "Game of Your Life," just aired recently. Tell us about that. What was the best part of it, for you?

Titus: It was awesome, because not only was it great to do something on NBC, but it was my first "ultra-leading" role, where I'm on camera ALL the time. It was a new thing for me, and I have a hard time watching myself, so that was interesting...but it was an amazing life opportunity, and I just hope that there a lot more leading roles in the future.

IML: What was it like to be able to get into a character and explore it with that much screen time?

Titus: It was great, actually. It was my first time doing so much research on a character. They flew us into Atlanta, and we had to take video game design classes. My character is extremely intelligent when it comes to video games, so I had to take classes to really learn all the terms and understand how games are made. It was cool and it really put me in the character's shoes. I completely understand where he's coming from, as far as the work, and the effort it takes.

IML: That sounds like an incredible learning experience just as an actor, to be able to get into it like that. This leads us to David, your character on "Glee." He's a bit of a mystery, and the audience doesn't really learn anything about him. Do you have a "backstory" for him that you can use yourself, as an actor? Did you have any ideas of who he os and where he's coming from?

Titus: Yeah, I actually did create a backstory! Just because sometimes Ryan (the show's producer) may ask about that, and he creates a lot from the other kids' personal lives and what they've created for themselves. So I've always assumed, and made it true, that David comes from a household where they don't know that he is going to the school and acting like this. Like he's from a different neighborhood that's not as wealthy, and he persuaded them to let him move in with his grandparents, and they sent him to the school in their division, and his parents don't know. So I just created this special twist for myself, just to have something to go off of.

IML: While we're talking about "Glee," we have to confess, we're huge fans of The Warblers. What's been your favorite Warblers song so far?

Titus: My favorite one to hear is "Hey Soul Sister." I just like that song a lot. And my favorite one to perform was probably the Gap scene, because we could run around, and flip off the tables, and really just go outside of the school for the first time, so that was awesome. We did that at the Gap at The Grove, an outdoor shopping mall outside of Los Angeles.

IML: We know you're a dancer as well as an actor. What's your favorite dance style?

Titus: Well, of course I'm gonna have to give it to hip-hop! But actually, I went to a performing arts school in New York, and they were teaching us ballroom, and I've found this love for ballroom...foxtrot and waltz and all those things. So that's sort of second place, there. Also, there's a pretty awesome "Bollywood" number in "Cinderella Story," so that's pretty cool.

IML: Growing up, you were a military kid, so you moved around a lot. We have a lot of kids who write into IML who are in the same situation, or who have parents deployed overseas. Now that you're older and can look back, how did being in a military family effect you?

Titus: I think it was beneficial. Now, when I have to leave and go someplace for my career, I'm kinda used it. I've adapted to moving fairly often, and I don't grow attached to a lot of things that would hold me back. If you were in a place for a long time, you'd be afraid to move to, Los Angeles, let's say. I just really embraced it, and I'm happy I did, because now I hear people say "Oh, I want to travel and see these places," and I'm like "Well, I already did it, and it was awesome!" So I really think it's something you can embrace, and know that wherever you go you can make friends, and just because you're leaving certain places doesn't mean you can't stay in touch with your old friends.

IML: You've probably picked up quite an amazing collection of people from your various travels.

Titus: I love that type of thing...meeting new people, and seeing new places. So that type of childhood really worked for me.

IML: What's next for you in 2012?

Titus: Well, hopefully there will be some more episodes of "Glee." But other than that, I just finished shooting a new film called "So This is Christmas," that's slated to come out in December of 2012. And that's another awesome movie with a great storyline, and a great message. I was able to play the son of Vivica Fox and the stepson of Eric Roberts.

IML: Do you have a "dream role"?

Titus: Yes. My dream role has always been to play something -- anything -- alongside Will Smith. His nephew, his son...I could be a clerk at a store that serves him coffee... I don't know! That is my dream role.

IML: Has he been a role model for you?

Titus: Yes, definitely. I love both comedy and drama, and seeing somebody like him who does it wonderfully, going back and forth between the two, is a career I aim to have...to go back and forth smoothly, and be respected for both.

IML: Well, we think you're on the right track, and we hope that something like that is in store for you! Thanks for talking to us, and good luck with everything!

Titus: Thank you so much!

]]> tag:www.pbskids.org,2012:/itsmylife/blog//30.2577 2012-02-16T21:00:24Z 2012-02-17T22:18:00Z

First, there were short YouTube videos. Then there was a movie. Then there was another movie. Where does a talented teen and his strange, hyper, lovable alter ego go next? To a TV show, of course! "Fred: The Show" premieres...

It's My Life
As you can tell from our previous interviews with Lucas Cruikshank, we're fans of Fred. Not just because Fred is funny, but because there's more to him than meets the eye. He's one of those characters that reminds us, it's okay to be different, and that we should never give up on something we want. We can't help but root for Fred because he's the underdog. Plus, we love the fact that Lucas has had such success from something that he originally did just for fun, and that he's managed to stay totally down-to-earth and focused.

We checked in with Lucas about this next stage of Fred-dom!

IML: Where in the timeline of Fred's previous adventures does "Fred: The Show" fall?  

Lucas: Fred is now in high school.  I would say about a year has passed since when we last saw Fred in the second movie.

IML: Each episode is 11 minutes long. Is it challenging to come up with stories that can be told in that length of time?

Lucas: Coming up with ideas isn't really challenging.  In fact, it's been going really smoothly and the episodes are turning out great!

IML: Where do you get your ideas for each Fred "adventure"?

Lucas: Random things inspire me!  Sometimes, as I'm falling asleep, ideas for stories will just starting popping into my mind.

IML: How is the process of shooting and editing this series different from the previous videos you've done?

Lucas: The biggest difference between the online Fred videos and the series is that the show is a much longer process.  While making the Internet videos was a two hour process, shooting a TV episode is much more involved than that.

IML: Any hints on what we can expect from Fred -- is he going to try something different, meet someone new, or go somewhere exciting and strange?

Lucas: In the show, Fred is just experiencing high school and running into crazy situations.  There's never a dull day with Mr. Figglehorn.

IML: What's been your biggest "Fred highlight" of the last year?

Lucas: The premiere of "Fred 2"! I was so happy it did well and so thankful for everyone who watched it.

IML: What can you tell us about your next project with Nickelodeon, "Marvin, Marvin"? It sounds great!

Lucas: "Marvin, Marvin" is a TV show about an alien who comes to live with a human family.  Marvin is an odd guy trying to learn the ins and outs of our world...and he spontaneously bursts into dance every once in a while, too.

IML: Thanks, Lucas, and good luck!

Lucas: Thanks!

You can check out our interviews with Lucas about "Fred: The Movie" and "Fred 2: Night of the Living Fred."


]]> tag:www.pbskids.org,2011:/itsmylife/blog//30.2519 2012-02-09T18:32:04Z 2012-02-09T14:55:21Z

Today, we're wondering: Does anyone ever actually have a good time on Valentine's Day? Maybe if you're in the lucky 1% of people who are happily, securely going out with someone, we can see you enjoying the holiday. But if...

It's My Life
The whole thing is just a lot of pressure and a big marketing ploy to sell cards, candy, and red teddy bears, right?

Okay, we're not really that cynical. Valentine's Day doesn't have to be so all-or-nothing. It's one of those things that really is whatever you make of it, and a "valentine" can be so much more than an object of romance. Do you have parents, siblings, friends, or relatives who help you feel the love in your life? And how about being a valentine to yourself? Can you celebrate the things about you that you're proud of, happy with, and maybe even love? Think about how to make the holiday your own.

Once you've done that, hopefully you won't stress over dances and other V-Day events planned at school or in your community. But if you're still stressing, here are some ideas:

• Go with friends. Even if you have a crush and are tempted to try and go with him or her, take that angst out of the equation. You'll probably have more fun with your buds anyway, and who knows...maybe something natural will happen with that crush once you're there.
  
  
• Have fun with the outfit. Dress in whatever makes you feel good (and comfortable), rather than what you think will impress someone else. You and your friends might come up with some kind of "theme" and coordinate. If you want to make your outfit special but can't afford a whole new getup, buy (or borrow) one cool accessory like earrings or a belt.
  
  
• Dance. That may seem like a big "duh," but sometimes it seems like that's the only thing people aren't doing at these things. Here's an opportunity to just let loose and move. Make a pact with at least one friend that you'll be the first people on the dance floor, and see how quickly others join in. Or make it your mission to get a teacher or other adult chaperone to boogie down. Try to think positively and not so much about what people might think of you; chances are, they're jealous that you're having such a good time.
  
  
• If you can't bring yourself to dance, then do some People Watching. Not so much to gather gossip, but rather, just to learn about behavior. Pretend for a minute that you're an alien scientist come to Earth to study the strange social habits of young humans. Try it; it's pretty fun! 

Share your own advice on our How To Have Fun At A Dance You Said It page, and don't forget to send an IML Valentine E-Card to someone special!


]]> tag:www.pbskids.org,2012:/itsmylife/blog//30.2576 2012-02-06T22:00:17Z 2012-02-08T18:32:52Z

If you watch "iCarly," then you know 17-year-old Reed Alexander as Carly's nemesis, Nevel Papperman. But did you know you can find Reed 24/7 in a virtual online kitchen he designed especially for kids and teens? Reed's website KewlBites.com is...

It's My Life If you watch "iCarly," then you know 17-year-old Reed Alexander as Carly's nemesis, Nevel Papperman. But did you know you can find Reed 24/7 in a virtual online kitchen he designed especially for kids and teens?

Reed's website KewlBites.com is his labor of love, filled with recipes, exercise tips, videos, and other information aimed at helping young people discover that a healthy lifestyle is actually doable...and fun. We think it's a pretty cool thing, so we wanted to find out more from Reed himself.

IML: Where did the idea for KewlBites come from?

Reed: A few years ago, I was overweight and always really tired. I didn't have much confidence or energy. I wanted to make a change. I'm a huge foodie and I love cooking shows, and cooking for others has always been a big part of my life. I couldn't really find anything out there from the kids' POV that would have been right for me. I didn't want to join a diet program or something targeted at adults, I wanted a lifestyle thing. So I set out to make my own way. I got outside and made exercise a priority, and I took those traditional kid food classics I loved but lightened them up, morphed them into something I could feel great about. I also have a family history of heart disease and diabetes so I really needed to open my eyes. I ended up losing 15 pounds and people would say, "You really made a change! What's going on?" So that continued to motivate me, and I came up with the idea for KewlBites. I wanted to spackle up the hole I'd found when I was in this position, and provide a resource and a platform for kids and families who are like me. It's been great to hear reactions from different kinds of people!

IML: It does appeal to everyone! We found stuff on there we could use! You mentioned that you've always been a foodie. How did you first get interested in cooking?

Reed: After many years of great get-togethers with my family, as I got older I wanted to have more of a role in the kitchen. Then I'd watch a food show on TV and pick up these really interesting tips. Now, when I'm on the set of "iCarly," we have a great team with a lot of great taste buds. I bring things to the set that I make and I get a lot of feedback from the cast and crew. It's a great way to connect with people. This past Thanksgiving it was so fun to have people over and make a great spread for them, and see their reactions as they grabbed their forks and dived in.

IML: What do you think are the biggest misconceptions young people have about nutrition and eating well and cooking? Why aren't more tweens excited about that?

Reed: I think there's that old idea of, "Oh, we're eating nutritiously tonight, does that means steamed chicken and broccoli?" Healthy doesn't have to be boring in any way. Sometimes it's difficult because we're all so busy that it's sometimes it seems impossible to get a hold of the information and simple knowledge. Cooking is not at all a chore, and I don't think it's something you have to have a natural knack for in order to make something delicious. It's something a lot of us can tune into and enjoy on different levels. There's this notion that in order to feel great about yourself you have to go on a "diet." But that's not true.

IML: When young people want to start making their lifestyle more healthy, it can seem overwhelming, like they have to change everything at once. What would you say is a great first step for someone?

Reed: The name of KewlBites is about that -- you go one bite at a time with this stuff, integrating easy-to-do activities. Maybe it's 20 minutes where you're outside jogging or walking the dog. Then maybe it's a trip to the supermarket; see what's in the fridge and then say, "Hey Mom, take a look at this, I really want to try this."

IML: You mentioned the importance of exercise. What kind of exercise do you enjoy?

Reed: I'm a huge tennis fan, I've been playing for a couple of years. But you know what I can always turn to if I wake up early and I look at my day and see that it's going to be pretty crammed? I can always get in a walk. Walking is just one of my favorite things to do. It's really cathartic. You only need sneakers! I also love to go for bike rides with my dad, and I love swimming too, especially when it's hot.

IML: What's next for you, acting-wise?

Reed: I'm happy to say that "iCarly" is coming back for a fifth season, and I can't wait to get back on the set. We'll be doing a brand new set of special episodes. I'm working on a brand new show that I'm writing as well, and I can't wait to share that.

IML: On "iCarly," your character Nevel is a little villainy. That seems so out of character since you're clearly a very a sweet guy. What would be your dream role?

Reed: Yeah, I would definitely like to branch out. I have so much fun with the comedy, I'd love to try drama or something with a totally different feel. What's been interesting in Neville's case is that at first glance he is a little bit of a looney, but some interesting sides of him have unfolded over the past few seasons. There are so many different aspects of him and I love to play that.

IML: Thanks for chatting with us, Reed! Good luck with KewlBites and "iCarly" and everything else!

Reed: Thank you!

Here at IML we have our own section on Food Smarts that's also a must-read for anyone wanting to make a change!

]]> tag:www.pbskids.org,2010:/itsmylife/blog//30.2413 2012-02-01T18:20:33Z 2012-02-01T18:55:02Z

We've been having some issues on the You Said It boards lately, and we think it's time to mention a few things. These are some general notes and guidelines for new users and reminders for the folks who are YSI...

It's My Life
Let's keep things positive. IML encourages free expression, but we also want users to feel safe and welcome.  It's okay to disagree, but please try not to start fights, or to bicker back and forth about opinions. You may not like a particular book, or type of music, but please remember that someone else isn't "stupid" or "wrong" if he or she DOES like them.

Don't take it personally. Just as you shouldn't write stuff that offends others, you should also try not to get offended if others don't think the same way you do. If someone disagrees with you, and says so in a respectful way, try not to get sensitive about it.

Be careful with religious stuff. It's great to be proud of your religion, but IML is for people of ALL beliefs. This isn't the place to convert people to your faith.

Ease up on the scary stuff too: If you're posting poems and stories to the My Writing YSI, keep away from material about murder, blood, guts, and all that. This content may not be a big deal for you 13-year-olds, but IML is for tweens as young as 8.

Don't get upset if not everything you submit gets posted. We try to post almost everything, but yes, there are some things that don't through for one reason or another. If one of your YSI responses doesn't make it, try to think of why. Did you say something mean or inappropriate?  Did you use harsh or overly sarcastic language? Did you single someone out, or try to start/continue a fight? Did you write something totally off-topic? Did you say something that's too mature for our youngest readers?

Remember that we are here to keep an eye on things and help you if you are feeling bullied or treated unfairly in any way. Don't hesitate to email us at itsmylife@pbs.org if you have any concerns, like you feel a post should be removed or edited, or you felt we should not have posted something. We'd rather you alert us to your thoughts rather than jump on another IML'er.

In short...let's play nice, guys! IML wants you all to keep coming back to the YSI boards, so we can work together to keep things fun, safe, and bully-free!  :-)



]]> tag:www.pbskids.org,2012:/itsmylife/blog//30.2574 2012-01-24T18:47:43Z 2012-01-24T19:43:26Z

You've probably seen them by now: the TV commercials for "LEGO Friends," a new line of LEGO sets designed specifically for girls. And you've probably noticed that they don't look like the LEGO sets you've been playing with. For one,...

It's My Life
In other words, they're not all that different from popular girl-focused toys like Barbie and Bratz.

Some people think it's cool, that LEGO is selling something for older kids that's not centered around "Star Wars" or superheroes, and that they're finally paying attention to girls after years of marketing only to boys. A lot of people think it's not. As in, the settings are dumbed-down and stereotypically "feminine", like they're telling girls, "Here's all the pink stuff you're supposed to like and we decided a lot of things for you already. Go play!"

Two young women and members of the girl activist group SPARK, Bailey Shoemaker Richards and Stephanie Cole, feel so strongly that LEGO is sending the wrong message to young people that they started a petition on Change.org, urging the company to abandon the LEGO Friends line and change the way they market to both boys and girls. 

"The LEGO Friends line struck a nerve with me because it came from an unexpected place," Stephanie has said. "This was a brand that always stood for creativity, and now they are reaching out to girls in the most unoriginal way imaginable."

Here at IML, we'd like to know from you: What do you think? What was your reaction when you saw the LEGO Friends toys? Do you feel LEGO is making assumptions about what girls and boys want to play with, and how they want to play with it? Or are you glad they're creating LEGO sets that are more appealing to girls? Tell us on the What's On Your Mind page.

 

]]> tag:www.pbskids.org,2011:/itsmylife/blog//30.2512 2012-01-16T16:18:15Z 2012-01-16T14:42:49Z

If you live in the U.S., right now you're enjoying a day off from school. Woo-hoo! Thank you, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.!Actually, we have a lot to thank MLK for. Hopefully you're familiar with this man and his legacy,...

It's My Life If you live in the U.S., right now you're enjoying a day off from school. Woo-hoo! Thank you, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.!

Actually, we have a lot to thank MLK for. Hopefully you're familiar with this man and his legacy, and why we celebrate both. In honor of Dr. King, we hope you'll spend some time today on these IML You Said It pages and share your thoughts:

Volunteering
Everyone's talking about service. Serve! Serve! Serve! But what does it mean? If you're just 8 or 9 years old, can you really do that? Take a look at how other IML'ers have found ways to reach out and give something back to their communities.

What Freedom Really Means
Freedom doesn't always have to be about the big stuff. Freedom comes in small packages, too. Like being able to choose what music to listen to, or what stores to shop in, or what to wear to school. Check out other people's definition of the word.

I've Experienced Racism
Although we've come a long way since Dr. King's day, and we are so much closer to making his "dream" a reality, racism is still very real. Get a first hand look at how tweens deal with this.

We also hope you'll visit PBS KIDS GO!'s African American World for Kids, where you can match other African American heroes with the events that made them famous, send e-cards, and read comments from other young people.



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