Strawberry Shortcake Gets Extreme Makeover
In The News, Weird But True, Media, Toys & Games, Shopping
Strawberry Shortcake, left, gets a new look, right. Credit: American Greetings
Is Strawberry Shortcake going cheesecake?
Strawberry -- that ever-so-precious children's character from the '80s who charmed little girls and nauseated many of their parents -- is getting an extreme makeover. Rather than being the round-faced cartoon cherub American Greetings introduced in 1984, Strawberry Shortcake is looking very much the tween these days. She appears much more realistic, with more than a dash of sass and attitude.
Nevada High School Parents Sue to Stop Students From Performing 'Rent'
Teens & tweens, In The News, Weird But True, Alcohol & Drugs, Media

Parents at a Nevada high school are suing the school to stop productions of "The Laramie Project" and "Rent," the smash Broadway hit which had a standing ovation on its closing night, pictured above. Credit: Getty Images
On the surface the argument isn't a bad one. According to Courthouse News Service, "Parents Dalene Hicks, Jenny Calderon, James Perkins and Tiffany Turpin complain that Green Valley High School's plans to stage the shows violates the Clark County School District's policies that forbid 'R' rated material from being presented to students."
Young Phillies Fans Give Up World Series Tickets To Help Others
In The News, Amazing Kids, Amazing Parents
Alex and Ben Burman of Wallingford, Pa., gave up World Series tickets to help school children. Credit: NBC Philadelphia
What boys would give up the chance to go to the World Series?
That would be Alex and Ben Burman of Wallingford, Pa. The two middle schoolers and Phillies fans had tickets to Game 4 of the World Series. They had great seats too -- Diamond Club seats worth about $3,500, according to StubHub.com.
Still, they went to the World Series last year. And the money they could raise by selling the tickets could do a lot of good in the world.
Coolest Travel Gear For Kids
Newborns, Babies, Toddlers, Preschoolers, Kids 5-7, Kids 8-11, Holidays, Baby Essentials, Shopping

How Can I Make My Son Tell The Truth?
Preschoolers, Kids 5-7, Kids 8-11, Development, Childcare
My six-year-old son lies to me on a daily basis. He hides food in his room and lies about it, among other things. Conversely, he never lies to his father, my husband, who's a workaholic. What can I do to change my son's behavior? It's getting out of hand.
Signed,
Tired of Tall Tales
Presidential Parenting: Which Commander-in-Chief is Like Your Head-of-Household?
Celeb Kids, Life & Style, Celeb Parenting, Extreme Childhood, Amazing Kids, Amazing Parents
Sasha and Malia Obama are the first preteens to live in the White House since Amy Carter, but they're just the latest in a long line of kids who have called 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. home. With the holidays around the corner, we took a look at White House family life and presidential pops.
Keeping Your Cool at Family Holiday Gatherings
Relatives, Holidays, Playground Bureau
Family gatherings during the holiday season can be stressful. Credit: jupiterimages
For most of us, the joy of being with loved ones is mixed with a dollop of stress. Keeping your cool when family issues get hot can be difficult -- but experts say that total meltdowns can be avoided by using a few sensible strategies.
Barbie Palm Beach Sugar Daddy Ken is a Real Doll
In The News, Weird But True, Toys & Games, Fashion & Clothing
The new Ken doll is beyond fabulous. Credit: Mattel Inc.
The Internet is all abuzz with news of the Barbie Palm Beach Sugar Daddy Ken Doll. Retailer Entertainment Earth is taking preorders for the doll, scheduled for release in April 2010.
Indeed.
A word of explanation -- in this case, the phrase Sugar Daddy does not refer to the candy bar. Urban Dictionary describes the term thusly: "A man (usually older and well-off) who financially supports a younger woman (or man) in exchange for sex and companionship.
Reviews: What's New This Week
In Theaters Now: This Is It
Michael Jackson was planning a 50-date concert tour when he unexpectedly passed away in June 2009. "This Is It" showcases footage of rehearsals for that tour and other than some crotch-grabbing and zombie images, there is nothing to be concerned about. With great music and awesome dancing, it's Michael Jackson doing what he did best. Rated PG, OK for Kids 10+
DVD: Tinker Bell and the Lost TreasureA movie about friendship starring the most famous fairy in the world, "Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure" is the latest release from the Disney Fairies franchise. A few scary scenes involving spooky shadows and rats as well as some juvenile name-calling are balanced with the overall message about the importance of doing the right thing. Rated G, OK for Kids 4+
TV: Weird Creatures
An educational series on the Science Channel, "Weird Creatures" follows naturalist Nick Baker as he travels the globe looking for unusual animals in their natural habitats. With a strong eco-message and Baker's upbeat style, it's educational as well as entertaining. Rated TV-G, OK for Kids 8+
Who is America's Most Stylish Blogger?
Just For Moms, Fashion & Clothing
The contest, hosted by our sister site StyleList, kicked off this week with eight women vying for the top honor. These brave souls all took the same clothing item -- a navy gabardine boyfriend vest -- and dressed it up or down according to their own personal style.
For the next few weeks, style guru Kelly Cutrone, owner of People's Revolution and co-star of MTV's reality shows "The Hills" and "The City," will judge the ladies' looks. We're rooting for Carly J. Cais, an Oregon mom and fashion blogger who daringly paired blue tie-dye leggings with the vest. Cais admitted that the look was a risk, and it didn't win her any points with Cutrone -- the fashion guru said she didn't dislike the outfit, but she didn't like it, either.
Click here to watch the video challenge on StyleList>>>>>>>>>
We can't wait to see what else Cais has in store. Tune in and pick up some fashion pointers; don't be That Mom who grocery shops in her ratty old sweats. (And please keep it on the down low when you see us dressed in said sweats.)
Related: More on Fashion & Clothing

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