16 things I learned at Blog Camp
I spent yesterday at my 3rd Blog Camp event. As ever it was full of insights, fun and cake. But we were also there […]
where did yesterday go?
Beard oil and mince pies – it’s Christmas in July
So, it’s July. And the Law of Media decrees that we must turn our thoughts to Christmas. At least, this is the law if you’re […]
Goth Nazi hunters a gogo
Well that was a right old stinker of an Easter Bank Holiday, wasn’t it? With my family still drunk on chocolate and whipped into a […]
Free activities for kids: grafitti The Guardian
Previously we looked at free activities to fob the kids off with, but it’s hard to play Hunt the Pixie in winter, so here’s an indoor activity to […]
My 2011 vital statistics
57 – Number of films I watched in 2011. Looking back on the list, a lot of them were quite duff. The Smurf Movie I can […]
That speedboat/Mumsnet mashup in full
As it turned out, my fashion fretting was unfounded, as I was given a delightful jacket to wear on the speedboat, which had […]
Social media mythbusting
I had a spiffing time last night talking about social media for journalists with the Guild of Health Writers in the (frankly rather elegant) surroundings of The Medical Society of London.
The thing that struck me when talking to peole who don't use Twitter or other social media tools was that it's the myths that seem to put people off. Myths including:
- You have to be a tech-y gadget freak to make sense of it
- It uses up all your time
- Why would I be interested in what random strangers have for lunch?
How to get through The Smurf Movie without wanting to kill yourself
Ever since we made our Build a Bear Smurfs, The Offspring have been slavering at the prospect of The Smurf Movie.
I have not. The smell of this one had started wafting our way, and it wasn't good. I tried to dump it on to JH, but he pointed that he had already visited his own seventh circle of cinema hell in the shape of Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel.
So yesterday we did the deed and went to see The Smurf Movie. And yes, the children did enjoy the film. Personally, I felt it was a horrible waste of everyone involved's time.
Parents, if like me you get sucked into the vortex of hype that is The Smurfs, here are a few tips to help you endure the experience:
Doctor, doctor, I keep seeing little blue men…
What's a Smurf? asked Son of Mine. Is is it an animal?
Son, much to learn you have.
Let me take you down to the Build a Bear Workshop and we'll find out for ourselves. Though this cuddly toy emporium is best known for its teddy bears, it's also home to dogs, owls, dinosaurs and for a limited time only – The Smurfs.
I used to work in The Disney Store when I was a student, and when the manager was feeling particularly vicious he would declare it an 'Ears Day' and we would all have to don the Mickey headgear. But that is small potatoes compared to what the staff at Build a Bear have to do:
Dear School…
Dear School Thank you for your many letters, notes, emails and texts over the last few weeks. Since I have two children, I get all […]