Family Time: ‘Transformers’ not really for kids anymore

Family Screening Room

“Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen”

Rated: PG-13 (for intense sequences of sci-fi action violence, language, some crude and sexual material, and brief drug material)

Length: 2:27

Synopsis: Decepticon forces return to Earth on a mission to take Sam Witwicky prisoner, after the young hero learns the truth about the ancient origins of the Transformers. Joining the mission to protect humankind is Optimus Prime, who forms an alliance with international armies for a second epic battle.

Violence/scary rating: 4.5
 
Sexual-content rating: 4
 
Profanity rating: 3.5

Drugs/alcohol rating: 3.5
 
Family Time rating: 4. We miss the ’80s cartoon – it was family friendly and had a good message. This is typical blockbuster fare, and it’s probably not appropriate for kids who aren’t in high school yet.

(Ratings are judged on a five-point scale, with 5 being “bad for kids” and 1 being “fine for kids.”)

Tip of the Week

Whatever your economic status, there are benefits that can be realized when you set aside time to provide needed service in your community. In addition, there may be hidden benefits for those trying to build up their resume for getting back out in the workforce. Here are some tips for turning volunteer opportunities into something more:

- Use the volunteer experience as an opportunity to step outside of your comfort zone and perhaps develop an expertise that you haven't been able to fully tap in your current or past job. This will only help to build your portfolio and show your depth of skills and outgoing attitude. Volunteering can be as valuable as an internship and provide a bridge between work experiences.

- We often hear about the importance of networking, and what better time than now to expand on the contacts you have. Whether you are a volunteer and/or full-time employee of an organization, getting out and meeting people from different walks of life can help you make key connections or even a new friend.

- As a volunteer, you will find yourself gaining a new perspective on life and seeing the good in people around you. Many volunteers will tell you that they get rewarded by the positive reinforcement they receive from "giving back."

- Look around your community for volunteer opportunities that can fit into your lifestyle. Little Brothers -- Friends of the Elderly is celebrating its 50th anniversary of service in the United States this year and will commemorate with special visits and social events for "Old Friends" this fall. Contact www.littlebrothers.org or call (312) 786-1032 to see if there is a chapter in your community.

-- ARA

Book Report

“Just Grace Walks the Dog,” by Charise Mericle Harper
Ages: 4-8
Pages: 176

Things you learn in this book: 1). Sometimes it is OK to be sneaky if you don't get caught. 2). How to do flashlight Morse code. 3). What happened at school that was exciting: nothing. 4) How it feels to walk into your class after going to the principal's office! 5) Many other things, most importantly, how to convince your parents to MAYBE let you get a dog. A real one, not one made of cardboard.

Did You Know

In a study commissioned by Kaboom and conducted by Harris Interactive, of 1,677 parents with children between the ages of 2 and 12, 59 percent of parents report that their children don’t have access to a community playground. 

Kids Kitchen: Disappearing Zucchini Muffins

- 1½ cups shredded zucchini (about 2 small)
- 2 cups whole-grain pancake or biscuit mix
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon allspice
- 2 eggs
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- Powdered sugar (enough to dust the muffins)

Wash zucchini and remove ends. Shred zucchini using largest holes on grater. Place grated zucchini on paper towels and squeeze to remove water. Measure 1½ cups of squeezed-dry zucchini. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners. In a large bowl, mix whole-grain pancake mix (or biscuit mix) with spices. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, brown sugar, applesauce, and lemon juice. Fold the egg-sugar mixture and shredded zucchini into the pancake-spice mixture; do not overmix. Fill each muffin cup 2/3 full with batter. Bake 10–15 minutes or until golden. Remove muffins from tin and cool on a wire rack. Sprinkle muffins with a dusting of powdered sugar. Makes about a dozen muffins. (Kidshealth.org)

GateHouse News Service