Zara's Blog

You Know You're a Gabba Addict When...

2010-03-13T05:00:00Z

I realized something about myself today. I might actually like "Yo Gabba Gabba" more than the intended audience - my two-year-old son.

The extent of my addiction was illustrated this morning, when my girlfriend sent me a text message this morning: "Brobee is coming to town!! The kids are going to freak out!"

But instead, I freaked out. I called her, all excited... and she explained that she had read today's column from the Beehive's Mike Oz that the Fresno Grizzlies were bringing the little green one to town for "Kid-A-Palooza" night. It's Wednesday, July 21st. And yes, I'm already planning an excursion for ~~myself~~ my kids.

For those of you unfamiliar with the Yo Gabba Gabba phenomenon, I urge you to catch episodes on Nick, Jr. The show was co-created by a member of They Might Be Giants, and has regular features like "Biz's Beat Box Of the Day" (as in Biz Markie!)... and "Dancey Dance Time", featuring guests like Jack Black, Andy Samberg, Sugarland and Esquelito from "Nacho Libre".

People either love or hate Gabba. But I'll tell you this much, at least, it doesn't involve a big purple nasally dinosaur or anyone who might've once incurred the wrath of Jerry Falwell.

So, I'll gladly let the rugrats get their Gabba fix... while I do, too!

------

Sad to say, this is the second time I've blogged about Yo Gabba Gabba. Here's my first post.

Oh, and here's the release from the Grizzlies.

Say (Breastmilk) Cheese!

2010-03-10T00:06:00Z

This looks tasty - "cheese rolled in dehydrated porcini mushroom powder with burned onion chutney."

But what if I told you the cheese... is made from breast milk? Sorry, "mommy's milk", as Chef Daniel Langerer calls it. The New York City chef is bold, I gotta say.

He was inspired after his daughter turned four weeks old, and he noticed all the pumped breast milk stored in his freezer. With his wife's permission, he began expermenting... finally perfecting his cheese-making process. In his blog, Chef Langerer did express a moment's hesitation, wondering about the ethics of it all. But, he and his wife figured, "Our baby has plenty back-up mother’s milk in the freezer so whoever wants to try it is welcome to try it as long as supply lasts."

Heck, if people can make placenta paninis, why not this?

Click here for the chef's blog and mommy's milk recipe.

Leave her alone... She's THREE!

2010-03-03T23:29:00Z

Goodness, gracious. Obviously... some tabloids are running out of story ideas. Check out the latest issue of "Life & Style Magazine":

Are. You. Kidding Me?

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt's daughter is three years old. Three! And now, days after getting a (very cute) pageboy haircut and getting spotted wearing a polo and v-neck sweater... critics are rushing to condemn her new look.

A VH1 style editor says: "Shiloh is pushing the boundaries of a tomboy look and crossing over to cross-dresser territory."

The director of Family Formation Studies at Focus on the Family adds: "Little girls have never been women before. They need help, they need guidance of what that looks like. It's important to teach our children that gender distinction is very healthy."

I think it's MORE important to teach our children that self-expression is important... and it's okay to NOT look like everyone else. For the record, I think Shiloh looks super cute.

On the flip side, Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes got lambasted for letting their daughter Suri wear heels. (The lowrise pumps were actually dancing shoes.) You can't win, with some people!

[High-stepping Suri]

Leave the poor kids off the front page. Girls in this country (and boys, for that matter) have enough self-esteem and body-image issues.

You have a baby... in a BAR!

2010-03-03T04:13:00Z

There's a fierce debate raging in the blogosphere about whether to ban babies in bars. [Ummm, is this even debatable? Anyway...]

You've got the stroller contingent on one side - whose members say, just cuz they're parents doesn't mean they shouldn't be able to go where they want, when they want. And then you've got everyone else on the other side - who don't wanna compete during cocktail hour with crying babies, aisle-blocking bugaboos and floors strewn with pacifiers, burpclothes and toys that jingle.

I read two great posts today - one from CNN and one from my favorite queen of snark, Heather at the Fresno Beehive. A bar in Brooklyn tried to institute a stroller ban and failed, after facing the wrath of very angry parents. And now, everyone's weighing in about what's fair, what's right... and what's just downright ridiculous.

My two cents - as the mom of two kids under two - leave the rugrats at home!

If you're hanging out at the bar of a restaurant like Red Robin, or even Campagnia, and it's still pretty early (the presence of sunlight's usually a good marker), then I don't really see a problem with that.

But if you're in a bar/restaurant later in the evening - or in a bar bar any time of day or night - then call it "adult time" and find a babysitter. The kids will be fine. And if you can't, then do what my hubby and I do... and stay home. You'll be fine.

Salud.

I'm such a slacker!

2010-02-27T06:38:00Z

I've been neglecting half of my social media duties!

So sorry.

I have not one, but TWO sick kiddies at home! My six-month-old has RSV, and my two-year-old has RSV and a double ear infection! Had to stay home and play "Nurse Zara" for a couple days earlier this week.

But tomorrow, I hope you can swing by the Fresno Convention Center Exhibit Hall. It's the Girl Scouts' "World Thinking Day". 4,000 troop members from around the Central Valley and Central Coast will be out there, trying to raise awareness about hunger and poverty around the world.

Last year, Girl Scouts raised thousands of dollars - in pennies, nonetheless - to buy malaria nets for children in third world countries... where the disease can easily kill.

I hosted the festivities last year, and look forward to Saturday's event.

Oh, and I'm not just a host... but a former Brownie, too. Look:

Click here for more info on World Thinking Day 2010.

And here's a link to the Girl Scouts of Central California South.

NPH and J-Lo! I can't wait!

2010-02-20T04:03:00Z

What is Jennifer Lopez doing to Barney? Er... Neil Patrick Harris.

CBS released this pic today... of J-Lo and NPH.

So what's going on here? We'll have to wait til a couple weeks, dang it. So set your DVR for Monday, March 8th, 8pm... only on CBS47!

Well, at least we can look forward to THIS guest star on the March 1st ep:

And remember, if you miss your favorite CBS shows, watch them online here.

The Remarkable Roger Ebert: You Have To Read This

2010-02-18T05:38:00Z

I watched Roger Ebert each week with Siskel, occasionally tuned in during his stint with Roeper... and always - to this day - read his columns online. His writing is just as intelligent, witty and thought-provoking as always. But I had no idea how much Roger Ebert - the man - had changed. Recognize him?

The photo comes courtesy of Esquire. Chris Jones wrote a profoundly moving profile of the movie critic. His struggles with cancer. .. the multiple surgeries that stripped away his face... and the remarkable spirit he shows each day.

Take the time to read Jones' article. It's unbelievable.

Then, make sure to bookmark Ebert's online journal. A true must-read, from a man who can no longer talk... but whose writing speaks volumes.

Best film critics. Ever.

Oh, Boy. Meet "News Anchor" Barbie...

2010-02-12T23:52:00Z

But where's Social Media Barbie?

Mattel has just unveiled its newest Barbie dolls - News Anchor Barbie and Computer Engineer Barbie. For the first time ever, the company let the public decide the famous doll's next careers.

I love Computer Engineer Barbie. Maybe it will help girls choose careers in a field that's dominated by men.

As for News Anchor Barbie... does her skirt have to be so short?? That's the FIRST thing I noticed. But, I shouldn't judge her work ethic by her outfit. She also has a camera. She might be "one-man-band"-ing it (shooting, writing and editing her own stories). Or maybe just guarding it for Photographer Ken.

So... where can I find my pink, blinged microphone?

Here's the story from AP.

Yikes. Yet ANOTHER stroller recall!

2010-02-11T04:59:00Z

Is this how YOUR kid rolls?

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has just issued the recall of 14,000 Britax strollers in the U.S. They were sold at major retailers like Babies R'Us, Target and Amazon.com.

The problem? The stroller's hinge mechanism could chop off a child's fingertip. It could. Fortunately, it hasn't... yet. the CPSC doesn't want parents taking any chances. So if you have one, you're urged to stop using the stroller and contact the company for a free repair kit.

Here's the info from the CPSC's news release:

Britax Recalls Strollers Due to Risk of Fingertip Amputations and Lacerations

WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following products. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Britax “Blink” Umbrella Strollers

Units: About 14,000 in the United States and 900 in Canada

Importer: Britax Child Safety, Inc., of Charlotte, N.C.

Hazard: The stroller’s hinge mechanism poses a fingertip amputation and laceration hazard to the child when the consumer is unfolding/opening the stroller.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: This recall involves all Britax “Blink” single umbrella strollers. “Blink” is printed on the metal frame on both sides of the stroller, below the hand grips. The recalled “Blink” strollers have model numbers U261813, U261814, U261815, U261816, U261817, U271813, U271817 and U271815 and were manufactured between May 2009 and September 2009. The model number and manufacturing date can be found on a white label on the stroller frame, near the bottom of the stroller basket.

Sold at: Buy Buy Baby and other juvenile product and mass merchandise retailers nationwide in the U.S. and Canada and on the Web at www.Amazon.com, www.babiesrus.com, www.Target.com and www.Diapers.com from July 2009 through February 2010 for about $150.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled strollers and contact Britax to receive free stroller hinge covers.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Britax toll-free at (888) 427-4829 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s website at http://www.blinkrecall.com/

Who Dat! Saints Superfan Gets Creative...

2010-02-08T05:13:00Z

Thanks to Twitter friend @jankynola for sending us a pic from her Superbowl party. She wanted to show off the shirts she and fellow fans MADE themselves! (Can I special order a Niner one from you, please?)

Got a picture from your own Superbowl party? E-mail them to newsdesk@cbs47.tv

And if you don't follow us on Twitter, please do! Click here to add us.

How Letterman got Oprah and LENO for his promo!

2010-02-08T03:08:00Z

See the Letterman promo that ran during the Superbowl? Wowzers!

I was happy to see Dave Letterman on the couch with Oprah Winfrey. They did a similar spot three years ago. But when the camera zoomed out to show none other than JAY LENO sitting there, too... I was flabbergasted!!

How in the world did THAT trifecta of pop culture unite as one? The New York Times just posted a great article on the behind the scenes dirt. Apparently, Letterman hatched the idea. The Big O quickly said yes... and after Leno's camp realized this was no joke, NBC flew Leno out to NYC on its private jet for the top-secret taping. Leno even donned a hoodie and fake 'stache!

I'm a Dave - and Coco - fan. But I gotta give props to Jay Leno for agreeing to it. Just goes to show how that he recognizes how much damage control he's gotta do. Why else would he appear with his Lex Luthor?

Here's the NYT article.

And here's Entertainment Weekly's interview with "Late Show" producer Rob Burnett.

They're Everywhere! GTL and the Superbowl...

2010-02-06T06:16:00Z

If you know what GTL stands for, then you'll really like Superbowl Sunday.

The cast of "Jersey Shore" has invaded Miami, in anticipation of the Saints-Colts showdown...

Pauly D kept tweeting today that he's in town. The tweets are a bit too... colorful for me to relay to you. [Look him up yourself, if you must: @_PaulyD]

Why are they there? Aren't their 15 minutes up? Guess not, cuz I just read producers are scouting locations for "Jersey Shore 2". You'd think they'd make it easy on themselves and just film in... New Jersey.

No word on when Pauly G, J-Woww, Snooki and (gotta admit, best nickname EVER!) "The Situation" will fit their daily routine of "Gym, Tan, Laundry" while in South Florida.

P.S. I'm taller than Snooki! Ha!

P.P.S. Don't forgot to keep your tv tuned to CBS47 all day - and all night - Sunday:

Pregame festivities begin at 9 o'clock in the morning. Kickoff's at 2:58pm (yes, 2:58.), followed by the premiere of reality show "Undercover Boss" and a special edition of CBS47 News... with Ken, Scott, George and yours truly.

Feel Free to Pet my Giant Rodent... (Pic)

2010-02-05T05:26:00Z

I love my doggies. I mourn the four Big Fresno Fair fish that didn't see the new year. But would you wanna have one of THESE as a pet?

That... thing is a capybara, described as a "semi-aquatic rodent" native to South America. I don't mean to offend those of you who have pet gerbils, mice or (eek) rats. But ewwwwwwwwwwww! Just NOT for me.

Tonight's one of those nights when I had a little bit of time to just sit at my computer and surf. That's when I came across the story of Melanie Typaldos and her unusual, 100-pound pet, Caplin. Typaldos has even written a children's book called, Celeste and the Giant Hamster. It's actually gotten a pretty great review from Amazon.

I don't know. Something about Caplin creeps me out. Especially the pic of him in the pool. Can you imagine the hair clogs?

I could swear the Chaffee Zoo has a black and white capybara. In a zoo? Great. In my living room? Not so much.

I love "Vanity Fair", But...

2010-02-03T04:21:00Z

So, what do you think of Vanity Fair's new cover? It's the annual issue coronating a new batch of "It Girls". The up-and-coming actors who we'll be buzzing about in the year ahead.

But to judge a mag by its cover, you mean to tell me there isn't a single Asian, black or Hispanic actress anywhere in Hollywood to profile? Anywhere?

I'm not saying to just put a minority on there to have a minority... but we live in a country that consists of people of many different colors. And it would be nice to see a national publication note that. I would love for my daughter - who's half-Asian and half-Caucasian - to be able to look at such a respected publication like Vanity Fair (RIP, Dominick Dunne...) and see people like her on the cover.

I'm not the only one who thinks this. The website Jezebel says, "What does Young Hollywood look like? According to Vanity Fair, it's pretty, thin, female and white."

Shine writer Joanna Douglas says in a recent column, "Though it's true, Young Hollywood is predominantly Caucasian, we can think of a slew of non-white, non-rail thin actors who made a splash this year."

And get this. When you go to Vanity Fair's own website, the very first pic you see is of the cast of "Precious", including its breakout star, young Gabourey Sidibe... who may very well become just the second African-American woman to win a Best Actress Oscar. Would she have spoiled the asthetic of the picture?

Be honest. Am I being sensitive?

[pics courtesy Annie Leibovitz/Vanity Fair]

Does Burnout Run in YOUR Family?

2010-02-01T23:36:00Z

Maybe! The New York Times reported on a Finnish study that found... parents who are burned out tend to have kids who feel that way too. It's especially true for stressed out moms and stressed out teenage daughters.

In the study's obligatory "no duh" statement, families feeling financial pressure felt more burnout. And since moms and dads are role models, their kids tend to mimic their behaviors and attitudes.

The definition of "burnout"? "Feeling exhausted and overwhelmed by work and school demands, feelings of cynicism about job and school work or feeling inadequate and powerless."

I'd write more, but I'm feeling a tad... burned out. Though not about work. Chasing a two-year-old and lugging around a six-month-old is just t-i-r-i-n-g.

Too bad the researchers didn't tell us how to control those feelings...

Here's the study.