Monday, August 17, 2009

Momversation Sample 4 - Debate Starter

Topic: Michael Vick's Reinstatement

Here's something you can really get into with both your husband, kids and even the next door neighbor.

Late last week, former NFL superstar Michael Vick signed with the Philadelphia Eagles. Why, as a Mom, would you care? (that is, if you don't watch football?)

Simple. Because Michael Vick, who was at one time the biggest name in the sport, was sent to prison after he pleaded guilty to hurting dogs in illegal dog fights. He recently served 18 months of a 23 month sentence.

The question is this - Do we forgive Vick because he has served his time and embrace his return to the sport?

Or, do we still hate him because of his cruelty to animals?

If you want some background on the story, feel free to check out this recent "60 Minutes" interview.

Momversation Sample 3 - News Commentary

Are you worried about cocaine money?

I live in Los Angeles which - according to research done in Massachusetts - means every single dollar I have has cocaine on it. It also means every single dollar I give someone, accept from someone, find on the street or in the cushions of my couch has also been contaminated by the illegal drug.

Now, I'm not exactly worried about this because I'm not going to be snorting my bills or rubbing them in my mouth but it's still shocking none the less. Even here in California, where drug use is an every day occurrence, it's incredible to think about. Is cocaine really so prevalent that every single bill in circulation has been in contact with one that has had direct contact with cocaine?

This is like Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon. If Kevin Bacon was a really expensive narcotic.

The irony is that this CNN story actually makes me less worried about health risks and more worried about the mental health of the nation. If enough people are doing drugs that 90% of the bills in circulation are contaminated with cocaine, there are a lot of very unhappy people out there. And that means there are a lot of really bad parents out there.

So be good to your kids, moms, otherwise they might turn to cocaine. Then give you the dollar bill back.

Momversation Sample 2 - News story

Your Money is High on Coke

Every dollar in your purse has been touched and used by more people than you can possibly imagine. Even so, it's still surprising to read that CNN is reporting 90% of the money currently in circulation across the United States has traces of cocaine on it.

Yes, you read that right. Cocaine. On your money.

"When I was a young kid, my mom told me the dirtiest thing in the world is money," said Yuegang Zuo, a professor of chemistry and biochemistry at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, who conducted the research. "Mom is always right."

The good news is that it's not an amount that comes close to being harmful. Still, scientists believe the trace amounts of the illegal drug begin with drug deals and then get spread to other bills in banks with automatic counters. They also said that $1 bills are the least likely to have any trace of the drug.

In certain larger cities, like Detroit, Boston, Orlando, Miami, and Los Angeles, 100% of the money was contaminated.

Suffice to say, it's probably best to wash your hands after handling money. And definitely don't put it up your nose.

Momversation Sample 1 - Feature

The Top Five Mom Movies of The Fall

Enough with all the aliens, soldiers and robots. The moms of the world want some good old fashion Hollywood romance. And maybe a female bad ass here or there, too. Well, with summer finally over, the fall is where female audiences finally get some films to go see on the rare occasion they can find a decent babysitter. Here are the five movies that most seem worthy of your precious time.


1. "It's Complicated"


Borrowing the all too true Facebook relationship status as its title, the latest romantic comedy from Nancy Meyers ("Something's Gotta Give," "What Women Want") stars Meryl Streep and Alec Baldwin as divorcees who are cheating on their new significant others, with each other. Plus throw Steve Martin into the mix as a possible suitor and you have a rare comedy for adults that seems decidedly immature. It's out Dec. 25.

2. "Amelia"

One of the most amazing and mysterious women to ever grace the Earth, Amelia Earhart is the subject of this big budget biopic from director Mira Nair ("Monsoon Wedding.") Two time Oscar winning Hilary Swank plays the pilot who disappeared in 1937 attempting to fly around the world. It's out Oct. 23.

3. "Love Happens"

Florist, meet this self help guru who needs plenty of help himself. Aaron Eckhart ("The Dark Knight") plays a best selling self help author who falls for a lonely Seattle florist (Jennifer Aniston) and then realizes, to win her heart, he'll need to let her in on a secret that could ruin his entire career. It's out Sept. 18.

4. "Fame"

If you're a Mom, and you're reading this site, then you were probably a "Fame" fan. Well the movie turned TV show is a movie once again, this time with another young cast that's poised to break out, just as their characters - students at a prestigious, competitive performing arts school - are. Among the teachers and adults are Kelsey Grammer, Bebe Neuwirth and, of course, Debbie Allen. It's out Sept. 25.

5. "Whip It"

Being as it's a sports movie, "Whip It" is not your traditional chick flick. However, this directorial debut of Drew Barrymore is the type of movie where a Mom can let out a hoot and a holler and just enjoy herself. The film stars Ellen Page ("Juno") as a confused, young girl who finds herself when she joins a roller derby team. So cool. It's out Oct. 9.

And yes, we know "The Twilight Saga: New Moon" should probably be on this list. Then again, so did you, so what's the service in that? You're going either way.