When you think of many professional athletes, you may think of talented, brash, opinionated and spoiled but what about substitute teaching? Denver Broncos' third year safety, David Burton, is spending time as a substitute teacher at his old high school. Burton is teaching social studies and credit recovery. Burton has a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science and Sociology and received a one year substitute teaching certificate.
Unlike many players who spend their free time working out or just relaxing, Burton says, he wants to "keep busy" and "give back to the community". He is also working out like his teammates except he doesn't do it in Denver where most of his teammates are but is doing so close to home so that he can be close to his 5 year old son whom he doesn't see too much when he is in full swing NFL season with the Broncos.
Burton started subbing with a grade 2 class and has spent recess playing kickball with them (you've gotta stay in shape after all!) and then moved up to sub at Miamisburg High School in Dayton, Ohio. He even has plans after the NFL. He is looking at law school for when his playing days are over. It seems like David Burton is answering the question many players in the lockout are asking themselves, "What do I do with all this free time?"
In a day and age where the motto, "Get as much as you can while you can" reigns, it's nice to see a player who is looking to be a part of something much bigger. Perhaps this is an example we can mention to our kids. I believe this is a valuable life lesson and example for kids and adults.
"From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked." Luke 12:48 (NIV)
That's pretty cool - my hat's off to David Burton.
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Greg
Perhaps you've heard of the latest popular show from Nickelodeon called, Victorious. It stars Victoria Justice as Toria Vega, an extremely talented student at Hollywood Arts Academy (a school for musically and artistically gifted high schoolers - think a funny version of Fame). The show was originally first viewed in late 2009 and has been renewed for a second season which has just finished filming in late February of this year. The acting is so-so, the songs are okay and the characters are typical but the show is doing really well among kids and middle-schoolers. It's season 2 premiere was viewed by 6.1 million viewers (not too bad).
The point isn't to talk about Victorious (although the huge picture would say otherwise) but the man behind Victorious as well as many other beloved Nickelodeon television series such as Drake and Josh, Good Burger, The Amanda Show, Zoey 101 and iCarly. His name is Dan Schneider. If you are my age you may have watched Head of the Class, a television show about gifted high school students and Dan played one of the students. He starred in other series and film but he has really made his mark as the creative and producing genius behind many Nickelodeon shows. He is also the powerful mind behind making kids stars such as Jamie Lynn Spears, Miranda Cosgrove, Drake Bell, Josh Peck and Amanda Bynes. To put it in pop culture terms, what John Hughes' films were for the '80s, Dan Schneider is to the 2000's and beyond. He has had a 15 year winning streak of putting out hit show after hit show. A very impressive feat. What works for him? Focus groups, a large family of his own or is it something else?
If you guessed something else, you would be correct. Dan is a big kid himself and even his production company Schneider's Bakery alludes to this fact as his strengths lie in being able to be a confectioner of childhood memories through his shows. He is an adult who never forgot what it's like to be a kid. Some of his rules for success are real gems (seriously) such as not talking down to kids and loyalty. He respects his audience and even though his shows aren't perfect for some Christian parents (the Lord's name is uttered in most episodes), loyalty, friendship and doing the right thing are usually held in high regard.
Could there be better things to watch for kids? Perhaps but teachers, pastors and parents would do well to remember what it's like to be a kid when dealing with children.
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Greg
Okay, most parents out there are wondering - how do I keep up with this stuff? How do I know what's hot or not with kids, teens and adults? Greg, you're an expert, how do you keep up (notice tongue firmly in cheek)?
Here are some resources that you might want to use:
Entertainment Weekly: Want to know the latest film release, book release, what's hot/not, internet sensation, etc.? This magazine has the pulse on what's coming out and not only what stars are rising but also what companies and trends are happening. I, at times, have had subscriptions to this important magazine. It is not a Christian magazine but it is current and keeps you closer to the pulse of pop culture than any Christian magazine/organization ever will.
Nickelodeon: You can watch the shows, read their magazines, etc. This channel knows kids. From SpongeBob Squarepants to iCarly, whether you like or dislike their shows, this network knows what young, middle and older elementary children love.
Family Channel: Pretty much the Canadian Disney channel. It's a huge infomercial for upcoming kid's movies and Disney TV shows. No commercials except to plug films and Disney music stars. I'm not saying you need to watch it all the time but they are another popular channel with the 3-11 year old set.
EB Games/Future Shop/Best Buy/Microplay - Kids (especially boys) love video games. Whether the games are rated "E" or "M", discernment is needed for children. I know some kids that will only play tame Disney style games while other kids the same age will be playing "Call of Duty: Black Ops". If your child is a gamer - go to one of these stores and ask the salespeople what's popular and whether it's appropriate for your child.
At the end of the day, these are just a few examples of how to stay current. Not every child is into Nickelodeon or video games but the key is to find out what they like and then do your homework. Read online reviews (Christian and non). I know some parents that banned the Harry Potter series but failed to read them. I'm not condoning HP but it's better for the parent to discover these things and be able to adequately explain why certain material is inappropriate for their child than just say, "It's evil and you're not watching/reading/playing it!". Seeing what the fuss is about may confirm what you think or it may surprise you. Either way, a parent that allows their children to read/watch/play whatever they want or a parent who does not allow their children to do anything pop culture related, needs to know firsthand what it's about and then decide if it is appropriate.
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Greg
Alright, here is the breakdown for three films that kids will be clamoring for in June.
X-MEN: First Class
Rating: PG most likely with intense scenes, violent action and some mature themes (this is what I would guess as I have seen the trailer for the film - this is not the actual rating)
Distributor: 20th Century Fox
Release Date: June 3, 2011
Who's In it: James McAvoy (Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Wanted, Atonement), Michael Fassbender (300, Jane Eyre), Jennifer Lawrence (Winter's Bone, The Hunger Games), Rose Byrne (28 Weeks Later, Sunshine, Get Him to the Greek) and January Jones (TV's Mad Men, Unknown)
Synopsis: From the first X-Men trilogy, we know that Charles Xavier and Eric Lensherr were archenemies, Professor X and Magneto but what about before the war between the mutants? Charles and Eric discover their powers and as close friends, they join other mutants to face the greatest threat the world has ever known.
Green Lantern
Rating: Unknown at this time
Distributor: Warner Bros.
Release Date: June 17, 2011
Who's In It: Ryan Reynolds (X-Men Origins: Wolverine, The Proposal, Just Friends), Blake Lively (TV's Gossip Girl, The Town) and Peter Sarsgaard (Knight and Day, Jarhead, Knight and Day)
Synopsis: Based upon the DC Comics Superhero of the same name, Hal Jordan becomes the Green Lantern when he finds and possesses a ring that grants him superpowers. He becomes part of the Green Lantern Corps, a brotherhood of warriors sworn to protect the galaxy from those that plan to disrupt or destroy it. Hal must quickly master these new powers and is encouraged by his childhood sweetheart, Carol Ferris (Blake Lively) to find courage over his fears.
Cars 2
Rating: Most likely G
Distributor: Walt Disney
Release Date: June 24, 2011
Who's In It: Voices provided by Owen Wilson (Cars, Wedding Crashers, Meet the Parents), Bonnie Hunt (Cars, Jerry Macguire), Larry the Cable Guy (Cars, Redneck Comedy Tour) and Tony Shaloub (TV's Monk, Cars)
Synopsis: Lightning McQueen (Owen Wilson) teams up with his best friend Mater (Larry the Cable Guy) for an adventure around the world as they go up against the world's fastest cars. I believe there is a spy theme this time around. Michael Caine and Jason Isaacs (The Patriot, Harry Potter series) also star.
I'm not sure what to expect out of X-Men: The First Class and Green Lantern. In order for them to be considered a hit, they would have to gross at least $200 million which is iffy. Walt Disney has never had a Pixar flick bomb so it would be a safe bet to say $200 million plus for this follow-up sequel to the smash hit, Cars. X-Men and Green Lantern will definitely appeal to older and middle elementary children while Cars will be appealing to pretty much every age group.
That's all for now.
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Greg
In my last blog, I told you of some films that the kiddies might want to see in April. Here is a list of some films that are coming out in May that look appealing to kids (and adults)...
Thor:
Rating: PG (I believe)
Length: TBD
Who's In It: Chris Hemsworth (A Perfect Getaway, Star Trek), Anthony Hopkins (Silence of the Lambs, Fracture, Last Rite) and Natalie Portman (The Professional, Star Wars 1-3, Black Swan)
Synopsis:
Thor, an arrogant and powerful warrior is punished for reigniting a war and is sent to Earth as a punishment. A dangerous villian (the god of mischief, Loki) sends the dark forces of Asgard to invade earth and Thor must become the hero that the world needs him to be in order to save it.
I think this film will appeal to everyone from adults to the kids so be prepared to be asked if they can go see this one. The trailer looks not too bad for adults but parents will definitely want to learn more before saying "yes" to this one.
Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides
Rating: Most likely PG so that kids will be able to see it but still not rated officially.
Length: TBD
Who's In It: Johnny Depp (Sleepy Hollow, Alice in Wonderland, The previous Pirates movies), Geoffrey Rush (Shine, previous Pirates movies, Les Miserables), Penelope Cruz (Sahara, Volver, Nine), Ian McShane (HBO's Deadwood, The Golden Compass, Kung Fu Panda)
Synopsis:
A mysterious woman (Penelope Cruz) from Captain Jack's (Johnny Depp) past convinces him to search for the Fountain of Youth. Is she a con or is it true love? What is her connection to the notorious Blackbeard (Ian McShane)? Mermaids, zombies and lots of special effects in this $200 million film (estimated).
Kids will definitely be clamoring to see this one but as with the previous three, you may want to take caution. I know that most children ages 8 and up will have convinced mom and dad to take them. Teenagers will want to see the special effects and adults have loved this series as well. This is a sure hit unless it tanks really bad with critics. Instead of Gore Verbinski directing this, it's Rob Marshall.
Kung Fu Panda 2:
Rating: PG for sequences of martial arts action and mild violence
Length: TBD
Who's In It: Jack Black (School of Rock, Gulliver's Travels), Angelina Jolie (Beowulf, Mr. and Mrs. Smith), Jackie Chan (Rumble in the Bronx, Supercop), Seth Rogen (Knocked Up, Funny People), Lucy Liu (Kill Bill 1, Charlie's Angels), Gary Oldman (The Professional, Little Red Riding Hood, Harry Potter 3, 4 and 5)
Synopsis:
Po (Jack Black) and his Furious Five friends continue on their adventures. Po goes in search of other pandas and comes across a group of thieves. A character called Peacock (Gary Oldman) helps Po on his mission but he is not all that he seems.
I'm not sure if teens will be drawn to this but families will. The previous Panda flick did big box office and I'm sure this one will too. Comic mischief, lots of karate/kung fu and moments of peril will abound.
That's all for now. These 3 films are all but guaranteed to be the big films (along with The Hangover 2 which may be previewed in Got Pop? for adults). I've been surprised before with how films do in the summer but I'm certain these will draw families in for sure.
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Greg
I look forward to spring. Not just the warmer weather and no snow but also because in mid-April, all the blockbuster films of the late spring and summer come out. I try to keep up with what's coming out when and what the buzz is on the film (I read my Entertainment Weekly). If you are looking for a breakdown of what's right or wrong with a film, don't look here. Check out Christianity Today's film reviews for a film's artistic merit or pluggedinonline.com's reviews for positive/negative elements. Unlike those websites that can only provide reviews the day before the film hits theatres, I can let you know when the films are due to open and a bit of a synopsis of them. I am not endorsing these films but am letting parents know of their existence because these will be the films that elementary and teenagers are predicted to flock to. With that in mind, here are a list of a few noteworthy films opening in the next 3-5 months:
Hop:
Running Time: 1 hr. 35 min.
Comes out: April 1, 2011
Rating: PG for some mild rude humor
Who's In It: Russel Brand (Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Despicable Me, Get Him to the Greek), James Marsden (the X-Men trilogy, Enchanted), Hank Azaria (The Simpsons) and Kaley Cuoco
Synopsis: The soon-to-be Easter Bunny (Brand) gets injured and develops a unique friendship with the man (Marsden) who accidentally hits him with his car. E.B. has his heart set on Hollywood in pursuit of becoming a drummer but things change.
This should do well in what has been a lackluster year thus far at the box office. It's animated, it has a pretty good cast and has key ingredients that kids love (i.e. poop jokes, crazy antics, interesting story).
Soul Surfer:
Running Time: TBA
Coming Out: April 8, 2011
Rating: PG for an intense accident sequence and some thematic material
Starring: AnnaSophia Robb (Bridge to Terabithia, Race to Witch Mountain), Dennis Quaid (Traffic, The Rookie, G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra), Helen Hunt (TV series: Mad About You, What Women Want)
This should do pretty well if it's catering to Christian audiences as it's based on the true tale of a Christian surfer who lost her left arm in a shark attack and the challenges both physically and spiritually that she must overcome. A big focus of the film seems to be about making a difference in the lives of others.
Arthur:
Rating: TBA (my guess is 14A)
Coming Out: April 8, 2011
Starring: Russel Brand (Hop, Get Him to the Greek, Despicable Me), Helen Mirren (Red, The Queen), Jennifer Garner (Juno, Elektra, TV series: Alias)
Not sure how it will do. It is a remake of the classic Dudley Moore film of the same name. A spoiled Arthur must choose between an arranged marriage which the family (aka the money) approves of and an uncertain life with the only woman he's ever loved. I don't believe that this will draw many elementary kids but teenagers familiar with Brand from Forgetting Sarah Marshall and Get Him to the Greek may be inclined to want to see this. A pretty solid cast but I'm not sure if this film will give the boost that the box office desperately needs this year.
Wow, I didn't realize that it would take this long to write 3 movie updates coming out in April. Stay tuned for significant May releases in the next few days.
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Greg
