DVD's we've watched recently

DVD’s we’ve watched recently.

I love a good movie. I can rip a movie to shreds, but in the past week I have enjoyed watching a few DVD’s that are worth mentioning. For us in SA the Bud Spencer and Terence Hill Collection is on the shelves at popular stores, I think that they are worth looking out for. We recently bought They Call Me Trinity (1970), which is one my brother and I watched many times over as kids. For us its one of those movies that our mom got us watching and it has ended up being one of our family classics.
It’s a Western movie with a touch of silly brute humour that only Terrence Hill and Bud Spencer can provide. There’s a list of movies to choose from, but the “Trinity’s” are my favourites.
For those of you who aren’t particularly fond of Westerns – like me - you may end up enjoying these too. It’s the type of collection that the entire family can enjoy.

After a LONG wait I finally got to see The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus. We loved Heath Ledger’s interpretation of The Joker, in The Dark Knight. Ten Things I hate about you and A Knights Tale are two of my other favourites where Heath had the lead.
Before watching The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus, you must remember that Heath died during the making of the movie, so it is “unfinished”, meaning that Heath’s part would never reach its full potential. The way that the movie was completed however paid tribute to Heath. His characters departure – as in Heath’s departure - from the film was mind blowing for me.
Johnny Depp, Jude Law and Colin Farrell’s addition to complete the film was done in such a way that it could be expected because of the nature of the film.
The story takes you on a weird trip into others imaginations, where their dreams become reality. It gives you a taste of good versus evil and left me with many thoughts on its meaning.
I wouldn’t recommend that you watch the movie with someone who would sum it up in the first five minutes. You need to embrace the weirdness and go with it.

If you’re an action junkie you’ll love The Expendables the box says that it’s the most awesome action cast ever assembled, and it truly is. Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Bruce Willis Jet Li, Dolf Lundgren, Randy Couture, Steve Austin, Terry Crews, Mickey Rourke, Eric Roberts and even a cameo appearance from Arnold Schwarzenegger.
The Story line is about overthrowing a ruthless dictator. The film is action-packed; a movie where the stuntmen out-number the designers, as well as having touches of humour. It had me laughing out loud. It’s one of those action movies - that will have you chomping at your popcorn without even realising it.
For people like me who are against abuse towards women, you’ll love Jason Statham’s characters reaction to abuse. Jason also did all of his own stunts, including one where he hangs on the front of a plane.

The last film I’d like to recommend for this post is The Sorcerer’s Apprentice. Nicolas Cage once again teams up with producer Jerry Bruckheimer – this time in a Disney Film. If you enjoy their combination you will enjoy this movie too.
It’s a fun adventure story for the family.
I enjoyed Jay Baruchel’s character of the “perfect” geeky student, learning about his “hidden magical qualities” and Nicolas cage adding humour to his lines in his own unique way. Teresa Palmer reminded me of a young Naomi Watts.
The special effects are really cool, and add to the magic of the film.

Its until the next blog post from me… J

Bullying -

Bullying

As a mother of a child experiencing bullying at school I think it is vitally important that parents are aware of the signs that a child is being bullied, as well as how to prevent it and what to do if it happening to your child.

This is what I have experienced and information that I have found to be very helpful.

When I first heard that my son was being bullied at school I was horrified. It took me back to the days when I experienced school bullies while I was still at school.
Bullies made my school life really difficult. There were days that I didn’t want to go to school, just so I could avoid having to deal with the children who were harassing me.

I was verbally bullied, bullied by being excluded, as well as being threatened.
Having a difficult home life, I never had the coping mechanisms instilled in me, to deal with bullies and I crept further into my shell. Years later I found my strength and I will no longer allow myself to be in that situation again. There is no way that I will allow it to be a factor in my children’s lives.

My son’s experiences have been different.

The latest bully has been picking on him in the classroom as well as seeking him out at break time to continue harassing him.

The bully:

·         harasses him on his way to his desk,

·         steals his stationery and refuses to return it,

·         hits him with rulers and other objects,

·         pushes him around, (on one occasion into the hook for the classroom door)

·         slaps and punches him,

·         tells my son that he can’t do things - that he has already cleared with teachers,

·         laughs at my son for no reason,

·         resorts to name calling,

·         he lies when he is confronted,

I realised that this is typical behaviour for a bully when I read an article forwarded to me by a friend.

So as not to repeat any of the information here is a link to the page. It describes types of bullying, why students bully and the impact of bullying.

http://www.olweus.org/public/bullying.page

http://sooozsaysstuff.blogspot.com/2010/12/zero-tolerance-to-bullyinghow-to-deal.html?spref=fb

The Result:
I had a meeting this morning at my son’s school. The class teacher is at her wits end with the bully. The Head of Department for grade 4 and the Principal are all dealing with the issue at hand. The parents of the bully have been contacted.
I have ensured that they have all the info that I could possibly give them, so that they could deal with each problem area effectively.

I now hope that the bully’s parents take action and work with the school. I am taking my zero tolerance approach, and I hope that you would do the same for your child.

My tips would be that you always speak to your child. Have an open line of communication.
My son and I have our time in the kitchen every evening. He has a passion for food so while we are cooking together he talks about his day. It’s a relaxed atmosphere so it is easy for him to talk about anything that is bothering him.
Go with your gut. If you feel that something is not right – it probably isn’t.
You’ll know when to push your child for answers.

Don’t leave the situation at educating your child on how to react.

Always take things further.

Go to the school prepared. (In my meeting today I was able to enlighten the teacher as to problem areas that had not been addressed)

You can’t be sure of what will happen in the future, but making sure that everyone is aware of the issue at hand is a vital step.

Ensure that you and the class teacher have a clear plan of action and ask the teacher to explain this plan to your child as well as you explaining it to him or her. It leaves your child with peace of mind.

One tip from the articles I read that resonated with me was not to allow a meeting with both children in the room. I had been down that road before – and the outcome was not what I wanted or expected.

Thank you to Soooz for all the information.

I learned earlier this year, that it helps to share your story with others. Your story may just help someone else who is in the same situation. I will post updates of any new developments...