The Saturday Post: Shake and fold edition

/

We're all adults, and we've all learned lots of complicated things in our long and illustrious lives.

But were we ever taught how to properly use a paper towel?

I know I wasn't; you probably weren't either.

Have no fear, though, for that lesson is here.

Enjoy.

Shake and fold, my friends, shake and fold.

Today's question:

Honestly, how many paper towels do you typically take? (I confess to always taking two...at least.)

The Saturday Post: The greater Great Gatsby edition

/

First there was The Great Gatsby, the novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald, in 1925.

Soon came the first movie version in 1929, of which no copies remain...

Then this in 1949 (here, the first 14 minutes as no trailer could be found; no need to watch the entire clip)...

 

Next was the unforgettable Robert Redford and Mia Farrow version in 1974...

 

And a forgettable—daresay, unknown—TV version in 2000, with, yes, Paul Rudd...

 

Now this: The ultimate Baz Luhrmann treatment, coming December 2012...

 

Looks like my plans for Christmas Day evening are set.

Today's question:

Which Great Gatsby have you seen? Which would you like to see?

The Saturday Post: Get outside and play edition

/

Unbelievably, this weekend (already!) serves as the official kick-off to summer. Time to fire up the grill and enjoy some fun in the sun.

If your options for outdoor fun are lacking, especially when it comes to things to do with the kids—grand or otherwise—check out these cool and creative ideas from the Toy Industry Association:

My favorite has to be the 3-D sidewalk chalk. I'll be picking up some of that, for sure, before Bubby and Baby Mac visit Gramma's in a couple weeks. Maybe the mega bubble blower, too.

For more toy ideas—including prices on the items mentioned in the video—visit ToyInfo.org.

May your Memorial Day Weekend be loads of fun—and warmer than it appears to have been for the women in that video!

Today's question:

What's your favorite way to have fun in the sun, with or without kids?

The Saturday Post: "Friends" edition

/

It's been a rather serious week here on Grandma's Briefs, what with stories of guilt and attacks and serious safety hazards.

I say it's time for a change of pace, time to lighten the mood.

In other words, it's time for my favorite funny fellas, the masters of all things silly: Flight of the Conchords.

Happy Saturday to you, my friends. ♪ La, la, la, la! ♪

The Saturday Post: Granny O'Grimm edition

/

Forget Julia Roberts in Mirror, Mirror and Charlize Theron in Snow White and the Huntsman, this is a fairy tale for the grandma gang.

I love the line, "She'd show them how it is to feel old and constantly sleepy." Oh, yeah!

Today's question:

What was your favorite fairy tale as a child—or now?

The Saturday Post: Hocus pocus edition

/

I'm a huge fan of magic. I love the illusions of Houdini and David Blaine and even Criss Angel (the early stuff from Blaine and Angel, though, before they went commercial and stupid).

Because of my love for magic, one of the most enjoyable ways Bubby has matured since I last saw him is that he now likes to entertain me with magic tricks. His wizardry usually involves making another chair, bike, or toy appear seemingly out of nowhere. At this point, his sleight of hand is preceded by him saying, "Okay, Gramma, now you have to close your eyes until I tell you to open them" followed by "Abracadabra! Okay! You can open them now!" then endless exclamations and handclaps from Gramma.

One day, though, I imagine Bubby's prestidigitation will reach the level of what illusionist Marco Tempest shares here:

 

Considering the amazing (supernatural?) progression of technology, it's likely Bubby the Magician's acts will eventually surpass those of Marco Tempest. I can wait. For the time-being, the razzle and dazzle he conjures while Gramma keeps her eyes closed are magical moments I wouldn't trade for even the most spell-binding of illusions from the most masterful of magicians.

Today's question:

Who is your favorite magician/illusionist?

The Saturday Post: Mama Then & Now edition

/

The International Museum of Women recently launched Mama Then and Now, the latest gallery in the moving and thought-provoking online exhibition called MAMA: Motherhood Around the Globe.

MAMA: Motherhood Around the Globe explores the lives, visions and voices of mothers from more than 60 countries. Personal stories are shared through original creative works including film, music, art and more.

One of the highlights of Mama Then and Now is the following video in which women from around the world reflect on their personal motherhood experience and the generational differences between the grandmothers, mothers, and daughters of their families.

MAMA: Motherhood Around the Globe also offers in-depth looks at Heroes: International Council of 13 Indigenous Grandmothers, Activist Grandmothers, tongue-in-cheek, Facebook-inspired embroideries in a feature called Friend Me , and much, much more.

Take a look MAMA...then share it with the other mamas in your life.

Today's question:

How is your mothering and grandmothering experience different from your mother's and grandmother's?