Today’s topic strays from my usual assortment of sites for kids of all ages; these site selections are for parents in charge of summertime movie and video selection. If you’ve ever wondered which PG-13 movies were appropriate for your kids, …[Continue]
Digital Photography
For years I was the sole family photographer, dutifully recording our vacations and family get-togethers whenever I remembered to bring my camera along. Now I am joined by my teenage son, who has a digital camera. I, alas, am still …[Continue]
Paper Crafts
More than 2,000 years ago, the Chinese were the first to use fiber from hemp and the inner bark of the mulberry tree to make paper. Today paper is of our most important industrial products. In the United States, we …[Continue]
Pablo Picasso
Born October 25, 1881 in Málaga, Spain, Pablo Picasso became the defining artist of the twentieth century. As I learned about his life, I was struck by the observation that Picasso was blessed with parents who recognized his gift at …[Continue]
Interactive Art Adventures
While some art museums are content to simply post photographs of their artwork online, these virtual museums have gone beyond “photo and post” to create interactive exhibits. From writing activities, to games and curator-lead video tours, these sites bring art …[Continue]
Interactive Coloring
Many of the coloring pages found on the Net are the print-and-play variety. Print out the black and white picture and use your crayons to color them in. Today’s sites, however, are virtual coloring books — you color, paint and …[Continue]
Star Wars
Star Wars became a mommy-son thing for us two years ago when we saw the Star Wars Special Edition trilogy together. As each movie was released, we would make plans to get away to see it. Now we are both …[Continue]
Drawing Cartoons
To recognize the value of humor in our lives and to highlight the art of cartooning (America’s most popular art form), the National Cartoonist Society has designated May 5 Cartoonists Day. So pick up your pencils and get out your …[Continue]
Piano Lessons
“The Internet has everything,” I overhead one grandmother explain to another during an elevator ride. (Is it considered eavesdropping if you’re in a elevator?) I, of course, agree. The Internet even offers free piano lessons. I’m not suggesting that computerized …[Continue]
Ludwig van Beethoven
Ludwig van Beethoven was born in Bonn, Germany on December 16, 1770 , and is known as one of the greatest composers in history. His work marked a turning point for composers, who had previously written primarily for religious services, …[Continue]
