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barbara.correa@dailynews.com

SUMMER MOVIE CAMP: This just in from one of my local Moms clubs: AMC theaters are showing $1 movies every Wednesday at 10 am starting June 25, through August 6. Movies will include Shrek the Third, Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium and Bee Movie, among others. Proceeds go to charity. For movie schedules and locations, check http://www.amctheatres.com/smc/movies.html

CPR EN ESPAÑOL: Northridge Hospital is offering CPR classes in Spanish, for you or your nanny. Taught in Spanish by an American Heart Association (AHA) trained instructor, participants will learn lifesaving CPR techniques for infants, children and adults. Participants will receive one Spanish language AHA textbook per family and everyone receives a certification card. Check for dates at http://www.northridgehospital.org/Medical_Services/073835

POPCORN ADVENTURES: This weekly e-newsletter for cultural types pairs films with activities around L.A., like watching My Fair Lady and then visiting the flower market downtown. For your junior soccer player, watch Bend It Like Beckham, then tour Artesia's Little India. Have a budding Republican? Watch Yankee Doodle Dandy and go see the Reagan Library in Simi Valley. http://www.kidsoffthecouch.com/splash.php

SCHOOL FUNDING: Persistent parents are keeping the pressure on the Governor to preserve school funding at current levels. Here's the latest on what's going on in the effort, with photos from the most recent rallies and events: http://4lakidsnews.blogspot.com; http://www.capta.org/

FIND A CO-OP: One way to cut the cost of preschool and get involved is through co-operative schools. This Web site lists co-operatives for preschool and elementary school level. http://www.ccppns.org/index.html

THE VACCINE DEBATE: Dr. Gary S. Goldman, a resident of Pearblossom, a city in the Antelope Valley, is the author of a new book, "The Chickenpox Vaccine: A New Epidemic of Disease and Corruption,'' a 2008 Mom's Choice Awards winner. The book examines the universal varicella vaccination program, arguing that the vaccines actually leave the population more vulnerable to disease.

L.A. Mama this week:

ARE WE HAVING FUN YET? Parents are overworked, and kids are overscheduled. Have we forgotten how to have a good time? Greater Good magazine looks at the impact of shorter recess periods on school, too much time spent with TV and video games and too many adult-led activities. http://greatergood.berkeley.edu.

BEYOND JENNIFER & JASON? Every Mother's Day, the Social Security Administration and Parade magazine release their list of the year's most popular baby names. Emily and Jacob took the top honors for 2007, followed by Isabella and Emma, Michael and Ethan. See the complete list at www.socialsecurity.gov.

YOU'VE GOT THE POWER: Remember Morgan Freeman as the character Easy Reader on "The Electric Company" back in the 1970s? Now, the creators of "Sesame Street" are reviving that show, which targets kids ages 6 to 9, with new episodes set to air early next year on PBS stations. The series will promote the idea that reading is cool in an effort to improve literacy for children of low-income families.

ILL BILL: A new study from the University of California, Berkeley says paid sick leave has a positive effect on public health. On Mother's Day weekend, workers and workers' rights and health leaders in Los Angeles gathered at a downtown community forum to speak out and demonstrate support for a bill that would require employers to offer paid sick days. Last week, the L.A. City Council passed a resolution in support of the bill. More than two in five California workers have no paid sick days, according to the California Work and Family Coalition. For more information, see www.paidsickdaysCA.org.

HOT MOMS: Self-pampering and beauty treatments are frequent topics of discussion on most online groups and sites devoted to mothers. As more of us give birth at an older age, we can't pull off the makeup-less, pony-tailed look too well. Which is why I love this entry from The Huffington Post last week. It's about inexpensive ways to improve your looks - tasks as easy as getting enough sleep. See www.huffingtonpost.com/lesley-m-m-blume.

barbara.correa@dailynews.com

L.A. Mama This Week:
http://www.dailynews.com/search/ci_9186341

BYE-BYE BPA: California came one step closer to banning the chemical Bisphenol A from toys and child-care products. The Toxin-Free Toddlers and Babies Act, which was approved by the Assembly and now goes to the Senate, would prohibit BPA from being used in baby bottles, formula cans and the lining of other canned products. It would also tighten restrictions on phthalates - plasticizers that have been linked to hormonal abnormalities and allergies.

Activist mom: Tanya Anton, author of the "Westside Guide to Public Elementary Schools," joined a parents' march in Sacramento this week, protesting the plans to cut $5 billion from public education funding. At http://go-mama.blogspot.com, she writes about her experience there and impressions of the budget impasse between Republicans and Democrats over the issue.

Taking it to the street: And for those who couldn't make it to the state capital, another rally to protest the education funding cuts is slated for 9 to 11 a.m. Friday outside the office of Assemblywoman Karen Bass, 5750 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. "The only thing mothers really want for Mother's Day is a decent education for their kids," organizers say. "We need your support to make our voices heard and stop the budget cuts."

Prepping for the big one: No one wants to think about it, but we Californians are at risk of natural disasters and should be prepared. California Volunteers, a new effort launched by first lady Maria Shriver, makes it easy to complete and print out a family plan in case of fire or earthquake. It also includes local volunteering resources. Visit www.california volunteers.org.

Discounts galore: GoCityKids has some nice new discounts this week: 10 percent off private swimming lessons at Happy Swimmers; 25 percent off at One Good Bumblebee. Got to the site http://gocitykids.parentsconnect.com/deals/?area=195

Mom's day treat: Just in time for Mother's Day, Mothercraft is holding a half-day retreat on Saturday at the Malibu Beach Inn. It includes yoga on Carbon Beach, along with lunch and a life-coaching session. The cost is $105. See mothercraftcoaching.com.

barbara.correa@dailynews.com

5-MINUTE WORKOUTS: I interviewed someone about effective 30-minute workouts for time-crunched parents. But this is even better. Celebrity personal trainer Kathy Kaehler offers three, five-minute workouts: www.mommytrackd.com/survival/get-movin.

I SCREAM, U SCREAM: Ben & Jerry's is hosting Free Cone Day, noon-8 p.m. Tuesday. See www.benjerry.com to find a participating scoop shop. Not to be outdone, Baskin-Robbins is offering 31 Cent Scoop Night in honor of America's Firefighters, 5-10 p.m. Wednesday. www.baskinrobbins.com.

MOTHER'S HELPER: From CityMommy.com this week: "I have a friend who is a mother. She is looking to be a part-time assistant. If you could use her help, PM me." Is this the newest trend in stay-at-home-mom gigs? I'd love to feel like a Hollywood mogul with my own personal assistant. What busy Mom wouldn't?

A GIFT FOR MOM: Mother's Day is coming up, just two weeks from Sunday. I'm not expecting breakfast delivered to my bed, but flowers or a small trinket would certainly be nice. What would make your day? Take our poll at: www.insidesocal.com/lamama/2008/04/mothers-day-expect-anything.html.

ARE YOU MY MOTHER? Oh, it's just so 2008. A Florida plastic surgeon has written a children's book titled: "My Beautiful Mommy," to help little kids understand why Mom's nose or cleavage suddenly look different. The Web site describes the book as a "must-have" for any mom considering plastic surgery and says, "... Learn how the entire family pitches in to help Mommy achieve her beautiful results." No, this is not a joke. www.mybeautifulmommy.com.

5-MINUTE WORKOUTS: I interviewed someone about effective 30-minute workouts for time-crunched parents. But this is even better. Celebrity personal trainer Kathy Kaehler offers three, five-minute workouts: www.mommytrackd.com/survival/get-movin.

I SCREAM, U SCREAM: Ben & Jerry's is hosting Free Cone Day, noon-8 p.m. Tuesday. See www.benjerry.com to find a participating scoop shop. Not to be outdone, Baskin-Robbins is offering 31 Cent Scoop Night in honor of America's Firefighters, 5-10 p.m. Wednesday. www.baskinrobbins.com.

MOTHER'S HELPER: From CityMommy.com this week: "I have a friend who is a mother. She is looking to be a part-time assistant. If you could use her help, PM me." Is this the newest trend in stay-at-home-mom gigs? I'd love to feel like a Hollywood mogul with my own personal assistant. What busy Mom wouldn't?

A GIFT FOR MOM: Mother's Day is coming up, just two weeks from Sunday. I'm not expecting breakfast delivered to my bed, but flowers or a small trinket would certainly be nice. What would make your day? Take our poll at: www.insidesocal.com/lamama/2008/04/mothers-day-expect-anything.html.

ARE YOU MY MOTHER? Oh, it's just so 2008. A Florida plastic surgeon has written a children's book titled: "My Beautiful Mommy," to help little kids understand why Mom's nose or cleavage suddenly look different. The Web site describes the book as a "must-have" for any mom considering plastic surgery and says, "... Learn how the entire family pitches in to help Mommy achieve her beautiful results." No, this is not a joke. www.mybeautifulmommy.com.

LET THEM EAT CANDY: There may come a day when you give your kids a piece of candy instead of steering them away from the sweet stuff. The dental school at Stony Brook University tested a cavity-fighting candy on a group of 10- and 11-year-olds from Venezuela. The kids who ate the BasicMints candy had a whopping 60 percent fewer cavities than those given a placebo. Turns out the candy mimics saliva in neutralizing acids in the mouth that can erode tooth enamel. Coming soon to a dentist's office near you? Stay tuned.

FAMILY DIET: "The Fittest Family," a new reality TV show about losing weight, is looking for contestants. Thin, fit families with subtle personalities need not apply. Open casting call is on April 26. See www.drivekids tobefit.org for more info.

THE 'REAL' ALPHA MOM: Heather Armstrong, author of Dooce.com, told the Wall Street Journal last week that writing the country's top parenting blog has its downside. While she does get a huge income as a stay-at-home mom, Armstrong also gets hate mail and plenty of criticism. But maybe the best part of the article was that it listed more top mom-written blogs. Alas, L.A. Mama has not yet made the list. Here are some that have: designmom.com and scribbit.blogspot.com. See Technorati.com for more listings.

SQUEEZE ON STUDENTS: The global credit crunch is hitting the student loan sector. Just like home buyers, college students looking to borrow for next year can expect to pay higher interest and go through tougher credit history checks. The Senate Banking Committee began hearings this week on how to resolve the issue.

SPA WEEK: Although Mother's Day is a month away, you still deserve a treat. Spa Week continues through Sunday, with participating spas offering treatments for just $50. Spas include Allen Edwards in Studio City, Blue Medi Spa in Sherman Oaks and DermaPhil in Burbank. Go to www.spaweek.org for more information.

POSTPARTUM RISK FACTORS: Being young, poor, less-educated and single puts mothers at significant risk for postpartum depression, according to a study by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. Postpartum depression was more often reported by teenage moms, smokers, mothers with less than 12 years of education, Medicaid patients and women experiencing financial stress during pregnancy.

Barbara Correa

Tupperware parties with a green bent

Barbara Correa, Staff Writer
Article Last Updated: 04/09/2008 08:24:30 PM PDT

EARTH DAY FUN: Goodbye, Tupperware parties. Today's stay-at-home moms meet for EcoMom parties, where hosts lecture on methods for composting, making a waste-free lunch and ridding the home of toxins. EcoMom Alliance founder Kimberly Pinkson wants EcoMom parties to become a part of wedding and baby showers, book clubs and even ladies' nights out: http://ecomomalliance.org.

VACCINES & AUTISM: Once considered a fringe viewpoint, the vaccine-autism connection is being taken more seriously since Dr. Julie Gerberding, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said she believes vaccines can trigger autism "in a vulnerable subset of children." April is National Autism Awareness Month, and a panel of experts discussed the developmental disability last week on "Larry King Live." Panelists included celebrity mom Jenny McCarthy, whose son, Evan, has autism.

GOOD GREEN FUN: Remember going to the beach and using a cut-off milk carton as a sand shovel? Now, a California company is recycling milk containers into some pretty cool toys. So far, there's a multicolored cooking set and a gardening kit. A tea set will debut next month. And, of course, there is a sand toy set: www.greentoys.com.

FIRST PREGNANT MAN? Last week, Oprah interviewed Thomas Beatie, a 34-year-old transgendered male who kept his female reproductive organs and is now with child. Beatie used a sperm bank and was artificially inseminated because his wife of five years is infertile. The couple is expecting a daughter in July. "I'm a person and I have the right to have my own biological child," Beatie told Oprah.

STOW THE CELL: Our lives are going to change July 1, when it will become illegal to use a traditional cell phone while driving. Violators will be subject to a $20 fine for the first offense, and $50 thereafter. While hands-free headsets will help busy moms who rely on drive time to make calls they can't make when kids are unrestrained, there's still the issue of text-messaging. Now, Mother Proof has compiled a list of services that use voice recognition technology that lets you text without typing. www.pinger.com; http://jott.com.

GRUNION RUN: Spring is here, and that's when the little silver fish come out to mate. The Cabrillo Marine Aquarium in San Pedro hosts bi-weekly events featuring an educational program followed by a guided walk on the beach to watch the fish make like the birds and the bees: www.cabrilloaq.org.

Barbara Correa 818-713-3662

Here's my column this week:

YA GOTTA EAT: The number of women in the workforce has declined slightly in the last decade, resulting in fewer families eating dinner at restaurants, according to a recent Wall Street Journal story. What are your eating-out habits? Vote in our poll at http://www.insidesocal.com/lamama/2008/03/sweet-temptation-of-taking-the.html

LAUSD BUDGET CUTS: I spoke to lots of parents last week about the $460 million in budget cuts facing Los Angeles Unified next year. If you want to vent about looming teacher layoffs or get into a dialogue with other parents about the issue, send a comment.

A LITTLE PERSONAL FINANCE: In the wake of the Bear Stearns meltdown and what's happening on Wall Street, it's a good time to reflect on handling your kids' questions and worries about financial security. What better time to educate your kids about money and personal finance? I found a product called KIDSCA$H, a $14.95 workbook on money management for ages 8-12. See www.kidscashmanagement.com. There's also free material at www.federalreserveeducation.org/teachers.

READING: The Elementary Education Department at Cal State Northridge will hold its inaugural Children's Literature Conference, 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. April 12 in the Michael D. Eisner College of Education Building. Stacia Deutsch, author of the "Blast to the Past" series, is among those scheduled to be there. See www.csun.edu/ua/publicrelations/ press-releases/Spring08/childrenlit.html

AND FINALLY: Scholastic is offering 25 percent off DVD series, including Curious George, Good Night Gorilla, and Knuffle Bunny. The coupon is available at www.newkideo.com. Enter code KIDSDVD at checkout to get the discount.
barbara.correa@dailynews.com 818-713-3662