Strollerderby : Stroller Derby

Best of Famecrawler: Babies Cheaper than Real Estate... Make Stars Look Caring

Rachael Brownell (Redsy) — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 18:59:00 GMT

I remember when I was little and watching a show on how mice sometimes ate their babies. I recall thinking how sad that was! How painful that must be! And if that continued there sure as hell wouldn't be any rodents left to test my shampoo and cosmetics on! I felt bad for all the unborn baby mice and the fate that awaited them at the hands of their mothers.

Funny, I felt the same way when I saw this story:

Paris Hilton, who last scared us by her close proximity to a small helpless creature and previous threats to procreate, now says that she hopes to become a mother by next year and is getting psyched-up to get knocked-up. The mother mouse - uh, I mean heiress - tells Elle Magazine "I want kids next year, so I've got to get my body ready." And Paris, while you're preparing don't forget the nest made from twigs and dryer lint.

Check out what Karen Rani has to say about Paris' latest accessory on Drool.icio.us

Strollerderby Playdate: Last Days of Summer

Rachael Brownell (Redsy) — Mon, 03 Sep 2007 19:32:00 GMT

Summer is drawing to a close and many bloggers took the opportunity to grab this long weekend to get out of dodge

Babble's own Jane Roper braved family camp with husband and twinkies in tow
Momish had a final long weekend plan, but took a trip to the ER instead
Petroville looks forward to Fall
Cranky Fitness shares reflections on work and play

Way up here in the Northwest corner of Washington State, we're ironing uniforms and packing lunches for the first day of Kindergarten. You? What are you up to today?

(Photo courtesy of The Smitten Image)

Strollerderby Finishline: Saturday Afternoon Delight

Mike Adamick (Cry It Out!) — Sat, 21 Jul 2007 23:40:00 GMT

The headline above is a bit of a misnomer, considering it's evening now in more than half of the country, going on nightfall. And because there's no raunchy images of the "delight" one might normally associate with that phrase. (Sorry, Chag! Maybe next week.)

So you'll have to forgive me. I overslept. I couldn't help it.

I rarely, rarely nap when Emmeline goes down for her siesta, but we had a busy day filled with farmers markets, public art viewings and heat stroke-inducing playgrounds. When we got home, Emme practically crawled into her crib by herself, while Dana and I flipped on a baseball game and were surprised -- shocked, actually -- to see our team winning.

"This is such a perfect day," Dana said. "I'm going to take a nap."

I could barely answer -- because she was right. And because I was already starting a nap of my own. That's how we roll on summer weekends -- sleepy. And because it is so perfect, I can only hope you do, too.

As always, the SD is always there to perk us again. And right now, I need it -- because that couch is still looking really, really comfortable. And we've got big plans for just another Saturday night.

One of my favorite posts this week comes from Jessica, who is clearly, incontrovertably trying to "buy" our way out of a war by trying to spread a more peaceful world view via T-shirts. WTF? you ask. My thoughts exactly. I can only say, Rock on with the peace kids. Because judging by some people's reactions, you're going to need it.

Alisyn is all about the summertime fun -- and those kids? Adorable.

Chag investigates McDonald's healthier advertising and likes what he sees.

Sarah knows that nothing says dress-up time like a Jesus doll.

Patti pees on her own terms -- no matter what the pros say. (Sorry, it sounds so much better if it's you.)

The SD is all about religion this week, as Karen investigates a 2-foot-tall Samson doll. (I personally think Job comes with cooler sidekicks, like frogs and pestilence -- yeah! -- but whatever.)

Kelly mourns the death of Match Box cars inventor Jack Odell, whose coffin was repeatedly crashed into other, newer coffins on the way to the cemetery. (No? Too mean? Jack would get it.)

As always, Pierre brings the thoughtful analysis -- this time to a "movement" against celebrity vagina flashing. Or something.

Stefania always brings the funniest videos. I love this one.

Rachael spreads the parental love -- one tongue kiss at a time.

And I know you're not going to believe this, but sometimes I get all dopey and mushy over things like date night.

Strollerderby Finishline: Free Stuff Edition

Mike Adamick (Cry It Out!) — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 19:08:00 GMT

I get it. I do. It was late on a Friday and you were looking forward to getting home. To the weekend. To drinks. Whatever. You had no time for the SD. Fine. Be that way. But you're missing out, lemmie tell ya.

It's Saturday now, and thankfully you have another chance. You just better hurry if you want to make it right.

That's right -- the very first SD contest is underway and you have until Monday to be a part of history, and to snag a really cool Arctic Tale T-shirt. (Imagine March of the Penguins, but with better animals.) Stefania fills you in on the deets here. The prize isn't as cool as a hunky lumberjack -- or so I've heard -- but I think you'll still love it.

And speaking of cool prizes ... how about a great job opportunity, so long as you don't get preggers. Jessica shares the outrage. And also has a thing for Muppets.

Sarah is probably going to hell for this. But at least she'll already know one member of the band.

Dutch kids are happy, according to Alisyn. And if you look at this picture, you'll find they're also a little handsy.

Pierre gives the low-down on summer school breaks. As a kid, you crave them. As an adult, year-round baby!

Oh, look! I'm dense!

Chag wonders: Ban the product or ban the advertising? What will thin out the thick ones?

Karen pulls a graceful piece out of the death of Lady Bird.

Kelly knows she will someday have mommy-alone time for all those bikini waxes and creepy pictures. Oh, and this is really, really cool too -- way to go!

Patti answers the mac-and-cheese question. But did she have to say soygurt?

To camp or not to camp -- Rachael answers the question.

Melissa is a savior -- a baby shower without games. (I've invented my fair share, so I know they suck it, even if I've never actually played them.)

Strollerderby Playdate: "Simpsons" Movie Unites Parents Everywhere

Mike Adamick (Cry It Out!) — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 11:01:00 GMT

For the past seven hours -- or however long it's been since I tuned in to her recent and incessant natterings -- my wife has been strutting around the house singing, "Spider pig, spider pig -- does whatever a spider pig does."

I knew it could only mean one thing. She had seen the new trailer for the "Simpsons" movie, and she would soon be dragging me to the theater to watch it. You may remember I wasn't too thrilled about the movie initially -- saying, essentially, that the show hasn't lived up in recent years to the early episodes that played across my childhood. (Yes, the show has been on for almost 20 years. Yikes.)

But after seeing the trailer and watching the excitement in my wife's eyes as she yammered on and on about some elusive porcine-arachnid supercreature or whatever, I have to admit the show of my childhood, the one that had faded in glory but still drew me in occasionally to re-runs, has me very, very excited again.

And I'm not the only one. People everywhere are making Date Night plans to see the movie and relive a little of their past. Well, some of us are anyway.

Modest Micah has a cool cartoon photo.

Unleash the Epiphany is also going yellow.

And here, if you must see it, is the trailer that has sent my wife over the edge. Seriously, every time she sees it she laughs for a solid minute -- big laughs. Belly laughs. Followed by "Spider pig, spider pig ..."

Strollerderby Playdate: Freedom Barbecues for the Whole Family

Mike Adamick (Cry It Out!) — Wed, 04 Jul 2007 11:01:00 GMT

My father-in-law, Duane, is a master backyard chef -- the term "barbecuist" doesn't quite do it justice, hence the title chef. He slow cooks ribs for days at a time and has been known to wake up at ungodly hours just to check the fire. He is a good, good man.

And so as a tribute to backyard chefs everywhere -- and really, nothing says independence like carnitas, right? -- the SD is venturing around the country to find the best in 4th of July family cooking. Because on this Independence Day, the last thing I want to think about is the guy in charge of keeping it.

So please, this year, put the children in the Pack-and-Play. Bring grandma over to babysit. Pour a big glass of Zin. And bring on the ribs.

Just by saying BBQ Tienna Knits has my attention. Mmmm.

Damaged Girl sticks up for America. Tomorrow is not the day we kill turkeys. (But I can't wait for that either.)

Lonestar Concerto really puts a damper on my enthusiasm.

But it doesn't matter. Soon enough, I'll be elbow deep in a pile of ribs and thinking, "Isn't America great?"

Strollerderby Finishline: Vacation All We Ever Wanted

Rachael Brownell (Redsy) — Sat, 23 Jun 2007 11:45:00 GMT

Strollerderby bloggers have vacation on the brain this week. Pierre just returned from his trip out West to the beautiful San Juan Islands. Mike is relaxing at a mysteriously un-wi-fii-ed bed and breakfast, and Karen is loving up on..... Whistler, B.C.??

Meanwhile:

Jessica describes the happy reunion following baby elephant's day out,
Patti shares some great tips for cooking while on a camping vacay with her kids,
Mike celebrates Father's Day every day
Gwynne talks up Babble's Summer Film Round-Up
Whit starts the weekend out right with a friday afternoon mini-vacation using a drink inspired by Otter Pops

Strollerderby Playdate: Whither You Go Roadside Bar?

Mike Adamick (Cry It Out!) — Wed, 20 Jun 2007 11:03:00 GMT

It used to be that I loved going to Oregon. I loved the long drive up the northern spine of California. I loved the idyllic theater town we stayed in, and I loved the 5,000 Shakespeare plays we'd see when we got there.

But now ... now the thought of strapping a 14-month-old into a car seat she uses maybe once, twice a month is just too much to bear. Emmeline is accustomed to traveling on the bus or in my arms -- both car seat-free conveyances. She treats the car like it's a dentist -- it's there simply to drill her teeth and make her scream.

But, alas, this morning we depart for "vacation." And while the plays will still be there when we arrive, beckoning us, I'm not sure I'll have the mental brain capacity thingy stuff to enjoy them. See? A 5 hour ride is already getting to me. (Yes, I know, poor, poor me -- I get a nice break.)

Still, I'm taking solace in the fact that it's summer, and I'm not alone. America is all about the road trip.

At least Hilary's road trip ended with a cool concert. Even if it was in Kansas.

The Adventures of Adler knows how to dress a kid for the road. Awesome hat!

Laughter and Loveliness embarks on an 11-hour trip. I feel much, much better.

Strollerderby Finishline: Vacation, All I Ever Wanted

Mike Adamick (Cry It Out!) — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 21:07:00 GMT

I'm posting this at 2:07 p.m. pacific time -- the exact moment Dana and I are getting in the car and ~~never looking back~~ going on our first weekend trip sans the baby. So you'll have to forgive me if I'm a little distracted. There's been a lot of things to check off my list before leaving.

Such as ice cream. I'm packing a lot of it. Patti lets me know the best kind.

And movies -- Karen fills me in on the deeper side of "Knocked Up."

And then, of course, reading material. Fantastic parenting reading material that only the SD can provide.

Rachael is keeping the kids out of the fast lane. For now.

Alisyn lets her kids learn on their own that she's not watching them. But don't we all?

Jessica performs a personal competi-mommy intervention. And she can see all the way to space. (And good luck with potty training this weekend -- what a Father's Day treat!)

Melissa feels for dads with ripped vaginas. I think. Or maybe that was sarcasm? It hurts my uterus to think too hard.

Sarah sticks up for adopters, no matter their orientation. Let's hope Arkansas does the same.

Kelly knows that the best way to find a great gift for a guy is to read Women's Day Magazine. And also to stack up on bathrobes. And pimp fedoras.

And, of course, I'm bringing drinks. The Car Seat seems appropriate.

Happy Father's Day! (But not you. You know who I'm talking about. In the third row.)

Strollerderby Finishline: Hell in a Handbasket Edition

Mike Adamick (Cry It Out!) — Sat, 02 Jun 2007 20:46:00 GMT

And god looked down and saw upon the land a derby of strollers, and he said it was good. And just. And wise. And slightly alcoholic. And then the derby started questioning things, and it all pretty much went down hill from there.

Mom strippers. Zoloft snorters. Creation Museums? What the hell has become of us this week? We're all going to hell, but thankfully a few of you fine commenters are coming with us. And offering rides. So, so kind.

First, I go and open my big mouth and say that a "museum" dedicated to Creationism is full of more than just audio guides.

Alisyn tries her best to take the heat from the inferno of hell off my shoulders, but, alas, I think she'll just make more enemies. Oh well, at least Harry Potter will be close to Disneyworld -- the other heathen bastion.

Jessica should really know better. Those anonymous moms really know what they're talking about. And they've always got the best sense of humor.

Kelly proves that when your mom-stripper name is Cuddles, and even Ann Curry thinks you're a moron, you're just trying too damn hard.

Stefania writes about Tom Brady's impending fatherhood ~~just so she can google all his pictures~~ so we can all see that even football players care about children. (And she can do math. Thankfully.)

Pierre finds a family with six generations of girls. Ain't that sweet. Except for the idea it must feel odd to be a 37-year-old grandma. Maybe not. Catherine Keener worked it.

Patti wants us to dig through the trash to find used wine corks for this cool crafty stamp idea, and I'm thinking -- trash? Try the crib.

Rachael breaks the bad news to all: Moms aren't happy all the time. But thank god for Zoloft! Fuggin' A sister.

Sarah gets mad, mad props (is that even a phrase anymore or have I finally become a parent?) for hauling out the "Vacation" theme song in this Stroller Derby Playdate.

And to end it all, I think I'm in love with Karen. She redeems us all. Not only does she break out the wicked delicious Hitting the Bottle of the week, she consistently breaks out the best of Stroller Derby prose. If you don't do anything else this weekend, read this. And this is pretty friggin funny.

Strollerderby Finishline: One Free Birth at a Time

Mike Adamick (Cry It Out!) — Sat, 26 May 2007 19:20:00 GMT

Let's be honest here. You're not reading this. You're one day into the summer's first three-day weekend, and the last thing on your mind is parenting. That's why the kids are playing in a van down by the river, or whichever body of water you've taken them to this fine weekend, while you're back at the hotel-lodge-trailer-tent-wherever giving a whole new definition to the term Wi-Fi -- and it doesn't mean finding a connection to read this.

Am I bitter? Just because we couldn't manage to slip away for one day? One, lousy day? No, not at all.

So if, like me, you're stuck at home with a sick kid and waiting desperately for date night and wanting something to do, thankfully there's always the good ol' SD to keep you company. Though it sounds like a horrible, itchy disease, you know it as something else: the best in parenting writing.

This week, Kelly explores the joys of ~~freebasing~~ freebirthing, but I say the practice doesn't go far enough. Give me a birth without a baby, and then you'd be onto something.

Karen wonders about holding kids back, or not, from kindergarten -- and dredges up bad memories of puberty. Oh boy, been there.

Alisyn wages war, as Barbie and Diego team up to take over the house in a never-ending deluge of clutter. Thankfully, Ikea and the Sopranos come to the rescue.

Stefania totally lucks out, because authorities have proof it wasn't her kid who did this. Although I think we all feel sorry for the poor chap who did do it. Do you know how many reincarnations he's just ruined?

Rachael says modern moms have it easy -- I mean, it's not like they churn butter all day. But still, who doesn't need a little TV babysitting every now and then? If only to find the time to think up "in the mood" excuses.

My favorite post of the week? I'll give you one guess, but you and I both know you're not going to need it. That's right, "Hitting the Bottle."

See you on Tuesday!

Strollerderby Playdate: Ex-Pats Are My Idols

Mike Adamick (Cry It Out!) — Wed, 23 May 2007 11:01:00 GMT

Ever since reading Babble's foolproof guide to Tuscany with the kids, I've been travel sick. I'm just dying to hop on a plane, uncork a bottle of Robitussin and suddenly find myself somewhere exotic, like Tumecula. (Oh please, you try coping with a 15-hour plane ride and a 1-year-old.)

But because stay-at-home parenting doesn't come with vacation days, I have to settle for the next best thing: bloggers.

There are some fantastic parents out there blogging without borders and making me daydream about China, Italy, Sweden and more.

First up, there's my brother. He lives in Beijing with his 16-year-old daughter and will probably be really pissed that I gave out his blog. But again, he's in China, writes some fantastic, insightful posts and is frequently blocked from various sites, so he'll never know. (But just to be safe ... down with Mao!)

I think I've already written about Adventure Dad, but just in case -- check him out.

Jennifer at Italian Trivia offers a great perspective on life in Northern Italy -- complete with evil sneak thieves. A must-read.

Leslie at Squid in India posts some perfect photos of her adventures in Bangalore. Mangos, mmmm.

And of course, representing the UK, Moobs. Just awesome.

Strollerderby Playdate: Outside the Office

Jessica Ashley (Sassafrass) — Tue, 22 May 2007 11:07:00 GMT

Just in case you're not sick of us yet, I thought it might be fun to peek in and see what the Strollerderby folks are analyzing, investigating and yammering on about when they're not talking your ear off here (or is it an eye off, considering you're reading it? perhaps ear off does apply when the voice is conversational? anyway...). Consider it one part blatant self-promotion, one part sitting at the ~~theatre geek~~ cool kids' table, one part shout-out to the people you think, breathe and live parenting news commentary (and honestly, some of us do).

Here are a few of the things SDers are posting about outside the cubicle:

Karen is talking about Truth and Beauty and putting me to complete shame for continuing to blog incessantly about puke and poop.

Sarah's making her body business yours.

In other body news, Melissa's all fired up over scabs, toenail removal and suntans. If that doesn't peak your interest, you have something seriously wrong with you.

Kelly's also talking effed-up toes. And sleeping with Gabrielle Reece. Nothing about scabs, though (oh well).

MetroDad's OK. No really, he's fine. Stop fretting. Send scotch and flowers, but stop fretting.

Mike's done shedding tears for Lorelai and Rory and has moved on to wax poetic over the Princess Bride. The man loves him some modern day fairy tellin'.

CrankMama's 'fessing up in a veritable NaughtyMommyPodcastyPallooza.

And since all that blog-hopping probably worked up your appetite real good, make a last stop to see Stefania, who is whipping up tropical smoothies, kid-prep friendly cupcakes and Korean BBQ beef ribs. Mmmm....ribs.

Did I miss anyone? I hope not. Because that would be totally awkward on cigarette breaks. Joking. We only stop working to drink and bet on reality TV shows around here.

Strollerderby Finishline: Foot Rubs? You Had Your Day, Moms

Mike Adamick (Cry It Out!) — Sat, 19 May 2007 23:38:00 GMT

So quickly we forget. It wasn't even a week ago that the sun set on Mother's Day -- meaning the trash is piling up again, the Diaper Genie is feeling ignored and about to just change itself and don't even get me started on foot rubbing.

You had your day, moms. And things are finally back to normal. Which not only means another weekly roundup of the best of SD, but also an inside glimpse into the best of the parenting world. Rotten pigs rear their heads again. Teachers shoot students. Britney Spears, like, hates her mom and all. And dads are fruhm-pee.

Back to normal indeed.

Alisyn is dying with anticipation for Jennifer Garner's new mommy show -- about how life as a fabulous Hollywood star mom really translates over to the rest of us. "Parenting advice by and for the rich and famous. This is exactly what we need!"

Kell-y smell-els. Kell-y smell-els. Don't you just love preschoolers? They say the darndest things. Just wait until you get really, really old -- you know, 31. You'll see. Oh well, at least we can take solace by sneaking into a theater and feeling young again.

Jessica wants Britney Spears to ~~just shut the hell up~~ take her allowance like a good girl. And also stock up on Tampax, because she'll be having her Red Party any day now. It's so exciting to be 13 again.

Karen reveals that she was just one Google search away from naming a child "Debraska" -- until she found out about all those other parents using search engines to choose their baby names and quickly changed her mind. After all, how silly would it be for all those little Debraskas to raise their hands at once in class?

Rachael wants us to say no to frump -- especially us dads, who have a habit of letting ourselves go, she said. Blue jeans. Baseball caps. Dirty T-shirts. Guts that make Al Roker seem, somehow, svelte. Come on, what's not to love?

Patti does some hard-nosed, shoe-leather reporting and finds, surprise surprise, Happy Meals are still deliciously bad for your kids -- despite what Shrek says. But who's listening to an ogre anyway? Besides my wife, I mean.

Melissa delivers the good news -- letting us know when it's OK to call our children rotten little pigs. Parental alientation -- it aint just for Alec Baldwin anymore.

Pierre uncovers something that just seems too unbelievable to be true. Then again, it is almost summer, so you just know these teachers are itching to get the little brats out of the classroom -- even if they have to pretend to shoot them.

Speaking of unbelievable, Stefania gets serious this week -- reminding people to get their heads out of their poolside blenders and watch the kids as summer approaches. Good advice -- unless it's a magarita. Those things need attention.

And I'm continuing to live up to my name. No, I mean the printable one.

Strollerderby Finishline: Placenta Eating Mimes Dine Out With Chris and Courtney

Mike Adamick (Cry It Out!) — Sat, 28 Apr 2007 21:17:00 GMT

That headline? That sums up our week. When we weren't knee-deep in placenta juice (mmmmm), we were kicking kids out of restaurants, wondering why new moms are so damn selfish and getting an odd feeling that celebrities aren't using "yoga" to shed pregnancy pounds so much as having their stomachs nipped and tucked. Oh yeah, and there's mimes.

Our week begins not only with the thought of Ricki Lake naked, but also with the sad, sorry plight of her assistant, whose job it was to clean out the "placenta juice" from the home-birth bath tub. I can't thank you enough for such wonderful imagery Stefania ....

Chris Rock has long advised dads to keep their daughters off the pole -- the stripper pole. Jessica wants to know what advice Rock has for dads of boys -- considering he may just be one. And while he's at it, why not just form a playgroup for all the celebrity dads using DNA to confirm their progeny?

New SD streetwalker, er, I mean blogger Kelly Mills (oh just go look at her bio, silly) thinks yoga is code for "gastric bypass." But at least Courtney Love is thin again, and really, what else matters?

And then there's the ever-popular debate about kids in restaurants. Crank Mama Rachael finally admitted it. You know all those people who are "for the children?" She ain't one of them. At least when it comes to toting tots to fancy restaurants or mommy's day spa. Nothing brings out the smiles like the topic of kids and white table cloths. Oh, and this is pretty funny, too.

Alisyn wonders whether she's too much of a Puritan and also whether 9 is too young to go strapless -- while parents, just like her, wonder why the hell Teri Hatcher has any pull at the White House anyway.

Patti is afraid of mimes and is probably still under her covers with a trusty baseball bat. Sound freakish? Just watch these guys and you'll understand. They've got nothing on "Pigs in Space."

Karen offers some sage advice for playground safety. Kids with beards? Yeah, it's time to go home.

Melissa uncovers Rosy the Riveter's private stash. Of art. Created by her kids. While Rosy was busy, ya know, building big-ass World War II battleships. Definitely worth a look.

Sarah takes on TomKat, advising newly 1-year-old Suri to come to her senses, get on her feet and run, Forrest, run! OK, maybe that's just me. Still, it's good advice. As Sarah says, her parentals are freakshows.

And I admitted something you've known all along. I'm a dork. And, oddly, quite proud of it.

Finally, I'm not exactly sure which evil genius here at Babble thought up the idea of our best. feature. ever. -- "Hitting the Bottle" -- but hats off, my friend. Followed by my shoes, my socks, my pants, shirt, underwear, watch, sock garters (what?) after just a few of the "Free Babysitters," Gin and Tequila? I just hope the babysitter's easy, too.

Finish Line: Best of Stroller Derby

Rachael Brownell (Redsy) — Sat, 07 Apr 2007 11:02:00 GMT

This week was a wild one at Stroller Derby. In case you couldn't keep up, we:

Advised toddlers to quit with the Diva routine

Heeded the call of high fashion with Katie and Posh

Tracked the growing Jolie-Pitt family

Identified fun family Easter activities

Suggested some good children's Passover books

And most importantly, encouraged you to party!

So what are you waiting for? Queue up that stroller and race on, my friends!!

Finish Line: Your Strollerderby Recap for the Week of February 18, 2007

JasonAvant — Sat, 24 Feb 2007 19:04:00 GMT

Welcome to this, the first installment of our weekly roundup of Strollerderby's best. Realizing that "best" is relative (example: I believe that Zooropa is U2's best album), here are some highlights from this past week.

Sarah and Rachael both sparked some coversations with a couple of posts. Sarah, after reading a piece by Two Okapi's Daddy, posed the question, "what's the most surprising part of parenthood"? (The correct answer, by the way, is "42".) Rachael, after visiting the sorta NSFW site MILPHWorld, mused over the whole MILF concept. I've yet to form an opinion, and will need to spend a few more hours on the site in order to formulate my hypothesis. Research, you know.

Of course, this week was all about Britney and Anna Nicole. Karen discusses K-Fed's merits as a father; Stefania muses on newly-bald Brit and her short stint in rehab; Alisyn takes us back to the K-Fed front, then checks up on Britney, who's back in rehab; and then we learn from Mike that Anna Nicole reached out to Britney, which would've been like getting these two back together, and tossing 'em a big bag full of ketamine.

In other news, Jay put the spotlight on a piece in The Stranger about the difficulties faced by parents who lead alternative lifestyles, I put the spotlight on a piece about the difficulties faced by a high school student who wrote a column advocating tolerance of alternative lifestyles, and Stefania and Karen put the spotlight on Brangelinajopittlie putting the spotlight on themselves, and Madonna putting the spotlight on herself. Also, Alisyn says, for those of you that were wondering, yes, Donald Trump is still an ass.

On the health care front: Karen passed along some interesting info - prenatal vitamins may help prevent cancer in babies. Jay looked at the potential effects that pregnancy hormones may have on MS, and Mike pointed out that WMD's and my old Battle of The Planets lunchbox have something in common - our government bullshat the public about both. Patti pointed us to an article about a Fresno County nutritionist who uses a ground-breaking new approach to teaching kids about healthy food. Pierre says TV? Not so good; Patti says Wii? Not so bad.

Finally, Sarah used the word "scrotum" in a piece about a Newberry Award-winning book that's been banned from many schools because it contains the word "scrotum". We here at Strollerderby apologize to all of you who were struck blind upon reading the word "scrotum".

Slings and Arrows Finale: Time Mag v. Babble

Rachael Brownell (Redsy) — Sat, 17 Feb 2007 16:03:00 GMT

Our discussion concludes as James Poniewozik responds to Babble's contention that "we are nothing more or less than parents who, in some fashion, defy the traditional image of uptight cardigan-wearing Donna Reed clones who are perpetually alienated from modern culture."

Stroller Derby: How do you respond to Babble / Stroller Derby's claim that we're not "just" about hip urban parenting?

James P: I'll respond in three parts:

A. Yesterday, I visited Babble.com. The number-one story in the homepage box was, "The Hippest Babysitter in America." Babble's tagline is: "A magazine and community for the new urban parent." "New" urban, hip urban. Tomato, tomahto. It probably is a generalization to say that Babble is all about hip urbanites; however, Babble doesn't seem to have a problem creating that impression to market itself. It's only when somebody makes a criticism that "hip" is suddenly reductive. And while I'm not privy to Babble's business plan, I doubt the whole "hip" perception harms it with advertisers.

B. I do understand the charge that "hipster" is a generalization. (Just as "new urban parent" is.) Here's another generalization in my column: "Gen X." In reality, some parent-memoirists, including some of Babble's, I believe, are Baby Boomers; conversely, some are probably young enough to be considered Gen Y. Gen X seems like a fair median, though.

C. Come on, "Donna Reed clones"? How self-serving. (Anyone who criticizes us is a '50s sexist who wants to enslave women!) That's a 60-year-old image. It hasn't been "defiant" to oppose the Donna Reed stereotype since "Maude." I would bet good money that most Babble writers' mothers weren't Donna Reed types, much less any contemporary you could find without calling a casting agency.

Stroller Derby: What do you think about Stroller Derby's statement that "...if there were ever a time to be self-reflective and even a bit angst-ridden, that time is now. As relatively new parents, we learn a great deal by reading the writings of others in similar straits. And if our kids listen to the Ramones and wear Baby Gap, it doesn't mean being cool is our primary objective. On the contrary, any parent with a heart, no matter what they wear, where they live, or what is on their iPod, understands the tectonic shift that must occur when one is the guardian of little innocent people."

James P: Again, I think this is someone believing that I'm telling them they're a bad parent. Sure, you care more about your child than you do about being cool. Of course. Because you're human, and not a monster. But in the writing that I'm responding to, there's this constant sense of the writer assuring him/herself, "Hey, just because I have a kid, I'm not like
all those other horrible robots, right?" Well, yes, in a sense you are, because your priority in life is now the preservation and welfare of another human, and kids' basic needs are more or less universal. In another sense you're not, because you don't stop being who an individual when you have a child. But guess what? That was always true! We didn't invent that! That's not a new concept that just emerged around the time Nirvana released Nevermind! And that refrain--"We're doing it differently; we aren't losing our individuality to parenthood like people used to"--that's so terribly smug and self-congratulatory. But a great way to market to people.

But the first sentence also interests me: "If there were ever a time to be self-reflective and even a bit angst-ridden, that time is now." What does "now" mean? When you've just had a kid? Well, sure. As it has been for 2 million years' worth of humans, who managed to handle the anxiety without quite such a lengthy journey into their navels. Or does it mean, "Now, when parenting is so hard, and the culture is so hostile to parents, and the schools are in such crisis, and the world
is so screwed up, and everything is so expensive, and nothing is as safe or as easy as when I was a kid." *That* is an attitude I hear a lot in the real world, and I confess I am very skeptical of it. We grew up having our parents tell us how much harder they had it when they were kids. We will be the first generation to bore our own kids with stories of how much easier we had it when we were kids.

To read the first part of the interview, go here, and you can also read JP's blog and blog on the topic.