Never Too Late

by Betty Jo Tucker

Falling in love can happen at any age. Last Chance Harvey emphasizes this romantic theme while having a bit of fun doing it. Playing two lonely middle-aged people who find each other during some tough times in their lives, Dustin Hoffman and Emma Thompson may look ill-suited for each other here, but they deliver the goods with believability and charm. Who would expect these two actors to be the most fascinating on-screen couple during 2008?

Last Chance Movie Review by Betty Jo Tucker

Hoffman portrays Harvey Shine, a man disappointed with the way his career has turned out. Although quite talented as a composer and pianist, he’s ended up writing jingles for commercials. And his boss (Richard Schiff) hints about bad things to come. On the personal side, Harvey’s relationship with his estranged daughter (Liane Balaban) couldn’t get much worse. To attend her wedding, he must leave New York City –during what he insists is a crucial time for his job –and travel to England.  After arriving across the pond, Harvey faces the humiliation of being the odd-man out at his own daughter’s nuptial activities.

Luckily, our sad-sack hero soon meets Kate Walker (Thompson), a woman who spends most of the time answering calls from her quirky mother (Eileen Atkins). Mom can’t seem to stop pestering Kate about her single status. Unfortunately, Kate’s latest blind date resulted in considerable embarrassment for her –so she’s not in a very happy emotional state when Harvey tries to start up a conversation with her.

These two walking wounded believe they are losers and that love has passed them by.  However, their amusing interactions and shared misery help them establish a strong bond, one that offers them a chance for happiness. Despite the painful and, of course, humorous obstacles standing in their way, will they be daring enough to risk being together as a couple?

Hoffman and Thompson give low-key performances as the unlikely Harvey/Kate duo. But they are a treat to watch! Because of their brilliant acting skills, it’s easy to feel empathy for the unhappy characters they portray. Hoffman lends Harvey an almost pathetic demeanor during certain parts of the film, and Thompson makes Kate someone we care for from the very beginning. She’s a real pro at changing expressions in the blink of an eye, which serves her well in various interactions with Hoffman. Thompson towers over Hoffman, so they look like Mutt and Jeff. This striking visual reinforces the idea that Harvey and Kate may not be right for each other. And yet a surprising Hoffman/Thompson chemistry comes across in practically every one of their scenes together.

Applause also to writer/director Joel Hopkins (Jorge) for filling Last Chance Harvey with subtle humor and witty dialogue as well as for allowing important sequences to run longer than we see in most romantic comedies today. We need time to get to know how Harvey and Kate relate to one another, so extended conversations seem very appropriate.

Last Chance Harvey earns a well-deserved spot on my list of favorite 2008 films.

(Released by Overture Films and rated “PG-13” for brief strong language.)

NOTE:  This film was released on a limited basis on Christmas Day and will open wide in January, 2009.)

Betty Jo Tucker is a member of the Online Film Critics Society (OFCS) and the San Diego Film Critics Society (SDFCS). She  teaches an online class, “The Reel Deal: Writing about Movies” for the LSS School of Writing and has published three movie-related books including CONFESSIONS OF A MOVIE ADDICT, an amusing memoir about her life at the movies. Betty Jo serves as the editor/lead film critic for ReelTalk Movie Reviews and hosts a weekly radio show, “Movie Addict Headquarters,” for BlogTalkRadio. She also writes monthly film commentary for the Colorado Senior Beacon.  For more information, please go to www.BettyJoTucker.com ..

By Pauline Go

Disability or other physical abnormalities should not be a hindrance for students who want to pursue higher education. In order to provide financial assistance to students who are physically disabled or suffering from any type of disability, special education loans have been introduced. Also, students who have been unable to continue further education due to emotional disturbances, emergency hospitalization for a prolonged period or any other specific reason are also eligible for special education loans and grants. Special education loans are used to cater to the special needs and additional costs of education for students who are qualified. For example, blind students require Braille translated textbooks or special computer equipments that can help them in studying.

There are a variety of special education loans and grants offered by the federal government. Information on these special education loans and other financial resources can be obtained from the office of The American Council on Education’s HEATH Resource Center or at the office of the U.S. Department of Education’s Clearinghouse on Disability Information. Apart from the federal loans, even the schools and universities provide scholarships and grants that have been specifically designed for special students. These loans are disbursed through the special education office or center present at the school.

Students applying for special education loans and grants are also eligible for regular grants. One should apply for all so as to increase the chances of getting complete funding. In order to be eligible for a special educational loan or grant, you must apply early. Many times, schools even have special provisions such as tuition fee waivers and special centers with tutors, Braille textbooks and other special educational needs. It is important to contact the school authorities before applying for a special education loan.

About Author:

Pauline Go is a professional writer for many website like newbiemommy.com. She also writes other great articles like Federal Education Loan Consolidation Money Tips, Tips For Car Loan With Bad Credit And No Down Payment, Mortgage Loan Refinancing In Britain.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Pauline_Go http://EzineArticles.com/?Special-Education-Loans&id=817444

By Dorit Sasson

If your child is in a special education class, it is imperative that several things should be in order in order to maximize the learning conditions and subsequently their achievement.

In order to facilitate the learning, a special education classroom should have a special desk arrangement. Desks should be arranged in rows in order to minimize the amount of distractions caused by group and paired learning.

Another way to cater to the various levels in a special education classroom is to set up a learning center around various stations that allow for hands-on fun or educational experiences depending on the educational background of the student. Learning centers in a special education classroom should also provide a variety of activities and themes which ultimately makes the learning purposeful.

An additional way to set-up a special education classroom is to put the teacher’s desk in front of the class which allows for individual eye contact and body language.

In some special education classrooms, restroom facilities are located within the special education classrooms. However, not all special education are set up in this way. However it can be a consideration should other arrangements be unsatisfactory.

As a new special education teacher, you’ll want a setup that creates effective engagement with minimal distractions. With children who need to deal with special learning adjustments, try for a new setup that is not too overwhelming for him/her to function. You’ll want to also maintain control with the rest of the class as well.

So what are you waiting for? Try it!

To receive your FREE EBook “Taking Control of the Classroom,” please visit the New Teacher Resource Center at http://www.newteacherresourcecenter.com and sign up to be on the mailing list. When you do, you’ll also receive a FREE bimonthly Ezine containing new, information and other teaching tips.

Don’t miss out! For more classroom resources on effective classroom management training and teaching tips, take a look at “Effective Classroom Management Tips” at http://tinyurl.com/5lbw4a - While you’re there, check out the other two special reports on Differentiated Instruction and Struggling English language learners.

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By Jeff Herring

The Never Ending Search for Humor

Humor heals.

That is the bottom line - humor heals.

When we brought our son home, I remember thinking “I’m supposed to take care of this little creature and I can’t even remember to take out my contacts at night!”

During one of the first diaper changes, he did what little boys do and aimed it right at his mom. She put up the palm of her hand to block it and then started pushing back the stream like Superman and the death-ray.

We laughed so hard we cried, and decided we might be able to do this after all.

Look for the humor, no matter how absurd, in any stressful situation.

Remember, if you can laugh about it, you can survive it, and even more!

The Power & Perspective of Detachment

Here’s a little stress buster experiment:

pinch the skin on the back of one hand until it’s mildly uncomfortable (please, don’t draw blood!). Now release it. Pinch it again, only this time pretend you are standing next to or above your self while watching yourself.

Does the pressure diminish or even go away?

In the same way, we can “step outside of” a stressful situation and not only reduce the stress, we can get two other benefits as well:

1. You can get a different perspective, which can then lead to………

2. Creating solutions that may not have previously occurred to you.

Visit [http://www.theinternetarticleguy.com]The Internet Article Guy for more leading edge tips and tools for writing articles that bring you prospects, publicity and profits. You can also subscirbe to our monthly Article Empire Tips Newsletter. You are also invited to visit my Express-Start Article Writing Program for more information on the next article writing tele-seminar.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeff_Herring

By Lois McElravy

GOOD NEWS! University of Chicago studies show a great sense of humor can add an additional 8 years to your life! Humor produces laughter. Laughter produces several positive effects on your physical, mental and emotional well-being. So, not only do you stand to increase the potential length of your life, but you certainly increase the quality and enjoyment of your life, if you have a great sense of humor.

But, how do you know if you have a great sense of humor, or not? Take a few minutes right now to evaluate some of your present humor habits.

1. Can you quickly recall a hilarious memory, or a most embarrassing moment?

2. Do you regularly like to hear or tell funny jokes and stories?

3. Do you catch yourself laughing and smiling several times a day?

4. Do you laugh at yourself easily?

5. When you try to be humorous, do others find you entertaining?

ANSWERING YES to questions 1 - 5 suggests you have a great sense of humor. Continue…

6. Do you reserve fun until after your work is done?

7 Are you over-sensitive when others tease you?

8. Do you reserve your sense of humor for certain people, places, or times?

9. Have you been told that you are too serious and need to lighten up?

10. Do you sometimes use sarcasm or put-downs in place of being direct?

ANSWERING YES to questions 6-10 could be signs of a great need to develop your sense of humor.

Which is it? Do you have a great sense of humor, or a great need to develop your sense of humor? Or both?

Do you wish you had a greater sense of humor, but don’t know where to start with the daunting task of developing it? It’s easy! You have just taken the first step by assessing a few of your humor habits and becoming aware of any areas you might like to improve.

The second step is simple, too. Just start looking and listening for the “funny” in your everyday ordinary life. Each time you bump up against a challenge, ask, “How could I use humor to lighten-up or diffuse this intense situation? Would this be funny if it was happening to someone else? Will I think this is funny later? Or use your imagination, “Wouldn’t it have been funny if…?”

The third step is to find a “humor buddy” and regularly share your precious moments of humor with each other. Having a humor buddy helps both of you create a new humor habit.

A great sense of humor begins with a choice of attitude. Commit to look for at least one “funny” each day, and you will find it. Share it with your humor buddy. Before you know it, you will be surrounded by a greater sense of humor and equipped with the resilience you need to cope in those “not so funny” moments.

“Your sense of humor may or may not add years to your life; but it certainly will add life to your years.” Paul E. McGhee, Ph.D. / Laughter Remedy

Lois McElravy, Lessons from Lois, works with individuals and organizations who want to learn how to effectively use humor, so they can handle the demands and pressures of work and home, maintain a flexible perspective, develop creative solutions, produce positive outcomes, and have more fun.

Learning to laugh and “hangin’ on with humor” rescued Lois from the distress and despair surrounding her daily life, and initiated her recovery from a brain injury. Her universal message offers hope, motivates participants to be faithful to do the small things, and conquer their challenges one day at a time.

©2006 Lois McElravy, Lessons from Lois - Permission to reprint or repost this article is granted by notifying Lois McElravy, and including her name and contact information in the article.

Contact Lois to speak at your next event:  [mailto:info@lessonsfromlois.com]info@lessonsfromlois.com http://www.lessonsfromlois.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lois_McElravy http://EzineArticles.com/?What-If-You-Could-Add-An-Additional-8-Years-To-Your-Life?-Assessing-Your-Sense-of-Humor&id=1125221

Just for Laughs
by Betty Jo Tucker

Yes Man with Jim Carrey

As I write this review of Yes Man, Jim Carrey stares at me from an eight-by-ten photograph perched on a shelf to my right — and signed “Spank you very much!” Carrey sent this to me a few years ago in response to my letter offering him suggestions about his career. I’m glad he’s following some of my recommendations by using his extraordinary talents in amusing movies like Yes Man.

Happily, Carrey romps through this movie with his usual kinetic energy and enthusiasm. He plays Carl Allen, a formerly closed-off man who discovers that saying “Yes” to every opportunity brings him multiple benefits. This “carpe diem” theme serves as a showcase for Carrey’s comedy skills. When his character breaks out of his shell, he plays the guitar, sings, speaks Korean, speeds on a motorcycle, overdoses on “Red Bull,” attends off-the-wall concerts, plans a wedding shower, and dresses like Harry Potter for a costume party put on by his silly fanboy boss (Rhys Darby).

Accepting the affirmative also results in our hero meeting Allison (Zooey Deschanel), a lovely young woman with strange interests, such as taking pictures of others while she’s running. Of course, romance blossoms between these two — and it’s great fun watching them get to know each other. Carrey and Deschanel (Elf ) project a delightful screen chemistry here, and I’d like to see them in more films together. (I felt the same way about Carrey and Tea Leoni in Fun with Dick and Jane, but sorry to say, they haven’t paired up again.)

Despite Mae West’s belief that “too much of a good thing can be wonderful,” sometimes it can lead to serious problems. In Yes Man, that’s exactly what happens. Will Carl learn how to be more reasonable about the opportunities he accepts? If so, how will that impact his relationship with Allison? Those two questions may make the movie sound like a downer, but don’t worry. It’s designed strictly for laughs — and there are plenty of them in this new Carrey comedy.

While not a perfect film (for example, Fionnula Flanagan, so great in The Others, appears in a couple of crude and insulting scenes), Yes Man is highly entertaining. Besides Carrey and Deschanel, actors who add to the movie’s appeal include: Terrence Stamp (Wanted), almost scary as a self-help guru; Bradley Cooper (Wedding Crashers), suitably worried as Carl’s best friend; and the always funny John Michael Higgins (The Break-Up) as the man who introduces Carl to the “Yes Man” philosophy.

Director Peyton Reed (Down with Love) moves Yes Man along with a lively pace, and the screenplay by Nicholas Stoller (Fun with Dick and Jane), Jarrad Paul (TV’s Living with Fran), and Andrew Mogel  — from Danny Wallace’s book — boasts witty dialogue, especially the banter between the characters played by Carrey and Deschanel.

I consider Yes Man a welcome movie gift during this 2008 holiday season.

(Released by Warner Bros. and rated “PG-13” for crude sexual humor, language and brief nudity.)

Betty Jo Tucker is a member of the Online Film Critics Society (OFCS) and the San Diego Film Critics Society (SDFCS). She  teaches an online class, “The Reel Deal: Writing about Movies” for the LSS School of Writing and has published three movie-related books including CONFESSIONS OF A MOVIE ADDICT, an amusing memoir about her life at the movies. Betty Jo serves as the editor/lead film critic for ReelTalk Movie Reviews and hosts a weekly radio show, “Movie Addict Headquarters,” for BlogTalkRadio. She also writes monthly film commentary for the Colorado Senior Beacon.  For more information, please go to www.BettyJoTucker.com ..

by Deborah Rebolloso

Age-related hype abounds, raking in $billion$ for the cosmetic surgery industry.  The scare tactics themselves are enough to accelerate aging.  “The Wrinkled Weebis and Other Dead Giveaways,” is a farcical romp into this wacky world, along with some clever, and less costly, alternatives.

“She walks in beauty, like the night,” gushed Lord Byron. Enter the loveliest of women:  svelte and youthful, adroit evader of, to the envy of all her friends, underarm dingle-dangle. Ahhh.

Now exit said glamour puss. Uh-oh. Get a loada that cubitus.

A largely forgotten body part betrays the passing of one’s young buckette stage:  the cubitus, known in polite circles as the elbow, and its surrounding skin, the weebis. For most women, however, elbow ennui ranks right up there with fear of pleated palms.

According to an Internet write-up on brachioplasty (upper arm tightening, taking elbow skin along for the ride), “the resulting scar is not always satisfactory.” I’d love to see one of those “satisfactory scars.”

So, before enriching yet another cosmetic surgeon by scheduling a weebisectomy, consider some whimsical, and less costly, options.

Elbow Gloves

Gloves cover a multitude of sins, from armpit to nail tip. Gloves are in, and elbow gloves shout retro glamour. Prom night. When the deep purple falls. Twilight time. You get the picture.

As of the date of this writing, an eBay search landed a whopping 317 pairs, many of them Buy It Now bargains. Pair them with a sleeveless dress if you’re underarm dingle-dangle-free. If not, a below-the-elbow dress and above-the-elbow glove combination has you covered.

Wristbands

Wristbands

Terrycloth wristbands are soft, stretchable and widely available. Instead of encircling the wrist, move them up to the crook of the arm, thus covering unsightly elbows while making a quirky fashion statement. Here are some colorful choices to accessorize your favorite outfits, at only $3.00 per pair:

Stool Pigeon Hands

Let’s say we keep problem elbows covered. Or alternatively, we never let anyone get behind us (a strategy learned early on by big city dwellers). We’re still not out of the age detection woods.

Think you can outwit an eagle-eyed cosmetician in the Guess My Age Game? Guess again. While you’re mentally botoxing your face into ten years younger submission, she’s shooting stink eyes at your hands.

Upper arms and elbows may be taut and toned and forearms a vision, but the hands dangling therefrom are dead giveaways if they resemble an East Coast road map.

Once again, it’s gloves to the rescue. Fingerless gloves highlight exquisite nails, while simultaneously camouflaging the path thereto. Armpit gloves, although difficult to explain unless you’re a debutante or a bride, are nevertheless a clever disguise. Wear them with head held high and inspire awe with your impeccable taste.

Hand hype aside, the neck may in actuality be the first observable area to crumple. Short of maintaining a perpetual under-bite jaw jut for neck-stretching purposes, what hope is there for an elephant knee look-alike neck?

Scarves

Scarves

Unlike French women, who would rather give up food and wine than scarves, American women often underestimate their value.

Here’s an ascot tie, guaranteed to camouflage the most blatant poultry neck with grace and style:

Turtlenecks

On days when you just can’t spare the time to tie, circumvent the problem with an all-encompassing turtleneck. A turtleneck will obscure everything from chin to waist. A long-sleeved turtleneck will conceal multiple problem areas:  turkey neck, flab arms and a wrinkled weebis. Don gloves and you’ll dazzle ’em.

Hats with Veils

Bee Keeper's Hat

If you happen to be a beekeeper, a good bee hat and veil will shield your tender neck from sun, wind, and pesky bee bites. Even if beekeeping doesn’t interest you, beekeeping accessories are available for sale to the general public.

Here’s a lovely model worn by a male, but you get the idea. No way will any jealous female get her prying, guess-your-age eyes past this baby.

If these solutions to your dead giveaways are just too daunting, perhaps you’d be wise to heed Oscar’s advice in The Odd Couple. When Felix was exhibiting self-absorbed, obnoxious, and debilitating behavior, Oscar snapped, “Leave yourself alone!”

Deborah Rebolloso is a native Chicagoan, currently residing in Southern California with LUV, Snuggle Lee Butts, and Kali Ko (husband, cat, and cat, respectively).  A.k.a. Deb Reb, ever resourceful, she shrewdly decided to cash in on her “sassitude” and write humor and satire.  She can be reached at debreb@cox.net

Or you can visit her site at http://www.DebRebollosoHumorMe.com

How do you follow up on one of the world’s most popular viral videos? Allow people to get into the action and play along.

A new website (www.eod2.com) featuring a viral application based on the video sensation “Evolution of Dance”—the most watched user-generated Internet video all time, including over 100 million views on YouTube—launches today to help put a smile on people’s faces and give them a break from economic stresses, international worries and financial and political scandals.

In Evolution of YOU!, get an exclusive first look at some of the dances and music in the upcoming EOD2 video. Just add an image of yourself and/or a friend, celebrity or even a pet, and watch them groove to tunes while dancing through different stages of their life with inspirational comedian and renowned Evolution of Dance star Judson Laipply. Embed, email, download and send to everyone you know!

It’s simple, fun, and designed to help people take a break from economic and holiday stresses and share a laugh with friends. “Evolution of Dance 2”—the sequel to the 2006 video that took the Internet by storm and helped put YouTube on the map, will launch in January with a sneak peek on television and in partnership with a major Internet video site.

But beyond the joy of dancing with Judson is a more serious offering: The site’s sponsors, Saveology.com and PeopleJam.com are designed to help consumers handle today’s tough times both economically and emotionally. Comparison shopping website Saveology.com helps consumers save time and money by finding them the best values and enabling one-stop purchase and scheduling of essential services from cable and internet to wireless and insurance. And PeopleJam helps people make life on a budget a better life by offering advice, feedback, support and other related and relevant products.

Have fun, relax, and get into the holiday spirit. And do it while learning how to save money and better deal with today’s stressors.

Here’s my version of the dance :)  I had SOOO much fun creating this video…my kids and I were laughing our butts off hehe…

Now I am off to add some of my family and friends to this video…have fun!  Post them on your blog and come back here and post a link in the comments section I would LOVE to see your VIDEOS!!

My Boys had fun making this version:

Herbs are a great way to flavor almost any food dish, but buying them at the store can be expensive.  A more cost effective option that adds money to your pocket and flavor to your meals is to grow and dry your own herbs.  It can also be tons of fun, especially if you have children who can help.

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