Katie-Anne Gustafsson's comments

The Princess Diaries

17 Jan 2007 01:14 AM

I caught this on TV by chance and because I wasn't doing anything else (except a bit of crochet) and couldn't be bothered to find anything else I watched it. To my amazement I actually enjoyed it. I thought the beginning of Mia finding out her heritage was a bit weird, but once past that the movie itself and the cast were enjoyable. I too thought the relationship between Queen and Bodyguard was a nice thing to watch and although the bit with the traffic problem and "ceremony" was a little over-the-top, Julie Andrews is so convincing they actually get away with it without it spoiling the movie!

Katie-Anne

Birthday Parties- Are Some Parents Going Too Far?

17 Jan 2007 01:08 AM

I agree Myra, the whole birthday thing in the US is way out of control! I have friends there and the things I hear about putting on a kid's birthday party are scary! Things like having to invite not just the child's friends, but the friend's siblings - and adult(s)! A couple of extra adults is never a bad thing at a child's party, well helpful adults not afraid to get their hands dirty or organize a game or two anyway, but the rest? Eeeek! Themed parties are nice, but to me a themed party means having tableware that co-ordinates and your child picks, and the invitees are the friends of your child, plus one friend each for any of YOUR child's siblings!

Katie-Anne

Parents- Control Your Kids' Behavior In School Or You May Have To Pay A Fine

17 Jan 2007 12:59 AM

In the UK things are being put firmly into the parents' hands too. I believe that at least one mum has been sent to prison because her child skipped school - or rather she left the school once her mother had delivered her there. If you are "caught" with your child outside of school during school hours, you'd better have a note on you for a doctor's appointment or some other good reason why they aren't there.

My mum says that if she were a young parent now, with no real recourse for disciplining an unruly child, and she was in the position of having to go to court because of a child skipping school after she'd physically taken her there, and the school not doing anything to ensure that the child stayed there (other than make rules!), she would make the child a ward of the court so they would then be responsible for the child's actions and let them see how "easy" it was to ensure a child stayed in school - without camping out all day at the school gates! Not sure how the courts would take this, or how many parents would actually take a stand like this, but something has to give because the way things are going there's no win situation for parents at all.

Here in Sweden, I don't think we have that kind of problem ......yet - but I guess it'll catch on eventually!

Katie-Anne

Calamity Jane (1953)

16 Jan 2007 02:14 AM

As a writer passionate about history, especially women's history, I ought to toss this movie in the trash because the real Calamity Jane would probably have spit on it - but unfortunately I just can't bring myself to do it because as much as it has it's inaccuracies historically, for pure entertainment value it just can't be beat!

This movie is Doris Day at her best, and has so many good songs that it's hard to pick out a favorite! Definately a feel-good movie for a rainy day. Thanks for reminding me to dig it out of the cupboard and put on the "must watch soon" pile!

Katie-Anne

The Good Thing... Military Hospitals

16 Jan 2007 02:09 AM

Looking from the outside in, the US healthcare system is something that should be advertised bolding on all immigration leaflets - I'm sure it would send some people back home again! LOL

The room sounds great Eliza. Does hubby get to stay overnight too - supposing you have someone else to take care of the kids?

Katie-Anne

What a Care Package Means to a Military Family

16 Jan 2007 02:06 AM

It's good to send something to someone you know is going to appreciate whatever is sent - and even if they don't like whatever it is, there's always going to be someone there that will love it!

During the first Gulf War we would send out shoe box size packages (recommended size by someone at the time) to a friend who was posted in the Gulf. At first we thought, what on earth can we get in here that's going to be of any use, but we'd send them every week and by the time he was posted back to his own military base, it was amazing what we could fit inside those boxes - from magazines, to candy, to cookies, toothpaste and even suncream - not to mention just "stuff" to bring a smile!

Katie-Anne

Where did all the teenagers go?

16 Jan 2007 01:56 AM

Y'know I don't think it's just military teens that have all but disappeared during the daylight hours, civvie teens are also thin on the ground! If they're not at school, or working whatever jobs they have, they just aren't there. I don't miss them hanging around street corners mind you, but it does make you wonder if they're all now indoors with their ipods in their ears whilst they play shoot-em-up games online with their friends.....

Katie-Anne

Airports-The Good Old Days

16 Jan 2007 01:50 AM

In the UK it's never been an option so I guess the "tighter" system in the US is more what we're accustomed too. When I hear the comments about the new regulations in US airports, it makes me wonder what Americans used to think coming in the UK prior to 9/11 because most of them are normal procedure in the UK and have been as far back as I can remember.

Katie-Anne

Holiday Travel: 10 Ways To Save Time At The Airport

16 Jan 2007 01:38 AM

With point 9, you can usually check online for the departures board your loved one's airplane is leaving to see that it has actually taken off on time, and then watch the arrival airport's arrivals board, which most major airports now have in more or less real time online, to ensure that there are no delays anticipated.

Katie-Anne

Disney's Aladdin (1992)

15 Jan 2007 06:05 AM

What I loved most about this movie was Robin Williams as the Genie. His versatility and command of the quick change voice and persona really brings the Genie to life in a funny way that both the children and adults love.

Katie-Anne