New Dean Jones and Felice Brothers Video

A band of ragtag, flag waving pirates standing in an inflatable, mustard yellow raft outside in the snow.  Blackjack pickle, nose flutes, a kid in a cake...this video, the 1st from Dean Jones & Felice Brothers' outstanding CD "Rock Paper Scissors", has pretty much got it all.  It's uniquely homespun, and nearly as goofy as the song itself.  Additionally, these might be the least fierce collection of pirates ever assembled.  Watch and enjoy the video for "Isthmus Be the Pirate Waltz":

More Free Holiday Music from Jitterbug

Wow, what a playlist: Hipwaders, Brady Rymer, Gustafer Yellowgold and more...all holiday songs, all free from the fine folks at Jitterbug.tv.  Go, be merry and download now.

Peter Pan at The Arden - Kid's Theater Review

At it's core, The Arden's Peter Pan is an elaborate game of playing house.   Just below the surface though, and something especially noticeable in their miraculous production of Douglas Irving's adaption, are larger truths about what it means to be young, joyful and free - three things best experienced before the suffocating adult burdens of beards and offices set in.

As parents, we pass on a lot to our children but one of the most important things we give them is the freedom to use their imagination, to dream.  In a moment that brought more than one tear to my eye, this is precisely what the grown-up Wendy does. Peter flies through Wendy's open window, many years having passed since their 1st escapade, only to find her older, with responsibilities that prohibit her from ever flying back to Neverland.  As fun and funny as the play is for youngsters, it's scenes like this that make the show a touching event for Moms and Dads - allowing us older folks to escape our beards and offices for a couple hours and fly once more.  


The Arden's Peter Pan is a magical play the entire family will enjoy and cherish.  Tickets to the show would make an outstanding, last minute holiday gift for a young child and their young-at-heart parents.


Bonus thoughts on the play: 
My mom and dad also saw the show, having taken the Bear and my two 11-year old nieces a few days prior. My mother was hesitant to take 11-year-olds to see this play, fearing that girls of such an age would have outgrown the story and think it babyish.  Holy cow, was she wrong.  All three girls came away as amazed as the Mrs. and I.   Despite being profoundly different from the Disney film, the older girls found The Arden's Peter Pan to be "extremely creative" and "awesome".  And you know what, for all the fancy words I could use, none would do the play as much justice as those.


The excitement generated by the Arden's Peter Pan was palatable, so much so that one of my nieces, a girl who, like many at her age, has abandoned imaginative play for trendy fashion, manufactured corporate pop music and a cell phone, immediately asked to re-watch Peter Pan - the film - upon leaving the theater. For her, the Arden's reinvention of Barrie's classic tale reignited a tiny flame of innocence, and reconstructed, if only for a short time, a moment in the child's life where imagination reigned supreme and the pretense of what is or isn't cool mattered not.  

That being said, Peter Pan at the Arden, with it's eye-popping vision of Neverland as an elaborate garage and the hilarious, found-object Lost Boys, is undeniably cool.

Peter Pan runs through January 24, 2010.  For tickets (including several 2 for 1 ticket deal dates and a performance featuring Peter Pan in American Sign Language - see OWTK's review of the ASL performance of the Arden's Frog & Toad last season) and more information on this and other shows at The Arden Theatre, click here.

*The Arden Theater graciously provided tickets for both the Mrs. and I to see Peter Pan.  The opinions expressed above are unbiased and true - no arm twisting took place in the review process.

*All Photos and Video courtesy of The Arden Theatre Company.

Free Kid's Christmas Music - Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

Kid's band Tangerine Tambourine are giving away their Motown-inspired version of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.  Simply right click and 'save link as' to download this wonderful take on the Christmas classic. 

Clementown - Polka Bats and Octopus Slacks CD Review

CLEMENTOWN "POLKA BATS AND OCTOPUS SLACKS - THE MUSIC"
 
The Sound: Everything, plus the kitchen sink, washing machine and Cuisinart.  There are no fewer than 5 genres of music explored over the course of the 28 tracks included here. A sprawling, glorious and beautiful mess of an album.

In the Cafeteria, They Sit With: Recess Monkey, Gustafer Yellowgold, They Might Be Giants

Best Moments: "Kansas City Octopus" may go down as my all-time favorite song under 100-seconds long.  And while I contend that Calef Brown's image of the funky octopus will add greatly to the enjoyment of this incredible, funkdafied track, it's still a gem of a song without the pictorial aid. The Muddy Waters-inspired "Seven Bad Teeth" is a riot.  The bubble-gum pop of "Gumbubble Monday" could be a top-40 hit in an alternate, better universe, while "Mulligan Poker" is as good a country song as there is if, you know, there were country songs about two dogs playing a silly game where "the only rule is to act like a fool and pretend the cards are the same".

Bonus Thoughts: The Clementown CD has just one Calef Brown book in it's title ("Polka Bats and Octopus Slacks"), but the album's 28 tracks cover all the stories in this book and "Dutch Sneakers and Flea Keepers".  

Bonus Bonus Thought: Check out the video for "Ed":



Okay, Time to Wrap it Up with a Nice Little Bow: One word - Obsessed.  My two girls have embedded the Clementown CD and both Calef Brown books into their brains.  At random, they will shout the following absurdities: "Sleeping Fruit", "Polka Turds", "Go Snowman, Go Snowman" and many more lyrics/song titles from this CD.  The Bear and Mouse have fallen head over heels for the music and the books, and the Mrs. and I have as well.  I strongly advise you pick up the affordable, paperback books to accompany the disc.  If you're reading OWTK and you've made it down here to the last sentence, I feel pretty strongly in stating that you too are going to fall in love with the absurdity that is Clementown.

Buy the Books

*For Minnesota readers: Catch a very special, free Clementown live performance with guest author/illustrator Calef Brown - at the Walker Arts Center in Minneapolis on January 2nd 2010.  More info here.


*The "Polka Bats and Octopus Slacks" CD and both books were provided to OWTK for review. The opinions expressed above are unbiased and true - no arm twisting took place in the review process.

Free Kid's Christmas Music - Todd McHatton

Todd McHatton (Glass Stained Twilight) is giving away for free his new, 5-song kiddie Christmas EP, aptly titled "Christmas Songs".  McHatton's dreamy, meandering folk-pop originals recall a chilled-out, less fuzzy Sebadoh.

"Christmas Songs" is a nice 15 minute addition to your Holiday playlist, especially if you're a fan of indie pop (ala The Shins).

Get your "copy" of this digital release now.

Shop for Annissa Mayhew

My t-shirt and gift shop is participating in today's Shop For Annissa event.  I'm donating 25% of all profits from today's sales.  So you can shop here and here for thousands of novelty t-shirts, mugs, ornaments and what-not, (including lots of New Moon/Twilight themed tees, stickers and souvenirs) and know that you are helping out.  Or, better still, give 100% of your money straight to the Hope 4 Annissa Fund.

Sunshine on Sale

Today's Amazon.com MP3 deal o' the day is Elizabeth Mitchell's stunning 2002 release "You Are My Sunshine".  

If you don't already own it, head over here to pick it up digitally for just $2.99.  Hurry, this deal is only for today, Thursday December 10th!

Weekend Plans

It's been forever since we've seen a kid's concert.  Halloween, I think.   Okay, maybe that's not "forever", but for us a 6-week absence sure as heck feels like an eternity.

That all changes this weekend as Debbie & Friends roll through town.  We're seeing the Saturday 11:30am show at World Cafe Live.  It'll be our 1st time seeing the group perform.

Immediately following Debbie & Friends in Philly, we're heading in the general direction of home to see a couple of balloon artists/magicians perform at The Colonial Theatre in Phoenixville, PA.  The Mouse and I caught John Cassidy's act in late-August and she loved it (despite getting freaked out when he blew himself into a balloon leaving only his head visible).  This time, the whole gang will be in attendance.

Then, to cap off the busy day we'll drive WAY past our house, to Koziar's Christmas Village.  Never been, but this city-of-holiday-lights looks pretty sweet.

So, that's what we've got going on this weekend.  How 'bout you?

Holiday Kindie Rock Deals

Looking for a last minute gift of music for a child?  So many kid's bands/acts/labels are having specials right now, I figured I'd try to collect 'em all (or most of 'em) in one place.  Here goes:

• The Baby Grands self-titled CD - THE DEAL: 2 CDs for $19.99 plus pick any other CD from the label's catalog and get it for free at checkout (no extra shipping charges either).  From Backspace Records, through the end of 2009.  [Read the OWTK review of The Baby Grand debut CD]
• Mr. Stinky Feet Holiday Gift Pack - The DEAL: A Mr. Stinky Feet Christmas CD, T-Shirt and plush dinosaur for $20 (with free shipping).  From Mr. Stinky Feet Store, through Christmas (I'd imagine).
• Dan Zanes - The DEAL: Well, tons of deals, actually - like the "76 Trombones" Gift Pack includes the new CD, Fine Friends Are Here DVD and your choice of any other Dan Zanes CD for $35.  From Dan Zanes Store.  [Read the OWTK review of Dan Zanes & Friends "Fine Friends Are Here" DVD]
• Justin Roberts - The DEAL: 1/2 price Pop Fly T-shirts and 15% off all CDs.  From Justin Roberts Store.  [Read the OWTK review of "Pop Fly"]
• Laurie Berkner - The DEAL: Deeply discounted concert t-shirts and clothes, including an autographed toddler tee for $5!  From Laurie Berkner Store.
• The Pokey Pup - The DEAL: 24 Holiday Gift Ideas for under $24, with free shipping (through 12/10).  From The Pokey Pup.
• Gustafer Yellowgold - The DEAL: Gustafer Gift Bundle includes 1 DVD/CD, 1 Kid's T-Shirt, 1 Gustafer plush toy, 2 temporary tattoos and 1 sticker for $38. From the Gustafer Yellowgold Store.
• They Might Be Giants - The DEAL: A couple Holiday Gift Bundles here, including one that gets you the new "Here Comes Science" DVD/CD, "Kid's Go!" Book/DVD and a T-Shirt for $40 with free shipping.  There are also several coupon codes for building your own gift bundle.  Great stuff from TMBG, check it all out at the official They Might Be Giants Store.  Offer good through 2/1/2010. [Read the OWTK review of Kid's Go!]
• The Not-Its! - The DEAL: The Great Compromise Pack which includes a CD and T-Shirt for $23.  From the Not-Its! Store.  [Read the OWTK review of "What Are The Not-Its!]
• Johnny Bregar - The DEAL: All 3 Johnny Bregar CDs for $30.  From the Johnny Bregar Store. [Read the OWTK review of "Dragonfly"]
• SteveSongs - The DEAL: New SteveSongs T-Shirt, "Music Time with SteveSongs" CD and Barefoot Books featuring SteveSongs music for $35.  From SteveSongs Store.
  

*I did my best, but this list still may very well be incomplete.  If you know of another deal not listed here, feel free to leave a comment with all the particulars. 

Maestro Classics - The Tortoise and The Hare CD Review

I had no idea the original Tortoise and Hare fable was so short.  I also had no idea the tale was centuries old.  I mean, I knew it was older than me, but 2000 years!  

Those are just two of the tidbits I picked up while enjoying Maestro Classics' new Stories in Music CD "The Tortoise and The Hare".  With music from the little outfit known as the London Philharmonic Orchestra, this CD is a delight from start to finish.

The Bear was entranced from the start of the nearly-21 minute story.  The dramatic retelling of the familiar fable, combined with the spirited orchestral score is a big winner.  Steven Simon, the composer of the music on The Tortoise and The Hare, has one track all to himself to explain his instrumental decisions and other fascinating musical intricacies in the piece.  Back in college, I once learned that there is nothing accidental in fiction writing and the same is true of classical composition.  It's exciting for both adult and child to learn why particular instruments where selected for the Tortoise's "theme" music and how Mr. Simon made French-sounding music to accompany Hare's visit to Mrs. Beaver's bistro.  Again, nothing at all accidental about the sounds you're hearing throughout the piece.  In less than 5 minutes, you'll learn so much, in a peeling back the curtain sorta way, that your next listen of The Tortoise and the Hare story will be greatly enhanced.  The concept of this kind of track, and the execution of it here, is my favorite part of the CD.



A good story is always appreciated in our house, and well, it should go without saying that we're also a music lovin' bunch.  This disc satisfies both of these cravings and does so with a style and an educational component that is highly welcome and enjoyable.

Buy The Tortoise and the Hare CD from Amazon.com

*The Maestro Classics "The Tortoise and The Hare" CD was provided to OWTK for review. The opinions expressed above are unbiased and true - no arm twisting took place in the review process.

Dan Zanes on your Computer and on the Silver Screen

Dan Zanes has just made pieces from his most recent DVD, "The Fine Friends Are Here", available as MP4 downloads.  For $1.99 each you can score the videos for "Night Owl", "Wonder Wheel" and the fantastic "Pollito Chicken".  For the fabulous price of $0.00 you can also download the video for "Water for Elephants".  Go get that free one, and the others, right here.

The other thing Dan Zanes has made, is "the leap".  The crazy haired kiddie rocker will be appearing in the new Matthew Broderick picture "Wonderful World".  In addition to the cameo role, Zanes penned 4 original tunes for the film.  

Watch the "Wonderful World" trailer, which features Mr. Zanes about 3/4 of the way in, here.  Catch the movie On-Demand now and in theaters January 8th 2010.

A Christmas Tradition Worth Sharing and Keeping

Kids grow up, get married, and start families of their own.  It's at this point, or maybe it actually happens earlier - during the growing up bit - that kids start to become detached from their parents.  Phone conversations become more and more infrequent, y'all see each other even less.  It's kinda understandable, but no less tragic.


Two people who invest so much in you as youngsters - time, money, energy, worry, and love - drive you to soccer games scheduled way too far away from home, drop you off at the movies with your friends (and even return to pick you up despite not getting a "thank you" 2 hours prior!) and "loan" you more money than they probably should, knowing full-well the odds are stacked against them ever seeing it paid back.  Family dinners, always hot (although never the mashed potatoes) and mostly delicious, quarters for the arcade, packs of baseball cards (then) - pay the deposit on your 1st new car, paint the living room of your 1st house, wash/dry/rehang your curtains, trim unruly azaleas (more recently) - never show up empty handed when visiting your kids or refuse to host them for a sleepover so that you and your wife can head to the city to see your favorite band or go out to dinner as a couple (now).  

In a perfect world, we'd never stray very far from those two people, but as is often the case, the world is far from flawless.

It's why my family's Christmas tradition is so special to my parents, myself, my 2 older brothers and, I hope, to our wives and all of our kids.  Every year we assemble as a family at my parent's home to watch football, enjoy my mother's homemade turkey soup (made with turkey leftover from Thanksgiving) and, ultimately, to decorate their Christmas tree.  I'm not sure how many adult kids help to decorate their (able-bodied) parent's tree each year, but we do and it's one of the best days of the holiday season.  We all have our jobs on this day.  The middle son strings the lights.  I, the youngest but tallest, am in charge of the star, a task that now primarily involves me lifting one of the lucky grandchildren up high and hoping we don't fall into the tree together.  My oldest brother, well, no one is quite sure what his job is on this day.  I think it's been years since he actually hung an ornament in their house.  If I remember correctly, he used to hang just one each year, but I'm not sure he does that anymore.  If so, it happens fast when no one is around.  Really though, the bulk of the work has been handed down to the 7 grandkids.  They now carry on the tradition of selecting the best branches to hang the shiny maroon and gold balls, fancy ribbons and teddy bear ornaments.


I'm not sure what the future will hold for this tradition or for us as a family, but I'm thankful for every year we still can all be together decorating a fresh Douglas fir in my parent's living room.  This year, thanks to a tripod I didn't know we owned and a wife who figured out how to use the timer feature on our camera, we managed to pull off a family portrait in front of the tree that's barely visible behind us - which is appropriate because as much as this tradition is about decorating that tree, what it's really about is all of us spending a day together, being merry and showing our young kids (aka the next generation of moms and dads) what it means to love and to be a real family. The tree is just a symbol, the excuse to make all this happen.


It was the 1st time we got such a photograph, hopefully the 1st of many.


Yes, I'm crying as I type all this...as if you didn't know that.

Neil Brewer - Neil Brewer and Friends Are Back in School CD Review

Neil Brewer "Neil Brewer and Friends Are Back in School"

The Sound: An acoustic time capsule.  Thoughtful reflections of a funnier, simpler time.

In the Cafeteria, He Sits With: Bill Harley, Ellis Paul, Paul Simon, James Taylor

Best Moments: The elementary school admiration through a cloud of eraser dust on "Not Like You" is absolutely divine, as is the chorus: "those girls were fine and did so nicely what they do / but not a one could pound erasers on the sidewalk like you / 'cause when you really got to going chalk dust swirled into the air / and it made the softest shades of pastel highlights in your hair / the others stared amazed at clouds of hazy yellow, white and blue / 'cause not a one could pound erasers on the sidewalk like you".  "Not Like You" gives me chills on every listen.  It's one of the rare songs I'm giddy to share with the Mrs.  I simply couldn't wait for her to come home from work and play it for her, about 5 times in a row. "Not Like You" may be my favorite song of the year.  "Dodgeball" tells of more unrequited grade school love (really, the most romantic kind), again with a high level of wit as evidenced in the refrain "dodgeball / dodgeball / Mary sure is beautiful / but friend I wouldn't tell her that / 'cause she'll wind up hard / and you'll wind up flat".

Bonus Thoughts: 100% of the proceeds from the sale of "Neil Brewer and Friends Are Back in School" CDs are being donated to The Harvard Stem Cell Institute to put an end to Muscular Dystrophy.  Read all about Brewer's contribution to the effort in Harvard's 2009 Newsletter.

Okay, Time to Wrap it Up with a Nice Little Bow: Music is an emotional art form. When good, it triggers passions and conjures up imagery capable of forcing the listener to confront demons, relive tragedy, remember romantic interludes or, possibly, flick a switch of inspiration for some future endeavor.  Additionally, what's so beautiful about good music is that sharing in an experience is not a prerequisite to having a song's lyrics affect you.  Despite having no fond memories of a girl from the 4th grade or ever wearing an athletic supporter and playing football, Neil Brewer has stirred something deep inside me.

There is a time and a place captured so magnificently on "Neil Brewer and Friends Are Back in School".  It's likely a different time and place from that which exists in your memory bank, but no matter, for there is an undeniable, crystal clear connection that exists between Brewer and the listener.  This album will transport you back to wherever you belonged, however many years ago it was - to a time and a place when the sun shined brighter, the school bell rang truer and the world seemed a safer, less angry place.

  

"Neil Brewer and Friends Are Back in School" is a warm, thoughtful and fantastic album, the creation of which is rooted in philanthropy, love and hope.  This is CD you and your family should really consider buying, not only because you will, more than likely, enjoy the music but because through your purchase you'll be helping to find a cure for Muscular Dystrophy.

Pick up a physical copy of the disc or a digital download here (where you can also sample all the tunes).


*The "Neil Brewer and Friends Are Back in School" CD was provided to OWTK for review. The opinions expressed above are unbiased and true - no arm twisting took place in the review process.

It's Wintertime, Everybody Dance

The Hipwaders are back with a new video, for the song "It's Wintertime" from the band's "A Kindie Christmas" album.  I dig the vintage cartoon action, interspersed with Hipwader bobbleheads.  Cool stuff, check it:

Kindie with a capital I

As reported by Gooney Bird Kids earlier this week, children's music superstars Ralph's World have a brand new album, "All Around Ralph's World", set for a February 9, 2010 release.  

The real news though (also scooped by Gooney Bird Kids), is the label behind the release. Since at least 2006, Ralph's World has been teamed up with the devil Walt Disney Company label.  It appears as though that relationship has come to an end and a new one has been formed with Bar/None, the legendary indie rock label (and interestingly enough, They Might Be Giants 1st label, some 23 years ago - damn I'm gettin' old)


The kindie music world just got a tad more Indie. [smiles]

Putumayo Presents "A Family Christmas" CD Review

Putumayo Presents "A Family Christmas"

The Sound: An eclectic (although less so than other Putumayo World music compilations), mostly mellow mix of Christmas standards along with some lesser known holiday tunes you definitely won't be hearing while walking around the mall.


Best Moments: Johnny Bregar's spin on "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" is enjoyable, as most everything Bregar does is.  Big Al Carlson's vocal performance on the New Orleans jazz version of "Frosty the Snowman" is terrific, as is the soloing that takes place in the middle of the song.  Kate Rusby's celtic "Here We Come A-Wassailing", a song I've never heard before, is quite lovely.

Bonus Thoughts:  I don't think anyone should cover a song originally performed by Louis Armstrong as there is zero chance of improving the number.  Big Bad Voodoo Daddy take a crack at "Is Zat You Santa Claus?" and fall woefully short.


Bonus Bonus Thought: Download a free mp3 of "Jolly Old St. Nick" by Brave Combo directly from Putumayo!

Okay, Time to Wrap it Up with a Nice Little Bow:  Save for "Backdoor Santa" and maybe a couple others, Christmas music is, generally speaking, already family friendly.  That Putumayo put together a compilation specifically labeled as a family Christmas album probably doesn't instill you with the urge to plop down a dozen dollars to pick it up - nor should it.  While I won't attempt to convince you to buy this CD, "A Family Christmas" is a sturdy collection of holiday music that will please, if not thrill, your family.

*The "Family Christmas" CD was provided to OWTK for review. The opinions expressed above are unbiased and true - no arm twisting took place in the review process.

Quickie Visitors Guide to Holidays Shows in Atlantic City

We were just in A.C. for a college basketball tournament, to cheer on my MSU Spartans.  While in the East Coast gambling mecca, we hit a couple of the well-promoted family holiday events.  Here's my quick take on what we saw:

The Tropicana indoor snowfall (every 15 minutes) was underwhelming, but the kids liked it.  The Trop's holiday light show (supposedly the largest light show in the tri-state area) was, um, pretty lame.  The blinking lights on the giant tree are set to music barely audible inside the busy Tropicana Quarter.  The light action was repetitive, redudant, repeated itself and generally just keep doing the same thing.  Yeah, kinda like that.  There was also a trio of performers, singing and moving like music box figurines (kinda like that scene in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang). Other than the fact that the toy soldier on the left freaked me out in a there's-no-way-my-kid-is-standing-near-him-for-a-picture-kinda-way, it was an okay show.

It's all free at the Tropicana, so there's no real downside (expect the long walk through the smokey casino floor to get to the Quarter from the boardwalk), but I'd recommend spending more time at the sandy beach alcoves on the 3rd floor of the Pier at Caesar's then catching the impressive water show there (also free).  Hop one of the hand-pushed rickshaws and treat your kids to an enclosed ride down the boardwalk (Caesar's to the Trop is a long walk for little legs - the ride should cost you $10-12).

Yeah, the Caesar's Pier has about 15 sandy beach cutouts on the south side of the building, each complete with 6 white Adirondack chairs.  Kids (and adults) can take off their shoes and socks and sink their feet into the cool sand, all while looking out over the beach, boardwalk and Atlantic Ocean.  Very, very cool.  All the pubs and restaurants are right behind ya up there, so grab a drink and a bite to eat while relaxing in the sand.  The big, clean (and sparkly) bathrooms are nearby to clean up. 

There is also an awesome candy store, just as you walk into the Pier from the 1st floor.  Lots of crazy, not-often-seen confections in there.  Your kids will love it!

Boardwalk Hall, where the tournament was held, proved a fantastic place to watch basketball with kids because there isn't really a bad seat in the smallish place nor is there one extremely far away from the action on the court.  The venue provides an excellent chance to get close to the action.  Five years ago, the Bear was in Boardwalk Hall for a Norah Jones concert.  She was 5 months old at the time (the Bear, not Norah Jones) and the event was her 1st indoor concert...now she was back to see her 1st college basketball game.  I'd never have guessed Atlantic City would be such a memorable place in the musical and sporting life of my 1st child. 

It's sure to be the place where she losses her 1st hand of blackjack as well, but we've got a few years before that.

Knock at the door

So, yesterday there is a knock on the door.  The Mrs. is still at work.  Both girls have recently shot down the hall towards the bedrooms.  At the door was a neighborhood boy, who also happens to be a classmate of the Bear's, and his mom.  The Bear is being invited to the boy's 6th birthday party, an event she'll miss because of a prior engagement (Peter Pan at the Arden with my parents).  Before they walk away, I call the Bear to say a quick hello.  In a flash she is standing behind me...wearing nothing but a smile. 

I really thought I had a few years before she comes to the door naked to say hey to a boy.

What The Hell Are We Doing

A Florida teen kills herself because of the shame and embarrassment over a sext (sexy txt message for those keeping score at home).  Seems she sent over a nude photo of herself to a boy she liked.  Not that sending one to a boyfriend is smart, but a self-nude to a dude you merely LIKE - not a good decision.  

What does the behavior say about us as parents and adults, the ones charged with helping kids navigate through the awkwardness and confusion of childhood/puberty.  Are we missing the connections?  The connections between self-respect and our favorite singer's pole dancing performance.  Between the racy covers of Cosmo and the casual, commonplace attitude many young adults have about sex and nudity.  What about the cries of "slut" and "whore" she experienced before she made the choice to end her life?  What is going on with those kids, to verbally abuse a classmate over a poor decision that so many have/are currently making in their own lives. 

Way too many questions in this post, I know.  I wish I had answers to even 1 of these difficult situations but I don't, not even close.  I simply continue trying to get my head around the challenges kids/tweens/teens are dealing with these days as I make every effort to raise confident, independent-spirited young ladies.  It's really all I can do - keep my head up and never give up engaging them in conversation, listening to them and showing them love every damn day.  Then, just hope they have the opportunity to learn from the mistakes that are going to come while living a full, interesting life.