Author Archives: Jaime Egan

About Jaime Egan

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Jaime Says Goodbye to Families.com

Yes, I wrote about Greg Page saying goodbye to The Wiggles. However, I must say a goodbye also. Yes, I am leaving Families.com — at least for a while. I took a job as an event coordinator for a company that works with children’s charities. I think it is a good career move for me. Maybe I will be able to come back in the future when I get the hang of my new job, but for now I must go. I remember when I took the job at Families.com in November of last year. I was hoping to write … Continue reading →

The Wiggles Say Goodbye to Greg

I read it in the local paper this morning — Greg Page is leaving The Wiggles. I know that I was just saying a couple of weeks ago how much more my daughter appreciates The Wiggles after not watching them for a while, and now they are losing their lead singer. What a sad day for children’s entertainment — and Australia. There is more information available on The Wiggles site. Apparently, ever since his double hernia surgery last December, Greg has been battling all kinds of health problems. The one in particular that will keep him from performing any longer … Continue reading →

Newbery Medal Winners: 2001-2006

In 2001, special effects really rocked the movies in films such as “Shrek” and “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.” Amazon.com became a popular place to purchase movies and such in 2002, and continues its popularity today. 2003 was a big year for literature as the “Harry Potter” series was accused of being satanic, yet defended by its fans. Also, it was estimated that approximately one-third of all books purchased in the U.S. was romance novels. Interesting, I think. In 2004, it was estimated that 95% of U.S. public libraries offered Internet access. I wonder where that number is today. … Continue reading →

Youth Noise: Giving Youth Voices

I have discovered this awesome website where kids can go to express their opinions and concerns about global issues. Youth Noise is a site where kids of all ages can speak their minds about politics, the environment, the homeless, epidemics, or whatever else is on their minds. They can talk to other kids from all over the world to find support or even debate. I began exploring this site by checking out the icons at the top of the screen. There was one icon labeled “Just-1-Click” so I clicked it. This brought me to a page with a pie chart … Continue reading →

The Psychic and the Rabbi: A Remarkable Correspondence

Have you ever heard of Uri Geller? He is apparently famous for being able to perform alleged paranormal feats, such as bending a spoon with his mind or having a seed sprout in his hand. How about Rabbi Shmuley Boteach? He is a rabbi and author of many books, including the controversial “Kosher Sex.” What do these two have in common? Well, correspondence between the two is revealed in their compilation entitled “The Psychic and the Rabbi: A Remarkable Correspondence.” A Jewish friend recommended this book to me, and from his description I felt compelled to read it — for … Continue reading →

Newbery Medal Winners: 1991-2000

1991 brought on the start of the grunge music scene, as well as Oscars for Anthony Hopkins and Jodie Foster for “The Silence of the Lambs.” EuroDisney opened in Paris in 1992, bringing the fun of a Disney park to Europe. And lucky for those of us with Families.com, the first blogs were created in 1997. 1991 Medal Winner: “Maniac Magee” by Jerry Spinelli Honor Book “The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle” by Avi 1992 Medal Winner: “Shiloh” by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor Honor Books “Nothing But The Truth: a Documentary Novel” by Avi “The Wright Brothers: How They Invented the … Continue reading →

ABC Family Network Redeems Itself

Since my Halloween rant was thrust upon ABC Family, I felt that I owed it to them to write about the specials that they are showing in light of the holiday season. This time of year brings on ABC Family’s “25 Days of Christmas.” Beginning December 1, ABC Family will run Christmas classics, original holiday movies, and movie favorites through Christmas Day. “25 Days of Christmas” kicks off Friday, December 1 at 7:00p.m. with “Frosty’s Winter Wonderland.” In this holiday animated classic, Frosty is supposed to get married, but Jack Frost has other plans. December 2 starts a Harry Potter … Continue reading →

Blue’s First Holiday

I have the perfect suggestion for a holiday video for your child. “Blue’s First Holiday” allows your child to share the magic of the holidays with everyone’s favorite dog — Blue. This DVD has four episodes, including two from the VHS video “Blue’s Big Holiday.” I am sure that it will become a holiday favorite for your child as it has become with mine. Blue’s First Holiday Spend a wonderful holiday with Joe, Blue, and the rest of the gang as they watch home videos to find out when their story began. Follow the time when Steve first met Blue … Continue reading →

Newbery Medal Winners: 1981-1990

The 1980’s had a huge boom of video games. Just with the releases of Donkey Kong and Pac Man in 1981 and 1982, respectively, the video game came alive. However, did you also know that Centipede, released in 1981, was the first arcade video game designed by a woman? Cool, right? In 1982, Thomas Keneally’s novel, “Schindler’s List” has its beginning as “Schindler’s Ark.” The term cyberspace was coined in William Gibon’s novel “Neuromancer” in 1984. In 1990, Michael Chrichton’s gargantuan novel “Jurassic Park” was released. 1981 Medal Winner: “Jacob Have I Loved” by Katherine Paterson Honor Books “The Fledgling” … Continue reading →

Newbery Medal Winners: 1971-1980

You might be amazed to discover that e-mail first appeared in the 1970’s. That’s “write!” Electronic mail made its debut in 1971 — the same year that the cell phone was invented. In 1973, my dad’s favorite movie “The Sting” — starring a dashing Robert Redford and handsome Paul Newman — won the Oscar for Best Picture. A literature leap comes about in 1974, with Stephen King’s “Carrie” becoming a thrilling hit. The movie was released in 1976 and starred Sissy Spacek as the title character. 1971 Medal Winner: “Summer of the Swans” by Betsy Byars Honor Books “Knee Knock … Continue reading →