The Silent "I"

Game Review: Wii Boogie Superstar

Thanks to the Parent Bloggers Network, we received a free copy of Boogie Superstar with Microphone for the Wii to try out and review.  It came with a cool Logitech microphone that plugs into the back of the Wii.

Since last Christmas, our family has been pretty much addicted to the Wii, the Wii Fit, and all things Wii-related.  We didn't want to buy a game console because we knew that once we did, Alex would probably never see blue sky and fresh air again.  With the Wii, we all play and enjoy many of the games as a family.

Wii Boogie Superstar is one of those that the entire family can enjoy.  That is, if you are from a family of hams who like to sing and pretend to dance.  That would be us. 

According to the elaborate introduction, the contestants on Boogie Superstar were selected for their killer karaoke and elaborate dance moves and have been whisked off to a remote island to compete in a song and dance contest.  Think "American Idol" meets "So You Think You Can Dance" meets "Temptation Island."  Well, maybe not the last one.

Contestants can choose from pop, urban, or techno and select songs from these genres.  You can do a combo of dancing and singing, or just dancing or just singing.  I haven't quite mastered the rhythm it takes to swing the Wii remote in the proper configuration for the dance moves, so I generally skip the dance part, and go straight for the karaoke.

When we first got this, I thought all the songs were made up just for the Wii.  Then I heard a number of them on the radio and realized that I was just out of touch.  I had no idea Leona Lewis was popular until I saw her singing my favorite Wii Boogie Superstar song, "Bleeding Love" on "Dancing with the Stars" last week.  Natasha Beddingfield is apparently also very popular, because the game came with a poster of her. Thank goodness for "Dancing with the Stars" or I wouldn't know who she was either.

The game is rated E10 for 10 and over due to some mature lyrics.  I guess we haven't unlocked those yet, because the songs we've heard are pretty mild, or have particularly salty language removed.  Alex is 8, and I have no problem with him playing this game and singing along to the lyrics.  It would be nice if the game had a feature that allowed parents to de-select certain songs that they might find objectionable.  Maybe they can work on that for the sequel.  It's nice to have a game where no one gets shot with a laser, gun, paint pod, or toilet plunger.

One unintended benefit of this game is that it is actually helping Alex practice his reading skills.  When you do the singing, you have to follow the words at the bottom of the screen, and he is doing quite well following along. 

So far, Alex is beating me on most of the game.  I'm waiting to exact my revenge when they issue the "Wii Boogie Superstar: 80's Edition".  At least, I hope they plan to do that.  I'm not sure how much more urban-techno-pop I can take. 

I asked Alex for his unbiased review of this game and he said, "It's excellent!"

I guess that just about sums it up for me, too. 

Sleepless in Silicon Valley

I've never been particularly good at sleeping.  When Alex was born eight years ago, I didn't mind being up four or five times in a night.  I've been a restless sleeper and insomniac most of my life, so I am pretty well acquainted with late-night TV shows, and the bizarre infomercials that appear between 2 and 3 am.  As far as I'm concerned, Tivo is the greatest invention known to mankind, ranking right up their with fire and the printing press.

When I do sleep, my husband can always tell if I'm stressed by the horrific teeth-grinding that goes on.  Frank describes it at as something akin to a recycling trucking being driven right through our bedroom.  I woke myself up with it once, and was super-annoyed that someone upstairs was moving furniture at 4 am, only to realize that we didn't have an upstairs and that sound was emanating from inside my head. 

I was a little surprised when my doctor suggested that I might have sleep apnea, and ordered a sleep study for me.  Snoring has not been a problem as far as I know, and as far as my husband will tell me.  He's more concerned about my grinding my teeth down to little nubs and needing dentures by the time I'm fifty.  At any rate, the doctor seemed to think that this could be the cause of a persistent cough I've had for about 3 months now, and ordered me to go to a sleep clinic for a test.

Medicare Part D: What You & Your Parents Should Know

Thanks to the Parent Bloggers Network, I had the opportunity to be on a conference call last week with Mike Freeman of the Healthcare Leadership Council on Medicare Part D.  Medicare Part D is the federally-funded prescription drug program for senior citizens, and something my parents complain about bitterly to me nearly every time they call me.  I wanted to hear what the experts had to say about this topic, so that I could help my parents find their way through the bureaucracy and establish a plan that is right for them.  I'm glad I took the time to listen in and ask questions.

The main purpose of the call what to get the word out that the period for seniors and disabled people to sign up for Medicare Part D (their form of "open enrollment") is November 15-December 31.  Mike encouraged those of us on the call to help spread the word about this benefit, which is somewhat underutilized.  He also said that healthcare plans change, so some people who might not have needed the benefit last year should look into it.

Medicare has a handy "plan formulary finder" on their website at www.medicare.gov.  Seniors fill in the medications they are taking, the state they live in, and the site allows them to find plans that can best suit their needs.  For seniors who don't have computer access, they can call 1-800-MEDICARE to speak to someone.  They should have a list of their drugs available so that the representative has all of the information they need to find the appropriate plan for them.