I’m somewhat glad my kids are well in their teens now (could do with less back-talk, but you can read about this issue on my blog www.mamarazziknowbest.com), and that we survived the turbulent downward spiral of television programming for families.

We can now cautiously sit together through a few shows and commercials, and seldom have to cringe or change the channel due to inappropriate content during prime family TV time.

Today, when an ad for a man’s medical condition runs while my men are watching a golf tournament in the middle of the day on a Sunday, we just raise an eyebrow and silently wait until the uncomfortable moment passes -- knowing full well both kids know exactly what the couple in the ad went to do when they left the kitchen dancing.

In spite of their ages, 14 and 17, and related...

There couldn’t be a more apt description for the resurrected 3D movie fad, and accompanying marketing campaign than: “In your face.” DreamWorks is making sure everywhere you turn there’s an advertisement for their latest multi-million budget movie, “Monsters vs. Aliens,” so you won’t forget to make the family trip to the Cineplex to help pay for this Technicolor ambush.

The ATM and your e-mail’s in-box are two of the latest tactical moves the creative movie studios’ will use to raid your wallet.

If your account is at Bank of America, or you gave American Eagle your e-mail address, you’ll be subject to the colorful advertisements for the 3D monster movie. However, B of A will reward you for visiting the ATM. The promo at B of A ATMs directs you to go home, log on, and follow the prompts you got at the money...

Azharuddin Mohammed Ismail is 10, and Rubina Ali is 9. They played the young versions of Salim and Latika in the Oscar winning “Slumdog Millionaire.”

They were flown out to Hollywood for the Oscars, and treated like VIPs on the red carpet. But their celebrity status disappeared as soon as the kids were back in India, and they’re having trouble re-adjusting to home life again.

Their hero’s welcome quickly faded as they returned to their pre-Oscar-winning routines -- and to the real slum they were living in prior to the incredible success of “Slumdog.”

The child actors have been exposed to life in America, and it only took a short visit to realize how good life can be in this country. The British paper The Telegraph reported that Rubina, who was still wearing the awards dress almost a month later, wanted “a proper bed to...

Rihanna is 20, and Chris Brown is only 19 -- just barely adults. It seems their lover’s quarrel went badly when self-control was thrown out the window -- and left by the roadside along with the passenger. Once again, Young Hollywood's real life lacking the entertainment industry’s suggested PG (parental guidance) rating.

We’ve heard quite a lot about young celebs losing their way, making bad decisions and not thinking before acting (pun intended). Paris, Britney, Lindsay, lately Miley... And just look at Michel Phelps now. What’s notable about Brown and Rihanna’s altercation is abovel all their age. I wonder, before the fisticuffs went down, did the young couple have recourse to someone helpful, including their own moral compass? Do either of them have family nearby to redirect them at each misstep? What happened to that old...