Friday, February 22, 2008
Food and wine fest
Live cooking demonstrations, famous stars and lots of fun at the South Beach Food and Wine Festival. It runs through Sunday. Get all the details.
Sending sick kids to school
(cbs4)
It is something most every parent has to go through. When a child gets sick, should mom and dad decide to keep that sick child home from school or daycare?
It's a tough decision that often has parents, doctors and child care providers disagreeing about which symptoms warrant keeping a child home. If both parents work, the decision becomes even more difficult.
Stay at home mom Lucy Burks decided to keep her son Jack home from school when he wasn't feeling well and she told CBS4's Liv Davalos that many working parents don't do the right thing.
"It does become a problem because the classroom is like a breeding ground it can spread like wildfire," said Burks.
Mom Beatriz Wagman agrees it's frustrating.
"It's very frustrating. You follow the rules and other parents send their kids sick," said Wagman.
So just what are the rules?
That's a tricky question because some schools and daycares may not see eye to eye on this topic.
Here's a pretty standard list of symptoms that should keep a child home:
A fever of 100 degrees or more
Diarrhea or vomiting
A rash with a fever
Anything contagious like pink eye or chicken pox
If your child has a mild cold without a fever, it's usually okay to take him or her to school.
Pediatrician Dr. Philip Floyed warns parents need to be vigilant during flu season. He suggests parents assess their child each morning to make sure they're not coming down with something.
"Looking sick is a child who doesn't want to eat, is unprepared to face the day," said Floyed.
Parents who can't miss another day of work should have a back up plan for child care such as a support system like grandma to babysit.
They should also look into providers who offer "sick child" daycare which are places where you can take your mildly sick child while you go to work.
Doctor's agree prevention is always the best medicine.
Make sure your children and their providers practice good hygiene. Frequent hand washing especially during cold and flu season can't hurt either.
It is something most every parent has to go through. When a child gets sick, should mom and dad decide to keep that sick child home from school or daycare?
It's a tough decision that often has parents, doctors and child care providers disagreeing about which symptoms warrant keeping a child home. If both parents work, the decision becomes even more difficult.
Stay at home mom Lucy Burks decided to keep her son Jack home from school when he wasn't feeling well and she told CBS4's Liv Davalos that many working parents don't do the right thing.
"It does become a problem because the classroom is like a breeding ground it can spread like wildfire," said Burks.
Mom Beatriz Wagman agrees it's frustrating.
"It's very frustrating. You follow the rules and other parents send their kids sick," said Wagman.
So just what are the rules?
That's a tricky question because some schools and daycares may not see eye to eye on this topic.
Here's a pretty standard list of symptoms that should keep a child home:
A fever of 100 degrees or more
Diarrhea or vomiting
A rash with a fever
Anything contagious like pink eye or chicken pox
If your child has a mild cold without a fever, it's usually okay to take him or her to school.
Pediatrician Dr. Philip Floyed warns parents need to be vigilant during flu season. He suggests parents assess their child each morning to make sure they're not coming down with something.
"Looking sick is a child who doesn't want to eat, is unprepared to face the day," said Floyed.
Parents who can't miss another day of work should have a back up plan for child care such as a support system like grandma to babysit.
They should also look into providers who offer "sick child" daycare which are places where you can take your mildly sick child while you go to work.
Doctor's agree prevention is always the best medicine.
Make sure your children and their providers practice good hygiene. Frequent hand washing especially during cold and flu season can't hurt either.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Personality thief
That guy or gal you met on Match.com or MySpace who you were drawn to by the quirky humor and sparkling intelligence displayed in their personal profile could turn out in reality to be a personality stealer who ripped off that "About Me" section from someone else. In a article last week called "The Cut-and-Paste Personality," the Wall Street Journal reported that a growing number of people who are either too unimaginative, too boring or too lazy to come up with an interesting personal profile of their own are stealing them from other people. The Post reported that a search on MySpace turned up more than 700 recent comments accusing other people of stealing headlines, user names, songs, background designs and entire profiles. And even if that profile that caught your eye isn't stolen, it still may not have been written by that person, as there are many services and people out there who are paid to write engaging personal profiles for online daters.
Personality and health
Five personality "types" are linked to specific health concerns. How a patient views life is frequently the first place a doctor looks to gain diagnostic insight.
Find out if you're at risk.
Find out if you're at risk.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Date like a dude
WOMEN -- HOW TO DATE LIKE A MAN
(Marie Claire)
OWN THE ROOM: When you walk into a place, act like you know where the hell you're going, even if you don't. Everyone will wonder who you are and why you're there, but they'll never think you're useless and confused.
EYE YOUR PREY: Got your eye on someone? Good. Don't shy away. Look him straight in the eye and think, "You should be attached to my lips by now, why aren't you?" Trust me, he'll read your thoughts like they're projected above your head on a widescreen.
FAKE INTEREST: Look. No one cares about what anyone else has to say. They just don't. But what you have to do is pretend that you do. Ask about their life, their job, their parents, anything to keep them talking. Because the more fake interest you show in them, the easier it is to disarm them. Guys are used to talking about themselves, as are we all, but if you actually fake an interest, they kind of don't know what to do.
TAKE CONTROL: You're at the bar, you're talking with him, it's been hours, and still nothing has happened. Do us all a favor. Kiss the idiot. For one thing, he's not going to not appreciate it. For another, if you don't do it, someone else will.
SEX IS ALWAYS ON THE MENU: Do you want sex? Because men do. And that's pretty much all they want from you until they get to know you and your sense of humor and how you put on your shoes in that cute way that no one else does.
NEVER EXCHANGE ALL YOUR INFORMATION: This is so incredibly important. Give him your name. Give him a fake cell number. In this age of the Internet, anyone can find you if they want to, but, that being said, it doesn't mean you should hand out your cell phone number to every last guy you happen to sleep with. Tell him what you do for a living, but don't tell him where you work.
CALLING IS OPTIONAL: So you've had sex. Good for you! Guess what? You never have to talk to each other ever again if you don't want to. Know why? It's not required to talk after sex. If you had a good time but you don't want to date him, don't call him.
Like they say, "what's good for the goose is also good for the gander."
(Marie Claire)
OWN THE ROOM: When you walk into a place, act like you know where the hell you're going, even if you don't. Everyone will wonder who you are and why you're there, but they'll never think you're useless and confused.
EYE YOUR PREY: Got your eye on someone? Good. Don't shy away. Look him straight in the eye and think, "You should be attached to my lips by now, why aren't you?" Trust me, he'll read your thoughts like they're projected above your head on a widescreen.
FAKE INTEREST: Look. No one cares about what anyone else has to say. They just don't. But what you have to do is pretend that you do. Ask about their life, their job, their parents, anything to keep them talking. Because the more fake interest you show in them, the easier it is to disarm them. Guys are used to talking about themselves, as are we all, but if you actually fake an interest, they kind of don't know what to do.
TAKE CONTROL: You're at the bar, you're talking with him, it's been hours, and still nothing has happened. Do us all a favor. Kiss the idiot. For one thing, he's not going to not appreciate it. For another, if you don't do it, someone else will.
SEX IS ALWAYS ON THE MENU: Do you want sex? Because men do. And that's pretty much all they want from you until they get to know you and your sense of humor and how you put on your shoes in that cute way that no one else does.
NEVER EXCHANGE ALL YOUR INFORMATION: This is so incredibly important. Give him your name. Give him a fake cell number. In this age of the Internet, anyone can find you if they want to, but, that being said, it doesn't mean you should hand out your cell phone number to every last guy you happen to sleep with. Tell him what you do for a living, but don't tell him where you work.
CALLING IS OPTIONAL: So you've had sex. Good for you! Guess what? You never have to talk to each other ever again if you don't want to. Know why? It's not required to talk after sex. If you had a good time but you don't want to date him, don't call him.
Like they say, "what's good for the goose is also good for the gander."
Here comes trouble
Dealing with Problem Bridesmaids
Erin Hill
They're supposed to be there for you through gown fittings, crazy in-laws, and crazier grooms to be. But sometimes, even your best support systems can buckle under the strain. From bridesmaid dress distress to gripes about expenses, keeping a bridal party happy can be as demanding as the wedding planning itself. Every bride needs to know how to manage blasts from her bemoaning bridesmaids. Here are our top bridesmaid troubles and tips for avoiding bridal party beefs.
Problem: A bridesmaid says "heck no!" to a dress you love
Solution: You love your girls partly because they're honest. Now it's all backfiring. According to them, the "perfect" bridesmaid dress is not-so-perfect -- in fact, they hate it. Our advice? If it's not to late, work out a compromise. Sure it's your wedding, but it's their self-esteem (and probably their cash, too), and you need these ladies to love you long after you become Mrs. Married. Tell them you'll pick the color and then let them choose the style. Have them all go through the same gown manufacturer so that the fabric is identical. There is no rule that the dresses need to be the same. That said, keep in mind that these things are ultimately your decision. If a bridesmaid is being unreasonable (make sure it's not you being too demanding), let her know how important your vision is and that you will work together to find a dress that will make you both happy.
Problem: You hear grumbles about expenses
Solution: Be considerate. It's likely that your maids will only wear this dress for a few hours, so don't make them hock their car to be a part of your wedding. Choose a dress that is reasonably priced -- have them tell you what reasonable is -- or work together with your party to find a dress that's both within their style and budget. Brides are not required to pay for the dresses, but if you want to spring for something pricey, consider adding it on to your own budget or paying for half. Try to mitigate expenses elsewhere too -- if they're buying the dresses, don't make them buy jewelry and shoes too.
Problem: Not all your bridesmaids are "maids"
Solution: If you have a best guy friend or male family member whom you wish to include as one of your attendants (instead of as one of his), go right ahead. The days of the all-female bridal party are over. Your guy can either match the groomsmen, or he can match your girls by wearing a tie or other accessory that incorporates the color of their dresses.
Problem: Your white wedding is turning green with envy
Solution: With all your gorgeous friends in attendance and done up to the nines, it's only natural to have fleeting feelings of insecurity wondering how you'll stack up. This is an easy one. We promise you this: There has never, in the history of all weddings, been a bridesmaid who outshines the bride. It's the nature of the white dress and the glow of a woman in love. With all eyes on you as you glide down the aisle, you're sure to be the only one in the spotlight.
Problem: Not quite measuring up
Solution: The job of a good bridesmaid is identical to that of a good friend. She should be there with encouragement, comfort, emotional support, and, at this stage of your life, a willingness to tie ribbons and help with seating charts. If one of your bridesmaids is not doing her part, it's important that you be honest (not blamey) with her and clearly communicate your needs. She may have issues too that this wedding has brought to the surface, or may think that your expectations are unreasonable. Once you've both cleared the air you should be able to move ahead. And follow the golden rule of bridesmaid management: Be sure to thank them openly and often throughout the process.
Problem: Which one of these is not like the other?
Solution: Sometimes there are pressures to ask people to be in your party who you would just rather not ask -- a family member from his side, or a college roommate who had you in her wedding. No one can force you to include these people in your party, but be aware of the hurt feelings that may result if you decide against it, and be prepared to deal with them -- especially if the person excluded is family. Mitigate hurt feelings by coming up with ways to keep people involved without asking them to be in the bridal party. For members of his family (yes, even female ones) ask them to be part of the groom's party; for old friends who just don't make the cut, have them do a ceremony reading or get them involved by asking them to help you into your dress.
Problem: Last-ditch effort
Solution: It's never easy, but sometimes when all else fails or when something explosive has happened, the only alternative is to ask a bummer bridesmaid to step down. There really is no right way to do this. Good friends will understand the decisions you have to make. People who've turned out not to be such good friends are better weeded out, anyway. Just remember the most important thing is to be honest, no matter what.
Erin Hill
They're supposed to be there for you through gown fittings, crazy in-laws, and crazier grooms to be. But sometimes, even your best support systems can buckle under the strain. From bridesmaid dress distress to gripes about expenses, keeping a bridal party happy can be as demanding as the wedding planning itself. Every bride needs to know how to manage blasts from her bemoaning bridesmaids. Here are our top bridesmaid troubles and tips for avoiding bridal party beefs.
Problem: A bridesmaid says "heck no!" to a dress you love
Solution: You love your girls partly because they're honest. Now it's all backfiring. According to them, the "perfect" bridesmaid dress is not-so-perfect -- in fact, they hate it. Our advice? If it's not to late, work out a compromise. Sure it's your wedding, but it's their self-esteem (and probably their cash, too), and you need these ladies to love you long after you become Mrs. Married. Tell them you'll pick the color and then let them choose the style. Have them all go through the same gown manufacturer so that the fabric is identical. There is no rule that the dresses need to be the same. That said, keep in mind that these things are ultimately your decision. If a bridesmaid is being unreasonable (make sure it's not you being too demanding), let her know how important your vision is and that you will work together to find a dress that will make you both happy.
Problem: You hear grumbles about expenses
Solution: Be considerate. It's likely that your maids will only wear this dress for a few hours, so don't make them hock their car to be a part of your wedding. Choose a dress that is reasonably priced -- have them tell you what reasonable is -- or work together with your party to find a dress that's both within their style and budget. Brides are not required to pay for the dresses, but if you want to spring for something pricey, consider adding it on to your own budget or paying for half. Try to mitigate expenses elsewhere too -- if they're buying the dresses, don't make them buy jewelry and shoes too.
Problem: Not all your bridesmaids are "maids"
Solution: If you have a best guy friend or male family member whom you wish to include as one of your attendants (instead of as one of his), go right ahead. The days of the all-female bridal party are over. Your guy can either match the groomsmen, or he can match your girls by wearing a tie or other accessory that incorporates the color of their dresses.
Problem: Your white wedding is turning green with envy
Solution: With all your gorgeous friends in attendance and done up to the nines, it's only natural to have fleeting feelings of insecurity wondering how you'll stack up. This is an easy one. We promise you this: There has never, in the history of all weddings, been a bridesmaid who outshines the bride. It's the nature of the white dress and the glow of a woman in love. With all eyes on you as you glide down the aisle, you're sure to be the only one in the spotlight.
Problem: Not quite measuring up
Solution: The job of a good bridesmaid is identical to that of a good friend. She should be there with encouragement, comfort, emotional support, and, at this stage of your life, a willingness to tie ribbons and help with seating charts. If one of your bridesmaids is not doing her part, it's important that you be honest (not blamey) with her and clearly communicate your needs. She may have issues too that this wedding has brought to the surface, or may think that your expectations are unreasonable. Once you've both cleared the air you should be able to move ahead. And follow the golden rule of bridesmaid management: Be sure to thank them openly and often throughout the process.
Problem: Which one of these is not like the other?
Solution: Sometimes there are pressures to ask people to be in your party who you would just rather not ask -- a family member from his side, or a college roommate who had you in her wedding. No one can force you to include these people in your party, but be aware of the hurt feelings that may result if you decide against it, and be prepared to deal with them -- especially if the person excluded is family. Mitigate hurt feelings by coming up with ways to keep people involved without asking them to be in the bridal party. For members of his family (yes, even female ones) ask them to be part of the groom's party; for old friends who just don't make the cut, have them do a ceremony reading or get them involved by asking them to help you into your dress.
Problem: Last-ditch effort
Solution: It's never easy, but sometimes when all else fails or when something explosive has happened, the only alternative is to ask a bummer bridesmaid to step down. There really is no right way to do this. Good friends will understand the decisions you have to make. People who've turned out not to be such good friends are better weeded out, anyway. Just remember the most important thing is to be honest, no matter what.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Do you fight fair
No relationship is perfect, and at some point you're going to have a confrontation with a coworker, neighbor or someone you love. Disagreements can be a way to respectfully voice your opinion and carefully consider the other person's thoughts - or they can be an all-out, name-calling fiasco. Is your fighting style fair or do your quarrels need a referee? Take this quiz to find out.
His bad habits
You cringe every morning when your hubby loudly slurps the milk from his bowl of Lucky Charms, and he’s been doing it for the entire 15 years you’ve been married. You want to tear your hair out every time you go out for a night on the town and he insists on wearing one of the cheesy silk shirts from his infamous collection. His annoying habits don’t end there either, but there’s just not enough time in the day to go down the entire list. But you still love and care for him the same. So how do you get over his annoying habits and quirks?
No skimping
There's plenty of stuff where quality doesn't depend on price. Generic aspirin is as good as the heavily marketed stuff, for example, and many store-brand products are turned out by the same factories that make their name-brand counterparts.
There are other areas where you're not obligated to spend at all. Nobody needs an MP3-playing cell phone, a luxury car or a flat-screen television. There are even people who get by without cell phones, cars and TVs.
But there also are some places where you shouldn't even think about skimping -- areas where the potential drawbacks outweigh any savings. Even when your budget is really tight, you should try to make room for the following:
Car maintenance. You've heard the saying "penny-wise, pound-foolish"? This old English phrase means scrimping on a small expense often leads to a much bigger one. That's exactly what will happen if you wait too long to change your oil, swap your filters or investigate that weird grinding noise.
If you have a vehicle, you should invest some effort in finding a good, reliable mechanic -- yes, they do exist -- then make sure your budget includes money for regular maintenance and repairs. If you're not sure how much to set aside, review last year's bills and inflate the number by at least 10%.
Read more.
There are other areas where you're not obligated to spend at all. Nobody needs an MP3-playing cell phone, a luxury car or a flat-screen television. There are even people who get by without cell phones, cars and TVs.
But there also are some places where you shouldn't even think about skimping -- areas where the potential drawbacks outweigh any savings. Even when your budget is really tight, you should try to make room for the following:
Car maintenance. You've heard the saying "penny-wise, pound-foolish"? This old English phrase means scrimping on a small expense often leads to a much bigger one. That's exactly what will happen if you wait too long to change your oil, swap your filters or investigate that weird grinding noise.
If you have a vehicle, you should invest some effort in finding a good, reliable mechanic -- yes, they do exist -- then make sure your budget includes money for regular maintenance and repairs. If you're not sure how much to set aside, review last year's bills and inflate the number by at least 10%.
Read more.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Take in a festival
Take in the 45th annual Coconut grove Arts Festival, featuring 336 artists, culinary events, live music and children's activites.
It's going on today, Presidents Day.
Get more details here.
It's going on today, Presidents Day.
Get more details here.
Prez trivia
1. President James Madison was the smallest U.S. president? He was only 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighed less than 100 pounds!
2. President Taft was the largest president. He was 6 feet tall but weighed 330 pounds!
3. President Ronald Reagan was the oldest president ever elected. He was 69. (That is two years younger than current Republican hopeful John McCain).
4. President John F. Kennedy was the youngest president ever elected. He was 43.
5. William Henry Harrison served the shortest presidential term. He was sworn in on March 2 and died 33 days later of natural causes.
6. Franklin Delano Roosevelt holds the longest term record. He was president for 12 years from 1933-45. He was elected four times. Now, of course, presidents may only serve two four-year terms.
7. President Benjamin Harrison was the first president to have electric lights in the White House. He served from 1889-1993.
8. Every United States president, except Jimmy Carter, has thrown out a first pitch in baseball since the tradition began.
9. Four United States presidents have been assassinated, all of them were elected in a year ending with zero. President Lincoln was shot and killed at a play, he was elected in 1860; President Garfield, elected in 1880, was short and killed while walking in D.C.; President McKinley, elected in 1900, was killed at the World’s Fair in Buffalo, New York; and President Kennedy, who was elected, ironically, the day I was born, was assassinated in Dallas, Texas. President Reagan is the only president elected in a zero year to live out their term of office. He was shot, as you recall, but survived.
20 Things You Didn't Know About U.S. Presidents
Not only were these men leaders of the United States, they were multitalented, unique, and sometimes even downright quirky. We've heard a lot about their contribution to United States history. But would you have guessed the following?
1. In warm weather, 6th president of the United States John Quincy Adams customarily went skinny-dipping in the Potomac River before dawn.
2. 9th U.S. president William Henry Harrison was inaugurated on a bitterly cold day and gave the longest inauguration speech ever. The new president promptly caught a cold that soon developed into pneumonia. Harrison died exactly one month into his presidential term, the shortest in U.S. history.
3. John Tyler, 10th U.S. president, fathered 15 children (more than any other president)--8 by his first wife, and 7 by his second wife. Tyler was past his seventieth birthday when his 15th child was born.
4. Sedated only by brandy, 11th president of the United States James Polk survived gall bladder surgery at the age of 17.
5. 15th U.S. president James Buchanan is the only unmarried man ever to be elected president. Buchanan was engaged to be married once; however, his fiancée died suddenly after breaking off the engagement, and he remained a bachelor all his life.
Get the rest.
2. President Taft was the largest president. He was 6 feet tall but weighed 330 pounds!
3. President Ronald Reagan was the oldest president ever elected. He was 69. (That is two years younger than current Republican hopeful John McCain).
4. President John F. Kennedy was the youngest president ever elected. He was 43.
5. William Henry Harrison served the shortest presidential term. He was sworn in on March 2 and died 33 days later of natural causes.
6. Franklin Delano Roosevelt holds the longest term record. He was president for 12 years from 1933-45. He was elected four times. Now, of course, presidents may only serve two four-year terms.
7. President Benjamin Harrison was the first president to have electric lights in the White House. He served from 1889-1993.
8. Every United States president, except Jimmy Carter, has thrown out a first pitch in baseball since the tradition began.
9. Four United States presidents have been assassinated, all of them were elected in a year ending with zero. President Lincoln was shot and killed at a play, he was elected in 1860; President Garfield, elected in 1880, was short and killed while walking in D.C.; President McKinley, elected in 1900, was killed at the World’s Fair in Buffalo, New York; and President Kennedy, who was elected, ironically, the day I was born, was assassinated in Dallas, Texas. President Reagan is the only president elected in a zero year to live out their term of office. He was shot, as you recall, but survived.
20 Things You Didn't Know About U.S. Presidents
Not only were these men leaders of the United States, they were multitalented, unique, and sometimes even downright quirky. We've heard a lot about their contribution to United States history. But would you have guessed the following?
1. In warm weather, 6th president of the United States John Quincy Adams customarily went skinny-dipping in the Potomac River before dawn.
2. 9th U.S. president William Henry Harrison was inaugurated on a bitterly cold day and gave the longest inauguration speech ever. The new president promptly caught a cold that soon developed into pneumonia. Harrison died exactly one month into his presidential term, the shortest in U.S. history.
3. John Tyler, 10th U.S. president, fathered 15 children (more than any other president)--8 by his first wife, and 7 by his second wife. Tyler was past his seventieth birthday when his 15th child was born.
4. Sedated only by brandy, 11th president of the United States James Polk survived gall bladder surgery at the age of 17.
5. 15th U.S. president James Buchanan is the only unmarried man ever to be elected president. Buchanan was engaged to be married once; however, his fiancée died suddenly after breaking off the engagement, and he remained a bachelor all his life.
Get the rest.
Chief hair
The Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia is marking Presidents Day with an exhibit of presidential hair later this month.
The "hair album" was assembled by Peter Arvell Browne, a Philadelphia attorney and scholar of the natural sciences in the 1800s.
He collected samples of the first 12 presidents' hair.
Because the scrapbook is so fragile, it will be opened only to the page featuring George Washington's brown-and-gray locks.
Photographs will be shown of the other presidents' hair, from John Adams to Zachary Taylor.
Curator Robert Peck says the hair samples give a sense of the what the earliest presidents were like as people.
The "hair album" was assembled by Peter Arvell Browne, a Philadelphia attorney and scholar of the natural sciences in the 1800s.
He collected samples of the first 12 presidents' hair.
Because the scrapbook is so fragile, it will be opened only to the page featuring George Washington's brown-and-gray locks.
Photographs will be shown of the other presidents' hair, from John Adams to Zachary Taylor.
Curator Robert Peck says the hair samples give a sense of the what the earliest presidents were like as people.
Donate your hair
Locks of Love is a public non-profit organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children under age 18 suffering from long-term medical hair loss from any diagnosis. We meet a unique need for children by using donated hair to create the highest quality hair prosthetics. Most of the children helped by Locks of Love have lost their hair due to a medical condition called alopecia areata, which has no known cause or cure. The prostheses we provide help to restore their self-esteem and their confidence, enabling them to face the world and their peers.
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