Do you hate your job, even though you need the paycheck? Think carefully before just sticking with it: The impacts of putting up with a job you hate can be very real. You'll pay in stress, your life-view will be changed, your self-confidence will erode, your relationships will suffer and you won't deliver your actual potential. (DumbLittleMan.com)
Costs of Hating Your Job
1. You'll Pay in Stress
If you hate your job, then chances are you're already stressed by the situation. Stress includes not feeling like you're in control of what's happening, not being able to make choices about what happens and feeling powerless about what's happening. It's important to be brutally frank with yourself about what's happening, and you need to be prepared to make some tough choices.
2. Your View of Your Life Will Suffer
If you stay in a job you don't like, you're forcing yourself into a role that doesn't work for you in some important ways. The more time you spend in that role, the more you come to see it as the way things are. You slowly forget about what can happen and who you are outside of that role. Always keep your strengths, talents and values close, and always recognize that you have positive choices you can make.
3. Your Self-Confidence Will Take a Battering
If you're spending time in a job you hate, the message you're effectively giving yourself is, "I can't do anything else," "I'm nothing special" or "I don't deserve anything better than this." Don't allow your confidence to shrink and atrophy through inaction. Even though it can be scary as hell, trust yourself to make decisions and trust that you can deal with whatever happens next -- that's real confidence.
4. Your Relationships Will Suffer
When you're stressed, frustrated, upset or angry, it's a good bet that it's a partner, friend or family member who you'll snap at, be short with or not let fully into what's happening. Be frank with yourself first of all, and then be aware of how your situation is leaking out into your behavior and affecting your relationships. Keep in mind that you value your relationships and have that positive intention in mind when you're with them. Talk about where you are when it's appropriate to, and always remember to be their friend too.
5. You Won't Deliver on Your Capability
If you're running the very real risk of damaging your confidence, self-esteem, relationships and options by sticking at a job you hate, you obviously won't be delivering on your true capability. If you had a choice (and you do), how would you like to think or feel about your work? How would it be if you could find a career that works for you, rather than the other way around? Go where you find a pull or some energy; go where you feel a sense of fun or excitement, even if it looks scary.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Can I see your ID?
UM's Shalala Not Signing On To Lower Drinking Age
Parents, Students Decidedly Split On The Idea
Click here to see which presidents support the initiative
Read the official statement
(CBS4) ― More than one hundred university presidents, including Duke University, the University of Maryland, and Syracuse University, have signed a petition they believe may spark a movement to reduce the drinking age from 21-years-old to 18-years-old.
Many college students welcome the debate, but there has been mixed reactions to the proposal, including stiff opposition from groups like Mothers Against Drunk Drivers.
The movement is called the Amethyst initiative. The word amethyst, the group says, "is derived from the ancient Greek words meaning "not" (a-) and "intoxicated" (methustos)."
Supporters believe that 21 isn't working as a minimum drinking age because it fosters binge drinking off college campuses.
"The conclusion of these presidents is that it's important to find a way to take the underground drinking that is forced by the 21 and over drinking age, and find a way to bring it back up above ground," said Dennis O'Shea of John Hopkins University.
Students interviewed had mixed feelings, some saying the drinking minimum age is fine and some saying that decriminalizing drinking at an early age will only avoid problems.
Locally, the president of Johnson and Wales's all 4 campuses signed the initiative.
"I am advocating that it is time to take a different course of action, as it is clear the current measures are not addressing the problem," said John Bowen, President of Johnson & Wales University.
But University of Miami President Donna Shalala says she won't be supporting the initiative.
Shalala told the Associated Press, "To shift it back down to the high schools makes no sense at all."
While states might be able to change the drinking age none have since 1984. According to the Amethyst Initiative, that was the year Congress passed the National Minimum Drinking Age Act. The bill threatened any state lowering the drinking age to under 21 with losing 10 percent of the state's federal highway money.
The United States has the highest drinking age in the world, along with Indonesia and Mongolia. In some foreign countries, the drinking age is as low as 16-years-old.
Parents, Students Decidedly Split On The Idea
Click here to see which presidents support the initiative
Read the official statement
(CBS4) ― More than one hundred university presidents, including Duke University, the University of Maryland, and Syracuse University, have signed a petition they believe may spark a movement to reduce the drinking age from 21-years-old to 18-years-old.
Many college students welcome the debate, but there has been mixed reactions to the proposal, including stiff opposition from groups like Mothers Against Drunk Drivers.
The movement is called the Amethyst initiative. The word amethyst, the group says, "is derived from the ancient Greek words meaning "not" (a-) and "intoxicated" (methustos)."
Supporters believe that 21 isn't working as a minimum drinking age because it fosters binge drinking off college campuses.
"The conclusion of these presidents is that it's important to find a way to take the underground drinking that is forced by the 21 and over drinking age, and find a way to bring it back up above ground," said Dennis O'Shea of John Hopkins University.
Students interviewed had mixed feelings, some saying the drinking minimum age is fine and some saying that decriminalizing drinking at an early age will only avoid problems.
Locally, the president of Johnson and Wales's all 4 campuses signed the initiative.
"I am advocating that it is time to take a different course of action, as it is clear the current measures are not addressing the problem," said John Bowen, President of Johnson & Wales University.
But University of Miami President Donna Shalala says she won't be supporting the initiative.
Shalala told the Associated Press, "To shift it back down to the high schools makes no sense at all."
While states might be able to change the drinking age none have since 1984. According to the Amethyst Initiative, that was the year Congress passed the National Minimum Drinking Age Act. The bill threatened any state lowering the drinking age to under 21 with losing 10 percent of the state's federal highway money.
The United States has the highest drinking age in the world, along with Indonesia and Mongolia. In some foreign countries, the drinking age is as low as 16-years-old.
Sanjaya-ize yourself
Wow, you look just like Sanjaya! Depending on how you feel about the "American Idol" wannabe from a couple of seasons back, that is a high compliment or a low insult. Either way, you can try to see what his various hairdos will look like on your face - - or the face of anyone else you have digitized images of. Check out the site sanjaya-ize.com.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Adoption
Becoming an adoptive parent can be a great experience for both the parent and the child. Children who are unable to go back to their homes are in need of a permanent family with a safe and loving home.
Do you want to be a parent? Learn more about adoption.
What makes a good adopter?
There are no hard and fast rules. All sorts of children need all sorts of families.
In general you need to;
like children
have time and space in your life
be adaptable
be willing to learn
be able to ask and accept support
be able to accept and value the child's past experiences
Parenting a child who has been through separation and loss requires more than just love alone. Early childhood experiences may have left the child deeply unsettled, expressing their hurt and confusion through their behaviour - which could range from angry and aggressive to withdrawn and sensitive. Gaining their trust may take time and adopters need to be prepared to accept that they may face some very challenging behaviour.
Do you want to be a parent? Learn more about adoption.
What makes a good adopter?
There are no hard and fast rules. All sorts of children need all sorts of families.
In general you need to;
like children
have time and space in your life
be adaptable
be willing to learn
be able to ask and accept support
be able to accept and value the child's past experiences
Parenting a child who has been through separation and loss requires more than just love alone. Early childhood experiences may have left the child deeply unsettled, expressing their hurt and confusion through their behaviour - which could range from angry and aggressive to withdrawn and sensitive. Gaining their trust may take time and adopters need to be prepared to accept that they may face some very challenging behaviour.
Not having kids?
More Women Than Ever Are Childless, Census Finds
By KATIE ZEZIMA
Women are waiting longer to have children, and more women than ever are choosing not to have children at all, according to a new Census Bureau report.
Twenty percent of women ages 40 to 44 have no children, double the level of 30 years ago, the report said; and women in that age bracket who do have children have fewer than ever — an average of 1.9 children, compared with the mean average of 3.1 children in 1976.
“A lot of women are not having any children,” said Jane Lawler Dye, a Census Bureau researcher who did the report, which looked at women of childbearing age in 2006. “It used to be sort of expected that there was a phase of life where you had children, and a lot of women aren’t doing that now,” Ms. Dye said.
Women with advanced degrees are more likely to be childless, the study found. Of women 40 to 44 with graduate or professional degrees, 27 percent are childless, compared with 18 percent of women who did not continue their education beyond high school, the data show.
The numbers are consistent with a 2006 report Ms. Dye issued on the same subject. While year-by-year change is slow, Ms. Dye said, the data show that women of the baby boom generation are continuing to transform the American family.
Hispanic women are the only group bucking the trends found in the study, averaging 2.3 children each by their 40s. The number of children a Hispanic woman has decreases sharply, however, depending on how many generations her family has lived in the United States, the data show.
One in five new mothers in 2006 were foreign-born, the study found, with California having the highest number of foreign-born new mothers.
Of all the women who had children in 2006, nearly 60 percent worked, with the highest numbers of working mothers in the Midwest. That may be explained by another census study, which found that, for children under 5, the Midwest has more child care available than any other region. Researchers said the numbers seemed to be consistent with other demographic trends, including the rising age of women marrying and having children for the first time, as well as women with more education having fewer children later in life.
“Clearly women have competing alternatives for the use of their time, with the labor market and employment being one and delayed marriage, which has been another trend,” said Suzanne Bianchi, chairwoman of the sociology department at the University of Maryland. “The interesting question is, has it stopped? Is this it, or will we see even higher rates of childlessness among future generations?”
Of women who gave birth in 2006, 36 percent were separated, widowed, divorced or never married. Five percent were living with a partner.
The study also shows sharp geographic differences among children who were born into poverty in 2006. Nearly every Southern state had more children born into poverty than the national average of 25 percent.
By KATIE ZEZIMA
Women are waiting longer to have children, and more women than ever are choosing not to have children at all, according to a new Census Bureau report.
Twenty percent of women ages 40 to 44 have no children, double the level of 30 years ago, the report said; and women in that age bracket who do have children have fewer than ever — an average of 1.9 children, compared with the mean average of 3.1 children in 1976.
“A lot of women are not having any children,” said Jane Lawler Dye, a Census Bureau researcher who did the report, which looked at women of childbearing age in 2006. “It used to be sort of expected that there was a phase of life where you had children, and a lot of women aren’t doing that now,” Ms. Dye said.
Women with advanced degrees are more likely to be childless, the study found. Of women 40 to 44 with graduate or professional degrees, 27 percent are childless, compared with 18 percent of women who did not continue their education beyond high school, the data show.
The numbers are consistent with a 2006 report Ms. Dye issued on the same subject. While year-by-year change is slow, Ms. Dye said, the data show that women of the baby boom generation are continuing to transform the American family.
Hispanic women are the only group bucking the trends found in the study, averaging 2.3 children each by their 40s. The number of children a Hispanic woman has decreases sharply, however, depending on how many generations her family has lived in the United States, the data show.
One in five new mothers in 2006 were foreign-born, the study found, with California having the highest number of foreign-born new mothers.
Of all the women who had children in 2006, nearly 60 percent worked, with the highest numbers of working mothers in the Midwest. That may be explained by another census study, which found that, for children under 5, the Midwest has more child care available than any other region. Researchers said the numbers seemed to be consistent with other demographic trends, including the rising age of women marrying and having children for the first time, as well as women with more education having fewer children later in life.
“Clearly women have competing alternatives for the use of their time, with the labor market and employment being one and delayed marriage, which has been another trend,” said Suzanne Bianchi, chairwoman of the sociology department at the University of Maryland. “The interesting question is, has it stopped? Is this it, or will we see even higher rates of childlessness among future generations?”
Of women who gave birth in 2006, 36 percent were separated, widowed, divorced or never married. Five percent were living with a partner.
The study also shows sharp geographic differences among children who were born into poverty in 2006. Nearly every Southern state had more children born into poverty than the national average of 25 percent.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Mold?
Basic Mold Cleanup
The key to mold control is moisture control. It is important to dry water damaged areas and items within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth. If mold is a problem in your home, clean up the mold and get rid of the excess water or moisture. Fix leaky plumbing or other sources of water. Wash mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water, and dry completely. Absorbent materials (such as ceiling tiles & carpet) that become moldy may have to be replaced.
Ten Things You Should Know About Mold
Potential health effects and symptoms associated with mold exposures include allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory complaints.
There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture.
If mold is a problem in your home or school, you must clean up the mold and eliminate sources of moisture.
Fix the source of the water problem or leak to prevent mold growth.
Reduce indoor humidity (to 30-60% ) to decrease mold growth by: venting bathrooms, dryers, and other moisture-generating sources to the outside; using air conditioners and de-humidifiers; increasing ventilation; and using exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing, and cleaning.
Clean and dry any damp or wet building materials and furnishings within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.
Clean mold off hard surfaces with water and detergent, and dry completely. Absorbent materials such as ceiling tiles, that are moldy, may need to be replaced.
Prevent condensation: Reduce the potential for condensation on cold surfaces (i.e., windows, piping, exterior walls, roof, or floors) by adding insulation.
In areas where there is a perpetual moisture problem, do not install carpeting (i.e., by drinking fountains, by classroom sinks, or on concrete floors with leaks or frequent condensation).
Molds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any substance, providing moisture is present. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods.
The key to mold control is moisture control. It is important to dry water damaged areas and items within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth. If mold is a problem in your home, clean up the mold and get rid of the excess water or moisture. Fix leaky plumbing or other sources of water. Wash mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water, and dry completely. Absorbent materials (such as ceiling tiles & carpet) that become moldy may have to be replaced.
Ten Things You Should Know About Mold
Potential health effects and symptoms associated with mold exposures include allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory complaints.
There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture.
If mold is a problem in your home or school, you must clean up the mold and eliminate sources of moisture.
Fix the source of the water problem or leak to prevent mold growth.
Reduce indoor humidity (to 30-60% ) to decrease mold growth by: venting bathrooms, dryers, and other moisture-generating sources to the outside; using air conditioners and de-humidifiers; increasing ventilation; and using exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing, and cleaning.
Clean and dry any damp or wet building materials and furnishings within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.
Clean mold off hard surfaces with water and detergent, and dry completely. Absorbent materials such as ceiling tiles, that are moldy, may need to be replaced.
Prevent condensation: Reduce the potential for condensation on cold surfaces (i.e., windows, piping, exterior walls, roof, or floors) by adding insulation.
In areas where there is a perpetual moisture problem, do not install carpeting (i.e., by drinking fountains, by classroom sinks, or on concrete floors with leaks or frequent condensation).
Molds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any substance, providing moisture is present. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods.
Keep kids safe
Before letting the kids frolic outdoors, make sure it's safe; downed wires, flood waters, tree limbs and other debris can pose serious dangers.
Hurricanes and Tropical storms like other natural disasters and traumatic events, affect people in different ways. Life history, personality, age and a person’s experiences during and after a storm all play a role in shaping a person’s response
to a hurricane. Because some people will be more affected than others, reactions to a storm may differ greatly from individual to individual.
For many children and adults, a distressing storm can bring about strong feelings and mixed emotions. As time passes, their feelings about the storm may change. This is normal for those who experience a natural disaster or other distressing event. Keep in mind that there will be days and times when you will feel better than others.
Hurricanes and Tropical storms like other natural disasters and traumatic events, affect people in different ways. Life history, personality, age and a person’s experiences during and after a storm all play a role in shaping a person’s response
to a hurricane. Because some people will be more affected than others, reactions to a storm may differ greatly from individual to individual.
For many children and adults, a distressing storm can bring about strong feelings and mixed emotions. As time passes, their feelings about the storm may change. This is normal for those who experience a natural disaster or other distressing event. Keep in mind that there will be days and times when you will feel better than others.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Homework help
Tips For Helping Kids and Teens With Homework and Study Habits
Certain key practices will make life easier for everyone in the family when it comes to study time and study organization. However, some of them may require an adjustment for other members of the family. For lots of helpful internet tools for research and mastering subjects visit our Homework Help Center.
Turn off the TV set. Make a house rule, depending on the location of the set, that when it is study time, it is "no TV" time. A television set that is on will draw youngsters like bees to honey.
What about the radio? Should it be on or off? Contrary to what many specialists say, some youngsters do seem to function all right with the radio turned on to a favorite music station. (Depending on the layout of your house or apartment, maybe an investment in earphones would be worthy of consideration.)
Certain rules should be set about the family phone during study hours. The more people in the household, the more restrictions on long and unnecessary phone calls are needed. A timer, placed next to the phone, can help to control the length of calls so that the telephone will be available if it becomes necessary to call a schoolmate to confirm an assignment or discuss particularly difficult homework.
Designate specific areas for homework and studying. Possibilities include the child's room or the kitchen or dining room table. Eliminate as much distraction as possible.
Since many young people will study in their own rooms, function becomes more important than beauty. Most desks for young people really don't have sufficient space to spread out materials. A table that allows for all necessary supplies such as pencils, pens, paper, books, and other essentials works extremely well.
Consider placing a bulletin board in your child's room. Your local hardware store sells wallboard that might not look too pretty and isn't framed, but a 4 x 3'section is inexpensive and perfect on which to post pertinent school items. You might want to paint or cover it with burlap to improve its appearance or let your child take on this project.
Encourage the use of a small book or pad for writing down assignments so that there is no confusion about when certain assignments must be turned in to the teacher.
Keeping general supplies on hand is important. Check with your child about his needs. In fact, make it his responsibility to be well supplied with paper, pencils, note pads, notebook paper, et cetera.
Regularity is a key factor in academic success. Try to organize the household so that supper is served at a standard time, and once it and family discussions are over, it's time to crack the books. If the student doesn't have other commitments and gets home reasonably early from school, some homework can be done before supper.
Consider you child's developmental level when setting the amount of time for homework. While high school students can focus for over an hour, first-graders are unlikely to last more than 15 minutes on a single task. Allow your child to take breaks, perhaps as a reward for finishing a section of the work.
Organize study and homework projects. Get a large calendar, one that allows space for jotting down things in the daily boxes. Rip it apart so that you (and the child) can sequentially mount the school months for the current semester. For example, you can tear off September, October, November, December, and January and mount them from left to right across one wall. Have the child use a bold color writing instrument (felt tip pen) to mark exam dates in one color, reports that are coming due in a different color, et cetera. This will serve as a reminder so that things aren't set aside until the last dangerous moment.
Teach your child that studying is more than just doing homework assignments. One of the most misunderstood aspects of schoolwork is the difference between studying and doing homework assignments. Encourage your child to do things like:
take notes as he's reading a chapter
learn to skim material
learn to study tables and charts
learn to summarize what he has read in his own words
learn to make his own flashcards for quick review of dates, formulas, spelling words, et cetera
Note-taking is a critical skill and should be developed. Many students don't know how to take notes in those classes that require them. Some feel they have to write down every word the teacher says. Others have wisely realized the value of an outline form of note-taking. Well prepared teachers present their material in a format that lends itself to outline form note taking..
Should notes ever be rewritten? In some cases, they should be, particularly if a lot of material was covered, and the youngster had to write quickly but lacks speed and organization. Rewriting notes takes time, but it can be an excellent review of the subject matter. However, rewriting notes isn't worth the time unless they are used for review and recall of important information.
A home dictionary is essential, but if it is kept on a shelf to gather dust, it won't do anyone any good. Keep it in an accessible place and let your child see you refer to it from time to time. If the family dictionary is kept in the living room and the child studies in his room, get him an inexpensive dictionary for his exclusive use.
Good dictionary, encyclopedia and organizational skills depend on the ability to alphabetize. See if your child's teacher practices alphabetizing in class. Try alphabetizing spelling words, family members' names or a few favorite toys at home as a way of practicing.
Help your child to feel confident for tests. Taking tests can be a traumatic experience for some students. Explain to your child that burning the midnight oil (cramming) the night before a test is not productive. Better to get a good night's sleep. Students also need reminding that when taking a test, they should thoroughly and carefully read the directions before they haphazardly start to mark their test papers. They should be advised to skip over questions for which they don't know the answers. They can always return to those if there's time. Good advice for any student before taking a test: take a deep breath, relax, and dive in. Always bring an extra pencil just in case.
During a homework session, watch for signs of frustration. No learning can take place and little can be accomplished if the child is angry or upset over an assignment that is too long or too difficult. At such times the parent may have to step in and simply halt the homework for that night, offering to write a note to the teacher explaining the situation and perhaps requesting a conference to discuss the quality and length of homework assignments.
Should parents help with homework? Yes-if it is clearly productive to do so, such as calling out spelling words or checking a math problem that won't prove. No-if it is something the child can clearly handle himself and learn from the process. And help and support should always be calmly and cheerfully given. Grudging help is worse than no help at all!
Read directions, or check over math problems after your child has completed the work. Remember to make positive comments - you don't want your child to associate homework with fights at home.
Model research skills by involving your child in planning a family trip. Help your child locate your destination on a map or atlas. Use traditional encyclopedia or a CD-ROM to find information about the place you will visit; try the Internet or books in the library.
Certain key practices will make life easier for everyone in the family when it comes to study time and study organization. However, some of them may require an adjustment for other members of the family. For lots of helpful internet tools for research and mastering subjects visit our Homework Help Center.
Turn off the TV set. Make a house rule, depending on the location of the set, that when it is study time, it is "no TV" time. A television set that is on will draw youngsters like bees to honey.
What about the radio? Should it be on or off? Contrary to what many specialists say, some youngsters do seem to function all right with the radio turned on to a favorite music station. (Depending on the layout of your house or apartment, maybe an investment in earphones would be worthy of consideration.)
Certain rules should be set about the family phone during study hours. The more people in the household, the more restrictions on long and unnecessary phone calls are needed. A timer, placed next to the phone, can help to control the length of calls so that the telephone will be available if it becomes necessary to call a schoolmate to confirm an assignment or discuss particularly difficult homework.
Designate specific areas for homework and studying. Possibilities include the child's room or the kitchen or dining room table. Eliminate as much distraction as possible.
Since many young people will study in their own rooms, function becomes more important than beauty. Most desks for young people really don't have sufficient space to spread out materials. A table that allows for all necessary supplies such as pencils, pens, paper, books, and other essentials works extremely well.
Consider placing a bulletin board in your child's room. Your local hardware store sells wallboard that might not look too pretty and isn't framed, but a 4 x 3'section is inexpensive and perfect on which to post pertinent school items. You might want to paint or cover it with burlap to improve its appearance or let your child take on this project.
Encourage the use of a small book or pad for writing down assignments so that there is no confusion about when certain assignments must be turned in to the teacher.
Keeping general supplies on hand is important. Check with your child about his needs. In fact, make it his responsibility to be well supplied with paper, pencils, note pads, notebook paper, et cetera.
Regularity is a key factor in academic success. Try to organize the household so that supper is served at a standard time, and once it and family discussions are over, it's time to crack the books. If the student doesn't have other commitments and gets home reasonably early from school, some homework can be done before supper.
Consider you child's developmental level when setting the amount of time for homework. While high school students can focus for over an hour, first-graders are unlikely to last more than 15 minutes on a single task. Allow your child to take breaks, perhaps as a reward for finishing a section of the work.
Organize study and homework projects. Get a large calendar, one that allows space for jotting down things in the daily boxes. Rip it apart so that you (and the child) can sequentially mount the school months for the current semester. For example, you can tear off September, October, November, December, and January and mount them from left to right across one wall. Have the child use a bold color writing instrument (felt tip pen) to mark exam dates in one color, reports that are coming due in a different color, et cetera. This will serve as a reminder so that things aren't set aside until the last dangerous moment.
Teach your child that studying is more than just doing homework assignments. One of the most misunderstood aspects of schoolwork is the difference between studying and doing homework assignments. Encourage your child to do things like:
take notes as he's reading a chapter
learn to skim material
learn to study tables and charts
learn to summarize what he has read in his own words
learn to make his own flashcards for quick review of dates, formulas, spelling words, et cetera
Note-taking is a critical skill and should be developed. Many students don't know how to take notes in those classes that require them. Some feel they have to write down every word the teacher says. Others have wisely realized the value of an outline form of note-taking. Well prepared teachers present their material in a format that lends itself to outline form note taking..
Should notes ever be rewritten? In some cases, they should be, particularly if a lot of material was covered, and the youngster had to write quickly but lacks speed and organization. Rewriting notes takes time, but it can be an excellent review of the subject matter. However, rewriting notes isn't worth the time unless they are used for review and recall of important information.
A home dictionary is essential, but if it is kept on a shelf to gather dust, it won't do anyone any good. Keep it in an accessible place and let your child see you refer to it from time to time. If the family dictionary is kept in the living room and the child studies in his room, get him an inexpensive dictionary for his exclusive use.
Good dictionary, encyclopedia and organizational skills depend on the ability to alphabetize. See if your child's teacher practices alphabetizing in class. Try alphabetizing spelling words, family members' names or a few favorite toys at home as a way of practicing.
Help your child to feel confident for tests. Taking tests can be a traumatic experience for some students. Explain to your child that burning the midnight oil (cramming) the night before a test is not productive. Better to get a good night's sleep. Students also need reminding that when taking a test, they should thoroughly and carefully read the directions before they haphazardly start to mark their test papers. They should be advised to skip over questions for which they don't know the answers. They can always return to those if there's time. Good advice for any student before taking a test: take a deep breath, relax, and dive in. Always bring an extra pencil just in case.
During a homework session, watch for signs of frustration. No learning can take place and little can be accomplished if the child is angry or upset over an assignment that is too long or too difficult. At such times the parent may have to step in and simply halt the homework for that night, offering to write a note to the teacher explaining the situation and perhaps requesting a conference to discuss the quality and length of homework assignments.
Should parents help with homework? Yes-if it is clearly productive to do so, such as calling out spelling words or checking a math problem that won't prove. No-if it is something the child can clearly handle himself and learn from the process. And help and support should always be calmly and cheerfully given. Grudging help is worse than no help at all!
Read directions, or check over math problems after your child has completed the work. Remember to make positive comments - you don't want your child to associate homework with fights at home.
Model research skills by involving your child in planning a family trip. Help your child locate your destination on a map or atlas. Use traditional encyclopedia or a CD-ROM to find information about the place you will visit; try the Internet or books in the library.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
How to fight fairly
Rabbi Shmuley Boteach shares his eight rules for fighting fairly in a marriage.
When couples fight dirty, they end up prolonging their pain and creating lasting wounds and rifts, he says. But when couples fight fairly, they actually build more understanding and intimacy.
Rabbi Shmuley shares his eight rules of fighting fairly, which he defines as conveying your point of view legitimately in order to achieve a consensus.
8 Rules of Fighting Fairly
1. Never use name-calling, slurs or insults. Also, don't make fun of your partner's body, weight or other things over which they have no control.
2. Never refer to the person as being a certain way, rather just refer to their behavior as being a certain way. "Never criticize character—criticize behavior," Rabbi Shmuley says.
3. Never bring your spouse's family into an argument. This will only make your partner more defensive and less willing to hear your perspective, he says.
4. Do not speak in anger. Control your behavior and calm down before you say anything you may later regret.
5. Don't cut each other off. Wait until your partner finishes, then state your point of view.
6. Don't yell. Shouting and screaming is especially harmful for children to witness. "There's never an excuse for yelling," Rabbi Shmuley says.
7. Don't go to sleep without resolving an argument. The longer an argument is drawn out, the harder it becomes to end it. It's better to stay up all night and resolve your differences than to go to bed upset, Rabbi Shmuley says.
8. Apologize. If you hurt your spouse, you must apologize. Remember, marriage isn't about proving who's right and who's wrong—it's about having a strong, loving relationship.
(msn.com)
When couples fight dirty, they end up prolonging their pain and creating lasting wounds and rifts, he says. But when couples fight fairly, they actually build more understanding and intimacy.
Rabbi Shmuley shares his eight rules of fighting fairly, which he defines as conveying your point of view legitimately in order to achieve a consensus.
8 Rules of Fighting Fairly
1. Never use name-calling, slurs or insults. Also, don't make fun of your partner's body, weight or other things over which they have no control.
2. Never refer to the person as being a certain way, rather just refer to their behavior as being a certain way. "Never criticize character—criticize behavior," Rabbi Shmuley says.
3. Never bring your spouse's family into an argument. This will only make your partner more defensive and less willing to hear your perspective, he says.
4. Do not speak in anger. Control your behavior and calm down before you say anything you may later regret.
5. Don't cut each other off. Wait until your partner finishes, then state your point of view.
6. Don't yell. Shouting and screaming is especially harmful for children to witness. "There's never an excuse for yelling," Rabbi Shmuley says.
7. Don't go to sleep without resolving an argument. The longer an argument is drawn out, the harder it becomes to end it. It's better to stay up all night and resolve your differences than to go to bed upset, Rabbi Shmuley says.
8. Apologize. If you hurt your spouse, you must apologize. Remember, marriage isn't about proving who's right and who's wrong—it's about having a strong, loving relationship.
(msn.com)
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Travel tips
Beijing...Paris...London...Tokyo...Rome...Sidney...Rio
When you travel out of our country you can run into issues that may ruin your trip. Here is a great site that offers tips for traveling abroad.
I always say, "go with the flow or you won't have a good time."
When you travel out of our country you can run into issues that may ruin your trip. Here is a great site that offers tips for traveling abroad.
I always say, "go with the flow or you won't have a good time."
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Best olympic moments
1. Retton vaults to fame
Sixteen-year-old gymnast Mary Lou Retton entered the 1984 Olympics with no major international experience. She became the first American, woman or man, to win the all-around after earning perfect 10s for the floor exercise and vault.
2. Ali and the flame
Muhammad Ali, trembling from Parkinson's disease, lit the cauldron to open the 1996 Games in Atlanta. Ali received a gold medal to replace the one he tossed into a river after being refused service at a whites-only restaurant.
3. Gritty Strug takes one for team
In the 1996 women's gymnastics team competition, little-known Kerri Strug injured her left ankle on her first vault but gamely attempted a second and stuck the landing to ensure the U.S. women got their first team gold.
4. Icebreaker for Jansen
Speedskater Dan Jansen won the 1,000-meter race in 1994, ending a 10-year Olympic medal drought lowlighted by two falls at the 1988 Olympics while mourning the death of his sister. He took a victory lap holding his infant daughter.
5. Tonya vs. Nancy drama
Nancy Kerrigan rebounded from the knee whacking heard 'round the world to win the 1994 Olympic silver. Tonya Harding, whose ex-husband masterminded the attack, stopped her long program to cry about a boot lace.
6. Johnson blazes to 200-400 double
Michael Johnson broke his own world record in the 200 meters by .34 seconds in 1996 en route to becoming the first man to win the 200 and 400 at the same games. Johnson blazed through the last 100 in 9.20 seconds to finish in 19.32.
7. Lewis runs alongside Owens
Carl Lewis ran an 8.94-second anchor leg to lead the U.S. men to victory in the 4x100-meter freestyle relay in 1984, winning his fourth gold medal of those games to match Jesse Owens' total from 1936.
8. Gardner turns Greco-Roman world upside down
Rulon Gardner, a Wyoming dairy farmer's son competing in only his second major international tournament, upset three-time Olympic champion Aleksandr Karelin in the 2000 super-heavyweight Greco-Roman wrestling competition. It was the RussianÕs first defeat in 13 years.
9. Louganis takes a hit, dives back in
On his ninth dive of the 1988 preliminary round for springboard, Greg Louganis hit his head on the board and fell into the water. He got temporary stitches before completing his 10th dive, which earned the highest score awarded in the preliminaries. The next day he won gold.
10. Dream Team dominant
The original Dream Team, with Magic Johnson and Larry Bird as captains and other NBA superstars such as Michael Jordan and David Robinson on the 1992 roster, was perhaps the greatest assembly of talent ever. They dominated as expected, beating Croatia 117-85 in the gold-medal game.
11. Steroids catch up with Johnson
Three days after Canadian Ben Johnson won the 100 meters in 1988 in 9.79 seconds, the International Olympic Committee announced he had tested positive for steroids. Johnson was the first big-name athlete to be caught. The gold went to Carl Lewis.
12. Torvill and Dean heat up ice
Britain's Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean earned 6.0s in 12 of their 18 marks for their free-dance interpretation of "Bolero" in 1984. They received unanimous perfect scores for artistic impression and were the first non-Soviet or Russians to win ice dancing gold.
13. Flag day for Freeman
Cathy Freeman, an Australian with Aboriginal heritage who days earlier lit the cauldron to open the 2000 Sydney Olympics, won the 400 meters under a searing spotlight. She took a victory lap carrying the Australian and Aboriginal flags,
14. Blair skates into history
Speedskater Bonnie Blair defended her Olympic title at 1,000 meters in 1994, winning by the largest margin in event history (1.38 seconds) and becoming the first U.S. female Olympian, winter or summer, to win five gold medals. She also was the first American to win six Winter Olympic medals.
15. Hughes in a stunner
In fourth after the short program at the 2002 Olympics, 16-year-old Sarah Hughes upset favorites Michelle Kwan and Irina Slutskaya with a technically superior long program.
Sixteen-year-old gymnast Mary Lou Retton entered the 1984 Olympics with no major international experience. She became the first American, woman or man, to win the all-around after earning perfect 10s for the floor exercise and vault.
2. Ali and the flame
Muhammad Ali, trembling from Parkinson's disease, lit the cauldron to open the 1996 Games in Atlanta. Ali received a gold medal to replace the one he tossed into a river after being refused service at a whites-only restaurant.
3. Gritty Strug takes one for team
In the 1996 women's gymnastics team competition, little-known Kerri Strug injured her left ankle on her first vault but gamely attempted a second and stuck the landing to ensure the U.S. women got their first team gold.
4. Icebreaker for Jansen
Speedskater Dan Jansen won the 1,000-meter race in 1994, ending a 10-year Olympic medal drought lowlighted by two falls at the 1988 Olympics while mourning the death of his sister. He took a victory lap holding his infant daughter.
5. Tonya vs. Nancy drama
Nancy Kerrigan rebounded from the knee whacking heard 'round the world to win the 1994 Olympic silver. Tonya Harding, whose ex-husband masterminded the attack, stopped her long program to cry about a boot lace.
6. Johnson blazes to 200-400 double
Michael Johnson broke his own world record in the 200 meters by .34 seconds in 1996 en route to becoming the first man to win the 200 and 400 at the same games. Johnson blazed through the last 100 in 9.20 seconds to finish in 19.32.
7. Lewis runs alongside Owens
Carl Lewis ran an 8.94-second anchor leg to lead the U.S. men to victory in the 4x100-meter freestyle relay in 1984, winning his fourth gold medal of those games to match Jesse Owens' total from 1936.
8. Gardner turns Greco-Roman world upside down
Rulon Gardner, a Wyoming dairy farmer's son competing in only his second major international tournament, upset three-time Olympic champion Aleksandr Karelin in the 2000 super-heavyweight Greco-Roman wrestling competition. It was the RussianÕs first defeat in 13 years.
9. Louganis takes a hit, dives back in
On his ninth dive of the 1988 preliminary round for springboard, Greg Louganis hit his head on the board and fell into the water. He got temporary stitches before completing his 10th dive, which earned the highest score awarded in the preliminaries. The next day he won gold.
10. Dream Team dominant
The original Dream Team, with Magic Johnson and Larry Bird as captains and other NBA superstars such as Michael Jordan and David Robinson on the 1992 roster, was perhaps the greatest assembly of talent ever. They dominated as expected, beating Croatia 117-85 in the gold-medal game.
11. Steroids catch up with Johnson
Three days after Canadian Ben Johnson won the 100 meters in 1988 in 9.79 seconds, the International Olympic Committee announced he had tested positive for steroids. Johnson was the first big-name athlete to be caught. The gold went to Carl Lewis.
12. Torvill and Dean heat up ice
Britain's Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean earned 6.0s in 12 of their 18 marks for their free-dance interpretation of "Bolero" in 1984. They received unanimous perfect scores for artistic impression and were the first non-Soviet or Russians to win ice dancing gold.
13. Flag day for Freeman
Cathy Freeman, an Australian with Aboriginal heritage who days earlier lit the cauldron to open the 2000 Sydney Olympics, won the 400 meters under a searing spotlight. She took a victory lap carrying the Australian and Aboriginal flags,
14. Blair skates into history
Speedskater Bonnie Blair defended her Olympic title at 1,000 meters in 1994, winning by the largest margin in event history (1.38 seconds) and becoming the first U.S. female Olympian, winter or summer, to win five gold medals. She also was the first American to win six Winter Olympic medals.
15. Hughes in a stunner
In fourth after the short program at the 2002 Olympics, 16-year-old Sarah Hughes upset favorites Michelle Kwan and Irina Slutskaya with a technically superior long program.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Who can you sue?
By Siobhan Morrissey / Miami
As if there weren't enough people out there suing each other, now a Florida attorney has come up with a way to make the process even easier.
Beginning next month, anyone with access to the Internet should be able to log onto WhoCanISue.com. The new website plans to help consumers determine whether they actually have a case and help them find an attorney from a list of lawyers who advertise their expertise on the website. The attorneys will pay an annual fee of $1,000 to appear on the site, plus an additional amount of their own choosing that will determine how prominently they appear in the listings on the site. The website will vet the attorneys to make sure they are in good standing with their state bar associations.
Curtis A. Wolfe, formerly general counsel for Fort Lauderdale-based private equity firm Ener1 Group and the founder of WhoCanISue.com, plans to unveil the new website in September. But he will begin signing up attorneys to advertise on the site when the American Bar Association convenes it annual meeting in New York City on Thursday.
Wolfe's website is not the first of its kind. His most direct competition includes SueEasy.com and LegalMatch.com, among others. But Wolfe says his service — which is free to the consumer — differs from the others in that he will provide real-time access to attorneys. After consumers answer a set of general questions about their grievances, they will be given some guidance about whether they might have a case worth pursuing; if they do, they will be immediately put in touch with an interested attorney.
The proliferation of legal matchmakers like Wolfe leaves some in the profession skeptical. "As if there aren't enough lawyers out there inventing lawsuits, now we're going to invite the public to do so," scoffed prominent Miami trial attorney Richard Sharpstein, a partner at Jorden Burt. "I think this is nothing more than a referral service," he says of WhoCanISue.com. "It encourages, if not creates lawsuits. Our country's courts are clogged with unnecessary and frivolous lawsuits which delay, if not obstruct, the access to courts of people that really need to get there, that have serious legal grievances."
But Wolfe maintains his service could just as easily help someone realize he doesn't have a case — or that, while they may have a legal claim, it won't generate enough money to interest an attorney to take it on.
"With our system they can either find a lawyer or find out by talking to our lawyers that they don't really have an interest in that case," Wolfe says. "I don't think WhoCanISue.com is going to, by itself, increase the number of lawsuits there are, but it may make people more aware of what their rights are."
University of Florida law professor Lyrissa Lidsky believes the service "is likely to increase the number of lawsuits." But, adds Lidsky, who specializes in Internet law and the First Amendment, "It's a good thing to the extent people are vindicating their legal rights to the extent they didn't years ago."
However, if you're looking to use the website to find a good lawyer, in most states you could do just as well by checking with the local bar association. In Florida, for example, lawyers can sign up for the state bar's referral system by paying a $125 membership fee, agreeing to charge clients only $25 for an initial 30-minute office consultation and guaranteeing $100,000 in liability insurance coverage.
As if there weren't enough people out there suing each other, now a Florida attorney has come up with a way to make the process even easier.
Beginning next month, anyone with access to the Internet should be able to log onto WhoCanISue.com. The new website plans to help consumers determine whether they actually have a case and help them find an attorney from a list of lawyers who advertise their expertise on the website. The attorneys will pay an annual fee of $1,000 to appear on the site, plus an additional amount of their own choosing that will determine how prominently they appear in the listings on the site. The website will vet the attorneys to make sure they are in good standing with their state bar associations.
Curtis A. Wolfe, formerly general counsel for Fort Lauderdale-based private equity firm Ener1 Group and the founder of WhoCanISue.com, plans to unveil the new website in September. But he will begin signing up attorneys to advertise on the site when the American Bar Association convenes it annual meeting in New York City on Thursday.
Wolfe's website is not the first of its kind. His most direct competition includes SueEasy.com and LegalMatch.com, among others. But Wolfe says his service — which is free to the consumer — differs from the others in that he will provide real-time access to attorneys. After consumers answer a set of general questions about their grievances, they will be given some guidance about whether they might have a case worth pursuing; if they do, they will be immediately put in touch with an interested attorney.
The proliferation of legal matchmakers like Wolfe leaves some in the profession skeptical. "As if there aren't enough lawyers out there inventing lawsuits, now we're going to invite the public to do so," scoffed prominent Miami trial attorney Richard Sharpstein, a partner at Jorden Burt. "I think this is nothing more than a referral service," he says of WhoCanISue.com. "It encourages, if not creates lawsuits. Our country's courts are clogged with unnecessary and frivolous lawsuits which delay, if not obstruct, the access to courts of people that really need to get there, that have serious legal grievances."
But Wolfe maintains his service could just as easily help someone realize he doesn't have a case — or that, while they may have a legal claim, it won't generate enough money to interest an attorney to take it on.
"With our system they can either find a lawyer or find out by talking to our lawyers that they don't really have an interest in that case," Wolfe says. "I don't think WhoCanISue.com is going to, by itself, increase the number of lawsuits there are, but it may make people more aware of what their rights are."
University of Florida law professor Lyrissa Lidsky believes the service "is likely to increase the number of lawsuits." But, adds Lidsky, who specializes in Internet law and the First Amendment, "It's a good thing to the extent people are vindicating their legal rights to the extent they didn't years ago."
However, if you're looking to use the website to find a good lawyer, in most states you could do just as well by checking with the local bar association. In Florida, for example, lawyers can sign up for the state bar's referral system by paying a $125 membership fee, agreeing to charge clients only $25 for an initial 30-minute office consultation and guaranteeing $100,000 in liability insurance coverage.
Friday, August 8, 2008
American Teen-PG13
American Teen is a 2008 documentary film directed by Nanette Burstein (On the Ropes, The Kid Stays in the Picture). It competed in the Documentary Competition at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival, where it received the Directing Award: Documentary.
The movie was filmed at Warsaw Community High School in Warsaw, Indiana.
American Teen is set in Warsaw, Indiana, and focuses on graduating high school seniors struggling through school and life.
It's rated PG-13 for some strong language, sexual material, some drinking and brief smoking-all involving teens.
Starring Hannah Bailey, Colin Clemens, Megan Krizmanich, Mitch Reinholt, and Jake Tusing
AMERICAN TEEN is the touching and hilarious Sundance hit that follows the lives of four teenagers - a jock, a popular girl, a heartthrob, an artsy girl and a geek – in one small town in Indiana through their senior year of high school. We see the insecurities, the cliques, the jealousies, the first loves and heartbreaks, and the struggle to make profound decisions about the future.
The movie was filmed at Warsaw Community High School in Warsaw, Indiana.
American Teen is set in Warsaw, Indiana, and focuses on graduating high school seniors struggling through school and life.
It's rated PG-13 for some strong language, sexual material, some drinking and brief smoking-all involving teens.
Starring Hannah Bailey, Colin Clemens, Megan Krizmanich, Mitch Reinholt, and Jake Tusing
AMERICAN TEEN is the touching and hilarious Sundance hit that follows the lives of four teenagers - a jock, a popular girl, a heartthrob, an artsy girl and a geek – in one small town in Indiana through their senior year of high school. We see the insecurities, the cliques, the jealousies, the first loves and heartbreaks, and the struggle to make profound decisions about the future.
Make a donation
A charitable fund has been set up to assist the family of a slain federal agent who was shot outside a Pembroke Pines post office.
Authorities say if you'd like to contribute to the Pettit family, make your contribution to:
The Pettit Family Charitable Fund
c/o Broad and Cassel
P.O. Box 14010
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33302
Authorities say if you'd like to contribute to the Pettit family, make your contribution to:
The Pettit Family Charitable Fund
c/o Broad and Cassel
P.O. Box 14010
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33302
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Meet the mascots
Bebei Beibei, the fish, represents the blue Olympic ring, prosperity and the sea. Fish and water symbolize prosperity in traditional Chinese culture. A fish also represents surplus in harvest. The lines of the wave designs in her headdress are based on Chinese paintings of the past. Beibei, who is said to be "gentle and pure," is strong in water sports.
Jingjing Jingjing, the panda, represents the black Olympic ring, happiness and the forest. He is said to be "charmingly naïve and optimistic," to make children smile and be noted for strength. The lotus designs in his headdress are baced on paintings from the Song Dynasty (A.D. 960-1234) and symbolize "the lush forest and the harmonious relationship between man and nature."
Huanhuan Huanhuan, the Olympic Flame, represents the red ring, passion and fire. He is considered the big brother among the Fuwa and stands in the center "as the core embodiment of the Olympic spirit... He inspires all with the passion to run faster, jump higher and be stronger." The designs on his head ornament are based on the Dunhuang murals and include aspects of traditionally lucky Chinese designs. Huanhuan, who is "outgoing and enthusiastic," is strong at ball games.
Yingying Yingying, the Tibetan antelope, represents the yellow ring, health and earth (particularly the vastness of China's landscape). The species, which is unique to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, was one of the first animals put under protection in China and its selection here is meant to reflect Beijing's commitment to a Green Olympics. Yingying's head ornament incorporates design elements from the Qinghai-Tibet and Sinkiang cultures, as well as the traditions of Western China. He is quick-witted, fast and agille, excelling in track and field events.
Nini Nini, the swallow, represents the green ring, good luck and the sky. The golden-winged swallow is one of the most popular designs on kites flown by Beijing's children in spring and summer and her design is based on these kites. Swallow is also pronounced "yan" in Chinese, and Beijing was called Yanjing as an ancient capital city. Nini, who is "innocent and joyful" excels at gymnastics.
By Joe Battaglia, NBCOlympics.com
The 2008 Olympic mascots were unveiled in Beijing on November 11, 2005 - 1,000 days before the Opening Ceremony for the Beijing Games. The five "Fuwa" - one to represent each of the Olympic Rings - carry a unifying message of friendship and peace, particularly aimed at the world's children. They were designed to convey the Olympic spirit and to express the playful qualities of a young group of close friends. Their mission is to help Beijing 2008 spread its theme (One World, One Dream) to every continent. Fuwa translates to good luck dolls or children carrying blessings.
Each of the Fuwa has a rhyming two-syllable name, which in China is a way of expressing affection towards children. Four of China' most popular animals are represented, along with the Olympic Flame. The five Fuwa are Beibei (a fish), Jingjing (a panda), Huanhuan (the Olympic Flame), Yingying (a Tibetan antelope) and Nini (a swallow). When you put the five names together - Bei Jing Huan Ying Ni - the phrase means "Beijing Welcomes You."
There is a long Chinese tradition of spreading good wishes through symbols and each of the Fuwa represents a different blessing (prosperity, happiness, passion, health and good luck). Each of the Fuwa also symbolizes one of five elements of nature - sea, forest, fire, earth and sky - with designs based on Chinese folk art and ornamentation
The mascots were initially called the "Friendlies" in English, but were later renamed Fuwa, which matches the Chinese pronunciation. "The reason to change the English name to the pinyin form is that Fuwa is more accessible and easy to remember," said a BOCOG official. It was also reported that the word could lead to confusion in several ways: because the word "friendlies" could too easily be confused with "friendless," because it can be broken down into the words "friend" and "lies," and because "friendly" also means a scrimmage, or a game played for practice.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Skimp or splurge
Should you skimp . . . or splurge?
Some purchases should last a lifetime; others don't need to survive a summer trend. Here is how to choose between cheap and steep.
By Emma Johnson, MSN Money
In my hall closet are around 10 coats and jackets. On one end of the spectrum is a meadow-green coat of indeterminate fabric that I picked up at H&M a couple of years ago for, if I remember, $59.
On the other end is a black cashmere classic I inherited from my mom, who bought it about 35 years ago at the Marshall Field's department store in Chicago. She paid $280 for it -- the equivalent of two payments on her burnt-orange Plymouth Duster. At the time she was supporting herself on a fifth-grade teacher's salary of $8,000 per year.
What makes a good coat?
Despite similar styles -- button front, knee length, cinched waist -- the two coats couldn't be more different. While the green one is already nappy, slouchy and yearning to be retired to Goodwill, its black sister is still soft and gorgeous. It looks as though I bought it at a high-end department store recently for, let's say, $1,346 -- what $280 would be today, adjusted for inflation.
The difference between my mother's generation and my own hangs in that closet. In a relatively short amount of time, experts have watched our nation swap the practice of investing in quality, long-lasting merchandise for the consumption of large quantities of mass-produced, highly designed merchandise.
"Something you use every day"
Part of the issue is in the market itself, with the spread of mass production and wide availability of consumer credit. But consumers are also less knowledgeable, explains Paco Underhill, president and CEO of market research consultancy Envirosell and author of "Why We Buy: The Science of Shopping."
Americans in their 20s and 30s are now at least one generation removed from the era of homemade clothing and hand-crafted wood furniture, Underhill says. "In the 1950s, 90% of homes had sewing machines, which means women knew something about how clothes were put together. They could look at something in the store and tell if was of good construction or crappy construction," he says. "In my office, I don't know anyone who has bought a custom suit. They don't know the difference between off-the-rack and custom."
How good is this table?
You don't have to buy quality all the time -- and probably can't afford to -- but it's important to know when to shell out for the good stuff. A few examples of times to skimp -- or splurge:
Mattress: SPLURGE. You sit, sleep and God knows what else on this item. Get a good one.
Men's dress shirt: SKIMP. If your suit is well-tailored and the tie spectacular, the shirt will be an afterthought.
Chef's knife: SPLURGE. One 8-inch chef's knife is all you need.
Why a chef's knife is so important
Women's shirts: SKIMP. Cute tops from H&M will go out of style before they fall apart.
Overcoat: SPLURGE. First impressions mean a lot.
Accent chair: SKIMP. If it's cool and rarely supports a rear, quality can come after design.
Table linens: SKIMP. Choose inexpensive table cloths and napkins to keep your tabletop trendy.
Read more.
Some purchases should last a lifetime; others don't need to survive a summer trend. Here is how to choose between cheap and steep.
By Emma Johnson, MSN Money
In my hall closet are around 10 coats and jackets. On one end of the spectrum is a meadow-green coat of indeterminate fabric that I picked up at H&M a couple of years ago for, if I remember, $59.
On the other end is a black cashmere classic I inherited from my mom, who bought it about 35 years ago at the Marshall Field's department store in Chicago. She paid $280 for it -- the equivalent of two payments on her burnt-orange Plymouth Duster. At the time she was supporting herself on a fifth-grade teacher's salary of $8,000 per year.
What makes a good coat?
Despite similar styles -- button front, knee length, cinched waist -- the two coats couldn't be more different. While the green one is already nappy, slouchy and yearning to be retired to Goodwill, its black sister is still soft and gorgeous. It looks as though I bought it at a high-end department store recently for, let's say, $1,346 -- what $280 would be today, adjusted for inflation.
The difference between my mother's generation and my own hangs in that closet. In a relatively short amount of time, experts have watched our nation swap the practice of investing in quality, long-lasting merchandise for the consumption of large quantities of mass-produced, highly designed merchandise.
"Something you use every day"
Part of the issue is in the market itself, with the spread of mass production and wide availability of consumer credit. But consumers are also less knowledgeable, explains Paco Underhill, president and CEO of market research consultancy Envirosell and author of "Why We Buy: The Science of Shopping."
Americans in their 20s and 30s are now at least one generation removed from the era of homemade clothing and hand-crafted wood furniture, Underhill says. "In the 1950s, 90% of homes had sewing machines, which means women knew something about how clothes were put together. They could look at something in the store and tell if was of good construction or crappy construction," he says. "In my office, I don't know anyone who has bought a custom suit. They don't know the difference between off-the-rack and custom."
How good is this table?
You don't have to buy quality all the time -- and probably can't afford to -- but it's important to know when to shell out for the good stuff. A few examples of times to skimp -- or splurge:
Mattress: SPLURGE. You sit, sleep and God knows what else on this item. Get a good one.
Men's dress shirt: SKIMP. If your suit is well-tailored and the tie spectacular, the shirt will be an afterthought.
Chef's knife: SPLURGE. One 8-inch chef's knife is all you need.
Why a chef's knife is so important
Women's shirts: SKIMP. Cute tops from H&M will go out of style before they fall apart.
Overcoat: SPLURGE. First impressions mean a lot.
Accent chair: SKIMP. If it's cool and rarely supports a rear, quality can come after design.
Table linens: SKIMP. Choose inexpensive table cloths and napkins to keep your tabletop trendy.
Read more.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
National Night Out-Dade
THE CITY OF MIAMI POLICE DEPARTMENT
Community Relations Section
Cordially Invites You To Attend
Miami Stands Out Against Crime!
Tuesday, August 5th, 2008
Bayfront Park
5:00pm-10:00pm
301 N. Biscayne Blvd.
For more information call the Miami Police Dept.Community Relations Section @ (305) 579-6184or e-mail aileen.rodriguez@miami-police.org.
*FREE INFORMATION ON:•Crime Watch Program•Fingerprint/DNA processing for kids•Gun Safety Tips•Door Lock Information•(Cancer & HIV) Health Awareness•Citizens on Patrol•Citizen Police Academy•Crime Prevention Literature andDemonstrations•Miami Police Athletic•Do The Right Thing•Police and Fire Demonstrations•Poison Control (Anti Venom)•Music, Food and Much More!Participants:
Hey Dade County, feel free to e-mail me information on any National Night Out events in Miami-Dade county. I'll post it for ya.
Community Relations Section
Cordially Invites You To Attend
Miami Stands Out Against Crime!
Tuesday, August 5th, 2008
Bayfront Park
5:00pm-10:00pm
301 N. Biscayne Blvd.
For more information call the Miami Police Dept.Community Relations Section @ (305) 579-6184or e-mail aileen.rodriguez@miami-police.org.
*FREE INFORMATION ON:•Crime Watch Program•Fingerprint/DNA processing for kids•Gun Safety Tips•Door Lock Information•(Cancer & HIV) Health Awareness•Citizens on Patrol•Citizen Police Academy•Crime Prevention Literature andDemonstrations•Miami Police Athletic•Do The Right Thing•Police and Fire Demonstrations•Poison Control (Anti Venom)•Music, Food and Much More!Participants:
Hey Dade County, feel free to e-mail me information on any National Night Out events in Miami-Dade county. I'll post it for ya.
National Night Out-Broward
From the South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Broward County National Night Out events
Dania Beach: Refreshments and a classic car show, 6:30-10 p.m., Dania Beach City Hall, 100 W. Dania Beach Blvd. Call 954-926-3287.
Deerfield Beach: Demonstrations, law enforcement equipment, free paper shredding to prevent identity theft, 6-9 p.m., Quiet Waters Park, Pavilion 10, 401 S. Powerline Road. Call 954-420-5554.
Fort Lauderdale: Vehicles and horses, a firearms simulator booth, a fake raid on a crack house and a staged rescue of a car-crash victim, free parking, 5-8 p.m., Holiday Park, 1300 E. Sunrise Blvd. Call 954-822-4727.
Crime prevention information, entertainment and refreshments, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Rev. Samuel Delevoe Memorial Park, 2520 NW Sixth St. Call 954-791-1036.
Hallandale Beach: Vehicle displays, K-9 demonstrations, free child IDs from Memorial Healthcare System, artists, 6:30-9:30 p.m., O.B. Johnson Park, 745 NW Ninth St. Free round-trip shuttle service, 5:30-10 p.m. from Hallandale Beach Cultural Community Center, 410 SE Third St. Call 954-457-1644.
Hollywood: Multiple block parties with McGruff the Crime Dog. 6-8 p.m., Stan Goldman Park, 800 Knights Road; 6-8 p.m., Charnow Park, 300 Connecticut St.; 6-8 p.m., Hollywood Hills, 530 N. Rainbow Drive; 6-9 p.m., Washington Park Recreation Center, 5199 Pembroke Road; 6-9 p.m., McNichol Recreation Center, 1411 S. 28th Ave.; 5:30-8 p.m., Liberia Network Center, 2207 Raleigh St.; 6-8 p.m., Highland Gardens Civic Association, 24th Avenue and Adams Street; 6:30-8 p.m., Emerald Hills, 3711 N. 54th Ave.; 6-9 p.m., Boys & Girls Club, 1111 N. 69th Way; 5:30-8:30 p.m., Driftwood, 7300 block of Cody Street; 5:30-9:30 p.m., North Central, 2633 Cleveland St.; 6:30-8:30 p.m., Northwest Business, Garfield Street between 64th and 65th avenues; 6-8 p.m., Wesleyan Church, 6095 Funston St.
Lauderdale Lakes: Demonstrations, displays, giveaways, 6-9 p.m. at Vincent Torres Memorial Park, 4331 NW 36th St. Call 954-497-1692.
Margate: K-9 demonstrations, the presidential limo, police vehicle displays, antique police cars, live entertainment and free food, 7-10 p.m., Sports Complex, 1755 Banks Road. Call 954-972-1232.
North Lauderdale: DJ, bounce houses, clowns, face painting, BSO motorcycles and displays, Duncan the Robot, free food, 6-9 p.m. at North Lauderdale City Hall, 701 SW 71st Ave. (Rock Island Road). Call 954-724-7060.
Parkland: Representatives from SWAT, mounted patrol, K-9 and fire rescue, child safety and crime prevention literature, 6-8 p.m. in the parking lot of the Broward Sheriff's Office, 6650 University Drive. Call 954-753-5050.
Pompano Beach: A mile walking procession escorted by Broward Sheriff's deputies at 6 p.m. leaves Pompano Beach Highlands Park, 1650 NE 50th Court, winds through the Highlands and returns to the park for presentations and children's programs. Call 954-933-6393.
Sunrise: Helicopters on display, military equipment, a K-9 demonstration and a cookout, 5:30-8:30 p.m. at Sunrise Civic Center, 10610 W. Oakland Park Blvd. Call 954-746-3392.
Tamarac: Displays, fire rescue units, safety information, DJ, free food and drinks, rides and a clown. Free child ID kit for fingerprinting, 6-9 p.m., Broward Sheriff's District Office, 7515 N. Pine Island Road. Call 954-720-2225.
Weston: Car seat checks, VIN etching, displays, 5-8 p.m. at Weston Police Services Center, 17300 Royal Palm Blvd. Call 954-389-2010, ext. 232.
Wilton Manors: Police officers visit registered block parties from 7-10 p.m. Residents may register by calling 954-390-2150.
Broward County National Night Out events
Dania Beach: Refreshments and a classic car show, 6:30-10 p.m., Dania Beach City Hall, 100 W. Dania Beach Blvd. Call 954-926-3287.
Deerfield Beach: Demonstrations, law enforcement equipment, free paper shredding to prevent identity theft, 6-9 p.m., Quiet Waters Park, Pavilion 10, 401 S. Powerline Road. Call 954-420-5554.
Fort Lauderdale: Vehicles and horses, a firearms simulator booth, a fake raid on a crack house and a staged rescue of a car-crash victim, free parking, 5-8 p.m., Holiday Park, 1300 E. Sunrise Blvd. Call 954-822-4727.
Crime prevention information, entertainment and refreshments, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Rev. Samuel Delevoe Memorial Park, 2520 NW Sixth St. Call 954-791-1036.
Hallandale Beach: Vehicle displays, K-9 demonstrations, free child IDs from Memorial Healthcare System, artists, 6:30-9:30 p.m., O.B. Johnson Park, 745 NW Ninth St. Free round-trip shuttle service, 5:30-10 p.m. from Hallandale Beach Cultural Community Center, 410 SE Third St. Call 954-457-1644.
Hollywood: Multiple block parties with McGruff the Crime Dog. 6-8 p.m., Stan Goldman Park, 800 Knights Road; 6-8 p.m., Charnow Park, 300 Connecticut St.; 6-8 p.m., Hollywood Hills, 530 N. Rainbow Drive; 6-9 p.m., Washington Park Recreation Center, 5199 Pembroke Road; 6-9 p.m., McNichol Recreation Center, 1411 S. 28th Ave.; 5:30-8 p.m., Liberia Network Center, 2207 Raleigh St.; 6-8 p.m., Highland Gardens Civic Association, 24th Avenue and Adams Street; 6:30-8 p.m., Emerald Hills, 3711 N. 54th Ave.; 6-9 p.m., Boys & Girls Club, 1111 N. 69th Way; 5:30-8:30 p.m., Driftwood, 7300 block of Cody Street; 5:30-9:30 p.m., North Central, 2633 Cleveland St.; 6:30-8:30 p.m., Northwest Business, Garfield Street between 64th and 65th avenues; 6-8 p.m., Wesleyan Church, 6095 Funston St.
Lauderdale Lakes: Demonstrations, displays, giveaways, 6-9 p.m. at Vincent Torres Memorial Park, 4331 NW 36th St. Call 954-497-1692.
Margate: K-9 demonstrations, the presidential limo, police vehicle displays, antique police cars, live entertainment and free food, 7-10 p.m., Sports Complex, 1755 Banks Road. Call 954-972-1232.
North Lauderdale: DJ, bounce houses, clowns, face painting, BSO motorcycles and displays, Duncan the Robot, free food, 6-9 p.m. at North Lauderdale City Hall, 701 SW 71st Ave. (Rock Island Road). Call 954-724-7060.
Parkland: Representatives from SWAT, mounted patrol, K-9 and fire rescue, child safety and crime prevention literature, 6-8 p.m. in the parking lot of the Broward Sheriff's Office, 6650 University Drive. Call 954-753-5050.
Pompano Beach: A mile walking procession escorted by Broward Sheriff's deputies at 6 p.m. leaves Pompano Beach Highlands Park, 1650 NE 50th Court, winds through the Highlands and returns to the park for presentations and children's programs. Call 954-933-6393.
Sunrise: Helicopters on display, military equipment, a K-9 demonstration and a cookout, 5:30-8:30 p.m. at Sunrise Civic Center, 10610 W. Oakland Park Blvd. Call 954-746-3392.
Tamarac: Displays, fire rescue units, safety information, DJ, free food and drinks, rides and a clown. Free child ID kit for fingerprinting, 6-9 p.m., Broward Sheriff's District Office, 7515 N. Pine Island Road. Call 954-720-2225.
Weston: Car seat checks, VIN etching, displays, 5-8 p.m. at Weston Police Services Center, 17300 Royal Palm Blvd. Call 954-389-2010, ext. 232.
Wilton Manors: Police officers visit registered block parties from 7-10 p.m. Residents may register by calling 954-390-2150.
Morgan get-well
Morgan Freeman is nursing a broken arm, broken elbow and minor shoulder damage after a car accident in Mississippi. His publicist says he's "in good spirits."
If you wanna send a get-well message, you can send it to:
PO Box 16548
Encino, CA 01416
Or on the'Net:
Blog site for Freeman wishes: Just click here.
Morgan Freeman (born June 1, 1937) is an Academy Award-winning American actor, film director and narrator. Noted for his reserved demeanor and authoritative speaking voice, Freeman has become one of Hollywood's most popular and respected actors.
Although his first credited film appearance was in 1971's Who Says I Can't Ride a Rainbow?, Freeman first became known in the American media through roles on the soap opera Another World and the PBS kids' show The Electric Company,[4] (notably as Easy Reader and Vincent the Vegetable Vampire) which he claimed he should have left earlier than he did.
Beginning in the mid-1980s, Freeman began playing prominent supporting roles in many feature films, earning him a reputation for depicting wise and fatherly characters.[4] As he gained fame, he went on to bigger roles in films such as the chauffeur Hoke in Driving Miss Daisy, and Sergeant Major Rawlins in Glory (both in 1989).[4] In 1994 he portrayed Red, the redeemed convict in the acclaimed The Shawshank Redemption. His star power was already confirmed as he starred in some of the biggest films of the 1990s, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, Se7en, and Deep Impact. In 1997, Freeman, together with Lori McCreary, founded the movie production company Revelations Entertainment, and the two co-head its sister online movie distribution company ClickStar. Freeman also hosts the channel Our Space on ClickStar, with specially crafted film clips in which he shares his love for the sciences, especially space exploration and aeronautics.
After three previous nominations – a supporting actor nomination for Street Smart (1987), and leading actor nominations for Driving Miss Daisy (1989), and The Shawshank Redemption (1994) – he won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in Million Dollar Baby at the 77th Academy Awards.[4] Freeman is recognized for his distinctive voice, making him a frequent choice for narration. In 2005 alone, he provided narration for two of the most successful films of the year, War of the Worlds and the Academy Award-winning documentary film March of the Penguins.
In 1991, Morgan Freeman was offered a lead role in Jurassic Park. Unsure that dinosaurs could make for interesting co-stars, Freeman traveled to the Museum of Natural History to see the “damn beasts” in person. In a 2007 interview with Atlanta Radio Correspondent Veronica Waters, Freeman revealed that he was stunned when he learned that birds descended from dinosaurs. While he turned down the role, Freeman spent the next summer reading books on Ornithology. This would later lead to his desire to narrate the documentary March of the Penguins.
Freeman has recently been well known for his role as God in the hit movie Bruce Almighty and its sequel, Evan Almighty, as well as his role as Lucius Fox in the critical and commercial success Batman Begins and its 2008 sequel, The Dark Knight. He starred in Rob Reiner's 2007 film The Bucket List, opposite Jack Nicholson, playing terminal cancer patients who must fulfill their lists of goals. He teams with Christopher Walken and William H. Macy in the comedy The Lonely Maiden, due out in late 2008. In April 2008, Freeman returned to Broadway to co-star with Frances McDormand and Peter Gallagher for a limited engagement of Clifford Odets's play, The Country Girl, directed by Mike Nichols.
If you wanna send a get-well message, you can send it to:
PO Box 16548
Encino, CA 01416
Or on the'Net:
Blog site for Freeman wishes: Just click here.
Morgan Freeman (born June 1, 1937) is an Academy Award-winning American actor, film director and narrator. Noted for his reserved demeanor and authoritative speaking voice, Freeman has become one of Hollywood's most popular and respected actors.
Although his first credited film appearance was in 1971's Who Says I Can't Ride a Rainbow?, Freeman first became known in the American media through roles on the soap opera Another World and the PBS kids' show The Electric Company,[4] (notably as Easy Reader and Vincent the Vegetable Vampire) which he claimed he should have left earlier than he did.
Beginning in the mid-1980s, Freeman began playing prominent supporting roles in many feature films, earning him a reputation for depicting wise and fatherly characters.[4] As he gained fame, he went on to bigger roles in films such as the chauffeur Hoke in Driving Miss Daisy, and Sergeant Major Rawlins in Glory (both in 1989).[4] In 1994 he portrayed Red, the redeemed convict in the acclaimed The Shawshank Redemption. His star power was already confirmed as he starred in some of the biggest films of the 1990s, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, Se7en, and Deep Impact. In 1997, Freeman, together with Lori McCreary, founded the movie production company Revelations Entertainment, and the two co-head its sister online movie distribution company ClickStar. Freeman also hosts the channel Our Space on ClickStar, with specially crafted film clips in which he shares his love for the sciences, especially space exploration and aeronautics.
After three previous nominations – a supporting actor nomination for Street Smart (1987), and leading actor nominations for Driving Miss Daisy (1989), and The Shawshank Redemption (1994) – he won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in Million Dollar Baby at the 77th Academy Awards.[4] Freeman is recognized for his distinctive voice, making him a frequent choice for narration. In 2005 alone, he provided narration for two of the most successful films of the year, War of the Worlds and the Academy Award-winning documentary film March of the Penguins.
In 1991, Morgan Freeman was offered a lead role in Jurassic Park. Unsure that dinosaurs could make for interesting co-stars, Freeman traveled to the Museum of Natural History to see the “damn beasts” in person. In a 2007 interview with Atlanta Radio Correspondent Veronica Waters, Freeman revealed that he was stunned when he learned that birds descended from dinosaurs. While he turned down the role, Freeman spent the next summer reading books on Ornithology. This would later lead to his desire to narrate the documentary March of the Penguins.
Freeman has recently been well known for his role as God in the hit movie Bruce Almighty and its sequel, Evan Almighty, as well as his role as Lucius Fox in the critical and commercial success Batman Begins and its 2008 sequel, The Dark Knight. He starred in Rob Reiner's 2007 film The Bucket List, opposite Jack Nicholson, playing terminal cancer patients who must fulfill their lists of goals. He teams with Christopher Walken and William H. Macy in the comedy The Lonely Maiden, due out in late 2008. In April 2008, Freeman returned to Broadway to co-star with Frances McDormand and Peter Gallagher for a limited engagement of Clifford Odets's play, The Country Girl, directed by Mike Nichols.
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