Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season so far. I also wanted to squeeze in a minute's time and say Happy New Year.
Sadly, my family's New Year is starting with the unexpected death of my best friend's older brother. As he wasn't much older than me and he was the same age as my own older brother, I'm still in a bit of a state of shock. For the first portion of the year, my focus will be on helping out wherever I can. I know I'll have the baby during the private memorial service. Meanwhile, it really kind of hits home - doesn't matter how old you are - death can hit suddenly and unexpectedly!
I hope everyone else has a wonderful and prosperous New Year!
Saturday, December 30, 2006
Friday, December 15, 2006
Mock Trial
My son has spent the past two months completing a course called "Mock Trial." In this course, the 7th and 8th graders learn what it is like to be a lawyer. I learned a few things in the process as well!
The case involves three private high schoolers - Anne, Beck, and Cody. Beck and Cody are feeling pressured to pass a certain honors class so they steal a blank copy of the test. Anne catches them and school policy is that she must turn them in or face strict punishments. Beck tries to talk her out of it. Over the weekend, Beck and Cody go to a local beach to try to talk to Anne - Anne is murdered and Beck is arrested.
Okay, here is the kicker - this entire case is based on circumstantial evidence. My son was on the prosecution. Their biggest evidence is the bloody rock and then a statement Beck makes to police about Anne's head being bashed in - that statement is thrown out because Beck's parents were not there when Beck was questioned. So this leaves the poor kids trying to win with no hope.
They did a fantastic job! I congratulate all of them - it had to have been hard to put on this performance to a room full of adults, but in front of real lawyers and a real judge - that makes it a lot more nerve racking! They did great.
Meanwhile, I learned something important.
Jury chairs are horrendously uncomfortable. This case lasted 3 1/2 hours - all on a school night no less - we were there from 6:30 to 10pm and by the time I left my tail bone was killing me. I can't imagine HOW any juror makes it through a case when it is extremely apparent that the chairs are not designed for comfort.
The case involves three private high schoolers - Anne, Beck, and Cody. Beck and Cody are feeling pressured to pass a certain honors class so they steal a blank copy of the test. Anne catches them and school policy is that she must turn them in or face strict punishments. Beck tries to talk her out of it. Over the weekend, Beck and Cody go to a local beach to try to talk to Anne - Anne is murdered and Beck is arrested.
Okay, here is the kicker - this entire case is based on circumstantial evidence. My son was on the prosecution. Their biggest evidence is the bloody rock and then a statement Beck makes to police about Anne's head being bashed in - that statement is thrown out because Beck's parents were not there when Beck was questioned. So this leaves the poor kids trying to win with no hope.
They did a fantastic job! I congratulate all of them - it had to have been hard to put on this performance to a room full of adults, but in front of real lawyers and a real judge - that makes it a lot more nerve racking! They did great.
Meanwhile, I learned something important.
Jury chairs are horrendously uncomfortable. This case lasted 3 1/2 hours - all on a school night no less - we were there from 6:30 to 10pm and by the time I left my tail bone was killing me. I can't imagine HOW any juror makes it through a case when it is extremely apparent that the chairs are not designed for comfort.
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Jane Eyre
I picked up this book a few weeks ago and then had to walk away due to more pressing demands. So yesterday, I started it over. I still find myself utterly entranced with Charlotte Bronte's classic novel.
Many claim that Jane Austen is the founding voice in romance, I won't argue. However, I'm reading Jane Eyre (into the third part now) and I would bet money that many Regency romance authors started with this book. The classic pairing of a wealthy man and his child's governess is all too apparent.
If you read historical romance and have missed Jane Eyre, definitely pick it up! I have work to do - otherwise I'd be elsewhere with my nose in the book waiting for the final page!
Friday, December 08, 2006
Love, Magic, & Mudpies
Here is a parenting guide that I will happily put my faith in. Why? The author, Dr. Bernie Siegel, is as laid back as they come. He throws away traditional parenting and suggests having fun! He's the first to admit his own parenting faults and says no parent is perfect! It's about time.
Dr. Siegel won me over after pointing out one small fact. How many of you have taken a day off of work because you were tired of it all? We've all done it. There have been times I have stayed in PJ's all day and ignored the computer. I call them "Mental Health Days", Dr. Siegel refers to them as "health days." He also states that he gave his children five health days per semester.
This is the first time I have heard of anyone else doing this. I've been known to let my son take a "mental health" day from time to time. This year he has been adverse to doing so. The school changed the policy last year and more than 3 days of missed school meant a child was sent home with a letter discussing delinquency. After seven days off, a meeting was held with the advisory board. They did it to cut delinquency, in the end they've scared kids into going to school sick.
I'm ticked off about it and have not let the brainchild behind this new policy rest since.
I'm going to agree with Dr. Siegel. Kids are being given federally mandated tests earlier than ever. They are being pushed in school beyond reasonable demands. Kindergarteners are coming home with an hour's worth of homework some days. Some areas require kindergarteners to give their first oral report (I know ours does). Studies show that kids are under more stress than ever, so if they ask for a mental health day and their grades are fine, why not give it to them? You know if you were pressured at work and tired of it all, you'd take a personal day!
Dr. Siegel won me over after pointing out one small fact. How many of you have taken a day off of work because you were tired of it all? We've all done it. There have been times I have stayed in PJ's all day and ignored the computer. I call them "Mental Health Days", Dr. Siegel refers to them as "health days." He also states that he gave his children five health days per semester.
This is the first time I have heard of anyone else doing this. I've been known to let my son take a "mental health" day from time to time. This year he has been adverse to doing so. The school changed the policy last year and more than 3 days of missed school meant a child was sent home with a letter discussing delinquency. After seven days off, a meeting was held with the advisory board. They did it to cut delinquency, in the end they've scared kids into going to school sick.
I'm ticked off about it and have not let the brainchild behind this new policy rest since.
I'm going to agree with Dr. Siegel. Kids are being given federally mandated tests earlier than ever. They are being pushed in school beyond reasonable demands. Kindergarteners are coming home with an hour's worth of homework some days. Some areas require kindergarteners to give their first oral report (I know ours does). Studies show that kids are under more stress than ever, so if they ask for a mental health day and their grades are fine, why not give it to them? You know if you were pressured at work and tired of it all, you'd take a personal day!
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Avoid this one!
With Christmas coming, I know many people are out there hunting for unique gifts. I don't care who you are purchasing a gift for, avoid this product:
http://www.epinions.com/content_217832525444
I'm sure you've seen the automatic shower cleaner advertised on TV. The man is brushing his teeth and finds a dozen maids in his tub. I love gadgets, so as soon as I had a $5 off coupon, I ran out and bought one.
At first, I was pretty amazed. It seemed to keep stains down. My unit dripped after using it, though, so I would have to go in and wipe up the drips from time to time. If any of us were taking a bath, it would start dripping and annoying the hell out of whoever happened to be in the tub. Not to mention, I wasn't sure the cleaner is safe enough to be dripping onto the feet during a shower, especially with little ones.
Anyway, while my friend was up, we started noticing that where the cleaning system was dripping, the chrome finish on the tub spout was slowly dissolving. I immediately threw the system away. If it can eat off the chrome finish, I can only imagine what it does to other surfaces.
Here is what they say:
Is Scrubbing Bubbles® Automatic Shower Cleaner safe to use on most shower/tub surfaces?
Yes. Scrubbing Bubbles® Automatic Shower Cleaner can be used in most standard showers, including fiberglass, acrylic, and plastic shower stalls and shower/tub enclosures. Scrubbing Bubbles® Automatic Shower Cleaner is also safe for use on plastic and synthetic shower curtains. Over time, it may lighten natural fabrics such as cotton. Do not use Scrubbing Bubbles® Automatic Shower Cleaner in showers with brass fixtures, natural marble, or finished wood surfaces. Rinse surfaces well if the cleaner is accidentally sprayed on these surfaces.
Now, I don't have brass fixtures, so I figured I was fine. BIG mistake. I now have to put in new fixtures. My shower curtain (the heavy-duty hotel type) is also starting to dissolve.
Trust me, this product is not worth it - run far, far away!
http://www.epinions.com/content_217832525444
I'm sure you've seen the automatic shower cleaner advertised on TV. The man is brushing his teeth and finds a dozen maids in his tub. I love gadgets, so as soon as I had a $5 off coupon, I ran out and bought one.
At first, I was pretty amazed. It seemed to keep stains down. My unit dripped after using it, though, so I would have to go in and wipe up the drips from time to time. If any of us were taking a bath, it would start dripping and annoying the hell out of whoever happened to be in the tub. Not to mention, I wasn't sure the cleaner is safe enough to be dripping onto the feet during a shower, especially with little ones.
Anyway, while my friend was up, we started noticing that where the cleaning system was dripping, the chrome finish on the tub spout was slowly dissolving. I immediately threw the system away. If it can eat off the chrome finish, I can only imagine what it does to other surfaces.
Here is what they say:
Is Scrubbing Bubbles® Automatic Shower Cleaner safe to use on most shower/tub surfaces?
Yes. Scrubbing Bubbles® Automatic Shower Cleaner can be used in most standard showers, including fiberglass, acrylic, and plastic shower stalls and shower/tub enclosures. Scrubbing Bubbles® Automatic Shower Cleaner is also safe for use on plastic and synthetic shower curtains. Over time, it may lighten natural fabrics such as cotton. Do not use Scrubbing Bubbles® Automatic Shower Cleaner in showers with brass fixtures, natural marble, or finished wood surfaces. Rinse surfaces well if the cleaner is accidentally sprayed on these surfaces.
Now, I don't have brass fixtures, so I figured I was fine. BIG mistake. I now have to put in new fixtures. My shower curtain (the heavy-duty hotel type) is also starting to dissolve.
Trust me, this product is not worth it - run far, far away!
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Movie Break: The Break-Up
Okay, someone please tell me - what part of this movie is a romantic "comedy?" I have never been so disgusted with a movie ending in my life!!!!
The movie stars Vince Vaughn and Jennifer Aniston. They play a couple who are crazy for one another, but in typical male fashion, he wants to kick back and relax and she's a little high strung and wants to know she is appreciated. Sorry guys, we are hormonal 99% of the time and we do like to know this from time to time without us having to prompt you along!
Anyway, in order to get him to realize how much he needs her, Jennifer's character breaks up with him. Only they must live together in their condo still and this presents a major problem. He's as stubborn as they come; she's possibly more stubborn, and neither is going to cave in.
So there is the basic premise to the movie. Now for the spoiler:
Don't read the next paragraph if you do not want to know how the movie ends!!!
The ending is not what I was expecting. He realizes he's screwed up. He tries to patch things up. She spurns him. Heads off on her travels. Returns. They bump into each other and go their separate ways. They end up apart. What kind of ROMANTIC comedy is this? It was depressing and the happily-ever-after never arrived! I'm feeling rather depressed at having spent money to see this stuff. If I wanted depressing, I could have flipped on the news!
The movie stars Vince Vaughn and Jennifer Aniston. They play a couple who are crazy for one another, but in typical male fashion, he wants to kick back and relax and she's a little high strung and wants to know she is appreciated. Sorry guys, we are hormonal 99% of the time and we do like to know this from time to time without us having to prompt you along!
Anyway, in order to get him to realize how much he needs her, Jennifer's character breaks up with him. Only they must live together in their condo still and this presents a major problem. He's as stubborn as they come; she's possibly more stubborn, and neither is going to cave in.
So there is the basic premise to the movie. Now for the spoiler:
Don't read the next paragraph if you do not want to know how the movie ends!!!
The ending is not what I was expecting. He realizes he's screwed up. He tries to patch things up. She spurns him. Heads off on her travels. Returns. They bump into each other and go their separate ways. They end up apart. What kind of ROMANTIC comedy is this? It was depressing and the happily-ever-after never arrived! I'm feeling rather depressed at having spent money to see this stuff. If I wanted depressing, I could have flipped on the news!
Friday, December 01, 2006
Television & Books
For years, I read Kathy Reich's Temperence Brennan series religiously. I loved this series and found myself addicted from the start. Temperence Brennan is a forensic anthropologist who splits her time between North Carolina and Montreal (a city about 1 1/2 hours north of me that I can't say I enjoy because every Montrealan I've encountered has been snotty and rude to tourists.)
Last year, I started watching Bones. Bones is the television series based on Temperence "Bones". At first, I disliked it. Bones was much younger, the romantic side of Bones was gone, and she was based in D.C. That made the show seem totally wrong.
As time has passed, however, I tried reading a book and found myself truly disliking it. I've grown to prefer the show over the books. It leads me to wonder - are authors doing themselves a disservice by crossing over. Why not create an entirely new character with new names and pitch that to television instead?
Max Collins seems to have the knack - but he goes the opposite way. He takes a show and then writes a book about that show. These television show based book series have never disappointed me.
Last year, I started watching Bones. Bones is the television series based on Temperence "Bones". At first, I disliked it. Bones was much younger, the romantic side of Bones was gone, and she was based in D.C. That made the show seem totally wrong.
As time has passed, however, I tried reading a book and found myself truly disliking it. I've grown to prefer the show over the books. It leads me to wonder - are authors doing themselves a disservice by crossing over. Why not create an entirely new character with new names and pitch that to television instead?
Max Collins seems to have the knack - but he goes the opposite way. He takes a show and then writes a book about that show. These television show based book series have never disappointed me.
Writing: Getting Paid To Blog
Can you truly make money blogging? Sure, but the better question becomes is the pay worth the required time?
Many paying blogging sites earn money through Google's Adsense. They also require their writers to spend hours every day posting responses on similar blogs in order to get their name out there... Though that doesn't officially qualify as SPAM, it certainly seems it. Blogging for money can be cut throat, but at the same time becoming cut throat and being in it only for the money takes a lot of the joy away.
If you have hours to spend, certainly look into it, but be careful. While it can sound easy, you may find the time you are putting in does not become worthwhile when you receive a paycheck for less than $10 after investing 2 or 3 hours a day over a month's span. $10 for 60 hours of time is absurd!
Many paying blogging sites earn money through Google's Adsense. They also require their writers to spend hours every day posting responses on similar blogs in order to get their name out there... Though that doesn't officially qualify as SPAM, it certainly seems it. Blogging for money can be cut throat, but at the same time becoming cut throat and being in it only for the money takes a lot of the joy away.
If you have hours to spend, certainly look into it, but be careful. While it can sound easy, you may find the time you are putting in does not become worthwhile when you receive a paycheck for less than $10 after investing 2 or 3 hours a day over a month's span. $10 for 60 hours of time is absurd!
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