OK...so I know this isn't a tech blog, but I just heard that the California Supreme Court ruled today that simple spam is not property trespass unless there is proof of harm to the computer network on which it is received. The case involved a former Intel employee who sent email critical of the company to other employees.
I personally like the analogy that it would be like saying a "mailbox was harmed after reading an unpleasant letter or the telephone was harmed after receiving an intrusive phone call." (The mailbox read the letter? The telephone received an intrusive phone call?) Sorry...I digress...
Here's my question...does this mean that this man could now step up his campaign and send snail mail (in addition to the email)to the employees? Could he begin phone calling them? Surely there is some theory that would prevent this type of harassment. So why didn't they argue that in this email case?
Monday, June 30, 2003
President Ridge?
OK... this is scary. Personally...if all the people in the presidential succession get picked off, and the Homeland Security Secretary becomes President (18th in line or 8th in line doesn't matter), I'm moving to Canada.
OK... this is scary. Personally...if all the people in the presidential succession get picked off, and the Homeland Security Secretary becomes President (18th in line or 8th in line doesn't matter), I'm moving to Canada.
Merriam-Webster has added some new words to the new edition of the Collegiate dictionary. Looks like ME1's favorite, "oy" is finally official. Of course there are other new words added...I'm still looking for a complete list.
Merriam-Webster has added some new words to the new edition of the Collegiate dictionary. Looks like ME1's favorite, "oy" is finally official.
Well, I can report that I have not lost my mind. Not completely, anyway. Today at around 3:20pm I heard and felt what I thought was a truck driving by (we live on a particularly busy and noisy road)...trouble was, I didn't see any truck at the time. Next, I thought possibly a tree limb had fallen on the roof...nope, wrong again. As it turns out, there was a small earthquake out here in the boonies today. 3.4 on the Richter scale. No damage, and Baby Boy slept through it...but it gave me something to blog about today.
The Christian Science Monitor has an interesting article in its July 1 edition. The Story Behind Dropout Rates examines what dropout rates really mean in relation to race. It takes a particular look at the relation between dropout rates and rates of incarceration among black and Hispanic children.
For anyone who's interested, these numbers (dropout rates) are a product of a study conducted by The Child Trends DataBank. This organization offers many studies concerning children every year.
For anyone who's interested, these numbers (dropout rates) are a product of a study conducted by The Child Trends DataBank. This organization offers many studies concerning children every year.
Sunday, June 29, 2003
Good-Bye to a Classy Lady
Katherine Hepburn died today. Desk Set and The Philadelphia Story are among my all time favorite movies.
Not only was she a talented actress, but she was a very interesting person: clever, funny and spunky. If you have never read her books, take a gander at "The Making of The African Queen: Or, How I Went To Africa With Bogart, Bacall and Huston and Almost Lost My Mind," (Also great for Bogie and Bacall fans) or "Me: Stories from My Life," both written by Katherine Hepburn.
Katherine Hepburn died today. Desk Set and The Philadelphia Story are among my all time favorite movies.
Not only was she a talented actress, but she was a very interesting person: clever, funny and spunky. If you have never read her books, take a gander at "The Making of The African Queen: Or, How I Went To Africa With Bogart, Bacall and Huston and Almost Lost My Mind," (Also great for Bogie and Bacall fans) or "Me: Stories from My Life," both written by Katherine Hepburn.
Something Funny on the Ark
My Daughter also received a Fisher Price Little People Noah's Ark for her birthday. It is a very cool gift that comes with two toucans, two lions, two zebras, two giraffes, two goldfish in a water bucket and, of course, Noah and his wife. We've noticed a few issues while playing with the ark.
You can buy additional animals for the ark: hippos, peacocks, rhinos, alligators etc. Interesting thing is that all the female animals are clearly smaller, have pink ears, are blushing (I'm not kidding) and have their tales pointing up (I'm not going to try to give you hubby's explanation of that one--this is a family blog)! Umm, so all the female animals took the time to put on make-up before they got on the ark? {Sigh} I guess I'm greatful they don't have ribbons or mascara or sky blue eye shadow (yes I was a kid in the 70's).
Also, in the handy dandy materials accompanying the ark, they only refer Noah's wife as Noah's wife and not by any name. This is just one of those little things in life that just kind of irritate me. The woman was directed to gather all the plants and she did. She probably cleaned the stalls and did the cooking for her hubby, her sons and their wives while Noah watched for the dove to return. Seriously, eight people taking care of all the animals of the world, and no one could bother to put Noah's wife's given name (or the names of any of the wives) in the story?
My daughter can supposedly play with the ark until she's five. What does Fisher Price expect me to tell her? Noah's wife doesn't have a name? What kind of message will she pick up regarding women's roles and identities?
My mother in law thought her name was Tovah, which is nice enough, except that it appears she was mistaken.
My diligent hubby searched for the name of Noah's wife today. We have discovered that it was probably "Naamah". I think it's interesting the meaning of the name varies depending on the information source: it means "beautiful" because Caanites were vain or it means "pleasant" because her actions were pleasing to God.
I am now torn. Do I call the little figure "Naamah," which sounds an awful lot like "Mama" and run the risk of confusing my baby girl? Or do I stick with Tovah, which I have been using since her gramma mentioned it last week even though I now know it is wrong? This is the kind of problem you don't see being discussed at ask Dr. Sears, Kelly's Attachment Parenting site or Baby Center. I really didn't think I was going to be worrying about gender issues when my daughter was only one. I just wanted her to be able to play with a bunch of little animals. You see where that got me.
Just for fun, meticulous hubby also learned that Naamah is a skin care company and a Polish progressive metal/goth band (who just played a festival with 3 Doors Down).
Finally, he found two children's stories regarding Naamah. This one is for kids 0 - 4 years old. The other is for ages 4 to 8. I can't vouch for them since I haven't read them yet, but I'll probably pick them up. I feel like I must do something to share Naamah's story with my daughter. Although, she will probably make up her own stories and adventures with Naamah, Noah and the Ark as she gets older.
My Daughter also received a Fisher Price Little People Noah's Ark for her birthday. It is a very cool gift that comes with two toucans, two lions, two zebras, two giraffes, two goldfish in a water bucket and, of course, Noah and his wife. We've noticed a few issues while playing with the ark.
You can buy additional animals for the ark: hippos, peacocks, rhinos, alligators etc. Interesting thing is that all the female animals are clearly smaller, have pink ears, are blushing (I'm not kidding) and have their tales pointing up (I'm not going to try to give you hubby's explanation of that one--this is a family blog)! Umm, so all the female animals took the time to put on make-up before they got on the ark? {Sigh} I guess I'm greatful they don't have ribbons or mascara or sky blue eye shadow (yes I was a kid in the 70's).
Also, in the handy dandy materials accompanying the ark, they only refer Noah's wife as Noah's wife and not by any name. This is just one of those little things in life that just kind of irritate me. The woman was directed to gather all the plants and she did. She probably cleaned the stalls and did the cooking for her hubby, her sons and their wives while Noah watched for the dove to return. Seriously, eight people taking care of all the animals of the world, and no one could bother to put Noah's wife's given name (or the names of any of the wives) in the story?
My daughter can supposedly play with the ark until she's five. What does Fisher Price expect me to tell her? Noah's wife doesn't have a name? What kind of message will she pick up regarding women's roles and identities?
My mother in law thought her name was Tovah, which is nice enough, except that it appears she was mistaken.
My diligent hubby searched for the name of Noah's wife today. We have discovered that it was probably "Naamah". I think it's interesting the meaning of the name varies depending on the information source: it means "beautiful" because Caanites were vain or it means "pleasant" because her actions were pleasing to God.
I am now torn. Do I call the little figure "Naamah," which sounds an awful lot like "Mama" and run the risk of confusing my baby girl? Or do I stick with Tovah, which I have been using since her gramma mentioned it last week even though I now know it is wrong? This is the kind of problem you don't see being discussed at ask Dr. Sears, Kelly's Attachment Parenting site or Baby Center. I really didn't think I was going to be worrying about gender issues when my daughter was only one. I just wanted her to be able to play with a bunch of little animals. You see where that got me.
Just for fun, meticulous hubby also learned that Naamah is a skin care company and a Polish progressive metal/goth band (who just played a festival with 3 Doors Down).
Finally, he found two children's stories regarding Naamah. This one is for kids 0 - 4 years old. The other is for ages 4 to 8. I can't vouch for them since I haven't read them yet, but I'll probably pick them up. I feel like I must do something to share Naamah's story with my daughter. Although, she will probably make up her own stories and adventures with Naamah, Noah and the Ark as she gets older.
Saturday, June 28, 2003
My darling girl received several books for her birthday--no shock to anyone who knows us. Over the next few weeks I'll try to talk about all of them.
First off, is a book her gradma bought her: The Very Lonely Firefly by Eric Carle. I've mentioned before that my m-i-l is a pre-K teacher. Eric Carle's books are quite a staple for the four-year-old set.
The poor little firefly is born one evening and desperately searches for other fireflies. After several cases of mistaken identity, when the world is quiet, he finds some firefly friends. Best of all, the board book has a battery in it (which can be replaced) so the fireflies light up at the end of the story. Very cool.
Thursday, June 26, 2003
Hey kids...want to win a horse?
A woman in Chillicothe, Ohio, is running a horse giveaway. She rescued the baby horse and is now trying to find her a loving home. She's accepting essays from children and will decide the horse's new home based on the essays she receives. Apparently, the goal is to provide a horse for a child who may not otherwise be able to afford it. While I admire the thought, if the child can't afford a $1000 horse, what's the likelihood the child can afford the room and board a horse requires???
A woman in Chillicothe, Ohio, is running a horse giveaway. She rescued the baby horse and is now trying to find her a loving home. She's accepting essays from children and will decide the horse's new home based on the essays she receives. Apparently, the goal is to provide a horse for a child who may not otherwise be able to afford it. While I admire the thought, if the child can't afford a $1000 horse, what's the likelihood the child can afford the room and board a horse requires???
In a case that keeps getting stranger and stranger...
Remember the woman who was arrested for breastfeeding while driving? Well, now her husband claims, "he wants to be prosecuted instead, citing a religious belief that he is the only one who can punish his wife for a public act." Brad Barnhill belongs to the First Christian Fellowship for Eternal Sovereignty. ME1, you ought to check out the website (it reminds me of our friend who tried re-writing the constitution). What was that website? We really should share with our readers...they need a good trip to the Twilight Zone too.
Remember the woman who was arrested for breastfeeding while driving? Well, now her husband claims, "he wants to be prosecuted instead, citing a religious belief that he is the only one who can punish his wife for a public act." Brad Barnhill belongs to the First Christian Fellowship for Eternal Sovereignty. ME1, you ought to check out the website (it reminds me of our friend who tried re-writing the constitution). What was that website? We really should share with our readers...they need a good trip to the Twilight Zone too.
No wonder Child Protective Services gets a bad reputation!
A caseworker put a 13-year-old runaway on a bus home UNESCORTED. Suprise...she's missing again.
A caseworker put a 13-year-old runaway on a bus home UNESCORTED. Suprise...she's missing again.
Welcome home Brady Eikleberry
Brady is the 15-month-old in Akron who was caught up in a tangle of funding red-tape...keeping him in the hospital since birth. He finally went home yesterday. It was an interesting time bringing a two-day-old home...I can only imagine the trip with a 15-month-old who's never been out of the hospital. I wish the family all the luck in the world. I hope they find happiness and health finally at home.
An interesting side note is that his going home is saving the State of Ohio approximately $62,000 a month in Medicaid expense. So let's see...he's been ready to go home since January...and red tape cost Ohio taxpayers what? Any math geniuses want to figure this one out? 62,000*6months=$372,000 Oh, wait, that's right...Medicaid hasn't actually PAID any of these bills yet...even though they're supposed to. What I want to know is, how can I run a business this screwed up and still get federal funding?
Brady is the 15-month-old in Akron who was caught up in a tangle of funding red-tape...keeping him in the hospital since birth. He finally went home yesterday. It was an interesting time bringing a two-day-old home...I can only imagine the trip with a 15-month-old who's never been out of the hospital. I wish the family all the luck in the world. I hope they find happiness and health finally at home.
An interesting side note is that his going home is saving the State of Ohio approximately $62,000 a month in Medicaid expense. So let's see...he's been ready to go home since January...and red tape cost Ohio taxpayers what? Any math geniuses want to figure this one out? 62,000*6months=$372,000 Oh, wait, that's right...Medicaid hasn't actually PAID any of these bills yet...even though they're supposed to. What I want to know is, how can I run a business this screwed up and still get federal funding?
Wow, you go away for a couple days and come back to a completely new format for your blog! Talk about making me a little nervous. I promise, promise, promise to blog today. It's going to be 90 degrees out and my computer is in the only air conditioned room in my house. Once my son takes a nap I will be a bloggin fool. But since he slept until about 10am, I doubt it's going to be too soon. Maybe I can get some done during Bear in the Big Blue House.
Sunday, June 22, 2003
Tomorrow is the beginning of the Texas trial for Chante Jawan Mallard. She is accused of murder after leaving a bleeding man to die while lodged in her windshield in her car parked in her garage. The Dallas-Ft.Worth Star Telegram has a great article that covers many unusual aspects of this case. We get a little personal history about the accused and the victim. What disturbs me about this article the most (aside from the gruesome nature of the facts) is that there seem to be so many people willing to continue to support this woman as "cool" or as someone who's "got a heart." I find it completely incomprehensible that people are so quick to disassociate the act with the person. This was not a simple mistake...it was a deliberate act intended to save herself from going to jail. Heartless is the only word that comes to my mind.
Happy Birthday
I just wanted to blog a Happy Birthday to my sweet daughter. I cannot believe a year has gone so quickly. I am the luckiest mommy in the universe--okay, ME2 may have something to say about that. This is a day late because our computer has spent the last 48 hours encoding a video of Hubby's cousin getting a mohawk after his high school graduation.
You have made your mommy and daddy so happy, little girl. Thank you for being in our lives.
But now it's time for your bath!
I just wanted to blog a Happy Birthday to my sweet daughter. I cannot believe a year has gone so quickly. I am the luckiest mommy in the universe--okay, ME2 may have something to say about that. This is a day late because our computer has spent the last 48 hours encoding a video of Hubby's cousin getting a mohawk after his high school graduation.
You have made your mommy and daddy so happy, little girl. Thank you for being in our lives.
But now it's time for your bath!
It's a Good Life
Well as ME2 indicated, I've not been a-blogging because my hubby and I were scrubbing the house in preparation for the descent of relatives and friends in honor of my baby girl's first birthday. We had the party with cake and presents at a local park and then invited everyone else back to the house for a barbeque. We thought splitting the party and barbeque made sense to cut down on the amount of post party clean-up and because of my daughter's adverse reaction to a high school graduation two weeks ago--we thought the wide open spaces would help her mood.
It did, however, the lack of a nap kind of balanced out her mood. She was a bit crabby, but had only one fit (mommy foolishly tried to stop her from going for some dirt when she was hungry). And she fell asleep while we opened her presents. Everyone had a great time, including the baby girl.
I came away from yesterday's events with the overwhelming feeling that my little family is incredibly fortunate to have such wonderful friends and family. I was truly moved by the number of people who came to celebrate our girl's special day with us. You are a fantastic bunch of folks.
My favorite quote from the entire weekend came from my Hubby's Uncle in from Chicago: "Oh I get it! The entire living room is her playpen!"
Well as ME2 indicated, I've not been a-blogging because my hubby and I were scrubbing the house in preparation for the descent of relatives and friends in honor of my baby girl's first birthday. We had the party with cake and presents at a local park and then invited everyone else back to the house for a barbeque. We thought splitting the party and barbeque made sense to cut down on the amount of post party clean-up and because of my daughter's adverse reaction to a high school graduation two weeks ago--we thought the wide open spaces would help her mood.
It did, however, the lack of a nap kind of balanced out her mood. She was a bit crabby, but had only one fit (mommy foolishly tried to stop her from going for some dirt when she was hungry). And she fell asleep while we opened her presents. Everyone had a great time, including the baby girl.
I came away from yesterday's events with the overwhelming feeling that my little family is incredibly fortunate to have such wonderful friends and family. I was truly moved by the number of people who came to celebrate our girl's special day with us. You are a fantastic bunch of folks.
My favorite quote from the entire weekend came from my Hubby's Uncle in from Chicago: "Oh I get it! The entire living room is her playpen!"
Oprah has brought back the book club. This summer's reading is East of Eden by John Steinbeck.
I don't know...I still have to finish Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire so I can but the new one, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix and read it (so ME1 will stop yelling at me).
I don't know...I still have to finish Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire so I can but the new one, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix and read it (so ME1 will stop yelling at me).
Milo Ventimiglia won't be getting his own series on the WB after all. Jess, from Gilmore Girls was to have his own spinoff series shot on location on Venice Beach. "Too expensive," said the network. Now plans for Jess are uncertain. Will he return to Gilmore Girls?
Baby Boy wanted me to take this opportunity to publicly thank ME1 for the GREAT birthday presents she got him. It was too much, and he LOVES his books. He especially giggles at Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed (yes, it is the same as the silly children's song of the same name). The line that sends him into hysterical fits of laughter is when the doctor says, "No more monkeys jumping on the bed." He just laughs and laughs and laughs. Silly boy. Thank you again, ME1. You're the best honorary Aunt a little boy could have.
I haven't blogged in a while because things have been silly crazy around here. Baby Boy was suffering from some nasty teething stuff last week. For anyone who is unaware...you get NOTHING done when your baby is teething. You hug and cuddle and rock and snuggle...that's about it. It makes for some difficult blogging.
Luckily my boy conquered the teething pains (with the help of Baby Tylenol) in time to attend the most wonderfully fun First Birthday party for a very special little girl. Thanks again for having my anti-social little guy to your daughter's 1st Birthday, ME1. It was in the park and should've been a great time running around and playing. Unfortunately, Baby Boy has decided that he doesn't like textures on his feet...grass, sand, gravel...my little prince only likes carpet.
Today I went grocery shopping, made omelets (which my son refused to eat), and managed two hours of scrubbing algae off my deck (during Baby's nap). I'm covered in green goo...but the deck's looking pretty good. And I'm beyond happy that my son has returned to his nap schedule. I think it will make for a much happier boy.
One small complaint, since my mom's out of town and I can't complain to her. Today I learned a valuable lesson about sending the husband to Home Depot without specific instructions. We ran out of deck cleaner and I sent him to get more. Simple task...get the same stuff I've been using all morning. NOPE...he comes back with deck cleaner for pressure washers. We've never owned a pressure washer...probably never will own a pressure washer. Can the man not read?!?!? ugh! So now he's off to the store with our son to get the "right" stuff. I figure I MIGHT get this deck cleaned by the time the sun goes down. I think I'm a little more irritated than usual because the hubster was supposed to clean the deck last summer and never did...hence the green goo growing all over. With every scrub stroke, I get a little more upset.
Luckily my boy conquered the teething pains (with the help of Baby Tylenol) in time to attend the most wonderfully fun First Birthday party for a very special little girl. Thanks again for having my anti-social little guy to your daughter's 1st Birthday, ME1. It was in the park and should've been a great time running around and playing. Unfortunately, Baby Boy has decided that he doesn't like textures on his feet...grass, sand, gravel...my little prince only likes carpet.
Today I went grocery shopping, made omelets (which my son refused to eat), and managed two hours of scrubbing algae off my deck (during Baby's nap). I'm covered in green goo...but the deck's looking pretty good. And I'm beyond happy that my son has returned to his nap schedule. I think it will make for a much happier boy.
One small complaint, since my mom's out of town and I can't complain to her. Today I learned a valuable lesson about sending the husband to Home Depot without specific instructions. We ran out of deck cleaner and I sent him to get more. Simple task...get the same stuff I've been using all morning. NOPE...he comes back with deck cleaner for pressure washers. We've never owned a pressure washer...probably never will own a pressure washer. Can the man not read?!?!? ugh! So now he's off to the store with our son to get the "right" stuff. I figure I MIGHT get this deck cleaned by the time the sun goes down. I think I'm a little more irritated than usual because the hubster was supposed to clean the deck last summer and never did...hence the green goo growing all over. With every scrub stroke, I get a little more upset.
Thursday, June 19, 2003
1. What if you got to choose what house to be in? (For those who don't know... Gryffindor: brave/noble, Hufflepuff: loyal/kind, Ravenclaw: smart/clever, or Slytherin: cunning/evil.) Hmmm...I was sorted into Gryffindor (yes, I'm a nerd)...and I think that is where I would like to be. It's probably the furthest from my true personality, so it would be a good change for me.
2. What if you got to choose a character with whom to "hook up"? (Sorry to those who haven't read the books -- can't help you here.) There's a part of me that says, "ewww" to this question...but nonetheless...I'm hopelessly in love with Harry. I suppose I have a soft spot for men who've been emotionally neglected but have turned into wonderful adults despite it all.
3. What if you got to choose what kind of wand you received -- how long would it be, what would it be made out of, and what would be inside it? (For those who don't know: wands can be made up of such combinations as 6-inch ash containing dragon heartstrings, or 11.5-inch oak containing unicorn hairs, et cetera.) Unicorn hair, willow, 9 inches...I believe in the power of unicorns and I love willow trees (especially the whomping willow).
4. What if you had to pick one animal to take with you to Hogwarts as a pet (cat, owl, toad or rat) -- which one, and why that animal? I'm a cat person, I have to admit...and I like black cats (perfect stereotype of a witch, I know)
5. What if you had to endure one of the three tasks from Book Four -- which one and why? (For those of you who haven't read up, the tasks were... #1: face a fully-grown nesting dragon with nothing but a wand; #2: survive underwater for an hour to rescue your best friend from its murky depths; or #3: find your way to the center of a hedge maze that is chock-full of magical obstacles.) Well, as ME1 is aware, I haven't actually finished book four just yet...so I'll have to pick blind on this one. I think the dragon would be my choice. I love all creatures (big and small)...and would really enjoy the opportunity to figure out how to handle a great mythical beast like a dragon.
2. What if you got to choose a character with whom to "hook up"? (Sorry to those who haven't read the books -- can't help you here.) There's a part of me that says, "ewww" to this question...but nonetheless...I'm hopelessly in love with Harry. I suppose I have a soft spot for men who've been emotionally neglected but have turned into wonderful adults despite it all.
3. What if you got to choose what kind of wand you received -- how long would it be, what would it be made out of, and what would be inside it? (For those who don't know: wands can be made up of such combinations as 6-inch ash containing dragon heartstrings, or 11.5-inch oak containing unicorn hairs, et cetera.) Unicorn hair, willow, 9 inches...I believe in the power of unicorns and I love willow trees (especially the whomping willow).
4. What if you had to pick one animal to take with you to Hogwarts as a pet (cat, owl, toad or rat) -- which one, and why that animal? I'm a cat person, I have to admit...and I like black cats (perfect stereotype of a witch, I know)
5. What if you had to endure one of the three tasks from Book Four -- which one and why? (For those of you who haven't read up, the tasks were... #1: face a fully-grown nesting dragon with nothing but a wand; #2: survive underwater for an hour to rescue your best friend from its murky depths; or #3: find your way to the center of a hedge maze that is chock-full of magical obstacles.) Well, as ME1 is aware, I haven't actually finished book four just yet...so I'll have to pick blind on this one. I think the dragon would be my choice. I love all creatures (big and small)...and would really enjoy the opportunity to figure out how to handle a great mythical beast like a dragon.
Wednesday, June 18, 2003
It's Wednesday, Time to Read to the Baby!
For Father's Day, I bout my hubby "Good Night, Princess Pruney Toes" by my favorite children's author/illustrator duo. ( I would link to my archived post about I Love You Sinky Face, but Blogger seems to have eaten half our archives.) It is perfect for my Hubby. He's such a good Daddy. Love you Honey.
For Father's Day, I bout my hubby "Good Night, Princess Pruney Toes" by my favorite children's author/illustrator duo. ( I would link to my archived post about I Love You Sinky Face, but Blogger seems to have eaten half our archives.) It is perfect for my Hubby. He's such a good Daddy. Love you Honey.
Because I'm a huge Harry Potter Fan!
I bring you the Wednesday What If:
1. What if you got to choose what house to be in? (For those who don't know... Gryffindor: brave/noble, Hufflepuff: loyal/kind, Ravenclaw: smart/clever, or Slytherin: cunning/evil.) Well, I would want either Gryffindor or Hufflepuff. I'm not sure I am brave/noble/loyal/kind, but I'd like to be. I'm fairly certain I'm not evil, but I suppose that depends on who you ask!
2. What if you got to choose a character with whom to "hook up"? (Sorry to those who haven't read the books -- can't help you here.) I suppose I would pick Ron based on personality--I think he is incredibly endearing. Perhaps either Fred or George because I love their sense of humor (they are probably most like my hubby). Of course, I"m guessing one of the twins will die so maybe I don't want them. And based on casting in the movie, I wouldn't mind hooking up with the Captain of the Quidditch Team (as long as we're the same age--don't want to be a cradle robber)--Yummmmmmm!
3. What if you got to choose what kind of wand you received -- how long would it be, what would it be made out of, and what would be inside it? (For those who don't know: wands can be made up of such combinations as 6-inch ash containing dragon heartstrings, or 11.5-inch oak containing unicorn hairs, et cetera.) I actually did a wand thing at the Harry Potter movie site when the first movie came out. An 11 inch holly wand with a phoenix feather inside selected me. I was so pleased.
4. What if you had to pick one animal to take with you to Hogwarts as a pet (cat, owl, toad or rat) -- which one, and why that animal? I suppose I'd be boring and get an owl because they are so handy. My second choice would be a cat if I could get a Russian Blue--one of my college roommate's had one and he really liked me because I secretly fed him the good cat food in my room when she served him the cheap stuff in the kitchen! (Maybe I am evil!)
5. What if you had to endure one of the three tasks from Book Four -- which one and why? (For those of you who haven't read up, the tasks were... #1: face a fully-grown nesting dragon with nothing but a wand; #2: survive underwater for an hour to rescue your best friend from its murky depths; or #3: find your way to the center of a hedge maze that is chock-full of magical obstacles.) Well, I can't even swim so I think number two would be out. And my reflexes aren't as sharp as the youngest seeker in 100 years, so I think I'd go for the maze. I'm pretty good at mazes. I just wouldn't touch the pretty cup at the center!
And I hereby issue a Bloggy Challenge: ME2, it's your turn to what if!
I bring you the Wednesday What If:
1. What if you got to choose what house to be in? (For those who don't know... Gryffindor: brave/noble, Hufflepuff: loyal/kind, Ravenclaw: smart/clever, or Slytherin: cunning/evil.) Well, I would want either Gryffindor or Hufflepuff. I'm not sure I am brave/noble/loyal/kind, but I'd like to be. I'm fairly certain I'm not evil, but I suppose that depends on who you ask!
2. What if you got to choose a character with whom to "hook up"? (Sorry to those who haven't read the books -- can't help you here.) I suppose I would pick Ron based on personality--I think he is incredibly endearing. Perhaps either Fred or George because I love their sense of humor (they are probably most like my hubby). Of course, I"m guessing one of the twins will die so maybe I don't want them. And based on casting in the movie, I wouldn't mind hooking up with the Captain of the Quidditch Team (as long as we're the same age--don't want to be a cradle robber)--Yummmmmmm!
3. What if you got to choose what kind of wand you received -- how long would it be, what would it be made out of, and what would be inside it? (For those who don't know: wands can be made up of such combinations as 6-inch ash containing dragon heartstrings, or 11.5-inch oak containing unicorn hairs, et cetera.) I actually did a wand thing at the Harry Potter movie site when the first movie came out. An 11 inch holly wand with a phoenix feather inside selected me. I was so pleased.
4. What if you had to pick one animal to take with you to Hogwarts as a pet (cat, owl, toad or rat) -- which one, and why that animal? I suppose I'd be boring and get an owl because they are so handy. My second choice would be a cat if I could get a Russian Blue--one of my college roommate's had one and he really liked me because I secretly fed him the good cat food in my room when she served him the cheap stuff in the kitchen! (Maybe I am evil!)
5. What if you had to endure one of the three tasks from Book Four -- which one and why? (For those of you who haven't read up, the tasks were... #1: face a fully-grown nesting dragon with nothing but a wand; #2: survive underwater for an hour to rescue your best friend from its murky depths; or #3: find your way to the center of a hedge maze that is chock-full of magical obstacles.) Well, I can't even swim so I think number two would be out. And my reflexes aren't as sharp as the youngest seeker in 100 years, so I think I'd go for the maze. I'm pretty good at mazes. I just wouldn't touch the pretty cup at the center!
And I hereby issue a Bloggy Challenge: ME2, it's your turn to what if!
A study in Monroe County, New York Family Court revealed scheduling problems that result in long waits for people involved. Having worked in Juvenile Court, I understand the problem first-hand. However, I also doubt that the idea of substitute workers in hearings is a good idea. I have had to work with "substitute caseworkers" who usually could tell me NOTHING worthwhile about the case they were covering. It's a waste of time and leads to nothing more than unnecessary continuances and further delays.
Cuyahoga County Commissioners have granted a request for a child support audit to determine if state and county official have violated the "Family First" law. The request was brought by the Association For Children For Enforcement Of Support (ACES).
Now I'm all for open and honest operation of CSEA...but the comment, "I'm impressed that there are three women directors in the state of Ohio who are willing to stand up to the good old boys, and I think residents in the other counties should be asking, Why won't my county take a look?'" has me wondering about the motives of ACES. I am, by nature, a cynic. And I think a person trying to champion a cause needs to select his/her words carefully when speaking to the public. Now, I'm sure Ms. Davis is as aware of the, "good old boys" as I am...but calling them out simply makes the issue seem to be about something other than helping the families entitled to support.
Now I'm all for open and honest operation of CSEA...but the comment, "I'm impressed that there are three women directors in the state of Ohio who are willing to stand up to the good old boys, and I think residents in the other counties should be asking, Why won't my county take a look?'" has me wondering about the motives of ACES. I am, by nature, a cynic. And I think a person trying to champion a cause needs to select his/her words carefully when speaking to the public. Now, I'm sure Ms. Davis is as aware of the, "good old boys" as I am...but calling them out simply makes the issue seem to be about something other than helping the families entitled to support.
Tuesday, June 17, 2003
What happened to judicial ethics?
This is just something that popped out at me while I was Googling...
From Louisiana.
From Utah.
From North Carolina.
From Texas.
This is just something that popped out at me while I was Googling...
From Louisiana.
From Utah.
From North Carolina.
From Texas.
No CASA in Seneca County?
The Seneca County CASA program is suffering from a budget crunch and is in danger of losing one of its funding grants...which may result in the elimination of the program.
I'm going back and adding some worthwhile commentary on some of my previous blog entries, simply because I can...and I've been inspired to write more than simple snarky comments. Here's my first...
The CASA program is a decent idea, but I have reservations about the effectiveness of non-lawyers serving as advocates for children...especially in abuse and neglect situations. There are many aspects of the Code that a non-lawyer wouldn't be aware of. Perhaps that's the idea of the CASA program, but I have a sneaking suspicion that the real idea is a trade-off of true advocacy for saving some money. If Seneca County isn't interested in funding CASA, then there's no way they're interested in funding a GAL program consisting of paid attorneys. The fact that it's even an issue concerns me...who is REALLY interested in protecting children in that county, if they're not even willing to go the cheapest route?
The Seneca County CASA program is suffering from a budget crunch and is in danger of losing one of its funding grants...which may result in the elimination of the program.
I'm going back and adding some worthwhile commentary on some of my previous blog entries, simply because I can...and I've been inspired to write more than simple snarky comments. Here's my first...
The CASA program is a decent idea, but I have reservations about the effectiveness of non-lawyers serving as advocates for children...especially in abuse and neglect situations. There are many aspects of the Code that a non-lawyer wouldn't be aware of. Perhaps that's the idea of the CASA program, but I have a sneaking suspicion that the real idea is a trade-off of true advocacy for saving some money. If Seneca County isn't interested in funding CASA, then there's no way they're interested in funding a GAL program consisting of paid attorneys. The fact that it's even an issue concerns me...who is REALLY interested in protecting children in that county, if they're not even willing to go the cheapest route?
An interesting study in "spin"
One paper heralds, "More children being raised by stay-at-home mothers."
A second paper seems to condemn, "More women abandon careers to raise children."
They both used the same census information (and practically the exact same article), but they use such different headlines...I wonder why.
Personally, I haven't "abandoned" anything...I'm just being more selective in what I'm willing to work at. I have different priorities now, and I'll shape my career to reflect that.
One paper heralds, "More children being raised by stay-at-home mothers."
A second paper seems to condemn, "More women abandon careers to raise children."
They both used the same census information (and practically the exact same article), but they use such different headlines...I wonder why.
Personally, I haven't "abandoned" anything...I'm just being more selective in what I'm willing to work at. I have different priorities now, and I'll shape my career to reflect that.
Restless Leg Syndrome
I was so happy to read that this wasn't all in my head. Now, maybe doctors should talk to pregnant women...they're a huge segment of the population who've experienced this.
I was so happy to read that this wasn't all in my head. Now, maybe doctors should talk to pregnant women...they're a huge segment of the population who've experienced this.
Sunday, June 15, 2003
Happy Father's Day
Very mellow day here--other than the six alarm chili my hubby made! He's still perfecting the recipe.
I took my daughter to a local park, while he did something as simple as taking a shower. We've discovered that it is definitely the little things in life that matter after having a child. The park has some swing sets with baby seats and a wading pool. I pushed her in the swing--she has loved the wind in her face since I took her for her first walk at six weeks. I hadn't brought her swim suit with us, but I knew from experience that she could walk in the pool without getting her clothes wet. Since it was such a warm day, I thought I'd give her a treat by letting her play in the water. She splashed about for a bit and I thought, "Well, I'll take her shorts off for the walk home since the edges are damp now." The next thing I know, my beautiful daughter has dropped in the water. She made the return trip home in a dry pair of diapers and her sun hat. Her drenched clothes were hanging off the stroller handle. Her Daddy laughed when he saw her.
What can I say? I'm a novice.
This was our first Father's day. Last year, we were wrapped in the anticipation of the unknown baby who should have been three weeks away. We spent Father's Day weekend preparing her room, thinking we had plenty of time. The following Friday, we became parents. It has been wonderful. We have cherished every moment.
Hope your Father's Day was great. Ours was very good.
Very mellow day here--other than the six alarm chili my hubby made! He's still perfecting the recipe.
I took my daughter to a local park, while he did something as simple as taking a shower. We've discovered that it is definitely the little things in life that matter after having a child. The park has some swing sets with baby seats and a wading pool. I pushed her in the swing--she has loved the wind in her face since I took her for her first walk at six weeks. I hadn't brought her swim suit with us, but I knew from experience that she could walk in the pool without getting her clothes wet. Since it was such a warm day, I thought I'd give her a treat by letting her play in the water. She splashed about for a bit and I thought, "Well, I'll take her shorts off for the walk home since the edges are damp now." The next thing I know, my beautiful daughter has dropped in the water. She made the return trip home in a dry pair of diapers and her sun hat. Her drenched clothes were hanging off the stroller handle. Her Daddy laughed when he saw her.
What can I say? I'm a novice.
This was our first Father's day. Last year, we were wrapped in the anticipation of the unknown baby who should have been three weeks away. We spent Father's Day weekend preparing her room, thinking we had plenty of time. The following Friday, we became parents. It has been wonderful. We have cherished every moment.
Hope your Father's Day was great. Ours was very good.
I was at the grocery store today, waiting in line to check out. The cashier was talking to the customer in front of me...they obviously knew each other from way back.
The cashier asked about the lady's kids and how old they are now.
The lady said, "14 and 12."
The cashier responded, "Wow...just think...in another few years they'll be gone and you'll be free."
I'm so seriously saddened by this conversation that I just can't even convey it in words. There have been times during my son's first year when I've wanted to stop the clock and keep him exactly in that moment forever. How could someone so easily wish their children away???
The cashier asked about the lady's kids and how old they are now.
The lady said, "14 and 12."
The cashier responded, "Wow...just think...in another few years they'll be gone and you'll be free."
I'm so seriously saddened by this conversation that I just can't even convey it in words. There have been times during my son's first year when I've wanted to stop the clock and keep him exactly in that moment forever. How could someone so easily wish their children away???
Saturday, June 14, 2003
Today I went to Erie, PA to window shop at the MillCreek Mall. It's a nice mall, with lots of shops...ranging from the slightly expensive to the Dollar Store. Most importantly, I discovered another supplier for my scrapbooking habit... AC Moore Arts and Crafts. Let me tell you, this scrapbooking mommy is one happy babe today!
Friday, June 13, 2003
I am definitely going to have to eat more yogurt with the next baby...it may help prevent eczema...a condition which my 12-month old baby suffers from. And I can tell you he's miserable with it. So eat your yogurt mommy-to-be!
Beautiful Baby!
Today, Lileks has a link to his daughter Gnat's photo gallery. I love reading Lileks: It's a window on what I will be facing with my daughter in the future as Gnat is nearly three. His Gnat tales reveal a bright and lovely child, although a potential pyromaniac (okay, you have to read back issues of the Bleat to get that one).
I know I feel privileged to view the pictures--she is a beautiful girl and was an adorable baby. The pictures are professional quality, whereas, the pictures of my daughter are, well, amateurish and I am envious of his skill. What I had time to view today revealed so many lovely moments in a child's early days. The commentary on the pictures is a riot. My favorites today are "TOO MANY TOYS," the objects mysteriously appearing on his daughter's head and, of course, anything with the dog (I'm not directly linking because you really should go to Lileks yourself).
After seeing several pictures, I have this overwhelming feeling that my husband and I have not taken nearly enough pictures of our beautiful girl.
Today, Lileks has a link to his daughter Gnat's photo gallery. I love reading Lileks: It's a window on what I will be facing with my daughter in the future as Gnat is nearly three. His Gnat tales reveal a bright and lovely child, although a potential pyromaniac (okay, you have to read back issues of the Bleat to get that one).
I know I feel privileged to view the pictures--she is a beautiful girl and was an adorable baby. The pictures are professional quality, whereas, the pictures of my daughter are, well, amateurish and I am envious of his skill. What I had time to view today revealed so many lovely moments in a child's early days. The commentary on the pictures is a riot. My favorites today are "TOO MANY TOYS," the objects mysteriously appearing on his daughter's head and, of course, anything with the dog (I'm not directly linking because you really should go to Lileks yourself).
After seeing several pictures, I have this overwhelming feeling that my husband and I have not taken nearly enough pictures of our beautiful girl.
Thursday, June 12, 2003
I knew there was a reason I'm so bad with money. It must be that I'm so emotionally repressed in the rest of my life that I make up for it in making poor financial decisions.
Confirmed or not, I feel compelled to note that rumors are circulating that Russell Crowe and his wife, Danielle Spencer, are expecting! Russell's publicist says the rumor is unconfirmed. Can you just imagine how beautiful those babies would be?!?!?
Megan's Law questions in Ohio
The 2nd Ohio District Court of Appeals, in January, struck down the part of Megan's Law that required a sexual offender designation for any adult convicted of kidnapping a child. Apparently, the law required application of sexual offender status to convicted kidnappers, regardless of whether there was a sexual component to the kidnapping. The Montgomery County prosecutor's office has now announced plans to appeal that ruling (hoping to reinstate the requirement), because kidnapping carries with it a "high risk" of sexual abuse. I'm not sure I buy the argument, so I'll be interested to see this case progress to the State Supreme Court.
The 2nd Ohio District Court of Appeals, in January, struck down the part of Megan's Law that required a sexual offender designation for any adult convicted of kidnapping a child. Apparently, the law required application of sexual offender status to convicted kidnappers, regardless of whether there was a sexual component to the kidnapping. The Montgomery County prosecutor's office has now announced plans to appeal that ruling (hoping to reinstate the requirement), because kidnapping carries with it a "high risk" of sexual abuse. I'm not sure I buy the argument, so I'll be interested to see this case progress to the State Supreme Court.
Young children (average age of 4), "preferred and paid more attention to sounds than to visual images when both were presented to them at the same time," according to a new study by Ohio State University (published in the May/June issue of Child Development. Anyone with more info than found in this article, please send me an email...I'd be interested to read about it.
The Case of Baby Justin
I don't know if this case should be called the case of "Baby Justin" anymore...since Baby Justin is now six years old. But regardless, the Kentucky Supreme Court is sending this case back to the trial level to determine who should get custody of Justin. This time, however, they are being instructed to use the "best interest of the child" standard.
If you're unfamiliar, this case concerns the birth parents, Regina Moore and Jerry Dorning, and the adoptive parents, the Asentes. You can check out a complete timeline here at The Cincinnati Post online.
I'm not into gawking at other people's problems, but I would LOVE to be a fly on the wall at the upcoming hearing. I'm sure it's going to be legally very interesting.
I don't know if this case should be called the case of "Baby Justin" anymore...since Baby Justin is now six years old. But regardless, the Kentucky Supreme Court is sending this case back to the trial level to determine who should get custody of Justin. This time, however, they are being instructed to use the "best interest of the child" standard.
If you're unfamiliar, this case concerns the birth parents, Regina Moore and Jerry Dorning, and the adoptive parents, the Asentes. You can check out a complete timeline here at The Cincinnati Post online.
I'm not into gawking at other people's problems, but I would LOVE to be a fly on the wall at the upcoming hearing. I'm sure it's going to be legally very interesting.
NHTSA Announces Child Car Seat Ease of Use Ratings
Driven by the Transportation Recall Enhancement, Accountability, and Documentation (TREAD) Act of 2000, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration studied ease of use for child car seats and released the results yesterday. This is the first rating of its kind.
The good news is that 39 out of 68 models reviewed received an overall "A" and no seat received a score lower than a "C." Car seats were evaluated based on ease of assembly, evaluation of labels and instructions, installation features and ease of securing the child. Kudos to Graco because their convertible model, the ComfortSport, was the only car seat to earn "A's" in all categories. However, the report does not state that the ComfortSport is the "best" car seat, as alleged in the headline in the Cleveland Plain Dealer indicates. There are several factors to consider when purchasing your child's car seat. Price and whether the darn thing will fit in your car? Does it fit your child? Do you want any special safety features like EPS foam? What type of harness?
It is true that an improperly installed car seat is unsafe. Unfortunately, most parents fail to correctly install the car seat. I remember my husband's frustrated mutterings as he spent two or three hours working with the car seat a few weeks ago. Parents should really take their car with the car seat installed to a nearby car seat inspection site. As the press release indicates, the new LATCH system seems to be helping ease of installation. However, only cars manufactured after September 2002 were required to have the LATCH system so certainly many parents are driving around in cars that don't have LATCH. Only Audi and one other manufacturer are retrofitting cars with LATCH. Also, the possible combinations of cars and car seats are so large that it is likely that some car seat LATCH devices won't fit in certain cars.
I would recommend careful research when making a car seat decision. There are tons of resources on the internet for parents with questions.
Driven by the Transportation Recall Enhancement, Accountability, and Documentation (TREAD) Act of 2000, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration studied ease of use for child car seats and released the results yesterday. This is the first rating of its kind.
The good news is that 39 out of 68 models reviewed received an overall "A" and no seat received a score lower than a "C." Car seats were evaluated based on ease of assembly, evaluation of labels and instructions, installation features and ease of securing the child. Kudos to Graco because their convertible model, the ComfortSport, was the only car seat to earn "A's" in all categories. However, the report does not state that the ComfortSport is the "best" car seat, as alleged in the headline in the Cleveland Plain Dealer indicates. There are several factors to consider when purchasing your child's car seat. Price and whether the darn thing will fit in your car? Does it fit your child? Do you want any special safety features like EPS foam? What type of harness?
It is true that an improperly installed car seat is unsafe. Unfortunately, most parents fail to correctly install the car seat. I remember my husband's frustrated mutterings as he spent two or three hours working with the car seat a few weeks ago. Parents should really take their car with the car seat installed to a nearby car seat inspection site. As the press release indicates, the new LATCH system seems to be helping ease of installation. However, only cars manufactured after September 2002 were required to have the LATCH system so certainly many parents are driving around in cars that don't have LATCH. Only Audi and one other manufacturer are retrofitting cars with LATCH. Also, the possible combinations of cars and car seats are so large that it is likely that some car seat LATCH devices won't fit in certain cars.
I would recommend careful research when making a car seat decision. There are tons of resources on the internet for parents with questions.
NHTSA Announces Child Car Seat Ease of Use Ratings
Driven by the Transportation Recall Enhancement, Accountability, and Documentation (TREAD) Act of 2000, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration studied ease of use for child car seats and released the results yesterday. This is the first rating of its kind.
The good news is that 39 out of 68 models reviewed received an overall "A" and no seat received a score lower than a "C." Car seats were evaluated based on ease of assembly, evaluation of labels and instructions, installation features and ease of securing the child. Kudos to Graco because their convertible model, the ComfortSport, was the only car seat to earn "A's" in all categories. However, the report does not state that the ComfortSport is the "best" car seat, as alleged in the headline in the Cleveland Plain Dealer indicates. There are several factors to consider when purchasing your child's car seat. Price and whether the darn thing will fit in your car? Does it fit your child? Do you want any special safety features like EPS foam? What type of harness?
It is true that an improperly installed car seat is unsafe. Unfortunately, most parents fail to correctly install the car seat. I remember my husband's frustrated mutterings as he spent two or three hours working with the car seat a few weeks ago. Parents should really take their car with the car seat installed to a nearby car seat inspection site. As the press release indicates, the new LATCH system seems to be helping ease of installation. However, only cars manufactured after September 2002 were required to have the LATCH system so certainly many parents are driving around in cars that don't have LATCH. Only Audi and one other manufacturer are retrofitting cars with LATCH. Also, the possible combinations of cars and car seats are so large that it is likely that some car seat LATCH devices won't fit in certain cars.
I would recommend careful research when making a car seat decision. There are tons of resources on the internet for parents with questions.
Driven by the Transportation Recall Enhancement, Accountability, and Documentation (TREAD) Act of 2000, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration studied ease of use for child car seats and released the results yesterday. This is the first rating of its kind.
The good news is that 39 out of 68 models reviewed received an overall "A" and no seat received a score lower than a "C." Car seats were evaluated based on ease of assembly, evaluation of labels and instructions, installation features and ease of securing the child. Kudos to Graco because their convertible model, the ComfortSport, was the only car seat to earn "A's" in all categories. However, the report does not state that the ComfortSport is the "best" car seat, as alleged in the headline in the Cleveland Plain Dealer indicates. There are several factors to consider when purchasing your child's car seat. Price and whether the darn thing will fit in your car? Does it fit your child? Do you want any special safety features like EPS foam? What type of harness?
It is true that an improperly installed car seat is unsafe. Unfortunately, most parents fail to correctly install the car seat. I remember my husband's frustrated mutterings as he spent two or three hours working with the car seat a few weeks ago. Parents should really take their car with the car seat installed to a nearby car seat inspection site. As the press release indicates, the new LATCH system seems to be helping ease of installation. However, only cars manufactured after September 2002 were required to have the LATCH system so certainly many parents are driving around in cars that don't have LATCH. Only Audi and one other manufacturer are retrofitting cars with LATCH. Also, the possible combinations of cars and car seats are so large that it is likely that some car seat LATCH devices won't fit in certain cars.
I would recommend careful research when making a car seat decision. There are tons of resources on the internet for parents with questions.
Wednesday, June 11, 2003
Wednesday Book Club
Frequently, I read to my daughter as she is finishing her dinner. While she is still in her high chair, snacking on her treats, I'll read from a book with paper pages because she can't reach out and tear them. Lately, we have been working our way through Just So Stories. We don't always make it through an entire story in one evening, but we are now three-quarters through the book.
The stories are parables that "explain" how the world became "just so." I think my favorite stories involve Taffimai Mettalumai and her parents. Taffy's attempt to have a wandering stranger retrieve her father's spear has hilarious and, for the stranger, unfortunate consequences. Currently, we are working our way through the story of the King of the Crabs, Pau Amma, who did not receive his instructions from the Elder Magician when the other animals did at the Very Beginning.
I love the sense of wonder in the stories. They are truly perfect for reading aloud to a child, but I am greatful that I'm reading them to my baby. The style and sentence structure is, of course, a bit out dated and I frequently stumble through some of the phrases. If I continue reading before she fully understands the words, maybe the stories will flow more easily when does comprehend them!
You can find an on-line version of the stories using this link.
Enjoy!
Frequently, I read to my daughter as she is finishing her dinner. While she is still in her high chair, snacking on her treats, I'll read from a book with paper pages because she can't reach out and tear them. Lately, we have been working our way through Just So Stories. We don't always make it through an entire story in one evening, but we are now three-quarters through the book.
The stories are parables that "explain" how the world became "just so." I think my favorite stories involve Taffimai Mettalumai and her parents. Taffy's attempt to have a wandering stranger retrieve her father's spear has hilarious and, for the stranger, unfortunate consequences. Currently, we are working our way through the story of the King of the Crabs, Pau Amma, who did not receive his instructions from the Elder Magician when the other animals did at the Very Beginning.
I love the sense of wonder in the stories. They are truly perfect for reading aloud to a child, but I am greatful that I'm reading them to my baby. The style and sentence structure is, of course, a bit out dated and I frequently stumble through some of the phrases. If I continue reading before she fully understands the words, maybe the stories will flow more easily when does comprehend them!
You can find an on-line version of the stories using this link.
Enjoy!
Excellent Breast-Feeding and Attachment Parenting Site
Whether or not you want to breast feed your baby is one of many questions you'll face while pregnant. And although breast-feeding is natural, for most of us natural does not equal easy. I took two breastfeeding classes before I had my daughter and it still seemed like all the information ran straight out of my brain like a sieve. In the early months, I was often in tears because my daughter did not nurse like a "normal" baby.
After the baby girl was born, I relied on my lactation consultant as well as Breastfeeding.com and the La Leche League site. Both sites are chock full of great information on Breastfeeding issues, but both can be a bit unwieldy and cumbersome to navigate.
Well thanks to one of my Mommy Message Boards, I've foud a fantastic site that is clearly organized and uses a rational, common sense tone. Kelly's Attachment Parenting is a great site for breastfeeding. The section on what is safe during breastfeeding is invaluable. And the pages regarding weight gain of breastfed babies are reassuring.
The site is also great for people curious about attachment parenting. Her opening statement mirrors my own experience: "After a few months of following our instincts and pretty much just "winging it" after Jordan was born, we discovered that our parenting style had a name... attachment parenting." For me, attachment parenting means that you respect your child as a person and don't try to dominate them--that doesn't mean you don't discipline, it just means that not everything in your relationship with your baby is a power struggle.
I love that she has a book review section and even lists books to avoid (marked with a skunk)! I completely agree with her poor review of the "What to Expect" Series: I bought the pregnancy one and despised it. I wish I had found this site sooner. If you have breastfeeding or attachment parenting questions, let you finger fly to Kelly's Attachment Parenting .
Whether or not you want to breast feed your baby is one of many questions you'll face while pregnant. And although breast-feeding is natural, for most of us natural does not equal easy. I took two breastfeeding classes before I had my daughter and it still seemed like all the information ran straight out of my brain like a sieve. In the early months, I was often in tears because my daughter did not nurse like a "normal" baby.
After the baby girl was born, I relied on my lactation consultant as well as Breastfeeding.com and the La Leche League site. Both sites are chock full of great information on Breastfeeding issues, but both can be a bit unwieldy and cumbersome to navigate.
Well thanks to one of my Mommy Message Boards, I've foud a fantastic site that is clearly organized and uses a rational, common sense tone. Kelly's Attachment Parenting is a great site for breastfeeding. The section on what is safe during breastfeeding is invaluable. And the pages regarding weight gain of breastfed babies are reassuring.
The site is also great for people curious about attachment parenting. Her opening statement mirrors my own experience: "After a few months of following our instincts and pretty much just "winging it" after Jordan was born, we discovered that our parenting style had a name... attachment parenting." For me, attachment parenting means that you respect your child as a person and don't try to dominate them--that doesn't mean you don't discipline, it just means that not everything in your relationship with your baby is a power struggle.
I love that she has a book review section and even lists books to avoid (marked with a skunk)! I completely agree with her poor review of the "What to Expect" Series: I bought the pregnancy one and despised it. I wish I had found this site sooner. If you have breastfeeding or attachment parenting questions, let you finger fly to Kelly's Attachment Parenting .
This is a friendly reminder to all drivers out there...make sure you are extra vigilent and look carefully when you are backing your car up. Children are out playing this summer and can get in your way without you're being aware. There was a sad story on the news last night about a grandmother who backed over her 18 month old grandson and killed him. Please take steps to make sure this doesn't happen to you.
While I'm on a safety kick...make sure you do not leave your cars unlocked so that children can get into them during the hot summer months. They can get locked in without your knowledge and suffer serious consequences because of the heat. And please, please, please...do not leave your children unattended in a car during the hot summer months...not even for a minute.
Visit SafeKids. org for helpful tips on how to protect your children from unintentional injury.
While I'm on a safety kick...make sure you do not leave your cars unlocked so that children can get into them during the hot summer months. They can get locked in without your knowledge and suffer serious consequences because of the heat. And please, please, please...do not leave your children unattended in a car during the hot summer months...not even for a minute.
Visit SafeKids. org for helpful tips on how to protect your children from unintentional injury.
The Annie E. Casie Foundation has released its 2003 Kids Count Book, a national and state-by-state effort to track the status of children in the U.S. I'm still sifting through the data...when I have a few minutes during naptime. Here is a good synopsis of the report. One sad thing I've notices so far is that Ohio doesn't exactly have a stellar record when it comes to kids...with 16% of children in poverty and a 24 teen births per 1000 girls ages 15-17.
Tuesday, June 10, 2003
Welcome to the World
I am so happy to announce that I have a beautiful new nephew: Ethan Patrick.
Ethan was born yesterday at 12:36 pm. I would have posted sooner but blogger was having issues yesterday when I tried.
Anyway, I'm so glad you are here baby boy! Auntie ME1 has lots of goodies for you and a pack of diapers which I am sure you will put to good use!
I am so happy to announce that I have a beautiful new nephew: Ethan Patrick.
Ethan was born yesterday at 12:36 pm. I would have posted sooner but blogger was having issues yesterday when I tried.
Anyway, I'm so glad you are here baby boy! Auntie ME1 has lots of goodies for you and a pack of diapers which I am sure you will put to good use!
Congratulations to Cuyahoga County Drug Court program! They will receive $400,000 a year over the next three years from the Substance Abuse and Mental Services Administration...one of only thirteen Drug Courts to receive grants.
Municipal Court...a place for politics?
The Beacon Journal calls it "political one-upmanship." I call it sad. No wonder people don't have faith in their local governments anymore...they're just playing games and giving each other razzberries.
The Beacon Journal calls it "political one-upmanship." I call it sad. No wonder people don't have faith in their local governments anymore...they're just playing games and giving each other razzberries.
Are public school teachers underpaid?
The answer may surprise you. I know I was shocked to hear that an average teacher earns $43,000/year!!! Of course, averages are subject to interpretation...blah, blah, blah.
The answer may surprise you. I know I was shocked to hear that an average teacher earns $43,000/year!!! Of course, averages are subject to interpretation...blah, blah, blah.
Monday, June 09, 2003
Friday, June 06, 2003
Where can I borrow $3 million?
I really need to get in touch with the Geauga County commissioners and see how to borrow $3 million. Not that I begrudge the Juvenile/Probate courts a renovation...they need it.
I really need to get in touch with the Geauga County commissioners and see how to borrow $3 million. Not that I begrudge the Juvenile/Probate courts a renovation...they need it.
Importuning law is constitutional in Ohio
Hamilton County Common Pleas Court Judge Fred Nelson ruled that Ohio's importuning law is constitutional AND applies to cases where adults solicit sexual contact from adults whom they believe to be children (undercover police) on the internet. Sickos beware, the law is catching up to the technology!
Hamilton County Common Pleas Court Judge Fred Nelson ruled that Ohio's importuning law is constitutional AND applies to cases where adults solicit sexual contact from adults whom they believe to be children (undercover police) on the internet. Sickos beware, the law is catching up to the technology!
Could this be the end of Head Start in Ohio? Personally, I haven't seen President Bush as a friend of social programs so far, so I'm highly skeptical it will have a positive effect.
Thursday, June 05, 2003
Children as lead detectors in Cleveland
The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports that lead poisoning rates in the Cleveland area are alarmingly high, reaching up to 62% in one neighborhood in 2001.
The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports that lead poisoning rates in the Cleveland area are alarmingly high, reaching up to 62% in one neighborhood in 2001.
This week's reading material has been There's a Wocket in My Pocket by Dr. Seuss. The rhymes are musical and silly. As a kid, I loved the interesting words Dr. Seuss created for his stories.
Interesting note: the board book version does not actually contain the wocket in the pocket rhyme (except on the cover)!
Wednesday, June 04, 2003
Did you hear the one where...
The attorney helps out at the daycare center and breastfeeds someone else's child? Weird but true. Shannon Denney has been charged with outraging public decency and public morals (a misdemeanor), for breastfeeding a 3 month old baby that wasn't hers. Interestingly, La Leche League does not recommend nursing other people's children because of virus transmission and the like. I guess the days of the wet nurse are long gone.
The attorney helps out at the daycare center and breastfeeds someone else's child? Weird but true. Shannon Denney has been charged with outraging public decency and public morals (a misdemeanor), for breastfeeding a 3 month old baby that wasn't hers. Interestingly, La Leche League does not recommend nursing other people's children because of virus transmission and the like. I guess the days of the wet nurse are long gone.
In an interesting move, protectmissouri.org has issued a report (with concrete numbers), to show how closing the state's tax loopholes could prevent the state's proposed cuts to education and healthcare. The report alleges that 98 Missouri corporations paid NO taxes last year...and more than 16,000 corporations paid less than the average Missouri citizen. If Missouri's budget crunch is anything like Ohio's, this seems to be a completely unacceptable way to run things.
Missouri media KY3 has an interesting article about what EXACTLY the proposed cuts would mean to Missouri citizens.
Of particular interest to this blog are:
~$34, 419 cut to Child Assessment Centers ? which provide home-like settings where children receive physical exams and are interviewed during abuse and neglect investigations. These centers help reduce the trauma to children from child abuse and neglect.
~$118,749 cut to Juvenile Court Diversion Services in Greene County ? which will halt early intervention services to youth at imminent risk of being committed to the Division of Youth Services. These programs include intensive supervision and alternative schools.
~48 Grandparent Families will have their reimbursement for caring for their grandchildren reduced from 75% of the foster care rate to 25% of the foster care rate. The impact in Greene County is $91,614. Loss of this income could cause an increase in the number of these families who qualify for, and seek, welfare assistance.
Missouri media KY3 has an interesting article about what EXACTLY the proposed cuts would mean to Missouri citizens.
Of particular interest to this blog are:
~$34, 419 cut to Child Assessment Centers ? which provide home-like settings where children receive physical exams and are interviewed during abuse and neglect investigations. These centers help reduce the trauma to children from child abuse and neglect.
~$118,749 cut to Juvenile Court Diversion Services in Greene County ? which will halt early intervention services to youth at imminent risk of being committed to the Division of Youth Services. These programs include intensive supervision and alternative schools.
~48 Grandparent Families will have their reimbursement for caring for their grandchildren reduced from 75% of the foster care rate to 25% of the foster care rate. The impact in Greene County is $91,614. Loss of this income could cause an increase in the number of these families who qualify for, and seek, welfare assistance.
New Jersey foster care system accused of "indifference at highest levels"
Children's Rights Inc. issued a press release claiming to have had Ira Schwartz conduct an "independent review" of New Jersey's foster care system. Unfortunately, this review was based on "recent DYFS data and reports turned over to Children's Rights in the lawsuit as well as transcripts from the depositions of various DYFS top managers taken by plaintiff children's attorneys." While I'm sure New Jersey foster care isn't perfect, I'm not so sure how independent the review actually was...so I can't say for certain whether the media reliance on it is a good thing.
Children's Rights Inc. issued a press release claiming to have had Ira Schwartz conduct an "independent review" of New Jersey's foster care system. Unfortunately, this review was based on "recent DYFS data and reports turned over to Children's Rights in the lawsuit as well as transcripts from the depositions of various DYFS top managers taken by plaintiff children's attorneys." While I'm sure New Jersey foster care isn't perfect, I'm not so sure how independent the review actually was...so I can't say for certain whether the media reliance on it is a good thing.
Time-out for a mommy-related rant
I have listened to women complain that stay-at-home moms don't get the respect or admiration they deserve. Being a stay-at-home mom is hard work. Then I hear the flip side...women who think paying $600/month is too much for childcare. Presuming four weeks in a month, that's $150/week...which works out to $3.75/an hour (based on a 40 hour work week)! How much IS it worth to make sure your child is happy and healthy?
I have listened to women complain that stay-at-home moms don't get the respect or admiration they deserve. Being a stay-at-home mom is hard work. Then I hear the flip side...women who think paying $600/month is too much for childcare. Presuming four weeks in a month, that's $150/week...which works out to $3.75/an hour (based on a 40 hour work week)! How much IS it worth to make sure your child is happy and healthy?
Well...I have returned to the land of blog! Much rejoicing and relief, I'm sure. I was hosting the big 1st birthday party for my son, and then I came down with a pretty icky sinus infection. I typically get those sinus infections in February and September, but the past year I was squeeking by on breastfeeding hormones and didn't get sick at all (boy, do I miss that added benefit). So, now that we're in the wet and cold weather of JUNE (where the heck IS the sun, anyway?!?!?!), my body has decided to shut down for what my hubby calls a "recharging" period. UGH...the absolute hardest thing in the world is trying to be a good mommy while you feel like roadkill (you try smelling a poopy diaper when your nose is completely stuffed up). But I've taken some decent decongestant and am feeling a little less icky today...so I thought I'd grace ya'll with my words of wisdom...aren't you just thrilled? (Ever get the feeling you're talking to yourself?)
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