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Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Time Out From Your Regularly Scheduled Humor
Anonymous said...
I am not trying to be mean or judgemental, but you never say anything about disciplining your kids for negative behaviors that need to change. When kids do stuff like Clay and Brooklyn they are seeking ATTENTION! Which means you need to step up to the plate.
First off, if you want to send me hate mail, you really need to go through the proper channels. In the future, please use my hate mail form HERE. Thank you.
Secondly, I don't ever say anything about what I dress myself in every day; do you think that means I walk around naked? I don't say anything about what I feed my kids for dinner every day; does that mean that I let them starve? Because I don't waste everyone's time by going into the boring details of discipline, doesn't mean that discipline doesn't exist. Understand?
However, to satisfy the curiosity of non-mean readers, here's my MO when it comes to discipline.
1. Whenever possible, I let the kids experience the natural consequences of their actions. For example, Jackson got mad one night, threw a fit, and whipped his iPod Touch (that he bought with his own saved money) across the room, shattering it. Now he doesn't have an iPod. If he wants another one, he'll have to save up a lot of money over a long period of time.
If the natural consequence will endanger the kids, of course, I have to go to Plan B. If one of them runs into the street without looking, for example, I'm not going to let them get hit by a car in order to teach a lesson.
2. When natural consequences aren't safe or feasible, I try to apply logical consequences. If I find that one of them was using their phone during school, I'm not going to make them clean the bathrooms; I'll take away their phone for a period of time. If someone has made a giant mess, then they need to clean it up.
3. Consistency! I think it's super-important to say what you mean and mean what you say and be consistent about it. Don't tell your kid they're grounded until they're 30. You're obviously not going to stick to that one. I mean, who wants their 30-year-old still living at home, pouting in their room without TV or phone privileges? If you take away a privilege from your child for a week, don't let their incessant begging wear you down and make you go back on your word in four days.
4. Teach! The biggest part of discipline is teaching appropriate behaviors. Yes, following up and punishing for infractions is part of disciplining, but in my opinion, a bigger part is teaching expected behaviors to begin with. Not only tell your children what you expect of them, but model those behaviors yourself. I don't attempt to control my kids. You can't control them and even if you could, why would you want to? What happens when they get older? Who's going to tell them what to do and control them then? Their peers? No, you want to teach them the skills they need to make wise decisions. When they mess up (and they will), you apply appropriate consequences, making THEM responsible for THEIR decisions.
6. Lighten up. Honestly, I have the advantage of having a fairly wide age span between my oldest and youngest children. I write stories about Clay and Brooklyn getting into stuff all the time now. Just a few short years ago, I wrote stories about Jackson getting into stuff with his sidekick, Lexi. Ask any of my friends. It was all about the messes they made and the crazy stuff they did. And guess what. Jackson and Lexi don't come up with all the goofy experiments and messes they did a few years ago. They're older. They've learned. As will Clay and Brooklyn. I'm not about to go postal on them every time they make a mess or do a crazy experiment. They're kids. Kids do goofy things. They learn by exploring. They LEARN by exploring. And with redirection, unconditional love, appropriate consequences, patience, and a SENSE OF HUMOR, you'll all survive and thrive.
Do I do all those things perfectly? Heck no! I'm human. There are times when I let something slide that I know I probably shouldn't simply because I'm too flipping tired to deal with it. Are there times when I get unnecessarily mad over some trivial thing? Heck yes! I'm not perfect. I do the best I can with what I have to work with.
Are you happy now, Clark? See how boring that was? That's why I don't write about discipline. It doesn't make you laugh. Now back to your regularly scheduled blog about the goofy things kids do that don't really matter much in the long run.
Posted by Dawn at 10:11 PM
88 comments:
- Ginny Williams said...
cheers to you Dawn.
- May 19, 2010 at 11:32 PM
- Much More Than Mommy said...
I am glad you wrote this, only because just last week I wondered (and may have even commented) about those comments. In my humble opinion, this was the perfect response.
- May 19, 2010 at 11:44 PM
- Donna said...
I applaud you 100% Dawn. You said it just right even tho I advised you to just 'delete delete delete' LOL.
I just had to laugh as I had to peek at your 'Hate Mail Form'.
Your outlook on life and kids ect is just so wonderful and I LOVE reading about it all. I think if people don't like it they should just go back to the life they had before they visited your site !
I could go on and on but I think you worded everything just perfectly and I am proud of you and always will be!
That's what makes you a great mom !
Big Hugs,
Donna from NE Indiana :)
- May 19, 2010 at 11:53 PM
- Fowler said...
I dont know why people have to be so negative. Im sure even tho you wrote all that out they will still have something negative to say. Dont let the haters hate hun just brush them off and go on with your life. Your a great mother.. HUGE HUGS TO YOU!!
- May 19, 2010 at 11:56 PM
- annie said...
That was excellent Dawn!! Especially loved the hate mail form - i so wanted to fill it in (cause it was so cool), but i've got no hate for ya!
Have a great day,
- May 19, 2010 at 11:58 PM
- Melissa said...
Hey Dawn, you forgot one important thing......as a single mum, you're doing the best that you can. Why doesn't "anonymous" direct comments to the children's (absent) father for the attention he's not paying them?
I'm quite sure you give your kids as much love and attention as you possibly can, and I think you're doing a fabulous job!
- May 20, 2010 at 12:08 AM
okay I first have to say I love your blog. I agree stupid question of course you discipline your kids. I love hearing the messes they get into. to the "anomyous" reader. Do I really want to read how you made them clean it up they complained and cried, or whatever. No offense Dawn but not really. I love hearing about your family. I have the the other drama at my house.
But I did like all your answers. But number 6. hit me. Ive got to let my boys be boys (11 and 7). Everyone says that are well behaved and have good manners.
But I beleive I don't let my kids be kids sometimes. so thank you for putting that tug in my heart, I believed I need. And I am going to pray that I can be half the wonderful mom you are. You are awesome and thank you so much for sharing you life with us.
- May 20, 2010 at 12:20 AM
Nice response! And I definitely detected some humor in there, so I'm not disappointed.
I'm a believer in logical consequences, too, for the most part. But I do find myself thinking that they won't necessarily get logical consequences in the real world. If they break a law when they are older, they may have to pay a fine or go to jail, even though their infractions will probably have nothing to do with money or being locked up. Just a thought. Anyway, I always try to think of a logical consequence first, but sometimes they just need a time-out!
- May 20, 2010 at 12:20 AM
- Charlie said...
Ummm wasn't the whole reason you got to become a famous blogger / author because you wrote a post on e-bay detailing exactly why you were selling your item and disciplining your kids?!
You don't need to justify anything to anyone Dawn. We know you're doing a great job. And I LOVE your humour!!
- May 20, 2010 at 12:20 AM
- Tiff said...
People are funny. I've always been under the impression that your kids are going to grow up to be wonderful adults, because you let them try things and do experiments. So many people shut their kids' creativity down because they don't want to deal with the mess, and there are a bunch of adults out there who are afraid to try anything new. Kudos to you, Dawn, you are an amazing mother. :)
- May 20, 2010 at 12:24 AM
- msprimadonna67 said...
I'm so glad you clarified. Here I was all this time thinking your kids stared at empty plates while you pranced around au natural at dinner time. Boy am I relieved!
- May 20, 2010 at 12:24 AM
- Jen said...
See? I told you, you're a GREAT Mom! :D (hugs)
- May 20, 2010 at 12:52 AM
- Shari said...
I cheat at Candy Land, too and I follow the same sort of discipline schedule you posted! Sheesh! And I screw up daily. Give me a break! And why always do these wierdos go under Anonymous? What are they afraid of? Cowards!
- May 20, 2010 at 1:10 AM
- Mum-me said...
I loved your explanation in the first paragraph of your 'answer' to 'anonymous'.
Yeah, just because I don't blog about how many times a week I vacuum my carpet doesn't mean it never gets done ... wait a minute - that's probably not the best example considering the current state of my carpet.
- May 20, 2010 at 1:29 AM
Dawn, I feel sad that any of your readers have nothing better to do with their day than to decide what kind of parent they think you are based on your blog. These must be the same people who read People and the Star and decide that celebrities are exactly like the characters they play on TV or in the movies.
Before a person judges another, look back at your day and imagine how you would feel if someone decided what kind of parent you were based on one 20 minute period of your kids' day. If you have never yelled at your kids, forgotten to pack a lunch or walked into a room where you kids have spilled or poured stuff on the floor and looked at you innocently; then congratulations on being a perfect parent. But as an imperfect parent, I believe that I am teaching my children how to be independent people who recognize that I make mistakes and because I do, it is ok for them to make them too. You cannot possibly know how any parent disciplines their child unless you live in their home. Why would you even assume to know whether or not, how or why any parent raises their child based on what they post in an ENTERTAINMENT blog?
I feel blessed that Dawn uses her talent of making people laugh to help relieve the stress of my day. Thank you Dawn for sharing a small part of your life with me each week. I appreciate you.
- May 20, 2010 at 1:49 AM
Great post Dawn! People always want to criticize without the facts. I had 5 kids (4 boys) and like you had a pretty decent age gap between the oldest and the youngest. They did all kinds of crazy things when they were younger. Now they're 15-25 and have outgrown all the cute stuff and turned into sullen teenagers up to married responsible adults and parents themselves. Flipping out when they went cow tipping or when they sent one of their siblings in for stitches playing roller coaster or built an 8 foot vert ramp to slide down would have served no purpose. Consistent discipline and natural consequences... You are a great mom!
- May 20, 2010 at 1:54 AM
Well said, Dawn! :)
- May 20, 2010 at 2:50 AM
If these reader could read between the lines, they would have understood all this long time ago. Some people are just ... ;)
You do seem like a wonderfull mother and both your kids and you are funny! Keep it up! :D
- May 20, 2010 at 3:14 AM
LOVE IT!!! This is why I love reading you so much Dawn!! I love that you have a hate mail form... brilliant! I want one!! What a time saver LOL. I am glad you don't actually worry about what people think... I gave that up with child #3. Have a great day!
- May 20, 2010 at 4:06 AM
- Quixotic said...
That's why I never say, "If you touch that again, I'll kill you!" because I was taught to always follow through ona threatened disciplinary action! ;o)
- May 20, 2010 at 5:31 AM
You tell em Dawn!! Jeeze!!
- May 20, 2010 at 5:48 AM
- Esther said...
Brilliant Dawn! (resounding round of applause)
This whole 'they only do it for attention' thing REALLY bugs me. Yes, that is true about 50% of the time but there are another hundred reasons as well, which means that a variety of different consequences need to be employed. It's called using your brain and being adaptable, and I think you're doing that very well.
I have two kids who mostly get into trouble for attention-seeking activities - they get more time-outs as punishments. The other two mainly get into trouble because they are too lazy or too impulsive (ie messy and experimental!) so most of their consequences are about doing their job properly and maybe being given extra to do.
This whole 'they're only doing it for attention' thing would have us staying in bed all day because if we never give them attention for being naughty, they'll never be naughty, right?
Hang on, I think I might just be onto something here....
- May 20, 2010 at 5:55 AM
- Sarah said...
Great post, Dawn. :) I'm so sorry that stupid people continue to feel the need to tell you how to parent your children. You are doing a great job. Keep it up and try not to let those people (who don't have the instestinal fortitude to use their real name, but go with anon.!) make you feel bad. (Easy for me to say, I know!) :) Hang in there!
- May 20, 2010 at 6:12 AM
You go girl! I still say you are doing a terrific job! Don't let the negative Nancy's get you down. They CAN'T know your life until they've spent a day in your shoes!.....Sharon
- May 20, 2010 at 6:12 AM
- Mady and Jacks Mama said...
Good for you! I have never understood why people who know only a tiny snippet of you or your life from a blog would feel the need to judge and give people they don't even know "advice". So stupid and usually cowardly since many don't want to include their real name. Strange...one would almost think they knew leaving comments like that was wrong! Plus no one can step in and see what your real life is like. Everyone's situation is different and I know with 6 kids and no help from a husband that it is really tough! Keep up the funny work and "if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all," readers!
- May 20, 2010 at 6:56 AM
- Jennifer in Wisconsin said...
I still laugh when I remember the one time I was asking my kids what happened, they gave me their story and I said, are you sure it didn't happen this way? They my oldest asked, if you knew how it happened, why did you ask, and I came up with (on the fly), I really know what happens, I'm just giving you a chance to confess. We'll see how long I can get away with that logic.
- May 20, 2010 at 7:15 AM
Sorry you had to write this.
Slight change of topic - I've been reading you for a while now, and DOH!, I just put it together that your kids come in pairs! Did Austin and Savannah do goofy things as a team, like Jackson and Lexi did, and Clay and Brooklyn do? I can't imagine the hi-jinks that two "great" minds can come up with. I am surprised daily by my ONE kid!
- May 20, 2010 at 7:23 AM
Right on girlfriend! I couldn't have said it better myself!
- May 20, 2010 at 7:31 AM
Bravo! I had 4 children within 6 years and 5 days and my oldest is 7 now. There is a time for punishment but sometimes kids are just being kids. You need to have a sense of humor to survive these years with your sanity.
- May 20, 2010 at 7:37 AM
- Roni said...
GREAT POST!!! I can't imagine raising 6 kids on your own. I think you are doing a great job!! I totally agree, kids learn by exploring. I remember some of the things I did growing up, some of it very silly, but I learned! Kids do funny things, by writing them down and keeping a blog, when THEY have children who do silly things, you can show them this blog LOL and it would be a total hit with the grandkids to LOL I know looking way into the future here, but in all honesty, there will be a day when mom isn't around anymore, and what better memories than the blog for you to pass down. Love your blog and love your posts :)
- May 20, 2010 at 7:37 AM
You are the only Mommy blog that I read, and I've been following you for almost 3 years! I thank you for every post you've made. I am a full time working Mom. And I am so tired of people passing judgement without knowing what goes on behind closed doors. If circumstances dictate that my DH and I both work to have things better for our family, then so be it. My children are growing up balanced, happy, independent, and smart (to mention a few traits). From really LISTENING to your blog, I know your kids are turning out the same way too. Reading your blog keeps me from getting depressed and overwhelmed, and quite often makes me laugh out loud. If I was looking for better ways to discipline my kids and keep complete order in my life, I would respectfully seek it elsewhere. I appreciate the fact that you addressed those that can't see your blog for what it really is, a little getaway, some HUMOR.
- May 20, 2010 at 7:48 AM
- Chris said...
You go girl! Some people can't read between the lines...kids do wrong things, they get disciplined. There's no reason for you to write about it unless YOU think there's a good reason. Some people just love finding fault. Don't let the get to you. Keep up the good work!!
- May 20, 2010 at 7:56 AM
- Jensamom23 said...
Well said! (and I like your hate mail form...very clever)
- May 20, 2010 at 7:59 AM
Where's the "Like" button when you need it? Very well said Dawn!! Keep doing what you do...
- May 20, 2010 at 8:02 AM
- T.M. said...
Well, and my thought is, how many parents don't LIKE what their children have done, but still happen to find what they've done hilarious? I've found so many parents who TRY to be stern, but are stifling a laugh. Do the kids get disciplined? Sometimes (depends on the parent), but it doesn't mean that the mom doesn't share the crazy antics of her child(ren) with all her friends out of earshot of said child(ren).
- May 20, 2010 at 8:06 AM
- funnelwebkitten said...
You were a lot more patient that I would have been, my first impulse would have to have used some choice swear words and then delete their email.
Anyone with half a brain who has read you for any amount of time would realise that your posts, while indeed they do touch on some serious stuff, are mainly about the funny, annoying, mind bogglingly astounding weird things your kids do.
As you said we don't read about your every meal, that doesn't mean we think you starve the kids; ok I take that back, anonymous mean person obviously does, since they made the outstanding leap of logic from you never talking about discipline to mean that you NEVER discipline your kids.
Ignore the ignorant people and realise that 99% of us know you leave bits out.
- May 20, 2010 at 8:06 AM
- I 'n'CYST said...
no way you are just like us and human?! I thought you were super woman and I was gonna have my kids look up to you...now you have just dissapointed us with this. I think you should loose your contract with NIKE...oh wait you don't have one..that's right you are just a mom who started writing for fun and for release and we all just happen to read it!!!! Ugh if you think you can be a better parent then come be with her kids for a few weeks give her a break! UGH JERK....you keep up the good work Dawn you're amazing!
- May 20, 2010 at 8:21 AM
- Tammy said...
Your hate mail form cracks me up. :0)
People who comment on the disciplining of other people's kids need a different hobby. Good grief.
And you answered much more nicely than I would have.
Looking forward to a "regular" post. :0)
- May 20, 2010 at 8:24 AM
- May 20, 2010 at 8:49 AM
- Kristine said...
You go Dawn! I wouldn't be surprised if you do a better job with discipline than I do!
- May 20, 2010 at 8:52 AM
I just love you to pieces!!! There are certainly some parents out there that could benefit from this boring post. :-) So, I guess I should say, 'Thanks, Clark.'
Keep up the awesome work, Dawn. You are truly blessed and gifted.
God Bless,
Robin E from Mississippi
- May 20, 2010 at 8:52 AM
- Krys72599 said...
You have got to be kidding! Someone actually wrote to you to tell you that you should be disciplining your kids?
Your response was, despite the disclaimer, humorous in its own right, but I must admit I'd have probably been tempted to say something along the lines of "I USED to discipline my kids but ever since the visit from CPS, I'm a little leary about beating the crap out of them."
Now really, you have SIX CHILDREN. If you didn't know how to discipline your kids, they'd have run you out of the home at four!!! You'd never have even made it to six!!!
Take it from me, typical reader: we all know you're doing a great job with your kids, and we also know that you're picking and choosing the funniest parenting stories to keep your readers entertained. We are also certain you're doing a great job teaching, loving and disciplining your children!
- May 20, 2010 at 9:01 AM
- Marly said...
wait, you don't tell us everything you do?!?! geez, why do I read then :)
As a mom of 4, with older kids, I understand the humor. Thanks for reminding me. I've kind of been a grump lately.
- May 20, 2010 at 9:20 AM
- Bailey's Leaf said...
Good on ya, mama. Shall we flick boogers at the nasties all together? One, two, three-- fling!
- May 20, 2010 at 9:31 AM
That was a great post Dawn. Boring but Great :) Kristine in Michigan.
- May 20, 2010 at 9:40 AM
- Robin said...
I also had to take a peek at your hate mail form! I actually LOL'd at work!! I love your sense of humor...I know...it's either laugh or cry right?!?!?!
- May 20, 2010 at 9:40 AM
- Dayna said...
Well said. I enjoyed your hate mail form too! Proper grammar is not optional... :) Priceless!
- May 20, 2010 at 9:43 AM
- Jennie said...
I wholeheartedly agree with your methods and reasoning behind them. As a teacher, I tried to do the same thing at school with my students and it seemed to work pretty well.
Another thing that I learned that works well with kids is to state the rules and expectations in positive terms. For example, "treat everyone with respect" as opposed to "no hitting, biting, name calling, etc".
- May 20, 2010 at 9:49 AM
Are you happy now, Clark?? She's numb from the waist down!!! LOVE the Vacation reference! ;o)
I'm glad you try not to let the mean comments get you down. There are waaaaay too many mean people in this world and, I have to say, I'm pretty tired of them judging everyone else. Your response was dead on and I'm glad you posted it -- even if it WAS boring!!! LOL
Donna in PA :)
- May 20, 2010 at 10:11 AM
- Keekee said...
Dawn you are a GREAT Mommy and you are doing a wonderful job! I could not imagine having to do it on my own right now with just my 3. I so don't understand people when they just go out and attack people without thinking. They don't KNOW you, just because you decide to share a little bit of your life online they think they are ALL and KNOWING. UGH! What ever happened to "if you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all?"
Another thing, if those readers were to read some of your past posts about how Savannah steps up and helps without being helped, or how she handled that friend with the clothes, they would KNOW that you are doing right. Yes, Austin might have problems with grades, but he isn't out terrorizing the world like some other teens. You are doing a GREAT job, Dawn!
Keep on swimming... XOXO
- May 20, 2010 at 10:16 AM
- Ellobie said...
Ummm, yeah... I definitely enjoy reading about Clay & Brooklyn making messes more than reading about discipline. Thanks for posting, though, so the Negative Nancys can go about their business and quit harrassing you in the comments. :)
- May 20, 2010 at 10:17 AM
Since this is a humorous blog I think most of us get that the misdeeds are far funnier than the ensuing discipline. Unless, of course, you can come up with some really creative discipline--then we for sure want to hear about it!
My two kids are nine years apart. Things that used to make me go balistic when my son was little barely raise an eyebrow now. Over the years you learn, "this too shall pass". My son is now 21 and a responsible adult even though I know I didn't parent anywhere close to perfectly. I'm guessing that my daughter will turn out ok, too.
You seem to have great kids and that doesn't happen by accident. Thanks for sharing all the ups and downs of parenting with us!
- May 20, 2010 at 10:21 AM
Excellent response. :)
Just bear in mind (and I do hope that your hate-mailers are reading this) that the world is full of stupid people.
Intelligent people are bright enough to fill in the blanks and assume that you don't write down every single thing that happens in your life. We assume you shower, feed your kids, wear clothes, and use the toilet, even if you don't explicitly state it. We also assume that you discipline your kids, and that the reason you don't write about it is because, yeah, it's not very funny or very interesting.
Only stupid people would assume that if you don't write it, you don't do it.
So, how long HAS it been since you used the toilet? I don't recall you ever mentioning your toilet habits in this blog. Do you even excrete at all? What are you, a FREAK?!
- May 20, 2010 at 10:32 AM
Dawn - you are awesome! You write a humor blog. The things kids do are funny, disciplining them for the funny things they do is necessary, but NOT FUNNY. People are too concrete, not to mention stupid. You seem like a great mom, and I think clearly your parenting style is working for you.
P.S. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the hate mail form.
- May 20, 2010 at 11:15 AM
- The Mommy said...
I always like to hear how people respond to the nay-sayers! Fortunately, the three people who read my blog are related...I'd hunt them down!
I may have, on OCCASION, threatened to grown my kids for, say, LIFE, but it's always said when it's a humorous screw up and they know I don't actually mean it anyhow. Any other time (and I have to remind my husband of this regularly) I always follow through. Consistency is really, really hard when parenting a 3-year-old because it's constant, especially if said child is, er, "strong-willed". You show weakness once and they're all over it! Luckily, God gave me a mild-mannered one in between my two challenges. I can't wait to see what my 1-year-old turns out to be like ;)
- May 20, 2010 at 12:28 PM
- Alice Maureaux said...
Good for you!
- May 20, 2010 at 2:07 PM
- Meredith said...
Woohoo - AMEN!
- May 20, 2010 at 2:10 PM
- Mimicutelips said...
YOU GO DAWN! I felt the neck rolling in your post as you said "FIRST OFF". That set the tone of the blog. I love the way you handle such negativity. How dare someone question your parenting when they haven't walked a mile in your shoes. Everything isn't what it seems that is the FIRST rule of thumb on these here interwebs.
- May 20, 2010 at 2:18 PM
- Anjie said...
Love it! I love the "Hate Mail" link(s) too....clicked on it just to see what fun you had in store for us.
And thanks for the great reference to any and all of the National Lampoon's Vacation movies! They are my fave, and added that great humor we all love you for. :)
- May 20, 2010 at 4:23 PM
- Big Mama Cass said...
I can't believe someone actually wrote that on your blog! How rude!! Some people. Sheesh!
- May 20, 2010 at 4:31 PM
- Sandi said...
I also don't ask you how many times you visit the restroom and if you fold or crumple your toilet tissue. Some things are better left unspoken. Love you lots, Dawn!
- May 20, 2010 at 4:35 PM
- Tracie said...
It always amuses me when people ASSume they know all about you (general you) and your family and everything that goes on in your life by a few posts. To just assume you don't discipline your kids because you don't post about it is asinine. (Do you sense the theme here??) :)
I have eight kids. I so totally get what you go through. Several years ago, my youngest son took all our VHS tapes, and lined them up end to end to form a huge box on the living room floor. Then he went and got a full box of laundry detergent and filled in his box. Walla! Instant sandbox... IN THE HOUSE. He was so proud of himself he couldn't wait to show us. How can you get mad at that?
Of course the detergent wasn't safe and we had to explain that. We explained how the soap might ruin the video tapes too and we had him help clean up "the mess". We didn't raise our voice or get angry at him. In fact we praised his resourcefulness while we laughed at it.
Guess what? He never made that particular mess again. Nor did he play with laundry soap again. Sure he's made a ton of messes in his life since (and clothes on this kid last about a week with how hard he plays). But point is, he PLAYS. He uses his imagination, he enjoys LIFE. He's also well-behaved *most of the time*. :)
If I'm to assume anything by your posts, I'm going to ASSume your kids are the same way. :)
- May 20, 2010 at 4:42 PM
What an awesome response Dawn. I suppose it would have been easier to just ignore this idiot, but by responding the way you did, you gave the rest of us a laugh and showed "anonymous" just how stupid their comment really was. Never stop blogging the way you do and never stop telling the stories the way you do. As a Mom, you make me laugh on a daily basis because I can relate to all of your stories. They are only little once and the messes and turmoil they cause are the things that will make you laugh later when they are all grown up. You are a great Mom and your kids will grow up to be happy, well adjusted, loving adults. The kids of anonymous will probably grow up to be serial killers. LOL.
- May 20, 2010 at 5:43 PM
I don't always agree with the discipline methods you mention but then I don't agree with my friends either. You, like many of my friends, were probably raised under the Dr. Spock method. My mom didn't believe in his philosophy so I was raised under in a stict but loving environment. We generally raise our children the way we were raised and we obviously turned out okay. So you discipline differently than I do. Is one way better than the other? No! Is it really anyone else's business? No!
We all hope to reach the same end and that is healthy, happy, successful children. All any parent can do is their best and then hope & pray that it is enough. There is no instant gratification for us as we won't know for years (18-25 at least) whether we were successful parents or total flops and by then we'll be too senile to care!
- May 20, 2010 at 6:25 PM
- MaBunny said...
Oh good grief...I read your blog all the time and never once did I think that you never disciplined your children.
That person needs to get a life! and good for you to respond with dignity.
- May 20, 2010 at 7:13 PM
- Kristen said...
Bravo! yep, that was totally boring and exactly what all of us do with our own children. I WISH my kids were more adventerous- please, by all means, help yourselves children... Mom is not your slave and at your beck-and- call 24/7. I am so afraid that my kids aren't going to learn survival skills before they have to move out! Believe me, I'm workin at it!
Thanks for bloggin about the funny stuff, b/c it IS funny b/c we have ALL been there!!
- May 20, 2010 at 7:31 PM
- Jill @ Blogging Memories said...
I love your response to the hate mail. Good for you for taking a stance. Sounds like you're just doing a fine job at disciplining your kids. None of us are perfect, right?
- May 20, 2010 at 8:41 PM
My mom learned the experiments bit really well with me for her first kid. The only one that really made her nuts was when I washed my little sister's rubber ducky and a few other things in the ultimate cleaning fluid I made... which was garlic based.
- May 20, 2010 at 8:44 PM
Bwaaahhahaha "Are you happy now, Clark? She's deaf."
Yay, Dawn! Your blog is the only one I read and I read it because I LOVE to hear what your cool kids are doing! (much more interesting than discipline!) Some people just don't get it...the fartknockers. :-)
- May 20, 2010 at 8:44 PM
- Tina said...
You rock, Dawn. You just... rock.
- May 20, 2010 at 10:59 PM
- dhaynes said...
OMGosh, you REALLY do have a HATE mail form! I laughed so hard tears were running down my face! Great response, loved it as always! You are a much nicer person then I. I would've probably blasted "Clark" lol have a great evening!
- May 20, 2010 at 11:36 PM
- Zsuzsanna said...
Would Anonymous like to share with the rest of the class how many kids he/she has? Or does (s)he limit him/herself to dogs who conveniently eat off the floor and never have to go along on grocery store trips?
- May 21, 2010 at 12:49 AM
- Joshua, Ambyr and Co. said...
Yep, you're right, it was boring! Let's get back to the funny stuff. Can you block negative readers? ha!:)
- May 21, 2010 at 7:51 AM
- Mrs. Howell said...
YOU ROCK!!! Hate-mailers suck. :(
- May 21, 2010 at 9:21 AM
Actually, I'm kind of glad to hear how you handle discipline with 6 creative kids. It helps me remember what's important about disciplining my own kids. Any ideas about instilling respect? My 3 yr old talks back a lot lately. I think smart people realize you are disciplining your kids even though you don't write about it. You are doing great. Keep writing about the stuff Clay and Brooklyn get into, they are so adorable.
- May 21, 2010 at 10:44 AM
Where is the "LIKE" button?
- May 21, 2010 at 10:58 AM
Hey Dawn,
As a mother of six also, you cannot be everywhere all the time. Our kids are not born with the innate ability to be perfect. Obviously we do not grow up to be perfect either. We tend to make our own "messes" a lot of the time. But I wrote to say that my kids love to sit around the dinner table or on a long drive hear their dad and I tell of all the wonderful things they did when they were little. What was a pain in the neck way back when (for the oldest that is) is now fond family memories. Keep up the memory making you and your kids are doing a great job!
- May 21, 2010 at 11:13 AM
Some people have nothing better to do with their time. You did an awesome job explaining your discipline techniques, but *yawn* get back to the funny stuff! ;) You're doing a super job. As a mom of a 2.5 yr old and 10 mo old twins - all boys, I might add - I'm in awe of you! Keep up the good work. And maybe one of these days, I'll come up with a good SSO question.
- May 21, 2010 at 11:21 AM
- Jen@Scrapingirl said...
You are hilarious even when you're not. :) I love the hate mail section. How do you come up with this stuff? Also, I think you need to update your picture on top. With all your free time, I'd like you to try. lol :) Have a great day.
- May 21, 2010 at 12:43 PM
LOL. Great response! And great discipline rules!!!
- May 21, 2010 at 2:01 PM
- Jacqui said...
Haha!!! You made me laugh!!!
- May 21, 2010 at 2:08 PM
- Jennifer Foster said...
Zinger! :-)
- May 21, 2010 at 5:51 PM
- Hands to Work, Hearts to God said...
This is my first time to visit your blog and already a controversy! How interesting and what a lot going on! Congratulations on your book and I'm sorry to read about your divorce. Will read your back posts but I've a feeling this is going to take some time! http://my.statcounter.com/project/
- May 22, 2010 at 5:01 AM
Just how many of the "you shouda done this instead" are single parents with 6 kids? My guess is zero. Keep writing, please! Makes me feel better about my gang of four.
- May 22, 2010 at 8:20 PM
- Amber Narae said...
*Lifts glass of wine* Cheers, Dawn. There are so many of us who love you, and love your kids, and enjoy your daily (well, sometimes every-other-daily, and occasionally weekly) posts! Don't let the haters get you down, girl. Just remember that if they had real lives of their own, they wouldn't have time to hate yours =)
- May 22, 2010 at 9:27 PM
- Susan said...
Very well said Dawn! I wish I was half the mother that you are! I know sometimes I yell at my kids (all 4) for the little thing simply because I'm exhausted! But I also feel I present appropriate discipline when necessary. Like you said, we're not perfect.
I guess if 'Anonymous' is perfect, good for her!! But I wonder if her kids are being kids.
Please don't let the haters deter you! Please keep sharing the wonderful stories of your life!! I know I appreciate them and you!
- May 24, 2010 at 7:29 AM
- Sharlyn said...
Bravo!! People like Clark can just go suck a lemon ;-)
- May 25, 2010 at 7:42 AM
- misssrobin said...
It's not often I hear another parent say that she doesn't try to control her children. Thank you. I firmly believe that if people would try to teach instead of control parents would have a lot less difficulty. That and understanding age appropriate and natural behavior. Like teens sleeping a lot. They are going through growth spurts and the body needs extra sleep for that. Didn't anyone but me pay attention in science class? Am I really the only adult who remembers what it was like to be a kid?
- May 28, 2010 at 1:54 AM


text:
1. A choclatey tasty mexican dessert, that is made from a chocolate taco shell filled with ice cream covered in a choclate coating made by klondike
2. A girl who is half swiss half spanish
2. A girl who is half swiss half spanish
1. I will have one chaco taco to enjoy on this hot afternoon.
2. Ohh you are from Switzerland and Spain, so you are a chaco taco.
2. Ohh you are from Switzerland and Spain, so you are a chaco taco.
by prokevinmusic February 19, 2008
Brett went interracial last night and stuck his meat in a chaco taco.
by brendito April 27, 2006
by Moskey March 28, 2007
A tan, lighter skinned or dark brown skinned person, with African-American features and Latino roots, although they appear to be African-American, when pressed these folks quickly (and Loudly) disclaim they are Dominican, Puerto Rican, Afro Cuban, or some other cross cultural heritage rather than associating themselves as having anything to with being classified as Black people. In their eyes these folks are anything except BLACK.
Rosario Dawson, Sammy Sosa, Pele are contemporary examples of ChacoTacos.
by King Daddy February 01, 2008
jonny rocket gave mrs. frigon the chaco taco.
by Mr. chaco November 15, 2007
Tyrone Martinez, a chaco taco, is a local sports legend in both soccer and basketball.
by SpongeKnob July 24, 2016

subset: commoncrawl


text:
With "strategic dismemberment" still front and center of the action, Dead Space 3 continued to impress me with its variety of enemies. Of any shooter series I've played, the Dead Space series has always been one of the best examples of moment-to-moment variety. Each enemy exhibits a variety of behaviors, and as before, removing different limbs will change how the creature pursues and attacks. Maybe it's just me, but even the standard "vanilla" Necromorphs in Dead Space 3 seemed a lot more aggressive. It seemed like improved versions of each member of the entire Necromorph cast from the previous games made at least one appearance in Dead Space 3 (though some, like the Pregnants, are woefully underutilized), but despite the already impressive roster Visceral Games has added even more types of terrors. The Feeders--quick, skeletal baddies that attack in large packs, once disturbed--really creeped me out with their propensity to try and back me into a corner. Not all of the enemy additions were welcome, however. There are some new Necromorphs (you've probably seen in the screenshots), which basically look like axe-wielding, garden-variety zombies with glowing eyes. I couldn't help but wonder how the shadowy demons from Alan Wake had invaded my sci-fi shooter. They're not horrible, but they feel incredibly uninspired when compared to the rest of the monsters. Dead Space 3 is also the first game in the series to ask Isaac to battle human enemies on occasion. I found that these sections made sense to the narrative, but were a bit of a letdown from a gameplay perspective. Strategic dismemberment isn't at all important when battling humans, and I actually felt a twinge of disappointment (or maybe it was relief) when I realized I'd be fighting humans for a bit. Some later sections that mix in both human and Necromorph enemies are a bit more interesting, but thankfully, during the vast majority of the game's combat, Isaac is the only human involved. Speaking of firsts, there are a few minor improvements to the game that I really appreciated. The first is the inclusion of 10 optional missions (a few of which are co-op, only). These feature completely new locations, and add several extra hours of gameplay, and the couple that I played through felt more like they'd been made optional to streamline the critical path, rather than because the content therein was of lesser quality. Dead Space 3 also gives players the ability to replay missions they've completed, so if you miss or skip an optional mission on your first playthrough, you can always go back and see what you missed later, even if it's just to jump to one of these specific side missions. The firefights in Dead Space 3 are chaotic and explosive, but I also encountered a few AI quirks carried over from the previous entries, such as the rare instance where an enemy would get caught on the environment. The most egregiousness and immersion-breaking of these issues is that the "enemy triggers" for some rooms were easily manipulated. For example, there were several times where I'd trigger a wave of enemies, and fall back to the room's entrance, only to have the enemies pull an about-face and retreat once I'd crossed the door's threshold. I'm pretty sure the practice of luring creatures out and dispatching them, one at a time, isn't a result of intentional design. From a story perspective, things eventually escalate to a level that's pretty ridiculous, but it all somehow fits within the context of the series' over-the-top lore. Playing solo, the game does a great job of capturing the solitary feeling of the first two games, though some of the single-player cut-scenes that feature John Carver (the game's other protagonist in co-op) are a bit odd in the sense that there's a hint of the "buddy movie" dialogue going on, only to have Carver disappear when the player resumes control. Thankfully, you won't be doing battle alongside a shoddy, AI version of Carver when playing solo. As far as the single-player experience goes, Dead Space 3 hits most of the high-notes the series is now known for. The ice planet location ends up providing some welcome change of pace, even though it's not as psychologically compelling of a setting to me as the claustrophobic vacuum of space. Isaac's third outing is definitely his most ambitious yet. Provided you're not allergic to snow, Dead Space 3 is another wild ride and great addition to a series that still has some of the most interesting shooting mechanics and enemy design out there. Shacknews' Ozzie Meija is diving back in with me to play through the game in co-op mode, so stay tuned for our assessment of how Dead Space 3's campaign plays with a buddy.
Feeders swarm in packs, when disturbed.
This Dead Space 3 single player review is based on an Xbox 360 retail copy of the game, provided by the publisher.


text:
Thursday, February 25, 2010
B101's Weekday Tweets - Thursday
Bigger than any results tonight was the news that Purdue's Robbie Hummel will be out for the season with a torn ACL in his right knee. The biggest question surrounding the Boilermakers now is what will happen to their seed going forward. The committee will not forget about what Purdue has done to this point, but their final three games as well as the Big Ten tourney will now have extra importance. If they win out, or go 2-1 down the stretch and win the Big Ten tourney, they will still get a 1 seed. If they struggle down the stretch, then they could really see their seed take a tumble. The only historical example that is somewhat similar to this case is the 2000 Cincinnati Bearcats. Kenyon Martin broke his leg in the C-USA conference tourney that year and the Bearcats were upset in their first game. They ended up with a 2 seed in the tournament, despite their #1 RPI, and ended up losing in the second round.
It took an overtime period, but Vanderbilt was able to survive at home against a pesky Georgia team on Thursday night. The Commodores were able to overcome a five point deficit with only 33 seconds to play in regulation to beat the Bulldogs 96-94. A.J. Ogilvy made the game-tying tip-in with 16 seconds left, and he and Jermaine Beal made some clutch free throws in overtime to seal the deal. The win avenged the loss that Vandy suffered a few weeks ago in Athens, and it moved them to 10-3 in the SEC. As long as the Commodores can pick up a win on the road against Arkansas this weekend, they will remain on the 4 line next week. If they can win out and reach the final of the SEC tourney, they have the chance to jump onto the 3 line with some help. If they can somehow find a way to beat Kentucky in the SEC final, they could even get as high as a 2 seed.
With their home win over Arizona, Cal is now just one victory away its first Pac-10 title since 1960. The Bears beat the Wildcats by 24 in Berkeley on Wednesday night to improve to 11-5 in conference, a half game better than Arizona State (who won at Stanford Wednesday). Cal hosts ASU on Saturday, and if the Bears win, and then take care of business at Stanford next week, the debate will intensify as to whether Cal would deserve an at-large bid. Our opinion on Cal all along has been that if they got to 13-5 in conference, won the Pac-10 regular season title, and maintained a solid RPI, that they would probably get an at-large. Regardless of how poor the Pac-10 has been this season, we find it very hard to believe that the selection committee would deny an at-large bid to a power conference champion with a top-30 (or so) RPI - even if that team had an OOC resume as weak as Cal's. Where the Cal debate gets really interesting is if they were to finish 12-6 and then lose in the semifinals or final of the Pac-10 tourney. Would that still get them a bid? One thing is for sure: no matter how these next few games play out, Cal will be one of the most debated bubble teams in the country on Selection Sunday if they don't end up getting the Pac-10 automatic.
Of note: Kentucky beat South Carolina at home; Duke beat Tulsa at home; Wisconsin won at Indiana; Gonzaga beat Santa Clara at home; Utah State won at Hawaii; St. Mary's beat Pepperdine at home; Wofford, which has now won 15 of 16, beat Charleston at home to take over first place in the Southern at 14-3; Murray State lost its first OVC game, falling 70-65 at Morehead State.
32 comments:
- Jeff said...
Vandy is overrated and got lucky that a terrible team stopped playing decently. Seriously, 84% FT shooter goes 0/2 at that point in the game? Pathetic.
- hillferguson said...
@Jeff, overated by what measurement? Polls (#20)? RPI (#10)? Projected seed (#4)? Sure, they were hungover from the UK game they should have won, but UGA is a very good team. Showing the meddle to pull it out down 6 with 53 seconds is what premium teams do, IMHO.
- Jeff said...
"but UGA is a very good team."
What? They have a couple decent players, but they're pretty awful.
I think 20th is fine, but 16th in the AP? Nah.
Also, I think you mean 'mettle'. 'Meddle' means something else.
- Murph said...
So you are complaining about 4 spots, Jeff? I know I am stooping to your level, but who would you have ahead of them? Tennessee, a team they have beaten twice? Temple, who had to go into overtime this week to beat St. Joseph's, an inferior team to Georgia? Gonzaga, with their losses to powerhouses Loyola Marymount and San Francisco in the last month? I know the poll is a flawed measurement, but this is not their worst choice (UTEP and Xavier not ranked in the AP?).
And need I point out the mathematical likelihood of someone missing two free throws in a row (on the road), even with an 84% from the line? It's not that "pathetic". Pathetic is correcting someone's word usage instead of answering his question.
Murph, I believe the likelihood you are thinking of is around 2.5%, or one out of every 40 times.
- Jeff said...
"Temple, who had to go into overtime this week to beat St. Joseph's, an inferior team to Georgia?"
Look up Palestra Magic. Clearly, you know nothing about the Big 5.
Game was much closer until Nova made their FREE THROWS at the end.
- mag900 said...
Are you referring to the terrible Georgia team that has beaten Illinois, Georgia Tech and Tennessee this year? Just checking.
- Murph said...
Thanks for that Anon. Without doing a bit of research, I would not know for certain, but I bet players have home/road splits that would make those odds a little different.
And as someone who grew up watching A-10 ball, I do know about the Big 5. You are saying that Big 5 ball is more intense than SEC conference play, however. I can't quantify that outside of looking at conference RPI or qualify that outside of personal experiences attending SEC games, neither of which tells the whole story. What I can say is that Georgia has finished out tough games with wins (UT, SC, Vandy, GT, Illinois) and has a respectable RPI (93). St. Joseph has an RPI near 200 and their best wins are Dayton and Boston College.
Again, though, you deflect from defending your initial statement. If you were just blowing off some steam after a disappointing game, that's fine. As a Vandy alum, I was annoyed, too. But I am curious by what basis you made your original statement.
Arizona State has been playing very good ball lately and could beat Cal on Saturday. What would be ASU's at large chances if they can win at Cal and sweep the LA schools next week? The Sun Devils have to be wishing they could have pulled out that game against Baylor.
Does it hurt Virginia Tech that Rhode Island was able to win at Boston College, but VT got destroyed by BC? Do you think that the committee will put more weight on Va Tech's gaudy record or the fact that so many of those wins came against teams outside the top 100? VT also got an easier ACC schedule only having to play Maryland, Wake, and Duke once. VT also lost to 2 of the worst teams in the conference, UNC and BC. Will the committee look at all these factors about VT? Or just reward that gaudy win-loss record?
Unless you grew up in Philly or went to school there, you don't understand the Big 5. In 2001-2002Penn won the Big 5. Is the Ancient 8 better than the A-10 or Big East? Of course not but it shows you that anything can happen in those games. SJU is horrible this year, as someone who's had to watch them play 5-6 times, the only two games where they looked like some semblance of a Div I team were at the Palestra against two top 20 opponents. Now, call that what you will but there is just something about that place that tends to make those games close. But is the SEC a better conference top to bottom than the A-10, sure but a loss to SJU at the Palestra in a Big 5 game should not be the black eye for the Committee that you suggest it is.
The loss of Hummel will hurt some, no doubt. But Purdue still has a very good team. Grant and Hart can step in and get the job done. I think it would be unfair to other teams if Purdue's seed is dropped too far. He is not as valuable to Purdue as Kenyon Martin was to Cincinnati. You could argue that Etwan Moore and JaJuan Johnson are Purdue's best players. Chris Kramer's great defense can't be ignored either. The loss of Hummel will hurt some, but Purdue is still a very good team.
Will the Purdue injury give the committee an excuse to reward media darling Duke?
- Paymon said...
I think I understand where Jeff is coming from. Vanderbilt seems to eke out close wins in games that a 4 seed should kick ass and take names, and they have some forehead-scratching losses (semi-home v. Western Kentucky, @ Georgia by 14).
Their 68th-ranked adjusted defensive efficiency (kenpom.com) goes a long way in explaining that they take possessions off at that end of the floor.
If they win their next 3, they probably deserve the #4 seed. I don't think they'll beat Florida away from Memorial.
Like everyone else has said, they are fairly strong with the other metrics.
I was a bit surprised to see Oklahoma State in your field. Are you predicting/projecting that they will beat Kansas or Texas A&M?
Lunardi did it again today! -- Duke and Maryland square off in the 2nd round. I also caught Georgetown in a potential 2nd round matchup v. ODU (a team they already played)...
- Nuss said...
At what point do we start talking about ASU as a bubble team? I know the committee may not place as much stock in the Pomeroy ratings as I do, but it's tough to ignore their No. 27 standing. That's better than a lot of teams considered mortal locks for the tournament …
- Bracketology 101 said...
Lunardi must be having his students doing his brackets now.
We have a great idea for a new contest. Whoever finds the most mistakes and oversights in a Lunardi bracket gets to be B101's honorary bracketologist of the day.
- Bracketology 101 said...
Oklahoma State has earned its way into the field with some big wins in conference (at Kansas State, A&M, Baylor), but they are by no means a lock at this point. They are going to have to beat Kansas or A&M to lock up a spot (we think they'll win one of the two). If they don't, they'll finish 8-8 in conference and they'll have to do some damage in the Big XII tourney to get a bid. Despite their big wins in conference, their weak OOC resume is holding them back considerably.
- Bracketology 101 said...
If Purdue beats Michigan State this weekend we likely won't move them from the 1 line. Although people may hate it, Duke is next in line for a 1 seed right now. They have the 2nd best RPI in the country, have some solid OOC wins and are the best team in the ACC (the 3rd rated conference).
If VT loses to Maryland this weekend we will entertain conversations on their at-large status.
The Cal-ASU game this weekend is the easily the biggest game in the Pac-10 this year. If they can win out and then were to lose to Cal in the conference final they would be a tough call since they would have a share of the regular season title. Anything less and they have no chance.
- Bracketology 101 said...
Lunardi fixed the Duke-Maryland screw-up in his bracket. We will of course make fun of him for this in a special Friday Questions for the Competition post later today.
Man, how on earth did NC State ever let Herb Sendek get away? He's built a competent basketball program out of nothing in short order.
As for Duke, the RPI is starting to remind me of US News college rankings. In the same way US News starts with the assumption that Harvard/Princeton/Yale are the best schools and just measures the rest based on how closely they resemble those 3, the RPI seems to start with the assumption that Duke is good, and measures other teams by how closely they resemble Duke.
You do mean Va Tech is a lock at 10-6 (not 9-7) right? They're 8-5 right now. They have 2 wins (Wake and Clemson at home) the whole year that are worth anything (maybe 3 if you include Seton Hall on a neutral court). I'm not sure they'll be safe even at 10-6.
It will be interesting to see what happens to Duke. They have beaten some okay teams OOC (UConn, Gonzaga, Charlotte, ASU?). But they've been beat by the 2 best teams on their schedule (Gtown and Wisky). In normal years, where UNC and another ACC team might be elite, this wouldn't be a big deal because Duke could just beat those teams in conference to prove its eliteness. Their computer numbers are very strong by beating teams ranked 25-75 a lot. They could very well get a #1 seed and have beaten nobody stronger than a 5-7 seed.
- mag900 said...
i'm not sure why you decided to flagellate duke for potentially being a 1 seed after not beating anyone better than a 5 seed. the same thing could be said of kentucky. its best wins are tennessee and vandy, both of which will be right around a 5 seed (they currently are projected as a 4 and 5 seed).
You have a point mag900. The argument you make has some validity and why I think Syracuse should be higher on the s-curve than Kentucky. However, Vandy and Tennessee are a little better (IMO) than whoever is the ACC's #2 (Maryland I guess?). Kentucky also doesn't have the losses that Duke has. And although it shouldn't matter, it's not going to hurt that Kentucky has 4 future 1st rounders on their team.
As a Tennessee student and diehard Vols fan, I can tell you with 100% confidence that we are not nearly as good as Maryland.
What does Rhode Island need to do to secure a bid? How many Atlantic 10 teams do you see in the field on March 14th?
I agree with AG. Herb Sendek is a terrific coach and wasn't appreciated in Raleigh. They ran him out of town cause he couldn't get deep enough in the tournament. At this point, Wolfpack fans would just like to make the tournament one of these years. Do you think Steve Lavin could have succeeded if he had taken the job at NC State?
- Bracketology 101 said...
URI has nothing very impressive on their resume, but also nothing bad. If they can win out to get to 11-5 in conference they should safe barring a loss in the 5/12 opening round game of the A-10 tourney (should they end up the fifth place team in league). If they end up 11-5 or even 10-6 but make it to the A-10 semis they should be safe. What they don't want to do is lose to Charlotte next week and then lose in the 4/5 or 3/6 game of the A-10 tourney. Then they may get squeezed.
We think the A-10 will ultimately end up with 4 bids. They have a chance for 5 if things break their way in the conference tourney, but 3 is possible if all their bubble teams (Dayton, URI, Charlotte, and St Louis) flop here in the last few weeks.
- mag900 said...
Sendek is a good coach -- not a terrific one. I don't see how you possibly could label a coach "terrific" when, in 17 years as a head coach, he has reached the sweet 16 a grand total of 1 time (and proceeded to immediately lose that 1 time). with that being said, he is much better than what they currently are enduring with.
So you just judge coaches by their tournament performance? Just making the NCAA tournament is tough, which NC State is finding out right now.
- mag900 said...
Yes, I judge BCS coaches by how well they do in the NCAAT -- especially when the sample size spans 17 years, most of which was in the ACC and PAC 10. Not being able to win a single game in the Sweet 16 over 17 years with a long list of future NBA players is not indicative of a "terrific" BCS coach. We aren't talking about Mid Major expectations here. Is this a shock to you?


text: Some of you might know me as the guy with the hawks motor home. I'm also the guy who made the "u mad bro?" meme and sent it to Richard Sherman. I had no idea that it would become what it became. It just took off with a life of its own. I was a little disappointed that Sherman never mentioned who sent it to him..but meh ..who cares. Just thought you guys might find the story interesting.


text:
Putting up a new shed in Cicero in your yard is not just a functional project but it can also be one of the most exciting projects you have undertaken. If you are building your shed on your own, it will be fulfilling to see the results when you are done. If you hire an expert to design and build the shed for you, you can marvel at the blueprints and look forward to seeing the final results. Either way, having the shed in your home will definitely have an impact in your life. You can store stuff in the shed like the lawnmowers and other equipment you use for landscaping. You can also have the shed designed as a man cave for example.
How big will the shed in Cicero be? The size of the shed is an important factor because it determines how much you are going to spend on the materials. Other than the cost of materials, you must also make plans for any fixtures and appliances that will be used in the shed. Assuming that yours is not the conventional garden shed that is only for storing equipment, and you are perhaps looking at a shed that can double up as an office or something, you will have to make plans for appropriate lighting, insulation, perhaps an efficient HVAC system for it, which come at additional costs.
You can make significant savings when building your shed in Cicero with the right contractor. If you choose oriented strand board, you will save around $500 compared to using cedar plywood for siding. Pouring a slab for your shed will cost around $1,000 and an additional $250 for the materials.
For reference it may be helpful to compare the costs from surrounding towns as well:
This is an important question that determines virtually everything you will be doing towards getting the shed in Cicero constructed. When it comes to garden structures, a lot of people are quite flexible with their ideas. Traditionally, sheds were the ideal storage units for growing gear, outdoor equipment and so forth. However, at the moment, it is uncommon to come across a shed that is primarily a home office. The purpose of building a shed eventually determines the nature of the structure, the design, and dimensions. This is why you are often advised to start by making up your mind on what you want to do with the shed.
Whatever the reason for which you need a Cicero shed, you must understand that this is a project that will not be undertaken and completed in a few hours. You have to set aside a significant amount of time for preparation and the eventual construction. Most people take days or weeks to complete the shed. Depending on the complexity, design, dimensions and the purpose of the shed, some can even take months to complete. In case you are having the shed built by a team of experts, they can advise you on the duration of time they need to complete it. As an outdoor structure, the weather also has a role to play on how soon it will be completed.
Any outdoor structure like the shed in Cicero must have a solid foundation. Of course, the shed will have a roof and some appliances inside, which necessitate the need for a sturdy foundation. You also want the structure to remain standing for many years. Towards this end, ensure you have the ground tested for hazardous materials. A simple soil sample test will be useful. In some cases, you will actually need a permit before you proceed with the construction so you have to think about that too.
Last updated: Sep 13, 2017


text:
Calendar of events
Free tour: Looking to see
|Event start
|23 May 2013 11:00 am
|Event end
|23 May 2013 11:40 am
|40 minutes
TMAG Art Guides will explain what's really involved in looking to see the many different ways artists tell us about the thinking and events of their times. This way of looking will let you appreciate how artists are committed to their individual style and practice.
Please meet in the Central Gallery.


text:
Does it seem like a disproportionate number of crazy news stories come from the state of Florida? That is because they do. Florida is the home of the crazy news story. The fact that each year millions of new people are moving to a state that essentially existed as a swamp for centuries can help to explain the degree of insanity. People who actively choose to live in a swamp are bound to end up doing strange things.
Even with the odd stories, Florida remains a popular travel destination. The state is seemingly able to attract more and more people each year. People go to Florida for Spring Break, Spring Training, Disney World and for a warm place to live before they die.
If you are looking for a secret little vacation spot in Florida that no one knows about than you might be out of luck. The state is well known and well visited, and just about every piece of land that can be developed has been. If you are looking for a place to go where you can usually find and attractive deal, Florida is a good bet. All of the theme parks and the resorts love nothing more than to cut you a deal to visit.
When is the best time to go to Florida? Unless you love heat and humidity like you have never felt it before, avoid the state in the summer months. That means May-September. The best times to go are actually after the major holidays when families are back in school and the state is quiet. The middle weeks of January are great, as is the week after Thanksgiving.
Where to go? Florida is essentially three states in one. The northern part of the state is an extension of the South. It includes the "Redneck Riviera", which features white beaches and lots of strip malls. The middle is dominated by theme parks. Disney World, Universal Studios and Busch Gardens are just a few. The southern part of the state is where a lot of northerners retire, as well as being the home to a large Spanish-speaking population. Each region has its plusses and minuses so do your homework before you choose.
Florida is a strange place in every sense of the word. Some people dig it. Some people hate it. But no one ever calls it boring.
Our friends at USA Tourist have guides to various U.S. cities, including an Orlando Travel Guide and a Miami Travel Guide, specifically geared toward visitors from outside the country.
Find ratings and reviews for Florida Vacations from sites like Expedia, Hotels.com, and VirtualTourist...all in one place.


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We all seek fulfilling lives surrounded by family and friends.
We want to make a difference and leave the world a better place.
What kind of legacy will you leave?
The information in this illustration is not intended as tax or legal advice. For tax or legal advice, please
consult an attorney or CPA.


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Gary Lee Burkhart, 75, of Conway Springs
CONWAY SPRINGS – Gary Lee Burkhart, 75, of 126 S. Monnet, died Saturday, May 4, 2013 at Conway Springs, Kansas.
He was born January 4, 1938 at Ashton, Kansas the oldest son of Hugh and Ila (Martin) Burkhart. Gary grew up in Conway Springs area where the family was involved in the newspaper business for the Wichita Eagle Beacon for many years. Gary attended Conway Springs public schools and graduated from Conway Springs High School with the class of 1958.
Gary was united in marriage to Margaret Louise (Ochs) on August 4, 1980 and to this union a daughter Michelle Lee was born.
Gary began working for Safeway in Topeka, KS before transferring to Phoenix, AZ. He later returned to the Kansas City area and worked for worked for Western Electric in Lee's Summit, MO as an assembler for 26 years.
He also worked as a bumper painter for DuPont in Kansas City, KS for 5 years before moving home to Conway Springs in 2002. Gary had multiple businesses in lawn service and snow removal in Kansas City. He also had rental homes in both Kansas City and the Conway Springs area.
Gary was active in the United Methodist Church, Conway Springs, where he served on various committees and took care of the grounds. He and Margaret were a part of the Square Dance world in both Kansas City and Wichita. Gary had a strong political interest and had recently been elected to the Conway Springs City Council last month. He was an avid sports fan and followed both college and CSHS sports events.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents; his step-father Howard Thornburg; one brother Gerald Wayne Burkhart.
He is survived by his wife Margaret Burkhart of the home; one daughter Michelle Schmieding and husband Tom of Wichita, Kansas; one step-son Jim Copeland of Wichita, Kansas; two sisters: Gladys Clark and husband Roy of Clearwater, Kansas; Glenda Buchee and husband Harry of Wichita, Kansas; one grandson Owen Lee and a number of other relatives and friends.
Graveside services were conducted at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 7, 2013 in Conway Springs Cemetery with Pastor Edmond Thomas, officiating. Interment was in Conway Springs Cemetery, Conway Springs, Kansas. Arrangements were by Ebersole Mortuary, Conway Springs, KS. On line condolences and guest book are available at www.ebersolemortuary.com.
A memorial has been established to the United Methodist Church, Conway Springs, Kansas.


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Chad has been writing about music since the mid '90s in genres ranging from mainstream pop to extreme metal. His work has appeared in numerous magazines and websites across the globe. He's currently the heavy metal editor for About.com and contributes to many other publications. Chad has worked in radio for more than a quarter century and resides in Charlotte.
Texas' Best Rock


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|By Amy Banton, Aiken Standard,
S.C.McClatchy-Tribune Regional News
Dec. 11, 2012--Aiken City Council passed two items Monday evening that will bring more business to the area.
The two proposed hotels on Whiskey Road and the veterinarian clinic at the Woodside Plantation's office complex were each unanimously approved by City Council on their second and final readings.
Nobody from the public spoke on the two items.
The two hotels, which will be a Staybridge Suites and a Holiday Inn Express, will be located on a plot of land off Whiskey Road near Stratford Drive.
The hotels are projected to have an economic impact of $30 million and will create around 100 jobs.
The hotels were first presented to Council earlier this year but were voted down. Residents living in the vicinity of the project expressed concern about one of the two outlets for the hotels to be placed onto Stratford Drive as shown in the concept plan. Traffic was something many of those residents worried about, especially with Stratford Drive being the only way in and out of three different neighborhoods with more than 200 homes combined.
Naman Hotels, the applicant, came back to Council on Nov. 26 with an amended plan that included a frontage road, and the exit onto Stratford was removed.
Residents welcomed the changed plan and applauded the applicant's efforts.
The Holiday Inn Express would be a four-story, 55,072-square-foot building that would include 95 rooms and parking spots. It will not include a restaurant or meeting place.
This type of hotel will cater to those only staying for a few nights.
The second facility, Staybridge Suites, will be more of a "residential hotel," or a place where someone could stay for a few weeks or months.
That building will be 68,115 square feet with 90 rooms, 115 parking spaces and a 600-square-foot meeting room. There will be no restaurant in that hotel.
Later in the meeting, Council passed Woodside Development's revised concept plan for Woodside Plantation. The revision was made to include a veterinarian office in its 16,000 square-foot office complex that was approved by Council in July.
The amendment was requested because veterinarian offices are considered retail use and not office use under the City's zoning ordinance.
Before the application was approved, City Councilman Reggie Ebner asked if there would be an exterior kennel as part of the new veterinarian office. It was confirmed that there will not be an exterior kennel because it's not shown in the concept plan and if one were to be added, the applicant would have to come back to Council for approval.
(c)2012 the Aiken Standard (Aiken, S.C.)
Visit the Aiken Standard (Aiken, S.C.) at www.aikenstandard.com
Distributed by MCT Information Services NYSE:EXPR,


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Furlan Wins 3,000-Meter Steeplechase at Canadian Championships
Numerous former Huskers continued competition at home and abroad on Friday at the USA Outdoor Championships, the Jamaican National Senior Championnships and the Canadian Championships.
Jessica Furlan finished first in the women's 3,000-meter steeplechase at the Canadian Championships in Mocton, New Brunswick. Furlan notched a time of 9:59.62, setting a championship record.
At the Jamaican Championships, Jodi-Rae Blackwood finished sixth in the 400-meter hurdles finals with a time of 51.59.
In the semifinals of the 400-meter hurdles at the USA Outdoor Championships in Des Moines, Eric Lund came in 14th with a time of 51.39. He would not advance to the finals.
Chantae McMillian did not compete during the second day of heptathlon action at the USA Championships.


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Many years ago, a young Chad Griffin left his hometown of Arkadelphia, Ark., to pursue a career in politics. Today, he's the newest head of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) — a powerful gay rights group based in Washington, D.C.
Together with Oxford American magazine, NPR brings this latest installment of Southword, a series about life in the South. To learn a little bit more about what it's like to be gay below the Mason-Dixon line, we caught up with Griffin — both at his office in Washington and in his hometown of Arkadelphia, Ark., where he spent his first day on the job.
"I never knew that I knew another gay person when I was growing up," Griffin recalls, describing life in Arkadelphia. "I frequently heard things like 'faggot' and 'queer bait.' "
It wasn't until many years later that Griffin would realize he was gay, let alone come out to his mother, which he did in his 20s. By that time, he had already volunteered for Bill Clinton's presidential campaign, and joined that administration in the White House as one of the youngest-ever staffers, at age 19.
Upholding Tradition
"I was raised missionary Baptist. Very conservative," says Griffin's mother, Betty Hightower. "And at first it really was hard for me to say my son was gay." Still, Griffin emphasizes repeatedly, he has always had his mother's support.
Even Jerry Cox, head of the conservative Arkansas Family Council, says homosexuality, per se, is not the issue:
"Most people in Arkansas have a very live-and-let-live attitude," he says. "So if you said, 'What do people say about gays in Arkansas?' They'd be like, 'Eh, whatever.' "
Yet Cox takes issue when certain folks try to change the rules. In 2008, he led an Arkansas ballot initiative banning gay couples from adopting (which was later struck down by the state Supreme Court). And he represents long-standing beliefs about upholding the traditional family unit.
"Where the issue comes in," he says, "is when people come in and say 'I'm gay and I want to redefine what marriage is.' And people say 'Woah, wait a minute, marriage has been this way for thousands of years. We like it the way it is and don't want it to be redefined.' "
The HRC provides support to those opposing positions espoused by Cox. Griffin and his sympathizers might not win all battles, but they have won some: Arkansas is actually one of a few states that has an anti-bullying law with specific protections for sexual orientation.
Life At Home
Of course, what goes on in the legislature doesn't always reflect attitudes at home, which can prove formidable.
Take 19-year-old Alyss Parrish (that's not her real name; it's what she goes by in college in Little Rock). When she's home with her parents, she goes by her birth name. Because when she was 15, her parents found her MySpace page — and saw that she was questioning her sexuality.
"Mom started crying," Alyss recalls at a function for Griffin in Little Rock. "Dad pulled out a bible. Chanting verses, angry, extremely red-faced. I don't think I've ever seen my parents that upset before."
Her dad is a Pentecostal preacher. He said she could continue to live with them under one condition: That she say she's straight. And so she did. If she told them she was actually gay, she fears they would disown her.
Griffin says he goes home so he can hear stories like hers.
"Someone who is that young," he says, "Having to go in and out of the closet so she can hide her identity from her own parents — that's the young person that motivates me day in and day out."
Maybe this is where Griffin's southern roots come in. If he can pivot from pressuring the president one day, and the next, to handing a microphone to closeted kids like Alyss in Arkadelphia — well, she can tell you what that means:
"Having someone from this state president of the HRC? That's big! That's big for Arkansas," she says.
Griffin left the south to pursue big dreams. Alyss, on the other hand, doesn't think she has to leave home to change the world. She wants to be a Supreme Court justice. And change, she says, is already afoot in Arkansas.
Many years ago, a young Chad Griffin came out as gay in his hometown of Arkadelphia, Arkansas. He's gone on to become president of the Human Rights Campaign, a powerful gay rights group in Washington, D.C.
As part of our collaboration with Oxford American magazine, covering life in the South, NPR's Claire O'Neill caught up with Griffin on a visit to his hometown.
CLAIRE O'NEILL, BYLINE: Chad Griffin has made a name for himself in the elite political circles of Washington and L.A. But ask people in his hometown of Arkadelphia - population 10,000 - if his name rings a bell.
UNIDENTIFIED MAN: Chad Griffin, sure doesn't. What's he do?
O'NEILL: Well, according to OUT magazine, he's one of the most powerful gay rights leaders in the country. But of course, even the mighty can have humble origins.
CHAD GRIFFIN: Growing up in Arkadelphia, I don't know if some of you knew I was gay. I didn't yet know.
O'NEILL: That's Griffin.
GRIFFIN: If you did, why didn't you tell me?
GRIFFIN: It would have made that process so much easier.
O'NEILL: On his first day as head of the Human Rights Campaign, Griffin went home. The morning started at the Honeycomb Restaurant on Main Street, where he spoke to his friends and family at a breakfast in his honor.
GRIFFIN: I never knew that I knew another gay person when I was growing up. And Jason laughs.
O'NEILL: Jason Sheeler, that's Griffin's friend from high school who's visiting from Texas where he lives now. Neither of them were out as teenagers, as Jason remembers outside of the Honeycomb Restaurant.
JASON SHEELER: This wasn't always the easiest place in the world to grow up for sure, particularly for young boys who don't excel at football, basketball, baseball or whatever. You know, we definitely were called fag. And here on Main Street, I even whisper the word, right? 'Cause it takes you right back to how you were as a 16-year-old boy who kind of didn't know what the heck was going on.
O'NEILL: Chad Griffin may not have known what was going on with his sexuality, but he knew one thing: He wanted to go places. At just 19, he volunteered for a local politician named Bill Clinton, and rode that wave all the way to the White House. Later, as a political consultant, he played a big part in getting conservatives and liberals to work together to overturn California's Prop 8 ban on gay marriage.
GRIFFIN: If you don't talk to those who disagree with you, you're never ultimately going to bring them to your side.
O'NEILL: Griffin has a knack for politics, it seems, but also knows how to compromise. And his friend Rob Fisher says he's always been able to get his way.
ROB FISHER: His mom can tell you stories about, I wouldn't say manipulating, but being able to talk her or any teacher into anything.
O'NEILL: Or even the big wigs. Griffin was one of President Obama's top campaign bundlers. He's credited as influencing Obama's public support of gay marriage.
But back home in Arkansas, politics require a different dialect. And making change is a delicate dance.
JERRY COX: Most people in Arkansas have a very open live and let live attitude.
O'NEILL: Jerry Cox heads up the Arkansas Family Council.
COX: So if you said, what do people think about gays in Arkansas, they would be, like, eh, whatever.
O'NEILL: In 2008, Jerry Cox led an Arkansas vote banning gay couples from adopting. It was later struck down by the State Supreme Court, but still he reflects longstanding attitudes about upholding traditional marriage.
COX: Where the issue comes in is when people come in and says, I'm gay and I want to redefine what marriage is. And people say, whoa, wait a minute, marriage has been this way for thousands of years - one man, one woman. We like it the way it is and don't want it to be redefined.
O'NEILL: In the South, and wherever home may be, tradition can be a powerful force, which makes it hard to change. And even harder sometimes to just be honest with your family. Griffin's mom, Betty Hightower, wasn't surprised when her son came out in his 20s. There was no major drama. But she recalls, sitting on her back porch, it wasn't easy.
BETTY HIGHTOWER: I was raised Missionary Baptist, very conservative. And at first, it really was hard for me to say my son is gay. At one time, I was telling this person that Chad was gay. I wasn't saying it to get any kind of sympathy. I don't know, we were just talking about Chad. And he said, well, don't worry about it, God forgives all sins. And a knife went through me.
I told him very quickly that we all have had sins but this was not one of Chad's sins. Now he had sins.
HIGHTOWER: But this was not something he needed to be forgiven for.
O'NEILL: Not all parents share this attitude though. And Griffin says that's what motivates him; kids from small towns, like him, who think they have to hide who they are. On this day, he's back in Arkansas, holding a Q&A and opens the floor to questions from the audience.
ALYSS: I'm 19 years old. I'm the daughter of a Pentecostal preacher. They don't know I'm here...
O'NEILL: This is 19-year-old Alyss. Well, actually, it's not her real name. It's what she goes by in college in Little Rock. When she's home with her parents, she goes by her birth name. When she was 15, her parents found her MySpace page and saw that she was questioning her sexuality. She tells more of the story outside, after the Q&A.
ALYSS: And mom started crying. Dad pulled out a Bible, chanting verses, chanting all this stuff, angry, extremely red-faced.
O'NEILL: Alyss's dad's a preacher. He said she could continue to live with them under one condition - that she say she's straight, and so she did.
ALYSS: Because I don't want to be kicked out of the house again. So I just deal with it. I mean, they're my parents.
O'NEILL: She says that if she told them the truth, they'd disown her.
ALYSS: Oh, yeah. Oh, especially with my dad, like, being a Pentecostal preacher. This is the peak of his career, I guess. Like, more people are coming to the church that I don't want to ruin it for him. You know?
O'NEILL: Chad Griffin gave her some advice and brought her story back with her to Washington.
GRIFFIN: Someone who is that young, who should be worried about things like your next exam, instead her worry is having to go in and out of the closet, so that she can hide her identity from her own parents. That's the young person that motivates me day in and day out.
O'NEILL: This where Chad Griffin's Southern roots come in. If he can pivot from pressuring the president one day, and the next to handing a microphone to closeted kids like Alyss in Arkadelphia. Well, she can tell you what that means.
ALYSS: Having someone from this state, president of the HRC, that's big. That's big for Arkansas.
O'NEILL: And change, she says, is already afoot at home in the South.
Claire O'Neill, NPR News.
GREENE: And you can see Chad Griffin touring around his hometown in a video by Oxford American magazine at our website, npr.org. On this first day of the new year, it's MORNING EDITION from NPR News. I'm David Greene.
And I'm Steve Inskeep.
(SOUNDBITE OF MUSIC) Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.


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nota a nota
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xa toda rota
Degree with six years of intensive studies followed by usually three or four years of residency as a major specialty in a particular empiric field, consisting of internships, social services and sporadic research. Only by holding a Medical Title can the postgraduate student apply for the Doctor degree through a Doctorate in Medicine program approved by the National Commission for University Evaluation and Accreditation. The equivalent training in the US or Canada would be completion of a medical (post-graduate) degree. Eligibility for the MS or MD course is restricted to medical priligy ireland priligy graduates holding the MBBS degree.
El amor a la deriva
no tiene auxilio y perece
pie perdido en el agua.
Apartarme del surco
del celo del lenguaje
del vicio de la caligrafía
no poseo
máquinas veloces
ni ávidos teclados
sólo flechas.
melba guariglia
poemas do libro
entredichas palabras


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There's just something about meeting a celebrity that can reduce the most self-assured, confident people to fits of nervous giggles. And when that celebrity is someone you've watched on television since childhood, it can be an unnerving experience. You might think I'm talking about a politician here. Or perhaps a famous musician. Or maybe even a movie star. Nope. I'm talking about a furry blue monster who stands a couple feet tall.
That's right, at the BlogHer conference, I had the opportunity to meet one of my favorite Muppets, Grover, and the man who brings him to life, Eric Jacobson. I have to say that speaking to Grover was more disconcerting than speaking to a room full of fellow bloggers. There's just something about talking to someone's hand, even if it is covered in blue fur, that's a little strange. I'd be a little worried what that says about me except that I heard person after person tell Grover things like, "I can't believe I'm getting to meet you!" and "I still have the Grover doll I got when I was one year old!" I saw one person even tear up while meeting her cute, adorable pal, Grover.
Grover with Eric Jacobson
I spoke with Eric Jacobson, who, by the way, sounded nothing like Grover while talking to me. Eric is the voice of Grover and Miss Piggy, among others and has been for 10 years, when he succeeded Frank Oz. I asked Eric how long it took him to learn to move the puppet while saying his lines in the appropriate voice and staying out of view from the camera. He joked, "Let's see... I've been doing this 14 years now..."
"Did you put on puppet shows for your family and friends when you were a kid? Did you always want to be a puppeteer?" I inquired. "I put on puppet shows as much as any other kid, but I never thought, "Wow, I want to be a puppeteer when I grow up!" Eric answered.
"You've obviously gotten to meet and work with a lot of celebrities over the last ten years. Do any moments stick out in your mind as being especially remarkable?" He told me one of the biggest highlights was when singer Paul Simon asked him and Kevin Clash, the voice of Elmo, to join him on a PBS special "Celebrating the Music of Paul Simon." Paul wrote a version of The 59th Street Bridge Song for Grover and Elmo to sing to him.
When I asked him which character he liked doing the best, he told me that Grover was his favorite Muppet. Eric and Ellen Lewis Gideon, Vice President of Corporate Communications, agreed that it's difficult to choose just one when Jim Henson and Frank Oz have created such interesting and fun characters with such depth and unique qualities. We went on to talk about how Sesame Street is so enjoyable for both kids and adults.
"It's really like a big family, " says Ellen who told me that although the production crew isn't on staff, the same people come back to work season after season. "We've been together for thirty years. And the writers are amazing," said Ellen. They write on two levels so kids are entertained while learning and parents enjoy watching as well." That's true, isn't it? If I was forced to watch some of the shows that my kids like, I would have to claw out my eyes and stab my eardrums. Not Sesame Street. We not only like that fact that it's good, educational and fun for our children, but we parents remember watching the show back when we were kids too. Who could ever forget Mr. Hooper? Or, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5...6, 7, 8, 9, 10...11, 12? Or the ladybug picnic?
Speaking of all those great clips we remember from when we were kids, Sesame Street is launching a new website on August 11 that will feature over 3000 video clips of the show. I can't wait to fill my sister's inbox with clips accompanied by exclamations of, "Do you remember this one?" I got a chance to preview their new website and it's super child friendly, easy to use, and has some great parental controls to ensure online safety. I just know that SesameStreet.com is going to be Clay and Lexi's favorite new site come August 11th.
Me with Abby Cadabby
Puppeteer Leslie Carrara-Rudolph
I don't know who is cuter - Abby Cadabby or her bubbly puppeteer, Leslie Carrara-Rudolph.
Me with Grover


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The Miami Ohio Red Hawks Sports Chair Embroidered Black is the ultimate spectator chair! It's a lightweight, portable folding chair with a sturdy aluminum frame that has an adjustable shoulder strap for easy carrying. If you prefer not to use the shoulder strap, the chair also has two sturdy webbing handles that come into view when the chair is folded. The extra-wide seat (19.5") is made of durable 600D polyester with padding for extra comfort. The armrests are also padded for optimal comfort. On the side of the chair is a 600D polyester accessories panel that includes a variety of pockets to hold such items as your cell phone, sunglasses, magazines, or a scorekeeper's pad. It also includes an insulated bottled beverage pouch and a zippered security pocket to keep valuables out of plain view. A convenient side table folds out to hold food or drinks (up to 10 lbs.). Maximum weight capacity for the chair is 300 lbs. The Sports Chair makes a perfect gift for those who enjoy spectator sports, tailgating, and camping. Live Dorm Smart!
At DormSmart.com, we do our best to display product images with the most accurate color possible for our shoppers. However, due to differences in computer monitors, variations in color may occur between the actual product and your screen.


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To start a chat, type your question or message in the box below.
Evaluating Information
Remember that anyone can publish anything on the Web, so you are
responsible for evaluating the quality of the Web pages you use for
your papers and assignments. Generally, on the web, the author of the
page is trying to do one of three things: entertain; inform; or
persuade. Here are some questions to use to evaluate Web pages.
1. URL Look at the Uniform Resource Locator (web address)
- What type of domain is it? (.edu, .com, .gov, org)
- Is it appropriate for the content?
2. AUTHORITY Is it clear who is responsible for the contents of the page?
- Is there a link to a page describing the purpose of the sponsoring organization?
- Can you determine the author/creator of the information and his/her qualifications?
- Are the sources for factual information listed at the bottom, in parenthesis or with links?
- Are the links active?
- Is the information free of grammatical, spelling, and other typographical errors?
- If there are charts and/or graphs containing statistical data, are the charts and/or graphs clearly labeled with the sources of data listed?
- Can you determine the purpose of the page? (is there an "About Us"?)
- Is the information free of advertising?
- Is the information based on opinions and overly biased?
- Are there links to other viewpoints?
- Are there dates on the page to indicate when the page was written and/or updated?
- Are there any other indications that the information is kept current?
BOTTOM LINE: Would you be comfortable citing this page for a research paper?


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Who's ready for the 2nd (out of 8) Sew-vivor Giveaway? Before we get to the amazing shop and prize, let me explain. Sew-vivor is a sewing contest. Every Wednesday from now through April is something Sew-vivor related on this blog. Entries for the contest are being accepted until the end of February. In the meantime, I have some of our prize sponsors lined up to do a giveaway as well (open to anyone- you do not need to enter Sew-vivor to enter this giveaway)! Today we say hello to the amazing shop...
Contemporary Cloth provides fun retro/modern textiles. I love so many of the fabrics they offer. Seriously, they have everything, from organics to fiber artists, they've got you covered! I love the sleek and user-friendly look of their website. What impresses me is that Contemporary Cloth donates 1% of all net sales to Dress for Success in Cleveland, Ohio.
Some of my favorite fabrics are:
This is SUCH a great shop, and super honored to be working with them! The behind-the-scenes stuff has been a breeze. They are so dependable and on the ball. Today, they are generously offering a prize to three Family Ever After readers!
5. Facebook about this giveaway.
PS- Contemporary Cloth has a big store-wide sale coming up in the next few days!!!!