Third Paternity Test?

I read this story earlier and was absolutely floored. Obviously, men who father children out of wedlock, as we used to say, need to step up and take responsibility. When DNA testing proves fatherhood, that's really all the impetus necessary to document a legal obligation.

However, when not one, but two DNA tests confirm that someone did not father a child, that should also be sufficient documentation. Not for this woman!

The first DNA test in 2005 was negative. With the legal agreement that this [crazy?] woman would leave him alone, Michael Jordan submitted to another test that same year. It was also negative. Enough proof, right? Oh, no!

Now, three years later, Ms. Miceli is asking for a third paternity test. And that's not all! You're gonna love this -- she is also requesting that the judge lift a temporary restraining order, issued after Mr. Jordan filed a harassment suit against her.

It may be time for Ms. Miceli to take a test - to determine whether or not she's actually sane!



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God Bless!

Jules

International Children's Book Day

This is one that I've never heard of, but I just love the idea.

The goal, since 1967, has been to bring books and children together. Each year, on the anniversary of Hans Christian Andersen's birthday - April 2nd - the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) chooses one of its National Sections to host the celebration. IBBY's Board decides on a theme for the year, and invites a prominent author (from the host country) to write a message to the children of the world and a well-known illustrator to design a poster.

For 2008, Thailand has been chosen to host Children's Book Day, write the message, and design the poster. Rest assured, there are events planned in many countries and communities around the world, designed to encourage the love of books in children.

Don't wait for a special day - buy your kid(s) a book and read to them, as often as you can.






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Jules

Family Lawsuit Against MySpace.com

I don't recall an original story about this lawsuit, but this 'new round' definitely grabbed my attention. After some serious thought, I had to side with the courts. This is, in my opinion, an attempt by parents, who were unaware of / not monitoring their child's behavior, to blame MySpace for what happened to their daughter.

MySpace has guidelines and does monitor, to the best of its ability, the users who have pages. I know, personally, that many IDs and pages have been removed for violating policies. But this little girl, also violated MySpace policies by lying about her age in order to acquire a login and create the page.

At that young age, in a place as potentially dangerous as a social networking site, parents need to closely monitor what their child is doing on the computer. They need to - repeatedly - talk to their children about how to safely use the Internet. Many experts recommend keeping computers out of kids' bedrooms, so that it's easier to keep an eye on surfing habits.

Links to information for kids and parents about Internet Safety (alphabetically):

Parental Guides and Information for Kids on BOTW.org

Internet Safety for Kids and Teens on DMOZ.org

World-Wide-Web Safety on Yahoo!Kids' Directory

Yahoo!Safely Internet Guide

The rules for virtually all interactive websites are the same - no one under 13, don't give out personal information, and don't physically meet someone you only know online. Even sites designed for kids, and there are some great ones out there, require parental approval before kids under 14 can create accounts/logins. But no site account set-up includes a lie detector.

If kids don't tell the truth, the website certainly can't be held responsible. And, personally, I'm getting a bit weary of people making everyone, but themselves, responsible for the misbehavior / behavior of their children.






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Jules

Nanny 911

I have seen commercials for this series, but never actually watched it - until today. CMT is rerunning the show, starting with season one, so I managed to catch about an episode and a half. Quite an interesting experience.

If you've never seen it, the concept is pretty simple. Parents having difficulty raising their children - and that's putting it mildly, from what I saw - call 'Nanny 911'. An experienced nanny, chosen for her expertise, then spends a week with the family, teaching them parenting, coping, and communication skills.

Like the last family I watched, I was quite skeptical that one person in one week could make sufficient impact to undo years of problems. It took a lot of work by the families involved, including the kids, but it was incredible how much the family dynamic improved in just 7 days.

There are some great ideas offered by the nannies. If you're interested in seeing how it works - check out CMT's schedule.






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Jules

Downer Cows Fed to Our Kids at School

I was absolutely shocked by this video and this story. Did you know that 'downer' cows, cows that are too ill / weak to stand on their own, are being forced to get up and walk to their death. Then, the meat from these sad, slaughtered animals is sold to school systems throughout this country - and fed to our kids as school lunches.

Please watch the video and ask your Congressperson to stop this insanity - for the good of the animals, and the good of our kids. It just MUST stop!






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Jules

Ivy Ridge Academy

No one ever said raising kids was easy. First there's the terrible-twos and then, just when you start to like them again, they become teenagers. Rebellion is a natural part of these years. But, there are different levels of acting out and some teens are determined to ignore the rules to the point where they put their futures at risk.

We are at that point with our teen; trying to determine if we need to place him in a more structured, tightly supervised school program. The Ivy Ridge Academy in New York, for example, offers such an environment. A specialty school that helps adolescents develop insight into their own behaviors, it provides a controlled environment that requires students to maintain high standards, including a strong code of conduct.

Tight supervision, a vigorous daily schedule, and firm rules help the staff address inappropriate attitudes and behaviors. The merit-based system requires that each student earn their status and privileges through personal performance, and change past negative behaviors. Adolescents begin to understand the need for rules, limits, and boundaries, and to appreciate parents and other authority figures.

If you have a teen whose behavior is putting their future at risk, Ivy Ridge Academy may be just what you both need.




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Jules

NORAD Tracks Santa

Ever since I was small, there were tracking reports on Santa's progress. We used to listen intensely to the radio, just waiting to hear when Santa made it to our state, then our county. Mom would rush us off to bed with admonishments that Santa wouldn't come if we were awake.

Now, tracking Santa has gone high tech. NORAD has a website where you and your little ones can actually watch Santa get closer to your house. If that's not enough, Google Earth has added a Santa Tracker that you can download to see Santa and his reindeer in 3D, and more of his stops around the world.

Bring the excitement of Christmas Eve right into your own home. Ho! Ho! Ho! Merry Christmas!






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Jules

Pets for Christmas

At this time of year, puppies and kittens are popular gifts. That means that puppy and kitten mills have been stepping up breeding programs to stock pet stores. A recent Humane Society investigation found that even upscale pet stores, like California?s Pets of Bel Air boutique, get their animals from puppy mills.

I am asking, begging actually, that if you have decided to buy your child or grandchild a pet for Christmas - don't go to the pet store, unless you know exactly where they get their puppies and kittens. In fact, with the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, why not hold off until after the first of the year? Without holiday plants and ornaments, your home will be safer; without people rushing in and out, your home will be calmer.

If you're certain that you're able to devote plenty of time and attention to a new member in your family, here are some simple ideas.

Check your local paper - there are people, breeding animals responsibly, who would love to help you share your life and love with a warm, fuzzy friend. Try Pet Net USA or Pet Net Canada to find an individual with puppies or kittens.

Visit the breeder. Are the animals allowed to roam their home, or are they crammed into cages? Is the home/cattery clean? Are the 'babies' clean and healthy-looking? Observe the parent animals. Do they seem happy and well-adjusted or skittish and easily frightened, even unfriendly? Are they caring for the young animals or has the breeder separated the generations?

We all want to stop puppy and kitten mills. More than that, consider that animal shelters become filled with unwanted animals, shortly after the holidays. Impulse pet purchases, made with the glow of the holiday spirit, become real responsibilities after the tree comes down.

Dogs and cats live 10 years or more. They need food, exercise, health care, and lots of loving attention - for all of their lives. Please be sure that you, and your children, are willing to provide a lifetime of care, before you bring home that fuzzy friend.






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Jules

Youth Violence

Sadly, we've experienced another violence-laden story of a young person, gone over the edge. Are kids more depressed and more tormented these days? Are these incidents of over-the-top behavior more prevalent than they used to be? Good questions, aren't they? This article explores some of the reasons for and solutions to the spate of youth violence we've experienced in the last decade or so.

I don't believe that kids are any kinder to each other now than they were when I was in high school. Kids went in and out of foster homes; they experienced abuse by some of the adults in their lives. But, somehow, we didn't feel that grabbing an Uzi and shooting up the local mall would make up for our problems.

The information in this article is interesting. I'm not certain that I agree with all of it, but it did give me a great deal to think about.






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Jules

Toy Tips.com

We've all been listening, with horror, to the growing list of China-made toy recalls. Keeping up with the list of items that are dangerous for our kids is virtually impossible. There isn't just one manufacturer to monitor; there isn't just one type of toy to monitor. What is a parent to do?

Well today, while watching Rachel Ray, I found a great resource - ToyTips.com. The owner of this site is maintaining a list of recalled toys, so you have only one site to visit for all of the information you need. Plus, they offer product reviews and top picks to help during this crazy shopping season.

Give them a look. I think you'll be happy with the information they provide. I know I was.






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Jules

Great Clothes for New Moms

Many, many years ago - back when God made dirt and I was very young - I had 2 kids and was thrilled to be able to feed them the way that nature intended. There is nothing better for the health of the mother and the baby than nursing. But I also remember what I had to wear, at a mere 20 years old, to be able to manage nursing my babies.

Sadly, the fashion options back then were not attractive. Happily, someone has finally done something about that. Can you believe that this gorgeous hooded dress is designed for nursing mothers? Yup - that's right! And - you'll love this - the name of the site that offers this fantastic dress is called nursingpjs.com! Isn't that great?!

With the holidays right around the corner, there is no reason that nursing mothers can't have comfortable outfits that don't make them feel frumpy and unattractive. Hosting a Christmas get-together? Now there's Nursing Wear that is beautiful and functional. This dress is just what every new, or expecting, mother needs to get through the busy holiday season. With a tie-back waist that adjusts to fit all shapes, this super soft cotton design is perfect.

For me, comfy means pajamas. While new moms do have errands to run and places to go, we also love crawling into jammies and relaxing. Heaven knows there isn't much extended sleeping happening in the first few weeks; so we have to catch our naps when we can. This, too, is more attractive, thanks to nursingpjs.com.

I just fell in love with the "Mommie and Me" collections. So, if you know an expecting or new mom, have a look at some of these beautiful designs. You can't go wrong with amazing outfits and FREE holiday shipping. Show someone that you care - and that you think she's beautiful.




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Jules

Kids!

There's an old axiom - "We spend the first 2 years of our children's lives teaching them to walk and talk, and the next 16 years telling them to sit down and shut up." I would offer a small modification to that axiom stating that we spend 16 years trying to teach them when to "sit down and shut up." This is something I mention, because I went through it today - with a vengeance.

For three years, we have taught the boys that interrupting, while another person is speaking, is rude and unacceptable. We had company this afternoon, with whom Mark and I were trying to talk. Whatever random thought went through Michael's head, flew unabated out of his mouth. It didn't matter how many times I reminded him of what is acceptable behavior; he just couldn't be still. In fact, we nearly had to move him out of the desk chair because he couldn't sit quietly either.

Guess I'll be reminding Michael and the school that he is not allowed to have sugar.






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Jules

Great Gifts For A Good Cause

I hope that you'll visit this incredible site, for a number of reasons. Primarily, a portion of every item sold by JacarandaStyle is donated to a school in South Africa. The Ethembeni School serves 300 physically disabled and visually impaired students. Amazingly, a few children from the school even get to come here and run the New York City marathon, each year.


Just look at some of the beautiful items that are available on JacarandaStyle. The website curator, who lives in New York City and is married to a South African, travels frequently to that country, bringing unique, exclusive items to the world.


I, personally, am in love with the jewelry. It's just amazing and not like anything else you see in the stores. You have to see the cuffs and the beadwork. They have so many different styles that you're sure to find a couple that you just can't do without. But, then you have the ceramics, both blue and white, and fusion. This pedestal bowl, for example, is hand-painted and signed by the artist.


Like all of the ceramics I looked at, it's lead-free, safe to use for food, and able to go into the dishwasher. Between the oval and square platters, the salad and triangular bowls, and all of the brass and pewter accessories, it is so easy to set an amazing table. Whether you're celebrating the holidays or just having some of your favorite friends over, you'll love these items.




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Jules

Pay Allowances with a Target GiftCard

PAYjr, the online chore and allowance program that introduced Visa Buxx cards for teens, is partnering with Target to create a similar program for kids 12 and under. Now, parents can put allowances automatically and electronically onto a free, reloadable Target GiftCard^SM. For younger kids, who cannot get a Visa Buxx card, this is a great way to teach them the connection between hard work and financial reward.

The system, which I think is ingenious, lets parents assign household chores online, schedule the frequency and due date of each chore, and set the amount to be paid when each chore is completed. A printable calendar is automatically generated for each child, listing their daily, weekly, or monthly responsibilities and check boxes to mark completed tasks. You'll never have to write out another monthly schedule again.

PAYjr sends an email to the kids, reminding them which chores they haven't done, yet. Once they do their chores, kids can log onto the website and mark off what's been finished. Parents then receive an email, letting them know that tasks have been done. When they confirm completion, through a link in the notification or online, PAYjr creates an electronic record of the amount owed or paid to each child.

Tired of digging for cash to pay allowances? Sick of arguing about which chores do and don't need to be done? Eliminate the hassle and stress, while giving your children the ability to grow and learn.




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Jules

No Good Deed . . .

There's a saying, quite popular around our house, that No good deed goes unpunished. We are rapidly becoming living proof that the saying is quite, quite true. Today, we got hit with one great big example.

After 6 weeks in a group home, Michael has come back to live here. Given all of the possible options, everyone involved decided that it was best for him to live with us. With the issues that we've had for the past 3 years, I'm not sure that it's best for Mark or me, but right now we're not the primary concern. Working within the system, we are getting Michael the attention that we couldn't get for him on our own, so that is a good thing.

Unfortunately, the system that we're hoping will help, is the same one that has brought Michael's mom back into the mix. For years, we have heard nothing but horror stories about the boys' life with this woman. Three years ago she put Michael, at the tender age of 13, on a bus with a total stranger and told him that she didn't want him back.

Since the court tracked her down and is working to terminate her custody and/or parental rights, she immediately moved back to Arizona with her father and is worming her way back into Michael's life. Right now, that means every Saturday morning and every Saturday evening, we'll be invaded as they pick him up and drop him off. It is good for Michael, because he'll get to spend some time with his only grandfather every week.

For Mark and me? I'm not so sure.






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Jules

Happy Halloween!!

Just wanted to wish everyone a Happy Halloween!



Every year we buy candy to hand out and every year we end up with a lot of leftover candy. It's difficult for me to decide if that's a bad thing or a good thing. Of course, when I have to lie down and use a shoe-horn to get into my favorite jeans - the answer becomes much clearer. Still - I do love dem goodies!

Be sure to check your candy and watch out for the little ones! Keep it a SAFE and Happy Halloween!






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Jules

Heeee's Baaaack!

Well, Michael came home today - without any of his things. Apparently, after they came and picked up all of his clothes and miscellaneous stuff, they lost it. Now, I'm finding this all a little hard to believe, since there were 2 large packing boxes full - and I do mean full - of Michael's possessions.

I couldn't figure out, when Mark told me that Michael had gotten new clothes and shoes, why he'd need anything. Now we know. Needless to say - someone is going to have their butt thoroughly chewed tomorrow. His wardrobe is one thing, but there were things in those boxes that Michael had had before he moved here in 2004. That they are gone seriously upsets me.

So, if you should hear loud voices and words like "clothes", "Michael", "morons", "find them now" at some point during the day tomorrow - don't be surprised.






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Jules

Tell Congress to Keep Fighting for Children's Healthcare

In a rare show of bipartisan compromise, Congress passed the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) bill. As expected, Bush vetoed it; however, the House was only a few votes short of enough to override the veto. So, possibly as early as today, Congress is voting on this bill, again.

Families USA is sponsoring a petition, targeted at Congress, urging continued bipartisan support for SCHIP. Only a few additional votes are needed to pass this bill - and make it veto-proof. Ten million American children need this program.

Won't you please sign the petition and remind Congress, whose members have guaranteed healthcare coverage, that the health of our future is dependent upon the health of our children?






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Jules

Family Dynamics

Mark and I, as you know, have been through a lot in the last month. In fact, it's hard to believe that it's only been a month, given everything that's happened. Between Mark's surgery and near death at the hands of an incompetent doctor, and my food poisoning and fractured knee - it's been quite a roller coaster ride. But, all in all, it hasn't been as stressful as I expected.

Of course, I was worried sick about Mark and frantic that I couldn't get to the hospital. But he got the best care he could get and pulled through amazingly well, while my knee is getting a little better every day. As we are wont to do, we are surviving and even have a bit of a sense of humor about the whole mess.

What amazes me is that, with Michael gone, my stress level is virtually non-existent. I've cut back so far on my medications, that I only take 1/2 a dose, every other day or so. I just don't need it. When I go to bed at night, I fall asleep without a worry and sleep through the night. It's been about 3 years since I could do that.

Sadly, my peace may soon be coming to an end. There is a court date, October 17th, regarding Michael's placement and Mark is pretty sure that he'll be coming back here at that point. May God forgive me, I hope not.

I don't want to go back to hiding everything I own, because Michael gets into or breaks them. I don't want to have to worry every time the phone rings, because Michael has been causing trouble at school again. I don't want to get sick to my stomach at 2:30 every afternoon, because Michael will be home in 20 minutes. That's just no way to live.

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God Bless!

Jules

$10,000 Create-A-Greeting-Card Scholarship Contest

This is an interesting and fun scholarship contest, open to high school, college, and university students enrolled in the last half of 2007. All the entrants have to do is submit an original design, between October 1, 2007 and January 15, 2008, that's appropriate for personalized birthday, all-occasion, holiday, or business christmas cards. The design can be a photo, artwork, or a graphic, as long as it's an original work. As with many contests, only one entry per person is allowed.

Sponsored by Prudent Publishing, Inc., for their Gallery Collection of business cards, the judging criteria are very simple:

• Overall aesthetic appeal
• Quality of execution
• Creativity and Originality
• Successful incorporation of design elements
• Appropriateness for use as a greeting card
• Attractiveness to The Gallery Collection's corporate and consumer customers
• Suitability as a design in Prudent's Gallery Collection greeting card line

If you're not sure what design would be appropriate, start by looking at the Gallery Collection's current portfolio of Christmas Cards or All Occasion Cards. You'll notice, first, that all of the cards are horizontal; secondly, they are all a 5 1/2" x 7 7/8" standard size. Keeping those basics in mind, the rest is up to the designer. Some designs take up most of the card face; others are smaller and centered or framed to maximize the effect.

I have to admit, one of the things that immediately appealed to me about this line of cards was the variety. Whether you are looking for something formal, muted, and sedate or casual, amusing, and colorful, you can find an appropriate card for any occasion. How much fun would it be to see your design added to this amazing collection?

Why not enter today and find out?

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God Bless!

Jules

Hannah Montana Concert Tickets Gone

Mark was reading this story today and we're both just shocked by what the brokers have done to the fans. If you haven't heard, within just a few minutes of tickets going on sale, all venues sold out. Brokers, some say they cheated, got online, jumped ahead of the fans, and bought out all of the venues.

If that isn't bad enough - which I think it is - the ticket prices went from the $63.00 original price to $350 - $2,000 in the hands of the brokers. I've been attending concerts for decades and can't recall any situation like this in the past. That includes the Prince "Purple Rain" tour and REO Speedwagon's "High Infidelity" tour - 2 of the most publicized concerts I've had the pleasure of attending.

It might be that I saw those events in Michigan, which has broker limits in place. Only four other states enforce limits on brokers - Kentucky, Massachusetts, North Carolina, and Rhode Island. In fact, Rhode Island caps broker increases to $3.00 or 10% of the ticket price, whichever is greater. Now that I could live with, if - for some reason - I was unable to just purchase tickets from the venue.

Interestingly, Attorneys General in Arkansas and Missouri are filing suits against brokers, accusing them of illegally reselling tickets to the Hannah Montana concert. It'll be interesting to see what happens. My favorite tidbit from this news story comes at the end, where experts are quoted as saying that - unless broker prices drop as the concert dates approach - there are going to be a lot of sold-out venues, with empty seats.

Frankly, I think that's exactly what these greedy so-and-so's deserve!

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God Bless!

Jules

Drug Makers Pull Infant Cold Medicines

Amazingly, we have a product recall that has nothing to do with items imported from China. As a parent, I know that medicating very young children is a touchy matter. Luckily, when my son was an infant, we had an amazing pediatrician who helped me learn when and how to manage fevers and colds.

Today I read that safety concerns prompted several major drug manufacturers to voluntarily recall cold medications designed for infants. Government health officials have also advised parents not to give over-the-counter (OTC) medicines to children younger than 2 years of age. The risk, according to this article, is that it is too easy for parents to over-medicate children.

Experts stated that the medicines being recalled were designed to treat cold symptoms and there was little evidence that they were effective in children under 2 years old. In addition, Baltimore's health commissioner noted that there are no recommended doses for children under age two, so any safety and effectiveness claims cannot be confirmed. To my mind, children that young grow at such varying rates that it would be virtually impossible for parents to determine how much medicine to give.

When my son was small, we had friends with a young son who was almost exactly one month older. However, the size difference between the two boys was incredible. There is just no way that a dose of fever medicine would be the same for each of them. Hence, the risk to infants.

Parents are being advised not to give their young children these OTC medications involved in the recall: infant versions of Johnson & Johnson's Pediacare and Tylenol drops, Wyeth's Dimetapp drops, Novartis' Triaminic strips and Prestige Brands Holdings' Little Colds Decongestant. In fact, CVS pharmacy is removing name-brand and store-brand versions from their shelves and has offered full refunds for any items returned to the store.

There are so many natural ways to alleviate a baby's cold symptoms. Please seek your pediatrician's advice, rather than running to the drug store.

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God Bless!

Jules

Visiting Kids

We had a great time last night. Mark's son, his 'junior' actually, came by to visit, with his girlfriend. It's been a long time since we saw the two of them, so it was wonderful to have them here. I guess she's getting more comfortable with us, because she actually talked for a change.

Mark was showing off the new phone he got in August, which started a running theme from Jr. about how crappy his phone was. In between phone complaints, we talked about his job, watched a little 'Iron Chef America' and talked about food - just had a nice time. Then, Frankie and friends showed up.

I was in seventh heaven! It was only the second time I've seen Frankie since he moved out in June and I really miss the kid. The brothers teased each other about their hairlines, who was tougher, and who could take who. When Frankie showed Jr. his phone, that was the final straw. "I am getting a new phone!" was Jr.'s mantra for the rest of the evening.

Mark made jokes about the two of them and everyone jumped on the bandwagon. I haven't laughed so much in a very long time. Happily, I got a chance to talk to Frankie about how school is going, if he's still planning to go to culinary school, if he likes his new school; something I've missed terribly in the last few weeks.

Then, by 9:00, everyone had taken off and quiet reigned again. Now, that's what I call perfect - spend time with two of 'our' boys, laugh and enjoy their company - then send them home. It just doesn't get much better.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Christian Childrens Fund

I am currently so - incredibly - angry!

You've seen the commercials for this organization - especially late at night when the cost of commercials is reduced - BUT, have you EVER tried to donate money through this 'fund' for children in the United States?

Well - I HAVE - and. . .you can't!!

A few years ago, I tried and was told that I - just simply - couldn't donate money to any child in the United States. Since then, I have made sure that I shared that insanity with anyone who felt that they might want to throw their money anywhere near this 'fund'.

Tonight, I (being the idiot that I am) tried again. Still can't support any child in this country through this organization - but. . . they now have a Customer Service number that they throw at callers who want to help American children who are starving to death every day.

I BEG you to never send any money to this 'fund' - it is not interested in children and it is not, given what I was taught, Christian!

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Colleges Look for 'Authenticity'

This was an interesting article. Apparently, college hopefuls are disingenuous; filling their applications with tons of extra-curricular and community activities and accomplishments. I am more than a little confused - isn't that what high school guidance counselors and college recruiters have been telling our children for years?

Now that students have taken the advice to heart, the college admissions gurus are changing the rules? Not totally.

What they're asking is that, rather than just amassing activities randomly for the expected value on an application, students need to pursue these activities from a point of interest. An applicant expressing an interest in politics, for example, would have that common thread running through all his/her list of activities.

Although, there was one recruiter / adviser who actually suggested that small typographical errors in an application would make the applicant appear more 'authentic.' May I say - huh? Wouldn't that indicate an inattention to accuracy and detail, which in some fields could be extremely detrimental?

I'm just glad I'm not a college applicant!

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Order Targets Self-described Pedophile

Have you been following this story? I can't decide if he's the craziest loon I've ever seen, an unapologetic publicity hound, or if he's playing an intricate cat-and-mouse game with authorities.

By his own admission, he is a p