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Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Great Ideas!

Here are some great practical ideas.

The formatting is funky with the overlap of the blog info.  I couldn't figure out how to fix it.  It gets better.

Hat tip to Roz.

1. Use retail hangers as chip clips
Use%20retail%20hangers%20as%20chip%20clips

2. For the always-falling zipper

For%20the%20always-falling%20zipper

3.

http://www.distractify.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/the-most-genius-life-hacks-ever-i-cant-believe-i-never-thought-of-these-23-934x.jpg

4. Fit two bowls into a small microwave

Fit%20two%20bowls%20into%20a%20small%20microwave

5.

http://www.distractify.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/the-most-genius-life-hacks-ever-i-cant-believe-i-never-thought-of-these-31-934x.jpg

6. Use a leaf blower and PVC pipes to clean gutters without a ladder

%20Use%20a%20leaf%20blower%20and%20PVC%20pipes%20to%20clean%20gutters%20without%20a%20ladder

7. The easiest way to make an ice cream sandwich

The%20easiest%20way%20to%20make%20an%20ice%20cream%20sandwich

8. Unclog drains without expensive chemicals

Unclog drains without expensive chemicals
Pour a half of a cup of baking soda and a cup of vinegar into a clogged drain. Once it stops foaming rinse down the sink
and your drains will be clear. A cheap and environmentally friendly way to unclog a sink!

9.

http://www.distractify.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/the-most-genius-life-hacks-ever-i-cant-believe-i-never-thought-of-these-2-934x.jpg

10.

http://www.distractify.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/the-most-genius-life-hacks-ever-i-cant-believe-i-never-thought-of-these-16-934x.jpg

11. Stop people from stealing your pens at work

Stop%20people%20from%20stealing%20your%20pens%20at%20work

12. Putting your phone into airplane mode will charge it twice as fast

%20Putting%20your%20phone%20into%20airplane%20mode%20will%20charge%20it%20twice%20as%20fast

13.

http://www.distractify.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/the-most-genius-life-hacks-ever-i-cant-believe-i-never-thought-of-these-33-934x.jpg

14.

http://www.distractify.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/361-620x-620x.jpeg

15. Fix a blurry phone camera

Fix%20a%20blurry%20phone%20camera

16. Wrap a wet paper towel around beer, and put it in the freezer to cool in just 2 minutes

Wrap%20a%20wet%20paper%20towel%20around%20beer%2C%20and%20put%20it%20in%20the%20freezer%20to%20cool%20in%20just%202%20minutes

17.

http://www.distractify.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/the-most-genius-life-hacks-ever-i-cant-believe-i-never-thought-of-these-17-934x.jpg

18. Use a can opener on obnoxious plastic packaging

%20Use%20a%20can%20opener%20on%20obnoxious%20plastic%20packaging

19.

http://www.distractify.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/the-most-genius-life-hacks-ever-i-cant-believe-i-never-thought-of-these-10-934x.jpg

20.

http://www.distractify.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/the-most-genius-life-hacks-ever-i-cant-believe-i-never-thought-of-these-14-934x.jpg

21.

http://www.distractify.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/the-most-genius-life-hacks-ever-i-cant-believe-i-never-thought-of-these-11-934x.jpg

22. Create a bright light in a pinch

Create%20a%20bright%20light%20in%20a%20pinch
When camping or just in a pinch, a standard headlamp strapped to a 1 gallon jug of water can illuminate an entire room or tent.

23.

http://www.distractify.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/the-most-genius-life-hacks-ever-i-cant-believe-i-never-thought-of-these-13-934x.jpg

24. Tell which side an exit ramp will be on

Tell%20which%20side%20an%20exit%20ramp%20will%20be%20on

25.

http://www.distractify.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/the-most-genius-life-hacks-ever-i-cant-believe-i-never-thought-of-these-7-934x.jpg

26. Chinese containers are designed to fold out into plates

Chinese%20containers%20are%20designed%20to%20fold%20out%20into%20plates

27. Run the razor across old jeans to re sharpen and extend its life.

Run%20the%20razor%20across%20old%20jeans%20to%20resharpen%20and%20extend%20its%20life.

28.

http://www.distractify.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/the-most-genius-life-hacks-ever-i-cant-believe-i-never-thought-of-these-18-934x.jpg

29.

http://www.distractify.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/the-most-genius-life-hacks-ever-i-cant-believe-i-never-thought-of-these-20-934x.jpg

30. Un wrinkle a shirt in a flash

Unwrinkle%20a%20shirt%20in%20a%20flash

31. Perfectly cut cherry tomatoes all at once

Perfectly cut cherry tomatoes all at once

32. Keep a pot from bubbling over

Keep%20a%20pot%20from%20bubbling%20over
Placing a wooden spoon over the top of boiling water will stop it from boiling over by bursting the bubbles.

33. Soft-drink lids can double as coasters

Soft-drink%20lids%20can%20double%20as%20coasters
Avoid getting a tongue lashing from your mom for putting your cold drink on her new coffee table.

34. Pinching the end of a banana is a far easier way to open it.

Pinching the end of a  banana is a far easier way to open it.

35. Adding a teaspoon of baking soda when you boil eggs

and the shell will come off easily.

Adding%20a%20teaspoon%20of%20of%20baking%20soda%20when%20you%20boil%20eggs%20and%20the%20shell%20will%20come%20off%20easily.

36. If you don't have baking soda, then peel away a small hole at the top of the boiled egg and a large one on the bottom. Finally, put the small hole closes to your mouth and blow.

If you don  t have  baking soda, then peel away a small hole at the top of the boiled egg and a large one on the bottom. Finally, put the small hole close to your mouth and blow.

37. Stack clothes vertically side by side in the dresser to save a lot of room

Stack%20clothes%20vertically%20side%20by%20side%20in%20the%20dresser%20to%20save%20a%20lot%20of%20room

38. Charge your phone whiles traveling

Charge%20your%20phone%20while%20traveling
Many hotel TVs have handy USB slots in the back that will charge most smart phones.

39. Folding shirts doesn't have to be a tedious chore.

Folding shirts doesn  t have to be a tedious chore.

40. Pulling the bones out of a chicken wing makes it easier to eat. Just twist the bone and pull.

Pulling the bones out of a  chicken wing makes it easier to eat. Just twist the bone and pull.

41. Place a plastic bottle on top of a yoke and gently squeeze to separate egg yolks from egg whites

Place%20a%20plastic%20bottle%20on%20top%20of%20a%20yoke%20and%20gently%20squeeze%20to%20separate%20egg%20yolks%20from%20egg%20whites

42. Save space when packing a spare change of clothes.

Save%20space%20when%20packing%20a%20spare%20change%20of%20clothes.%20

43.

http://www.distractify.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/the-most-genius-life-hacks-ever-i-cant-believe-i-never-thought-of-these-12-934x.jpg

44. Use AAA batteries in devices that require AA

Use%20AAA%20batteries%20in%20devices%20that%20require%20AA
Use AAA batteries in gadgets that need AA batteries by filling the gaps with scrunched up tin foil. It won't last as long as AA's
but it'll help you out when you're in a pinch!reddit.com

45. Avoid Elevator Pranksters

Avoid%20Elevator%20Pranksters

46. Play games without ads.

Play%20games%20without%20ads.

Monday, November 24, 2014

Blood Sport

Hey smart computer guys, how about using your genius for something worthwhile?

There's plenty of controversy about whether or not video games are contributing to the degradation of  our society.

I am firmly planted in the camp that they do.

Killing is a part of the "fun" of many games, and I think that's causing the value of life, human life, to be seen as inconsequential.

Now, some guys are upping the ante and hooking up players to blood collection systems where when blood is shed or when you die (not sure which) in the game, you actually loose your blood.

Now the good news is, all blood that is collected will be donated to blood banks, but . . .

REALLY???

Here's some free advice guys:

GROW THE HELL UP!!!

Leave the video games to the kiddies (the non-violent ones, of course) and focus your energies on the real problems of the world.

Witness this craziness for yourself below.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/11/24/lose-real-blood-video-game-blood-sport_n_6211376.html

Thanksgiving Dinner Help

Here are some great time saving ideas for your family feast.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/11/24/thanksgiving-hacks_n_6199210.html

Sunday, November 23, 2014

Don't Know Why

I don't know why I still claim Texas as home.

Maybe because that's where I was born and raised, although I lived in California longer (18 vs. 23 years).

Even now, when people ask me where I'm from, after we get pass America, I almost always respond with "Texas."

Can we agree that some of the most ignorant, dumbest, most backwards-thinking, fear-mongering folks reside here?

The latest outlandish move is adopting textbooks that push facts, truths and science to the margins, if they're present at all.

And don't get me started on voter suppression and redistricting to squash votes.

You can guess whose.

And yet, in spite of all of this evidence, and the opportunity to re-write history for myself and claim another state, I still claim Texas.

What in the world is wrong with me?

Do I willfully want to be associated with ignorance of this magnitude?

Or, is it because deep down, I realize that's the place that molded and shaped me into the person I am today.

For better or for worse.

Check out the link below to see stupidity in action.

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/23/us/texas-approves-disputed-history-texts-for-schools.html?action=click&pgtype=Homepage&region=CColumn&module=MostViewed&version=Full&src=mv&WT.nav=MostViewed




She's Not the Only One

Now, I don't know if black folks inherently have "black-dar," a kind of supersonic radar that helps us find other people who are like us, but nine times out of ten, we can identify another black person from way off.

First glance at the young woman in this film, and you can see she's black.

Why couldn't others see the obvious?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=UUr9TEsXlmcmorp8XHCj7Wtg&v=nHq3DevkXqA

One Lucky Lady

This little old lady was treated to a kiss on the cheek by a basketball player during the game.

I don't even like basketball, but I love this guy!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/11/23/javale-mcgee-kisses-woman-fan-nuggets-video_n_6207386.html

Stuff Signed Sealed Delivered - Live at Montreux 1976



Same guys playing the heck out of Stevie Wonder's "Signed, Sealed, Delivered."

They make it look easy, don't they?

You can find them on the Qello Concert App under FUNK.

FUNK is fitting.

Stuff - Lift Every Voice and Sing(Live @ Montreux 1976) . . . AND THE CHURCH SAID "AMEN!"



Just discovered these guys on a new app called Qello Concerts that is a storehouse of live concerts.

I got out of bed to post this.

It was just too good to delay.

Let's have some church up in here!


Saturday, November 22, 2014

What's Playing

The website below is pretty cool.

http://beta.radiooooo.com

It's a map of the world.  You click on an area, and popular songs by the decade will play.

Be patient.  It takes a minute for them to load.

Friday, November 21, 2014

"All About That Bass" Avi Kaplan ft. Mario Jose and Naomi Samilton (Megh...




This is a silly song, but these guys could sing the names in the phone book and I'd listen.

You'll recognize the bass singer from the group Pentatonix.

Side note - I just discovered how to embed videos and I'm kinda having fun with this.

Don't worry.

I'll get over it soon.

Until then,

Enjoy!

Andrea Bocelli & Heather Headley - 'The Prayer'



Two of my favorite folks . . . together!

Now We Know

Who killed Sam, on "How to Get Away With Murder."

STOP READING IF YOU HAVEN'T SEEN THE EPISODE ENTITLED "KILL ME.  KILL ME.  KILL ME."

I was surprised.

I didn't think it was "the pup."

Not innocent, doe-eyed Wes.

THEN.

When Wes says, "I'm so sorry" to the corpse that is Sam,  he hears, "Don't be."

WHAT?!?!!!

Sitting in the dark with the dead body of her husband lying on the floor in front of her, Annalise reveals herself.

Now, this is just me, but I think this is when she schools Wes on "how to get away with murder" and everything that happens after that is orchestrated by her.

I love this woman.

I know she's wicked, mean, self-serving, and wrong on so many levels, but DAMN she is wicked smart and powerful, too.

I understand completely why Tony Soprano was loved, in spite his felonious behavior.

Back to "How to Get Away With Murder."

Now what?

Does life go back to normal for everyone involved is this murder?

Do one or more of the kids crack under the weight of the guilt?

How does the relationship between the Keating Five and Annalise change?  Do they still admire her or are they afraid of her and what she could do to them?

I know.

I know.

It's just a tv show, and . . .

Yes, I should get a life, but . . .

This is tv at it's best.

All hail Shonda Rhimes.

This is the real smokin' smart sista.

Here's one of the many recaps on this episode.

http://link.theroot.com/53bac403dd52b82c5d00c60220fda.3i5/VG-0uEmOBfcmbusKA7af1


Thursday, November 20, 2014

Mama Said

"What you do in the dark, will come out in the light.  It might not be today, maybe not tomorrow, but it's gonna happen."

I have been reminded of this with the Cosby fiasco that is getting uglier with each passing day.

As Forrest reminded me, "The chickens are coming home to roost."

It's Early


Holiday Dinner Party

I know it's early for Christmas music, but I absolutely love it and since Christmas is not celebrated here, I tend to long for it, especially now.

So please indulge me.
(Hat tip:  Forrest)

Taking Charge

I love this guy!

He's a former NFL player who left football, bought a farm that feeds the hungry, and to top it off, delivered his son when the baby came faster than help.

He's a great example of . . .

Brawn.

Brains.

And . . .

Heart.

http://ftw.usatoday.com/2014/11/ex-nfl-player-delivers-his-own-child-on-a-farm?csp=Mostpopular

Good Idea?

Somebody thought these high school kids in blackface was a good idea.

You?

http://www.theroot.com/blogs/the_grapevine/2014/11/high_school_powder_puff_football_team_s_blackface_photo_goes_viral.html?wpisrc=newsletter_jcr%3Acontent%26

Hidden Gifts & Talents

Forrest, my second brother, older by ten years, is a master story teller.

Always has been.

He's also an entertainer and wonderful musician.  Although his skills as a singer and musician on the saxophone and flute are amazing, it's his monologues between songs that folks enjoy the most.

Writing was never his strong suit.

Very recently though, he decided to write his story.

On one of our chats, he shared this with me.

Well, I can testify firsthand that writing is not a strength, so it was with hesitation that I opened the file containing his narrative.

And there appeared another example of hidden gifts and talents bestowed from God, that we don't even know we possess.

That's the only explanation for this marvelous manifesto he is producing.

I had heard bits and pieces of his story over the years, but with the age difference, he experienced so much before I was even born.  That time alone could fill volumes.

I couldn't be prouder of him.

One day I hope to share his story with you.

He's 68 and discovering his hidden talent.

I promise, it's not too late for you, no matter what your age.

Ok. I Can See That.

This article suggest that the Arab Spring was caused by Dubai.

Not necessarily by these other Arab countries wanting freedom and democracy, but by the fact that they saw the world that the Dubai created, and wanted/longed for their country to be like this.

Interesting theory, for sure.

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/19/opinion/thomas-friedman-did-dubai-do-it.html?action=click&pgtype=Homepage&region=CColumn&module=MostEmailed&version=Full&src=me&WT.nav=MostEmailed&_r=0


Honk

Honk is a new roadside service app.

It's gonna give AAA a run for their money.

It's available for iPhones and Androids.

Check them out in this article below, followed by their website.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/columnist/talkingtech/2014/11/19/app-promises-quicker-roadside-assistance/19242149/?csp=tech

http://www.honkforhelp.com

I should get paid for these endorsements, right?

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Watch Her

She's amazing!

http://www.theroot.com/articles/culture/2014/11/_7_year_old_plays_for_peace_in_ferguson.html?wpisrc=newsletter_jcr%3Acontent%26

Who Killed the Scoundrel?

We find out this week who killed Sam on "How to Get Away With Murder."

You get the chance to vote at the bottom of the article below.

http://www.theroot.com/articles/culture/2014/11/poll_who_killed_sam_on_how_to_get_away_with_murder.html?wpisrc=newsletter_jcr%3Acontent%26


[Official Video] Mary, Did You Know? - Pentatonix (I LOVE THESE GUYS!)

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Robotic Houses

A project lasting several years, located in Knoxville, Tennessee, fitted three empty homes with robots that simulated average American homeowners consumption of energy.

The results:  fascinating.

http://www.popsci.com/blog-network/zero-moment/robohouse-project-pumped-simulated-sweat-and-breath-empty-homes

The Languages We Speak

It never ceases to amaze me how fluent so many people are in speaking two, three, four or more languages.

This is especially evident here with the ex-pat community being so large and varied. There are people here from all over the world.

The article below features maps that represent the many languages we speak, and the origin of them.  Some of them are arcane, but keep going, they gather steam and are pretty interesting as you move along.

http://www.vox.com/2014/11/17/7082317/language-maps-charts

Great Apps

I have this app on my iPhone called "Appsgonefree."  Everyday it offers free apps that would otherwise cost.  There are a lot of things I'm not interested in like games, or productivity apps, but sometimes, the featured apps are nuggets of gold.

Like today.

The free apps are:

iComm = a picture and voice communication aid for toddlers or non-speaking folks with disabilities.

Language Lab:  Core Words = teaches kids core words through visual association

iAdvocate = a comprehensive resource for parents of kids with disabilities helping them to be the most effective advocate

Please pass this info on to others who might benefit from it.


Monday, November 17, 2014

A Better Bike

Chilean engineering students have created a theft-proof bike.  Here's another example of necessity being the mother of invention.

Check out their prototype below.

http://college.usatoday.com/2014/11/16/engineering-students-design-a-bike-that-cant-be-stolen/?csp=tech

Alive and Well

For those of you who thought the Klu Klux Klan was a thing of the past, think again. Their threats to the folks in Ferguson, Missouri opens the window a crack into their devious, deadly behavior.

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2014/11/16/1345394/-Anonymous-Seized-the-Klan-s-Main-Twitter-Account-This-Morning?detail=email

Ouch!

This is what happens to our feet when we wear those gorgeous sky high shoes.

It ain't pretty.

http://www.salon.com/2013/08/27/study_wearing_high_heels_causes_long_term_foot_damage_clawing_of_the_toes/

He Joins Tiger

Bill Cosby has joined Tiger Woods in my list of low-down, dirty, think-they're-above-the-law, can-get-away-with-anything, men.

May they all rot in hell.

Too harsh?

OK.

Yeah.

I remember my mantra.

Forgiveness.

No matter what.

But . . .

OK.

As my dear friend Deb says "Lord, I apologize."

How about . . .

May their wieners wear out from overuse/misuse?

I know.

You're right.

I'm a work in progress.

Just please, don't remind me of this post the next time I'm preaching forgiveness to you.






A Brave Soul

This white guy is brave enough to speak the truth in the face of plenty who think his message is unnecessary and redundant.

Bravo Mr. Kristof.

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/16/opinion/sunday/when-whites-just-dont-get-it-part-4.html?action=click&pgtype=Homepage&region=CColumn&module=MostEmailed&version=Full&src=me&WT.nav=MostEmailed&_r=0


Sunday, November 16, 2014

Learning to Love Herself

Is what has helped to make Lupita Nyong'o a role model for us all.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/11/16/lupita-nyongo-quotes_n_6154440.html?utm_hp_ref=entertainment&ir=Entertainment

Hmmmm

Some of these looks are questionable at best.

Others, spot on.

What do you think?

Be patient.  It took a minute for the pictures to load.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/11/13/stylish-men-instagram_n_6154730.html

Helping or Enabling?

For those of you old enough to remember Elvis Presley, this is clear-eyed view of his cause of death.  The similarity between his demise and Michael Jackson's is uncanny.

http://www.salon.com/2014/11/16/the_elvis_presley_coverup_what_america_didnt_hear_about_the_death_of_the_king/?source=newsletter

Saturday, November 15, 2014

Promoting His Movie

Here's Chris Rock.

http://deadline.com/2014/11/chris-rock-charlie-rose-interview-top-five-black-fame-whites-race-1201285487/

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Use To It

Long ago, I got used to being the only one.

Growing up, I was the only girl with three brothers.

Once we integrated schools, I was the only black in many of my classes.

That's why going to a predominately black college was so refreshing.  I was surrounded by people who looked like me, all moving in the same direction.

That all-black experience was an aberration though.  An outlier in a life of mostly being in settings where I was the only one.

My point is, as black folks in America, many of us are used to this state of being.

It is what it is.

We're use to being the different one.

We're use to the isolation.

So, we learn to deal with it.

Some assimilate.

Some imitate.

Some isolate.

All of us cope, some better than others.

This article is about a young black woman in the tech industry and how she fared being "the only one."

https://medium.com/theli-st-medium/the-other-side-of-diversity-1bb3de2f053e

We Need Canadians to Vote

From our comrades up north.


Hat tip to Forrest.

Missing Persons

This is a graphic of the states with the most missing persons.

Very interesting.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/11/10/most-missing-persons-state_n_6110476.html?utm_hp_ref=entertainment&ir=Entertainment

Monday, November 10, 2014

Yep

This characterization of President Obama and his presidency is spot on.

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/10/opinion/charles-blow-the-obama-opposition.html?action=click&pgtype=Homepage&region=CColumn&module=MostEmailed&version=Full&src=me&WT.nav=MostEmailed&_r=0

Clever Gifts

The Grommet is a website I visit often for unique gifts.

Check out these map creations.

https://www.thegrommet.com/neighborwoods-handcrafted-cedar-maps?utm_campaign=20141110B&utm_content=13165&utm_medium=email&utm_source=CC&trk_msg=4IB5QDP05TM4H8TU8LBDFOODRO&trk_contact=6PJ17299EJ5SLGM27119G0AQ7K

Be Careful!

Those of you with little ones in your world, be mindful of the laundry pods that kids are getting into that are hazards to their health.  Statistics in the article below states one kid a day heads to the hospital because of these things.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/11/10/laundry-pods-child-hospital/18663007/


Fresh Toilet Seat

A revolutionary way to freshen bathroom air is Kohler's Purefresh toilet seat.

Check it out below.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/11/06/smart-toilet-seat-deodorizes-air_n_6115006.html

Saturday, November 8, 2014

The Upside of Aging

There is an upside to aging, and more and more I appreciate it.

There is a calmness now, when there used to be chaos and fretting.

There is patience to see things from other points of view, when there used to be only one way . . . mine.

There is the freedom to be myself, and really, truly not give a hoot, when years were spent trying to please others.

There is peace of mind.  Actually, it's the choice to hand peace of mind, instead of frantic thoughts that clouded my judgement.

This article expands on this . . . the upside of aging.

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/09/opinion/sunday/frank-bruni-gray-hair-and-silver-linings.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&module=c-column-top-span-region&region=c-column-top-span-region&WT.nav=c-column-top-span-region 

Terrific Television

If you've never heard of, or not a fan of, Shonda Rhimes?  What in the world is wrong with you?

This lady has single-handedly recharged and re-energized television by creating smart, creative, entertaining fare.  Her current shows are Grey's Anatomy,  Scandal, and How To Get Away With Murder.  She completely dominates Thursday nights on ABC.

The thing that makes her shows so good is she fills them with brilliant, flawed characters who can solve the problems of the world, but stumble and bumble in their personal lives.  They are brilliant misfits who rule their world.  And, she staffs her shows with incredibly talented actors who are a true reflection of our world.  Her rainbow coalition is black, white, brown, yellow, and at mixture of all of the above, but most of all, they are kickass.

So, do yourself a favor, if you're not already on it, by jumping on this bandwagon if you want to be seriously entertained.

Here's an interesting article by one of Shonda's many disciples.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rachel-braun-scherl/shondaland_b_6058440.html?utm_hp_ref=tv&ir=TV


Toddler Tricks

This is a silly video clip of bedtime antics of a four-year-old portrayed by a man.

This is not at all what my parenting looked like back then, but maybe some of you can relate.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/11/05/convos-with-my-4-year-old-bedtime-_n_6109378.html


Friday, November 7, 2014

I Don't Know

I can't decide if I appreciate what this man is doing or not.

He's a police officer who buys signs from homeless people that they are holding up (for a couple of bucks he says in the video; the article says $5), then takes their picture, and paints it on the sign.

Is he helping them or exploiting them?

Is he trying to bring awareness to the homeless problem in his city/country, or is he a self-promoter, taking advantage of these hard-on-their-luck folks?

Watching the video didn't help.  He comes off slimy to me.

What do you think?

http://news360.com/digestarticle/v9gXCCsRpUmKri-aRfVpeg




What Happens to Our Bodies

This is an intriguing article on the decomposition process of our bodies when we die.  It features a "body farm" that studies this.

Morbid?

Yes.

Engrossing?

For sure.

Warning:

The images in the article are blackened, and if you're queasy like me, you might leave them that way.  Also, there's a video, but I didn't watch it.  My imagination was all that was needed to get the picture.

http://www.vox.com/2014/10/28/7078151/body-farm-texas-freeman-ranch-decay

Thursday, November 6, 2014

The Young Builder

This is a kit for a beautiful marble run.  Unfortunately it's not suitable for the little ones in my world, but it's too much fun not to share.

It's featured on The Grommet, but is also available for purchase from Amazon.

Here's to hours of playtime for the young, and the young at heart.

https://www.thegrommet.com/mindware-q-ba-maze?utm_campaign=20141106&utm_content=7986&utm_medium=email&utm_source=CC&trk_msg=VAKCNC2OLRFKV3GTUCM23G0QHG&trk_contact=6PJ17299EJ5SLGM27119G0AQ7K

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

When in Rome . . .

Heed the warning signs.

http://www.thenational.ae/uae/american-70-held-for-taking-photos-in-restricted-area?utm_source=Communicator&utm_medium=Email&utm_content=&utm_campaign=Abu%20Dhabi%20population%20doubles%20in%20eight%20years

Perks

For locals in my world.

http://m.apnews.com/ap/db_268743/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=IgiKA1l7

Weary in Well-Doing

This is another piece by the writer in the previous post.  It's about the weariness of writing about racism.

https://medium.com/matter/the-racism-beat-6ff47f76cbb6

A Tender Story

A young man writes about his Mom.

It's a lovely read.

Long, but worth the time.

https://medium.com/matter/on-kindness-819ce388f976

It's All Relative

The size of things in the solar system, compared to things we're familiar with.

Interesting.

http://astronomycentral.co.uk/astronomy-the-size-of-stuff/

Science is Fun!

This hands on museum in the San Francisco Bay Area gives kids, young and old, a chance to have some serious, experimental, exploratory fun.

If you're in that area, you have to check it out . . . for me . . . and let me know what you think.

http://tinkering.exploratorium.edu//chain-reaction

Watch the quick video at the end of the article.  It's pretty darn cute.

Sunday, November 2, 2014

Street Art

This can be a powerful medium.

Check out the murals below.

My favorite is #1.

What's yours?

http://news360.com/digestarticle/-EysSaX1Y0qBEv_zYfMIeg

Give Your Old House New Tricks

Some of the gadgets featured in this clip are easily doable and can give your old house some new tricks.

http://www.usatoday.com/videos/tech/personal/2014/11/02/18368769/

Saturday, November 1, 2014

Technology - WOW!

These are folks performing in NYC's subway stations brought together by technology.

Incredible!

http://vimeo.com/109672232

Parenting Advice

This comes from Deion Sanders, aka Primetime.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/experience/weekend/entertainment/2014/10/29/deion-sanders-is-owns-primetime-papa/18125109/

I love this guy!

My Ad Man

Check out Ben in the ad below.

http://vimeo.com/110426711

Yes.

I'm a proud momma.


Powerful Short Film

The 14-minute movie captures the empathy, or lack thereof, of the heartache that has been reeling in the black community for years, with a bubbling up of incidents recently, that makes this message especially timely.

http://www.theroot.com/articles/culture/2014/11/with_american_short_film_nate_parker_hopes_to_inspire_white_empathy_about.html?wpisrc=newsletter_jcr%3Acontent%26

Thursday, October 30, 2014

Riveting!

Not long ago, I mentioned a podcast that was getting a lot of attention.  I had not yet listened to it.

Now, I can speak from experience.

It's absolutely riveting.

I listen to it on my long drives, and I've actually slowed down to finish an episode before arriving at my destination.

It's called "Serial."

Like a good book, on the one hand I can't wait to finish the series, but on the other, I don't want it to end.

You can find it here:

serialpodcast.org

Don't take my word for it, check out a review of it below, and then, take some time and . . .

Listen up.

http://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2014/10/podcasts-so-good-you-want-to-binge-listen/382055/






Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Better Teachers

There is no doubt in my mind that the person teaching a class makes an enormous difference in the lives of the students in their charge.

They can propel the kids forward or retard their growth.

The effective ones can move mountains.

The ineffective ones become a part of the mountain that needs to be moved.

Should the responsibility of educating kids rest solely on teachers?

No.

Absolutely not.

Does it?

Many times, yes.

Are there institutional hindrances to some kids' succeeding, like poverty and neglected schools?

For sure.

Do we throw up our hands in defeat when face with these obstacles?

We shouldn't, but many do.

There are solutions, but the politics of getting them in place can be overwhelming.

The article addresses some things that could be done.

The success of the US as a competitive force in the world depends on us getting this right, and soon.

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/29/opinion/frank-bruni-toward-better-teachers.html?src=me&module=Ribbon&version=origin&region=Header&action=click&contentCollection=Most%20Emailed&pgtype=article


Which One Are You?

Assuming you're a parent, are you the "default one?"

Find out below.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/m-blazoned/the-default-parent_b_6031128.html


The Great Debate

Watch these elementary school kids debate country life vs. city life.

It's less than five minutes.

Too cute.

Note the teacher.

He looks like he's 12.

http://www.noisyclassroom.com/index.html


We Take This for Granted

As Americans, we take our freedom of speech for granted.

http://www.thenational.ae/uae/courts/online-verbal-insults-are-punishable-in-any-emirate-uae-supreme-court-rules?utm_content=

Another View

Here's a recent newspaper article in reference to ISIL.

http://www.thenational.ae/world/middle-east/joint-us-uae-task-force-to-choke-off-isil-funding?utm_content=

A New Face

A lot has been written about Renee Zellweger's new face.  I've never been a fan so I kinda blew past all of the hoopla.

Until I read this guy's story.

Really, it's not so much his story, but the comments to it when it was published in a London newspaper.

Those British tongues can be quite tart.

See for yourself.

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/10/28/rene-zellweger-and-me/?_php=true&_type=blogs&_r=0