We need to think about computers and mobile devices, we need to think about them as delivery mechanisms - especially for learning. We cannot deny that this is and will be a big part of our kids' world. A company called SIx Red Marbles has some on-line products that not only teach but help the brain learn how to learn. My 6 year old son loves it and started using it at 4 or so (and yes, he also plays baseball, basketball, soccer, karate, and swims for those of you afraid a young child shouldn't play on a computer lest he not get any exercise). They have a few, I think, but there is one especially for pre-school - 1st grade age kids called JUBA and I think they give out free online access for a period of time. I think schools use it, but he loved it so much we bought a yearly subscription and loves it. The program lets the kids explore beautiful photographs form all over the world that are labeled, have audio supports, Spanish translation, soundFX, fun science facts, and interactive activities. Our son started out using the toolbox to paint on the photos and record audio and now that he's reading is using all the more advanced features. And one thing we love too is that he can save these images to a portfolio that we can check out. Very cool, highly recommended.

I'm all for eating healthier, but THIS COUNTRY IS GETTING NUTTIER AND NUTTIER. I never smoked, but banning it and making it illegal were harbingers of things to come. Then the Safety Police got involved with seatbelts... Then trans fats and high fructose corn syrup... As they are all hard to defend against, everyone has let this country start down the slippery slope because 'Well, it won't affect me much and its a good thing...". Everyone should WAKE-UP. Tell the Health Police to pound sand and demand more personal accountability responsibility, not hand over more decisions to the government! Detention in school as she had a piece of candy that didn't meet 'minimal nutrition guidelines'!!!? ARE YOU KIDDING, AMERICA?

The number of keys has become ridiculous, and with multiple cars (I have two, plus carry keys to my wife's) the large multikey/alarm that each car needs now adds major bulk as well. When I wear cargo pants, the side pockets solve the issue. Even when buying shorts now, I look for cargo type.... And it isn't just the keys. Wallet, keys, iPhone, sometimes an iPod, cash, maybe sunglasses... Where does a guy put his 'stuff'? If you have a backpack or messenger bag, fine. But what if you don't want to be carrying a bag around? I tried the photographer's vest for a while, but that gets as dorky as a 'fanny pack' (sorry to those who like either). Ugh. I have found one solution, at least for all but the hot summer months. A company called ScottEVest - www.ScottEVest.com - that makes pants, coats, shorts, tees, jackets, shirts, vests, etc. They not only multiple pockets, but have a lot of those pockets on the inside (yet still accessible) so you can carry a LOT (or not) but you don't look all bulky. They advertise more for the traveler, but I wear them daily! You have your hands free and no bags to lose. I started with a fleece that I can wear in fall and spring that has over 20 pockets and over 10 of them are really good size. For the winter I bought a coat (over 20 more pockets, lol) I can wear over the fleece. Now that summer is here, I'm back to cargo shorts if casual and using my wife's purse when dressed up and on the town. :-)

My favorite part is "She suggested that Monroe's Office of Career Advancement shows preferential treatment to students with excellent grades. "They favor more toward students that got a 4.0. They help them more out with the job placement," she said."... This is the inevitable result of the 'Everyone Gets A Trophy Just For Playing' Generation. \ Hey, she showed up. She did 'all right'. She wants her pay-off now. What did we, as a nation, expect? We tell our children that everyone should be treated the same, that winning isn't as important as playing, and pat them on the back and reward them for attendance. Now she is an adult and wants a reward for attendance and thinks its unfair the students who worked harder to be the best are getting preferential treatment. This is not her issue. It is our issue. My fear is that there will be many more Ms. Thompsons graduating.