The Parents' Blog

A not-so Elegant Stinkhorn; or There's a fungus among us

2009-08-22T22:30:00.008-04:00

As I went to our backyard Saturday morning to "pick up the dog doo, hope that it's hard" in preparation for cutting grass, I spied something strange sticking out of the ground just at the base of our steps.

It looked like a carrot growing the wrong way. I touched it and it felt spongy. Figured it was some sort of fungus, and it definitely looked, well, phallic-like.

At the very least, it looked silly.

Or, maybe the backyard was flipping me off.

Anyway, I did what any other normal, adult male with a juvenile mind would do. I called out my wife, Amy, and our kids to have them have a look at it.

This evening, while searching for "carrot orange fungus," I found that the odd thing sticking out of my yard was an Elegant Stinkho rn. Neither Amy nor I had seen anything like it before.

Being that it gave us a bit of a chuckle this morning, thought I'd share it with you.

-Michael

Everyone's a critic

2009-06-09T08:30:00.005-04:00

Neither my wife nor I claim to be musically-inclined. And, our youngest daughter would seem to agree -- at least when it come to my wife's singing! ;)

Just wonder what she would do if I sang!

Doing a little maintenance

2009-01-11T00:05:00.003-05:00

For a couple or so months, I've been meaning to update my blogroll (see Links there in the right column) with new blogs I've discovered personally and professionally. So, I've started to do that. And, I will continue to do that periodically.

That's all. Go about your business or feel free to browse my past posts if you're new. Regardless, thank you for the visit.
-Mike

Life is precious

2008-12-14T06:22:00.009-05:00

My family received sad news this weekend that the daughter of my wife's cousin killed herself this week.

She was married, but no kids; in her mid 40s; and we did know her, though she lived in California. We don't have too many details on the suicide, but the one detail we'll never really get is why.

There is no good reason for suicide. There really always is hope; you just need faith. But, unfortunately, not everyone has faith -- faith in God.

While Debbie is gone in a selfish act, the pain for her husband, her mom and dad, brother and other family and friends remains. While time will soothe the pain, I wonder if it will ever truly heal it. Maybe for my wife and her family (and me), but not really. We'll still have a sad feeling in our hearts for the life that Debbie took. And, for her more immediate family, I can't imagine what they have, are and will go through. I can only pray for them and offer whatever words and actions may try to console them.

I say life is precious because, while Debbie took hers, I read this weekend of a woman who doesn't want to lose her life.*

The 61-year-old was given four to six months to live when she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in October. She battled cancer before and beat it. This time, she was told it was terminal.
“I am blessed and I feel blessed for every day that I have with family and friends … and sometimes I am mad. I beat it. Why do I have to do it again? Is this the way it is going to end? It is hard when you are told four to six months. You don’t know when it is going to happen.”

Later in the story:

Since her diagnosis, Beverly has planned her funeral, thankful for the time to say goodbye. She has selected photos, chosen music and decided what she will wear at her funeral. She’s bought (her husband) Rick a gift for his January birthday, which she hopes to give to him in person, and she has her grandson’s graduation gift ready for March. Her goal is to make it to her 62nd birthday in April.
“I have had a good life and I am blessed for every single minute that I have had. I am really, truly blessed. Sometimes I don’t think this is fair and I get mad and everything, and then I turn around the next minute and all of my blessings show through.”

Life is so very precious.

Debbie had hers but took it away.

Beverly wants hers, but will lose it.

Be sure you cherish your life, and love those around you.

-Michael

*Beverly and her husband, both retired, do not have health insurance, survivor benefits, and face funeral expenses. If you wish to help and/or are in Northwest Ohio, there is a fundraising benefit for Beverly (also noted in the story):

Fundraising benefit from 1 to 5 p.m. Dec. 21 at K.D. Alexander’s Beauty and Relaxation, 7015 Lighthouse Way, Suite 2, Perrysburg. Services available will include chair massages, mini facials, brow wax, hairstyling and haircuts. All donations will go toward Beverly Kanthak’s medical bills and expenses. A 50-50 raffle and silent auction for gift baskets will also take place. To make a donation, call (419) 277-4329.

Growing up, and keeping the faith

2008-10-16T22:45:00.011-04:00

For the first time last Sunday, I saw my mom as being old.

She'll turn 74 in another week or so, but was never old until Sunday.

I try to make sure we talk, even if only briefly, once a week. She watches the kids often enough, so that usually takes care of it. She was over just the previous Monday, but around 4 p.m. Sunday, I decided to call and talk.

She didn't sound right. A bit slow in her talk and possibly disoriented. I found out she had had a migraine for several days -- she had them when she was younger, but not recently, as far as I know. So, I thought maybe it was the medicine talking.

I paid her a surprise visit (about a 25 minute drive), and didn't feel any better. I left, returned home and later that evening, after talking with her again, my wife and I decided to be "better safe than sorry." So, I convinced her she should go to the ER. My niece (living with her) called 911, and I was on my way back across town to meet the ambulance at the ER.

By 5 a.m. Monday morning, I was back home -- after a CT scan showed some blood around my mom's front right temple, she was transferred to another hospital and admitted. My sister was there too, for most of the early morning.

Right now, she doesn't seem serious, as the doctors think the blood will dissipate, and there shouldn't be any permanent damage. But, she can't be alone so she is staying with us for a couple weeks until the next CT scan to check things out.

But, things like that aren't supposed to happen to my mom. Yes, my dad died nearly three years ago after a long battle with cancer. I never really saw him as old, just sick -- but he never really was sick until towards the end.

So, that's part of my current story.

The other part has to do with timing -- and why things happen when they happen.

I was laid off in August. So, I've been looking for a job, seeking freelance work and other activities. On Monday -- that same Monday when I didn't get to bed until 5 a.m. -- I had a third interview for a really cool and nearly ideal job. From talking with a company representative, it seemed like I was its primary candidate. I was very optimistic.

But, Wednesday, I found out the company was going with someone else.

Think what you want, but there's a "big picture" reason why I didn't get that job now. With four kids, a puppy and now my mom -- sometimes confused and disoriented -- living with us for a couple weeks, there's no way my wife could handle it all if I went back to work soon. She even said that this evening.

So, I'm still at home, continuing with the freelance projects underway and seeking a job.

That's no coincidence. That is God's will.

I have always been a strong believer in God and had faith in his role in my life. But, since my wife became pregnant with our youngest daughter, my faith has grown exponentially.

Another strong example is when Hanson approached me and hired me -- at a salary that enabled my wife to stay at home after our daughter was born.

And, since being laid off by Hanson, there have been enough times, even minute ones, where I can see why I was laid off when I was. The latest with my mom is definitely not minute, but the timing of me being laid off is definitely a clear indication that it is part of God's will.

In many ways, I feel a sense of relief believing that my life really is not in my hands. I still play an active part, and need to do my best. But, ultimately, it's not up to me. Ultimately, it's up to God.

And, I just need to keep the faith.
--Michael

Growing up?

2008-08-09T22:32:00.003-04:00

Last week, as I was spending time with my youngest son (7yo), tucking him into bed, he asked me, "I don't know why I'm asking this, but, what do you like to do?"

I paused and said a few things like playing and spending time with him and his brother and sisters; enjoy running, though haven't done it in a couple years; enjoy reading (though again, haven't done a lot of late, offline), and another thing or two.

The first thing that hit me after I left his room is that, he's thinking about others. Not like being unselfish, but looking at others' perspective, in a way. He probably never thought much before that his mother and I might like to do certain things.

The second thing that hit me is that, I don't do much just because I like to. Of course, I spend time with and play with my kids (though, not as much as I want to, particularly of late). But, that's easy. I love them and they mean the world to me. So, of course, playing with them is something I like to do.

But what else? I really don't have anything new to add (while blogging is something I like, I'm thinking more along the lines of real world, offline activities). And, the things I do like to do -- like running -- I really haven't done all that often.

So, is this part of the stage of life where being a husband, a father and an employee pretty much consume my life?

I'm not complaining, but am wondering that I should start taking more time to do things I like -- particularly playing with my kids.

Oh well, time to go let the pupply out one last time for the night.
-Michael

How can you tell that sin pays?

2008-07-21T12:34:00.004-04:00

Because the devil is in tails, and Jesus wears a robe.

--Michael

(Okay, I don't believe that, but did say that this weekend while running around with the family. Forget exactly what inspired it, but thought it was cute -- and did get a chuckle from my wife. Of course, I'm taking about the monetary "pay" type, not the eternity kind. For that, Jesus wins hands down.)

Dear Church: Please Keep America Out of Worship

2008-05-25T11:04:00.010-04:00

Yes, this is Memorial Day Weekend.

Yes, I dearly love the United States of America -- no matter what many politicians and other individuals have done -- this is the best country in the world.

Our founding fathers sought out a new world for, among other reasons, religious freedom. They wanted to worship God without fear of retribution or other harm from the government.

They created a government -- and brought in God.

God is above all.

So, please church leaders (including those in the music ministries) -- and I'm specifically speaking to the Roman Catholic Church (because I am Catholic) -- keep America out of Mass (or worship service, for the non-Catholic Christians).

I go to church to worship God. Not to worship my country.

America brings in God because most of us feel we need a higher power. We need divine direction in our lives.

The Church (whatever Church you attend) does not need America. We need just to worship God.

I walked out of Mass this morning when the organist started playing America the Beautiful. It furiates me to no end. I'm at church to worship God. Not to worship America.

So, please Roman Catholic Church: Do not lower the purpose of worship, do no bring earthly elements into it that are inappropirate. Keep God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit the complete focus.

--Michael

Note: Image from http://www.flickr.com/photos/joshuaommen/128724855/

Everything I needed to know for public relations, I learned being a parent*

2008-04-01T11:59:00.007-04:00

(NOTE: This is a cross-blog post initially published on my mainly professional-focused blog. Since the topic deals with parenting -- and the lessons learned -- I thought it'd be worthy to post here.)

*First, if you are reading into the headline that I or PR communicators should treat their target audiences like children, you're reading too much into the headline, taking it literally or trying to start something. That's not the point of this post. If you still believe it is, please leave. Otherwise, I would most appreciate it if you continued reading and left your $0.02 with a comment.

During some email back and forth a couple weeks ago with Ann Handley regarding a comment I left on her blog, I was reminded how much my children teach me. Then it hit me -- that much of what I've learned being a parent is very relevant to public relations and marketing communications.

Each child is different, so you can't parent them each the same way. Different temperaments, different personalities, different abilities, different ways they react to me (and my wife. From here on out, whenever I say me, I mean us).

The same goes with the audiences we are trying to market and communicate to. Each person is unique and reacts in different ways for what "works" for reaching him or her with the message. At the same time, there are generalities we use in parenting our children. We can't say the same thing four different ways. The same goes for communicating to our audiences. For example, look at reporters at a particular media outlet. There might be a company-wide policy or preference for receiving news, or for when you can contact them.

Be patient because each has his/her own time table. You never really know when something that you've been telling or trying to teach your children will finally click and sink in. Or, when you tell one to do something -- clean up, for example -- he or she will do it, but do it his or her own way. If you don't have a set time table yourself, that's fine in most cases.

The same goes for pitching a story. It may be a great story, but the timing for that particular reporter may not be right. You may get a call from that reporter a week or couple months later -- because the story was good, but he/she couldn't for whatever reason act on it then. That's also why you need to constantly remind your audience of your client or your employer with marketing messages -- because the audience may not need your product or service now -- but will in three months. Best to be top of mind.

You need to know and be involved in your children's lives. Yes, that may be an obvious one, but it's easy to be more of the care-giver -- looking after their basic needs -- than being a parent and playing with your children. My wife and I have a nearly nine-month-old daughter. While I love her as much as the others, I look forward to the time when she is less dependant on me (when we can communicate better, when she can easily sit up on her own, etc.). While the baby stage is great, it also is great when we can interact more. And, when I need to be less of a care-giver of my daughter and I can spend fun, quality and more quantity time with all my children.

The same point goes for our audience: Essentially, you need to know your audience; not just market or spew forth messages to them. Research, read, contact and even interact with your audience. Know what they like and dislike, their preferences. That's one of the great advantages of social media: market feedback and interaction.

Yes, really knowing your audience is not easy, but you'll have a much higher rate of success than the proverbial throwing a lot of mud on the wall and seeing what sticks. Besides, how else can you do point #1 above if you don't know your audience?

The basics: You need to want to be a parent, or at least be open to it and take it for the important responsibility it is. There's been enough times when I've heard about, seen or read about people who really should not be parents. More often than not, they're too selfish. I have felt sorry for their children, and hoped that God would particuarly watch over them. For the vast majority of people who are parents, even if they didn't at first want to be, they were responsible enough to know and take on the sacrifices and life re-focusing that's often required to raise children.

As with public relations and any profession, you need the basics. You need to know stuff like good writing (grammar, how different tactics call for different writing styles, etc.), have a solid work ethic, be honest and ethical, have a natural curiosity for your clients' businesses (and definitely your employer's business!), and have a sincere interest in others.

After all this, please don't think I'm elevating the role of PR and marketing communications to that of parenthood. Being a parent is by far one of the most important things I've ever have and ever will do in my life. That's why, I'm looking at parenting and seeing what I can apply from it to my job -- not the other way around.

-Michael

If this doesn't bring tears to your eyes....

2008-02-22T08:47:00.007-05:00

then you're not a parent or you're heartless.

It's a brief clip from Military.com (from NBC's Nightly News) of a young boy being surprised by his dad in school -- after his dad arrives home after being away for seven months on duty in Iraq.

Can you just imagine the joy and love in that son's heart when he saw his dad?!

May God bless the military men and women -- and their families.
--Michael

A child's view

2007-09-19T08:20:00.000-04:00

This morning, my wife, Amy, was talking with my oldest daughter (4 yo) about going to the local library for a weeky (monthly?) reading time program. But, being since they've not gone before, she'd had to call first to see if any preregistration is required.

Mom/Amy: We'll plan to go, but first I have to call the library to see if we have to register first.

Daughter: Do you mean call the library the building or the library the people?

First, as a parent, I'm amazed at how often children constantly remind us about being literal. Say what you mean, not what adults know what you mean.

Secondly, I wonder about the thought process of my daughter when she heard my wife. She processed that, the library is a building, but you can't ask a building. So, she sought clarification on what my wife really meant.

There is nothing more fun (nor rewarding, of course) than being a parent.

-- Michael

Frustratingly heart-warming

2007-09-03T09:44:00.000-04:00

There is nothing more frustratingly heart-warming than trying to give your newborn a bottle in the wee hours of the morning, and she smiles the biggest smile right back at you -- as she refuses the bottle.

-- Michael

Learning from our children

2007-07-05T12:13:00.000-04:00

As parents, one of our responsibilities is teaching our children. Imparting our life's lessons and knowledge onto them.

While that's true, we should not be blind to the lessons they can -- and do -- teach us.

My youngest son (age 6+) and I were playing Tuesday evening, and he "invented" a new game. The game was throwing Whiffle Balls into a plastic basket (kind of looks like a small, round clothes basket, but with a handle) from a few feet away. The object of course, was to see who could throw the most balls in during our respective turns.

After the first rounds, neither one could keep a ball in the basket -- they'd hit inside, but bounce off and out.

Plastic on plastic can make for a too-bouncy of a game.

So, my thought to try to resolve the problem was for us to throw lighter. Don't toss them too high so they bounce out; just a gentle toss.

WRONG!

While I was coming up with my own solution, my son wondered away a bit and gathered some of the fresh grass clippings and laid them at the bottom of the basket.

Problem solved!

No longer were the balls bouncing out. They landed softly (at least the ones that made it into the basket) and stayed.

So, he taught me a lesson.

To solve a problem, sometimes you have to change the situation rather than change your approach.
-- Michael

What is it with husbands killing their wives & families?

2007-06-26T12:43:00.000-04:00

Here's the latest, about former pro-wrestler Chris Benoit.

Of course, there's the recent Jesse Davis and her unborn baby tragedy. (Yeah, technically, Cutts wasn't Davis' husband, but still the two had two children together.)

Others include:
Laci Peterson and her unborn baby

Lori Hacking

Tara Lynn Grant

Kimberly Vaughn

Brandi Dunn

What? Can't today's man control his rage, his drinking, his temper, his behavior?

Has it been this common for husbands to kill their wives, but media coverage has magnified it?

It blows my mind. How can you murder your wife? The one you pledged your love and life to?

Today's man needs to "man up" -- and I mean it seriously. No beer commercials here. Just be a man.

-- Michael

Children pay for parents' stupidity

2007-05-30T12:33:00.000-04:00

My heart definitely goes out to the family and friends of Madeleine McCann, the four-year-old British girl supposedly abducted from a Portugal resort. Hoping with all my hope that she is alive, I can't imagine what she may be going through.

It definitely breaks my heart.

And what outrages me nearly as much is how that little girl is paying the price for the STUPIDITY of her parents, Gerry and Kate McCann.

Madeleine McCann disappeared May 3 when her parents left her and her 2-year-old twin siblings alone in their hotel room while they went to a restaurant in their hotel complex in Praia da Luz, a resort town in Portugal's Algarve region.

(Above, taken from a story about the McCann's meeting with Pope Benedict XVI.)

I know the story is not new, but I've yet to see any many (any?) comments about the careless way the McCanns treated their children. From an earlier story, I read that, while at the restaurant, the McCanns checked on their children "every half hour or so."

Only by God's grace did the other two children remain safe.

Yes, no parent is perfect -- including me -- but YOU DO NOT LEAVE YOUR YOUNG CHILDREN ALONE WHEN YOU ARE NOT HOME OR IN SOME UNFAMILIAR PLACE.

Isn't that just common sense?

Not for the McCanns.

And, unfortunately, their daughter Madeleine is paying the price of their stupidity.

-- Michael
(the father of three children eight and under, with my wife expecting #4 in July)

P.S. For a thought-provoking and well-worth-the-read commentary, please see Dani Garavelli's story in the Scotsman.

I'm pro choice. Are you?

2007-05-21T23:08:00.002-04:00

Yes, I'm pro choice. I admit it.

When one chooses to have sex, then you've made a choice.

AND YOU ACCEPT THE OUTCOME OF YOUR CHOICE.

If that means, as a woman -- you become pregnant -- or as a man -- you become a father -- you accept that outcome. You allow that life that was created -- that person, that human being -- to be born and live, and you support it.

Because you made a choice.

So, yes, I'm pro choice.

Are you man enough/woman enough to live by your choices?

You need to be, because you made a choice, and created a human being.

-- Michael

Recess under attack?

2007-01-15T12:16:00.000-05:00

Today's Toledo (OH) Blade has a great article about how a growing number of schools -- but still a minority -- are eliminating recess from our children's school day: Local schools serious about keeping recess. (Though, looks like a lot of information in the story is from May 2006 -- still worth knowing if you didn't hear about it then.)

According to the article, Mark Schneider, the commissioner of the National Center of Education Statistics, presented his group's recess findings that: The proportion of U.S. schools that don't have recess ranges from 7 percent for first and second grades to 13 percent by sixth grade.

Oakdale Elmentary in East Toledo is the only NW Ohio school mentioned that does not have recess, despite the fact that it's a new building with new playground equipment!

Principal Tracy Knight said there isn't time for playing outside.

"With what we have to do in terms of achievement testing, and since the school day hasn't been extended, you can't eat valuable instructional time," Mr. Knight said.

I know our schools and teachers are under a lot of pressure, but that does not justify not allowing students the chance to blow off energy and play with their friends.

Fortunately, Cartoon Network, with assistance from groups like the PTA, launched a Rescuing Recess campaign. The week of Sept. 18, 2006, was National Recess Week.

Banning recess is just a bad idea. I know first that, when we have a busy day or weekend and there's no time for the kids to let off steam and just play, they get mischievous or don't behave.

Well, at least for those schools who ban recess, they don't have to worry about banning tag (another silly idea).

Why can't today's kids just be kids?! Adults are taking a lot of fun out of growing up.

-- Michael

Christmas links

2006-12-21T13:14:00.000-05:00

Below are a couple cool Christmas links for the family:

Have you been naughty or nice this year? Check Santa's list to see what he thinks. (Found courtesy of Yahoo!'s Dory Devlin.)

Of course, on Christmas eve, you can use NORAD to track Santa's global trip -- including video clips. We've done this the past several years. It's pretty neat.

Merry Christmas to all!
Mike

Do you know that they know if you are watching?

2006-12-11T23:32:00.000-05:00

As parents involved in our childrens' lives, we know that we need to be there at their activites and events. Attending. Watching. Listening.

One additional thing I've learned is that, not only do we have to be there, but we have to be sure our children see us watching them.

For example, during the various lessons and other activities my kids have been involved in at the local YMCA, I'm watching them swim, learn gymnastics, climb the rock wall. I've also seen them turn and look at me after they've completed a teacher's task or other accomplishment.

They are checking to see if I'm watching.

And, I am (at least most every time).

I cringe when I see parents attending, for example, swim lessons, and bring a magazine to read while at the pool or constantly checking their Blackberry or similar device. Really, they might as well not be there.

Because they are really missing out on watching their children learn, grow, achieve -- and check to see if they are watching.

-- Michael

Ya gotta have faith

2006-11-26T23:07:00.000-05:00

I'm not one to wear my religion on my sleeve. I consider myself religious -- or at least "a good Catholic" -- but not one that is vocally religious. I'm still not preachy but, whether through practical necessity or through God's hands, I've started to rely much more on faith of late.

Actually, just the past week.

A week ago today (Sunday), my wife confirmed what we had been hoping would not be true: That she is pregnant with our fourth child.

We wanted three children, and had two boys and one girl (now ages 8, 5 and 3). On our own time. According to plan. And, we were done with our family, and planning a trip to Disney World next June.

Good thing we didn't put a deposit down because God had other plans.

Without going into too much detail, suffice to say that Amy and I needed some medical assistance for her to get pregnant with our three children. With no more need for that assistance, we were not as careful and figured our family was complete with the five of us.

But, as noted above, God had other plans (okay, with assistance from Amy and me).

We both enjoy being parents, and love our three children all very much. And, we'll love child #4 equally very much.

So, we're making plans and looking to deal with issues like Amy likely quiting her job next summer, finding additional room in our home, buying baby clothes, toys and other stuff -- after selling most of it in garage sales the past two summers!

We definitely don't have all the answers.

But, we do know we have to have faith in God and that -- as long as we have faith, pray and do all we humanly can to find the answers -- it'll all work out for the best when the time comes.

We just gotta have faith.
-- Michael

A lesson only a dad can really teach

2006-11-15T12:28:00.000-05:00

During the weekend, after one trip to a public restroom with my youngest (5yo) son, I reminded him what that slot in the front of his underwear is used for.

Typically, when he pees, he simply pulls down his pants and underwear -- exposing his rear to the rest of any restroom users. So, being a good dad, I stand behind him, facing out, to give him some privacy and keep his rear as unexposed as possible.

This morning while I was shaving, my son came into the bathroom to do his own business at the toilet. He proudly said that Tuesday while at school, he went to the potty, pulled down his pants as usual -- but kept his underwear up and stood there doing his business using that slot (door?) in his underwear as it's supposed to be used.

I am such a proud dad!

WOW?! Comments on Dooce?

2006-11-14T15:11:00.000-05:00

What?

I commented some time ago on my "other blog" about Heather Armstrong/Dooce being a major mini media empire. Or, something like that. And, that's why -- I assume -- she didn't allow comments.

But, lo and behold . . . she is!

But, even though I have a Typepad account, my blog here didn't register when I signed in and left a comment (or two).

-- Mike

When opportunity knocks, do you have to answer it?

2006-11-08T12:38:00.000-05:00

The Internet is inherently neither negative nor positive. It is simply a tool. It and the related technologies offer an abundant of opportunities. And, how those technologies are used is good or bad, fun or annoying, productive or wasteful, etc.

A few weeks ago, I read the story about a national sting that netted 125 perverts in a child-porn case.

"I'm the father of four young children between the ages of 13 and 3," [U.S. Attorney Christopher] Christie said. "This is every parent's worst nightmare. It is just deeply disturbing to know there are people like this out there in our neighborhoods."

Out of courtesy to the "voice of reason," I'll include this line from the story:

Several of those arrested nationwide have prior records for molesting or sexually assaulting children, officials said.

Several. Not most or many of the 125, just several.

Still, it seems like we often are hearing or reading about sexual predators, child porn and other sick society stuff. Was this "stuff" as prevalent 10, 20 or 50 years ago? If alive 75 years ago, would these people still be participating and/or watching these deviant activities?

Or, is the opportunity to view this perversion on the Internet bringing it out from the evil bowels of their souls?
-- Mike

2006-10-27T08:48:00.000-04:00

Is this how George Lucas started?

My son is a huge Star Wars fan, and even has plans for his own Star Wars-like movie next spring.

In the meantime, he's enjoying science at school. So, he decided to combine his science work with his movie ideas.

He wanted to share the latest school science demonstration with others and show them -- parents and kids -- that science can be fun. (While posting to YouTube was my idea -- though he enjoys the Godzilla snippets -- the Super Science was definitely all his.)

Learn and enjoy!
-- Mike

Crazy brothers, Crazy Frog!

2006-10-20T12:12:00.000-04:00

Crazy brothers, Crazy Frog!

Very funny, very cute. These kids have definitely received more than their 15 minutes of fame.

Initially found it courtesy of Robert Scoble/Scobelizer.

Don't forget about scheduling playtime

2006-10-11T12:25:00.000-04:00

For many (most?) working-class parents, life is hectic. There's not only our own work life, relationship with our spouse, and just plain living we have to schedule in -- there's the ever-important role we play in our children's lives.

And, trying to give them the best. Enriching their lives, stimulating their brains, clothes on their backs, shoes on their feet, etc.

Often, we forget about free time. Time when they can do whatever they want. Okay, strike that. Time they can play whatever they want -- not being entertained by video games or the TV, but playtime. Preferably outside.

The AP had a story from the American Academy of Pediatrics about how valuable playtime is. Not studying or piano lessons or baseball games or even reading. But, playing.

"Perhaps above all, play is a simple joy that is a cherished part of childhood," says the report, prepared by two academy committees for release Monday at the group's annual meeting in Atlanta. . . .
It says enrichment tools and organized activities can be beneficial but should not be viewed as a requirement for creating successful children. Above all, they must be balanced with plenty of free play time (my emphasis), the report says.

Balance? What a concept! Even if we have to schedule free playtime, do it.

"New York Daily News" columnist Lenore Skenazy makes a good point in today's column about one possible reason why we've forgotten about playtime:

First and foremost, I blame cable. Not kids watching cable (although three hours of the Cartoon Network will turn anyone's brain into Go-Gurt). ADULTS watching cable - that's the problem. Because any time some poor child gets abducted or, God forbid, killed, it is on the news all day. Sometimes all decade.
As the anchors grimly shake their heads for the zillionth time, it's almost impossible to remember the truth: These horrible incidents are not increasing. They are on TV precisely because they are rare. We live in very safe times, and New York City is the safest it has been since the '60s. So it is no nuttier to let your kid ride her bike outside today than it was when the Bradys were still a Bunch.

While my wife and are not perfect parents, we do try to make sure our kids don't get lazy and just sit and watch TV or play video games (as we know it's easy enough to do).

This past Sunday was a perfect example. My wife and I were doing some fall yardwork, and practically kicked our kids out of the house to play outside. Even when our oldest son (8yo) wanted to go back in, we said no. It was a beautiful day in (70s, light wind, sunny), and likely one of the last nice days to be out without a jacket.

So, while we were outside, the kids were outside.

One thing I think has gotten in they way of free, spontaneous playtime is "playdates." While the thought of scheduling time with friends seems to be a necessary evil, I don't remember having playdates scheduled for me when I was growing up.

That's why I'm thrilled that two of my oldest son's friends live nearby. One is two houses away, and the other is on the street behind us (within 1/2 mile). They often do not have playdates. They just go to each other's homes or call and get together.

When our kids don't recognize free time to play (with siblings or friends) and get to watching TV, it is up to parents to "be the parent" and get the kids off their duffs. It's too easy to get busy and let TV and video games be our kids' friends.

Remember, it's not up to our children to be the responsible ones. It's up to us to be the parents.

Tragedy can teach, inspire

2006-10-06T22:50:00.000-04:00

UPDATED UNDER "OTHER BUSINESS" AT THE BOTTOM (10/27/06)

In the face of tragedy, we often learn from and can hope to emulate the courage of victims.

Case in point comes from the evil that befell an Amish community in Pennsylvania.

The oldest of the five Amish girls (Marian Fisher, 13) shot dead in a Pennsylvania schoolhouse is said to have stepped forward and asked her killer to "Shoot me first," in an apparent effort to buy time for her schoolmates. . . .
What's more, Fisher's 11-year-old sister, Barbie, who survived the shooting, allegedly asked the gunman, Charles Carl Roberts IV, to "Shoot me second," (a midwife who delivered two of the victims Rita) Rhoads said.

As Rhoads later is quoted in that ABC News article, "How many adults are willing to do that? Not many."

There are some tragedies that just can't be prevented -- without putting bars and locks on all buildings. That still doesn't diminish the pain the families and community must be feeling.

But, for the rest of us, other than praying and/or wishing well for them, the best we can do is learn from and look to borrow at least some of the courage that the Fisher girls showed us all.

Other business
On an unrelated note, it is amazing what a link from such a high-traffic blog like StopSexPredators.blogspot.com can do. Both this site and my PR site have received 50-70+ and 40-50+ visits, respectively, the past couple days from the brief mention there. When I sent the e-mail regarding my post about a list of child sex offenders, I didn't intend for the author to mention my blog -- but to include the links I noted for others to find.

So, thanks for the pointer . . . whoever you are.

UPDATE: Well, while we don't know yet who you are, but we know where you worked and where you're from and the scandal behind the stopsexpredators.blogspot.com blog. You are a putz. For more, check out Technorati for references to that fake blog.

-- Michael

Home schooling is looking awfully good about now

2006-09-29T12:55:00.000-04:00

Is it just me, or does home schooling seem awfully safe vs. public schooling?

Student shoots principal at Wis. school

Investigation of Colorado school shooting turns up suicide note

And, these are just in the past 24 hours. Yeah, I'm may be over-reacting, but it does make one think.
-- Michael

Podcasts from Buster?

2006-08-09T13:05:00.000-04:00

Should "Postcards from Buster" be "Podcasts from Buster"?

I mean, afterall, he videos most of his visits, right? How hard would it be to take the videos and make them into podcasts, then put them on a site for Arthur, Francine and his other friends to view? Or, even download?

-- Mike

P.S.
Sorry, I know I shouldn't mix my personal life (like this blog) with aspects of my professional life. But, when you have kids, the two invariably mix.

Technorati tags: Postcards from Buster, PBS Kids

You know you're old when . . . .

2006-08-06T22:29:00.000-04:00

You know you are old -- and your generation is in charge of things -- when the jokes and references on your children's TV shows and movies reference aspects of YOUR childhood.

My kids were watching Disney's The Emperor's New School and there was a reference to Rock'em Sock'em Robots.

Geez, I'm old.

Let me know if you see any other references to our childhood come up on today's programs.
-- Michael

Child sex offender lists

2006-08-03T00:36:00.000-04:00

UPDATED 10/27/06: Well, while we don't know yet the name of the fraud behind StopSexPredators.blogspot.com, we do know where he worked and where he's from. What a putz. For more, check out Technorati for references to that fake blog.

I cannot imagine what parents whose children are missing or have been criminal victims must have gone through. I hope I never have to experience that. Anyone who preys on children -- no matter the reason, insane or sane -- should be locked up and/or put out.

I caught a good portion of John and Reve Walsh on Larry King Live the other night. It was very interesting and informational. The Walsh family -- with John Walsh in the spotlight -- are amazing people. They have taken a personal, family tragedy and made it a national crusade. Because of the Walsh's work, more children will be saved from the fate of Adam Walsh.

But, only if you -- the parents -- get and stay involved with your children.

Below is a list of sex offender registerys. Check them often, and know who your children's friends and associates are.

Family Watchdog: A site where you can search who in your area -- or any area -- has committed a crime against a child. Also includes sign ups and links to Amber Alerts.

U.S. Dept of Justice's National Sex Offender Public Registry

State of Michigan Public Sex Offender Registry

State of Ohio Sex Offender Registry

AMBER Alert Portal

Database of Publicly Accused Priests in the United States

What other good links should parents know about?
-- Mike

Introduction

2006-08-02T23:26:00.000-04:00

Words cannot describe how much I enjoy being a daddy. (Yes, I enjoy being a husband, but that's a focus for another blog.) If you enjoy it (either a daddy or a mommy), then you know what I mean. Nothing (or very little else) really brings me as much pure joy.

I registered this blog some time ago with the intention of my wife and I blogging about being parents: Little tips and quips we learn along the way; stories; comments; etc.

While, at least early on, most if not all of the posts will be authored by me (Mike), my wife may later decided to post as well. Or, just start her own.

The posts will likely be infrequent, but hopefully always of some value.
That's my intro.
Mike