You MUST check this out! It is sooo cool and fun!
How much do you know about your friends? Try Buzz!™: The Friend Quiz.
http://ping.fm/10btP

I hope Tiger is ok! Just heard @TigerWoods was in a serious car accident.

Today is The National Day of Listening, November 27, 2009.
http://ping.fm/kFy0h

who else uses @GoogleWave? Send me your email address so I can add you or add me to yours...trying to figure this out because it's not being used to it's full potential.

Bright Nights at Forest Park Bright Nights celebrates 15th season by rolling back prices to 1995 for opening night only. $6 per car! 5:00PM Wednesday, November 25th
http://ping.fm/XMdTQ

this holiday week is really messing with me. Yesterday felt like Friday and today feels like Saturday to me.

Getting your car rear-ended in Massachusetts - Mass Registry's Driver Manual says "a steady yellow light means thetraffic signal is changing from green to red. You must stop if it is safe to do so." - What does that mean to you?
http://ping.fm/N5syS

1 In 4 children in our nation on the brink of hunger is an emergency.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture released a study on hunger in America. The study highlighted a staggering statistic: 1 in 4 children in our nation are now on the brink of hunger. Tell your Senator to support the Access to Nutritious Meals for Young Children Act today.
http://ping.fm/KhA0M

Hope this helps....What is a recyclable?: http://ping.fm/28wiY
Feel free to share some cool links on what is and what is not...I would really like to know. :0)

wants to know...is dryer lint a recyclable?

feels like an azz...isn't that the way...I try to do the right thing and still mess it up. As of this last minute, it is now the past. Hopefully the future will be better than the past. Everything happens for a reason. The only difference this time is I know the reason and kicking myself. I'm going to regret this and will suffer the consequences of it.

just FINALLY got to Holyoke...avoid I-91 at all cost, if you can. You have been warned! :

what's going on I91? trying to get to holyoke but all traffic is at a complete stop...FOR MILES!!!

Is Loving The Sun!

Testing this out for my @Twitter, since using @ping.fm makes it post twice...have never figured out how or why. Hopefully this solves it because I don't know about anyone else, but it's driving me CRAZY! If you can figure out why, by all means, let me know! :0)

Toys"R"Us will donate $1 worth of toys to Toys For Tots for EVERY NEW Fan! http://ping.fm/7r842

Instead, Shop with a conscience!
http://ping.fm/MNy39

Are you guilty of doing business with a sweatshop? You'd be surpd...check out the 2010 Sweatshop Hall of Shame.
http://ping.fm/UEBuV

And here they come! Let the recycling begin!

just saw the truck loaded with the new blue recycling trash barrels that the City of Springfield is issuing roll up the street...

wtf? I boiled water in the whistling teapot, thought I was going to make a cup of instant coffee, boy could I really use some, very tiring day, very tired, worked my butt off all day...but that's gone, too. I worked all day doing the leaves, thought I deserved to treat myself...I guess not????

Not a single bagel was saved for me.

FINALLY got my Google Wave Invite! ©¿©

Stopped for gas and has decided @Cumberland Farm's "rules" are a little silly. You can't pre-pay for gas inside as a debit but you can only as credit. You have to use the pump outside, which means you can't pre-pay and they put a $75 hold on your card. Hopefully the attendant just didn't know what he was talking about.

with my sister @Ware Kids Outlet, haven't been here in a while and miss it.

It's the weekend and I have a lot to do today and not sure where to begin...

I have the day off from work, but really, there is no such thing as a day off...especially from work. Just because I don't have to drive to Holyoke doesn't mean there isn't plenty of work to do around Tooheyworld!

For those who collect the Hess Items every year: Hess Race Car and Racer $24.99 Available November 13, 2009.

the black car, @shawntoohey called it a Saaburu...he said "it's a Saab version of the Subaru Impreza."

I am very content, had a great Halloween with my husband, my kids and my sister's family and my little bro ;0)

the Tooheybugs will be sleeping over @my sister's tonight...what's going on around Warren tonight?

on our way to visit a friend, eat dinner with my sister, BIL, nephew and niece and to go trick or treat in @Warren.

Things that make you go hmmm...I took a test on Project Implicit: Harvard Website Tests Your Preferences and one of the questions was: Which is more important for society, freedom or equality? Which one do you think and why. http://ping.fm/dN9vJ

What are your opinions/thoughts on the new T-Mobile Even More Plus Plan? Is this a good plan? Is this too good to be true? Will they hike up the rate after some time? http://ping.fm/Qrx0g

on the phone with @t-mobile customer service, getting to the bottom of this t-mobile even more plus plan which sounds too good to be true...and you know what they say about that? If it's too good to be true then it probably is. So let's see if they can change that!

Giving Tips This Holiday Season

Giving Tips This Holiday Season

The holidays are a time for many people to reach out to those who are less fortunate. Additionally, donors need to make their end-of-year giving decisions by December 31 to qualify for a tax deduction in this calendar year. As a result, half of all charitable donations for the entire year will be made between Thanksgiving and New Year's Eve.

Despite the lending crisis weakening the economy and the retail industry's prediction for soft sales, we anticipate that this holiday season's charitable giving could be record-setting, with individual donors exceeding $100 billion in charitable gifts. Yet, all of this generosity will do little to improve our world unless we all commit to the pursuit of responsible and informed philanthropy. Charity Navigator offers the following guidelines to ensure your holiday contributions are well-spent.

· Help Those Hurt By the Lending Crisis: As the credit crisis continues to take its toll on the overall economy, we expect human services charities - groups such as food banks, rescue missions and utility assistance charities - to see an increase in the demand for their programs and services. Historically, one of the least-funded types of charities, human service non-profits will need an influx of contributions if they are to meet the growing needs in their communities.

· Examine Each Charity's Spending Habits: Take the time to find out how much of your donation will actually go to the charity's mission. The vast majority of the charities rated by Charity Navigator are able to spend less than 10% of their budget on fundraising costs, less than 15% on administrative costs, and at least 75% on the programs and services they exist to provide. Make sure the charities you support meet this benchmark.

· Give Without Strings Attached: Once you've identified a few well-run charities that match your philanthropic interests, trust them to determine how best to spend your contribution. Often, donors like to designate their contributions for specific projects and purposes. This is fine for disaster giving, but it's also a sign that you don't trust the charity to spend the money where it can be best used. Don't be the roadblock in your favorite charity's quest to do good work. Take the time to research your charity so that you trust them, and can give an unrestricted gift, leaving the group the the flexibility to respond to changing demands for its services.

· Give Online: No one likes to think about taxes, especially during the holidays. But if you want to deduct your charitable contributions on your 2007 tax return, you have until December 31st to make your donations. When you give online at Charity Navigator, through our partnership with Network for Good, you have the luxury of waiting until the last minute, knowing that not only will you be provided an instant receipt, but your giving records are maintained in one place, making your life easier at tax time and when you want to give again.

· Avoid Telemarketers: Even if you signed up for the Federal 'do-not-call' list, chances are your dinner is regularly interrupted by a charity seeking your support. The calls, conducted by professional fundraisers who typically keep 65 to 95 cents of every dollar they raise, are intrusive but not illegal since nonprofits are exempt from following the 'do-not-call' rules. Never give over the phone.

Charity Navigator!

This is it! ...@West Springfield Cinema going to see Michael Jackson's This is It with my MIL, nephew and his GF.

Time flies, even when you're not having fun! :)

en route to Leominster, driving behind a car that has his right directional on...I guess he is going right around the world! lol

gave the tooheybugs, my friend Hope and myself a manicure last night, they look great! And today we will be road trippin' it to Leominster to see my FIL and MIL before they head South for the winter.

knows it's all give and take, but I'm tired of doing all the giving...

That's one thing done today besides work and taking care of the kids...

is going to take advantage of the "warm" weather and clean out my car, I am taking 4 trash bags with me...

$$Save On Gas!$$ At ALL F.L. Roberts with your BigY Coins! Save 5 cents per gallon with Silver Coin and Save 20 cents per gallon with Gold Coin!
**One coin per purchase, Maximum 20 gallons

it's Sunday night! Where did the weekend go???

Has Halloween on the Brain...

OMG! There is a down powerline/pole in Wilbraham...they closed off the side of the street that it was on and set up cones so the wire wouldn't go in our lane on the road when we all drove by, but it was still scary!

WTF? Did I just hear the weather preview tonight mention the four lettered "S' word?!?!

Forgot to share with everyone that my Daniela TooheyBug got into Student Council...she is very excited....and on a slightly same but different note, congratulations to President Barack Obama for being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, what an achievement. :)

www.playat mcd.com does not work on mobile browsers...I'm NOT lovin' it.

www.playatmcd.com does not work on mobile browsers. :(

Check out Momsville: http://ping.fm/F90Hy

is looking for a Google Wave invite, Please! ;o)

getting prepared mentally for my interview tomorrow!!!!!! {:0)

wanna get 20% off? sign up for your coupon!

<3 Happy Anniversary to my husband @ShawnToohey <3

Look @The Smiley Face @Home: http://ping.fm/BqHqV

Sitting here with my feelings hurt, feeling let down, lied to and alone..as usual.

Where is the love? I was just told/wished "I hope you don't wear your seatbelt" by someone...be careful what you wish for because karma is a bitch!

just applied @chili's...due to open October 12!!

National Suit Drive - Men's Wearhouse

At Men's Wearhouse, we know that not being dressed appropriately can affect employment opportunities. Although we donate millions of dollars of our slow-moving merchandise, we are not able to provide professional attire for many men across the nation. That's why we have started hosting an annual National Suit Drive during the month of September. We partner with over 200 nonprofit organizations across the country to distribute the gently used, professional clothing items we collect to men transitioning into the workforce. For many of these men in crisis, the clothing they receive will give them a first confident step towards a second chance, while the nonprofit services provided will help transform them on their road to self-sufficiency. We are confident that the impact made by helping these men become independent will positively affect their families and their communities. In order to assist the thousands of men that are unemployed at this time, we also partner with businesses and community organizations by encouraging their employees and members to donate their gently used professional clothing. Members of Congress and the American League of Lobbyists kick off the spirit of giving the suits off their backs at the Annual Capitol PurSuit Drive event on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. Learn more about ourcommunity partner relationships. Participate in our National Suit Drive and donate your clothing. If you are a nonprofit or know of a nonprofit organization that would be interested in receiving clothing from the Suit Drive, click here.

has tomorrow off! :O)

Summer Camps for Kids

Summer Camps for Kids

Academic camps:

Academic Treks

Education Unlimited

Space Camp

Travel and Service camps:

Global Routes

Allen's Guide- Summer Camps and Travel Programs

Fitness and Fun camps:

Lighten Up at Camp Shane

YMCA Camp Directory

daniela is about to throw the skillet in the skillet toss

golden eagle

 

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" width="300" alt="watching a wild birds presentation" />
watching a wild birds presentation

at a Farm Fest in Suiffield, Ct...watching the tractor race/parade!

thinks it's nice being able to work and not worry about what time it is to leave to get the kids. A special thank you to my husband <3 SpiritHalloween opens on Tuesday!

Pay Jr. - Scholarships for College!

Scholarships for College!

How can you get a $1,000 or $10,000 scholarships for college and complete a personalized search for other free money for college??

It's easy!

Register* on PayJr.CollegeAnswer.com

Student - We randomly select students for a $1,000 scholarship every month! Plus, you remain in the drawing until you graduate college, increasing your chances of winning!

Parents - We randomly select a parent for a $10,000 scholarship every spring!

Counselors - We also offer $1,000 scholarships for a student of your choice. Ask your counselor if they have registered on our site for FREE scholarships!

*AND when you register - You will receive our 5 Steps to Pay for College handout and monthly e-newsletter, offering timely topics such as FAFSA tips, application deadlines, and award letters. PLUS surf our scholarship search to find other FREE MONEY for college.

PayJr.CollegeAnswer.com helps you save, plan, and pay for college.

Scholarships for College!

How can you get a $1,000 or $10,000 scholarships for college and complete a personalized search for other free money for college??

It's easy!

Register* on PayJr.CollegeAnswer.com

ü Student - We randomly select students for a $1,000 scholarship every month! Plus, you remain in the drawing until you graduate college, increasing your chances of winning!

ü Parents - We randomly select a parent for a $10,000 scholarship every spring!

ü Counselors - We also offer $1,000 scholarships for a student of your choice. Ask your counselor if they have registered on our site for FREE scholarships!

*AND when you register - You will receive our 5 Steps to Pay for College handout and monthly e-newsletter, offering timely topics such as FAFSA tips, application deadlines, and award letters. PLUS surf our scholarship search to find other FREE MONEY for college.

PayJr.CollegeAnswer.com helps you save, plan, and pay for college.

There's no stopping Mother Nature, Fall is on it's way. I saw the first of the Fall Leaves fall to the ground today.

since we rarely eat out; chicken nuggets, onion rings and broccoli for dinner is as fast as our food gets!

I don't have a problem finding a job, that's the easy part and infact, I DO want to work and enjoy working. My problem is childcare. I am not willing to make my 7 and 9 yr old kids latch key kids, so instead of "not understanding" how about "offering to help"?

How much should you pay your child for chores?

How much should you pay your child for chores?

Compare it to your allowance as a kid.

Allowance Calculator

How much you give your child is up to you and depends on many things, with one of the most important factors being what you expect your child to buy with that money. If you already buy your child everything he wants, then he doesn't need much of an allowance. If he is going to be expected to buy his own clothes and pay all of his entertainment expenses, then he may need more.

If $1/year each week sounds like too much, then consider just giving 50cents/year each week or maybe just once a month.

Also remember that some portion of your child's allowance should go into a savings account to help your child learn about the importance of saving money.

- Vincent Iannelli, M.D

Investing Young

Republican Sen. Wayne Allard of Colorado, explains that "financial literacy should start early," as early as elementary school. "Many college students or recent grads," adds Allard, "face tremendous financial hardships, whether it is pertaining to college loans or mismanagement of credit and money." They need to know how to balance income, spending, putting money away and making savvy decisions.

To get on the right track, your youngsters can learn how to earn money through PAYjr's online system (www.PAYjr.com) - and once they have some cash they can learn to save and/or invest it to make sure they are ahead of the game and learning smart financial habits that they will take with them as they grow.

If they are looking to invest they can check out "www.younginvestor.com, a site that explains things like how to be a profitable baby sitter and what Nasdaq is. Several word and number (and a few arcade) games help familiarize kids with financial terminology and monetary concepts.

Should your children show an interest in actually investing, a good venue for trading for kids is www.sharebuilder.com, where you can buy stocks and ETFs a little at a time, starting with an investment of as little as $4." - (Barron's Kathy Yakal) "there's also no investment or account minimum, or inactivity fee. In addition, ShareBuilder lets you buy fractional shares. If you invested, say, $200 for each child in a stock trading at $16 a share, each of them would own 12 1/4 shares (less the $4 commission)." - Janet Bodnar

Or they can try their investing skills in the online Fantasy Stock Market Game Where kids and teens can learn stock market investing basics at youngmoney.com

Either way they go, they should be learning about money so that they are prepared for the real world, paychecks, student loans, credit, mortgages, etc. Let them get in the game now and see how that can brighten their financial future.

-PAYjr

Need more answers? Ask our CEO a question!visit our CEO's blog at http://choresandallowances.blogspot.com/

Budgeting - Quick Tips for Long-Term Benefitsby David S. Jones

1. Budgeting is such an important and helpful aspect of becoming financially responsible. And not only for adults, but its something kids need to learn about too. Pull out a checkbook and show them the concept of deposits versus expenditures to give them a visual understanding and lesson about living "within our means".

2. A home-made budget spreadsheet can be a huge help to you. Having a visual tool offers an easily accessible method of comparison and tracking of your allotted finances versus actual spending habits. You can also then determine where you need to make adjustments, as necessary and if applicable.

3. If you're one of the many individuals struggling to keep to a budget no matter how hard you try each month, consider contacting a financial consultant. It doesn't have to turn into a long-term relationship - usually one consultation can give you the tools you need to determine a workable budget that you can easily stick to.

4. Although many people don't utilize the technique, a little time and effort taken to establish and keep to a budget will reap great benefits for you in the long run. Simply sit down and determine your net income minus monthly expenditures and only spend and live within those limits.

5. If you're falling deeper and deeper into debt, get in touch with a credit repair company. They will assist you by working with the lenders to lower your interest rates and even balances in some instances. They'll also set you up with a workable budget to help eliminate that stress of being in debt.

Money doesn't have to be kept a secret - the more kids understand about budgeting, saving, spending and investing the more they will be able to tackle those issues as emerging adults.

For more information on budgeting ideas for the whole family, visit www.payjr.com. The pages are full of insightful and helpful tips and processes that will make these topics come to life for both you and the kids.

PAYjr strongly encourages parents to educate themselves and their children on the responsible use of the Internet and asks them to monitor all their children's online activities. PAYjr, Inc.'s goal is to minimize that risk as much as possible and protect our users by continually upgrading our systems and policies. Please feel free to email us at support@PAYjr.com if you require any further information.

The Animal Rescue Site is looking for a few thousand more clicks! Help provide meals to our four-legged friends in shelters by clicking the purple button at http://ping.fm/d7kcJ

PAYjr will give $5 for every person that signs up for the card.

PAYjr Fundraiser

We want to help you make money for your team or club. PAYjr will give $5 for every person that signs up for the card.

Dear Jeanne,

PAYjr supports your teams and clubs and If you would like to do a fundraiser with our financial tool, the PAYjr prepaid card, pleasecontact Jessica Stroud, Jessica@payjr.com for a flyer and a promo code to get your fundraiser started.

How it Works: You will get $5 for every person that signs up for a PAYjr Prepaid Card. All you need is a promo code so we can keep track.

Everyone Wins.

PAYjr is (as you know) all about financial education and our tool enables parents to help their teens grow into the world of work, expenses, budgeting and plastic, so they know the smart way to take care of their finances. The Prepaid Card is a great fundraiser, but is also a great tool for those teens that sign up for it. Win-Win.

The PAYjr Prepaid card

Allows Parents to: Give Teens money that is safer than carrying cash

Easily transfer money from their account to their child's card

Stay protected against fraud

Stay informed of all their Teen's spending Keep track with email or text message alerts

Help Teens budget

Help Teens keep track of their own financial habits before they go into the world of rent, student loans and credit cards

Back To School: The Right Way To Help With Homework

Back To School: The Right Way To Help With Homework

Can you help too much?

Increasing competitiveness and assignement overload are causing some parents to do their children's homework for them. Here's advice from expers about what parental input truly helps kids...and what doesn't.

• DO provide your child with a space in the house that is clean, well lit and set aside especially for doing homework.
  

• DON'T let your kid watch TV, take phone calls or make pit stops at the refrigerator during homework time.
  

• DO help your child get started on tasks and brainstorm ideas for projects. Ask what topics are of interest to him/her.
  

• DON'T tell your child the answers. This sends the message that soemone will bail him/her out when faced with a challenge.
  

• DO praise your child. Educators say that effort is more important than success. Be sure to applaud small milestones.
  

• DON'T nag or bully your child into getting homework done. Pestering most often breeds resentment, not motivation.
  

• DO acknowledge homework that is well done. But instead of gifts, let him/her pick and activity, such as a trip to the zoo.
  

• DON'T bribe your child to do homework by offering money or gifts. This teaches kids to work only for compensation.
  

HELP! DPVHS is in desperate need of bedding - especially towels! Please consider donating any spare items you may have to the Leverett or Springfield locations!

Leverett - 163 Montague Road
Springfield - 171 Union Street

The animals thank you!

Where to get School Uniforms, Locally!

Homes For Our Troops: Learn About Homes for Our Troops

Homes For Our Troops: Learn About Homes for Our Troops: "Homes for Our Troops is a non-profit, non-partisan, 501 (c)(3) organization founded in 2004. This organization is strongly committed to helping those who have selflessly given to their country and have returned home with serious disabilities and injuries. We assist severely injured Servicemen and Women and their immediate families by raising donations of money, building materials and professional labor and then coordinating the process of building a new home or adapting an existing home for handicapped accessibility. The finished home is then given to the veteran.

*All services provided by Homes for Our Troops are at no cost to the veterans we serve."

Mill Street Brews

Mill Street Brews: "Saturday, September 19, 2009

With tickets being only $17 per person, this makes for a nice Frugal Night Out. This would be a fun evening. I have not seen this show yet, but have heard good things. He usually has shows at the Hu Ke Lau in Chicopee.

So if the husband is reading this, maybe he can take a note :P

Saturday, September 19, 2009

Pabst Blue Ribbon Pr Pabst Blue Ribbon Presents John Valby What makes Valby so unique and entertaining is his uncommon rapport with the audience and his ability to mix his musical Talent with a mad-cap variety of "Dirty Ditties". Few people can resist laughing at songs that would have earned them a mouthful of soap when they were children. Valby's repertoire is composed of popular songs, limericks, classical arrangments and his own original creations. Valby has made a career out of poking fun at his audiences, stretching the limits of free speech and accepted good taste and satirizing current events from behind the piano.When he's not playing and singing, he yells obscenities:the audience yells back and everyone has a good time. The best way to descibe John Valby is to blend the following performersTogether. Allen Sherman, spike Jones,Lenny Bruce and Wierd Al Yankovic all topped off with the Dirt of Redd Foxx,Only better. W/ Special Guest Comedian Josh Ramirez! Doors Open At: 7:00 PM Show Starts At: 8:30 PM Mill Street Brews Presents John Valby What makes Valby so unique and entertaining is his uncommon rapport with the audience and his ability to mix his musical Talent with a mad-cap variety of "Dirty Ditties". Few people can resist laughing at songs that would have earned them a mouthful of soap when they were children. Valby's repertoire is composed of popular songs, limericks, classical arrangments and his own original creations. Valby has made a career out of poking fun at his audiences, stretching the limits of free speech and accepted good taste and satirizing current events from behind the piano.When he's not playing and singing, he yells obscenities:the audience yells back and everyone has a good time. The best way to descibe John Valby is to blend the following performersTogether. Allen Sherman, spike Jones,Lenny Bruce and Wierd Al Yankovic all topped off with the Dirt of Redd Foxx,Only better. W/ Special Guest Comedian Josh Ramirez! Doors Open At: 7:00 PM Show Starts At: 8:30 PM Mill Street Brews

GET TICKETS: $ 17General Admission - Mill Street Brews &TicketWeb.com - VIP TIX ALSO AVAILABLE! CALL 508-764-6900! General Admission - Mill Street Brews &TicketWeb.com - VIP TIX ALSO AVAILABLE! CALL 508-764-6900!

Magic Wings Butterly Conservatory & Gardens

A place I have still not visited...

Warm Your Body and Soul

Our 8,000-square foot conservatory is home to nearly
4,000 free-flying butterflies from all over the world!

http://www.magicwings.com/

Shared via AddThis

Quabbin Resevoir will reopen Monday to private boats http://ping.fm/n7eal

Super Nanny Tips to Make School Fun.

Super Nanny Tips to Make School Fun.

Dedicated time

Avoid procrastination by structuring your child's study and homework, setting aside time in the afternoon or evening where school and study is the focus, free of distractions like TV, e-mail and that pesky cell phone. While it is important to take exercise and snack breaks (at least 10 minutes for every 50 minutes of study), the focus of this time should be study, and it should be part of your family routine.

If procrastination is a problem, a simple Reward System might boost their motivation. Offer to cook your child's favorite meal or take them to the mall if they can complete two hours' study in their most difficult subject.

When it is appropriate, participate with interactive quizzes, and help solving problems in math, science, English, etc. By understanding the areas where your child's interest wanders, or they are having difficulty, you can give them the tools to find the answers themselves, and ignite interest in critical thinking and problem-solving.

Tutoring

We are not all oriented toward reading, science or math, so there may be times when your child will benefit from tutoring. Ask the teachers in your child's school where to seek help, or ask other parents where they have found success with their children.

Study groups work well for some children. And tutoring companies like Sylvan Learning or SCORE! Centers have locations throughout the U.S. - many other private resources should be available in your community. If your children are plugged into the Internet, they may benefit from an online tutoring service.

When it comes to tutoring, do your own homework. Tutoring services can be costly, and they are only as good as the results they help your child achieve.

Test preparation

On the actual test day, your child should feel prepared, calm and rested. Unfortunately, many children's study habits make them feel over-stressed, tired and nervous on test day.

If your child takes time each day to master material, preparation before test day should be all about review, and relatively stress-free. Continue to adhere to a structured study time, and make sure your child gets a good rest the night before test day. Send them armed with flash cards or other references that will give them an opportunity for last-minute review before they sit down for the test.

Remember: Perfection is impossible to achieve

Sure your children can score 100 percent on their exams, but learning isn't just about test results. Children who value learning understand that it involves a combination of discipline and genuine curiosity - it's more about the journey than the destination.

To encourage your children, stress the process in your conversations, focusing on their experiences. "What did you learn today?" is a good starter. Or "Do you feel ready for your exam?" and later, "How did your test go?"

If you know that children are giving their best effort, and are motivated by interest in the subject matter, the grades will follow. There will be subjects and classes that don't do it for your child, but when they learn for learning's sake, they can handle the coursework, and even get something out of it. It sure beats dragging them through their homework every night, and having them cram information that won't stick around beyond test day.

Other Super Nanny Articles of Interest:

Boosting Reading Skills

Best Homework Websites

Taking The Stress Out Of Test Day

SamsonZ is the coolest!!

the babysitter situation isn't looking too good tweeps...

Fwd: WE MAY NOT WRITE BACK AGAIN IF YOU DON'T RESPOND

Just another dumb spam that tricked me and so I opened it. I knew better but thought what if.

~TooheyMomster

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "Nath Colby" <natbcolby@gmail.com>
Date: Aug 14, 2009 11:28 AM
Subject: WE MAY NOT WRITE BACK AGAIN IF YOU DON&apos;T RESPOND
To:

ATTENTION ,
We had previously written to you based on the information made available by late Ms Grace Knox moments before she passed on, but we are not quite sure if it go you or not.
Kindly inform us if you are by any means related to Ms. Grace Knox who  named you as her Next Of Kin on documents made available to us and subsequently confirmed for approval by her Attorney whom we have written to secure release of all such documents to respective affiliates or participants (You, our Company, her Bank etc)moments we establish contacts with you and confirmation to such attestation made positive.
Mr. Richard Lebron who is Chargé d'Affaires will exercise his extra jurisdiction and facilitate the disbursement of the inherent fund upon your approval.
In appreciation of her meritorious and laborious services while she worked with us before she passed on and as part of our responsibility we would like to ensure that her benefits and life savings as declared by her Bank goes to you as her named family member (Next Of Kin)
It is our obligation to formally notify you of her bequest and  so furnish you with available avenues by which you can claim them.

We sincerely await your acknowledgment.

Kind regards,
Nath Mtisi Colby.
G & Co
Consultants and Chartered Accountants
natbcolby@gmail.com
http://www.gandco.co.uk

Quickblogger for Google android

Testing with quickblogger for the Google android.

~Jeanne
TooheyMomster@gmail.com
(413) 782-8372 (H)
(413) 205-8584 (C)

androblogger for Google android

I am using the androblogger app for the Google android phone...just testing this out to compare it to the quick blogger app. which one do you use, recommend or prefer to use?

I'm getting rid of a bunch of stuff, for FREE, I don't want to deal with a tag sale or flea market this year. Yes you can have it! Offering it to my friends first. If you want it or know someone who does, let me know. Can you recommend LOCAL charities to bring the stuff to? I will update my status as I list the items to offer...

on our way to @westwarren for a bday party to celebrate my nephew's 2nd BDay!

a Message from my brother but no phone call..."Take care. im on my way 2 the middle east. i will c ya in a year. "

Facebook Down. Twitter Down. Social Media Meltdown...
http://ping.fm/zK4aZ

Serious Twitter Outage Ongoing, Denial Of Service Attack (Updated)
http://ping.fm/foJf4
Facebook, too?

13 Things You Can Do When Twitter is Down

How to Cope when 'Something is Technically Wrong'...It's an anxiety-provoking moment.

You have your tweet ready to go, your all-important thought to share with the world at large, and Twitter informs you that it's not accepting Tweets. When you're not enthused about seeing the giant Fail Whale sharing the bad news, and feel your excitement waning from the 'Something is technically wrong' message, here are thirteen other things you can do as you wait for the team at Twitter to fix the problem:

1. Write a quick blog post. Your blog, that other online publishing outlet you used to use before Twitter invaded the blogosphere. Elaborate on that 140-character thought and really share your ideas with the world.

2. Do some facial yoga. Bust out some yoga moves that will give those facial muscles a quick workout.

3. Place your order for a Fail Whale t-shirt. Consider it a justified purchase as you continue to play in Twitterville.

4. Check in with WhenTwitterIsDown.com. Helpful advice from this site (push 'refresh' for more insights) include: 'When Twitter is down, yell 'favorite' at attractive strangers,' and the ever so wise strategy, 'When Twitter is down, move on to the next thing.'

5. Clean up your desktop. Delete those extra images, files and other desktop clutter you no longer need and empty out the recycling bin. A quick desktop vacuuming can be very refreshing.

6. Find a new screensaver. Why are you still using that default screensaver? Find a cool and trendy screensaver to keep yourself occupied with some visual acrobats. At least for a few minutes.

7. Browse the Twitter Down Art Collection. This talented graphic designer has created an attractive set of pictures and messages to replace our joyful whale friend.

8. Get some fresh air. If you're in Twitter mode and rearing to go on that tweet, some fresh air could be all you need to keep those creative juices flowing. Step outside, take a quick walk around the block and return to Twitter in a few minutes for an update.

9. Join FriendFeed. If your compulsion to Tweet is getting the best of you, join this growing social community where you can comment, find friends and post your thoughts in real-time just like the good ol' days.

10. Consider sharing your immediate thoughts via video. Seesmic is leading the way in video conversations, encouraging people to show, not tell the world, what they're doing.

11. Give Pownce a whirl. Pownce is another application that makes it easy to share links, files and thoughts with a quick blast from your web browser. There's no character limit with this one, so you're free to micro-blog or write an anthology as you please . Go on, share because you care.

12. Take a power nap. Set the alarm on your phone and enjoy a quick snooze. Right at your desk, if you have to.

13. Call Mom. You know you haven't called her for a while now, so send her a quick message via Skype or communicate the old-fashioned way. Pick up the phone, and enjoy the freedom of no word limits.

So there you have it, thirteen things you can do when there's a Twitter outage. When your Tweet really can't wait, there are plenty of ways to cast that thought into the blogosphere...until Twitter returns.

Tuesdays are Grocery Days...

Tuesdays are great days to find deals. Traditionally, Tuesdays have been grocery days in newpapers across the country and a good day to head to the grocery store after the shelves have been replenished and store traffic is low. Look for advertisement in your local newspaper or circulars and match your free grocery coupons with deals that are going on mid-week, when grocers want to drum up business. Many grocers use the mid-week period to let you get double your grocery coupons savings. You will find that the aisles are easier to navigate and you can also maximize your savings by taking advantage of a slow grocery day along with your free grocery coupons. Happy Shopping!

been keeping myself quite busy...too much to do, fell behind and trying to get caught up...

Back To School: Choosing The Best Backpack

Back To School: Choosing the BEST Backpack

Can you identify a well-made backpack?

What do four textbooks, plust three notebooks and a host of electronic devices in a backpack equal? Risk of back pain, or worse, if kids aren't careful. Experts say kids should never carry more than 15% of their body weight. Consider these features when shopping for the right bag:

• Two Padded Shoulder Straps reduce pressure. Contoured (as opposed to straight) straps permit free arm movement and avoid prssure under the arms.
  

• A Hip Belt transfers some weight from the back and shoulders downward, resulting in a more even distribution of the load.
  

• Reflective Material makes kids more visible at dawn, dusk or on dark, foggy days.
  

• Multiple Compartments spread weight around while keeping items secure and accessible.
  

• Bags with Air Pads can provide extra support to the lower back if your kid chooses to carry it or opt for a wheeled backpack to really take the load off.
  

10 Commandments of Being the Parent of a Teen

10 Commandments of Being the Parent of a Teen

I've only been the parent of a teen for a few weeks now, so, I acknowledge that I have a lot to learn.

With apologies to, um, God, let me share with you what I have gathered thus far:

1. Thou shalt not make any small talk with random strangers in line at the grocery, for this shall affect the teen's reputation in a negative way.

2. Remember thou art for transportation and money purposes only. Any other attempts at relevancy shall affect the teen's reputation in a negative way.

3. Thou shalt not attempt to engage guest teens riding in thou's vehicle in either verbal or eye contact, yet, thou shall neither be totally quiet in said vehicle, either, for thou shall be deemed "weird", and, this shall affect the teen's reputation in a negative way.

4. Thou shalt not covet thine own small electronics, for they are no longer really thou's, and, any attempt to retrieve them from teen shall affect the teen's reputation in a negative way.

5. Even though thou knows better, thou shalt try thou's hardest to refrain from emitting the words. "Fella, ella, ella, ella, eh, eh, eh", when female teen is talking about boys for this shall affect the teen's reputation in a negative way.

6. Thou shalt not make any reference in public that thou has driven the teen to an event lest anyone find out that the 13 year old didn't drive herself to said event for this shall affect the teen's reputation in a negative way.

7. Thou shalt not play music of any kind that can be heard outside the car if thou is engaging in any activity such as a picnic near the car for this shall affect the teen's reputation in a negative way.

8. Thou shalt not perform any cheerleading moves in public despite their effectiveness for getting said teen to do what you ask for this actually might affect the teen's reputation in a negative way.

9. Though shalt not converse with or otherwise acknowledge a teacher outside of school business, even when said teacher is an actual friend for this shall affect the teen's reputation in a negative way.

10. Thou seriously shalt not ask, "Where are they going?" when teen says two people are "going out" for this is not nearly as amusing to the teen and this shall affect the teen's reputation in a negative way

http://busymom.net/

Job Sites For Teens and other financial info...

Job Sites For Teens

Groove Job: teen employment-focused website that offers a diversity of cool opportunities. Perfect for part-time, hourly and seasonal/summer positions. http://www.groovejob.com/

Artjob.org Those with arty abilities can put those skills to professional use and get paid for their talents. It could be a truly great experience for college-minded, creative teens looking to break into advertising and other related fields upon graduation. This site offers not only cool part-time and freelance work opportunities, but also unique public art projects, grants and internships for teens as well. http://www.artjob.org/

Teens4Hire

This site was specifically established for kids 14 and up to search through tons of job opportunities in your local area (or beyond). They also provide links to articles that offer guidance on how to improve their job searches, tips for obtaining employment, information on labor laws and even how to develop a resume. http://www.teens4hire.org/

Snagajob

Offers jobs for teens, but also articles on how to find the best job and tips on how to excel. Practice smart habits at your current job and you will be noticed! If you do not yet have a job, sign up with SnagAJob now.

http://www.snagajob.com

PAYjr Chore & Allowance Statistics

Most popular chores assigned

1 - Make Bed

2 - Clean Room

3 - Feed Pet

Highest Paying Chores

1 - Mowing yard, $20 (highest amount paid)

2 - Watch Sibling, $15

3 - Wash Car, $15

Lowest Paying Chores

1 - Brush Teeth, $.01

2 - Layout clothes for tomorrow, $.01

3 - Do homework, $.01

Odd Chores and Stats

Changing underwear pays $.05

Capping toothpaste pays $.02

Staying awake for sermons pays $.10

Waking up happy pays $.05

How Much a High Schooler Should Know...

The Jump$tart Coalition asserts that all young people graduating from our nation's high schools should be able to take individual responsibility for their personal economic wellbeing. Broadly speaking, a financially literate high school graduate should know how to:

· Find, evaluate, and apply financial information

· Set financial goals and plan to achieve them

· Develop income-earning potential and the ability to save

· Use financial services effectively

· Meet financial obligations

· Build and protect wealth

Find out more about the national standards of finacial literacy for 4th graders, 8th graders and high school graduates

www.jumpstart.com

Teen Spending

It is estimated that teens will spend close to 155 billion dollars this year. That's an increase of more than fifty percent in five years. Hot on the trail of these passionate purchasers are marketing trackers. With the average seventeen year old spending over 100 dollars each week, marketers have found a new focus. For many marketing people, their job is almost as fun as being a teen...Read Full Article

Washington Post Censors Video Of Dana Milbank Calling Hillary Clinton A "Mad Bitch"

Washington Post Censors Video Of Dana Milbank Calling Hillary Clinton A "Mad Bitch"

Ridiculous, panty-raiding Washington Postcolumnist Dana Milbank is partaking in further jackassery on behalf of the legendary paper yet again, this time, making videos where he's calling Hillary Clinton a "mad bitch." The Washington Post pulled the video, but someone kept it.

Milbank likes tries to be funny and cool and things that traditional newspaper columnists aren't! Which is funny, again, because - as made evident by his last appearance here: his embarrassing HuffPo-diss-hiss punditry on CNN - he hates bloggers, who do that kind of thing for a living, because we're not journalists or something. But that kind of doesn't make sense, because here he is, making a video about the Obama Beer Summit, suggesting that all parties involved "got it all wrong" and also, that Hillary Clinton should drink "Mad Bitch Beer." The Washington Post pulled the video, but Media Matters still has it up. Whoops!

So, why'd the Washington Post pull it? Per Talking Points Memo's Josh Marshall:

Says Kris Coratti, Director of Communications at the Post: "The video was a satirical piece that lampooned people of all stripes. There was a section of the video that went too far, so we have removed the piece from our website."

I'm not sure anybody on this site could get away with joking about what a "mad bitch" Hillary Clinton is - lots of other people, sure - but then again: maybe we could! But we wouldn't, because - even more important than the overplayed outrage factor over certain people referring to Hillary Clinton that way with completely non-ironic inflections - it's just not that funny. Furthermore, the joke - which the Washington Post noted as lampooning people of all stripes - maybe could've been funny if Milbank were satirizing some of the ridiculous names people come up with for their microbrews, but he wasn't.

Coming up with beer names for politicians is comically weak, and there's nothing less funny than a bad joke. No doubt Milbank - who called Nico Pitney a "dick" after his CNN appearance with him - has probably said far worse things than this somewhere on camera, so maybe despite the Washington Post's statement to the contrary, they just pulled the video because they're utterly embarrassed over how weak-kneed that stuff is. We've found a few comedy classes in DC for Milbank to check out and sharpen up his skills, and until then, look forward to his next effort.