I'm not sure if this is a sign of the economic times or of an overworked email server, but lately I'm receiving an increasing number of product emails in my inbox. These emails usually arrive under a heading portending certain disaster if they aren't opened immediately - and they usually are sent straight to my delete folder without second thought. But a few have caught my attention:
- "My Sister, Alicia May:" This particular book is about a young girl growing up with a sister who has Down syndrome. Many contemporary childrens books address issues such as race, ethnicity and sex - but few venture into the territory of special needs. Full disclosure: I have not read this book and cannot vouch for its quality - but it's worth a mention for the simple fact that the book explores a relationship few others have.
- Plastic surgery for kids: Yes, you read that right. And no, the email is totally serious. In fact, this doctor says plastic surgeons can play an "important role" in children's lives. Not for facelifts and liposuction, but for reconstructing and treating large scars, lacerations and broken bones (especially in the face). Must be a tough economy indeed when an Orange County doctor is marketing surgery services to pre-teens.
- Advanced potty tactics: I'm going to quote straight from the release on this one and allow you to make your own humor (although, strangely, I can see how this product might be helpful):
"There's a revolutionary new product that makes potty training a breeze. ... Potty Pony Pals. This innovative training underwear is the only product to have graphics on the inside of the garment. It comes with a DVD that shows toddlers how to watch over their new potty underwear and keep the 'pal' on the inside dry!"
Whatever works, right? Incidentally, the company that markets the underwear also promotes a host of other innovative, but slightly wacky, baby products. Check them out: Bee-Tees (character-building t-shirts), Paci-Plushies (pacifier holders), G-Mom bags (designer diaper bags), Bibs N Burps (bamboo burp clothes and bibs), and Modest Middles (nursing tank-tops).
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Facing the (referendum) music
The drumbeat begins anew.
In the last two years, about 150 Minnesota school districts have attempted operating referendums, and for many different reasons. Sometimes due to financial mismanagement, sometimes deflating enrollment, sometimes unexpected maintenance projects or technology upgrades.
But now, with state aid for schools frozen for at least the next two years (and likely the next four) and delayed aid payments a certainty, some school districts are already forecasting significant budget challenges.
In Mankato schools, where the sting is still evident from the latest $3 million reduction, officials have predicted that future cuts are all but certain.
In Waseca, school officials took to the county fair this week to gauge community support for a referendum desperately needed to maintain programs in the face of declining enrollment.
And the Blue Earth Area School District just hired a consultant to help plan fall referendum.
These schools will not be the last and, in many communities, taxpayers will have the painful decision of taking from their own thinning wallets to keep schools out of debt.
In the last two years, about 150 Minnesota school districts have attempted operating referendums, and for many different reasons. Sometimes due to financial mismanagement, sometimes deflating enrollment, sometimes unexpected maintenance projects or technology upgrades.
But now, with state aid for schools frozen for at least the next two years (and likely the next four) and delayed aid payments a certainty, some school districts are already forecasting significant budget challenges.
In Mankato schools, where the sting is still evident from the latest $3 million reduction, officials have predicted that future cuts are all but certain.
In Waseca, school officials took to the county fair this week to gauge community support for a referendum desperately needed to maintain programs in the face of declining enrollment.
And the Blue Earth Area School District just hired a consultant to help plan fall referendum.
These schools will not be the last and, in many communities, taxpayers will have the painful decision of taking from their own thinning wallets to keep schools out of debt.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Lancers salute
All you need to know about the Mankato Area 77 Lancers took place in the summer of 2008, the year before this, when I was covering my first preseason training camp for the Lancers parade season.
It's called Spat Camp (can't remember why) and encompasses musical, physical and mental training. Practice, march, exercise, eat, repeat - that's the general theme of events at Spat Camp, which is held at Dakota Meadows Middle School the first week after school lets out and goes for more than 12 hours a day.
About 100 kids from all over the region participate in Spat Camp, but several parents are also on hand to sew and repair uniforms, make sure kids are hydrated, etc.
While chatting with parents during my first visit to camp in 2008, a lone student ambled into the room with his head tilted mysteriously backward.
When asked about this curious cranial position, the student lowered his chin to answer - but before the words could escape, gushing blood from his nose answered for him.
The student had tripped during a marching exercise and bashed his beak. No broken bones, but plenty of flow.
While a half-dozen parents scrambled for gauze and smelling salts and sewing kits, this unfortunate young Lancer calmly waited, fingers pinching at the nostrils. I asked him how he felt and he responded: "Late for practice."
No kidding.
Since then, that's my image of the Lancers. Dedication and commitment to success - even while your nose is bleeding.
And this year is no different. In addition to winning grand champion at the Jefferson City (Mo.) Parade on its recent performance swing through Missouri, the Lancers have been rated top marching band at several parades and are ranked in the state's top three.
The Lancers have a rich tradition, and this year is another for books.
NOTE: The Lancers hold their final performances of the season on Tuesday (8:15 p.m. at Sibley Park) and Sunday (7 p.m. at the Alltel Center).
It's called Spat Camp (can't remember why) and encompasses musical, physical and mental training. Practice, march, exercise, eat, repeat - that's the general theme of events at Spat Camp, which is held at Dakota Meadows Middle School the first week after school lets out and goes for more than 12 hours a day.
About 100 kids from all over the region participate in Spat Camp, but several parents are also on hand to sew and repair uniforms, make sure kids are hydrated, etc.
While chatting with parents during my first visit to camp in 2008, a lone student ambled into the room with his head tilted mysteriously backward.
When asked about this curious cranial position, the student lowered his chin to answer - but before the words could escape, gushing blood from his nose answered for him.
The student had tripped during a marching exercise and bashed his beak. No broken bones, but plenty of flow.
While a half-dozen parents scrambled for gauze and smelling salts and sewing kits, this unfortunate young Lancer calmly waited, fingers pinching at the nostrils. I asked him how he felt and he responded: "Late for practice."
No kidding.
Since then, that's my image of the Lancers. Dedication and commitment to success - even while your nose is bleeding.
And this year is no different. In addition to winning grand champion at the Jefferson City (Mo.) Parade on its recent performance swing through Missouri, the Lancers have been rated top marching band at several parades and are ranked in the state's top three.
The Lancers have a rich tradition, and this year is another for books.
NOTE: The Lancers hold their final performances of the season on Tuesday (8:15 p.m. at Sibley Park) and Sunday (7 p.m. at the Alltel Center).
Thursday, July 9, 2009
On preschool music and drug running
Radio music, at least these days, is not for the young. And my best evidence comes from my now-13-year-old sister. A precocious youth who read chapter books and talked about boys before her age even hit double digits, she must have been about 9 when we were driving in the car together, idly scrolling the FM radio dial.
Suddenly, her eyes lit upon the sound of some thumping rap ditty and she flung the volume knob hard right. With little hesitation and much enthusiasm, she began singing the lyric "Tryin' to catch me ridin' dirty." So in an effort to prompt a moment of introspection, I asked her if she knew what those lyrics meant, fully expecting the answer was no.
I was wrong.
Deadpan, and a little annoyed, she replied: "Yes, Tanner. It means you have drugs in the car."
Ummm. Wow.
So, for any parents who have reservations about their elementary-age snowflakes learning the latest in over-the-road drug running from the latest top-40 hit, here is a novel new idea:
Preschool Radio.
The 30-minute podcasts available on the site are more practical than streaming audio and there's plenty of archived material. The site was started by a former morning show announcer and now-at-home mom who had the same radio reservations as myself. The songs are performed by actual musicians and sound pleasantly musical - without much of the schmaltziness found in many children's tunes.
The drawback, clearly, is being caught at a stoplight doing the Steering Wheel Macarena to preschool radio jams. But, hey, it's better than getting caught ridin' dirty.
Suddenly, her eyes lit upon the sound of some thumping rap ditty and she flung the volume knob hard right. With little hesitation and much enthusiasm, she began singing the lyric "Tryin' to catch me ridin' dirty." So in an effort to prompt a moment of introspection, I asked her if she knew what those lyrics meant, fully expecting the answer was no.
I was wrong.
Deadpan, and a little annoyed, she replied: "Yes, Tanner. It means you have drugs in the car."
Ummm. Wow.
So, for any parents who have reservations about their elementary-age snowflakes learning the latest in over-the-road drug running from the latest top-40 hit, here is a novel new idea:
Preschool Radio.
The 30-minute podcasts available on the site are more practical than streaming audio and there's plenty of archived material. The site was started by a former morning show announcer and now-at-home mom who had the same radio reservations as myself. The songs are performed by actual musicians and sound pleasantly musical - without much of the schmaltziness found in many children's tunes.
The drawback, clearly, is being caught at a stoplight doing the Steering Wheel Macarena to preschool radio jams. But, hey, it's better than getting caught ridin' dirty.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)