Selling Your Children for Marriage?

this is how society is teaching it’s children? 

By Jessica Bennett

Newsweek

Updated: 7:33 p.m. ET Sept 14, 2007

Sept. 14, 2007 – Like most girls her age, 15-year-old Ashlee R. is into sports, clothes and current pop music. She’s a typical Midwestern teen—except that she’s looking for a husband. “She tells us none of the boys her own age are interesting to her because they ‘are still little kids’ and she is looking for an adult to start a life with,” say her parents, who’ve enrolled her on a new Web site—MarryOurDaughter.com—where they’ve set the “price” for her hand as $37,500.

Source: Selling Your Children for Marriage–Online – Newsweek National News – MSNBC.com

 

Technorati tags: odd news, society, opinion, news

Asperger syndrome Information on Healthline

I have a 15 y/o son that definitely has this and is in the process of being diagnosed & treated for it.  Unfortunately, I’ve suspected that he had it and went to my son’s psychiatrist who told me that he couldn’t possibly have it because he didn’t look like he did!!!  Well, now my little sister has her Master’s Degree in Social Work and started working with a child diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome.  He was so much like my son that she called me that day and told me that my son needed to get tested for it.

Definition

Asperger syndrome is a condition marked by impaired social interactions and limited repetitive patterns of behavior. Motor milestones may be delayed and clumsiness is often observed. Asperger syndrome is very similar to or may be the same as high functioning autism (HFA).

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Hans Asperger labeled this disorder “Autistic Psychopathy” in 1944, and the cause is still unknown. There is a possible relation to autistic disorder (autism). Some researchers believe that Asperger sydrome is simply a mild form of autism.

The child with Asperger shows below-average nonverbal communication gestures, fails to develop peer relationships, has an inability to express pleasure in other people’s happiness, and lacks the ability to reciprocate emotionally in normal social interactions. The condition appears to be more common in boys than in girls. There are likely genetic factors, but some theories suggest a prenatal infection may be to blame.

While people with Asperger syndrome are frequently socially inept, many have above-average intelligence, and they may excel in fields like computer programming and science. There is no delay in cognitive development, in the development of age-appropriate self-help skills, or in curiosity about the environment. Generally, there is no language development delay.

Symptoms

• Abnormal nonverbal communication, such as problems with eye contact, facial expressions, body postures, or gestures
• Failure to develop peer relationships
• Being singled out by other children as “weird” or “strange”
• Lack of spontaneous seeking to share enjoyment, interests or achievements with others (a lack of showing, bringing, or pointing out objects of interest to other people)
• Markedly impaired expression of pleasure in other people’s happiness
• Inability to return social or emotional feelings
• Inflexibilty about specific routines or rituals
• Repetitive finger flapping, twisting, or whole body movements
• Unusually intense preoccupation with narrow areas of interest, such as obsession with train schedules, phone books, or collections of objects
• Preoccupation with parts of whole objects
• Repetitive behaviors, including repetitive self-injurious behavior

Source: Asperger syndrome Information on Healthline

Technorati tags: Asperger Syndrome, autism, psychiatry, children

DON’T MESS WITH MOM!

 

My son came home from school one day,
with a smirk upon his face.
He decided he was smart enough,
to put me in my place.
“Guess what I learned in Civics Two,
that’s taught by Mr. Wright?
It’s all about the laws today,
The ‘Children’s Bill of Rights.’
It says I need not clean my room,
don’t have to cut my hair
No one can tell me what to think,
or speak, or what to wear.
I have freedom from religion,
and regardless what you say,
I don’t have to bow my head,
and I sure don’t have to pray.
I can wear earrings if I want,
and pierce my tongue & nose.
I can read & watch just what I like,
get tattoos from head to toe.
And if you ever spank me,
I’ll charge you with a crime.
I’ll back up all my charges,
with the marks on my behind.
Don’t you ever touch me,
my body’s only for my use,
not for your hugs and kisses,
that’s just more child abuse.
Don’t preach about your morals,
like your Mama did to you.
That’s nothing more than mind control,
And it’s illegal too!
Mom, I have these children’s rights,
so you can’t influence me,
or I’ll call Children’s Services Division,
better known as C.S.D.”
Of course my first instinct was
to toss him out the door.
But the chance to teach him a lesson
made me think a little more.
I mulled it over carefully,
I couldn’t let this go.
A smile crept upon my face,
he’s messing with a pro.
Next day I took him shopping
at the local Goodwill Store.
I told him, “Pick out all you want,
there’s shirts & pants galore.
I’ve called and checked with C.S.D.
who said they didn’t care
if I bought you K-Mart shoes
instead of those Nike Airs.
I’ve cancelled that appointment
to t ake your driver’s test.
The C.S.D. is unconcerned
so I’ll decide what’s best.”
I said “No time to stop and eat,
or pick up stuff to munch.
And tomorrow you can start to learn
to make your own sack lunch.
Just save the raging appetite,
and wait till dinner time.
We’re having liver and onions,
a favorite dish of mine.”
He asked “Can I please rent a movie,
to watch on my VCR?”
“Sorry, but I sold your TV,
for new tires on my car.
I also rented out your room,
you’ll take the couch instead.
The C.S.D. requires
just a roof over your head.
Your clothing won’t be trendy now,
I’ll choose what we eat.
That allowance that you used to get,
will buy me something neat.
I’m selling off your jet ski,
dirt-bike & roller blades.
Check out the ‘Parents Bill of Rights’,
It’s in effect today!
Hey hot shot, are you crying,
Why are you on your knees?
Are you asking God to help you out,
instead of C.S.D..?”
Send to all people that have teenagers or have
already raised teenagers, or
have children who will soon be teenagers or those
who will be parents
someday OR ANYONE WHO’D JUST GET A LAUGH …I
love this One!!!
MOM (Mean Old Mother)

 

Technorati tags: parenting, family, humor

The Mommy Test

I was out walking with my 4 year old daughter. She picked up something off the ground and started to put it in her mouth.

I took the item away from her and I asked her not to do that.
“Why?” my daughter asked.
“Because it’s been on the ground, you don’t know where it’s been,
it’s dirty and probably has germs” I replied.
At this point, my daughter looked at me with total admiration and asked,
“Mommy, how do you know all this stuff? You are so smart.”
I was thinking quickly. “All moms know this stuff.”
It’s on the Mommy Test. You have to know it, or they don’t let you be a Mommy.”
We walked along in silence for 2 or 3 minutes, but she was evidently pondering this new information.
“OH….I get it!” she beamed, “So if you don’t pass the test you have to be the Daddy.”
“Exactly!” I replied back with a big smile on my face.
When you’re finished laughing, send this to a mom.

 

Technorati tags: The Mommy Test, parenting, humor, family

Living in the 1500′s…

It’s a long read, but good. 
Living in the 1500′s 
The next time you are washing your hands and complain because the water temperature isn’t just how you like it, think about how things used to be.
Here are some facts about the 1500s: 
Most people got married in June because they took their yearly bath in May, and still smelled pretty good by June. However, they were starting to smell, so brides carried a bouquet of flowers to hide the body odor. Hence the custom today of carrying a bouquet when getting married. 
Baths consisted of a big tub filled with hot water. The man of the house had the privilege of the nice clean water, then all the > other sons and men, then the women and finally the children. Last of all the babies. By then the water was so dirty you could actually lose someone in it. Hence the saying, Don’t throw the baby out with the bath water.. 
Houses had thatched roofs-thick straw-piled high, with no wood underneath. It was the only place for animals to get warm, so all the cats and other small animals (mice, bugs) lived in the roof When it rained it became slippery and sometimes the animals would slip and fall off the roof. Hence the saying . It’s raining cats and dogs. 
There was nothing to stop things from falling into the house..  This posed a real problem in the bedroom where bugs and other droppings could mess up your nice clean bed. Hence, a bed with big posts and a sheet hung over the top afforded some protection. That’s how canopy beds came into existence. 
The floor was dirt. Only the wealthy had something other than dirt. Hence the saying, Dirt poor.
The wealthy had slate floors that would get slippery in the winter when wet, so they spread thresh (straw) on floor to help! keep their footing. As the winter wore on, they added more thresh until, when you opened the door, it would all start slipping outside A piece of wood was placed in the entranceway. Hence the saying a thresh hold. (Getting quite an education, aren’t you?) 
In those old days, they cooked in the kitchen with a big kettle that always hung over the fire. Every day they lit the fire and added things to the pot. They ate mostly vegetables and did not get much meat. They would eat the stew for dinner, leaving leftovers in the pot to get cold overnight and then start over the next day. Sometimes stew had food in it that had been there for quite a while. Hence the rhyme, Peas porridge hot, peas porridge cold, peas porridge in the pot nine days old.. 
Sometimes they could obtain pork, which made them feel quite special. When visitors came over, they would hang up their bacon to show off. It was a sign of wealth that a man could, bring home the bacon. They would cut off a little to share with guests and would all sit  around and chew the fat.. 
Those with money had plates made of pewter. Food with high acid content caused some of the lead to leach onto the food, causing lead poisoning death. This happened most often with tomatoes, so for the next 400 years or so, tomatoes were considered poisonous. 
Bread was divided according to status. Workers got the burnt bottom of the loaf, the family got the middle, and guests got the top,  or the upper crust.
Lead cups were used to drink ale or whisky. The combination would sometimes knock the imbibers out for a couple of days. Someone walking along the road would take them for dead and prepare them for burial. They were laid out on the kitchen table for a couple of days and the family would gather around and eat and drink and wait and see if they would wake up. Hence the custom of holding a wake. 
England is old and small and the local folks started running out of places to bury people. So they would dig up coffins and would take the bones to a bone-house, and reuse the grave. When reopening these coffins, 1 out of 25 coffins were found to have scratch marks on the inside and they realized they had been burying people alive. So they would tie a string on the wrist of the corpse, lead it through the coffin and up through the ground and tie it to a bell. Someone would have to sit out in the graveyard all night (the graveyard shift.) to listen for the bell; thus, someone could be, saved by the bell or was considered a dead ringer.. 
And that’s the truth…Now, whoever said History was boring ! ! 
Now don’t you feel educated! 

Charles Shultz Philosophy

 

Charles Schultz Philosophy

 

The following is the philosophy of Charles Schultz, the creator of the ‘Peanuts’ comic strip. You don’t have to actually answer the questions. Just read the e-mail straight through, and you’ll get the point.

1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world
2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America Contest.
4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.
5.. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.

6. Name the last decade’s worth of World Series winners.


How did you do?
The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.



Here’s another quiz. See how you do on this one:
1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.
5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.



Easier?
The lesson:  The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones that care.


Pass this on to those people who have made a difference in your life.??
‘Don’t worry about the world coming to an end today.
It’s already tomorrow in Australia.’
(Charles Schultz)

‘Oils in bath products may enlarge boys’ breasts’

I told my 14 y/o son about this news story.  Initially, he didn’t believe me…but, soon a brief conversation ensued.  He retorted with, “Not in my house it doesn’t!”.  Then, with a smile on his face he said, “I use the guy stuff anyway.”  I love watching my kid grow up!  He’s amazing!

BOSTON – Lavender and tea tree oils found in some shampoos, soaps and lotions can temporarily leave boys with enlarged breasts in rare cases, apparently by disrupting their hormonal balance, a preliminary study suggests.

While advising parents to consider the possible risk, several hormone experts emphasized that the problem appears to happen infrequently and clears up when the oils are no longer used. None of those interviewed called for a ban on sales.

The study reported on the condition, gynecomastia, in three boys ages 4, 7 and 10. They all went back to normal when they stopped using skin lotions, hair gel, shampoo or soap with the natural oils.

It’s unclear how often this problem might crop up in other young children.

Source: Oils in bath products may enlarge boys’ breasts – Kids & Parenting – MSNBC.com

Parents Bill of Rights

Parents Bill of Rights

or ‘Don’t mess with mothers’

Don’t mess with mothers….

My son came home from school one day, with a smirk upon his face.

He decided he was smart enough, to put me in my place.

Guess what I learned in Civics Two, that’s taught by Mr. Wright?

It’s all about the laws today, The “Children’s Bill of Rights.”

It says I need not clean my room, don’t have to cut my hair.

No one can tell me what to think, or speak, or what to wear.

I have freedom from religion, and regardless what you say,

I don’t have to bow my head, and I sure don’t have to pray.

I can wear earrings if I want, and pierce my tongue & nose.

I can read & watch just what I like, get tattoos from head to toe.

And if you ever spank me, I’ll charge you with a crime.

I’ll back up all my charges, with the marks on my behind.

Don’t you ever touch me, my body’s only for my use,

not for your hugs and kisses, that’s just more child abuse.

Don’t preach about your morals, like your Mama did to you.

That’s nothing more than mind control, And it’s illegal too!

Mom, I have these children’s rights, so you can’t influence me,

or I’ll call Children’s Services Division, better known as C.S.D.

Of course my first instinct was to toss him out the door.

But the chance to teach him a lesson made me think a little more.

I mulled it over carefully, I couldn’t let this go.

A smile crept upon my face, he’s messing with a pro.

Next day I took him shopping at the local Goodwill Store.

I told him, “Pick out all you want, there’s shirts & pants galore.

I’ve called and checked with C.S.D. who said they didn’t care

if I bought you K-Mart shoes instead of those Nike Airs.

I’ve canceled that appointment to take your driver ‘s test.

The C.S.D. is unconcerned so I’ll decide what ‘s best.

I said “No time to stop and eat, or pick up stuff to munch.

And tomorrow you can start to learn to make your own sack lunch.

Just save the raging appetite, and wait till dinner time.

We’re having liver and onions, a favorite dish of mine.

He asked “Can I please rent a movie, to watch on my VCR?”

“Sorry, but I sold your TV, for new tires on my car.”

I also rented out your room, you’ll take the couch instead.

The C.S.D. requires just a roof over your head.

Your clothing won’t be trendy now, I’ll choose what we eat.

That allowance that you used to get, will buy me something neat.

I’m selling off your jet ski, dirt-bike & roller blades.

Check out the “Parents Bill of Rights,” It’s in effect today!

Hey hot shot, are you crying?

Why are you on your knees?

Are you asking God to help you out, instead of C.S.D..?

Send to all people that have teenagers

or have already raised teenagers,

or have children who will soon be teenagers

or those who will be parents someday

Link to Parents Bill of Rights

Technorati tags: parents, parents bill of rights, bill of rights, teenagers, children, humor, poetry

My Little Sis & Her Hubby Are Adopting!!!

Families Seeking Caucasian, Asian & Latino Children

Adoptions From the Heart

Karen & Craig #452
Dear Birthmother,
Thank you for stopping by to look at our profile. We admire and respect your courage to consider the steps towards adoption and hope that your decision leaves you with a feeling of comfort and peace of mind.
We are Craig and Karen and have been married for four years and best friends since we met five years ago through an internet personal dating service. Our marriage continues to be based on love for one another, commitment, and honesty. We are both excited about sharing our love and affection with a child.
Karen is 39 years old and works as a therapist. Her work is very rewarding to her because she is able to help parents and children through difficult times and reach their goals. Craig is 40 years old and is a computer wiz. He manages the computer department for a clothing manufacturer and also operates a computer business.
We live with our cat, Bear, in our comfy home at the Jersey Shore. Our home is in a family friendly neighborhood with a great school system and a large park down the street.
When the weather is warm, we love to take our friends and family out on our sailboat and go for long walks on the boardwalk. Besides staying locally we also enjoy taking trips to the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland and traveling up the eastern seaboard to go camping and to see our family.
Our family and friends are very special to us. We especially enjoy spending birthdays and holidays with our immediate family. We also make it a point to spend time with close friends and extended family whether it is just to say hello or celebrate a special event.
Our dream is to be parents one day. Karen is excited about being a full time mom and can’t wait to carry on family traditions through cooking, crafts and making the holidays special. When the baby is born, Craig will spend several weeks off from work in order to help us settle in with our new family member. He is looking forward to spoiling the baby and being a supportive father.
We are looking forward to becoming adoptive parents and sharing the adoption journey with a child. We want you feel comfortable with open adoption and are willing to establish a relationship with you that feels comfortable to all of us. Please contact Adoptions From The Heart if you would like to learn more about us.
Many Blessings,
Karen and Craig

Link to Seeking Caucasian, Asian & Latino Children

 

Technorati tags: adoption, children, family

Marriage in America:

Just as the religious right is aggressively organizing to beat back the homosexual agenda (including the inexorable progress toward same sex marriage) the latest census reveals an interesting shift over the past 5 years:

married couples no longer make up a majority of U.S. households, down to 49.7 percent from 52 percent five years ago. Analysts cite a declining social emphasis placed on marriage, as more people choose to live single or unmarried with partners.

Matt Wood, a presumably married minority staffer at the Chicagoist, predicts coworkers’ reactions: “Ha-ha! Marriage Makes You Abnormal.” (Chicagoist)

Evan Derkacz is an AlterNet editor. He writes and edits PEEK, the blog of blogs.

Link to AlterNet: Blogs: PEEK: Marriage in America:

Technorati tags: marriage, glbt, human rights, marriage rights, politics, issues, causes

Mother of the Year

In a zoo in California, a mother tiger gave birth to a rare set of
triplet tiger cubs.  Unfortunately, due to complications in the
pregnancy, the cubs were born prematurely and due to their tiny size, they died shortly after birth.

The mother tiger after recovering from the delivery, suddenly started to decline in health, although physically she was fine. The veterinarians felt that the loss of her litter had caused the tigress to fall into a depression. The doctors decided that if the tigress could surrogate another mother’s cubs, perhaps she would improve.

After checking with many other zoos across the country, the depressing news was that there were no tiger cubs of the right age to introduce to the mourning  mother. The veterinarians decided to try something that had never been tried in a zoo environment. Sometimes a mother of one species will take on the care of a different species. The only “orphans” that could be found quickly, were a litter of weaner pigs.  The zookeepers and vets wrapped the piglets in tiger skin and placed the babies around the mother tiger. Would they become cubs or pork chops??
Take a look…….. you won’t believe your eyes!!

My Cats…

I have been an animal lover for as long as I can remember.  I've had a slew of different little critters come through my door…some invited and some not.  The strays always became a part of our family.

For the moment, we have 4 cats.  There's Licorice, who's all black and definitely not bad luck.  Our one and only female is Kitty Gurl, she's the oldest of the crew, and the most cuddly.  Then there's the boys, Bing-Bing & Boo-Boo.  They were born from a stray we had taken in, Tigger.  It was Tig's first litter and our first too. Bing-Bing came out foot first, the amniotic fluid filled sac had broken and he was stuck in the birth canal.  So, I played vet and pulled him out by his tiny little foot and he is doing very well.  Boo-Boo was born third out of a litter of four and was a healthy little chubber from day one.