Archive for November 17, 2015

25 of the Worst Charities

November 17, 2015 Comments Off on 25 of the Worst Charities

We’re entering the season of giving, the season when we’re most generous and open to those needing help.  Therefore, it’s the season to be particularly careful.  Think twice before giving in to knocks on your door, phone calls, and collectors-for-charities outside your supermarket.

Unfortunately, the season of love is also prime season for scams.

Last December, in my blog “Don’t be Charitable to Scammers,” I offered ideas to help you make sure your money goes to a reputable place who will help people in need or suffering terrible illness.  Today I suggest you go to a site that lists the top 25 terrible “charities”–some you may have heard about, some who may be calling on you soon.  This site also gives suggestions to avoid scams, including some from the IRS.

Before you give another penny, please go to http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/11/13/1449096/-25-of-America-s-worst-charities-plus-tips-on-how-to-avoid-getting-scammed?detail=email.

 

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Will Your Turkey Be Green?

November 14, 2015 Comments Off on Will Your Turkey Be Green?

It’s time to start planning your Thanksgiving menu.  Think about going green this year.  For four helpful hints, go to http://www.interfaithpowerandlight.org/programs/cool-harvest/climate-friendly-holiday-meal-ideas.  Your planet will thank you for it.

 

[For more easy, money-saving, earth-friendly tips, download a FREE copy of Green Riches: Help the Earth & Your Budget. Go to www.Smashwords.com/books/view/7000 or your favorite e-book seller and download to your computer or e-book device. Totally free, with no strings attached.]

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Olympics, Brazilian Style

November 13, 2015 Comments Off on Olympics, Brazilian Style

Watch this video about the first-ever indigenous games.  Different sports, different costumes, different purpose.  What is the same, though, is that people let politics get in the way.

https://www.facebook.com/CNNconnect/videos/10154358431361562/

 

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Steinhem Carries a Torch

November 12, 2015 Comments Off on Steinhem Carries a Torch
Each of us needs to “light up,” says Gloria Steinhem in today’s Thursday Thought quote.

 

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Nostalgia for Us Older Folks, or How it Used to Be

November 10, 2015 Comments Off on Nostalgia for Us Older Folks, or How it Used to Be

Here’s a video that takes me back.  Times have changed.  But it’s fun to remember. (Thanks to Eileen Braun for this one.)

 

 

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Suspend that Kid!

November 9, 2015 Comments Off on Suspend that Kid!

If a kid breaks a school rule, suspend him!  This is a bit of wisdom I’ve never quite understood, especially when I was teaching.

Let me get this straight.  We believe that an education is the primary vehicle for success and that all kids should have access to it.  In fact, studies show that education is the most sure way to lift a child out of poverty in his adulthood and make it more likely that his children will not have to grow up in poverty.  We also know that kids who have pressures on them like poverty are the most likely to act out and earn detention.

Once off detention, a kid faces school staff who have labeled him a “troublemaker,” and he has work he must make up, taking time from already overburdened teachers.  Some teachers or schools have policies that say that a kid may NOT make up any tests, homework, or other schoolwork missed while on suspension, which leaves a gap in skill/concept mastery that interferes with later mastery which is built on what he missed.  His detention, then, has put him behind.

Sure, he might “learn his lesson” and not re-offend…maybe.  But how many kids with behavior problems realize what they have missed and its importance?

Tell me again how suspension from school benefits a kid or the society he will live in as an adult?

 

 

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Tread Lightly–or Not at All

November 7, 2015 Comments Off on Tread Lightly–or Not at All

Get in shape to wear all those nice, revealing party dresses throughout November and January.  But be considerate of everyone else on earth while you do it.  One way is to stay off of the gym’s treadmills.  You’d be surprised at how much fossil-fuel energy is used by the large building’s AC kept high for exercisers, plus power to the treadmill and TV in front of it—it’s like leaving on 50 CFLs or three or four 46″ LCD TVs during your workout! Instead, use machines powered by humans–or run outdoors and soak up nature.

Leaf 6

[For more easy, money-saving, earth-friendly tips, download a FREE copy of Green Riches: Help the Earth & Your Budget. Go to www.Smashwords.com/books/view/7000 or your favorite e-book seller and download to your computer or e-book device. Totally free, with no strings attached.]

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Be Cozy and Warm and Safe

November 6, 2015 Comments Off on Be Cozy and Warm and Safe

Baby, it’s cold outside.  Yes, it’s starting to be cozy-up weather, a time when thoughts turn to….space heaters.  They’re convenient and effective, and you don’t have to warm up rooms you aren’t spending time in.

BUT, be safe.  A third of all house fires are cause by space heaters that overheat, melt, tip over, or are used improperly.  You’ve probably had that one stashed in the closet for years.  Time to replace it.  Newer ones have better safety features, like anti-tips, automatic turn-off at overheating, and protections against fabric that leans against it, catching fire.  Look on the box for the features of various brands.  (You can also see what Consumer Reports, Comparaboo, or another research company has to say about those brands.)  Buy the one that does the best job and, above all, is safest.

When you get it home, remember to plug it into it’s own dedicated socket (no rats nests of plugs piggy-backed into that poor socket) and keep it three feet away from flammable items.

One more thing–if you have friends or relatives (especially older or disabled ones), pass on this info to them.  Maybe even buy them a new heater for Christmas.

Once again, dear readers, please keep safe.  I need you!

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Discovering Joy

November 5, 2015 Comments Off on Discovering Joy

Kahlil Gibran, with his simple wisdom, has always been a favorite of mine.  In today’s Thursday Thought he tells what he discovered was joy-filled.

 

 

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No Thank Yous?

November 4, 2015 Comments Off on No Thank Yous?

I know I’m old fashioned, but I still send an occasional snail-mail card or note. I’m chagrined to realize that this is “simply is not done” any longer.  Oh, a card sometimes, but not a note.

I learned that lesson this year after having attended the showers and weddings of several people in their late 20s and early 30s.  I was present when one new bride and groom opened their gifts.  I tried to get them to stick the cards in with the gifts, and I offered to keep a list.  Both offers were ignored.  I assumed that they already had a system or someone else in the room keeping track.  I was wrong.

What I learned is that with this age group (that is FINALLY getting married, often after years of cohabitation and a kid or two) doesn’t concern themselves with thank-you notes.  They’re appreciative, but they aren’t responders.

Maybe writing thank-you notes is a quaint custom.  But I miss it.

 

 

 

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