Thursday, January 31, 2013

Nanny Classifieds » New Year – New Opportunities! Which Nanny Industry Conference Should I Attend?

Nanny Classifieds » New Year – New Opportunities! Which Nanny Industry Conference Should I Attend?:

 "As nannies, continuing our education is critical to stay abreast of new trends and information in our industry.  We are fortunate to have many options to choose from and there is something to fit every budget.   In addition to local nanny group offerings, webinars, podcasts and local educational opportunities, these five events should be considered as a viable education option for any professional caregiver."

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10 Toys Only Marketed to Girls - Find A Babysitter

10 Toys Only Marketed to Girls - Find A Babysitter:

 "In most cultures and societies, there tends to be a separation of the sexes, from the roles they play to the careers they hold. From the very moment they are born there seems to be a divide between the two genders, with boys receiving blue caps and girls wearing pink bonnets.  Even many of the toys children play with seem to have gender-specific objectives and marketing campaigns. Some of today’s parents are concerned with the societal pressure on their daughters to adhere to traditional gender roles, while others encourage their little girls to embrace intense femininity. Regardless of which side of the white-picket fence you sit on, there’s no denying that some toys that are marketed specifically to girls that will spark their imagination for fairytale balls, pretend dress-up and happily ever after play time. "

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Au Pair » How to Make a Dipped Fruit Arrangement at Home

Au Pair » How to Make a Dipped Fruit Arrangement at Home:

 "Dipped fruit arrangements are an exciting and edible alternative to traditional flower bouquets for centerpieces or gifts. Unfortunately, they can also be quite pricey, leaving little wiggle room in a tight budget. If you’re determined to use a dipped fruit arrangement as a centerpiece at your next soiree or to present one as a gift to a loved one, you may find that simply making your own not only costs less, but also allows you greater leeway in terms of design. Rather than choosing between a few pre-arranged designs available from a specialty store, you’re only limited by your imagination and kitchen skills."

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25 Blogs Dedicated to Living off the Land | Housekeeping

25 Blogs Dedicated to Living off the Land | Housekeeping:

"As grocery stores continue to raise food prices, more people are turning to their own land to produce food instead of purchasing it at the store.  Whether you want to grow your own herbs, harvest your own fruits or vegetables or raise cattle, there are many ways you can maximize your land as a food source. These 25 blog articles will dig into how you can live off the land."

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Wednesday, January 30, 2013

The Turbulent World of Middle East Soccer: Egyptian military authorizes resumption of soccer, confrontation with ultras looms

The Turbulent World of Middle East Soccer: Egyptian military authorizes resumption of soccer, confrontation with ultras looms:

 "Egypt’s military has authorized the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) to resume league matches this weekend a year after they were suspended in the wake of a politically loaded brawl that left 74 soccer fans dead."

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How to Know if Your Child is Ready to Move from a Crib to a Bed | Find A Nanny

How to Know if Your Child is Ready to Move from a Crib to a Bed | Find A Nanny:

 "Transitioning your child from a crib to her big-girl toddler bed can be a bittersweet time. Between the excitement of reaching new milestones and the hint of sadness that comes with watching her grow up and get one step closer to independence, actually figuring out when she’s ready to make the big switch can be a bit confusing."

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15 Blogs With Ideas for Nail Art » Nanny.NET

15 Blogs With Ideas for Nail Art » Nanny.NET:

 "People have painted their nails for thousands of years as a way to express themselves and to easily accessorize any outfit.  Like any other art form, trends with nail art come and go.  Thanks to new inventions and more accessible tools, nail art has become a hobby for many people.  Young girls and women alike enjoy expressing their personalities through manicures and pedicures.  These 15 blog posts will show you different trends as well as give you tips on how to create designs on your own nails."

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10 Telltale Signs You Might be a Bad Nanny | Nanny Jobs

10 Telltale Signs You Might be a Bad Nanny | Nanny Jobs:

 "Working as a private childcare provider can be one of the most rewarding, fulfilling and exciting careers out there. Just like any other line of work, however, it does require someone whose temperament and personality is well-suited to working with and caring for children. While it isn’t necessarily a reflection on your character, these 10 signs could indicate that your nanny skills and habits have some room for improvement."

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10 Things Doctors Won’t Tell You Before Surgery

10 Things Doctors Won’t Tell You Before Surgery:

"The lead-up to a surgical procedure is usually dominated by an exchange of information between you and your surgeon. There can be so many details and so much to keep up with that you may not even realize how many potentially important ones are either being lost in the shuffle or actively swept under the rug. Before you go under the knife, these are 10 of the things that you might want to make a point of asking your surgeon about."

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10 Benefits of Attending Church as a Family | Live-In Nanny

10 Benefits of Attending Church as a Family | Live-In Nanny:

 "In today’s fast-paced and frantic world, Sundays may be the only time that your family is able to catch up on much-needed rest and relaxation in preparation for another hectic week. Getting up early and rounding everyone up for church may seem more like work than an enjoyable way to end the weekend, but there are definite benefits to being actively involved in your church."

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Syria Says It Was Hit by Strikes From Israeli Planes - NYTimes.com

Syria Says It Was Hit by Strikes From Israeli Planes - NYTimes.com:

 "JERUSALEM — The Syrian government said that Israeli warplanes carried out an airstrike inside its territory on Wednesday, raising the risks that the two-year-old civil conflict in Syria could spread beyond the country’s borders."

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30 Blogs Featuring Flash Mob Ideas | Blog | Kenney Myers

30 Blogs Featuring Flash Mob Ideas | Blog | Kenney Myers:

 "Whether you’re looking for a way to make a difference, brighten someone’s day or simply to set the stage for the next big viral video, a flash mob can be the answer. Figuring out how to organize and plan a flash mob, coming up with ideas for what to do with all those people once you have them congregated and knowing how to avoid any potential legal pitfalls are major hurdles that you’ll need to overcome along the way to creating a successful flash mob. Thanks to the collective wisdom of bloggers around the world, you can find everything you need to know to pull off a flash mob performance of epic proportions with these 30 blog entries."

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4 Ways to Help Your Child Overcome His Fears | GoNannies.com Blog

4 Ways to Help Your Child Overcome His Fears | GoNannies.com Blog:

 "Fear is a primal emotion that is essential for survival.  Children fear things because they are small people in a very big world that they understand very little of.  It is natural and normal for them to be cautious of new and unknown things.  However, for some children, fear is a serious problem that gets in the way of their normal growth, emotionally, academically and socially.  Parents who want to teach their children to trust their instincts so they will stay safe, but also want them to learn to take chances in life can follow these four simple steps."

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10 iPhone Apps for Tracking Household Expenses | Housekeeping

10 iPhone Apps for Tracking Household Expenses | Housekeeping:

"In the world of mobile devices, few are as popular or as versatile as Apple’s powerful iPhone. Busy professionals have quickly learned just how useful an iPhone can be when it comes to streamlining business operations and tracking data, but it may come as a bit of a surprise to learn how much the iPhone in your pocket can do in terms of managing your personal life as well. These 10 apps are effective and valuable budget-management tools and can assist you in the often complicated business of tracking and keeping up with household expenses."

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30 Blogs Filled with No Cost Family Fun Ideas - Become A Nanny

30 Blogs Filled with No Cost Family Fun Ideas - Become A Nanny:

 "In an economy that’s struggling to rebound from a financial crisis, many families are finding themselves facing tight budgets. Paying for entertainment when you’re struggling to make ends meet usually isn’t an option. Thankfully, there are myriad ways to spend fun and exciting quality time together as a family without spending a fortune. The collective wisdom of bloggers from around the world can help you find ways to keep your brood entertained while spending time together as a family unit, even when you can’t afford outings or nights on the town."

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Quatar's Challenge to Saudi Arabia

James M. Dorsey

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

The 9 Most Unusual Parenting Books for Sale | Babysitting

The 9 Most Unusual Parenting Books for Sale | Babysitting:

"For every parenting philosophy, there’s a book out there to support it or to point out its perceived shortcomings. While the majority of parenting books can be read in a manner that allows parents and childcare providers to use the advice that works for their situation and discard the rest, there are some on the market that are strange or downright dangerous. These nine books are among the craziest on the market, with ideas of questionable effectiveness and safety."

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15 Blogs about Zentangles | Part Time Nanny

15 Blogs about Zentangles | Part Time Nanny:

 "If you like to doodle then you may love to zentangle!  Zentangling is an art form where you take a basic shape, divide it into sections and then fill the sections with a pattern.  The complexity of the pattern is up to you.  This hobby is known for being very relaxing because as you are drawing the patterns the process allows you to zone out, thus the ‘zen’ part of zentangle.  You can make up your own shapes and patterns or use various templates and books to get ideas of where to start. These 15 blogs will answer your questions about how to get started and what to do, as well as different patterns to use and projects to make."

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Proper Etiquette Rules for Any Child, Perhaps Yours

Proper Etiquette Rules for Any Child, Perhaps Yours:

 "Teaching children to confidently navigate the sometimes complex world of etiquette can be a difficult task, but instilling courtesy and good manners will help them better manage society as they get older. Social skills that you pass on to your children will help them make friends, build relationships and prepare them to respond graciously in a variety of situations. As they approach adulthood, those skills will form the foundation of courteous behavior in polite society. Everyone from playmates to educators will appreciate your child’s good manners, paving the way for him to succeed throughout his life."

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Ways to Motivate Your Nanny to Provide Exceptional Care | eNannySource

Ways to Motivate Your Nanny to Provide Exceptional Care | eNannySource:

 "Is your nanny consistently forgetting to pick up after she prepares meals in the kitchen? Does the children’s laundry seem to get forgotten? Do you feel like your nanny could spend more time engaging, rather than entertaining the kids? If so, she may need some serious motivation to pick up the slack."

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Ways to Teach Your Child to Call 911 | Babysitting Jobs

Ways to Teach Your Child to Call 911 | Babysitting Jobs:

"Preparing your child to act calmly under unthinkable circumstances is a scary and disheartening responsibility, but it is an essential one. Ensuring that your little ones are equipped to properly handle an emergency situation at a young age gives them the ability to reach out for assistance when they need it most, even when you’re not available to point them in the right direction. Teaching small children how to reach emergency services is less of a practical challenge and more of an emotional one, though there are some ways to simplify the process even further to make sure that they gain this much-needed skill."

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The Turbulent World of Middle East Soccer: Beitar Jerusalem and Egypt’s President Morsi: two vignettes of racism

The Turbulent World of Middle East Soccer: Beitar Jerusalem and Egypt’s President Morsi: two vignettes of racism:

"Racism raised its ugly head twice in the Middle East in recent weeks: Anti-Muslim, anti-Arab supporters of right wing Israeli soccer club Beitar Jerusalem rejected the hiring of two Chechen Muslim players while Egyptian president Mohammed Morsi struggled to play down anti-Semitic remarks he made two years ago."

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Brown Looks at Reshaping California’s Higher Education - NYTimes.com

Brown Looks at Reshaping California’s Higher Education - NYTimes.com:

 "LOS ANGELES — During a 1960s renaissance, California’s public university system came to be seen as a model for the rest of the country and an economic engine for the state. Seven new campuses opened, statewide enrollment doubled, and state spending on higher education more than doubled. The man widely credited with the ascendance was Gov. Edmund G. Brown, known as Pat."

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Au Pair » 8 Ways to Reduce the Cost of Medications for Kids

Au Pair » 8 Ways to Reduce the Cost of Medications for Kids:

 "Health care costs are soaring higher every year, and as they do many American workers are watching their health insurance coverage simultaneously diminish. In this economic environment, many families are forced to find ways to cut medical costs wherever and however they can. Consider these eight ways to reduce the cost of their kids’ medications."

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20 Blogs with Easy Weekly Meal Plans for Families | Part Time Nanny

20 Blogs with Easy Weekly Meal Plans for Families | Part Time Nanny:

 "“What’s for dinner?”  is easily one of the most asked questions in a home.  If you wish you had a quick and easy answer to that question, then these 20 blogs are for you.  Find weekly menu plans for your family to help take the stress out of meal planning.  These bloggers post menus every week so you can continue to read them and truly have a resource of ever-changing menu plans for your family.  You can even post the menu for the week on the fridge so that everyone can just look at the menu instead of asking you what’s for dinner.  Every family has different needs when it comes to eating, and luckily there are blogs that specialize in everything under the sun, from vegetarian to gluten-free to diabetic menus, all helping make life easier for you."

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25 Blogs with Spring Break Ideas | Summer Nanny

25 Blogs with Spring Break Ideas | Summer Nanny:

"The week of Spring Break typically falls in March and was created to give students a break from their studies before coming back to finish out their school year strong.  Many families like to travel during this break and enjoy quality time together. Some families will choose to get out of the cold and head to a warm destination, while others will choose to take advantage of the last skiing and snowboarding days of the season.  Then there are those families who aren’t able to travel and are looking for ideas to keep the kids busy during Spring Break while staying at home.  These 25 blog entries will help with all of these scenarios."

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How to Ask Tough Questions During a Nanny Interview | Nanny Interview Questions

How to Ask Tough Questions During a Nanny Interview | Nanny Interview Questions:

"The nanny interview is your opportunity to really get to know a nanny you’re considering hiring. It’s the time to ask about her education, her childcare experience, her philosophy on raising children and what’s she’s looking for in a position. It’s also the perfect opportunity to learn more about her personality and her value system. But how do you get to that information?"

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How to Give Feedback to Your Nanny | Nanny Jobs

How to Give Feedback to Your Nanny | Nanny Jobs:

 "Ongoing and honest communication is crucial to having a successful nanny/family relationship and a big part of that communication puzzle is giving your nanny feedback on her performance. Letting her know all the ways she’s doing a great job is the easy part. Showing your appreciation for her hard work and devotion is the feel good part of giving feedback. However, she also needs to hear about the things you’d like her to do differently. This is a much harder conversation to have."

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5 Things NOT to do With Your Infant Car Seat | NannyPro.com

5 Things NOT to do With Your Infant Car Seat | NannyPro.com:

"While infant car seats certainly serve their purpose in keeping children safe and making transporting young babies to and from the car convenient and easy when they’re used properly, too often they’re used incorrectly and in ways they really weren’t designed for."

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10 Things Never to do Alone « House Sitting Jobs

10 Things Never to do Alone « House Sitting Jobs:

 "There are some activities that can provide a rush of self-reliant satisfaction, empowerment and fulfillment when you complete them on your own. Others, however, can be downright dangerous or create problems that have far-reaching implications when attempted solo. These are 10 of the things that you should never attempt to do alone if at all possible, seeking the assistance of a professional or the support of a friend instead."

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How to Choose Paint Colors for Your Baby’s Room | Newborn Care

How to Choose Paint Colors for Your Baby’s Room | Newborn Care:

"Preparing a nursery for your upcoming bundle of joy is one of the major milestones you reach along the way to welcoming a new baby into the family, and is one of the most exciting tasks for many parents-to-be. Choosing the perfect furniture and bedding that reflects your style while still ensuring that you’re adhering to the stringent safety guidelines put in place to protect babies means there are lots of things you’ll have to take into consideration during the planning process. One of the first things on many parents’ to-do list, however, is to paint the nursery walls the perfect shade that creates a sanctuary for their little one."

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10 Strategies for Teaching Your Child to Read - Become A Nanny

10 Strategies for Teaching Your Child to Read - Become A Nanny:

"Learning to read is one of the first major educational milestones in a child’s life. The sense of pride and accomplishment that kids feel the first time they read a book all by themselves is something that neither you nor they will forget. Helping your child master the skills that lead up to learning to read will make the lesson an easier one for him to learn, instilling a love of reading and learning that can follow him throughout his life. While there are as many approaches to teaching a child to read as there are individual children, these 10 are some of the basic tips that can make the process less frustrating for you and your child."

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Monday, January 28, 2013

Jared Diamond’s Guide to Reducing Life’s Risks - NYTimes.com

Jared Diamond’s Guide to Reducing Life’s Risks - NYTimes.com:

"The other morning, I escaped unscathed from a dangerous situation. No, an armed robber didn’t break into my house, nor did I find myself face to face with a mountain lion during my bird walk. What I survived was my daily shower."

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Senators Unveil Bipartisan Immigration Principles - NYTimes.com

Senators Unveil Bipartisan Immigration Principles - NYTimes.com:

 "WASHINGTON — A bipartisan group of senators unveiled on Monday a set of principles for comprehensive immigration legislation that includes a pathway to citizenship for the 11 million immigrants already in the country illegally, contingent on first securing the nation’s borders."

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Tracing the Roots of Behavior in DNA - NYTimes.com

Tracing the Roots of Behavior in DNA - NYTimes.com:

 "CAMBRIDGE, MASS. — Hopi E. Hoekstra is standing in the attic of Harvard’s Museum of Comparative Zoology among horns and pelts, an elephant skin under a table here, giraffe parts over there."

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Senator Schumer Says Hopes for Quick Immigration Bill Approval - NYTimes.com

Senator Schumer Says Hopes for Quick Immigration Bill Approval - NYTimes.com:

"WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Democratic leaders in the U.S. Senate hope to put immigration reform legislation on a fast-track, possibly passing a bill by the middle of this year, Senator Charles Schumer of New York said on Monday."

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Protests Grow on Fifth Day of Unrest in Egypt - NYTimes.com

Protests Grow on Fifth Day of Unrest in Egypt - NYTimes.com:

"PORT SAID, Egypt — Large protests in the Suez Canal city of Port Said and fresh clashes in Cairo on Monday marked a fifth day of widening unrest in Egypt, a day after President Mohamed Morsi declared a state of emergency and a curfew in three major cities as escalating violence in the streets threatened his government and Egypt’s democracy."

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The Turbulent World of Middle East Soccer: Morsi opts for law enforcement, not inevitable reform

The Turbulent World of Middle East Soccer: Morsi opts for law enforcement, not inevitable reform:

 "President Mohammed Morsi’s imposition of a curfew in three Egyptian Suez Canal and Red Sea cities may temporarily reduce violent street opposition to his policies but like this weekend’s initial verdict in the case against those responsible for last year’s death of 74 soccer fans in Port Said will do little to return political stability to the country."

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Senators Offer a Bipartisan Blueprint for Immigration


J. Scott Applewhite/Associated Press
Senators Lindsey Graham, left, and Charles E. Schumer, shown in 2011, are two of the eight lawmakers behind the proposal.
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A bipartisan group of senators has agreed on a set of principles for a sweeping overhaul of the immigration system, including a pathway to American citizenship for 11 million illegal immigrants that would hinge on progress in securing the borders and ensuring that foreigners leave the country when their visas expire.
Multimedia
Ross D. Franklin/Associated Press
Senator John McCain, also one of the eight, was optimistic about the plan’s prospects.

Readers’ Comments

The senators were able to reach a deal by incorporating the Democrats’ insistence on a single comprehensive bill that would not deny eventual citizenship to illegal immigrants, with Republican demands that strong border and interior enforcement had to be clearly in place before Congress could consider legal status for illegal immigrants.
Their blueprint, set to be unveiled on Monday, will allow them to stake out their position one day before President Obama outlines his immigration proposals in a speech on Tuesday in Las Vegas, in the opening moves of what lawmakers expect will be a protracted and contentious debate in Congress this year.
Lawmakers said they were optimistic that the political mood had changed since a similar effort collapsed in acrimony in 2010. Senator John McCain, Republican of Arizona and one of the negotiators, said he saw “a new appreciation” among Republicans of the need for an overhaul.
“Look at the last election,” Mr. McCain said Sunday morning on ABC’s “This Week With George Stephanopoulos.” “We are losing dramatically the Hispanic vote, which we think should be ours.” The senator also said he had seen “significant improvements” in border enforcement, although “we’ve still got a ways to go.”
He added, “We can’t go on forever with 11 million people living in this country in the shadows in an illegal status.”
According to a five-page draft of the plan obtained by The New York Times on Sunday, the eight senators — including Mr. McCain; Charles E. Schumer, Democrat of New York; and Lindsey Graham, Republican of South Carolina — have agreed to address the failings of the immigration system in one comprehensive measure, rather than in smaller pieces, and to offer a “tough, fair and practical road map” that would eventually lead to a chance at citizenship for nearly all of the immigrants here illegally.
“We on the Democratic side have said that we are flexible and we want to get a bill,” Mr. Schumer told reporters in New York on Sunday. “But there’s a bottom line, and that’s a path to citizenship for the 11 or so million people who qualify. We’ve made great, great progress with our Republican colleagues.”
Under the senators’ plan, most illegal immigrants would be able to apply to become permanent residents — a crucial first step toward citizenship — but only after certain border enforcement measures had been accomplished.
Among the plan’s new proposals is the creation of a commission of governors, law enforcement officials and community leaders from border states that would assess when border security measures had been completed. A proposal would also require that an exit system be in place for tracking departures of foreigners who entered the country through airports or seaports, before any illegal immigrants could start on a path to citizenship.
The lawmakers intend for their proposals to frame the debate in the Senate, which is expected to take up immigration this spring, ahead of the House of Representatives. Compared with an immigration blueprint from 2011 that White House officials have said is the basis for the president’s position, the senators’ proposals appear to include tougher enforcement and a less direct path for illegal immigrants than Mr. Obama is considering.
In a parallel effort, a separate group of four senators will introduce a bill this week dealing with another thorny issue that is likely to be addressed in a comprehensive measure: visas for legal immigrants with advanced skills in technology and science. The bill, written primarily by Senator Orrin G. Hatch of Utah, a Republican, and Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, a Democrat, would nearly double the number of temporary visas, known as an H-1B, available each year to highly skilled immigrants. It would also free up more permanent resident visas, known as green cards, so those immigrants could eventually settle in the United States and go on to become citizens.
In a sign of the rapidly changing mood in Washington on immigration, the two groups of senators and the White House have been vying in recent days to see who would unveil their proposals first.
Senator Robert Menendez of New Jersey, a Democrat who was one of those negotiating the comprehensive principles, said the senators finally agreed that any legislation should include a pathway to citizenship.
“First of all, Americans support it, in poll after poll,” said Mr. Menendez, who was interviewed along with Mr. McCain by Mr. Stephanopoulos on Sunday. “Secondly, Latino voters expect it. Thirdly, Democrats want it. And fourth, Republicans need it.”
Senator Marco Rubio of Florida, a Republican, also joined the group of eight senators in recent weeks and endorsed its principles.
Mr. Rubio, a Cuban-American who is a fast-rising figure in his party, had insisted on including the exit tracking system as one of the triggers for opening the path to citizenship for illegal immigrants. Mr. Rubio cited estimates that as many as 40 percent of immigrants in the country illegally had overstayed their visas.
Mr. Rubio also insisted that any immigrants who gained legal status under the legislation would “be required to go to the back of the line” behind other immigrants who applied to come through legal channels.
Under the senators’ proposal, border security would be immediately strengthened with new technology, including aerial drones, for border patrol agents, while the Department of Homeland Security would work to expand the exit control system. The United States currently has some exit controls to track departures of foreigners at most airports and seaports, but it does not track exits by land.
At the same time, immigrants here illegally would “simultaneously” be required “to register with the government.” After passing background checks and paying back taxes and fines, those immigrants would receive a “probationary legal status” that would allow them to live and work legally in the United States. Immigrants with that status would not be eligible for most federal public benefits.
The senators also called for a mandatory nationwide program to verify the legal status of new hires, although the details of whether that would include some form of identity card remained vague.
The senators would require that “our proposed enforcement measures be complete before any immigrant on probationary status can earn a green card,” according to the draft principles. The group also includes Senator Richard J. Durbin of Illinois and Senator Michael Bennet of Colorado, both Democrats, and another Republican, Senator Jeff Flake of Arizona.
The proposals would offer major exemptions from the requirements for citizenship to young immigrants here illegally who came to United States as children, giving them a faster path to become Americans.
Immigrant farmworkers would also be given a separate and faster path to citizenship, according to the principles.
Still ahead are difficult negotiations over how long immigrants who gain provisional status would have to wait before they could become citizens. Mr. Rubio’s ideas are for a far longer and less direct pathway than Democrats would like. The senators also anticipate a fight over how to bring in low-wage workers in the future. Many labor organizations are skeptical of the temporary guest worker programs that employers favor, and the principles are vague on that point.
Considerable resistance remains among Republicans in the House of Representatives to granting any kind of legal status to illegal immigrants.
Mr. Rubio was also a sponsor of the bill to offer more visas to highly educated technology workers, along with Senator Chris Coons, a Democrat from Delaware. Senator Klobuchar, also a sponsor, said on Sunday that she expected the bill would become part of the comprehensive measure the other senators were preparing.

Senators Agree on Blueprint for Immigration - NYTimes.com

Senators Agree on Blueprint for Immigration - NYTimes.com:

"A bipartisan group of senators has agreed on a set of principles for a sweeping overhaul of the immigration system, including a pathway to American citizenship for 11 million illegal immigrants that would hinge on progress in securing the borders and ensuring that foreigners leave the country when their visas expire."

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Cool Boobs

15 Blogs about Sending Flowers | Hire a Nanny

15 Blogs about Sending Flowers | Hire a Nanny:

"While Valentine’s Day is easily one of the busiest days of the year for a florist, it’s certainly not the only reason people buy flowers. Whether it’s for a first date, to say you’re sorry or just to show someone you’re thinking of them, flowers are a great way to show someone you care.  Different occasions call for different types of flowers, so how do you decide which flowers are best for the occasion you’re sending them? These questions and others are answered in the following 15 blog posts.  Take the guesswork out of sending flowers and make sure the flowers you are sending are conveying the right message to the recipient."

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40 Blogs with Examples of Hand Made Cards « Au Pair Care

40 Blogs with Examples of Hand Made Cards « Au Pair Care:

 "Purchasing greeting cards at the store has gotten more and more expensive, and many people are opting to take card making up as a hobby instead of shelling out the extra money.  The problem with making your own cards is that you don’t want it to look like you got your crayons out and made a card like you did when you were a kid.  There are so many rubber stamps and techniques out now that you could almost duplicate a store bought card with some practice.  Check out these 40 blog entries and take a look at some examples of the types of cards you can make at home."

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4 Ways Families Can Start the New Year Off Right | GoNannies.com Blog

4 Ways Families Can Start the New Year Off Right | GoNannies.com Blog:

 "With the New Year just arriving, you may still be thinking about your resolutions or setting new goals for your personal or family life. Setting goals and making new commitments can benefit both you and your family."

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Expert Insights with Lifestyle Photographer Becca DuVal | eNannySource

Expert Insights with Lifestyle Photographer Becca DuVal | eNannySource:

"Anyone who has tried to capture a photo of their infant or toddler knows what a challenge that can be; never mind trying to get one decent family photo, which can prove to be both an all-day and very frustrating affair. So I reached out to Becca DuVal, a lifestyle photographer who makes capturing kids and families look easy, and picked her brain about what makes a good photo and what tips work best for capturing kids on go. Here’s what she had to share."

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Nanny Classifieds » How to Break the Sense of Entitlement in Your Child

Nanny Classifieds » How to Break the Sense of Entitlement in Your Child:

"Raising children in a reasonably privileged household and ensuring that they have all of the opportunities that privilege affords them without creating a false sense of entitlement is difficult to do. However, breaking a budding sense of entitlement that’s already beginning to take hold is even more of a challenge. While you naturally want to do everything in your power to make your children happy and provide them with the best possible life, it’s important to remember that their childhood training needs to be grounded in the idea of helping them become productive, independent members of adult society. Stripping away the negative trappings of privilege, like the loss of pride, responsibility and initiative that come with feeling that good things are owed by virtue of existence is essential, especially if you’re not willing to spend the rest of your life financially supporting children who feel as if they’re deserving of the easiest road through life."

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10 Tips for Organizing Children’s Clothing » Nanny.NET

10 Tips for Organizing Children’s Clothing » Nanny.NET:

 "Keeping your own closet organized and clean can be a daunting task, but keeping your children’s clothes neat and organized is a completely different ball game. Kids grow like weeds, so maintaining an organizational system is a continual work-in-progress. Since your kids’ closets typically have less space and they tend to have more stuff, their clothes can quickly become an organizational nightmare. There are steps you can take, however, to keep the process as simple and efficient as possible."

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Using Baby Sign Language to Connect with Your Infant | Newborn Care

Using Baby Sign Language to Connect with Your Infant | Newborn Care:

"As your infant gets older, she will start to understand her own feelings and needs better, but she still won’t be able to effectively share them with you yet. It can be frustrating for both of you when she’s trying to communicate with you, but hasn’t developed the verbal skills needed to successfully let you know what she needs and wants. Baby sign language can bridge the communication gap and give your baby a way to let you know what’s on her mind. It helps you more quickly understand what your child is trying to say and avoids many of the tantrums and meltdowns that frustration over not being able to communicate brings on. It also is a wonderful way to connect and bond with your baby."

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10 of the Coolest Moms on TV

10 of the Coolest Moms on TV:

 "Whether they’re still reigning on continuing shows or live on only in syndication, there are some television moms that were so cool that they’ve become part of the cultural landscape forever. Some might be better known for their coolness than their good parenting decisions, while others became cool because they were such great moms; either way, these are 10 of the coolest moms ever on television."

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15 Blogs that Talk About the Power of Prayer | Blog | Kenney Myers

15 Blogs that Talk About the Power of Prayer | Blog | Kenney Myers:

 "Millions of people pray every day for a variety of different reasons.  Whether you’ve found yourself in need of a listening ear or you want to praise a recent triumph, prayer has the ability to help people feel more grounded as they communicate with a higher power.  How and when you pray depends upon your religion.  In some religions, prayer is spoken aloud in a chant, sometimes as a group and others as an individual.  Group prayer is believed to have more power because there are a greater number of people communicating at the same time for the same things.  These 15 blogs will share information with you regarding various forms of group prayer, healing prayer and how and why it’s beneficial to keep a prayer journal."

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Sunday, January 27, 2013

The Turbulent World of Middle East Soccer: Egyptian soccer violence: a test of Morsi’s political savvy

The Turbulent World of Middle East Soccer: Egyptian soccer violence: a test of Morsi’s political savvy:

"Escalating street violence in the wake of a partial verdict in the Port Said soccer brawl case pits arch enemies – militant soccer fans and Egypt’s security forces – against one another, highlighting the urgency of moves for refrom of law enforcement in a bid to end the turmoil and return the country to a path of economic growth."

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Saturday, January 26, 2013

At Least 30 Die in Egyptian Riots After Soccer Verdict - NYTimes.com

At Least 30 Die in Egyptian Riots After Soccer Verdict - NYTimes.com:

 "CAIRO — Egypt’s new government lost control of a major city, Port Said, on Saturday as rampaging soccer fans attacked the main jail, drove police officers from the streets and cut off all access to the city."

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The Turbulent World of Middle East Soccer: Soccer violence puts Egyptian president Morsi between a rock and a hard place

The Turbulent World of Middle East Soccer: Soccer violence puts Egyptian president Morsi between a rock and a hard place:

"Egypt’s initial post-revolt military rulers and their elected successor, President Mohammed Morsi, were caught between a rock and a hard place as soon as a politically loaded soccer brawl a year ago in the Suez Canal city of Port Said got out of hand, killing 74 supporters of crowned Cairo club Al Ahly SC."

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James M. Dorsey


James M. Dorsey is a man of international standing: a scholar, journalist, blogger and resident senior fellow at the internationally-acclaimed S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) in Singapore.  He is joining the University of Würzburg as a non-resident visiting fellow at its Institute of Sport Science and non-resident Co-Director of the Institute for Fan Culture in Würzburg and Cologne.
Dorsey’s studies and reporting range broadly with a focus on ethnic and religious conflict in the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Europe and Latin America.  He is a much sought-after speaker at international economic, military, political and sport science conference. He is widely acknowledged as an expert on global water distribution issues and deeply involved in researching the nexus between soccer, society and politics. Dorsey is a widely published author in prestigious academic and mainstream journals, including The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times and the Financial Times, and was twice nominated for the Pulitzer Prize, the prestigious US award for outstanding achievement in journalism. He is currently a finalist for the European Press Prize.
Dorsey’s varied experience will benefit the University of Würzburg and the Institute of Fan Culture that was founded last year by Professor Harald Lange in cooperation with scientists from Cologne. The institute provides a platform for empirical, interdisciplinary research into soccer fan culture. It brings together sociologists, political scientists, criminologists, social psychologists, economists, legal scholars, ethnologists and historians – and last but not least, soccer fans. Dorsey’s association springs from a long exchange of academic views with Lange as well as several presentations he made at the University of Würzburg.
“This is an important step towards internationalization of the institute," Lange said. He noted that Dorsey’s association followed last year’s signing of an agreement on a cooperative research project between the institute and the International Centre for Sport Security (ICSS) in Qatar.
The institute is planning several third-party funded research projects in cooperation with some of the world’s foremost institutions of academic learning including RSIS that will involve international and German fan culture in soccer stadiums and focus on the relationship between sport and society.  This is a subject Dorsey discusses in detail in his popular blog "The Turbulent World of Middle East Soccer" and is the theme of a book to be published late this year by Hurst Publishing Co and Oxford University Press.
Lange said Dorsey’s association would help “internationalize the institute and offer fresh perspectives and points of view in its research.” He said Dorsey would contribute to “promoting young researchers at the university” and enable it to establish a global research network.
Dorsey expressed confidence in the institute’s potential to position itself as a global center of knowledge. "The institute’s interdisciplinary approach and network coupled with the fact that it is the world’s only academic research institution focused on fan culture positions it as an international scholarly and policy institution,” Dorsey said.
For further information, plesae contact Prof. Dr. Harald Lange, T: +49 (0)931 31-80283, email:harald.lange@uni-wuerzburg.de
 
James Dorsey (photo: private)

Friday, January 25, 2013

10 Reasons Why Dad’s Should Have Date Night With Their Daughters | Babysitting

10 Reasons Why Dad’s Should Have Date Night With Their Daughters | Babysitting:

"The first relationship that little girls will form with a member of the opposite sex is the one that they have with their father. This relationship is also one of the most influential and important of a young girl’s life, as it often shapes the ones she builds with other boys and men as she ages. Here are 10 of the reasons why all fathers should have date nights with their daughters, starting when they’re very young and continuing as they get older."

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30 Blogs for the Novice Photographer in You | Longhorn Leads, LLC

30 Blogs for the Novice Photographer in You | Longhorn Leads, LLC:

 "Like everything else, photography has changed and grown since the first camera was invented in 1840.  Technology keeps evolving and growing, and now even amateurs are able to produce some professional looking results.  Most people have owned a camera of some sort, but as the prices continue to drop it’s becoming easier to be able to afford more sophisticated digital cameras for a reasonable price.  Digital cameras allow you to take as many pictures as you’d like without worrying about added expenses.  Plus, you get instant gratification with digital photography because you can view the photos as soon as you take them.  These 30 bloggers love photography and have a lot of information to share."

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How to Nanny for a Divorcing Couple | Full Time Nanny

How to Nanny for a Divorcing Couple | Full Time Nanny:

"Working for a couple going through a divorce can be especially challenging for a nanny, however it can also be exceptionally rewarding. There are few times when a nanny can be of more help and support than when a family is being divided by divorce. Here are some things to keep in mind if you find yourself in the position of nannying for a family that is going through a divorce."

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How to Be Sure Your Child Behaves on the Bus » National Nannies

How to Be Sure Your Child Behaves on the Bus » National Nannies:

 "The viral video of an elderly bus driver being mercilessly bullied and tormented by the kids on her bus threw kids’ bus behavior into a harsh spotlight, causing parents to wonder exactly how their own youngsters behaved in the anarchic no-man’s-land that is the school bus. While you may not be able to experience that side of your child’s personality first hand, there are ways you can encourage good bus behavior and help to ensure that he’s never part of the crowd harassing or picking on someone else."

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10 iPhone Apps for Recording & Editing Audio | Blog | Kenney Myers

10 iPhone Apps for Recording & Editing Audio | Blog | Kenney Myers:

 "If you know me at all you know that I love my iPhone 5 and that I enjoy making stop motion and other movies with it.  However, once I have made the vid I have to decide how to deal with the audio for the newly created short.  I’ll be honest, I’m still experimenting with different applications like FiRe and FourTrack, but here is a list of 10 interesting applications that I have looked into recently with some basic descriptions of each:"

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How to Keep Safe While Walking Home at Night | Live Out Nanny

How to Keep Safe While Walking Home at Night | Live Out Nanny:

 "If you’re forced to walk home at night, one of the best and most effective ways of ensuring that you reach your destination safely is to have a companion along for the journey. Assailants tend to strike single targets, rather than couples or small groups that can be more difficult for them to successfully subdue on their own. While men should certainly be cautious when they’re walking home at night, it’s especially important for women to understand the dangers of walking alone at night and to be aware of the best ways to reduce their chances of being the victim of violent crime."

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9 Things Parents Should Know About Cats and Kids | Summer Nanny

9 Things Parents Should Know About Cats and Kids | Summer Nanny:

"If you’re considering adding a pet to the family, cats can seem like the ideal choice. They don’t have to be taken for walks, housebreaking is a breeze and their largely independent attitude means that they don’t need the same level of attention and companionship as a puppy or even a full-grown dog. Households that count small children among their number, however, should take a few things under consideration before adding a feline friend to the family."

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How to Gain Your Teenager’s Respect Naturally | Aupair Jobs

How to Gain Your Teenager’s Respect Naturally | Aupair Jobs:

 "As a child approaches adolescence, the natural exploration of boundaries and the need to assert his own independence often leaves his parents feeling as if all respect between them has dissipated. Arguing, defiance and even foul language are normal, though admittedly incredibly frustrating, aspects of parenting a teenager. While regaining a teen’s respect may seem like an impossible proposition, there are ways that you can restore some semblance of balance and civility to your relationship as he gets older. While patience and a refusal to reward bad behavior are the keys to maintaining a measure of order in your home as the parent of teenagers, there are some methods that can supplement your efforts along the way."

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Expert Insights with Early Intervention Specialist Bambi Rosario-Wyatt | eNannySource

Expert Insights with Early Intervention Specialist Bambi Rosario-Wyatt | eNannySource:

 "When it comes to helping young children reach their fullest potential, Bambi Rosario-Wyatt does just that. Serving as a certified Early Invention Specialist, Bambi supports families and helps enhance the development of the children she works with by providing specialized services."

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Thursday, January 24, 2013

35 Valentine’s Day Inspired Party Ideas for Kids | Babysitting

35 Valentine’s Day Inspired Party Ideas for Kids | Babysitting:

 "Valentine’s Day is a day to tell those who you love or like how you feel about them.  When it comes to kids, it’s a day to pass out candy to friends at school and have an excuse to have a party!  Why not get the kids together for a Valentine’s Day party and let them have some fun?  Find ideas for every aspect of your party from these 35 blog posts.  If you’re trying to find an idea for making your own invitations, you’ll find it on this list.  You’ll also find everything from how to decorate for a party to how to make homemade valentines.  Take a look and see if you can get inspired"

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30 Blogs with Tips to Actually Cut Your Grocery Bill | Nanny Websites

30 Blogs with Tips to Actually Cut Your Grocery Bill | Nanny Websites:

 "After a drought in the Midwest and steadily increasing fuel prices, more American families are finding themselves experiencing severe sticker shock when they shop for groceries. Feeding your family on a tight budget, especially when money doesn’t seem to go as far as it used to, can be a frustrating and even downright frightening proposition. Thankfully, there are plenty of tips and hints for saving money on groceries that can be found across the Internet as savings-savvy bloggers share advice with their readers. These 30 blogs are positively packed with practical, real-life solutions for cutting costs at the market without emptying your pantry."

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How to Know if You Can Trust Your Child’s Teacher « Au Pair Care

How to Know if You Can Trust Your Child’s Teacher « Au Pair Care:

"Leaving your child in the hands of another for the majority of his day requires a healthy measure of trust if you’re going to be able to have any peace of mind at all as you go about your own day. With your child’s health, safety and education all resting squarely in the hands of his teacher during the week, how can you be sure that he’s getting the attention he needs from an educator you can trust? While the only way that you’ll ever truly know what goes on in the classroom is to sit in yourself, there are a few methods of finding out enough to decide whether or not you actually trust your child’s teacher"

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10 Easy Car Repairs You Can Do Yourself at Home | Housekeeping

10 Easy Car Repairs You Can Do Yourself at Home | Housekeeping:

 "As the economy struggles to rebound after the financial crisis and recession, many household budgets are under a bit more strain than they once were. Finding ways to save money is a priority for most families these days, giving more people the inspiration to try their hand at simple repairs and services that they would ordinarily pay to have done. These 10 car repairs and maintenance tasks are actually quite simple, even for beginners. Rather than paying high service and labor charges, you may find that taking care of some aspects of your car maintenance routine yourself is a gratifying and frugal course of action."

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Helping Kids Learn to Deal with Disappointment - Become A Nanny

Helping Kids Learn to Deal with Disappointment - Become A Nanny:

 "In a culture where everyone is a winner, the opportunities to help children learn to deal with disappointments are becoming fewer and further in between. The next time your playdate gets cancelled last minute or the restaurant runs out of chocolate milk, help your child work through those feelings instead of trying a quick fix in hopes of shielding him from disappointment. When you do, you’ll be helping him develop important life skills that will last a lifetime."

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Revelations From Downton Abbey | NannyPro.com

Revelations From Downton Abbey | NannyPro.com:

"A modern day peek into the upstairs and downstairs lives of the residents  and servants of fictional country estate Downton Abbey, the British-American period drama of the same name, explores the lives, relationships, customs and lifestyles of those who are served and those who served in the post-Edwardian era."

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How Being Paid Under the Table Hurts Nannies » 4Nannies

How Being Paid Under the Table Hurts Nannies » 4Nannies:

 "It’s estimated that only 5 to 10% of employers pay taxes on their nanny’s wages. This means that an overwhelming majority of nannies are being paid cash or under the table. While this arrangement can save the nanny money in the short term, in the long term it can cause a lot of problems. Here are some ways that being paid cash can hurt, rather than help, a nanny."

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30 Blogs with Sample Scrapbook Pages | Full Time Nanny

30 Blogs with Sample Scrapbook Pages | Full Time Nanny:

 "Scrapbooking is a hobby that has been around for hundreds of years. It has evolved considerably since it first started with people saving newspaper clippings and writing poems in their books.  Around the 1990’s, scrapbooking enjoyed a resurgence and has been going strong ever since, becoming a multi-billion dollar hobby. One of the few complaints people have regarding the hobby is having trouble coming up with ideas for their scrapbook pages.  Here are 30 blogs that have sample pages for a variety of topics.  Grab a cup of tea, sit back and take a look"

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10 of the Best iPhone Apps to Keep Handy for the Kids in Your Life » National Nannies

10 of the Best iPhone Apps to Keep Handy for the Kids in Your Life » National Nannies:

 "While Apple’s powerful iPhone device is so popular that it’s almost ubiquitous, it’s still a bit on the pricey side for most parents to present as a gift to their children. However, the vast number of kid-friendly apps that are available in the App Store can come in quite handy when you’re in the checkout line or in a waiting room. Parents that own iPhone devices and are amenable to the idea of letting their children play with them from time to time may find that these apps are perfect for keeping their little ones entertained."

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Shrunken proton baffles scientists : Nature News & Comment

Shrunken proton baffles scientists : Nature News & Comment:

 "Researchers perplexed by conflicting measurements."

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Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Brave, Honest Paul Ryan - NYTimes.com

Brave, Honest Paul Ryan - NYTimes.com:

"Many people, e.g., Jonathan Chait, are noting that when Paul Ryan, deeply offended by the inaugural speech, declared that

No one is suggesting that what we call our earned entitlements — entitlements you pay for, like payroll taxes for Medicare and Social Security — are putting you in a ‘taker’ category. No one would suggest that whatsoever."

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BREAKING NEWS: Military to open combat jobs to women – CNN Security Clearance - CNN.com Blogs

BREAKING NEWS: Military to open combat jobs to women – CNN Security Clearance - CNN.com Blogs:

 "The U.S. military is ending its policy of excluding women from combat and will open combat jobs and direct combat units to female troops, CNN has learned. Multiple officials confirm to CNN that Defense Secretary Leon Panetta will make the announcement tomorrow and notify Congress of the planned change in policy."

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How to Know How Safe Your Child is at School | Find A Nanny

How to Know How Safe Your Child is at School | Find A Nanny:

 "In the light of the Sandy Hook tragedy and a smattering of school shootings over the course of 2012, many parents are beginning to wonder in earnest if their children are actually safe in their schools. Fears of violent attacks aside, you may also be wondering if your little ones would be adequately protected and looked after in the event of a natural disaster or catastrophic weather conditions. While there is no surefire way to predict the future, there are steps you can take as a parent to ensure that the children in your child’s school are being protected and kept safe to the best of the administrators’ abilities."

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Tuesday, January 22, 2013

10 iPhone Apps to Help Manage Medications | Nanny Jobs

10 iPhone Apps to Help Manage Medications | Nanny Jobs:

"Keeping track of your medications can be a challenge, especially if you suffer from a chronic illness that requires you to take several throughout the day. While patients used to rely largely upon compartmentalized pill organizers and their own fallible memories to ensure that each of their medications was administered properly and on time, the leaps and bounds in cell phone technology and the developers who keep the iPhone’s App Store stocked have simplified and streamlined this process dramatically."

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Top 5 Tips for Nannies Working with a Placement Agency » National Nannies

Top 5 Tips for Nannies Working with a Placement Agency » National Nannies:

"Working with a full service nanny placement agency is one of the top ways for experienced nannies to find their next nanny job. Nanny agencies specialize in recruiting, screening and matching qualified nannies with families. By registering with your local placement agency you have the opportunity to be presented to potential employers that are working solely with an agency. You also have access to the expertise and resources of the placement agency. This can be a big boost to your job search. Here are the five top things to remember when you’re working with a placement agency."

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