Thursday, February 28, 2013

Crimes Against Children

NYT

16 Blogs that Will Make You Laugh with Funny April Fools’ Day Pranks » National Nannies

16 Blogs that Will Make You Laugh with Funny April Fools’ Day Pranks » National Nannies:

 "April 1st, also known as April Fools’ Day, is a day set aside for playing silly pranks on your friends and family.  Make your friends and family laugh this year by playing a few funny pranks on them. You’ll find a wide array of pranks in these 16 blog entries, from pranks that parents play on kids to some that kids can play on their parents, some that are truly elaborate pranks and some entertaining food pranks that will get everyone laughing. It will be so much fun, your family will wish that April fool’s day was every day."

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16 Savvy Nanny Tricks of the Trade | Morningside Nannies

16 Savvy Nanny Tricks of the Trade | Morningside Nannies:

"Every seasoned nanny picks up tricks for making her job easier along the way. Wondering what some of the savviest nannies do to set themselves apart? Check out these 16 tricks of the trade that savvy nannies put to use on the job and off."

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8 Things Android and iPhone Users Have in Common | Longhorn Leads, LLC

8 Things Android and iPhone Users Have in Common | Longhorn Leads, LLC:

"Do you ever wonder what separates Android users from their iPhone counterparts? The answer is not as much as pop-culture may lead you to think. Gazelle, the nation’s leading high-end consumer electronics trade-in site, recently conducted a survey amongst more than 1000 Android and iPhone users, and the results may surprise you. Android and iPhone users have more in common that you may think."

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10 STEPS TO STOP YELLING AT YOUR KIDS | GoNannies.com Blog

10 STEPS TO STOP YELLING AT YOUR KIDS | GoNannies.com Blog:

 "When you first become a parent, you look at your tiny baby and think there is no way you could ever get angry or yell at this beautiful tiny creature.  But before long that small baby grows and you find that there are more days where you are frustrated with him than you would like.  When you find yourself in those moments of utter exasperation, here are 10 things that can help prevent you from yelling at him."

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15 Ideas for Motivating Your Child to Do Well in School | Part Time Nanny

15 Ideas for Motivating Your Child to Do Well in School | Part Time Nanny:

 "It’s no secret that your child’s academic performance can directly affect her future, but it’s difficult to get kids to think about such long-term goals in relation to a task they don’t find particularly enjoyable. Helping your child to reach her full potential is one of your most important jobs, but it can also be one of the most challenging you face as a parent. These 15 tips can help you find ways of motivating your child to be the very best she can be, even when she’s struggling at school."

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25 Blogs with Creative Ideas for Hosting the Perfect Graduation Party | Babysitting Jobs

25 Blogs with Creative Ideas for Hosting the Perfect Graduation Party | Babysitting Jobs:

"Celebrating your baby’s graduation from high school is a momentous occasion, and one that usually calls for a party.  Your graduate will probably have her own ideas about what she wants at her graduation party, but you can work together to plan everything. The first thing you’ll need to determine is a budget for the party.  This will dictate how big your party plans can be.  These 25 blog entries will share some ideas with you about picking a theme, ordering or making invitations, decorating for the big event, choosing the menu and ordering the cake. See if you can find unique ideas for your special celebration."

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15 High Risk Foods to Avoid Feeding Young Kids | Find A Nanny

15 High Risk Foods to Avoid Feeding Young Kids | Find A Nanny:

 "The World Health Organization recommends that babies be exclusively breastfed for the first year of life, which means that they shouldn’t eat or drink anything except breast milk for a full year. While these guidelines are recommended to parents around the globe, they’re not always adhered to. Pediatricians may recommend an amended diet in some cases, as breastfeeding may not be an ideal fit with the lifestyle of a growing family, and there can be extenuating circumstances that exclude some families from this recommendation. It’s never a good idea to feed a baby solid food if she’s too young to support the weight of her head without assistance, but these are 15 of the foods that won’t be suitable even for toddlers."

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30 Blogs with Spice Inspired Secrets You Can Use to Improve Your Health - Become A Nanny

30 Blogs with Spice Inspired Secrets You Can Use to Improve Your Health - Become A Nanny:

 "Prior to the invention of modern medicines, herbs and spices were used to treat various conditions, and have been used to treat illnesses for thousands of years.  While the spices may not have cured everything, these people were onto something.  Spices help the body function better and improve your overall health.  Some spices are multi-taskers, so don’t be surprised if you see some spices in multiple categories.  Take a look at these 30 blog entries to get an idea of which spices might be able to help you."

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Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Tom Friedman

NYT

Creative School Lunch Ideas for Kids Who Hate Sandwiches | Full Time Nanny

Creative School Lunch Ideas for Kids Who Hate Sandwiches | Full Time Nanny:

 "When it comes to lunchtime, kids and sandwiches don’t always mix. When they do, it’s not unusual to find that peanut butter and jelly is the only acceptable option. But with the rise of peanut-free schools, brown bagging peanut butter and jelly simply isn’t an option, leaving parents scrambling for lunch ideas that their kids will like. If that’s you, chin up. Here are some sandwich-free lunch ideas your kids just might love"

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How to Create Harmony with Work-at-Home Parents » 4Nannies

How to Create Harmony with Work-at-Home Parents » 4Nannies:

"One of the most challenging environments nannies encounter is when they’re working with the work-at-home parent. There are times when the children don’t know who is in charge, the nanny doesn’t feel comfortable disciplining children or the children run to daddy when they have a question. The experience doesn’t have to be challenging, however. It’s important to sit down with the parents ahead of your first day of work and work out the logistics of being together in the same house the entire day. Here are a few pointers to get you started"

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15 Rules New Soccer Moms Should Follow | Babysitters

15 Rules New Soccer Moms Should Follow | Babysitters:

 "It’s exciting watching your kids play soccer for the first time. As they progress, you probably find yourself become more immersed in the game as well. Then, when they really get into it, it can become a little harrowing because you realize you are becoming a soccer mom. Don’t be ashamed of that title! Live it up and enjoy those games with your kids."

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10 Telltale Signs Your Child is Being Bullied | Nanny Agency

10 Telltale Signs Your Child is Being Bullied | Nanny Agency:

"Bullying is a problem of epidemic proportions, and can affect every aspect of a child’s life. While visibility around the issue has been raised as the most severe cases make national news, there is still a prevailing idea that bullying is part of childhood and is only a sign of “kids being kids.” Parents of children who are frequently the butt of bullies’ jokes know that the problem is much more severe than mere child’s play. If you’re concerned that your child may be the target of schoolyard or cyber-bullying, here are some signs to be on the lookout for. "

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30 Blogs with Suggestions on How to Break Out of the Winter Blahs « Au Pair Care

30 Blogs with Suggestions on How to Break Out of the Winter Blahs « Au Pair Care:

"There’s something about being cooped up in the house day after day that can wear on a person.  The sun isn’t shining and you feel like your spirit is being smothered beneath a blanket of clouds.  Add in the cold weather and it’s no surprise that you don’t feel like going anywhere. After weeks of enduring being shut up in the house, the winter blahs can take over. Worry no more, these 30 blog entries have just the ticket for helping you break out of your winter doldrums.  Check them out and see if your mood improves."

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Expert Insights: Cleaning Your Media Devices with Anthony Scarsella of Gazelle | eNannySource

Expert Insights: Cleaning Your Media Devices with Anthony Scarsella of Gazelle | eNannySource:

"Not long ago I was on the phone with my mother, helping her sort through an issue she was having. Being the good mom that I am, I sat my young children down at the table and gave them a snack, so I could finish the call. While they were snacking, they were also playing on the family iPod Touch together. Being the helpful kids that they are, when they went to wash their hands from having their snack, they brought the iPod along too. It had fingerprints on it and was sticky, so of course they wanted to clean it off. I heard the water running a little too long, went in the bathroom, and both kids were sitting on the floor, scrubbing the iPod clean with a soaking wet, soapy towel. I tried to save the iPod to no avail. After our incident I reached out to Anthony Scarsella of Gazelle to learn if there was anything else I could do to bring life back to my broken iPod. I got a real-life lesson on how to properly clean electronics and thought I’d share that lesson with you too."

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30 Must-Read Blogs for Moms Who Are Returning to Work » Share a Nanny

30 Must-Read Blogs for Moms Who Are Returning to Work » Share a Nanny:

"Whether you are a mom returning to work after a new baby or a long term absence from the work force, you will probably feel a mixture of excitement and anxiety. This is normal, as there are so many things you need to adjust to that didn’t exist before you had children. Now you have organizing childcare, missing valuable bonding time with your child and a whole host of other concerns running through your head."

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Ten Reasons Kids Should Sleep in Their Own Beds « Nanny Care

Ten Reasons Kids Should Sleep in Their Own Beds « Nanny Care:

"It’s the middle of the night and you’re awakened by a sleepy-eyed child mumbling something about monsters under the bed. Then comes the request, “Can I get in bed with you?” At this point, you have three options. Say no, turn over and try to ignore the whining and tears that will inevitably follow, take the little darling back to her room and assure her that there are no monsters and risk having to spend the next hour or so cramped in a bed made for munchkins or toss back the covers and hope you don’t get kicked in the back too much as you invite your little visitor in."

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How to Know When You’re Ready to Have Kids and When You’re Not | Housekeeping

How to Know When You’re Ready to Have Kids and When You’re Not | Housekeeping:

 "Few decisions in your life will be as important as the decision to have a child. Figuring out when you’re ready to leave the carefree days of child-free youth behind you to accept the mantle of parenthood and the incredible responsibility that comes with it isn’t easy, especially when your biological clock is ticking in your ear. Before taking the plunge into parenting, there are some things you should consider to make sure that you’re ready to accept such a life-changing responsibility."

'via Blog this'

The Turbulent World of Middle East Soccer: AFC election-lineup: little real promise of badly needed reform

The Turbulent World of Middle East Soccer: AFC election-lineup: little real promise of badly needed reform:

"The line-up of contenders for the presidency of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), promises everything but the wind of reform and change the group badly needs after almost two years of controversy and scandal that are still reverberating through the world of soccer."

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Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Maureen Dowd

NYT

Life in Frozen Lakes

NYT

Mexican teacher's union leader arrested | National News - WPTZ Home

Mexican teacher's union leader arrested | National News - WPTZ Home:

"(CNN) —Authorities have arrested the leader of Mexico's largest union, accusing her of embezzling millions of dollars."

'via Blog this'

Paul Krugman on "Centrists"

NYT

Governor Christie

NYT

Yahoo

NYT

Hagel is Defense Secretary

NYT

Sixty Years Ago, This Friday

NYT

On DNA

NYT

Let My People Go!

NYT

Ben Bernanke Today

NYT

Roger Cohen

NYT

18 Blogs with Ideas on How Kids Can Thank Our Service Men and Women | Part Time Nanny

18 Blogs with Ideas on How Kids Can Thank Our Service Men and Women | Part Time Nanny: "

Since kids typically don’t watch the news and may not know any soldiers personally, they may not be aware that there are men and women who are putting their lives on the line every day to protect their way of life.  Many kids are too young to know the ugly truths about war, but letting kids know that there are military men and women stationed in foreign countries is a good idea.  Explain how these people have to be away from their friends and family for months or years at a time, then let the kids help decide what they want to do to thank the troops, whether it’s making cards, sending care packages or raising money to donate to them.  These 18 blog entries will provide some inspiration to help make your decision."

'via Blog this'

10 iPhone Apps that Will Help You Remember Everything | Hire a Nanny

10 iPhone Apps that Will Help You Remember Everything | Hire a Nanny:

"The frenetic pace of today’s world can make it very difficult to remember everything life throws at you. Between appointments, entertainment recommendations and deadlines, it seems like there’s always something to add to your mental to-do list. Keeping those things from falling through the cracks of a fallible human memory is a challenge in itself, but thankfully there are offerings in Apple’s well-stocked App Store that rise to that challenge beautifully. These 10 apps can help you remember everything that’s important to you, cutting down on embarrassing moments or inconveniences borne of forgetfulness."

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How to Prevent Accidental Poisoning At Home | Nanny Babysitter

How to Prevent Accidental Poisoning At Home | Nanny Babysitter:

 "Poison control centers report that more than half of the incidents they handle each year involve children under the age of six. The majority of these poisoning injuries result from the inadvertent ingestion of common household substances. Learning to reduce the likelihood of a poisoning incident in your home is an essential part of safe parenting and childcare provision, simply because even the most closely-watched children can find a way to get into dangerous things during the split second an adult’s back is turned."

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10 Kens Who Have Held Public Office | Blog | Kenney Myers

10 Kens Who Have Held Public Office | Blog | Kenney Myers:

"Continuing our series of Kens, we turn our attention to public office.  NOTE:  this is not specific to the U.S. and is just a sampling as you might imagine, there are tons of Kens that have been voted into various public positions.  I doubt you will ever see me attempt to run for an office (even locally in the Houston area), but never say never…  In the meantime, here are a few of the men named Ken you may have voted for:"

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Learn How to Stay Healthy While Traveling With these 36 Blog Posts | Summer Nanny

Learn How to Stay Healthy While Traveling With these 36 Blog Posts | Summer Nanny:

 "Taking a vacation can be good for your health, as it can reduce your stress levels and lower anxiety. That is, of course, assuming your vacation doesn’t make you sick. Preventing illnesses stemming from travel is, fortunately, reasonably easy. By following a few common-sense guidelines and making sure that all of your bases are covered, you can enjoy the exotic jaunts of a world traveler without worrying about the effect of your adventurous spirit on your physical health. These 36 blog entries are full of valuable information that can keep you from getting sick while you’re seeing the world."

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20 Blogs with Inspiring Ideas to Make Kindergarten Graduation Memorable - Become A Nanny

20 Blogs with Inspiring Ideas to Make Kindergarten Graduation Memorable - Become A Nanny:

 "When your child goes off to kindergarten it’s an emotional and exciting time. After all, your baby is growing up and going off to school!  Now that you are approaching the end of the kindergarten year, you probably want to recognize the achievement of completing kindergarten.  Some schools do a formal kindergarten graduation, while others keep the graduation more low key.  These 20 blogs will inspire you and your friends with different ways that you can make your children’s kindergarten graduation an exceptional experience.  These blog entries cover the ceremony, how to make the cap, recipes for some tasty graduation treats and of course some gift ideas."

'via Blog this'

How to Monitor Your Teen’s Online Social Life | Babysitting

How to Monitor Your Teen’s Online Social Life | Babysitting:

 "The Internet is an invaluable tool for teenagers, allowing them access to information that would have required their parents to spend hours in the library with a card catalog and stack of reference books. For all of the vast stores of information online, there are also more than a few dangers. Sexual predators, bullying and inappropriate and dangerously false information are just a sampling of the trouble teens can find when their online lives aren’t supervised properly."

'via Blog this'

28 Blogs Featuring Recycled Easter Crafts for Eco-Friendly Moms - Find A Babysitter

28 Blogs Featuring Recycled Easter Crafts for Eco-Friendly Moms - Find A Babysitter:

 "This Easter, instead of using store-bought Easter decorations, keep your kids busy with some imaginative Easter crafts using items found around the house.  All of these crafts use recycled items and containers, preventing these objects from ending up in the landfill.  Kids need creativity in their lives, and these crafts will spark their imaginations so that they can create cute projects to decorate your home with or give away as gifts.  You can feel good about whatever you do with them because not only are you spending quality time with the kids, you’re also keeping excess waste out of the landfill.  Check out these 28 blog entries for some recycled craft ideas for you and your kids."

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Nanny Classifieds » 5 Traits that Turn Nannies Off

Nanny Classifieds » 5 Traits that Turn Nannies Off:

 "Every nanny has a different definition of a “good employer” that is dependent on the nanny’s personality, style and needs. However, there are certain traits or actions that drive just about every nanny crazy. Here’s a look at the top 5 things you want to avoid if you’re a nanny employer."

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Monday, February 25, 2013

Big Neuroscience: Billions and Billions (Maybe) to Unravel Mysteries of the Brain | Talking back, Scientific American Blog Network

Big Neuroscience: Billions and Billions (Maybe) to Unravel Mysteries of the Brain | Talking back, Scientific American Blog Network:

 "The era of Big Neuroscience has arrived."

'via Blog this'

Military Veterans as Nannies: An Interview with Jonathan Gilliam of Tactical Nanny | eNannySource

Military Veterans as Nannies: An Interview with Jonathan Gilliam of Tactical Nanny | eNannySource:

 "When it made the news that a nanny agency specializing in placing military veterans as caregivers was opening up, there was a buzz of concern and interest amongst those in the nanny industry. To learn more about the Tactical Nannies program I reached out to Jonathan Gilliam, president and CEO of United States Continued Service, the parent company of Tactical Nannies. Here’s what he had to share."

'via Blog this'

10 iPhone Apps to Help You Get Around a New City « House Sitting Jobs

10 iPhone Apps to Help You Get Around a New City « House Sitting Jobs:

"Visiting or moving to a new city can be a daunting experience. Without a personal guide, most people will struggle to find their way around without getting lost. Even if you do have family or friends in the city, there’s no guarantee that they will get you to where you need to go. Thankfully, in the age of the iPhone, getting lost in an unfamiliar city is no longer a nightmare you need to endure. These ten innovative apps will help you successfully navigate your way around, as well as provide useful information on places to visit on your travels."

'via Blog this'

20 Rules Teens Want Their Parents to Follow But Know They Won’t | Babysitting Jobs

20 Rules Teens Want Their Parents to Follow But Know They Won’t | Babysitting Jobs:

"It’s not uncommon for parents to feel the warring urges to be both a “cool” parent and a strict, overly-protective authoritarian one to ensure that your child doesn’t make the same mistakes as his peers. With access to an entire world at their fingertips and social media that keeps them connected to their friends around the clock, it can also feel like today’s kids are growing up faster than ever. While most parents know better than to let their children set the house rules, these are 20 that most teenagers would put in place if they had it their way."

'via Blog this'

How to Help Your Child be Empathetic | GoNannies.com Blog

How to Help Your Child be Empathetic | GoNannies.com Blog:

 "Few emotions in life are more difficult to teach a child than empathy.  It is a confusing, complicated and mature emotion that even most adults have yet to master.  However, teaching a child empathy can have lasting effects on her as she grows up.  Empathy is a valuable tool to possess and can help a child cooperate with others in school and in life.  It can help her grow to be a compassionate and kind person."

'via Blog this'

14 Reliable Ways to Make Money from Home

14 Reliable Ways to Make Money from Home:

"More and more people are looking for ways to work from home to avoid commuting to an office, having to pay for daycare or having to relocate to find a better employment climate. With the job market and economy still struggling to rebound, people are more inclined to hold less traditional positions. This has resulted in more people getting business savvy and making a decent living to boot. These are just a small sampling of the things you can do to make money from the comfort and convenience of your own home."

'via Blog this'

10 Baby Products that Can Cause Injuries Because of Misuse | Newborn Care

10 Baby Products that Can Cause Injuries Because of Misuse | Newborn Care:

"Almost anything can turn unsafe when used incorrectly, but some items marketed directly towards babies and their new parents can just be downright dangerous. These are ten of the objects you’re likely to find in any nursery, but might want to use with caution."

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25 Foods Everyone Should Try At Least Once « Au Pair Care

25 Foods Everyone Should Try At Least Once « Au Pair Care:

 "Whether you exist on a diet of classic comfort food or are a naturally adventurous eater, there are certain foods that you should make a point of trying at least once in your lifetime. These are twenty-five of those edible wonders, from simple "

'via Blog this'

9 Gross Things Parents Do But Don’t Always Know It | Full Time Nanny

9 Gross Things Parents Do But Don’t Always Know It | Full Time Nanny:

"Even the most germ-phobic moms are guilty of committing some of the grossest parenting sins. Sometimes, they don’t even know they’re committing them. Here are the nine grossest things parents commonly do, and the reasons they should reconsider doing them."

'via Blog this'

24 Blogs Illustrating How Dads Can Help Make the Best Mother’s Day Present | Aupair Jobs

24 Blogs Illustrating How Dads Can Help Make the Best Mother’s Day Present | Aupair Jobs:

"Mothers are such a special breed.  Dads, you might need to help out the little ones so that they can make a special Mother’s Day present for mom.  In case you are at a loss as to what to help the kids make for mom, here are 24 blog entries to help.  Some of these crafts the kids will be able to create almost on their own, but you may need to supervise and get out the craft supplies.  Others will take a bit more effort from you dad, but mom will definitely appreciate the time that you spent helping the kids create a special gift for her.  Choose from wearable art like necklaces to eco-friendly crafts if that’s what mom is into.  Even if you are craft challenged you can help the kids create a coupon book for mom or a gift basket.  Check out these blogs and see if you get inspired."

'via Blog this'

Sunday, February 24, 2013

Paul Krugman

NYT

The Turbulent World of Middle East Soccer: Militant Jerusalem fans challenge founding principle of Israeli foreign policy

The Turbulent World of Middle East Soccer: Militant Jerusalem fans challenge founding principle of Israeli foreign policy:

When militant supporters of right-wing soccer club Beitar Jerusalem last month vowed to keep their team pure in protest against the hiring of two Chechen Muslim players they went beyond what are usually accepted expressions of racism in Israel to unwittingly challenge a founding principle of Israeli foreign and defense policy coined by the country’s first prime minister, David Ben Gurion: the need to ally Israel with non-Arab Muslim nations to compensate historically for the lack of and more recently uncertainty of its relations with Arab neighbors.

'via Blog this'

Harper High School (Chicago) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Harper High School (Chicago) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia:

"The majority of students are African American. Harper was the first public school in Chicago to be a part of the Turnaround project started by former Chicago Public Schools CEO Arne Duncan.[2] Harper High School gained national attention when the school was featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show. The show discussed Harper High School's lack of computers and other essential learning tools for its students. The Rev. Jesse Jackson has been a big advocate for the school and its lack of funding.[citation needed] Harper High School was also the focus of two episodes of "This American Life" in February 2013, to look into the fact that 29 current and recent students were shot (including 8 fatally) last year. [3]"

'via Blog this'

Robert Fisk

The Independent

Syria & Lebanon

NYT

Paul Krugman's Blog

NYT

Friday, February 22, 2013

The Turbulent World of Middle East Soccer: Port Said unites key Egyptian government critics: workers and soccer fans

The Turbulent World of Middle East Soccer: Port Said unites key Egyptian government critics: workers and soccer fans:

 "Military troops are protecting factories and government offices on the fifth day of a general strike in the Suez Canal city of Port Said that has brought together two groups with working class roots that played key roles in the toppling of former Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak: militant, highly politicized, street-battled hardened soccer fans and the labor movement."

'via Blog this'

How to Get More Sleep Out of Your Toddler - Find A Babysitter

How to Get More Sleep Out of Your Toddler - Find A Babysitter:

From the moment you bring your newborn home until he’s well into the school-aged years, the one thing you’re likely to always want more of is sleep. A full night of restful sleep can become so rare that it can almost seem mythical to the parents of toddlers, but there are some things you can do to stretch out the time you’re allotted. If your child is waking in the obscenely early hours of the morning and you can’t seem to get him back to bed, these tips can help you establish a routine that keeps him sleeping until at least sunrise.

'via Blog this'

Roger Cohen

NYT

Thursday, February 21, 2013

Paul Krugman

NYT

Nanny Classifieds » What Britney Spears Should Look for in a Nanny

Nanny Classifieds » What Britney Spears Should Look for in a Nanny:

 "From her beginnings on The Mickey Mouse Club to a very public fall from grace that culminated in a now-infamous head-shaving incident and a conservatorship she’s still fighting, Britney Spears has spent the majority of her life in the public eye. With the births of her sons Sean Preston and Jayden James, she also became something of a public figure representing what not to do as a parent. Nannies and private childcare providers have been on the periphery of many tabloid-fodder incidents surrounding the pop princess, indicating that she should probably consider amending her criteria for nanny candidates in the future."

'via Blog this'

15 Common Internet Scams and How to Avoid Them | Longhorn Leads, LLC

15 Common Internet Scams and How to Avoid Them | Longhorn Leads, LLC:

"The Internet is a powerful resource that connects you to the rest of the world and helps you access knowledge in the blink of any eye. It can also, however, put you in the precarious position of sussing out legitimate offers versus complete cons. These 15 Internet scams are quite popular, but you can avoid falling victim to them by learning to recognize their common red flags."

'via Blog this'

18 Blogs You Can Use to Determine if Your Child is Gifted | Find A Nanny

18 Blogs You Can Use to Determine if Your Child is Gifted | Find A Nanny:

"Many parents think that their child is gifted, maybe because he walked before the other babies in the playgroup or was an early talker.  However, does this mean that your child is gifted or just really smart?  What is the difference between a child who is gifted and one who is highly proficient?  As a parent, what should you do to make sure your child is getting what he needs in school?  These questions and others will be answered in the following 18 blog entries.  If you think your child might be gifted, you may benefit from reading these blogs."

'via Blog this'

10 iPhone Apps to Help You Track Your Favorite Team’s Stats | Blog | Kenney Myers

10 iPhone Apps to Help You Track Your Favorite Team’s Stats | Blog | Kenney Myers:

"Keeping up with the demands of a busy professional life and a balanced personal life can be a challenge, and may not leave you with enough time to watch all of your favorite teams compete in their respective sports. These 10 iPhone apps can help you track scores and achievements when you’re not able to tune into live events and allow you to watch your favorite teams compete while you’re on the go!"

'via Blog this'

12 Secrets For Maintaining a Happy Marriage After Kids « House Sitting Jobs

12 Secrets For Maintaining a Happy Marriage After Kids « House Sitting Jobs:

"While it’s no secret to any couple past the honeymoon stage that marriage requires work in order to be successful, it can come as a surprise to new parents just how much raising children changes the dynamic of a marriage. Keeping the ever-elusive “spark” alive after babies come along can be one of the biggest challenges that a married couple faces, but it’s absolutely possible. These 12 pointers can help you maintain the great relationship you have, even when the demands of parenthood begin to weigh on you both."

'via Blog this'

28 Blogs with Ideas to Keep Teens from Going Stir Crazy Over Spring Break | Babysitting

28 Blogs with Ideas to Keep Teens from Going Stir Crazy Over Spring Break | Babysitting:

 "Spring Break is quickly approaching, but what do you do when you don’t have the time to go anywhere or if you have other commitments that make taking a trip with the family impossible at this time? The last thing you want is to find your hands full with teenagers who are losing their minds from boredom! Worse yet, how do you make sure they stay out of trouble while you are at work?  If these questions are plaguing you, then it may be a good idea to take a look at these 28 blogs that can give you some inspiration for surviving this Spring Break."

'via Blog this'

5 Ways to Help Kids Who Are Struggling With Homework | Nanny Websites

5 Ways to Help Kids Who Are Struggling With Homework | Nanny Websites:

"Though some progressive schools around the country have taken steps to eliminate homework, it still remains a fixture in the lives of most students. Homework can also be the source of much household suffering, either due to a refusal to complete assignments that ultimately affects academic performance or a difficulty completing the work. Before you throw in the towel altogether, give these five suggestions a try in order to get the students in your family back on track."

'via Blog this'

10 Hot Lunch Ideas to Pack for School-Aged Kids | Live Out Nanny

10 Hot Lunch Ideas to Pack for School-Aged Kids | Live Out Nanny:

"If your child craves more substantial food during the cooler months, a cold-cut sandwich may not cut it for his lunchtime meal. Because so many schools are making the peanut-free switch, the classic PB&J may not even be an option for your young student. While cafeteria hot lunch is an option, truth be told, there’s no telling what’s in the food. Generally, school lunches are prepared with pre-packaged foods that are laden with chemicals, additives and preservatives.  Packing a nice, home-cooked hot lunch will ensure proper nourishment for your child and you’ll know exactly what’s in your child’s food."

'via Blog this'

Mexican rapes

NYT

Paul Krugman

NYT

Soccer in Middle East

NYT

Gail Collins

NYT

25 Blogs with Family-Friendly Ways to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day | Babysitters

25 Blogs with Family-Friendly Ways to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day | Babysitters:

While everyone knows that St. Patrick’s Day is a holiday, it’s unlikely that many know the story behind St. Patrick’s Day.  In a nutshell, a man named Patrick converted a large group of Irish people from Paganism to Christianity and was made a Saint.  Now considered the patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick used the shamrock as the symbol of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  The color green is used because of the rich green hills that are found all over Ireland.  You may be wondering how St. Patrick’s Day turned into a day for drinking, and there is a reason for that too.  St. Patrick told a bar owner who was cheating his customers by pouring short glasses of liquor that there was a demon in his basement and that the only way to be rid of it was to be generous.  After that, St. Patrick said that everyone should celebrate with some of the hard stuff on St. Patrick’s Day. However, the holiday isn’t solely reserved for those of legal drinking age; there are plenty of family-friendly things to do to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day too.  Check out these 25 blog entries to find craft projects to make with the kids, decorations for your home, recipes to make for your family and other activities to do as well.

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10 Ways to Calm Your Fussy Baby in the Middle of the Night - Find A Babysitter

10 Ways to Calm Your Fussy Baby in the Middle of the Night - Find A Babysitter:

"Regardless of how it may feel in the wee hours of the morning to a sleep-deprived parent, your baby does not have an ulterior motive to keep you up all night and make you miserable. It’s more like that she just doesn’t yet know how to handle a situation and is not able to express her frustration in any way other than crying through the night. Here are some tried and true techniques to calm your fussy baby, though you should keep in mind that all babies are different. If something on this list doesn’t work for you, keep trying other things that you think are soothing."

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Expert Insights: Helping Students Strategize for College with Career Coach Crystal Kadakia | eNannySource

Expert Insights: Helping Students Strategize for College with Career Coach Crystal Kadakia | eNannySource:

"With the cost of college rising, parents and students can no longer afford to wait until college starts to determine what career path to take. So how can parents help kids make such tough decisions, like what they’ll study and what they’ll be? I reached out to career coach Crystal Kadakia from Career Indulgence to find out. "

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21 Blogs Using Acupressure to Improve Your Well-Being » Share a Nanny

21 Blogs Using Acupressure to Improve Your Well-Being » Share a Nanny:

"Acupressure has been used for centuries as a means for treating the body and mind.  You can do acupressure on yourself or have a specialist do it for you. By applying pressure to certain points called acupressure points it is believed that you can fix the energy flow (or chi) in the body.  These 21 blogs will provide charts and illustrations to show the acupressure points and explain how acupressure can help with pain reduction, physical ailments and overall relaxation."

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30 of the Best Blogs for Aspiring Pastry Chefs « Nanny Care

30 of the Best Blogs for Aspiring Pastry Chefs « Nanny Care:

 "Whether you’re harboring dreams of working as a professional pastry chef or simply wish you had the requisite skills to turn out expert-level desserts and baked goods for your family and friends, there’s no denying the fact that perfect pastries demand attention to detail and plenty of know-how to pull off properly. It wasn’t so long ago that aspiring pastry chefs only had two real options for becoming a pastry expert, which were to either attend culinary school to hone their skills or apprentice under an accomplished chef. These days, the global network created by the Internet and, more specifically, the blogosphere, allows pastry lovers unprecedented access to the carefully-guarded secrets of master chefs. The following 30 blogs are packed with useful information and recipes for aspiring pastry chefs at any skill level."

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What You Should Know Before Letting Your Kids Ride the School Bus Alone | Full Time Nanny

What You Should Know Before Letting Your Kids Ride the School Bus Alone | Full Time Nanny:

"The first day of school is a momentous occasion for both parents and their children, but so is the first time that your child rides the school bus alone. For some parents, necessity forces them to put their kids on the bus, as their own professional schedules won’t allow for drop-offs and pick-ups. In other cases, belief that riding the bus builds character or exposes kids to manageable difficulty to give them strength is the motivating factor behind using the school bus as primary transportation. Whatever your reasons, there are a few things you should know before your little one climbs those steps for the first time."

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30 Blogs to Help You Go to Prom on a Budget | Babysitting Jobs

30 Blogs to Help You Go to Prom on a Budget | Babysitting Jobs:

 "Prom can be the most magical night in a young woman’s life.  As a parent, you want her night to be as perfect as possible, but there must be limits. One of these limits is budget. When you begin planning for the big night, it’s a good idea to sit down with your daughter and discuss her expectations for the event and set a budget that the two of you can afford.  If she has to pay for some of the things she wants, she will be far more frugal with the funds than if mom and dad are footing the entire bill. You’ll have no trouble finding the right dress and accessories without spending a fortune when you use the tips from these blog posts.  See if your daughter and her friends can come up with their own money saving tips.  Use these 30 blog entries as a place to start."

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18 Blogs Featuring the Top Painting Tips for Beginners « House Sitting Jobs

18 Blogs Featuring the Top Painting Tips for Beginners « House Sitting Jobs:

 "Want a fresh new look on your walls? Need ideas for painting a nursery? Painting is not hard if you know the basics, and these 18 blog entries will give you all the information that you need to successfully paint your own walls.  Once you get the hang of painting you’ll be unstoppable, no more wasting money hiring someone else to paint your rooms! And as tempting as it may be, make sure that you don’t skip the prep-work, because it could make the difference between a job well done and one that looks less than perfect."

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10 Common Illegal Things Honest People Do | Blog | Kenney Myers

10 Common Illegal Things Honest People Do | Blog | Kenney Myers:

When you think of the word “criminal,” the image that comes to mind is probably that of a grizzled convict with a penchant for violence. In reality, a criminal is anyone who breaks the law, even if it’s a relatively minor one. Many honest, upstanding people commit crimes on a daily basis, essentially making criminals of themselves. These are ten of the most common illegal activities; how many of them are you guilty of?

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Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Ben Bernanke Today

NYT

The high rate of unemployment remained the primary concern for most of the 19 Fed officials who participate in the regular meetings of the Federal Open Market Committee.

Jesse Jackson Jr. Pleads Guilty

NYT

Jared Diamond (1/24/13) | Commonwealth Club

Jared Diamond (1/24/13) | Commonwealth Club:

On old people.

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What Are the Consequences For Not Giving Your Nanny a W-2 Form? | GoNannies.com Blog

What Are the Consequences For Not Giving Your Nanny a W-2 Form? | GoNannies.com Blog:

 "When you hire a domestic worker, which includes private childcare providers, you’re required by law to provide them with a W-2 form each year showing that Social Security, Medicare and the proper income taxes have been withheld. IRS estimates regarding federal income tax law compliance among nannies and their employers is very low, with the majority of employers and nannies working under an “off the books” arrangement. Because the compliance rate is so notoriously low, some employers feel that the risk of being discovered is also relatively low and opt for the perceived savings that come with skipping compliance altogether. If you’re considering an under the table arrangement that will leave your nanny with no W-2 at the beginning of the year, there are some dire consequences you’ll want to take into consideration first."

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How to Choose a Kid-Friendly Family Dog

How to Choose a Kid-Friendly Family Dog:

 "In the age-old “cat people versus dog people” debate, the votes have been tabulated and the results show that your household is a “dog family.” The only problem is that you don’t actually have a family dog. Remedying the situation provides everyone in the household with companionship and entertainment, helps to teach kids about the responsibility of caring for another living thing and puts a stop to the endless begging, cajoling and whining for a dog. The only thing left to do is choose your dog, but how do you make such a big decision?"

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15 Keyboard Hacks that Will Save You Tons of Time | Longhorn Leads, LLC

15 Keyboard Hacks that Will Save You Tons of Time | Longhorn Leads, LLC:

 "Whether you spend the majority of your day working with computers professionally or just write the occasional report, it goes without saying that writing projects can be a bit time consuming. When you’re up against a tight deadline and every minute counts, finding ways to shave a few seconds off of every task you tackle can add up big time over the course of your work. These 15 keyboard hacks are effective shortcuts that can help you power through your work so that you come in on the right side of every deadline."

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Protecting Your Children in the Car: 5 Tips for Choosing the Right Car Seat | NannyPro.com

Protecting Your Children in the Car: 5 Tips for Choosing the Right Car Seat | NannyPro.com:

 "Congratulations!  A baby is on the way!  Paramount on the list of concerns for a new parent is safety, and safety concerns will start sooner than you might initially think:  on the car ride home from the hospital as your new baby takes his/her first ride in a car seat.  Choosing a car seat can be a daunting task; have you seen the size of the car seat section at your local baby supply store?  It is huge, with multitudes of seats to choose from, ranging anywhere from $40 to several hundred.  So how do you choose the right one?"

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25 Hacks that Will Give Your More Time in Your Day | Housekeeping

25 Hacks that Will Give Your More Time in Your Day | Housekeeping:

"Saving a few seconds here and there throughout the day may not seem like it makes that much of a difference, but consistently practicing time-saving habits can add up. The time you save with these 25 hacks can be put to practical, productivity-boosting use or serve as a bit of “me time” carved out of your day; either way, efficient habits can help you find a surplus of time in an otherwise hectic world."

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10 of the Funniest Comb Overs in History | Vitamins and Minerals

10 of the Funniest Comb Overs in History | Vitamins and Minerals:

"So I always vowed that I wouldn’t do the comb over as I got older and then well… I got older. Here’s the thing, you don’t actually realize it is as bad as it is until someone else points it out to you (or you tilt your head down in a picture whichever comes first). My plan is still to just keep going shorter and shorter until well, it’s all gone but I’m pretty sure that if you catch me on a bad day you might have a chuckle or two at my expense. Without further ado (and because I think it is good to laugh about these things rather than cry), here are 10 of the best comb overs I could come up with to make me feel just a tiny bit better in some weird way:"

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10 Reality Shows That Aren’t So Real

10 Reality Shows That Aren’t So Real:

 "There’s something about the idea of peeking into someone else’s daily life that appeals to the average American, as evidenced by the astounding number of reality television shows that proliferate the airwaves. Even networks like The History Channel and The Learning Channel have shifted their focus from legitimate, educational programming in favor of cheaply produced reality shows with mass appeal. While there is speculation about the level of scripting and prompting on most reality shows, these 10 have faced real allegations of being fabricated on some level, much to the dismay of their devoted viewers."

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25 Blogs Sharing How to Use Essential Oils to Make You Feel Better | Live-In Nanny

25 Blogs Sharing How to Use Essential Oils to Make You Feel Better | Live-In Nanny:

"Essential oils are extracted from many different plant sources and have been used for thousands of years for various purposes.  If you plan to consume an essential oil you have to make sure that it is the highest quality of the oil and the bottle should specify that can be taken ingested.  The lower quality oils can be used for aroma therapy, making homemade products and pampering yourself.  These 25 blog entries will try to demystify essential oils and help you understand how you can benefit from using them."

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Learn How to Talk Your Teen’s Language with These 30 Blogs | Babysitting

Learn How to Talk Your Teen’s Language with These 30 Blogs | Babysitting:

When your affectionate child becomes a strong-willed tween who suddenly morphs into a sullen teenager, it’s easy to feel like a language barrier has sprung up between you and the teenager you’ve raised from infancy. Innocent questions can quickly degenerate into shouting matches and emotional scenes, leaving teens upset and parents befuddled. With these 30 blog entries, you can begin to explore concepts that may facilitate more productive conversation between you and your teen. With a bit of dedication and plenty of practice, you’ll be speaking your teen’s language before you know it.

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Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Tom Friedman Today

NYT

Beltway Foreign Policy

NYT

Expert Insights: Focusing on Today’s Youth with Anthony Goulet, Gang Prevention and Interventionist | eNannySource

Expert Insights: Focusing on Today’s Youth with Anthony Goulet, Gang Prevention and Interventionist | eNannySource:

 "Recently, I had the chance to connect with the author of God, Help Me Tie My Shoes! The Sacred Contract of Fatherhood and gang prevention and interventionist Anthony Goulet. I wanted to get his take on the misconceptions people have about today’s youth, how parents and caregivers can identify at-risk youth and how they can help keep them on the right track. Here’s what he had to say."

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10 Reasons Why You Should Consider a Flash Mob Marriage Proposal » National Nannies

10 Reasons Why You Should Consider a Flash Mob Marriage Proposal » National Nannies:

"There’s something about a flash mob that makes every big moment better, which may be why they’re now regularly used for everything from product promotion to issue awareness. While some flash mobs create chaos and promote vandalism, the vast majority are feel-good affairs that leave both participants and onlookers with a smile. One trend, the flash mob marriage proposal, is rapidly gaining ground with young adults looking to start a life with the one they love. If you’re thinking of ways to pop that all-important question, here are 10 of the reasons why you may want to consider doing so with a flash mob."

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Expand Your New Baby Care Knowledge with These 30 Blogs - Find A Babysitter

Expand Your New Baby Care Knowledge with These 30 Blogs - Find A Babysitter:

"Whether you’re getting ready to have your first baby or start your first babysitting job, learning to properly and safely care for an infant can be more complicated than it appears on the surface. Because the flood of information and sheer volume of conflicting reports can be both confusing and nerve-wracking, the process of learning about babies can be more strenuous than actually caring for them. In the interest of simplifying baby care and making the concept less intimidating, these 30 blog entries have been collected to offer practical, real-life baby care advice to those who need it most."

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10 of the Best Hacks for Putting Together a Last Minute Dinner Party « House Sitting Jobs

10 of the Best Hacks for Putting Together a Last Minute Dinner Party « House Sitting Jobs:

"No matter how much you love to throw a dinner party, they’re nothing short of nerve-wracking when they spring up spontaneously and you don’t have enough time to prepare properly. You don’t have to be restricted to take-out from a nearby restaurant when you have an unexpectedly large party to feed on short notice, though; you just have to keep these 10 life hacks and others of their ilk in mind. By making the most of your time and the resources at your disposal, you can pull off a last minute party with the same aplomb as one you’ve planned for weeks."

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10 of the Most Interesting People Named Ken | Blog | Kenney Myers

10 of the Most Interesting People Named Ken | Blog | Kenney Myers:

 "Roughly one in 142 Americans carries the name Kenneth, which has a first-name rate of 80.41% and a middle-name rate of 19.59%. When the population statistics of the United States are compared against these statistics, it indicates that there are approximately 2,224,539 people with the name of Kenneth in the nation. The most common derivative nicknames of Kenneth are “Ken” and “Kenny.” These 10 men are some of the most interesting public figures who have the name Ken or its parent name Kenneth.  NOTE:  some of these you will see on other lists of Kens on this site!"

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The 10 Best Cities for People without Cars | Aupair Jobs

The 10 Best Cities for People without Cars | Aupair Jobs:

"Whether you’re a nervous driver or a staunch supporter of mass transit as a means of reducing your carbon footprint, relying solely upon public transportation will require you to live in a city with a suitable public transportation system in place. Of all the cities in the United States, these 10 have the best mass transit systems in place and are most well-suited to traveling sans car."

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What to Look for in a Long-Term Nanny Job » 4Nannies

What to Look for in a Long-Term Nanny Job » 4Nannies:

 "By Erin McNeill

Most nannies don’t begin their career looking for a job that will allow them to stay with a family for many years, possibly until all of the children off to college. However, there comes a point where you may realize that longevity with a family is exactly what you’re seeking. Staying beyond the pre-school years creates a connection with the children and family that goes much deeper than the typical bond one has with the children they care for. Here are a few things to look for in your search for a long-term family."

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21 Blogs Featuring Soups That Will Warm Your Soul This Winter | Part Time Nanny

21 Blogs Featuring Soups That Will Warm Your Soul This Winter | Part Time Nanny:

 "The long winter months usually mean that snow is piling up outside and the air has that crisp chill in it. What better time could there be to make up a pot of mouth-watering soup?  Whether you are looking for the comforting soups that mom used to make or something on the lighter side, you will be able to find a recipe to fulfill your cravings on one of these 21 blog entries.  Plus, there are some vegetarian and vegan soups that may just help you stay on track with that New Year’s resolution to eat less red meat this year."

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21 Blogs Sharing Date Night Ideas | Babysitting Jobs

21 Blogs Sharing Date Night Ideas | Babysitting Jobs: "


Keeping the spark alive in your marriage is no easy task, but it’s an integral one for maintaining a happy marriage. It’s all too easy for people to get wrapped up in their busy lives and forget to make time for their spouse or loved one.  To avoid being one of those couples who drift apart after the kids are born, try adding a date night to your schedule.  It can be once a week or once a month, just make sure you pencil time in for one.  These 21 blog entries will give you some enjoyable ideas for date nights with your spouse."

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Monday, February 18, 2013

Is Obama Listening to the Right People?

Today we can read two superb articles in the NYT, [here], and [here]. Two Nobel Prize winners tell the US President, to increase opportunities for all, not only for the well connected upper classes. The fact that these gentlemen are economists, should increase the urgency, and relevance of their proposals.

I have lately read Obama's speeches, I just hope he follows through, with the good advise here highlighted.

 At this point in humanity's path, rightist ideologues will lead us astray. Leave Milton Friedman, and Ayn Rand in their tombs, let them rest in peace.

It is better to listen to Stephen Pimpare, "A People's History of Poverty in America".

Equal Opportunity, Our National Myth

President Obama’s second Inaugural Address used soaring language to reaffirm America’s commitment to the dream of equality of opportunity: “We are true to our creed when a little girl born into the bleakest poverty knows that she has the same chance to succeed as anybody else, because she is an American; she is free, and she is equal, not just in the eyes of God but also in our own.”

The gap between aspiration and reality could hardly be wider. Today, the United States has less equality of opportunity than almost any other advanced industrial country. Study after study has exposed the myth that America is a land of opportunity. This is especially tragic: While Americans may differ on the desirability of equality of outcomes, there is near-universal consensus that inequality of opportunity is indefensible. The Pew Research Center has found that some 90 percent of Americans believe that the government should do everything it can to ensure equality of opportunity.

Perhaps a hundred years ago, America might have rightly claimed to have been the land of opportunity, or at least a land where there was more opportunity than elsewhere. But not for at least a quarter of a century. Horatio Alger-style rags-to-riches stories were not a deliberate hoax, but given how they’ve lulled us into a sense of complacency, they might as well have been.

It’s not that social mobility is impossible, but that the upwardly mobile American is becoming a statistical oddity. According to research from the Brookings Institution, only 58 percent of Americans born into the bottom fifth of income earners move out of that category, and just 6 percent born into the bottom fifth move into the top. Economic mobility in the United States is lower than in most of Europe and lower than in all of Scandinavia.

Another way of looking at equality of opportunity is to ask to what extent the life chances of a child are dependent on the education and income of his parents. Is it just as likely that a child of poor or poorly educated parents gets a good education and rises to the middle class as someone born to middle-class parents with college degrees? Even in a more egalitarian society, the answer would be no. But the life prospects of an American are more dependent on the income and education of his parents than in almost any other advanced country for which there is data.

How do we explain this? Some of it has to do with persistent discrimination. Latinos and African-Americans still get paid less than whites, and women still get paid less than men, even though they recently surpassed men in the number of advanced degrees they obtain. Though gender disparities in the workplace are less than they once were, there is still a glass ceiling: women are sorely underrepresented in top corporate positions and constitute a minuscule fraction of C.E.O.’s.

Discrimination, however, is only a small part of the picture. Probably the most important reason for lack of equality of opportunity is education: both its quantity and quality. After World War II, Europe made a major effort to democratize its education systems. We did, too, with the G.I. Bill, which extended higher education to Americans across the economic spectrum.

But then we changed, in several ways. While racial segregation decreased, economic segregation increased. After 1980, the poor grew poorer, the middle stagnated, and the top did better and better. Disparities widened between those living in poor localities and those living in rich suburbs — or rich enough to send their kids to private schools. A result was a widening gap in educational performance — the achievement gap between rich and poor kids born in 2001 was 30 to 40 percent larger than it was for those born 25 years earlier, the Stanford sociologist Sean F. Reardon found.

Of course, there are other forces at play, some of which start even before birth. Children in affluent families get more exposure to reading and less exposure to environmental hazards. Their families can afford enriching experiences like music lessons and summer camp. They get better nutrition and health care, which enhance their learning, directly and indirectly.

Americans are coming to realize that their cherished narrative of social and economic mobility is a myth.

Unless current trends in education are reversed, the situation is likely to get even worse. In some cases it seems as if policy has actually been designed to reduce opportunity: government support for many state schools has been steadily gutted over the last few decades — and especially in the last few years. Meanwhile, students are crushed by giant student loan debts that are almost impossible to discharge, even in bankruptcy. This is happening at the same time that a college education is more important than ever for getting a good job.

Young people from families of modest means face a Catch-22: without a college education, they are condemned to a life of poor prospects; with a college education, they may be condemned to a lifetime of living at the brink. And increasingly even a college degree isn’t enough; one needs either a graduate degree or a series of (often unpaid) internships. Those at the top have the connections and social capital to get those opportunities. Those in the middle and bottom don’t. The point is that no one makes it on his or her own. And those at the top get more help from their families than do those lower down on the ladder. Government should help to level the playing field.

Americans are coming to realize that their cherished narrative of social and economic mobility is a myth. Grand deceptions of this magnitude are hard to maintain for long — and the country has already been through a couple of decades of self-deception.

Without substantial policy changes, our self-image, and the image we project to the world, will diminish — and so will our economic standing and stability. Inequality of outcomes and inequality of opportunity reinforce each other — and contribute to economic weakness, as Alan B. Krueger, a Princeton economist and the chairman of the White House Council of Economic Advisers, has emphasized. We have an economic, and not only moral, interest in saving the American dream.

Policies that promote equality of opportunity must target the youngest Americans. First, we have to make sure that mothers are not exposed to environmental hazards and get adequate prenatal health care. Then, we have to reverse the damaging cutbacks to preschool education, a theme Mr. Obama emphasized on Tuesday. We have to make sure that all children have adequate nutrition and health care — not only do we have to provide the resources, but if necessary, we have to incentivize parents, by coaching or training them or even rewarding them for being good caregivers. The right says that money isn’t the solution. They’ve chased reforms like charter schools and private-school vouchers, but most of these efforts have shown ambiguous results at best. Giving more money to poor schools would help. So would summer and extracurricular programs that enrich low-income students’ skills.

Finally, it is unconscionable that a rich country like the United States has made access to higher education so difficult for those at the bottom and middle. There are many alternative ways of providing universal access to higher education, from Australia’s income-contingent loan program to the near-free system of universities in Europe. A more educated population yields greater innovation, a robust economy and higher incomes — which mean a higher tax base. Those benefits are, of course, why we’ve long been committed to free public education through 12th grade. But while a 12th-grade education might have sufficed a century ago, it doesn’t today. Yet we haven’t adjusted our system to contemporary realities.

The steps I’ve outlined are not just affordable but imperative. Even more important, though, is that we cannot afford to let our country drift farther from ideals that the vast majority of Americans share. We will never fully succeed in achieving Mr. Obama’s vision of a poor girl’s having exactly the same opportunities as a wealthy girl. But we could do much, much better, and must not rest until we do.


Joseph E. Stiglitz, a Nobel laureate in economics, a professor at Columbia and a former chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers and chief economist for the World Bank, is the author of “The Price of Inequality.”

A version of this article appeared in print on 02/17/2013, on page SR4 of the National edition with the headline: Equal Opportunity, Our National Myth.
NYT

Raise That Wage

President Obama laid out a number of good ideas in his State of the Union address. Unfortunately, almost all of them would require spending money — and given Republican control of the House of Representatives, it’s hard to imagine that happening.

One major proposal, however, wouldn’t involve budget outlays: the president’s call for a rise in the minimum wage from $7.25 an hour to $9, with subsequent increases in line with inflation. The question we need to ask is: Would this be good policy? And the answer, perhaps surprisingly, is a clear yes.

Why “surprisingly”? Well, Economics 101 tells us to be very cautious about attempts to legislate market outcomes. Every textbook — mine included — lays out the unintended consequences that flow from policies like rent controls or agricultural price supports. And even most liberal economists would, I suspect, agree that setting a minimum wage of, say, $20 an hour would create a lot of problems.

But that’s not what’s on the table. And there are strong reasons to believe that the kind of minimum wage increase the president is proposing would have overwhelmingly positive effects.

First of all, the current level of the minimum wage is very low by any reasonable standard. For about four decades, increases in the minimum wage have consistently fallen behind inflation, so that in real terms the minimum wage is substantially lower than it was in the 1960s. Meanwhile, worker productivity has doubled. Isn’t it time for a raise?

Now, you might argue that even if the current minimum wage seems low, raising it would cost jobs. But there’s evidence on that question — lots and lots of evidence, because the minimum wage is one of the most studied issues in all of economics. U.S. experience, it turns out, offers many “natural experiments” here, in which one state raises its minimum wage while others do not. And while there are dissenters, as there always are, the great preponderance of the evidence from these natural experiments points to little if any negative effect of minimum wage increases on employment.

Why is this true? That’s a subject of continuing research, but one theme in all the explanations is that workers aren’t bushels of wheat or even Manhattan apartments; they’re human beings, and the human relationships involved in hiring and firing are inevitably more complex than markets for mere commodities. And one byproduct of this human complexity seems to be that modest increases in wages for the least-paid don’t necessarily reduce the number of jobs.

What this means, in turn, is that the main effect of a rise in minimum wages is a rise in the incomes of hard-working but low-paid Americans — which is, of course, what we’re trying to accomplish.

Finally, it’s important to understand how the minimum wage interacts with other policies aimed at helping lower-paid workers, in particular the earned-income tax credit, which helps low-income families who help themselves. The tax credit — which has traditionally had bipartisan support, although that may be ending — is also good policy. But it has a well-known defect: Some of its benefits end up flowing not to workers but to employers, in the form of lower wages. And guess what? An increase in the minimum wage helps correct this defect. It turns out that the tax credit and the minimum wage aren’t competing policies, they’re complementary policies that work best in tandem.

So Mr. Obama’s wage proposal is good economics. It’s also good politics: a wage increase is supported by an overwhelming majority of voters, including a strong majority of self-identified Republican women (but not men). Yet G.O.P. leaders in Congress are opposed to any rise. Why? They say that they’re concerned about the people who might lose their jobs, never mind the evidence that this won’t actually happen. But this isn’t credible.

For today’s Republican leaders clearly feel disdain for low-wage workers. Bear in mind that such workers, even if they work full time, by and large don’t pay income taxes (although they pay plenty in payroll and sales taxes), while they may receive benefits like Medicaid and food stamps. And you know what this makes them, in the eyes of the G.O.P.: “takers,” members of the contemptible 47 percent who, as Mitt Romney said to nods of approval, won’t take responsibility for their own lives.

Eric Cantor, the House majority leader, offered a perfect illustration of this disdain last Labor Day: He chose to commemorate a holiday dedicated to workers by sending out a message that said nothing at all about workers, but praised the efforts of business owners instead.

The good news is that not many Americans share that disdain; just about everyone except Republican men believes that the lowest-paid workers deserve a raise. And they’re right. We should raise the minimum wage, now.

A version of this op-ed appeared in print on February 18, 2013, on page A17 of the New York edition with the headline: Raise That Wage.
NYT

How to Know if Your Child is Ready for a Booster Seat | NannyPro.com

How to Know if Your Child is Ready for a Booster Seat | NannyPro.com:

 "When your child is beginning to grow out of his car seat, it’s time to consider graduating him to a booster seat. There are several indicators that the time has arrived to make the transition, but it’s important that you don’t rush the process simply because you’re eager to get him out of a car seat. Until he’s reached the proper size and weight, your child is far safer in a five-point harness than he is in a booster seat with the shoulder and lap belt."

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30 Blogs For Sleep Training Fussy Babies | Find A Nanny

30 Blogs For Sleep Training Fussy Babies | Find A Nanny:

 "When you first bring your new bundle of joy home from the hospital, every whimper seems like something magical. After a few months of severely curtailed sleep and the attendant exhaustion, however, you’re likely to be desperately in search of a way to help your baby sleep through the night, or at least for more than two hours at a stretch. The global village of parents, medical professionals and parenting experts that offer their wisdom and experience for the edification of the blogosphere come through in spades on the subject, with a staggering array of entries dedicated to sleep training in some form or fashion. These are 30 of the most helpful and valuable resources on sleep training provided by bloggers."

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A Mom’s Guide to Balancing Work and Family » National Nannies

A Mom’s Guide to Balancing Work and Family » National Nannies:

 "As the Mommy Wars wage on, the longstanding battle between working mothers and those who stay at home can get particularly nasty. When over-scheduled, over-tired working moms have trouble striking the delicate balance between parenting and maintaining a demanding career, many find themselves unsure of where to turn, suffering in silence rather than opening the proverbial can of worms. Finding ways to balance work and family isn’t easy, but it isn’t altogether impossible, either."

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The Turbulent World of Middle East Soccer: Soccer fans defy emergency rule, force work stoppage in Port Said

The Turbulent World of Middle East Soccer: Soccer fans defy emergency rule, force work stoppage in Port Said:

 "Thousands of militant soccer fans, in an indication that emergency rule will not squash mass protests, blocked government buildings as part of a general strike in the Suez Canal city of Port Said that is at the center of mounting anger at the brutality of police and security forces and demands that those responsible for the death of more than 800 protesters since mass demonstrations erupted in Egypt two years ago and toppled president Hosni Mubarak be held accountable."

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30 Blogs Parents of Teenage Girls Won’t Want to Miss | Babysitting

30 Blogs Parents of Teenage Girls Won’t Want to Miss | Babysitting:

 "Any parent with a teenage girl knows that dealing with a girl who is in the throes of adolescence can be an overwhelming task.  By definition, the teenage years will be somewhat chaotic, largely because of the raging hormones your teen is tackling and the urge they have to constantly test their boundaries. It’s important to remember that these kinds of things, while frustrating at times, are supposed to happen. Luckily, vast improvements in technology have allowed the world to become a much smaller place, thus enabling people from all walks of life to connect with one another and share their wisdom and experiences. From social networking to web cams to feeling the pressure to succeed, as well as many other things, teenage girls are understandably overwhelmed.  These 30 blog entries will shed some light on various things that all parents should be aware of so that you can be watchful of signs that your daughter may be involved in dangerous behavior."

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Nanny Jobs » 10 of the Best iPhone Apps for Stay at Home Dads

Nanny Jobs » 10 of the Best iPhone Apps for Stay at Home Dads:

"Apple’s powerful iPhone is one of the most popular mobile devices on the market and is widely celebrated for its ability to help busy professionals streamline their lives and boost their productivity. Working as a stay at home dad is definitely a full-time job and the iPhone can help you manage all of the different responsibilities that come with it. These 10 apps are effective tools for dads who stay home with their children and act as a primary caregiver, offering plenty of advice, tips and assistance along the way."

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Sunday, February 17, 2013

How to Get on a Reality Show

How to Get on a Reality Show:

"If you’ve always dreamed of being a celebrity, but aren’t angling for a career on the silver screen, the overwhelming surge in popularity of reality programming may seem like your golden opportunity. In order to properly capitalize on your dreams of reality stardom, however, you’ll have to master the casting process. While there are no sure-fire tips that will land you a sweet reality gig if you don’t have what the producers and casting professionals are looking for, there are some ways that you can dramatically boost your chances of getting their attention."

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10 Tips for Helping Kids Be Independent » 4Nannies

10 Tips for Helping Kids Be Independent » 4Nannies:

 "Raising independent children is hard work, but it’s one of the most rewarding things you can do, for them and for you! Children who are able to solve their own problems and do things for themselves are happier and more relaxed about the world around them. They are less stressed about how everything is going to get done because they are in control of the situation. It takes time to teach kids how to be independent, so be patient with the process and expect a few messes along the way!"

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Rude Things People Say to Parents and the Best Responses to Go with Them | Nanny Websites

Rude Things People Say to Parents and the Best Responses to Go with Them | Nanny Websites:

 "Unfortunately, when it comes to having a personal filter, many people don’t have one installed. Here are some of the rudest comments strangers make to parents in public, as well as their rudeness factor and the best responses to go with them."

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How Nannies Can Build Exercise Into Their Days | Summer Nanny

How Nannies Can Build Exercise Into Their Days | Summer Nanny:

"Nannies typically work a longer day than most other childcare providers. Their daily schedule needs to accommodate their employers’ non-traditional hours and flexibility requirements. Plus, they need to provide coverage for their employers’ morning and evening commute. When you add in their daily commute, nannies are often away from their homes for 12 to 14 hours a day. It’s very hard when you’re working that type of extended schedule to fit a regular workout into the day, much less feel energetic enough to head to the gym for a training session or class."

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Expert Insights with Susan Tokayer and Becky Kavanagh, Co-Presidents of the International Nanny Association | eNannySource

Expert Insights with Susan Tokayer and Becky Kavanagh, Co-Presidents of the International Nanny Association | eNannySource:

 "For most all of my own nanny career, I have been involved with the International Nanny Association. As a member, board member and employee of the association, I was privileged to have seen the value membership brings to those who join and actively participate. Recently I caught up with co-presidents Susan Tokayer, owner of Family Helpers, a Dobbs Ferry, NY full-service domestic agency, and Becky Kavanagh, an award winning nanny/household manager who has more than 22 years of in-home childcare experience. Here’s a snip-it of what they had to share about the nanny industry and the association."

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Master Your Family’s Schedule with These 10 iPhone Apps | Live-In Nanny

Master Your Family’s Schedule with These 10 iPhone Apps | Live-In Nanny:

 "In our increasingly tech-dependent society, it seems as if the smartphones in everyone’s pocket are capable of managing every aspect of a busy life. From streamlining professional duties in order to boost productivity to providing an entertaining distraction, there seems to be nothing a smartphone can’t do. Apple’s popular and powerful iPhone devices are backed by the strength of developer offerings in the App Store, extending the phone’s functionality and making it a snap to manage scheduling. With these 10 apps, your iPhone can also keep track of the scheduling needs of busy families."

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