A Holiday Scare
I hope everyone had a fun and safe holiday! July 4th is always a fun event with fireworks and picnics. “Shaking The Lake” outdid itself again! Hats off to “The Point” for providing the entertainment. I remember when the town provided a fun July 4th day. There were events scheduled at the football field at […]
The Cognitive Science of Gestures
Most people talk with their hands. In fact, gestures seem to arise unconsciously when we speak. There a growing body of research showing that mind and body work closely together in early cognitive development. Gestures reduce memory load and externally manipulate information. We need to keep concepts active while solving a problem or talking on […]
Baby Gear
Have you ever noticed how much stuff people with kids carry around? I remember it used to be a hassle when my daughter was small, but I’d forgotten just how extreme it was until a 4th of July family cookout at my parents’ house. The cousins came in with little ones, and I’m not exaggerating […]
Natural Weight Loss
Do you know that after all those chocolate bunnies, peeps, jelly beans, and fine boxes of chocolates filled with caramel, maple crème, cocoanut and so many more delights, it is time to hop back on the wagon and lose those pounds such temptations add to the hips? Believe me after such abandoned feasting, I know […]
Where are the flags?
My grandfather was a veteran and was very diligent about the proper way to fly our flag. I have been flying my flag for the holiday and was wondering why I don’t see more people flying the flag? Actually, thousands of flags are flown daily. As long as the flag is made of weather proof […]
The Romance of Engagement Rings
Engagement rings and wedding rings are thought by most to be the most important jewelry ever acquired or bought. Girls dream of the time their engagement ring is presented to them with the proposal of marriage, which is certainly the most romantic time of one’s life. I am such a romantic and join with the […]
Josh Green’s ‘The Fault in Our Stars’
This week I am reviewing a book that has surged in popularity recently: Josh Green’s The Fault in Our Stars. Especially since the movie adaptation was released, The Fault in Our Stars has been labeled by many as the “must read” of teen books that is actually compelling, genius, and enjoyable by all ages. But […]
Lily and the Giant Swan
Do you ever get the feeling your dog is trying to tell you something? That happened to me today. Now, I’m going to do my best to try to explain it, but you’ll have to use your imagination. You see, my dog’s make believe voice sounds like some Moreauvian cross between Steve Martin in The […]
Spatial Exercises
Spatial ability is a category of reasoning skills that refers to the capacity to think about objects in three dimensions and draw conclusions about them from limited information. Someone with good spatial reasoning skills might be particularly quick to finish a tangram puzzle, a game in which smaller shapes must combine to form a larger […]
Bats In The Pool?
I noticed what I thought was a bat drinking in flight when the kids were swimming in the pool a few evenings ago. Are they attracted to swimming pool water? Probably so. More than likely, it was the time of day that precipitated your bat viewing. Though bats were scarce in the area for several […]
Worm and Snail Farms for Important and Useful Outdoor Activity
This summer, think about ways to get your child outdoors to play. Two fun ways to be outdoors with nature involve farming. Worm farms can provide fishing bait or monitory gain from selling to bait shacks or fisherman. Snail farms are great for scientific observation. Have fun and enjoy the outdoors. Worm Farm You will […]
No Cruises for Me
Today, after lunch, the conversation turned to family vacations for next year. We decided on Maine or California, with stops along the way. It all sounded great. I was even O.K. with the Florida Keyes, even though I would prefer spring or fall instead of the hot summer, but I drew the line when they […]
Why is the Cat in the Bag?
Do you ever ask yourself life’s big questions? Sometimes I want to know whether time is linear or if we have a purpose we’re destined to fulfill. There are moments of singular clarity in which such existential topics spark a train of thought leading through the great forest of ideas and the eternal plains of […]
James Patterson’s ‘The Dangerous Days of Daniel X (Daniel X Series #1)’
This week I am reviewing a book that was recommended by a friend of mine: James Patterson’s The Dangerous Days of Daniel X (Daniel X Series #1). As far as thrillers go, James Patterson is one of my absolute favorite authors, so I dove into these literary waters with some rather high expectations. While not […]
Taking Precautions With Mosquitos
I read about the new virus that can come from mosquitoes and that it has already been found in Tennessee. Is it around here, yet? According to the Tennessee Department of Health, the confirmed case of Chikungunya was found in Madison, Tennessee. Madison is located around Nashville, so that would be Middle Tennessee, however, the […]
Summer Scents
There is new trend in fashion this season: wear a fragrance that gives one the delightful scent of summer or the beach. Just aim fresh subtle aroma of lightness that hints of summer. It leaves a lingering impression of freshness. People you come in contact with are left thinking about how airy and cheerful you […]
