Hamlet's Blackberry

Last night at a party we watched friends in the same room texting each other. J took a 

picture of L & J, unbeknownst to them, and sent it to their cell phone. One friend 

reported that when her son and grandson are having difficulty communicating, they go into 

separate rooms and text each other. Interesting, no? and fun . . . but in Hamlet's 

Blackberry the author discusses the digital age and how connected we are . . . and maybe 

don't always want to be. 

LORD POLONIUS: I mean, the matter that you read, my lord.

LORD POLONIUS: What do you read, my lord?

HAMLET: Words, words, words.

LORD POLONIUS: What is the matter, my lord?

HAMLET: Between who?

LORD POLONIUS: I mean, the matter that you read, my lord.

I highly recommend: Hamlet's Blackberry

From Publishers Weekly

Our discombobulated Internet Age could learn important new tricks from some very old thinkers, according to this incisive critique of online life and its discontents. Journalist Powers bemoans the reigning dogma of digital maximalism that requires us to divide our attention between ever more e-mails, text messages, cellphone calls, video streams, and blinking banners, resulting, he argues, in lowered productivity and a distracted life devoid of meaning and depth. In a nifty and refreshing turn, he looks to ideas of the past for remedies to this hyper-modern predicament: to Plato, who analyzed the transition from the ancient technology of talking to the cutting-edge gadgetry of written scrolls; to Shakespeare, who gave Hamlet the latest in Elizabethan information apps, an erasable notebook; to Thoreau, who carved out solitary spaces amid the press of telegraphs and railroads. The author sometimes lapses into mysticism—In solitude we meet not just ourselves but all other selves—and his solutions, like the weekend-long Internet Sabbaths he and his wife decreed for their family, are small-bore. But Powers deftly blends an appreciation of the advantages of information technology and a shrewd assessment of its pitfalls into a compelling call to disconnect.

*Photo of Hamlet poster taken in Estonia 2009
Sorry for the spacing at the beginning - can't seem to fix it. 

Worst Drivers - number 9 is . . .

Worst Drivers: 8th place is . . .

Worst Drivers: Number 7 is . . .

Worst Drivers: Number 6 is . . .

Worst Drivers: Number 3 goes to . . .

A thought for today . . .

Always read something that will make you look good if you die in the middle of it. 
~P.J. O'Rourke

Worst Drivers : number 2 is . . .

Yep, that helmet is on backwards.

Where we're headed soon . . . .

Beautiful Finland . . . 

                                                             . . . . . to meet her! 

Author Platforms

Worst Drivers: And first place goes to . . .

Worst Drivers: 10th place goes to . . .

Worst Drivers: Number 7 is . . .

uh, can they still learn in their thirties?

25 Manners Every Kid Should Know By Age 9

Helping your child master these simple rules of etiquette will get him noticed -- for all the right reasons.

By David Lowry, Ph.D.

Your child's rude 'tude isn't always intentional. Sometimes kids just don't realize it's impolite to interrupt, pick their nose, or loudly observe that the lady walking in front of them has a large behind. And in the hustle and bustle of daily life, busy moms and dads don't always have the time to focus on etiquette. But if you reinforce these 25 must-do manners, you'll raise a polite, kind, well-liked child.-

Manner #1

When asking for something, say "Please." 

Manner #2

When receiving something, say "Thank you."

Manner #3

Do not interrupt grown-ups who are speaking with each other unless there is an emergency. They will notice you and respond when they are finished talking.

Manner #4

If you do need to get somebody's attention right away, the phrase "excuse me" is the most polite way for you to enter the conversation.

Manner #5

When you have any doubt about doing something, ask permission first. It can save you from many hours of grief later.

Manner #6

The world is not interested in what you dislike. Keep negative opinions to yourself, or between you and your friends, and out of earshot of adults.

Manner #7

Do not comment on other people's physical characteristics unless, of course, it's to compliment them, which is always welcome.

Manner #8

When people ask you how you are, tell them and then ask them how they are.

Manner #9

When you have spent time at your friend's house, remember to thank his or her parents for having you over and for the good time you had.

Manner #10

Knock on closed doors -- and wait to see if there's a response -- before entering.

Manner #11

When you make a phone call, introduce yourself first and then ask if you can speak with the person you are calling.

Manner #12

Be appreciative and say "thank you" for any gift you receive. In the age of e-mail, a handwritten thank-you note can have a powerful effect.

Manner #13

Never use foul language in front of adults. Grown-ups already know all those words, and they find them boring and unpleasant.

Manner #14

Don't call people mean names.

Manner #15

Do not make fun of anyone for any reason. Teasing shows others you are weak, and ganging up on someone else is cruel.

Manner #16

Even if a play or an assembly is boring, sit through it quietly and pretend that you are interested. The performers and presenters are doing their best.

Manner #17

If you bump into somebody, immediately say "Excuse me."

Manner #18

Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and don't pick your nose in public.

Manner #19

As you walk through a door, look to see if you can hold it open for someone else.

Manner #20

If you come across a parent, a teacher, or a neighbor working on something, ask if you can help. If they say "yes," do so -- you may learn something new.

Manner #21

When an adult asks you for a favor, do it without grumbling and with a smile.

Manner #22

When someone helps you, say "thank you." That person will likely want to help you again. This is especially true with teachers!

Manner #23

Use eating utensils properly. If you are unsure how to do so, ask your parents to teach you or watch what adults do.

Manner #24

Keep a napkin on your lap; use it to wipe your mouth when necessary.

Manner #25

Don't reach for things at the table; ask to have them passed.

Originally published in the March 2011 issue of Parents magazine.

Mother's Day

Night and Morning

The morning sits outside afraid Until my mother draws the shade; Then it bursts in like a ball, Splashing sun all up the wall. And the evening is not night Until she's tucked me in just right And kissed me and turned out the light. Oh, if my mother went away Who would start the night and day? Dorothy Aldis pictured: Darling Granddaughter #1 with her mother

Sources for free e-books

I'm an avid reader and also have been traveling frequently. My e-book is so practical. The only disadvantage is that when you fly, you have to turn it off before takeoff and landing, just as you have to turn off cell phones, etc . . . so remember to bring a magazine or paperback to read when you can't use your e-reader! Here is a link to free e-books:

http://www.consumersavvytips.org/the_top_sites_for_free_e-books_part_i.html