Fun stuff to do on a cold winter day!

When blocks, blanket tents and playdough have lost their appeal... I always turn to the world wide web for some ideas! There are unlimited resources at your finger tips. Here are some links to ideas for winter crafts and activities on some of my favorite websites:

http://www.dltk-holidays.com/winter/index.html

http://holidays.kaboose.com/winter/index.html

http://www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/winter/

http://familyfun.go.com/arts-and-crafts/season/specialfeature/craftgroups-winter-crafts/

http://www.freekidcrafts.com/winter.html

BPA in the news again!

Thought this was interesting enough to share! This article basically answers a question that has been nagging me "Why is this issue not being taken more seriously by the powers that be?" It is summed up in this paragraph:

Many of the nearly 200 studies finding severe health effects from bisphenol A exposure have been done by injecting young or pregnant rodents with the chemical.
The American Chemistry Council, an Arlington, Va., trade group for major BPA manufacturers, has argued that injection study results aren't applicable to humans because people are thought to have most of their exposures from oral sources, such as food, subject to rapid metabolizing by liver enzymes. Delivering BPA by injection bypasses this detoxification process and may cause health effects that wouldn't occur by ingesting the chemical, according to the industry's view.

In short. The tests results were obtained through injection of rodents with BPA... and since babies are being fed formula from bottle... not being given shots... it is being suggested that the study is not applicable. I think "not applicable" might be a bit strong. But certainly there are bound to be discrepancies and possibly an exaggeration of symptoms without the inclusion of the effects of breakdown in the liver.

All in all just one more reason to add to the "Why breast is best?" list!

Highlights High Five

Oh how "Highlights" kids magazine was loved in my childhood household. I remember many fights with my sibling over who would get to read it first and more importantly who would get the first crack at the hidden picture puzzle. I was very excited to find out they have a NEW magazine called "Highlight High Five" which targets the 2 - 6 year audience. I was whipping out the credit card ... ready to subscribe when I hit a wall. My excitement turned to bitter disappointment when I found out it is only being distributed in the USA. ARGH!!!

State's autism rises despite vaccine change

Even more evidence that the accusations regarding a link between vaccinations and autism are unfounded. More and more I think the accusations against vaccinations has got more to do with the American need to "blame someone" and have "some to sue", rather than actual cause and effect.

Also in the news this week Study: Genetic glitch raises autism risk

Jerry And Jessica Seinfeld Facing A Plagiarism Lawsuit

Comedian Jerry Seinfeld and his wife Jessica were sued on Monday over her top-selling cookbook for kids (Deceptively Delicious)by a rival author who complained of plagiarism and accused the star of defaming her on TV host David Letterman's show. (- Reuters)

Talk about defending your woman. Jerry was on David Letterman back in October and spoke very unkindly of the other author Missy Chase Lapine (who from what I read is an accredited nutrional expert),... whose book was out months before the Seinfeld's book. Jerry falsely states they came out the same time. He called her a "Wacko" and makes many not so nice comments. Check it out on youtube! Tune in at about 4:50



I share the same view as DAVE.... it amazes me that these people think that sneaking veggies in food is a NEW concept. I have no less then 5 toddler books which speak of doing the same things. Not to mention the gazillion magazine and online articles (pre book war even) and heaven forbid common sense. GROW UP PEOPLE! So no I do not really feel there is a case for plagiarism. However, I think Ms. Lapine may very well have a case for defamation of character. Even if she is a wacko... making some one you comedy material and calling them names doesn't seem the mature way to handle the situation... Letterman himself acknowledges this point by suggestion the possibility of further upheaval. All in all I think there can be little doubt that this is more about publicity than plagarism.

Missy's Book/

Jessica's Book

Baby's Named a Bad Bad Thing

Frustration with aquaintances who have spent 3 months plus struggling to decide on a name for their puppy turned dog (poor thing is still nameless) reminded me of the attached website! "Baby's Named a Bad, Bad Thing" A must read for anyone seeking the perfect name! Also a pretty funny read for anyone who gets a kick out of what "some people" name their kids. I shudder to think what said aquaintances would do if they were to have a baby. At least they would be given 9 months to sort it out! Here doggy doggy doggy!