You Better Learn Your Math if You Want to Text Message All Day!

About five years ago, I was sitting in Starbucks in North Las Vegas, and I was talking to a retired military father, his daughter, and a schoolteacher at the table next door.
Apparently the daughter was in a little bit of hot water, it is the first time she'd been out of the house besides school in the past month.
She was accompanied by her father, who offered to take her to Starbucks, if she didn't cause any problems, and only studied her homework while she was there.

The dad mentioned the fact that his daughter was on restriction (grounded), and the reason for it, you ask? It turns out that the daughter had been text messaging and in one month she made 1400 text messages, and there was a fee for each text message over the first 100.
The girl knew that she went over her limit, and knew that each text message would cost $.

35 but unfortunately, she had never done very well in math. She figured that the extra text messages would be $45.50, and she knew she could afford the 20 dollars, and that she'd promise to make it up to her dad in the future.

Unfortunately, her poor math skills caused her to make a mistake in her calculations and she was off by one decimal point, and the real cost was $455.
00 on top of her SmartPhone bill.
Worse, for an extra $25 per month her dad could have gotten her the unlimited plan, meaning the cost of each text message would have only been in this case $0.192307 or rounded off $.02 each instead of $.

35 each saving her and her dad $420.

50 on that phone bill.
And guess what? Yep, she wouldn't be grounded for a month, or have to get a job, plus babysitting to pay off the phone bill. Moral of the story for teenagers; "If you don't learn your math properly, you are going to end up paying now or later my dear!" Now then, it is amazing the challenges we have in today's school, and the fact that the kids are not paying enough attention when learning their mathematics.

We give them standardized tests, to ensure they learn their math, but unfortunately they just don't seem to get it.
After all, even if this girl gets a job let's say at the local fast food restaurant, she probably won't be able to count back change.

Interestingly enough after her father and I had this conversation, the schoolteacher looked at us and just smiled. Maybe his daughter should have paid attention to her math teacher.
Indeed I hope you will please consider all this.

Add Action to Your Dreams

You should dare to dream the impossible.
Throughout history, man keeps on doing what has been thought to be impossible prior to the breakthrough. The Wright brothers invented something that was not created to fly naturally.
Today we call it the aeroplane.

Prior to this invention people thought it highly impossible for a piece of metal to be suspended in mid air let alone into the heavens. As you dream add action, because dreaming alone will not get you the results that you see in your dreams.

If you have dreams of seeing a better world, by a new invention or simply by improving an already existing service or product then truly you are on your way to make your dream a reality.
Most teens do not have or are not trained to have a dream however, there is simply no excuse for not having one either. Every human born of man is endowed with the ability to dream. To dream, to imagine, to envisage the miraculous.

No one can say for sure or even give a predicament of the heights you can soar and no one can look beyond your horizon apart from you.
You need to spread your wings and fly to heights through your dreams, imaginations and actions. Go wild, stretch yourself, see yourself breaking through any barriers, astound yourself - propel and catapult your ideas, your visions, let them take shape and form. Resonate and ran with them.
Learn to dream, think the unthinkable and reach for the unreachable. Have you got dreams of being the next president, the next super entrepreneur, the next and best whatever? Hey it is all within your very reach! In fact you are born with it.

It is inscribed in your genetic code.
Let your dreams guide you, let them show you the way - step by step. Let your visions and dreams of your future reflect now in your lifestyle, in the choices that you make here and now.
I fully support Daniel Webster who said: "There is always room at the top.

" There is always room at the top since less people have dreams of reaching there.

They literally settle at the bottom of the ladder where it takes no effort to dream or become anything of significance.
There are group of people who stay awake to accomplish their dreams whilst others merely sleep with theirs.
May your story be different .

May it be said of you amongst your peers that you always had a dream, a vision far greater than you and you achieved it, because there is great genius in dreaming! Normally when you have those unimaginable dreams, people will not believe in it and will try to tell you how impossible it is and how so many people have failed trying to reach their dreams, but listen to what a wise man said when he first heard the word impossible, his amazing response was: "Never let me hear that foolish word again." Do not listen to the nay sayers.
See them as the little chicken who always runs around saying "the sky is going to fall on everybody one of these days," subtly discouraging and putting fear in their victims. For everyone who doubts you and tells you you will fail try twice as hard to prove them wrong.

Surviving As a Christian at School

Nowadays people don't care about God, and there are many reasons for this, but society is to blame overall.
Religion is slowly being expelled from the public to the point that people avoid getting on that topic.

Society, a fancy way of saying "socially acceptable" has made it that way.
This makes it harder for Christians in highschool, because it says in John 15:19, "that if ye were of the world, the world would love his own; but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hates you." Highschool is like the door leading to the outside world, and Some of the choices you make during those four years can have a great impact on your life after school.

At school, there are many distractions, and it's hard to not be influenced by what you see or what happens around you. The greatest influence on teens in highschool are the friends that they make. Friends have a great impact on a person, so be careful of the friends you make.
Making bad friends can lead to drug use, gangs, fights, and sexual immorality.

There are many more than this, but nothing good comes out of them.

If your friends are forcing you or urging you to do something that is against your beliefs, God's will or word, do like it says in Romans 16:17, "Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
" It is also important to pray for them. One thing that will help you at school even through all of these temptations is to keep true to your faith, and watch out for what is contrary to God's word.
Know the word, and keep it in your heart because "it is a lamp to your feet and a light for your path " (psalms 119:105).
Sometimes other kids will tease you or call you names like "weird" or even "crazy" for being a christian. they'll say that you're a "goody-goody," and try to convince you that being good isn't cool, but tell them that you are living by grace because if it were not for grace, then you wouldn't be here. Always remember that we must suffer for christ as it says in 1 Peters "For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you.
He is your example, and you must follow in his steps.
" and also in Luke 18:19-30 "I tell you the truth," Jesus said to them, "no one who has left home or wife or brothers or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God will fail to receive many times as much in this age and in the age to come, eternal life." We must not only be christians at home, at church, or in front of other christians to win favor, but also at school to the glory of God. Christ carries his kingdom on his shoulders, and we have to do likewise because we are his followers and heirs in the kingdom of Heaven.
May God bless you.

Using Books in Cyber School

For today's lesson you will be reading the first 10 books of Paradise Lost.

"Sweet! I've always been meaning to read this book!" Book 1 Of Man's first disobedience, and the fruit Of that forbidden tree whose mortal taste Brought death into the World, and all our woe, With loss of Eden, till one greater Man Restore us, and regain the blissful seat, Sing, Heavenly Muse, that, on the secret top Of Oreb, or of Sinai, didst inspire That shepherd who first taught the chosen seed In the beginning how the heavens and earth Rose out of Chaos: or, if Sion hill Delight thee more, and Siloa's brook that flowed Fast by the oracle of God, I thence Invoke thy aid to my adventurous song, That with no middle flight intends to soar Above th' Aonian mount, while it pursues Things unattempted yet in prose or rhyme..

.

".

.. Eh? Helllloooo Spark Notes!" Online English classes have a tendency of asking for quite a lot of time, effort and reading for lessons that you can easily finish using Spark Notes or Google. It's really tough to keep honest when a couple hours of work can turn into ten minutes of work. In cyber school it is much harder to read and acquire books like Wuthering Heights, Paradise Lost or Beowulf than it would be in public school.
There are two main reasons for this.

The first reason is that all of the work is already laid out and planned for you.

This means you can find out exactly what parts of the book you need to know about, and no pop quizzes.
In public school the teacher usually would not let us know what we would be doing the next couple days.
This meant we had to study up our books and study guides in case there was a surprise writing assignment or quiz.
We didn't even know what part of the book she would focus on.
Now that I'm in cyber school I know exactly what test I need to complete, and I can even go into the test beforehand, and see what the questions are. Pretty sweet, right? Well, yes and no.

See, knowing everything about the course with no surprises allows me to easily get through a book without completely finishing it or understanding it. I've even learned how to do reports with limited information that still get me 100%.

The bad thing is I that don't learn quite as much. The second reason why it is hard to read the entire books is the lack of face to face interaction with teachers.

I don't know my teachers very well.

The only glimpse I have into their personality are the short bios they write about themselves and the messages we send back in forth.

This lack of familiarity causes me to respect them less than my old public school teachers, and I don't feel very guilty for taking shortcuts.
Learning how to be calloused is not a great thing, but it is what I seem to be learning in cyber school.
I'm sure that many other kids do shortcuts in cyber school, and I know kids do them in public school as well.

Still in cyber school the temptation is much higher.

Another thing that is important to think about is how you get the books.
A lot of times my teachers will have links to online books we can use.

This can bother some people's eyes or make some people uncomfortable when reading.

Other times we have to get books from a central location.
The one we have to go to is about 15-20 minutes away from my house.

So it can be a bit of a bother to get the books.

If you would like to do cyber school soon, then make sure you know your motivations and convictions before jumping into it.

Could An Online Christian Counseling Degree Be Your Career Calling?

Those looking for an online Christian counseling degree will be individuals that are looking to use the concepts of the Bible and help them bring comfort to those suffering from a variety of ailments in their lives. These people might have been exposed to a traumatic event or are dealing with death or another areas where there may have been a loss in their life.

When you look at your online Christian counseling degree choices, you should focus on options that focus on take the theories of the Bible and incorporating them into your daily life.
This is beyond just the basics of Bible study.
This is taking the good word and making it an effective part of your counseling, to help those in the Christian faith receive the help that they are looking for, in a manner that delivers the truth to their heart.
Breaking Things Down These degrees will also have the ability to help you deal with situations that you might not currently have comfort dealing with. But as you go through each course, you will find definite answers and ways to handle certain issues that might arise during your sessions and in some cases, even be able to bring the peace of mind that an individual is looking for as well. To ensure that your degree has merit, be sure that you find one that has a great level of credentials associated with it. In addition to this, the accreditation of the college should meet the requirements for the state you are looking to practice in and their instructors should be certified as well to give you the greatest benefit of all.

That way, you have the ability to take the counseling courses from the comfort of your own home and know that you are getting an online Christian counseling degree you can use.
Keep in mind that this degree helps put you in a place where you will be asking God for help and you should be comfortable with providing the advice that you learn from the books of the Bible as well.

You are essentially an individual who will offer a support system for people in need and will be a compassionate spreader of the hope that is found in the Bible.
This will help you to become a trusted face in a world that so many with strong fears can turn to for guidance and peace as well.
An Increasingly Popular Choice of Degree Today, many young people are finding that these Christian degrees are the best direction to go in when they are looking to become a counselor.

There are many different choices for them to get into and the information is something that most were raised on, making the entire process simple and effective for them. If the idea of getting an online Christian counseling degree sounds like your calling then you should continue to explore it. There is a reason that each of us is chosen for a certain path in life, and this could be the one that you have been destined to do.

Must-Haves While Building Dollhouses

A dollhouse kit may have all the necessary elements to build a dollhouse, but there are some things that are really important for the building process but not provided by the kit.

You need to get the following must-have elements for your dollhouse project for successfully completing it: A good first aid kit A first aid kit may not seem so important when you are building just a dollhouse, but the truth is that you may use spray adhesives, glue guns, and knives during the process.

All these tools warrant the presence of a first aid kit.

Remember to read all the instructions, recommendations, and warnings about the tools you use, especially paints and glues.

For example, you need to have good ventilation in your work space if you are using glue and paint, and you should be careful not to smoke when you are using spray adhesives. Lights Dollhouse kits usually do not come with lights, but adding a few lights can bring out a lot more beauty and detail from your dollhouse.

Electric systems for dollhouses are usually based on copper foil over insulation tape.
Installing the necessary wiring is basically a matter of adding the tap in the areas where you want light. Even if you do not plan or want to set up lights at the moment, it is good to install wiring in the dollhouse during construction because it is easier and cheaper than adding wiring to a dollhouse that has already been put together. Painting One of the most common questions asked by dollhouse enthusiasts during assembling is whether to paint the pieces before assembly or paint the entire dollhouse after construction. The answer varies as per what you are doing with each piece.
If you are planning to add a primer coat to each piece before assembly, it is best to paint them separately.

However, if you are going for wallpapers instead of paint, you need to do it only after the dollhouse is fully assembled.
The next question is what paint should be used for a dollhouse.

In most cases, semi-glossy or flat paint are just fine.

If you want to give the dollhouse a hardwood look but lack the money for proper wood flooring material, a simple coat of varnish should do the trick.
However, you should make sure to cover the varnish up before painting other areas to avoid stains.

Summer Youth Camps - Programs For Teens and Kids

It is totally your decision exactly how you will spend your summer time.
You might have a number of options that you could choose however enrolling a youth camp can definitely be a much better choice.
The knowledge you receive there together with some other campers will stay along with you throughout your lifetime. Finding the right Summer camp When you have got some leisure time, you might want to fill that difference by simply doing something or other. You may go out together with your buddies or even get involved with certain activities so that you can make maximum of your time and effort you have.
However these days, the majority of teens give their preference to summer camps due to particular factors.
They do not provide you with a favorable environment to have great moment however you can study fresh things as well. Furthermore, you might find out additional campers coming from various areas along with varied nationalities.

Spending some time along with new learners may also be an unforgettable experience. Camps Based on Various Preferences and requirements You will find various camps arranged based on the various preferences as well as interest.

And for that reason, you have to select one which fulfills your interest and requirements.
If you love sports activities as well as outdoors, and then you will have a great chance to select sports camp. If your area of interest is technology as well as computers, then there are summer computer camps you can enroll in in order to pursue your own interest. In case you are fond of video games as well as desire to make by yourself, then you can find camps offer you programs as well as applications offering you help to make video games by yourself.

If you are a girl searching for the best ideal camp, you might find a girls camp.

Suppose you are a teen looking for the best choice, you can select a youth camp or even a good engineering camp if you love technology. The list of camps goes on however you have to be quite specific when it comes to selecting one for you. Why a Youth Camp for Grown up Children? Camp programs are usually organized based on the age groups and so, if you are looking for ideal suitable one for grown up children, a youth camp could be better choice. Teenage is the time when you are stepping into a maturation phase and therefore you are likely to responsible. In a youth camp, the learning packages are designed so that you will be trained how you can develop team spirit, and the way to turn out to be self-sufficient.

The types of indoor as well as outdoor activities are the most useful methods to open up your abilities and your distinctive abilities inherent in you. You come closer to the campers of similar age group as well as find out something from each other by means of discussing suggestions as well as experiences.
Choosing the location You might select the finest place close to you so you feel comfortable to reach there. Furthermore find the learning programs as well as amenities they provide.

You can visit and explore id Tech Camps to find out the best locations near you for a youth camp which you would like to enroll in.

Boys to Men - Grow Up

It's hard growing up, even harder for some, and seemingly impossible for others! But when IS someone no longer a child? Why are there so many different indicators of youth lost, of when a child should be seen as an "adult"? Under the law, society has declared you're "all growed up" at 18 years old, but yet don't "Come of Age" till 21. You're deemed to be sensible enough to be in charge of a potentially lethal motor vehicle, though, at 18, 17 in some states.

If it's a business that is defining when you've gotten your long pants, then you've hit the big world at 12, for example, if you're wanting the fun of a theme park (concessions aside) or to stay in a motel.

It seems some businesses will scrape full payments from those as young as they can in their definition of when a child can pay as an adult, squeezing every cent from parents trying to give their children exciting childhood experiences.
Why should a 12 year old be paying the same as an adult when the legal working age is deemed to be 14? Financial independence can be a little hard to come by! However, to cover your health, you may be able to stay under your parents' wing till you're 25! Some hairdressers have a novel approach whereby you pay according to your age.
Great news if you look younger than you are! So confusing for kids without a set benchmark of when the coolness of adulthood sets in! So when your little child peers up at you with those inquisitive eyes and asks "Mummy, what will I be when I grow up"? before you can answer you need to clarify with them, if that is in reference to the legal definition, the RTA age requirements, or perhaps one of the myriad of businesses and advertising points of maturity.
No wonder puberty is confusing!

The Importance of Your Child Wearing Organic Infant Clothing

Organic clothing, such as t-shirts, are made from 100% organic cotton.

It can even be customized with your child's initial on it.
A patch is placed on the shirt with the initial of your choice.

Even the patch is made from 100% organic cotton.

Your child will look nice in this and in addition to that, they will feel good about wearing it. Organic infant clothing such as shirts are made to help the little ones feel comfortable.
They don't have to concern themselves with getting rashes or other skin irritations. Parents have to make sure that with these kinds of shirts that the child does not sleep in them overnight.
In addition to that, organic infant clothing like this needs to be washed in cold water, using mild detergent. It can be put in the dryer on a low heat setting.

When it's clean and ready to wear again, it should be ironed inside out. When it's time for the little one to go to bed, organic infant clothing such as pajamas are made from 100% organic cotton. Not only is it made from organic cotton, this piece of clothing also contains bamboo material as well.

Any child can wear this because it will not give your child an allergic reaction, nor will it emit bacteria that could make your child sick.
Some of the pajama sets use silkscreen, but they are harmless.
A dye that has little impact is used on this clothing. Organic cotton is good to use for organic infant clothing because it is free of harmful chemicals, pesticides and fertilizers that can adversely affect a child.
You don't want your child to get sick or get a rash of some sort.
When you buy organic infant clothing, make sure that what you're buying is made from 100% organic cotton.
Also, make sure that this clothing is produces by companies that don't subscribe to cheap sweatshop labor.
This clothing should be of the utmost quality.

It should also be something that you would want your child to wear.

World War One: Crisis at Chanak

In late September 1922, the world was yet again on the brink of World War.
The Chanak Crisis also referred to as the Chanak Affair in September 1922, was the dire threat of military action by Turkish troops against British and French forces stationed near Canakkale (Chanak).
The Turkish forces had recently swept to overwhelming victory, capturing Smyrna and routing Greece into the sea. The handling of the situation by the British Government, not only led to the incident becoming worse but also being one of the factors which led to David Lloyd Georges downfall.
The incident was also the first time Canada had asserted her diplomatic independence from Great Britain. The British Government met on the 15th September 1922, debated and decided that British troops stationed in Turkey should maintain their positions. The absence of Britain's Foreign Secretary, Lord Curzon, led to a number of ministers issuing a communiqué which threatened Turkey with war on the grounds that Turkey had violated the Treaty of Sevres. Unknowingly, the British Ministers had caused a severe diplomatic incident.
Returning to London on the 18th September, Lord Curzon made it clear that this act would infuriate the pro-Turkish Prime Minister of France, Raymond Poincare.

Immediately leaving for Paris in order to pacify the French, Curzon was unaware that Poincare had ordered the withdrawal of French Forces at Chanak. Reaching Paris on the 20th September Curzon, following several bitter arguments with the French Government, agreed to mediate with the new Turkish authorities.
The incident had caused severe alarm not only in the Middle-East but also in France and England.
Both Britain and France were alarmed at the possibility of going to war again. The whole issue was not helped by the views and position of Prime Minister David Lloyd George.

Not only did Lloyd George consider Mustafa Kemal an 'oriental rug seller' but he had not consulted Commonwealth Prime Ministers on the issue of Turkish Nationalism.
In complete contrast to the outbreak of World War One, when the Greco-Turkish War broke out, Canada did not consider itself active in the conflict. The Prime Minister of Canada, Mackenzie King, insisted that Canada's Parliament should decide on Canada's course of action. Fortunately by this time, the crisis at Chanak had passed. Nevertheless, King made it clear that Canada would determine its own external affairs.
The debacle at Chanak had grave consequences for British Politics and the Conservative Party. Lloyd George's rashness resulted in a meeting of Conservative MPs at the Carlton Club on the 19th of October in 1922, where a motion was passed declaring that the Tories should fight the next General Election as an independent party.

This motion had severe ramifications for Lloyd George as the Tories made up the majority of the 1918-1922 coalition government.

Losing support from government as well as Lord Curzon, Lloyd George resigned following a Commons vote of 185 to 85 to end the coalition.

How Solar Generators Work

Electricity is extremely valuable to humans.
It is a part of our daily need that needs to be maintained because the absence of it may cause a significant imbalance in daily life.

Most instruments use electricity to function. At present, there are a lot of resources for generating electricity, one of which is the use of solar energy. The sun is a solar energy source that can produce electricity with the use of a solar generator. This converts the sun's heat into electricity with the use of photovoltaic (PV) or concentrated solar power (CSP). The generator has 3 vital components: a solar panel (PV or CSP), a battery, an inverter and a voltmeter.

A solar generator works with the use of solar panel, battery and an inverter. A solar panel is the instrument that collects the light of the sun.

This can be PV or CSP.
Photovoltaic (PV) is a solar cell that utilizes photoelectric effect to convert light into electricity. On the other hand, concentrated solar power (CSP) utilizes lenses or mirrors to collect the sun's light to be converted as electric current.
For higher power output, use polycrystalline or mono crystalline silicon panels.
The solar panel must be situated in an area that is mostly exposed to the sun.
It must be positioned at 20 to 50 degrees angle in order to gather the sun's energy well. A battery is another part of solar power generators.
The battery woks as a storage device for the collected electric current from the sun. This is essential especially during the rainy season or the winter season where the sun is not available all the time.

The battery for must be a deep cell or continuous battery.

Commonly, the battery is 12 volts thus the solar panel must collect 12 volts or more in order for the solar generator to work.

A voltmeter is essential to measure the incoming and outgoing electric current of the solar power generator.

An inverter is a part of generator that converts the direct current (DC) collected from the sun to alternating current (AC).

Most household device utilizes alternating current thus it makes the inverter important.
Solar generators are cost effective and environmental device.
Aside from it saves money, it is also portable to some extent. This can be used in camping and fishing activity.

The availability of the sun (rainy season, winter season, night time) can be the disadvantage of the solar generator. The best step before diving into the project yourself is to read on the reviews about ones that already exist. Solar generator reviews provide a general outlook on others experience on the device. The reviews provided by previous user can serve as a guide before creating one.

Some of the reviews provides errors occurred by the previous user which can be avoided by the other user. Moreover, some solar generator reviews give advice on the best materials to be used for creating one.

Some of the reviews gives insight on the mathematical calculations needed which is the common mistake in setting a solar generator.
In addition, guides such as "my solar backup review" found in the Internet provides beneficial tips.

Why Play Magic the Gathering Online

I am a Magic the Gathering tournament player.

What that means is that I put in a lot of effort when I hear of an upcoming large tournament. I will spend hour's play testing the deck I want to play.

I will pine over which sideboard cards will be the most effective.

I will try to anticipate what other people will play and change my deck accordingly.
I put in a lot of time testing online and when I meet new people I always find it strange that they will put in a lot of hours playtesting or even goldfishing their decks for hours to see what starting hands they'll get but they don't ever use MTG online as a tool. I always here the same excuses.

Why should I play Magic the Gathering Online when I already own the cards? Playing online is too expensive. With this article I would like to show you how easy and effective it is to play MTG Online.

I know what your thinking.

Why does this guy want me to play online so bad? No, I don't work for Wizards of the Coast.
I don't have stock in the company Hasbro.
I just know for me, that I would not have the play skill that I have now, without the opportunity for me to play Magic the Gathering Online.

I think it's a very beneficial tool to use for any fan of the game and especially the tournament player.
One of the reasons I created this web site is so that everyone has as much fun playing Magic as possible because I love this game so much. I know I have the most fun when I'm winning so in order to win more I need to get better. Magic Online offers another avenue for you to get better.

For the rest of the article I will talk about some of the advantages to playing online and what it can offer magic players. Time For my entire adult life I have had a job, and while I was always fortunate to be able to work at a hobby store, it did eat into my Magic playing time. I worked Friday night and Saturday afternoon, because that was when the store was most busy.

If you're a tournament player you know these are the two times that magic tournaments generally happen.

FNM is Friday night and a lot of bigger tournaments like PTQs and Opens happen on Saturdays.
More recently, I also work a 9-5 job that almost always becomes a 9-7 job depending on what projects are going.
No I'm not telling you this so you feel bad for me, I'm saying this because I want to illustrate that not all of us can go to tournaments all the time.

Magic online gives us a way to keep playing even when our schedules don't match that of our local game store's.

Now I try to make it out to RIW Hobbies to play FNM whenever I can, but I also love to come home, at 7:30pm, pull out my laptop, fire up my standard deck, and just play a few rounds with it.
This keeps me up to date on the current decks in the format while strengthening my skill with the deck I'm playing.

It also lets me eat a bowl of cereal all while attacking you with 5/5 wurms and populating. (Currently I'm a big fan of a G/W aggro deck featuring Advent of the Wurm and Scion of Vitu-Ghazi). Another issue is you don't always have the ability to go to every PTQ or other large in your area.

Maybe you went last week and you don't want to drive another two hours to get out top decked by that Jund player, in the last round, knocking you out of top eight contention. Just me? Maybe cost is an issue.

Driving to events not only takes time to get there and entry fee costs, but gas is expensive and wear and tear on your vehicle adds up. With magic online there is a daily event every few hours for each format.

PTQs are also online, and now right in your basement.

If you lose, you don't need to drive another two hours home.

You can even start another game right there.

Drafting Another awesome reason why you should play Magic the Gathering Online is because you love to draft.

I know you love to draft, you know you love to draft, so lets stop kidding ourselves.

Where in the world can you get a draft going in less than a minute? If you go to your local game store they probably have a draft going, "A" draft going.
You want to play two drafts maybe even three, because you love to draft.
Lets not forget that we can enjoy our cereal, in our pajamas, while drafting, from our comfortable couch. So now you spent all this money drafting, now what? You earned nothing, or maybe some packs, I can't assume how good you are. That's not true.
You have a great collection to start playing standard or block.

You also learned a lot about magic and hopefully got better at it. Drafting is one of the most skill intensive formats out there.

You have to build your deck on the fly, using an unknown card pool.

You need to learn to evaluate cards that you wouldn't normally. You have to play around lots of obscure cards and combat tricks.

All these things make you an overall better magic player.
Cost A lot of people always use cost as an excuse to not play online. Cost is definitely a factor but you should understand that playing online is not as expensive as you think.
Sure there are the expensive cards online. Yes, Sphinx's Revelation and Voice of Resurgence are going to cost a lot, just like they do in real life. My point is you already spend a lot of money on Magic so why not spend a little more and play online. The cards online hold their value generally as well as cards in real life do.
And offen times you can use your knowledge of magic card pricing and your card evaluation skills, that you got from drafting, to pick when a cards price will go up.

Buy low and sell high and you can make a lot of money online just like everywhere else.
There are expensive decks online and there are cheap decks online.
If you are serious about being a better player you can make the jump to online for less than fifty dollars.
Take a look at this list: 18 Mountain 3 Mutavault 4 Burning-Tree Emissary 4 Chandra's Phoenix 4 Firefist Striker 4 Rakdos Cackler 4 Stromkirk Noble 4 Young Pyromancer 2 Brimstone Volley 4 Pillar of Flame 4 Searing Spear 4 Shock 1 Skullcrack Sideboard 4 Burning Earth 3 Electrickery 1 Flames of the Firebrand 3 Mizzium Mortars 1 Mountain 3 Skullcrack But I don't want to play Mono Red.

Quit crying, I've got your beloved UB Control deck right here: 1 Dimir Guildgate 4 Drowned Catacomb 8 Island 3 Nephalia Drownyard 6 Swamp 4 Watery Grave 3 Augur of Bolas 2 Snapcaster Mage 2 Curse of Death's Hold 3 Dissipate 3 Doom Blade 1 Essence Scatter 3 Forbidden Alchemy 2 Opportunity 2 Ratchet Bomb 1 Rewind 2 Syncopate 3 Think Twice 2 Tragic Slip 3 Tribute to Hunger 2 Warped Physique Sideboard 1 Cremate 2 Devour Flesh 2 Duress 1 Jace, Memory Adept 2 Negate 1 Nephalia Drownyard 2 Pithing Needle 1 Psychic Spiral 1 Staff of Nin 2 Vampire Nighthawk Both of these decks can be bought online for less than fifty dollars.
Both of these decks also went 4-0 in a daily event.

And yes, that is three Snapcaster Mages in the UB deck.
Generally, rares online are much cheaper than they are in real life. Lets take, for example, our friend Snapcaster Mage.
Online the card only costs you about six dollars.
In real life the cost of Snapcaster Mage is closer to twenty-two dollars. That makes accessing certain cards much easier online. And just so you know the reason they are so cheap is because drafters, like you, are always drafting, so packs are always being opened so there is a constant influx of new cards. Competition When you play online you are going to be playing against a higher skill level opponent on average.

I mean hey this guy went through the trouble of paying for cards online just to play to get better.
He's not looking for the social aspect of magic, a problem with playing online. He loves Magic and wants to get better. Generally from what I've found, people who play in daily events are going to be on par with people who play in PTQs and better than people who play at FNM. This is great for you, because you want to get better, and the best way to get better is to play against people who are better than you.
You learn a lot more from losses than wins and when playing against someone better than you, you are able to watch how they play and understand why they make certain plays. Maybe he doesn't need to play Wrath of God against your one creature because he is using his life as a resource and your not pressuring him enough. Maybe he isn't overextending by playing a lot of creatures into your Wrath of God.

These are tactics you can learn just from playing against better people.

You may remember that one time you won a match even though you made a bad play.

I guarantee you will remember the match the time you made a bad play and your opponent punished you for it. This article ended up being a lot longer than I expected it to and I still have other great reasons why you should join up and play Magic the Gathering Online. Maybe I'll make another article.

If you have other reasons why you enjoy playing Magic Online feel free to leave them in the comments. Remember the goal is to have more fun and be a better magic player, so you should be using all the tools that you can.
Playing online was one of the best and fastest ways for me to improve my skill.

School Fundraiser? Get a Small Business to Help!

I am the proud mother of three boys, one of whom is still in the school system.

My other accomplishment is being the owner of a busy auto repair service center. So I have been involved in school fundraisers both as a PTA member, and also as a business owner.

Here are my 8 tips for a creative and organized fundraiser. Let me start by giving you an example of one we are involved in right now.
My youngest son is autistic, and attends a small charter middle school for high functioning autistic children.

We are having a car wash in my business parking lot that the kids will be involved in. Our technicians will donate their time and do oil changes (more about this later).

All of the proceeds will go to the school.

You can use about any small business and target their services for a unique fundraising idea.

For example, a beauty salon/barber shop offering a "hair cut day"; a bakery offering loaves of bread at a "no loafing around for xyz school".
Use your local, successful businesses to help you.

TIPS Start Early! Organizing generally takes longer than you expect.

You can count on running into unforeseen issues to work through.
Give yourself plenty of time. Recruit a few movers and shakers. You will need a select group of advisers to bounce ideas off of. Brainstorm with them.
Create a plan. You will want to approach the business with a well thought out plan.

If someone comes into my store with just a rough idea, I want to turn and run the other way because I know the responsibility will fall on my shoulders. Tell them how it will benefit the business.

Will it give them exposure with the media? Will you advertise it on your school's reader board? Will you send emails with the business name on it to all the parents? Get support sponsors to sign up, or suggest that the business can do so.
In our oil change example, we have our local parts supplier donate the oil filters, and our oil supplier donates the oil.
They are usually happy to do so, if we put up their banners on the big day.

They also help advertise at their places of business to their customers.

Come up with a list of specific jobs, and recruit responsible and motivated people to oversee these tasks. Trust me, it always turns out to be more work than you thought! For our fundraiser, I will need a mom/dad/teacher to be in charge of advertising/marketing; someone to be in charge of the car wash supplies and supervising; and I need extra help supervising our autistic kids. So I am recruiting a local church youth group and their advisers.
Before the event, please be sure to rally the troops! People actually tend to forget, and need reminders the big day is near.
Get ATTENTION on the big day. Posters, balloons, people dressed up, etc. In our example, we are having our advertising parent make posters to get passing motorists attention.

Don't make the mistake of having posters with small words, and a few people holding them right in front of the event location.

Have you ever driven by a fundraiser, trying desperately to read the poster and figure out what is going on.
By the time you do, you are already past the event! Make the words on the posters BIG, and place the posters far enough away so the passersby can read and prepare to attend your event. We will be having about 6 posters on each side of the street, spaced in intervals starting a block away, with key words on each poster.
People holding signage is great.
But you may not have enough recruits, and instead need to plant them using stakes or H stands.

After the event, be sure to thank everyone.
Write a card, or have the kids write thank yous on a poster, or make cookies.
Everyone appreciates a nice thank you. And if the event was successful, you can repeat it next year. No need to reinvent the wheel.
Good luck to you, and happy fundraising.

Our schools need your help.
Feel confident knowing that you are doing a great service.

A Man's Greatest Tragedies Can Lead to A Man's Greatest Successes!

The Ancient Greek Roman Emperor and famed orator, Marcus Aurelius, once said, "A man's greatest tragedies usually leads to a man's greatest successes!" Have you ever failed miserably at something and thought all was lost? I know I have, and it really hurt! Have you ever seen your dreams shattered to a million pieces right in front of your eyes and felt helpless to do anything about it? I know I have been through that too, and I can tell you how that really, really hurt also.

During these painful times of rejection and loss in my life I know I felt like a real failure and loser. However, in contrast to these horrible self-defeating feelings, as I grew older and grew a bit wiser, I sometimes now think that broken dreams may not be broken dreams at all.
.. Maybe broken dreams are really just dreams deferred.
Or maybe broken dreams are really just a powerful push toward new dreams and what we are really supposed to be doing with our lives and special talents.
Please pay close attention everyone! This next sentence is going to be really POWERFUL! Are you ready? Good! Here goes.
..
Sometimes not getting our DREAMS gives us our DESTINY! Are we really supposed to be doing this thing that's causing us all this misery, or should we be doing something else? Would something else make us happy? Would something else empower us to greatness? Maybe it will.

Heck.

Most likely it will! So, in regards to whatever it is that is kicking our butts at this moment, let's go ahead and wipe our tears.

I'll give us all a minute; but that's all. I know this world probably has not been fair to you, just like it hasn't been fair to the rest of us either.
Now.
.

.

Are you back on your feet and ready? Good, because here is the million dollar question. What else could this terrible setback or horrible circumstances in our lives mean? What else are we supposed to be doing? And why aren't we doing it? TRUST ME! YOU CAN DO IT! TRUST YOURSELF! YOU CAN DO IT! Now teens and even tweens, go learn, lead, and lay the way to a better world for all of us.
And remember what the Great Roman Emperor, Marcus Aurelius, said, "A man's greatest tragedies usually leads to a man's greatest successes!" Make that decision to carry on with passion in what you're really supposed to be doing.
And once again, thank you in advance for all that you do, and all that you will do.

Computer Recycling

Computers are built from countless different parts that all can have salvageable materials on them that can actually be safely recycled without damaging the environment. When looking at the internals of a computer, there are a lot of wires, metals, and plastics inside them that makes up each individual component.
Each of these components can be dismantled and broken down to the point where materials can be used once again, or that these materials can be disposed of properly if they can no longer be used.
If you are looking to throw away an old junk computer, why not let it be recycled instead? Many old computers that people stop using can still work - even though they are thrown out. These working condition computers, no matter how old, can still be put to good use somewhere else in the world.

There are still millions, if not billions, of people around the world that are not fortunate enough to afford a computer. You can give your old computer to a recycling facility that can distinguish what to do with it, and can potentially help someone else out by recycling your old electronics and making it a new electronic to someone else.

Another way computers are recycled is by being broken down very specifically, and essentially brought back to the state of just plastic and metal.

The metals and plastics will be sorted, and then broken down even further so that they can be reused by factories that make up computer parts. This can help drive down prices of computers over the long run and it increasingly helps the environment because you are not creating a large amount of waste.

Recycling, no matter what it might be, is in place to decrease waste. Decreasing waste is a very essential component in helping out the environment. Landfills are filling up at a very rapid pace around the country, so do not add to this, and choose to recycle.
Computers become obsolete almost immediately after you buy it because the technology is updated so quickly.
With that being said, people tend to buy computers much more frequently than they did ten years ago.
Another reason behind this is because computers are now being made very affordable to all people. If you have a growing pile of old out of date computers at your house, save the trip to your local dump, and try and have these electronics recycled by a professional company that is environmentally friendly.

Why Online Education Is Inexpensive

Online education takes place in an electronically stimulated environment without direct contact between the teacher and the student.
In this method, you can choose any subject of study, even if it is not available in your country as this is conducted beyond the frontiers of nations.
All you need is a computer with internet connection and access to the online schools, universities or private tutors who offer you education.

Usually, you will be provided with a unique code to input and get into the class room. There are two types of online education.

One is real time learning and the other one is any time learning.

Real time learning involves immediate broadcasting of the lessons.
You must be present before the computer with a head phone and mike. In this, you can ask your doubts and get them cleared immediately.
You will also be given tests and assignments to assess your ability before the course completion certificate is offered.
The other type is, the teaching will be in the form of recorded lessons that could be downloaded to your system and learn at your ease.

This gives you time flexibility.
However, if you have doubts, you may mail them to get clarified.
An online education program is a lot less expensive to maintain compared to what is required to pay for instructors and training personnel in the classroom style. This lets the user learn the subject at his own pace.

Learniers could go through the learning materials at his own speed and sequence.

Intelligent students need not wait for a long time to finish the course as in the conventional type of learning.
Learner can work from any location at any time. Learning materials could be updated easily and quickly. While you learn online, you can get increased retention and stronger grasp of the subject as the learning materials presented are rich in quality with animation, text, video, virtual environments and three dimensional pictures.
Especially those who are employed could make use of this facility to learn at their leisure.

A classroom can accommodate only a particular number of students.
But in online education, any number of students can be accommodated in virtual classrooms.
There is age bar in its admission.
As you need not travel to the place of education, you save time, energy and money and could learn while enjoying the comfort of your home.
But you should be careful not to fall a prey to bogus universities and spend some time before selecting your school of study.

Tips To Help With Teen Beauty Concerns

Adolescence is rough, as most teenagers could tell you.
All of the physical changes are just part of the difficulty of being a teenager. Growing up and discovering an identity is hard work, and many kids feel that their physical appearance just makes it all harder. Acne, braces, and awkward growing stages can all add to the misery.
Many teenagers feel like they are in an "ugly" stage that they are not sure they will ever get out of.
Although everyone experiences these feelings to some degree, some practices can help teens sail through it all with minimal damage.

Here are some tips.

First, try to put it all in perspective.
Physical changes are awkward and difficult, but they don't go on forever.
Whatever age you are, remember that within a few years, the changes will slow down and stop.

It's okay to be a little bit miserable, but also try to have hope that things will get better as you go along.
Second, try to present yourself respectfully.
That means that you should present yourself as if you were beautiful, even if you don't feel beautiful.

Wear clothes that make you feel good about yourself, not clothes that attract too much attention or make you stand out too much.
Certainly, you want to be noticed, but some kids use their clothes as a way to send negative messages to others.
If you're going to send a message, send the message that you respect yourself.
That kind of message has the automatic reaction of making others respect you and find you attractive.
Third, choose friends that uplift you, not friends that drag you down.
Some friends love you for who are, zits and all. They will be there for you no matter what. Others are too concerned with physical beauty and will only want to be friends with you as long as you look attractive to them.
If you have these kinds of friends, you may be constantly trying to change yourself to fit in. It's a game that can be deadly to your self esteem. Supportive friends, on the other hand, can make you feel good about yourself, no matter how you look.

Finally, don't think too much about beauty.

You probably have a lot to do, and you should focus on learning and developing your abilities.
Get up each morning, do what you have to do to look attractive, and then forget about how you look for the rest of the day. If you think too much about it, you will obsess over your flaws and find that you are never very satisfied with your appearance. It's much better to be busy and happy, obsessing over the ways that you can make a difference in the world.

Learning Mental Arithmetic ASAP

Any person could be a math whiz.
It doesn't matter what their age is or where they're from.

But you see: learning mental arithmetic can be made easier and more fun when you start as soon as possible.
Learning mental arithmetic for your kids does not have to be a burden.

They do not have to spend hours and hours learning different mathematical concepts.

The old ways or traditional ways of learning are not applicable when you want your kids to start learning this ASAP. It is very understandable why parents want to teach their kids the basics and everything else needed in these types of learning. Given the right tools and taught the right techniques, your kids can perform lightning calculations in their head.
Change Their Mindsets Now, the first thing that you should do for your kids when they're learning is to create a different state of mind for them.
Most kids hate math because they think it's hard and that they suck at it.
But once you start showing them that math can be easy and that they aren't bad at it, their whole attitude towards this subject will change.
So how will you do this? Nobody was born a math genius.

There is no such thing as a genius gene or that being smart is hereditary. The only difference between kids who are not performing as well in math as the other is the studying techniques.

Junior math whizzes do not have better brains- they have better methods. Practice Makes Perfect Now, while he is learning mental arithmetic, your kid will encounter a lot of different techniques and tricks.
This is a good thing - the more options, the better. But once your kid finds a technique of this that he or she is more comfortable using, you should really stick to it.
Practice and use it more often so he would be a master of it.
There are many techniques that your kids will find when they're learning.
It is impossible to fully master all mental math techniques so you should and could just pick a few techniques and master them.

Creating a Learning Environment Learning mental arithmetic requires that you use some learning techniques that are scientifically proven to aid in inputting information into the brain.

One of the most effective ways to learn more and faster is to learn in intervals.
This means that you shouldn't let your kid study long hours. They should take frequent breaks. A carefully planned interruption in their study time is a great way to keep them more focused in their lessons. People generally tend to have an attention span of 20 minutes, maximum. This means that after 20 minutes, not much is stored into the brain anymore and chances are, they won't remember the new information that they've learned. When your kids are learning, you should also give them light snacks, like cracker and fruits, to munch on to keep them energized and focused.

Affordable Online Colleges and Why They Are So Much of a Bargain

Finances are becoming harder and harder for people, and for that reason a lot of people are stopping getting their degrees.
College tuition is getting higher and higher over the years, and more and more and more people can't afford it anymore. However, there are now options for those who wish to go to school. Affordable online colleges are becoming popular and the beauty of them is that they are not as expensive as traditional colleges are.

When online colleges were first created, people often thought of them as being inferior, and over the years, they have become a choice for so many people all over the world. You can take classes at a price that fits your budget as well.

The classes you are going to take are the same as traditional colleges, and so are the units you are going to earn and the amount of hours it will take.

The diploma you are going to receive is the same as what you would get in a traditional college.
Online schooling is full of advantages and can save you time and money in several ways.

You no longer have to be to school at a certain time and you no longer have to fight traffic in order to get to school on time. You can avoid sitting in a classroom that comes with going to traditional schools and you no longer have to fight with getting into classes.
You can avoid going through all of this hassle with online classes.

Classes can be done on your own time. This can eliminate ruining and getting schedules at the home all around.
You can also attend classes whenever you have time.
Whether you are on vacation, lunch breaks at work, or even while at home with the family, you can have access to classes as long as you have internet access.

Affordable online classes offer convenience without the high price tag, and can be the solution you need to get further with a career and financially stability.

Surviving an Alcoholic Home During the Holidays - 5 Final Tips For Teens (Part 3)

This is the final portion of a three part article.

If your parents drink a lot or use drugs of any kind, this time of year can be overwhelming.

When I was growing up, both my parents drank a lot and the Christmas season was the very worst.
Below are some of the things that worked for me.
Today, as an adult, I get to choose how I spend my holiday.

I hope some of these tips will help you.

1.
Set low expectations for the holidays and look for other things to make you happy. If your parents use alcohol and drugs they most likely are not paying attention to you.

They are not likely to buy you what you want for Christmas. Look for other things to make you happy. For me, I loved to watch it snow, I liked to sit by the fireplace and I learned how to bake.

Look for ways to make yourself happy without your parents being involved.

2.
Look for places you can get help. Most likely there are some on-line support groups for teens. Also, ask your school counselor about support groups in your area. Sometimes it helps to know you're not alone-that other kids are dealing with the same stuff as you. When you go to support groups, try to focus on what other people do to make their own life better. 3.
Keep in mind that someday you will be an adult and do everything you can to prepare for that time.

Someday you'll be able to live by yourself, have your own car, maybe have a family if you want, travel to Europe, or have a great job. Many people who came from homes like yours went on to have great lives. The world is big and awesome. Starting right now, become your own best friend. Take classes you enjoy, study for good grades, take care of you body and treat yourself with dignity even if no one else in your family does. 4.
Don't poke the beast.
Remember you are NEVER, EVER to blame yourself for your parents drinking or drug use.
However, it may helpful if you quite some behaviors you know will make them upset. When a parent is drunk or high or coming down from a high they are more likely to be quick to anger and more likely to hurt you with words or violence.

Things that are likely to get them upset may include loud music, dressing in a way they hate, and making a lot of noise. Sure you're angry and you'd like to scream at them but in the long run, what good will it do you.

How can you avoid them and make your own life better? Remember be your own best friend. 5.
Find a healthy way to express your anger.

You have a right to be angry and if you keep trying to pretend you're not angry you may get depressed.

A few ways to deal with your anger might include physical exercise like running, tennis or racketball. I like to beat the water when I swim.

You can also grab a pillow and slam it on your bed over and over until you feel better.

Some people like to write stuff down and then tear up what they write.
Other people make art.

What helps you deal with your anger?

Speaking Up - Why Do Kids Cyberbully?

If you are a parent of a child that is being picked on through social media sites then your kid is being cyberbullied, especially if it's not just a one-time situation.

Even it's only happened once, you as the parent should talk to your child about their association with the kids who is bullying them.

In other words, if your child is scared of that individual then you need to do further research.

Please consider that the brain doesn't know the difference between online and offline bullying.

The brain tells the body to react with stress either way.

In fact, online bullying effects the nervous system more than in-person bullying because of the unknown scenarios that the mind starts to create.
Bullying is psychological, it is constantly eating the thoughts of the person that is going through the bullying.
Kids often get sick when they are bullied or their minds are checked out.
If your child at one point has gone through bullying, and you as the parent haven't seen improvement, then you must assume the situation is getting worse.
First, tell your child to print out any social interactions that are effecting him.

Keeping a running trail cyberbullying will be helpful as you help your child move forward.

Focus your efforts on ways to respond.
It's natural for humans to respond by attacking back but the situation usually gets worse.
You can't fight violence with violence as most moral teachers teach. People are to train others how they want to be treated, so help your child know how to respond in a manner that is kind, but still communicates to that person that his negative comments or remarks are not welcome.
If this is happening at school, then make sure the school has programs in place to help teach students about bullying.

Sex and Teens

I want to share brief excerpts of the story of the 13 year old boy and the 15 year old girl.
Chantelle (the mother) told how she discovered she was expecting after going to the hospital with "really bad" stomach pains.

She said: "Me and Alfie (the father) went. The doctor asked me whether we had sex.
I said yes and he said I should do a pregnancy test.
He did the test and said I was pregnant.
I started crying and didn't know what to do.

The doctor said I should tell my mum but I was too scared.

We didn't think we would need help from our parents. You don't really think about that when you find out you are pregnant.
You just think your parents will kill you.

Maisie (the child) was conceived after Chantelle and Alfie - just 12 at the time - had a single night of unprotected sex.
They found out about the baby when Chantelle was 12 weeks pregnant.
But they kept it a secret until six weeks later when Chantelle's mum Penny, 38, became suspicious about her weight gain and confronted her. Penny figured out what was going on after buying Chantelle a T-shirt which revealed her swelling tummy. Alfie's dad, Dennis, told how the lad does not really understand the enormity of his situation - but seemed desperate to be a devoted and responsible father. Alfie, who is just 4ft tall, added: "When my mum found out, I thought I was going to get in trouble.

We wanted to have the baby but were worried how people would react.
"I didn't know what it would be like to be a dad.
I will be good, though, and care for it." He told how he and Chantelle, 15, decided against an abortion after discovering she was pregnant.

After that Alfie's family told only those closest to them for fear he would be "demonised" at school.
Chantelle gave birth to Maisie after a five-hour labour at Eastbourne Hospital, East Sussex.
Chantelle admitted she and Alfie - who are both being supported by their parents - would be accused of being grossly irresponsible. She said: "We know we made a mistake but I wouldn't change it now.

We will be good loving parents. Chantelle has started a church course and she is going to do work experience helping other young mums.
"I'll be a great mum and Alfie will be a great dad." Alfie's dad, who is separated from Nicola, believes the lad is scared deep down.

He said: "Everyone is telling him things and it's going round in his head.
It hasn't really dawned on him.

He hasn't got a clue of what the baby means and can't explain how he feels.
All he knows is mum and dad will help.
"When you mention money his eyes look away.

And she is reliant on her mum and dad.

It's crazy. They have no idea what lies ahead.
" Dennis, who works for a vehicle recovery firm, described Alfie as "a typical 13-year-old boy".

He said: "He loves computer games, boxing and Manchester United.

" Dennis, who has fathered nine kids, told how he was "gobsmacked" when he discovered Alfie was to be a dad, too.
He said: "When I spoke to him he started crying.
He said it was the first time he'd had sex, that he didn't know what he was doing and of the complications that could come.

"I will talk to him again and it will be the birds and the bees talk. Some may say it's too late but he needs to understand so there is not another baby.

" While most adults agree that teens are not ready for sex, the truth is, they are having it.

Whether we want them to or not, it is a decision that you just cannot make for them.
You can give them the tools to make the correct decision, but in the end, the decision really is theirs.

No matter how closely you watch them, if they really want to find a way, they will.

They are teens after all.

So what responsibilities does that leave parents with? How can they help their kids to make the right decision? What tools can they give them to make a more informed and educated decision? It all starts at home.
You can't expect your kids to make a good decision if you haven't talked to them about it.

And I don't mean the "I-really-don't-want-to-be-talking-about-this" "I'm-so-embarrassed-I'm-red-in-the-face" conversation.

I mean straight talk about the responsibilities of sex.

If they don't hear it from you, where do you think they are going to get their information from? I'll tell you, TV, friends, movies, friends, magazines, books, adverts.
.

.
and did I mention friends? Talk to your kids.

Plan out the conversation. Take notes if you have to.

But talk to them.

Even if they are the ones that end up red in the face, they WILL hear you.

Even, if they pretended not to.

Don't give them the choice to dodge out of the conversation. It's too important. I know there are those of you who just cannot bring yourselves to talk to your kids about this.
If that is the case, find another way to get them the information they need. One great way is a DVD called "Sex still has a price tag" featuring Pam Stenzel. There is a Christian version as well as a Public School Version. You can also get them Christian books that teach about sex. Allow them to go for Christian seminars or teachings about sex. They will come to you with questions, and then you can explain to them.
Don't be shy to do this.
The teen you don't teach the truth about sex will end up causing a big problem about sex for you.

I guarantee your teen will read anything with the word "sex" in it.

You know, the word sex attracts.
Just leave it on their bed while they're at school.

If a DVD would be more effective, I believe you can get a copy at Pam Stenzel's web site. Either way you do it, PLEASE! Talk to your kids about sex.
They will get the information one way or the other.

Wouldn't it be better if the information came from you? I see a more moral nation filled with moral teens that have a good perspective about sex. Remember, teens today are the adults tomorrow that will become fathers and mothers in the future.

What you sow in them today will go a long way to affect generations positively.
Be the change.

Love you still!

Laptop Rucksack - Easy Access to Office Essentials

A rucksack is commonly known as backpack, packsack or even knapsack.
It is simply a sack made of cloth, along with two flexible straps.

These straps go over your shoulders and help you wearing this bag on your back.
Backpack is quite similar to handbags, which are used to carry any sort of equipment; for instance, your laptop, tablets, iPhone and other accessories.
It has limited capacity but can carry weights up to 10 kg and also helps you taking your laptop and tablet anywhere you want.

If you are planning to spend your vacations at hill station, a rucksack allows you to carry all necessary items. You can bring your textbooks for camping or you can even bring your Mac-Book Pro in the National Forest.

At the heart of rucksacks, you will find huge vacant space for your items.

These backpacks are made from top quality and assist you in bringing your stuff safely from place to place.
You can fill plenty of items in your rucksack.
It provides ample of capacity with its secured laptop cradle, accessories pocket and table pocket. Rucksack Designs: Backpacks are usually available in four unique designs, including; • Bodypack design • Frameless Design • Internal Frame Design • External Frame Design Frameless design is the simplest design of rucksacks.
It purely consists of a bag along with secured straps attached to it.

Internal frame is the latest invention of Greg Lowe. He designed an internal frame backpack with large section, made up of good quality fabric.
Internal frame comprises of strips either of plastic, titanium or aluminum. External frame rucksacks are especially designed to carry heavy equipment.
A person feels great support with its external frame as the entire weight is evenly distributed over it, providing a pleasant experience to the wearer.

In many schools and colleges, backpacks are preferred over school bags.
They look trendy and stylish. They perform the same function as a big and heavy school bag, and look classier than other conventional handbags. Backpacks are also designed for office essentials, like laptops, cameras, tablets etc.
They consist of a padded compartment which provides better stability to electronic items.

Moreover, they also contain large pockets and flaps to hold other minute accessories, such as adapters and cables. You will also find some high-end rucksack designs that are equipped with solar energy.

Your electronic device can be charged without any electrical outlet or supply. So, try out the great quality and ergonomic Laptop rucksacks for your next trip.
Enjoy ample space with better protection!

Online Schools Have Advantages Over Traditional Schools

Have you ever wondered what it might be like to start a new career after working at the same dead-end job for the last 15 years? Have you realized that you cannot get a promotion at your current job because of your lack of education? Do you feel trapped because you do not have the time to commit to a traditional degree program that may take years to complete? Do you want to go back to school but cannot because there are no quality colleges anywhere physically close to you? If you answered yes to any of those questions then you should consider enrolling in an online college education program.

Online schools have grown in popularity in recent years because of their convenience and the increasing quality of their education.
A stigma used to exist in online schools that prevented most people from ever considering attending one.
That stigma is rapidly going away.
Online colleges now offer a wealth of quality online degree programs and they rival the quality of most traditional colleges. The convenience of taking online classes has made them a perfect fit for the working professional or the busy parent.

You can now enroll in an online course, attend lectures for that course, take exams and write essays for that course, and complete that course all without ever leaving your living room.
The availability and reliability of the internet has made online education a reality.

Traditional schools are rapidly losing their students to online schools.
This is happening because the traditional student is quickly becoming a thing of the past.

Education is also becoming more important and many people who have worked at jobs for decades are quickly finding out that they will not be able to continue with their careers based on experience alone.

A 40-year-old man with a wife and three kids cannot afford the time to attend full-time or even part-time at a traditional school. He simply does not have the time to devote to taking those classes without his family and work suffering.

By enrolling on an online school he will be able to earn a degree while meeting the needs of his family and his work. Online colleges have filled a niche that is desperately needed in our society.
It solves the proverbial catch 22, you have to go back to school to earn more money, but you have to have time and money to go back to school.
Online colleges offer a solution.

Online college courses are also becoming increasingly popular over traditional classes.
Most online college courses allow you to work at your own pace and do not require a set number of classroom hours per week. This ensures that you can work as fast or as slow as you need to get your work completed. You are also only competing against yourself as you may never meet the other students taking the same online course. Online courses are not necessarily easier than a traditional course they just offer a much more flexible schedule that allows you the freedom to work when you want.

As long as you get the work done you will not fall behind.
Attending an online college also has the advantage of being accessible from anywhere in the world. If you live in California and want to take classes from an online school that is based in Ohio you can do it without ever leaving the state. If you go on vacation to Mexico and need to finish up a few assignments in the airport on your way out of town you can do that without falling behind.
If you are suddenly struck ill and need to be in the hospital you can even complete your online courses from your hospital room.

If you have an internet connection you can work towards your online college education.
An online college is a great place to start or finish your degree.
If you are looking to get a Bachelor degree you will find that every popular degree program is offered in an online format.

Many of these programs are done completely online while some others may require work in an actual classroom. Depending on your degree program and the course you may be required to complete internships or externships to complete your degree.
A rising trend among online degree colleges is providing Masters degree programs.
Millions of professionals are taking online degree programs to work towards their master's degree programs as the only way for them to advance their careers.
This growing trend has something to offer everyone!

Rubber Band Bracelet Kit - A Great Gift Idea For Kids

The most interesting thing about kids is that unlike any other segment of people, they have a liking for bizarre things.

To win a child's heart is not easy as compared to the older people.
The challenging part about them is that they are fussy and gets bored easily. It is also a fact that when you gift an item to children, wrapped in a colorful and shiny paper, their eyes glaze with happiness.
Still, whenever the instance of buying a gift for a child comes, one has to get as fussy as kids to target at a right thing. When you are out to shop for a gift item for a kid, you need to be very particular about their age, taste, likes and dislikes.

As you tend to come across several items in the market, the selection of the product becomes really difficult.
Most of the people tend to get confused and the war of thoughts in the mind is no less than of a conscience and the devil.
The only thing that can help is to make your mind about the gift item, you are keen to present the little one.

Just talk to a few people about it and you may come across various delightful ideas. There are a few things, you must keep in mind before getting a present for a kid.

Some of those ideas are Buy a thing considering the age of the child. Find out about the gender of the child.

As both male and female children have different biological make, so are their tastes.

You can always inquire about the child's liking for a certain thing.
Discuss with your friends and other people get several gift ideas.
If you are not aware about the age and gender of a child, just buy a unisex gift item. Silicone rubber band bracelet kits are one of these gift items that are really trendy.
This is one of the latest ideas to reward a kid with. Both boys and girls can use the kit and make bracelet bands from it.
These shiny loom band kit comes in a bundle of shiny and colorful rubber bands along with plastic looms, hooks and c-clips. The very interesting fact about the product is that most of the kits contain almost 600-700 rubber bands,a loom and almost 25 clips to offer them with a wide range of crafting solutions. The kit consists of a manual containing information on the ways to weave a bracelet on a loom.

Kids can create many numbers of bracelets of different sizes.

Kids always like things that have an element of creativity involved in it.
They have imaginations that are beyond our reach and can really create bracelets that look wonderful and highly creative. Finding a rubber band bracelet kit is not difficult.

You can easily find one at the nearest chain store from your house.
You can also get a lot of information on the different kind of product manufacturer's and can order one over any of the loom band kit sites.

10 End of Summer Activities

Rock legend Alice Cooper memorialized the joy of the last day of school in the band's ubiquitous 1972 hit, "School's Out.

" With no school to fill youngsters' last few weeks or days of summer, it's up to parents to figure out how to keep them busy and out of trouble.

Start planning now to stretch their creativity muscles with fun activities.

Here are 10 to generate memories. #1. Broadway Babies. Have the kids write, produce and put on a play. Check out library books on plays and theater, and have them encourage friends to join in.

If your kids are tech savvy, let them create movies. #2. Memory Makers.

Start a scrapbook.
Let youngsters take photos of anything their hearts desire, using a child's digital or disposable camera.

Have them work on scrapbooks of their work each week.
By wintertime, they will have a keepsake capturing tons of memories. #3.

Freebie Frenzy. Get on your local visitors and conventions bureau Web site.

Search for possibilities such as free movie nights or free or low-cost tickets for museums. #4.
Host a Pirates Party. Gather your little Blackbeards for a pirate-themed party.

Fill a treasure chest with candy and other treats, and have the children dress up. Draw a treasure map, and have the kids complete tasks before receiving the next clues.

Consider activities such as making puzzles, solving riddles or competing in pie-eating or bubble-gum-blowing contests.

#5.

Get Global.
Each week, check out a library book on a foreign country.

Learn with the kids about different cultures, foods and clothing.

Declare "(Name of Country) Day," on which you all prepare typical foods, learn phrases and play popular games from that nation.

#6. Super Savers.

Institute a coupon-clipping contest and have your kids help you hunt for savings.

Put them in charge of coupons for alternate weeks and keep a running tally of what was spent each week.

By halloween, the one with the lowest dollar amount wins a prize.

#7.

Freeze Time.

Build a time capsule for the summer of 2008. Have your kids collect all of their summer souvenirs, photos, and have them make a mix CD of favorite songs.
Then secure the items in an airtight container and bury it. In 10 years, they can dig it back up and laugh at the fun times they shared. Bury it at least 4 feet underground, but check with your utility companies before digging.
Mark the spot and record where you've buried the time capsule.

#8. Wet 'n' Wild Time! When the weatherman predicts hot and steamy weather, host an old-fashioned sprinkler party.

It's fun, inexpensive and always a blast. Ask neighbors, friends and relatives to bring different kinds of sprinklers, water guns and slides, and fill up water balloons.

It will be a great way to keep the neighborhood entertained and cool. #9.

Kiddie Kitchen.

Have your youngsters create fun meals on their own.

Start with a cookbook such as Emeril Lagasse's "There's a Chef in My Soup." Let the kids do everything from setting the table to seating their guests to serving the food.
Be prepared for a mess - and for a good time and great pictures.

But always make sure you or another responsible adult is on hand to supervise the kitchen activities.

#10.
Karaoke, Anyone? On the next rainy day, try a karaoke DVD for kids.
They can set up a stage, make costumes from old clothes and rehearse. They'll be ready to give a concert in the late afternoon or evening. Copyright (c) 2009 Buttoned Up

Is Technology Making Our Lives Easier, Or Too Easy?

Since the announcement of the iPhone 5S and its new fingerprint password technology, I have been noticing just how much technology is constantly trying to improve itself.
The invention of the mobile phone, the television and the internet were all remarkable, and yes, I do believe they have changed the world for the better.
Since then, it seems that there has been a constant progression in the developments of technology by companies who are, apparently, trying to make our lives easier.
The invention of the microwave was exceptional in helping those clueless in the kitchen, but now I have managed to find myself a microwave oven.
This little gem has so many different settings I do not really know how to even find most of them, but it works as an oven and a microwave.
So yes, essentially, I now have two ovens and a microwave (and a hob, slow cooker, griddle, grill etc.) This is quite ridiculous as really my culinary skills do not stretch much further than a jacket potato and beans, but I feel it is nice to know I have an appliance for any task that may arise.
Furthering on from the computer, we now have flat screen computers, laptops and iPads or tablets; as well as interactive televisions, game consoles and even home security systems.

The power of internet that is now in the forms of our own wireless broadband connections, public wifi and 3G means that we are now able to connect with each other, and even to our appliances, from anywhere in the world.

So much so that I am able to make sure that my heating is on before I have even left work in the evenings! Even our devices are able to connect with each other using the internet, with the invention of wonderful things such as iCloud, all your data from one device (say, your phone) can be stored at home, on your laptop.
Gone are the days where you lose all your contacts, and have to actually speak to people! Technology has undoubtedly improved working relationships and developments beyond belief.
Inventions such as a conference voting system is just one example of the progress enabled from the device and internet creations mentioned above.
These are excellent ideas that enable a manager, team leader, or spokesperson to interact quickly and directly with their audience without disrupting the whole agenda. This system can connect to an app, and to your iCloud, to make reporting the results from that meeting so easy you will not actually have to do anything but copy and paste! Devices such as these mean that meetings do not have to be caught up in note taking and figure making, but instead can focus on matters in hand, thus making the meeting more efficient, and your workload less.

Things such as video calling have meant that communicating with loved ones all over the world has been so easy, and free! (With an internet connection) It is also an excellent way to reach as many workers as possible, as those who are not physically able to come into the office for the meeting can still be involved. This, however, is not enough for those in the technical world! There is now research being done to make 3D video calling a possibility! That's right, you may soon be able to have a digital double to go to work for you, or you can virtually visit friends and family wherever they are in the world! Yet, would it not be better to perhaps try to visit them, in person? Or make it to the real life office where you can interact with others physically, rather than on the internet? All this technology massively helps us all to stay in touch, with each other and other things! Office and working environments are thriving with it, but at home I do worry that it may just be lazy to be able to control your heating from your phone when you are on the bus just so you can be toasty the second you walk through your door? With all these devices making our lives easier, are our lives becoming too easy? Saying that, I am writing this from the sofa in ultimate comfort so I can hardly complain!

Doctorate Degree Online

When you have got your masters degree, it is not the end.

You could still uplift yourself even higher by going for your PHD. This ultimate degree can open more doors. Now you can get a doctorate degree online.

With a doctorate, the openings are immense as you can literally choose what to do.
Your Earning capacity can triple and your position in society very much enhanced.

In cases like psychology, you cannot open a private practice if you do not have this degree in many states. Of course, lack of it shuts these doors. So if you aspire to reach your peak in your area of study, you must think about reading for a PHD. In addition, what better place to do it than online if you is always pressed for time or busy traveling? It is worth noting however that PHD degrees cannot be 100% online as there are some parts of the course that must be attended personally and also a thesis must be written , defended and published and because of the challenges involved, anyone planning to take an online PHD course must remember that online PhD's are not universally recognized by all.
Consider a number of things before choosing a college like, 1. Accredited Programs; The most important accreditation in the U.S.

comes from one of six regional accrediting associations (Middle States, New England, North Central, Northwest, Southern, Western). These associations grant membership to all regionally accredited educational institutions (including Harvard, Princeton and Yale), and acknowledge one another's accreditation.
2. Proven Online Success; Most online degree programs have not been around that long and carry with them major glitches in their technology and their format.

This can prove to very frustrating to students who are looking for convenience and efficiency. Seek a program that is easy to setup, will not crash, and does not require much, if any technical support.

Make certain, however, technical support is available 7 days a week, in case you need them.
3. Sound Technical Capabilities; Many online universities are attempting to incorporate sophisticated technology like Video Streaming, Whiteboard Capabilities and Video Conferencing.
While this may seem like a good idea in theory, in practice these features are severely hindered by typical modem speeds of today.
Seek classes that are conducted via proven technologies, such as e-mail, bulletin boards, and websites.

Can You Experience College Life Online?

When you think about college, you like think about frat parties and drunken nights spent with good friends.

But the fact is that there is plenty more to the college experience than big beer parties.
If you are thinking about earning your degree online, you are likely wondering if there is college life online that you can experience.
Most people who are planning to attend college courses online don't fall into the traditional college student mold, which is a recently graduated high school teen transitioning into a traditional college setting.
The online college student may hold down a full-time job, have kids, or even be retired, so if you fall into this group of non-traditional students, you likely aren't interested in the kind of college life that involves tons of alcoholic beverages.

Instead, you may be thinking about a college life online experience that helps you to establish those lasting college relationships that you will enjoy for years. You may even use some of these relationships later in your professional career as you establish a networking of business colleagues. Many online colleges offer the ability to network and establish relationships with your fellow students, and in many cases with your instructors, too.

So in this regard, you absolutely can enjoy a college life online as you establish and nurture these excellent relationships.

You may join study groups, spend time interacting with other students and teachers on online forums, and more.
So when you make plans to go to college online, you will enjoy the many benefits of college life but without the late night parties and early morning classes the next day.
So in this regard, you can get a college experience while earning a college degree, all while still taking care of your personal responsibilities and obligations at home and work.

The Advantages of the Laser Printer!

What are the reasons for purchasing a laser printer, as opposed a cheaper Inkjet printer? There are many advantages of the laser printer, and some of the most notable are their speed, economy and the precision in which these printers can produce a quality image.

The lasers used can move very quickly, and it is through this, that your end print is much quicker than the more standard inkjet printer. These printers also house a laser beam, than can use its invariable diameter.
This ensures that the laser can draw more effectively and preciously, without making any mess during the process. You will find that in many stores worldwide, that the laser variant can cost a significant amount more than the inkjet type, however in the long run you will save money as they are actually cheaper to run. Ink Cartridges are expensive and will quickly become empty, if your printer is used regularly.
You can now buy toner powder for around the same price, and it will also now last a lot longer than the average ink cartridge.

This is the main reason you will always find the use of Laser printers in offices throughout the wold.

This type of printer suites the office lifestyle, this is because it is able to carry on producing documents for hours on end, and due to its immense mechanical efficiencies, the prints will be perfect every time.
In the years in which they were first introduced, the laser printer was found, to just be too expensive for any household to own.
However as the years have progressed both the laser printer and the toner cartridge has both dropped greatly in price, and are now found in many family homes and offices worldwide.
You will be able to pick up a basic model for just a little more than the average price of a more standard ink jet model. As we will find new technological advances, the price of the laser printer will continue to drop.

Despite this do not be fooled as we will also begin to see innovative new features as a part of these printers.
Their performance will always be improved upon, and the user will see the many benefits of owning the laser printer to the Ink jet as time progresses. Toner Cartridges will be found at many different prices, it is important that you find the correct toner cartridge for your printer and that the two are compatible with each other. There are a variety of different brands, which have now introduced laser printers to their range, from HP to Brother and from Canon to Samsung.

Whichever cartridge you need for your printer, make sure your printer can make the most of your printing tasks, through using only genuine ink cartridges.

Three Interactive Education Activities

The Internet and digital learning programs make contemporary learning environments fun and interactive.
With toddlers, the flash of the screen and the sound of the speakers can distract them while learning.

Preschool and kindergarten age children, however, are a great age, where energy and interaction play an increasingly important role.

How do teachers capture the interest of their students and turn it into something productive for them? Interactive games, puzzles and activities are paramount to control in the classroom and at home as well.

Regardless of whether you homeschool or just reinforce your child's education at home, hands-on projects and activities are crucial to basic development at the kindergarten age.
The following are three types of interactive educational subjects and how you can incorporate them into your child's learning.
1.

Music Kindergarten music can be a natural way for children to express themselves.
At home, it is easy to integrate short music activities into your child's playtime or free time.
Listen to music in the car and look up the lyrics to your kid's favorite songs.

This can help them learn to sing to the melody, to feel the rhythm and to understand the words as well.

Some online and digital education programs let your child create music with user-friendly interaction.

2. Art Art is the most popular interactive activity for kids, because it shows expression, enhances creativity and entertains. However, everybody already knows the trace-your-hand-turkey project.

With today's technology, children are able to fully understand and maneuver through exciting and engaging projects that take digital form.
Kindergarten art projects come to life on-screen with sounds, color, animation, photographs, Internet capabilities, word processing and much more. Progress is saved on your desktop at home or at school or on your laptop. Portability gives learning a whole new meaning, because you can change your child's learning environment.

This way, your child is able to pick up and learn wherever and whenever they are ready.
This also gives teachers the flexibility to use digital media and digital learning in their classrooms and at home. 3.

Books Reading in kindergarten is essential to further language and comprehension development.

So whether it is extra reading practice at home or productive homeschool kindergarten books that you seek, interactive digital media is available.
This safe and interesting new media allows the pages to come to life, while children can actively ask questions about the text and work together with characters in their story to achieve goals and progress the tale along. With digital interactive learning tools, kindergarten teachers can adjust to new media and technology demands in their field. They are cutting edge and progressive, with stylized, easy-to-use editing, settings and controls for teachers. Additionally, responsive project review and grading features have never made feedback so productive.

Bike Safety

Cycling is not only great exercise, it is also fantastic fun. What better way to get out and enjoy the great outdoors than on a bicycle? Biking has been the great American sport since the very first bicycle models came on the scene in the early 1800s and the charm of the sport has never faded. This is an activity that appeals to individuals of all ages, from the smallest toddlers to active senior citizens. Of course, with every great sport comes some risk for accident or injury and cycling is no exception. However, with some simple precautions and preparations all riders can remain safe all of the time.
Following are some key tips on how to stay safe while enjoying the view from atop two wheels. Helmet No helmet, no cycling.

This should be the mantra not only for children but for riders in all age brackets. How often have you seen a family of cyclists rolling through the park, with only the children in the group sporting a helmet? Not only does this send a seriously mixed message to the young ones, it also endangers the adults in the party.

While helmet laws in states such as Illinois, California and Florida are devoted specifically to children under age 16, a helmet is a wise accessory for all riders.

You can purchase a child's helmet for as little as $14 and an adults for as low as $19.
Rules of the Road There are simple rules dictating how cyclists should handle themselves when on the streets and the savvy rider will abide by all of these rules.

Among these rules are signalling, using proper gear, riding with traffic, and strictly following all street signs.
For a comprehensive rules of the road listing, check the website for your states Department of Motor Vehicles. Be Alert Not only do you need to refrain from using headphones or other devices that disallows you from hearing automotive traffic, you also need to always keep your eyes open and be aware of your surroundings.

Be Seen When riding at dusk or at night (which is not recommended for children) be sure to use a headlight, a taillight and make certain your cycle has several reflectors.

Be Prepared Be sure that your bicycle is in good working order before heading out for a ride.

This means performing a general inspection of the bike which should include a brake check, proper inflation for the tires, and being certain the seating is the correct height and secure.