How Safe Are Cell Phones?

I keep hearing about the possible connection between cell phones and cancer. It freaks me out. I have an iphone and I adore it. Like many of us, I carry my cell phone in my pocket all day, everyday. Check out the excerpt from a Time Magazine. How concerned are you about the safety of cell phones?

For those of you now eyeing your cell phones suspiciously, it's worth noting that both the National Cancer Institute and the World Health Organization say there isn't evidence to support the assertion that cell phones are a public-health threat. But a number of scientists are worried that there has been a dangerous rush to declare cell phones safe, using studies they feel are inadequate and too often weighted toward the wireless industry's interests. An analysis published by University of Washington neurologist Henry Lai determined that far more independent studies than industry-funded studies have found at least some type of biological effect from cell-phone exposure.


Several countries — including Finland, Israel and France — have issued guidelines for cell-phone use. And San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, who began researching the issue when his wife was expecting their first child, is hoping his city will adopt legislation that would have manufacturers print radiation information on cell-phone packaging and manuals and require retailers to display the data on the sales floor.

With 270 million Americans and 4 billion people around the world using cell phones — and more signing up every day — a strong link between mobiles and cancer could have major public-health implications. As cell phones make and take calls, they emit low-level radio-frequency (RF) radiation. Stronger than FM radio signals, these RF waves are still a billionth the intensity of known carcinogenic radiation like X-rays.
See Full Story at Time Magazine

Jamie Cullum: Best Concert I've Ever Seen

Friday night my DH and I went to see Jamie for the first time in concert. WOW! Best show I've ever seen. He's huge in Europe and hasn't been publicized too much in the U.S. Which is great for us because he's currently touring at smaller venues to promote his new album, The Pursuit. We lucked out with ninth row seats and our jaws were dropped the whole show. If you have the opportunity, go see him in concert.

What kind of Music does he play?
He's mostly a jazz musician but also incorporates a lot of pop, rock, funk and hip hop. In our concert, his performance included Rhianna's Don't Stop the Music and Radiohead's High and Dry.

What makes him so great?
He's a musical genius. Not only does he have an amazing voice and a master of the piano. He has no set list. He decides off the cuff which songs to play. It funny to watch the band watch him in awe and try to keep up with him. The whole concert they watch him for clues as to what is coming next. And that's not to short change his band, each one of the played at least two different instruments.

He's super entertaining. He has a ton of energy dancing, running, jumping off the piano, engaging the crowd in his music. At one point, he brought the band out to the audience. The performed Justin Timberlake's "Cry Me A River" in the aisle behind my seat! The woman next to me patted his back. People would run up dance or have them take their picture with him and then run back into the crowd.

Here's a sample of what he's like live:

Inexpensive Kids' Easter Gift Ideas

Easter is April 4th this year. Three weeks away and it'll be here before you know it. Take advantage of these great gifts before the Easter bunny hops off with them.

Music

If you don't have it already, Snacktime the by Barenaked Ladiesis my --and my DS' favorite kids' CD. I find myself singing along to the songs long after I've dropped my DS at daycare. My favorite tracks are "Allergies" and "Pollywog in a bog." The Land of Nod has it now for $13.98 and free shipping. Great for ages 1-7yrs old

A Great Pair of Jeans
Right now Little Maven by Tori Spelling is having a great sale. Check out the Liam Jeans for $14.40 -- Normally $48. If they are sold out it's because I bought 4 pairs.

Personalized Easter Eggs
I'm a sucker for personalization and think these are super cute - and convenient for moms. For $9.95 you getthree personalized eggs with toys and stickers inside Check out Happy Kids Productions.

Inexpensive Toys
AllAboardToys have a great selection of toys for under $10. Like this Curious George Peg Puzzle for $5.99.

Safe Toys
I love their toys. They are made in Germany and instead of Lead paint they use multiple coats of natural, water-based, non-toxic lacquers. Which is a relief when your little one likes to investigate toys with their mouth. Check out KangarooBoo they have a nice selection, many on sale right now.  This  discovery ball for 12months+ is only $3.98

Personalized Coloring Books

Are these not the cutest? As a little arty girl, I would have treasured a coloring book with my name on it. Check them out at Frecklebox only $6.95.

Questions to Ask When Selecting A Day Care

When finding day care for my son. I asked everyone I knew who had a child in day care where they went and if they were happy with the facility. Then I asked three qualifying questions:
1. Where is it?
2. How much does it cost?
3. What are their hours?

A personal recommendation, price and convenience were my determining factors for day care. Looking back, I realize I lucked out. There were a lot of things I wish I should have asked.  Below I've listed questions you should ask when touring the facility.

Yes, tour the facility, then decide if you should apply. And don't be shy about asking questions. This is your child, and you should know all the facts before entrusting someone with your child.

1. At what age do they accept children?
2. How long is the waiting list?
3. Is admission on a rolling basis or is there one time a year when new students are accepted?
4. Are siblings accepted automatically?
5. Is the center NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) certified?
6. What's the teaching/care philosophy
7. What are the school hours? What is the penalty if you are late?
8. Ask to see a copy of the school calendar. Do they follow the local school calendar? if so, that's a lot of extra days off. When are teacher training days?
9. What are the teacher-child ratios for each class?
10. How many children are in each class?
11. What's the typical day for your child's class?
12. When do they have nap time?
13. What will the age range be in your child's class?
14. Ask for a copy of the school menu. What's the policy on healthy nutrition? Are organic foods served? Is juice and other sugary snacks served? Are fruits and vegetables served?
15. Is the staff put through a background check before hired? What do they check for?
16. What's the staff turnover rate?
17. Is the staff First Aid and CPR certified? Does the school provide training to ensure the staff stays current with certification?
18. What other training does the staff receive?
19. Is there an open door policy where parents can visit at any time?
20. Can parents drop off or pick up at any time?
21. Is the center non-profit or for profit? Be wary of for profit day care centers. They are a business and their goal is to turn a profit. This could mean increasing tuitiondrastically, not replacing or updating supplies, or serving lower quality foods to your children.
22. Are additional classes offered for additional prices? Some schools offer language classes, music classes etc. which costs more money.
23. Are televisions used in the classrooms? They can be abused by teachers.
24. Ask to see the playground. This will be very important to your child as they grow. Does the playground have age appropriate areas for all age groups? infants? toddlers? and the older children?
25. How are parents kept in the loop with what's happening with your child each day? Do they provide notes, diary, photos?
26. What's the sick policy?
27. How long has the school been open?
28. What makes this center unique?

Great Book: Sugar by Bernice McFadden

 

After reading The Help, I was having trouble finding another book to hold my interest. Does that ever happen to you? After I read a really great book, my standards are raised and unless a story is really strong, I can’t get through it. Being a busy woman, with little free time, I only have time for GREAT books.  Great books like Sugar by Bernice McFadden. Bernice sent me a copy after reading my review of The Help, thinking if I liked The Help, I’d love Sugar. And she was right. 

Introduction from Penguin:
When Sugar Lacey arrives in Bigelow, Arkansas, to the women of the town it seems as if "a storm blew in...A storm walked into their town on two legs in spiked, red patent leather heels." Afraid for their men and their morals, they want Sugar out of Bigelow. But Sugar, who has traveled too far and survived too much in her short life, has finally found a place in which she could put down roots.

To the surprise of the town, and most of all to Sugar herself, she develops a friendship with Pearl Taylor. Pearl, a respected member of the community, carries with her every day an overwhelming burden grief over her daughter Jude's murder fifteen years before. From its tenuous beginnings, Pearl and Sugar's friendship allows each woman to confront the very thing that most haunts her.

As sugar’s story unfolded, I empathized and wanted to take care of her. I found her surprisingly heroic. No matter what life dealt her, she somehow overcame the hurdle. I wanted to pull her out of the pages and take her under my wing –just like Pearl does.

Sugar's story is rough, yet riveting and balanced by the joys of female friendships, love, sexuality and fun. The end was quite a surprise. I didn’t see it ending the way it did and left me with a lot of questions. I’m dying to talk to someone about this book. So if you read it or have read it, please comment or email me.

So how good is it?
I loved The Help, but Sugar tops it. Just like Stockett, McFadden’s captures the dialect and characterization of small town southerners from that time period. But McFadden’s writing style is richer and the story line is more believable.

My first words after I finished the book were to my husband, “You HAVE to read this.” He’s devouring it. Definitely check out Sugar. And then let me know what you think. Oh, and the best part of Sugar, there’s a sequel entitled, This Bitter Earth, which promises to be just as good.

February's Most Popular Posts

I know you're busy so I rounded up February's 5 Most Popular Posts:
1. Owen Wilson Across The Street From My House
2. Fake Leaves for Owen Wilson
3. Calling All Dads
4. Babysitter Emergency Contact Form
5. 8 Great iphone Apps for Toddlers

Each month I send out the top 5 stories in my Monthly Newsletter. To sign up for it, just enter your email in the gray box at the top right of this web page. Thanks!

Sesame Street: Waiting For Big

Did you know that everyone, who's anyone in Hollywood goes on Sesame Street? It's great —both my two year old and I find it very entertaining  —and educational.  Here's one of my favorites, "Waiting For Big" starring Jessica Sarah Parker and Grover.


Here's a listing of more celebrity guests on Sesame Street. Unfortunately, it has a lot of gaps, I've found many more celebs on the site. Periodically I'll be bringing you my favorites.

What education television programs do you watch with your children?