Last night was a fun night for my kids and me. I like a good family night out that's more than heading to the movies or somewhere far and away out of town. I found a good evenings entertainment right here in Hillsborough. We went to the CW Stanford's spring theater production "Duck Tails and Bobbysox, A 1950's Rock Musical" Set in Andy's diner in roughly the mid 1950's, this show had lots to offer everyone in my family. When I say there was plenty for my entire family, I mean my five year old sat through the entire production, tapped his foot and sang a bit. My Middle school age kids thought it was cool to see their friends up on stage or playing in the "Pit" band.
My critical point of view though is I was impressed to see so much young talent. I didn't see anyone over acting their parts and there was only once I recognized a "flub." I could see much effort had been put into making this production peachy keen. For starters, upon entering the doors of the lobby I was met with a Menu and Milk Shake machine. The "menu" is a well designed play bill which hosts everything from "Signature Specials," "Goody's" and "Every Day Favorites." To set the tone of the 50's musical there were milk shakes for sale, provided by Andy's Hamburgers.
Inside the cafeteria, the stage was set with some of the best scenery I have ever seen at a middle school production. Either A, I haven't been to a good middle school production or B. CWS has lots talent drawing, and painting those sets, just know that I was impressed by what I saw last evening. If a mid 50's soda shop isn't enough to set things off, the costumes were more than impressive. There were girls wearing poodle skirts and saddle shoes, boys with greasy hair and leather coats. No soda shop would be complete without a roller skating table hop, and this production had it.
Considering this show is a musical, it wouldn't be complete without live music. The singers on stage were all accompanied by "Mary May and The Ducktails and Bobbysox Orchestra." They kept the beat going all evening long, so much so, that by the end of the show people were dancing in the isle. My youngest couldn't keep his feet still for most of the show, and there were plenty of times I could have broken into song and dance with the pit playing behind me. I think such gesture would have been inappropriate and down right embarrassing to the two middle school age childern in my house, after all they are the ones who have to go to school there.
I realize this is only a middle school play but there was lots of young growing talent on the stage. Because I don't want to offend anyone, I am not going to mention any names, you'll just have to go look for yourself. Just know that some can dance, and some can sing, and others can fight and cheer really well.
This was a fun production to watch and it was well worth it, milk shakes and all for my kids and me. I highly recommend catching this show before it closes. Head for Andy's Soda Shop located in the CW Stanford Cafeteria Friday or Saturday 7PM-9PM. The price for a family is $8, milk shakes are $2 and can be purchased before the show starts or during intermission.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Parents! College is in your Future.
Today was a reflective day for me and probably most of the parents who were sitting in the library at CW Stanford Middle school. This morning parents were invited to a Counselors coffee Hour. This was the first one I have attended and since I have an 8th grader there I may as well go.
It turns out that not much has changed in the whole college world since I left college last semester. Looking around the room there were concerned looks on the faces of parents. The news that AP classes are the standard their kids must meet to be considered a viable applicant at college was scary. In addition there were the parents in the room who probably never stepped foot on a college campus....news to them the whole process is overwelming to anyone. Its even more to go through alone we you are only 18 years old.
The admissions couselor speaking to us today was a representive from UNC Chapel Hill. UNC CHapel Hill is perhaps one of the most sought after public colleges in the state. I realize being a Pirate I had to sit through her droning on about the tar heel blue but honestly she spoke about her personal expereince and I was right there with her. The experience navigating college admissions pretty much alone. Her experience was her choices in finding a college were limited. Her mother could only afford to visit near by colleges and she was only allowed to apply to one. I nearly cried hearing her story because it sounded so similar to my own. I was only allowed to visit near by schools, my step father was sick in the fall of my senior year and my college acceptance was the last thing on anyone mind but my own. My mother did manage to take to me a college fair and I was very excited. Then reality came, each of those applications I wanted to send off cost $30-$100 for submission. That vastly changed things for me. Several colleges I wanted to attend but at the time my parents simply didn't have the money. I widdled my list to a two colleges with $30 application fees, and held my breath. IF I were lucky I would get in. I actually did get into those two colleges, but my choices of colleges were limited simply because my parents at that point in time didn't have the money to allow me to apply to more than those two colleges. Today though I learned of a wonderful thing called Fee Waiver services from the College Board. The Fee Waiver service allows students to have their fees waived for the SAT, additionally students qualifying for this program can have application fees waived to up to Four colleges and major universities. For more information about this service for your family please visit http://sat.collegeboard.com/register/sat-fee-waivers
The other thing about colleges and universities are visiting. I know for many parents who've attended college in a previous life they want their little ones to attend their Alma mater. That's perfectly fine but believe it or not there's thousands of families with parents that never stepped foot on the campus of a four year university. Or your little darling has no desire to be go to the school you have a life long loyalty too. Its a far cry from the comfort of home and much different than commuting to community college. Visiting the campus of your child's choice is a big step. They might want to go to college with their friends and find that campus life at that college is suiting for them. As a parent you might learn that the college might be surrounded by a not so great neighbor hood, that off campus living isn't feasible. There's tons to consider when looking at living at a four year college. Visiting can help give you that feel. I was able to visit one college only after I had been accepted. One college I applied to I am sure to this day I didn't get in because I was unable to visit. Some larger universities make it easy, just drive over and park (in legal parking) walk the campus and see what's happening. Smaller colleges visitors stick out like sore thumbs so it might be best to call ahead or just drop and see what's happening. The most important thing use the Fall of the senior year to visit whatever college your child is planning to attend. Instead of that big vacation, plan a few weekend trips, take those teacher work days to see a college in full action.
The take away in all of this, if you have an 8th grader, or a child in High school is seriously considering a four year university get started now with visiting colleges and dont' let your ability to pay for testing and applications.
It turns out that not much has changed in the whole college world since I left college last semester. Looking around the room there were concerned looks on the faces of parents. The news that AP classes are the standard their kids must meet to be considered a viable applicant at college was scary. In addition there were the parents in the room who probably never stepped foot on a college campus....news to them the whole process is overwelming to anyone. Its even more to go through alone we you are only 18 years old.
The admissions couselor speaking to us today was a representive from UNC Chapel Hill. UNC CHapel Hill is perhaps one of the most sought after public colleges in the state. I realize being a Pirate I had to sit through her droning on about the tar heel blue but honestly she spoke about her personal expereince and I was right there with her. The experience navigating college admissions pretty much alone. Her experience was her choices in finding a college were limited. Her mother could only afford to visit near by colleges and she was only allowed to apply to one. I nearly cried hearing her story because it sounded so similar to my own. I was only allowed to visit near by schools, my step father was sick in the fall of my senior year and my college acceptance was the last thing on anyone mind but my own. My mother did manage to take to me a college fair and I was very excited. Then reality came, each of those applications I wanted to send off cost $30-$100 for submission. That vastly changed things for me. Several colleges I wanted to attend but at the time my parents simply didn't have the money. I widdled my list to a two colleges with $30 application fees, and held my breath. IF I were lucky I would get in. I actually did get into those two colleges, but my choices of colleges were limited simply because my parents at that point in time didn't have the money to allow me to apply to more than those two colleges. Today though I learned of a wonderful thing called Fee Waiver services from the College Board. The Fee Waiver service allows students to have their fees waived for the SAT, additionally students qualifying for this program can have application fees waived to up to Four colleges and major universities. For more information about this service for your family please visit http://sat.collegeboard.com/register/sat-fee-waivers
The other thing about colleges and universities are visiting. I know for many parents who've attended college in a previous life they want their little ones to attend their Alma mater. That's perfectly fine but believe it or not there's thousands of families with parents that never stepped foot on the campus of a four year university. Or your little darling has no desire to be go to the school you have a life long loyalty too. Its a far cry from the comfort of home and much different than commuting to community college. Visiting the campus of your child's choice is a big step. They might want to go to college with their friends and find that campus life at that college is suiting for them. As a parent you might learn that the college might be surrounded by a not so great neighbor hood, that off campus living isn't feasible. There's tons to consider when looking at living at a four year college. Visiting can help give you that feel. I was able to visit one college only after I had been accepted. One college I applied to I am sure to this day I didn't get in because I was unable to visit. Some larger universities make it easy, just drive over and park (in legal parking) walk the campus and see what's happening. Smaller colleges visitors stick out like sore thumbs so it might be best to call ahead or just drop and see what's happening. The most important thing use the Fall of the senior year to visit whatever college your child is planning to attend. Instead of that big vacation, plan a few weekend trips, take those teacher work days to see a college in full action.
The take away in all of this, if you have an 8th grader, or a child in High school is seriously considering a four year university get started now with visiting colleges and dont' let your ability to pay for testing and applications.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Babywearing cottage industry in trouble because of poor designs....
Poor infant carrier designs by Major Manufactures parents trusted because of the Manufacturer.
This morning I was on my favorite parenting message board, Triangle mommies and came across a CPSC press release. I first reacted with anger. When my DS was little I wore in two slings, one i made myself and I bought from a reputable sling manufacturer, Kangaroo Korner. I remember researching slings and made a conscious decision to stay away from pack carriers like the Bjorn and "bag slings" I thought both might pose a safety risk to my then small infant.
My experience in the baby wearing community was one where Work at Home Moms and Large scale sling producers had their own standard. There were certain materials that were part of the standard, including Heavy Steel Rings, Heavy Nylon rings, Sewing and surging standards. These were primarily set by the manufactures who took pride in thier work and wanted repeat customers and recommendations. Their goals were not entirely bassed on profit.
Things that were avoided were massed produced slings and pack carriers. That included the recently recalled "Infantino Bag Sling." Across the web where baby wearing was discussed I cannot count the times that people were warned of overly massed produced baby carriers. The reasons were often because of construction that might uncomfortable for parents, or dangers to the baby being carried.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued a statement demanding there be standards for these products. That's fine but when the product in question has been recalled numerous times, not from WAHM or other sling/carrier producers but from a single manufacture I feel like, as do many other baby wearing parents, the baby has been thrown out with the bath water.
Furthermore the CPSC is also issued a warning to parents of premature infants. Its been long known that Kangaroo care or baby wearing is extremely important in the development of these infants. Parents of Preemies often relied on WAHM slings to carry out the prescribed Kangaroo care. I feel like the CPSC has again gone to far in their warning and should be warning parents of specific sling designs, not just slings and baby wearing entirely.
Sling Manufactures have come against the Warning, read about it here.
http://indianapolis.momslikeme.com/members/JournalActions.aspx?g=246852&m=10754812&source=stream_rail
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 12, 2010
Release #10-165
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908
Infant Deaths Prompt CPSC Warning About Sling Carriers for Babies
WASHINGTON, D.C.- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is advising parents and caregivers to be cautious when using infant slings for babies younger than four months of age. In researching incident reports from the past 20 years, CPSC identified and is investigating at least 14 deaths associated with sling-style infant carriers, including three in 2009. Twelve of the deaths involved babies younger than four months of age.
Slings can pose two different types of suffocation hazards to babies. In the first few months of life, babies cannot control their heads because of weak neck muscles. The sling's fabric can press against an infant's nose and mouth, blocking the baby's breathing and rapidly suffocating a baby within a minute or two. Additionally, where a sling keeps the infant in a curled position bending the chin toward the chest, the airways can be restricted, limiting the oxygen supply. The baby will not be able to cry for help and can slowly suffocate.
Many of the babies who died in slings were either a low birth weight twin, were born prematurely, or had breathing issues such as a cold. Therefore, CPSC urges parents of preemies, twins, babies in fragile health and those with low weight to use extra care and consult their pediatricians about using slings.
Two months ago, the Commission added slings to the list of durable infant products that require a mandatory standard. Additionally, CPSC staff is actively investigating these products to determine what additional action may be appropriate. Until a mandatory standard is developed, CPSC is working with ASTM International to quickly complete an effective voluntary standard for infant sling carriers.
CPSC recommends that parents and caregivers make sure the infant's face is not covered and is visible at all times to the sling's wearer. If nursing the baby in a sling, change the baby's position after feeding so the baby's head is facing up and is clear of the sling and the mother's body. Parents and caregivers should be vigilant about frequently checking their baby in a sling.
CPSC is interested in receiving incident or injury reports that are directly related to infant slings. You can do this by visiting www.cpsc.gov/cgibin/incident.aspx or call CPSC's Hotline at (800) 638-2772.
This morning I was on my favorite parenting message board, Triangle mommies and came across a CPSC press release. I first reacted with anger. When my DS was little I wore in two slings, one i made myself and I bought from a reputable sling manufacturer, Kangaroo Korner. I remember researching slings and made a conscious decision to stay away from pack carriers like the Bjorn and "bag slings" I thought both might pose a safety risk to my then small infant.
My experience in the baby wearing community was one where Work at Home Moms and Large scale sling producers had their own standard. There were certain materials that were part of the standard, including Heavy Steel Rings, Heavy Nylon rings, Sewing and surging standards. These were primarily set by the manufactures who took pride in thier work and wanted repeat customers and recommendations. Their goals were not entirely bassed on profit.
Things that were avoided were massed produced slings and pack carriers. That included the recently recalled "Infantino Bag Sling." Across the web where baby wearing was discussed I cannot count the times that people were warned of overly massed produced baby carriers. The reasons were often because of construction that might uncomfortable for parents, or dangers to the baby being carried.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued a statement demanding there be standards for these products. That's fine but when the product in question has been recalled numerous times, not from WAHM or other sling/carrier producers but from a single manufacture I feel like, as do many other baby wearing parents, the baby has been thrown out with the bath water.
Furthermore the CPSC is also issued a warning to parents of premature infants. Its been long known that Kangaroo care or baby wearing is extremely important in the development of these infants. Parents of Preemies often relied on WAHM slings to carry out the prescribed Kangaroo care. I feel like the CPSC has again gone to far in their warning and should be warning parents of specific sling designs, not just slings and baby wearing entirely.
Sling Manufactures have come against the Warning, read about it here.
http://indianapolis.momslikeme.com/members/JournalActions.aspx?g=246852&m=10754812&source=stream_rail
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 12, 2010
Release #10-165
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908
Infant Deaths Prompt CPSC Warning About Sling Carriers for Babies
WASHINGTON, D.C.- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is advising parents and caregivers to be cautious when using infant slings for babies younger than four months of age. In researching incident reports from the past 20 years, CPSC identified and is investigating at least 14 deaths associated with sling-style infant carriers, including three in 2009. Twelve of the deaths involved babies younger than four months of age.
Slings can pose two different types of suffocation hazards to babies. In the first few months of life, babies cannot control their heads because of weak neck muscles. The sling's fabric can press against an infant's nose and mouth, blocking the baby's breathing and rapidly suffocating a baby within a minute or two. Additionally, where a sling keeps the infant in a curled position bending the chin toward the chest, the airways can be restricted, limiting the oxygen supply. The baby will not be able to cry for help and can slowly suffocate.
Many of the babies who died in slings were either a low birth weight twin, were born prematurely, or had breathing issues such as a cold. Therefore, CPSC urges parents of preemies, twins, babies in fragile health and those with low weight to use extra care and consult their pediatricians about using slings.
Two months ago, the Commission added slings to the list of durable infant products that require a mandatory standard. Additionally, CPSC staff is actively investigating these products to determine what additional action may be appropriate. Until a mandatory standard is developed, CPSC is working with ASTM International to quickly complete an effective voluntary standard for infant sling carriers.
CPSC recommends that parents and caregivers make sure the infant's face is not covered and is visible at all times to the sling's wearer. If nursing the baby in a sling, change the baby's position after feeding so the baby's head is facing up and is clear of the sling and the mother's body. Parents and caregivers should be vigilant about frequently checking their baby in a sling.
CPSC is interested in receiving incident or injury reports that are directly related to infant slings. You can do this by visiting www.cpsc.gov/cgibin/incident.aspx or call CPSC's Hotline at (800) 638-2772.
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