Learning Can Be Fun

Posted on August 10, 2009 by Michele Cheplic

Who says you can’t learn anything during summer vacation? Instead of having your kid’s brain turn to mush during the dog days of summer, encourage him to explore science in the great outdoors. Spend the day outside with your son or daughter catching butterflies, planting a garden or snapping digital pictures to create a nature map. Need some more ideas? Take a look at these educational activities: HOMEMADE VOLCANO Materials: Disposable baking pan Soda bottle (16 or 20 oz.) Moist soil 1 tablespoon baking soda 1 cup vinegar Red food coloring Directions: Place the baking pan on the grass, and … Continue reading →

My Son’s Science Project Is Out of Control

Posted on November 5, 2007 by Valorie Delp

I could’ve just as easily entitled this: What to Do When Your Gifted Child is Smarter Than You Are. It’s an idea and a concept that many parents of truly gifted children struggle with because the reality is that gifted children are often smarter than their parents in something. I still have things to teach him, but he will surpass mine, and my husband’s knowledge in science and math before he finishes high school. I am sure of it. He’s already challenging my ability to practically apply chemistry principles that I’m well familiar with. So what do you do when … Continue reading →

Celebrities Unite To Help Find Missing Girl

Posted on August 11, 2007 by Michele Cheplic

By now I’m sure you have heard the story of 4-year-old Madeleine McCann. She is the British girl who was allegedly kidnapped from her family’s vacation villa in Portugal on May 3rd. News of her disappearance made international headlines and inspired many celebrities to contribute to her reward fund. Currently, the Madeleine McCann reward fund (given to the person or persons who provide information that helps assist in the child’s safe return) has exceeded $5 million. According to British press reports, Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling has to date pledged the single largest contribution to the fund. One newspaper called … Continue reading →

Fashion Files: So Long Saggy Pants, Hello Cucumber Cool

Posted on June 14, 2007 by Michele Cheplic

In a previous blog I gave you a few reasons why perpetuating the baggy pants fashion trend could lead to trouble. Now one Louisiana lawmaker is making it a crime (and not just with the fashion police) to wear baggy britches around town. The mayor of Delcambre, Louisiana said he would sign an ordinance the town council approved this week setting penalties of up to six months in jail and a $500 fine for anyone who is caught “wearing pants that reveal undergarments or certain parts of the body.” The mayor told news reporters that while he has nothing against … Continue reading →

How To Become A Part Of Popular Culture

Posted on February 6, 2007 by Michele Cheplic

You’ve seen them posted all over the Internet… home videos of stupid pet (and human) tricks, weird stunts, and bloopers. But, have you ever wondered how each video makes it online and how much (if any) money was exchanged for the post? Popular culture wouldn’t be what it is today without someone uploading video of what happens when you combine Mentos and Diet Coke or what happens when you stuff your mouth full of live praying mantises. Online videos are fun to watch, and in some cases even more fun to post… and yes, those weird stunts captured on camera … Continue reading →

Thank Goodness For My Computer

Posted on December 29, 2006 by Michele Cheplic

I am thankful for my computer for many reasons: it allows to me to work at home, it helps me stay connected to family and friends, and in 2006 it helped preserve a piece of my sanity. For a few months this year we didn’t have cable, which meant my 2-year-old daughter was without her beloved “Wonder Pets,” “Wow! Wow! Wubbzy,” and her best friends, “The Backyardigans.” At first she was a bit shell shocked that her daily routine was being altered (she gets to watch 30 minutes of TV in the morning and 30 minutes at night). But, I … Continue reading →