A Quick Learnt'er

So I drafted up these chores checklists for my kids. There are about 10 things that they need to do on a daily basis - and the end of the week they earn a reasonable allowance. So, as a preface to the "Family meeting" I called, I went over the basic concept, i.e. they're getting older, they need to start helping out more, etc., but the second I mentioned that they would receive money at the end of the week - my son was JUMPING to sign it - even before reading what the chores were.

Sensing a "teachable moment" I took it upon myself to go over the basic concept of not signing anything you don't understand, or haven't read yet, and that by signing their names they are agreeing to what is required of them the list, just like when buying a car, a house, it is a commitment, a contact, and you need to make sure that you read and understand what you're signing before you sign.

I then proceeded to review with them what was on the list, and had them sign it. My son quickly signed it and bounced off into the other room. My daughter, on the other hand sheepishly hesitated. Sensing maybe she didn't know where to sign - I pointed it out to her on the sheet.

"But dad..." she said "I can't read, and you said don't sign anything you haven't read yet"

Cool Idea ...

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Just say no!

Passing the Bar

Earlier this month* I learned... (*ok, I'm a little slow on the blog postings lately) that Oliver PASSED THE BAR!!!!! Yay! I told Aug who asked me to convey "congratulations from his uncle" and pointed out that, in January, it will be 25 years that he has been able to "pass a bar"! Congratulations to both of them!!

Lets ride Bamboo Bikes.......!!!!

The Bamboo Bike Project is a project by Scientists and Engineers at The Earth Institute, Columbia University, and aims to examine the feasibility of implementing cargo bikes made of bamboo as a sustainable form of transportation in Africa.

http://www.loe.org/shows/segments.htm?programID=10-P13-00033&segmentID=6

Candid Camera Circa 2010

Huh?

I heard a guy on NPR (Terry Gross Fresh Air I think) say he was a stutterer. He said people that stutter do not stutter when they talk to animals. I would like someone to research this and find out if that is true. I would like to add this to things I learnt, but would like to make sure it is true first.

Jo mama, but no gay stuff ...

http://www.buzzfeed.com/awesomer/the-8-greatest-craigslist-jo-sessions

five toe shoe

so boan told me that polvo was yappin about these new shoes. ( I think this video is actually polvo tryin to fake a foreign accent) ...anyway, I guess he is thinking about running in them. I think they would be fun to try out..but not at $85 a crack. How about somebody buying some and tell me what they think? or better yet send me $85 and I will try them out and tell you about them. (or send $84..I still have my $1 science award check somewhere)

Mission Impossible?

Today I learned that there is no limit to the effort of young elders on their mission to spread the Book of Mormon. Imagine my surprise to open our front door this morning to find the smiling, albeit sweaty faces of Elder Reed and Elder Call. I asked them how they drew the short straw to do their mission work in the record-breaking heat and humidity of central FL. I warned them that another gang, the Scientologists, had already staked out the greater St.Petersburg area. I told them I had already heard the Book of Mormon shpeal as there was no shortage of their kind in Colorado Springs. We chatted for a few minutes about their dreams and ambitions. I asked if they were "allowed" to have their pictures taken (What? - like they're vampires?!). They readily obliged when I explained I wanted a picture because it was rare for me to see anyone in Floriduh without tattoos - let alone crisp white shirts on such a humid day. They left me a literature card on which they wrote their phone numbers and that of their leader, one Elder Simms. I, in turn, shared with them the maxim of the Sweet Potato Queens: "Be particular." I like to think we ALL learned something.

Learnt how to grill some ribs using a rib rack

I saw this bbq pork rib recipe in a home and garden june magazine. Looked interesting, so I made it. Included a dry rub and a glaze. Bought a rib rack and hickory chips to make it right. Turned out half way decent. I was surprised!

And the winner is....

Andrea! Annie was the first Allen-side (like the hyphen?) family member to sneak a peak at Grayson Wolfe Allen-Sibold! She and Rob dressed up all pretty and faked a wedding in the greater-Loveland-metro area to grab the winning title! How you like them hyphens? I vaguely recall Vic promising a hundred big ones (big ones = larger than a quarter, according to the glossy poop-chart the hospital sent us home with) to the first Allen-sider to do so?

It was a PLEASURE to see them both, and although we offered to send them home with Grayson for the night, they politely declined, snapped a couple photos, and sped off into the night.

I learned they can sell anything on TV

http://www.bodyblade.com/videos/bodyblade-main.html

I swear I thought this was a SNL skit when I saw it.

Contest

Here is a picture of Ribhard's new toy. Can you guess the function of this handsome piece of equipment?

First Day of Summer Vay-Cay!

Lounging in the backyard, listening to the soundtrack of Ferris Bueller's Day Off (the ultimate skipping school music), I learned I don't have to be on a cruise - like 4 people I know right now - to have a good time!

the times they are a changin'

For decades, illegal marijuana cultivation has been an economic lifeblood for three counties in northern California known as the Emerald Triangle.

The war on drugs and frequent raids by federal drug agents have helped support the local economy — keeping prices for street sales of pot high and keeping profits rich.

But high times are changing. Legal pot, under the guise of the California's medical marijuana laws, has spurred a rush of new competition. As a result, the wholesale price of pot grown in these areas is plunging.

TWO graduates: "J.D." and Valencia

Last weekend, I learned that one who earns his law degree is a J.D.,Juris Doctor, and gets to wear the doctoral robe with the black velvet stripes - and the pie hat! This weekend will be Valencia's graduation (English/concentration:Literature). And next weekend will be Ethan's (Business/Finance). "Wicked smart" is in the air! Congratulations to all!

On Saturday I learnt that sometimes there is no limit to the pride we feel for our siblings.

"Now are the foxes!" Steve Martin, SNL

This week I learned that wildlife can be found right in one's own back yard!

Swiffer Sweeper

I learnt that these very expensive dust catchers are reusable.
Hand wash in soapy water, rinse, hang dry or fluff them in the dryer.
You can get at least 5 re-uses out of them.