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Syracuse, NY Zoo - A fun day for the family :)

Book Review: “The Paper Doorway” Poetry by Dean Koontz

I recently gave my 12 year old son the assignment to reflect on poetry that he had recently read. His response was that he could not do the assignment, as he did not like poetry and had never really read any poetry.

My response to him went something like this “but you love poetry, and you recently were telling me about all the great little ‘stories’ you were reading in your Dean Koontz book.”

His response “That’s not poetry, I liked that book. It was full of funny little stories.”

We had a long discussion after about how poetry takes on many forms and brings many different emotions. The emotions that were felt with Koontz’s poetry made my son feel happy. All poetry is not like that and my son did later admit he enjoys poetry, especially Koontz’s poetry.

“The Paper Doorway” is filled with humorous, whimsical poetry for children of all ages. There are wonderful illustrations on nearly each page and each illustration contains a mouse for your child to find.

This is a must have book for all young readers which will expose them to the joys of poetry.

You want to be me?

We have all heard horror stories of innocent victims who have had their identity stolen from thieves. Credit cards charged to the max, bank accounts tapped into. My own mother had her credit card used by a fraudulent user a few months ago. I’m not sure if it will ever be straightened out.

My husband is compulsive about records and numbers. Nothing can go in the trash with a number, name, or account. I try to make a joke about it with my husband “really, no one wants to be you.” We have 2 shredders – just in case one breaks down :0 I realize that this could potentially be a serious problem, but the likelihood of it happening to any one person is low. It has been called a nightmare by many for the person who has their identity used. Therefore, we are vigilant with our records and “numbers.”

The FTC (Federal Trade Commission) offers a PowerPoint presentation, streaming video, and multiple downloadable brochures to educate the public about ID theft. There are also various resources to help those who have had their identities stolen. These include what to do and how to file reports and complaints.

Educate yourself, family and children about Identity theft … I’ve heard that someone may want to be you!

Breathe

I’m ok, breathe it in
It’s my choice, breathe it in
It’s my money, breathe it in
It’s my life, breathe it in

I can’t breathe, breathe it in
I can’t walk, breathe it in
I can’t work, breathe it in
I can’t live, breathe it in

Stop
Too late

I hurt
I’m angry
Fix me… please

Suffering,
Gasping, hacking,
Desperate wishes,
No breath comes

No fond memories...

My father died prematurely. I do not have any memories of my father when he was healthy... he was always sick in my mind...Unable to walk many steps, unable to breathe...suffering slowly for 20 years.
There are no memories of running around with my father. No memories of playing ball, catch, tag, wrestling, or any other sport.

My memories include oxygen, hacking noises, hitting his back, and slow, agonizing walking when we ventured anywhere. There were pills, inhalers, hospital visits and aids that came to the house to take care of him. Stress, arguing, yelling, and constant fear gripped my house.

My father only met one of his five grandchildren. My oldest son, Marshall (now almost 12) attended his grandfather's funeral when he was 9 months old. There are no memories for any of them.

Marshall tells me regularly he will not follow in his grandfather's footsteps; he wishes he knew his grandfather. It makes both of us sad when he longs to have known him. He has asked to see and have pictures of him, so that he can feel a connection to what he has lost.

I am not the only daughter that has lost a parent to smoking. I have never touched, inhaled or smoked because of the loss that I experienced from this terrible, addictive, product that destroys families and lives.

If you have children, grandchildren or plan to have a family in the future, you should consider how this product may forever change the course of your life and your family.

There are many products and programs available, but from what I understand, there needs to be a need to stop. If you have approached this point in your life please get the help you need to accomplish this task.

Be sure to visit http://www.nicodermcq.com/ for more information to help you or someone you know quit smoking. At this site, you can find out more about your addiction. You can also find a support coach, or link up with someone else who is trying to quit. Develop your plan and become healthier today.

Snow Day

Blowing, swirling and twirling around
Can’t see through it
Homebound

Bright and quiet
The muffled sound
Of winter comes down

Gloves, hats, scarves, boots
Might keep you warm
On this cold winter Day

Push it back
Salt thrown around
Clearing the way
For children and parents to play

Prayer in School? NY saying Yes?

The U.S. Supreme Court's officially banned prayer in public schools in 1963. This nationwide decision to separate church and state has lead to controversy since this time, across our nation. In particular, since the tragedy of September11th, many in our nation have reverted to religion to make sense of the world problems our nation is now facing. What is interesting is that The House passed the non-binding resolution, “suggesting that schools set aside a sufficient period of time to allow children to pray for, or quietly reflect on behalf of, the nation during this time of struggle against the forces of international terrorism" (McQueen, 2001). Therefore, is there true separation of church and state, or is there separation when it is convenient for the government?

In New York, a recent problem developed when the chancellor of New York City Schools, Harold E. Levy, “ordered the schools to accommodate Muslim students who wish to pray during the Ramadan month” (New York Times, 2001, November 24). This order was later rescinded by Levy after reaction from the Catholic League, but Muslim students were extended special on-campus praying privileges, and were allowed to leave class during their daily prayer time (D'Agostino, 2001).

Through researching this topic, it appears that there is not a clear separation of church and state in New York. Last year, the Supreme Court ruled “to allow the Good News Club, a religious organization, to conduct its after-school Bible study and prayer program for elementary school students in a public school classroom in New York” (New York Times, 2001, June 12). With this decision and others across the country, it is clear that this is an ongoing controversy across our nation.

References:
D'Agostino, J.A. (2001, November 26). New York Schools Flip-Flop on Ramadan. Human Events 57(44). p. 4.

McQueen, A. (2001, November 24). SchoolPrayers for a Nation at War? CQ Weekly 59(45). p. 2775.

New York Times. (2001, June 12). Proselytizing in the Schools. New York Times. 150(51782) p. A32.

New York Times. (2001, November 17). Schools to Allow Ramadan Prayer. New York Times. 151(51940) p. D2.

Putting Christmas away is sad

Putting Christmas away is sad.
Can we leave the putting away for dad?

The stockings were un-hung with care.
But what is it that is in there?

Unwrapped finds – too good to be true?
The twins were excited… wouldn’t you be too?

Reach deep inside, what is to be found?
Could it be candy, a toy… oh, It’s round!

We each have two… no need to share!
What can be better for little hands up in the air?

Open them up! Let see what they are!
We each have two Elmo Balls, bounce them if you dare!

Ball Bounce, Ball Bounce
Run, chase, Run, chase
We can play like this all day!