Cheap Girl Toys: 2013

Monday, July 15, 2013

Artificial Christmas Tree

History

The first artificial Christmas trees were developed in Germany during the 19th century, though earlier examples exist. These “trees” were made using goose feathers that were dyed green. The German feather trees were one response by Germans to continued deforestation in Germany. Developed in the 1880s, the feather trees became increasingly popular during the early part of the 20th century. The German feather trees eventually made their way to the United States where they became rather popular as well. In fact, the use of natural Christmas trees in the United States was pre-dated by a type of artificial tree. These first trees were wooden, tree-shaped pyramids lit by candles, they were developed in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania by the German Moravian Church in 1747.

Types of artificial trees

Feathers

Main article: Feather Christmas tree

An example of an antique feather Christmas tree

Feather Christmas trees, originally of German origin, became popular in the United States as well. Feather trees were initially made of green-dyed goose feathers which were attached to wire branches. These wire branches were then wrapped around a central dowel which acted as the trunk Feather Christmas trees ranged widely in size, from a small 2 inch tree to a large 98 inch tree sold in department stores during the 1920s. Often, the tree branches were tipped with artificial red berries which acted as candle holders. The branches were widely spaced to keep the candles from starting a fire, which allowed ample space for ornamentation. Other benefits touted for feather trees included the elimination of a trip to the tree lot and the lack of shed needles.

Brush bristles

In 1930 the U.S.-based Addis Brush Company created the first artificial Christmas tree made from brush bristles. The company used the same machinery that it used to manufacture toilet brushes. The trees were made from the same animal-hair bristles used in the brushes, save they were dyed green. For a time, the brush trees were immensely popular, with large numbers exported to Great Britain, where the trees also became popular. These brush trees offered advantages over the earlier feather trees. They could accept heavier ornamentation, and were not nearly as flammable.

Aluminum

Main article: Aluminum Christmas tree

An aluminum Christmas tree

Aluminum Christmas trees are a type of artificial tree that are made largely from aluminum. The trees were manufactured in the United States, first in Chicago in 1958, and later in Manitowoc, Wisconsin where the majority of the trees were produced. Aluminum trees were manufactured into the 1970s, and had their height of popularity from their inception until about 1965. That year A Charlie Brown Christmas aired for the first time, and its negative portrayal of aluminum Christmas trees is credited for a subsequent decline in sales.

Plastic

A PVC Christmas tree decorated with fairy lights and baubles

Most modern artificial Christmas trees are made from 100% recycled plastics of used packaging materials, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or other plastics. Just about 10% of trees made in the recent years are using virgin suspension PVC resin and despite being plastic most artificial trees are not recyclable or biodegradable. PVC trees are fire-retardant but not fire-resistant. Many of these trees are made in China; from January to August 2005 $69 million worth of artificial trees from China entered the United States.

Plastic trees come in a variety of different styles. Some have become more and more lifelike over the years and may contain polyethylene in their branches for further realism. The Prelit Tree has become increasingly popular in the United States and Germany as well, most prelit trees are not made from recycled plastic materials because all prelit trees are being classified into the categories of electrical products and are subject to the mandatory regulations for the safety standards of electrical products e.g. UL, CSA, GS, BS and RoHS. Artificial Christmas trees may be “frosted” or “glittered” and designed for outdoor uses with UV additives. Plastic trees can come in a variety of different colors, and one type came with built-in speakers and an MP3 player.

Companies such as Mountain King, Barcana and the National Tree Company have marketed increasingly realistic PVC trees made to closely resemble Douglas fir, Ponderosa pine or other common types of Christmas trees. During the 1990s trees not only began to appear more realistic but some also smelled more realistic. Many of these more modern models came with pre-strung lights and hinged branches which simply had to be snapped into position.

Other

An stand-alone upside down Christmas tree

Trends in artificial tree consumption have constantly evolved and a number of designer and other types of artificial Christmas trees have appeared on the market. Fiber optic trees come in two major varieties, one resembles a traditional Christmas tree. The other type of fiber optic Christmas tree is one where the entire tree is made of wispy fiber optic cable, a tree composed entirely of light. David Gutshall, of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, received a patent for the latter type of fiber optic tree in 1998.

One Dallas-based company offers “holographic mylar” trees in many hues. Tree-shaped objects made from such materials as cardboard, glass, ceramic or other materials can be found in use as tabletop decorations.[citation needed] Upside-down artificial Christmas trees were originally introduced as a marketing gimmick; they allowed consumers to get closer to ornaments for sale in retail stores as well as opened up floor space for more products. There were three varieties of upside-down trees, those bolted to the ceiling, stand alone trees with a base, and half-trees bolted to walls.

Sales and usage

Artificial trees became increasingly popular during the late 20th century. Users of artificial Christmas trees assert that they are more convenient, and, because they are reusable, much cheaper than their natural alternative. Between 2001 and 2007 artificial Christmas tree sales jumped from 7.3 million to 17.4 million.

In 1992, in the United States, about 46 percent of homes displaying Christmas trees displayed an artificial tree. Twelve years later, a 2004 ABC News/Washington Post poll revealed that 58 percent of U.S. residents used an artificial tree instead of a natural tree. The real versus artificial tree debate has been popular in mass media through the early 21st century. The debate is a frequent topic of news articles during the Christmas holiday season. Early 21st century coverage of the debate focused on the decrease in natural Christmas tree sales, and rise in artificial tree sales over the late 1990s and early 2000s.

The rise in popularity of artificial trees did not go unnoticed by the Christmas tree farming industry in the United States. In 2004, the U.S. Christmas tree industry hired the advertising agency Smith-Harroff to spearhead an ad campaign aimed at rejuvenating lagging sales of natural trees. A 1975 poll by Michigan State University showed the reasons why consumers were beginning to prefer artificial over natural Christmas trees. The reasons included safety, one-time purchasing, and environmental responsibility but the biggest reason respondents gave pollsters was no messy needle clean up.

Production

A PVC Christmas tree decorated on Christmas Eve

Most artificial Christmas trees are manufactured in the Pearl River delta area in China. Promoters of artificial trees highlight them as convenient, reusable, and of better quality than artificial trees of old. Supporters also note that some apartment buildings have banned natural trees because of fire concerns.

There is also a robust market for artificial Christmas trees in Poland. An estimated 20 percent of all Christmas trees sold in Poland are artificial, and many are made domestically by individual families. One producer from Koziegwki stated that every other house was an artificial tree producers. The trees are made from a special film which is imported from China or Thailand. Entire families take part in production and the trees are sold throughout Poland with some being exported to the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

Environmental issues

General issues

The debate about the environmental impact of artificial trees is ongoing. Generally, natural tree growers contend that artificial trees are more environmentally harmful than their natural counterpart. On the other side of the debate, trade groups such as the American Christmas Tree Association, continue to refute that artificial trees are more harmful to the environment and maintain that the PVC used in Christmas trees has excellent recyclable properties. One researcher at Kansas State University called the idea that artificial trees are eco-friendly an “urban myth”.

Lead contamination

In the past, lead was often used as a stabilizer in PVC, but it is now banned by Chinese laws. Most PVC materials for making artificial Christmas trees are now using tin as a stabilizer in recent years. PVC was used in some of the 2007 recalled Chinese toys. A 2004 study found that while in general artificial trees pose little health risk from lead contamination, there do exist “worst-case scenarios” where major health risks to young children are present. The lead author of the 2004 study, Dr. Richard Maas, noted in 2005: “We found that if we leave one of these trees standing for a week, and we wipe under the tree wel find large amounts of lead dust in many cases under the tree”.

In 2007, U.S. Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY) asked the Consumer Products Safety Commission to investigate lead levels in Chinese imported artificial trees. Lead-free artificial Christmas trees do exist; for example, one U.S.-based company uses barium instead of lead as a stabilizer in its PVC trees. A 2008 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency report found that as the PVC in artificial Christmas trees aged it began to degrade. The report determined that of the 50 million artificial trees in the United States approximately 20 million were 9 or more years old, the point where dangerous lead contamination levels are reached.

Sunday, July 14, 2013

Top Family Days Out

Article from: My Family UK

The following ideas are for kids who are tireless bundles of energy, who always need entertainment. A family day out is a great way to get some fresh air and let the kids run around a bit.

For some brilliant, family-tailored days out, see our top choices below.

1) Adventure

Your little monkeys can swing from tree to tree at a Go Ape! centre (several locations over the UK), provided they are over 10 years old.

Under 18s must be accompanied by a participating adult, so make sure youâ€™ve brought a head for heights.

If wheels are more their thing then Mercedes-Benz World lets children drive real cars around specially designed tracks.

Try go-karting with F1K in Loughborough.

More unconventional fun can be had at Orb360 in Brighton, where kids over 1.5m tall crash downhill in giant inflatable bubbles at 30mph.

Littler thrill-seekers can have big fun at Airkix: indoor skydiving for the over-fives.

2) Nature

For fun with flora hit the Eden Project and experience tropical rainforests.Explore a real life Secret Garden at The Lost Gardens of Heligan.

Simply go walking in the Lake Districtâ€™s stunning natural environment.

For fantastic fauna, visit the free-range environment Fota Wildlife Park in Co.Cork.

Drusillas Park has more activities than you could shake a stick-insect at.

Donâ€™t forget London Zoo â€“ the worldâ€™s oldest scientific zoo.

3) Bookworms

Explore Winnie-the-Poohâ€™s Hundred Acre Wood at Ashdown Forest in East Sussex where a guide to Pooh-sites can be picked up from the Forest Centre â€“ and donâ€™t forget to bring some pooh-sticks!

The World of Beatrix Potter brings Peter Rabbit, Jemima Puddle-Duck and the rest to life.

Lovers of Oliver Twist must visit Dickens World, where there is a Victorian street made up of famous Dickensian places from the books.

4) Sports

Learn to climb indoors at Edinburghâ€™s International Climbing Centre, the worldâ€™s biggest, where anyone over 1.4m tall can tackle the Aerial Assault course suspended 100m off the floor.

Water-babies can learn to surf with the British Surfing Association at Fistral Beach in Newquay, or get into paddle-sports in Cardiff Bay.

Keeping it cool is Manchesterâ€™s Chillfactore, where you can ski, snowboard and even visit an Alpine Village, indoors.

As for footy, try a visit to the National Football Museum in Preston. Alternatively, your own beloved team most likely has a stadium tour of its own so pass on the legacy!

5) Science & Technology

â€œExterminateâ€ dull weekends at the Doctor Who Museum, Blackpool.

For science of a more Earth-bound kind, Cardiffâ€™s Techniquest is a very hands-on centre for exploring maths, engineering and technology.

The Catalyst Science and Discovery Centre in Widnes focuses on the colourful and often combustible world of chemistry and has family workshops during half-term holidays.

The National Science Museum in London always has loads of informative exhibitions and, on designated Science Nights, kids can even camp overnight among the exhibits!

6) Dinosaurs

Track T-Rex or play dino-themed mini golf at The Big Dinosaur Adventure in Norfolk.

Dorchesterâ€™s Dinosaur Museum has life-size reconstructions of all the favourites and in this museum kids are encouraged to touch them!

That isnâ€™t the case at The Natural History Museum but for the brave young archaeologists they do have a moving, roaring, Tyrannosaurus!

For informative outdoors fun, go fossil-hunting along the Lyme Regis Jurassic Coast.

7) Space

The National Science Museum has a permanent exhibit tracing the story of the space rocket and all sorts of interstellar info.

Spaceport in Seacombe makes kids feel like astronauts with its simulators, planetarium and interactive audio-visual galleries.

At the National Space Centre in Leicester, your child can even learn how to run a space mission in their Challenger Centre!

If your kids are more ‘Skywalker’ than ‘Sky At Night’, then Laser Quest centres offer games of laser-tag in suitably futuristic arenas.

Historical

The Imperial War Museum North is about more than just the facts; itâ€™s about people, their lives and stories and loads of interaction â€“ ever wondered what a WWI trench smelled like?

From the Navy to pirates, life on the high seas can be explored at the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich.

In York, the Jorvik Viking Centre presents the sights â€“ and smells! â€“ of Viking life, with reenactments over half-term holidays.

Also great at half-term, or any other time, is Warwick Castle, where kids can be knights for the day.

Or if your little terrors like things a bit more gory try The London Dungeons for a gruesome history lesson.

9) The Arts

Budding poets can see Wordsworthâ€™s cottage in the Lake District.

Young thespians should tour The Globe.

In Spring/Summer the open air cliff-top Minack theatre is a stunning venue to take in a play.

For kids in the North-West who want to get stuck into arts projects and workshops, check out the Action Factory Community Arts website for the latest events.

The newly opened British Music Experience charts the stars, the trends, fads and fashions of the last 60 years of popular music so you and the kids can learn about each otherâ€™s eras.

10) Machines

Take a spin 35m into the air on the worldâ€™s largest rotating boat-lift in Falkirk, a futuristic addition to one of Scotlandâ€™s oldest and most scenic canal networks.

Move off the wheel and get behind it at Diggerland, where kids can drive and operate heavy-duty construction vehicles in a diggable environment.

From trams, buses and tubes to artwork and posters, the London Transport Museum is a cool place to learn everything about the heritage of Londonâ€™s transport.

Or check out the 57 varieties of aircraft and cockpit sections at Newark Air Museum which has been capturing kidsâ€™ imaginations for over 40 years.

Further Information

For further information, and for more great ways to have fun with your family, log on to www.myfamilyuk.com. With a huge collection of articles covering everything from child safety to rainy day activities, you’ll find all the help, guidance and entertainment you need to be a great parent. Go to My Family UK now!

Top Family Days Out

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Ten Safety Tips When Traveling With Children

Traveling abroad is a great learning experience for kids and parents. Here are 10 tips to help keep your family safe, and ensure everyone has a great time.

1. Fill out all emergency information on your passports. Make sure family members wear their passport on their body at all times. Children should carry the phone number and address of at least one trusted adult back home.

2. Read, understand, and follow all travel warnings issued for the area you are visiting. Do not travel to unsafe areas.

3 .Make two copies of everyoneâ€™s passport id page. Carry one copy with you in a separate place from your passport, and leave the second with a trusted friend or family member back home. Parents should carry additional copies of childrenâ€™s passports.

4. Always carry current photos of your children with you.

5. Leave a copy of your travel plans with family or friends at home. Include hotel names and phone numbers. Have your children carry a copy of travel plans with them, as well.

6. Learn local laws and customs before you leave for your trip. Be sure your children understand them as well.

7. In airports, bus depots and train stations, never leave your luggage unattended. Instruct your children not to touch other peopleâ€™s luggage, or pick anything up from the floor.

8. If you will be in a foreign country for more than two weeks, contact the embassy or consulate in that country. This will make it easier for officials to find you in case of emergency back home.

9. Do not wear expensive jewelry, or clothing that stands out. Donâ€™t carry more money than you will need. Consider credit cards or travelers checks.

10. Make sure you exchange money at authorized places. If you have any questions or get in trouble, contact the closest embassy.

Article Source : http://blogatme.com/2008/09/11/ten-safety-tips-when-traveling-with-children/

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Ten Safety Tips When Traveling With Children

Traveling abroad is a great learning experience for kids and parents. Here are 10 tips to help keep your family safe, and ensure everyone has a great time.

2. Read, understand, and follow all travel warnings issued for the area you are visiting. Do not travel to unsafe areas.

4. Always carry current photos of your children with you.

5. Leave a copy of your travel plans with family or friends at home. Include hotel names and phone numbers. Have your children carry a copy of travel plans with them, as well.

6. Learn local laws and customs before you leave for your trip. Be sure your children understand them as well.

7. In airports, bus depots and train stations, never leave your luggage unattended. Instruct your children not to touch other peopleâ€™s luggage, or pick anything up from the floor.

8. If you will be in a foreign country for more than two weeks, contact the embassy or consulate in that country. This will make it easier for officials to find you in case of emergency back home.

9. Do not wear expensive jewelry, or clothing that stands out. Donâ€™t carry more money than you will need. Consider credit cards or travelers checks.

10. Make sure you exchange money at authorized places. If you have any questions or get in trouble, contact the closest embassy.

Article Source : http://blogatme.com/2008/09/11/ten-safety-tips-when-traveling-with-children/

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Ten Safety Tips When Traveling With Children

Traveling abroad is a great learning experience for kids and parents. Here are 10 tips to help keep your family safe, and ensure everyone has a great time.

2. Read, understand, and follow all travel warnings issued for the area you are visiting. Do not travel to unsafe areas.

4. Always carry current photos of your children with you.

5. Leave a copy of your travel plans with family or friends at home. Include hotel names and phone numbers. Have your children carry a copy of travel plans with them, as well.

6. Learn local laws and customs before you leave for your trip. Be sure your children understand them as well.

7. In airports, bus depots and train stations, never leave your luggage unattended. Instruct your children not to touch other peopleâ€™s luggage, or pick anything up from the floor.

8. If you will be in a foreign country for more than two weeks, contact the embassy or consulate in that country. This will make it easier for officials to find you in case of emergency back home.

9. Do not wear expensive jewelry, or clothing that stands out. Donâ€™t carry more money than you will need. Consider credit cards or travelers checks.

10. Make sure you exchange money at authorized places. If you have any questions or get in trouble, contact the closest embassy.

Article Source : http://blogatme.com/2008/09/11/ten-safety-tips-when-traveling-with-children/

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Ten Safety Tips When Traveling With Children

Traveling abroad is a great learning experience for kids and parents. Here are 10 tips to help keep your family safe, and ensure everyone has a great time.

2. Read, understand, and follow all travel warnings issued for the area you are visiting. Do not travel to unsafe areas.

4. Always carry current photos of your children with you.

5. Leave a copy of your travel plans with family or friends at home. Include hotel names and phone numbers. Have your children carry a copy of travel plans with them, as well.

6. Learn local laws and customs before you leave for your trip. Be sure your children understand them as well.

7. In airports, bus depots and train stations, never leave your luggage unattended. Instruct your children not to touch other peopleâ€™s luggage, or pick anything up from the floor.

8. If you will be in a foreign country for more than two weeks, contact the embassy or consulate in that country. This will make it easier for officials to find you in case of emergency back home.

9. Do not wear expensive jewelry, or clothing that stands out. Donâ€™t carry more money than you will need. Consider credit cards or travelers checks.

10. Make sure you exchange money at authorized places. If you have any questions or get in trouble, contact the closest embassy.

Article Source : http://blogatme.com/2008/09/11/ten-safety-tips-when-traveling-with-children/

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Ten Safety Tips When Traveling With Children

Traveling abroad is a great learning experience for kids and parents. Here are 10 tips to help keep your family safe, and ensure everyone has a great time.

2. Read, understand, and follow all travel warnings issued for the area you are visiting. Do not travel to unsafe areas.

4. Always carry current photos of your children with you.

5. Leave a copy of your travel plans with family or friends at home. Include hotel names and phone numbers. Have your children carry a copy of travel plans with them, as well.

6. Learn local laws and customs before you leave for your trip. Be sure your children understand them as well.

7. In airports, bus depots and train stations, never leave your luggage unattended. Instruct your children not to touch other peopleâ€™s luggage, or pick anything up from the floor.

8. If you will be in a foreign country for more than two weeks, contact the embassy or consulate in that country. This will make it easier for officials to find you in case of emergency back home.

9. Do not wear expensive jewelry, or clothing that stands out. Donâ€™t carry more money than you will need. Consider credit cards or travelers checks.

10. Make sure you exchange money at authorized places. If you have any questions or get in trouble, contact the closest embassy.

Article Source : http://blogatme.com/2008/09/11/ten-safety-tips-when-traveling-with-children/

Ten Safety Tips When Traveling With Children

Saturday, July 13, 2013

How To Get Leather Necklace Joe Jonas Is Wearing On Seventeen Cover June 2009

WHO:Â Nick, Joe and KevinÂ Jonas of the JonasÂ BrothersÂ
WHAT: Joe JonasÂ appearing on the cover of Seventeen Magazine wearingÂ THE PANTHERA COLLECTION NECKLACE FOR HELP
WHEN: June 2009 IssueÂ
WHERE: Seventeen Photo Shoot

Pick up the June 2009 issue ofÂ Seventeen for an exclusive interview in which Kevin, Nick, and Joe tell you what they do to beat lonliness, what it’s like to have a breakup song writtenÂ about you, and what they see for their futures together â€“ and apart!

Plus, check out Joe Jonas sporting the Panthera Collection for HELP necklace!

What is the Panthera Collection?

The Panthera Collection, inspired by a vintage lion cufflink from the 1860′s, has been designed into necklaces, bracelets, rings, cufflinks and key chains. The collection is created with a gold lion in each piece. Prices range from $15-$2,000. The lion was chosen as a representative of the children of Malawi. It is symbolic of the courage the children in Malawi must endure on a day-to-day basis when faced with endless issues of poverty and illness.Â 100% of the profits from the Panthera Collection will benefit HELP.

What is HELP?

“Just one second with these amazing children and you will fall in love, as I did, forever. They become a part of your soul, heart, and inspiration for life. These children have lost so much, yet their hearts are filled with love and hope for the future. Together, we can return the love by giving hope, education, love and protection.” -Jillian Wolstein

Millions of children throughout the World struggle everyday to survive the harsh realities of extreme poverty.Â No child should ever endure such hardship; when it’s every child’s birthright to receive hope for a bright future, education to grow, unconditional love, and protection from disease and illness.

After seeing first hand, the challenges these children face on a day-to-day basis, Jillian Wolstein, and her family, were inspired to make a difference by giving the children a chance to make their dreams and aspirations become a reality.Â In 2006, Jillian Wolstein, founded HELP, a non-profit organization dedicated to bringingÂ Hope,Â Education,Â Love andÂ Protection to children everywhere.Â The foundation has first established its programs in Malawi, Africa, with an ultimate vision of carrying out the mission on a global level.

Who Â Supports HELP with Joe Jonas?

Camilla Belle

Zoe Saldana

Mena Suvari

Macy Grey

Constance Zimmerman

Bonnie Sommerville

Busy Phillips

MD70

S.W.A.P.

Wilderness Safaris

Medwish International

Max Azria

Greenwise

Richard Oliver Coke

Conrad Prollius

The Clothes Of Our Back Foundation

Brother’s Brother Foundation

Zest Garden Ltd.

International Partners in Mission

Jet Los Angeles

How To Get Leather Necklace Joe Jonas Is Wearing On Seventeen Cover June 2009

Plus, check out Joe Jonas sporting the Panthera Collection for HELP necklace!

What is the Panthera Collection?

What is HELP?

Who Â Supports HELP with Joe Jonas?

Camilla Belle

Zoe Saldana

Mena Suvari

Macy Grey

Constance Zimmerman

Bonnie Sommerville

Busy Phillips

MD70

S.W.A.P.

Wilderness Safaris

Medwish International

Max Azria

Greenwise

Richard Oliver Coke

Conrad Prollius

The Clothes Of Our Back Foundation

Brother’s Brother Foundation

Zest Garden Ltd.

International Partners in Mission

Jet Los Angeles

How To Get Leather Necklace Joe Jonas Is Wearing On Seventeen Cover June 2009

Plus, check out Joe Jonas sporting the Panthera Collection for HELP necklace!

What is the Panthera Collection?

What is HELP?

Who Â Supports HELP with Joe Jonas?

Camilla Belle

Zoe Saldana

Mena Suvari

Macy Grey

Constance Zimmerman

Bonnie Sommerville

Busy Phillips

MD70

S.W.A.P.

Wilderness Safaris

Medwish International

Max Azria

Greenwise

Richard Oliver Coke

Conrad Prollius

The Clothes Of Our Back Foundation

Brother’s Brother Foundation

Zest Garden Ltd.

International Partners in Mission

Jet Los Angeles

How To Get Leather Necklace Joe Jonas Is Wearing On Seventeen Cover June 2009

Plus, check out Joe Jonas sporting the Panthera Collection for HELP necklace!

What is the Panthera Collection?

What is HELP?

Who Â Supports HELP with Joe Jonas?

Camilla Belle

Zoe Saldana

Mena Suvari

Macy Grey

Constance Zimmerman

Bonnie Sommerville

Busy Phillips

MD70

S.W.A.P.

Wilderness Safaris

Medwish International

Max Azria

Greenwise

Richard Oliver Coke

Conrad Prollius

The Clothes Of Our Back Foundation

Brother’s Brother Foundation

Zest Garden Ltd.

International Partners in Mission

Jet Los Angeles

How To Get Leather Necklace Joe Jonas Is Wearing On Seventeen Cover June 2009

Plus, check out Joe Jonas sporting the Panthera Collection for HELP necklace!

What is the Panthera Collection?

What is HELP?

Who Â Supports HELP with Joe Jonas?

Camilla Belle

Zoe Saldana

Mena Suvari

Macy Grey

Constance Zimmerman

Bonnie Sommerville

Busy Phillips

MD70

S.W.A.P.

Wilderness Safaris

Medwish International

Max Azria

Greenwise

Richard Oliver Coke

Conrad Prollius

The Clothes Of Our Back Foundation

Brother’s Brother Foundation

Zest Garden Ltd.

International Partners in Mission

Jet Los Angeles

How To Get Leather Necklace Joe Jonas Is Wearing On Seventeen Cover June 2009

Is It Getting Harder To Raise Children?

According to a government estimate, it will cost approximately $222,360 for middle-income, 2-parent families to raise babies born in 2009. Housing represents 31% of the cost; childcare and education, 17%; and food, 16%. As children get older, the annual cost increases from less than $12,000 for babies to more than $13,000 for teenagers. Where children are raised also affects the cost. Rural areas are the cheapest and the Northeast is the most expensive. However, the cost per child for a 2-child family is 25% less than the cost for a 1-child family if parents “compair”.

Irregardless of family size, children eat too many sugary snacks. According to a study published in the journal Pediatrics, they’re influenced by cartoon characters on the packaging. Of the 40 children ages 4-6, most chose gummy fruit, graham crackers and carrots labeled with cartoon stickers. They also said the snacks with cartoon characters tasted better – except the carrots. Labeling foods with toys, characters and celebrities grew 78% from 2006 to 2008, but only 18% of the foods met children’s nutritional standards. Considering about two-thirds of the promotions came from manufacturers who’d pledged to limit marketing to children, using cartoon characters is “funny business”.

Children watch too much television. A study of approximately 7,000 families also published in the journal Pediatrics found that 25% of children spend more than 2 hours a day watching television or playing video games, that television time increases with age and that boys watch more television than girls. The recommended television limit for children is less than 2 hours a day and no television for children under 2. However, less than 50% of parents of children 9-15 regularly limited television. In fact, 25% of parents thought the limit was 3 hours or more. Most children would think it was even more than that.

Finally, children play too many video games. Another study published in the journal Pediatrics followed more than 1,300 children in grades 3-5 for over a year. Parents and their children were asked to estimate how many hours the children spent weekly on video games and television. Then the children’s attention spans were assessed by their teachers. According to the study, elementary school children who played video games more than 2 hours daily were 67% likelier to have attention problems in school. It seems turning off both television and video games is the way to turn on education.

Is It Getting Harder To Raise Children?

Friday, July 12, 2013

Baby, Children, School Humour; Parenting, Teaching Jokes

BABY AND KIDS JOKES, PARENTING AND TEACHING, SCHOOL CHILDREN AND FAMILY HUMOR

Teaching is sometimes fun because of boy or girl, kids humor; family and parenting humor are mostly baby or kid, children jokes: funny kids jokes are often humorous parenting, teaching jokes.

One of the popular school pupilsâ€™ jokes is this: “Oh,” replied the school kid, asked if he found the semester examinations easy, “the questions were easy, all right; but the answers were so difficult!”

Kids humour is seen, also, in teaching children grammar: It was nearly the end of the school term, and it was obvious to a teacher that one of his young pupils still could not tell the difference between ‘went’ and ‘gone’ -she kept saying “I have went home.” The teacher asked the girl to stay behind and write fifty times ‘I have gone home’. She did, and added a note: “I have written fifty times ‘I have gone home’ and I have went home.”

In teaching and parenting, children interpret and tell! A teacher sent this note to the parents of the children in her class: “If you don’t believe everything that your children say that happened in class, then I won’t believe everything that they say that happened at home.”

Babies know little -most baby jokes are parent humour or wit: Remarked, “Isn’t your baby rather small..?” a teenage mother commented, “Well, I have only been married three months…”

Boy humour can indicate a schoolboy’s circumstances: “If you had a Dollar in one pocket,” asked the school teacher “and two in the other, of your coat,” “what would that be..?” A boy answered, “Someone else’s coat, Missâ€¦.”

Never enough pocket money influences girl humour too: “I knew all the time,” said one of the girls to her friends in a science class, “that the Pound coin would not dissolve in that chemical solutionâ€¦” Asked how she knew, the school girl explained: “Well, if it was going to, the teacher would have used a penny coin, wouldn’t he..!?”

Parenting humour has a humorous reality for all mothers: A loved mother becomes a fallen woman when she returns home from shopping without any toys.

Children jokes and family humour often involve mothers: Asked if she said her prayers before she ate, a child replied: “No; my mother’s cooking isn’t that bad.”

Family jokes on kids humour involve fathers on teaching: When asked by his father if he liked his first day at school, a child exclaimed, “You mean I have got to go again, tomorrow!?”

Teaching is often fun with children’s funny assumptions: A school kid thought Joan of Arc was Noah’s wife.

Teaching and school kids jokes use nouns versus pronouns too: A school kid, when asked by the class teacher who invented the radio, replied: “Macaroni.”

Many baby jokes and parenting humour are based on names: A couple’s friend, upon being told that the expecting parents were considering naming their baby ‘Pat’, remarked “Pooh.. every ‘Tom, Dick, and Harry’ (John and Jane Doe) is called that.”

School humour and children jokes use kids’ innocence: Asked by his teacher why he was late, a child said that he saw a road sign on the way which read: ‘Go Slow!’

Kids are clever, the anecdotes of a hailed teacher (the late Orhan Seyfi Ari) tells of his: He forbade his youngest son, then a child, from going out without asking him for a period of time ~the child cleverly picked his time, whenever his father had a siesta, always with an excuse to justify it, woke him up to ask if he could pop out!

This is so in family humour also, as seen in family jokes: A teacher having asked the class to say a few words about someone who they had made happy, one of the children told about his aunt who he spent the weekend with and when he left was happy.

Parenting humour does not, always, include kids humour: In a university parenting research project to get academic data on how many parents knew where their children were, many of the telephone calls were answered by children who did not know where their parents were.

In kid jokes children’s vocabulary adds to kids humour: After teaching about the dark ages, and having told children of the many knights they had then, a teacher tested the class by asking why the dark ages were called so -a child answered: “Because they had many nights.”

Word meanings can be used, as in this university humour: “I am taking medicine at university,” said the student; his friend asked, “Is it doing you any good?”

Wordplay can be less direct, as in this college humour: Student humour defines ‘college’ with wit, as a fountain of knowledge where one quenches one’s thirst.

College jokes can be rather harsh also on teaching staff: The difference between good and bad lecturers is a nap.

Unlike college jokes, school jokes treat teachers gently: When a member of the teaching staff announced that she was going to marry the school caretaker, the head teacher remarked to other teachers: “He swept her off her feet…”

School jokes sometimes are about schools themselves: A humorous traffic sign put up by a school was this: ‘Use your eyes! Save the pupils!’

In parenting humour and kid jokes children are innocent: A school kid proudly showed his parents a gold star his teacher gave him -asked what it was for he explained that they all had to rest, and he rested best.

University humour allows ridicule as do high school and college humor: In a law school mock trial the student asked: “When you walked into the bar, did you clearly see Mr. A and Mr. B, together?”; and, answered affirmatively, continued: “And, where were you, at the time?”

In kids jokes, be it boy humour or girl humour, children are never stupid; in parenting, are cute: A bad report of a kid from his teacher upset his parents; “Why am I so?” asked the kid, “Is it my environment or is it hereditary?”

A webste with Wit, Humor & Satire of the Extraordinar Teacher Ari orhanseyfiari.com

Baby, Children, School Humour; Parenting, Teaching Jokes

Family Vacation Ideas

As a family with four kids, ranging from a toddler to teens, I know how hard it is to find a family holiday for all, that fits the budget. I have spent many late nights sourcing the perfect family breaks. Here I share our tips. I hope you find them useful.

Camping

Kids love to camp! Even the most sulky of teenagers can find life under canvas an exhilarating experience. Some of the best times we have had as a family have been spent camping.?Its so rewarding. Kids love it â€“ roaming free in the great outdoors, natureâ€™s great playground.

In addition to camping, many campgrounds offer activities such as fishing, boating, and outdoor sports.

Amusement Parks

Amusement Parks are great because they are designed especially for families. And with so many other families around, the children get a chance to make new friends!
With all inclusive packages they can also be very affordable and good value for money.

In addition to targeting adults and teenagers, many amusement parks offer rides and attractions for infants and toddlers. In some areas of the world, amusement parks are the only summer holiday destinations that offer activities that are designed to target toddlers and other small children.

There are not only attractions for the kids there are also plenty of fun things to do for adults too.

Adventure Holidays

Family Adventure Holidays combining activities like watersports, trekking and mountain-based activities are booming.?We have found they are great way to improve our childrenâ€™s confidence as well as being a lot of fun.

Working Farms

A working farm is a good cheap active vacation option. Children love farms. Many farms now offer a chance for familes to stay and help out. The children can play with the animals, collect eggs for their breakfast, milk a cow, feed the goats etc.

Family Vacation Ideas

Thursday, July 11, 2013

Boost Sales Through Direct Mails

Privacy laws which were created a few years ago stopped dealerships which relied heavily on auto registration lists for the basis of their direct mail promotions. As a result, one can no longer purchase vehicle registration lists to identify buyers of a specific make of vehicle. So how can one be creative? Here are some tips which will be helpful for you.

1. Satisfy your customers. You should maintain your list of customers who have bought or leased a car from your company. Clients who have visited the service department and referrals should also be included in your client data base and the list can be used as reference in asking for customer feedback through mailing services. It has been proven that satisfied customers are most likely to come back when their lease is based on their history clients who tend to get the new car fever. You can definitely get such response if you start collecting names and reaching out to them and adding them in your mailing services.

2. Credibility of prospects. Lists based on income are good, but one should be keen in selecting a probable client. Beacon scores which is a compilation of records from credit cards issuers, banks, finance companies, credit unions and other sources should be considered. Beacon scores are a way to rate a client which ranges from less than 500 to 800 and higher. The higher the better. Checking the credibility of your prospects will save you from having troubles and you can be assured that the pre-approved credit offers will end up in qualified hands.

3. Lifestyle Matching. The car make and models should be suited with the type of client that you have. For example, a family man will not opt to buy a two-seater vehicle but would rather purchase a mini van or something which has a large space. You can also try targeting clients demographically by using a list based on income, families with children, age-based files or sometimes a combination of these categories.

4. Standard Industrial Code. Marketing business by SIC will help you in selecting probable business oriented clients. For example, if you have a cargo van line, mail to selected businesses that use delivery vans. Small category cars may also be used by mailing services representative so one should consider all options.

5. Type of Garage. In selecting a client, one should have an idea on what type of garage one owns. This would allow you to select the right car for your clients.

These simple tips will help you select on what type of brochure or catalog is suited to the probable client. This would help you decide on what type to send in your mailing services and thus will save you time and energy in the future. Thus more time saved and more work done.

Boost Sales Through Direct Mails

Low Cost Dental Care

Finding low cost dental care is a common concern for many people right now. More than 100 million Americans go without dental coverage. The average working American, covered by employer health plans, has no dental coverage, or access to very limited coverage. Medicaid and Medicare also offer only a limited safety net. For most people, individual dental coverage is not a feasible option. Many Americans are just one dental emergency away from bankruptcy.

In recognition of these realities, we compiled a list of options for those seeking low cost dental care. Many of the following resources are recommended by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), one of the federal government’s National Institutes of Health.

Your options for obtaining low cost dental care may include:

* Clinical trials
* Dental Schools
* Bureau of Primary Healthcare
* Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
* State and local resources
* United Way
* Comparison Shopping
* Free Dental Clinics

Clinical trials

NIDCR is a research organization, and sometimes seek volunteers who have specific dental, oral, and craniofacial conditions to take part in their research studies (called clinical trials). Study participants may obtain limited, free or low-cost dental treatment for the condition being studied.

To find out more about NIDCR clinical trials that you may be eligible to participate in, visit the Clinical Trials section of the NIDCR web site. ClinicalTrials.gov provides a complete list of all federally funded clinical trials. You may also get this information at your local library. To find out of you qualify for clinical trials being conducted at the NIDCR’s Bethesda, Maryland, campus, you can call the Clinical Center’s Patient Recruitment and Public Liaison Office at 1-800-411-1222.

Dental Schools

At most dental schools and dental hygiene schools provide quality, reduced-cost dental treatment and preventive care. These clinics allow students gain experience by treating patients and providing care at a reduced cost. Students are closely supervised by experienced and licensed dentists and dental hygienists.

You can find out about schools of dentistry or dental hygiene in your area by calling your state dental society or association, or through the telephone book. American Dental Association has a complete list of US dental schools. American Dental Hygienists’ Association site provides a list of dental hygiene schools. You may also contact the National Oral Health Information Clearinghouse in Bethesda, Maryland on 1-866-232-4528 or (301) 402-7364.

Bureau of Primary Healthcare

The Bureau of Primary Health Care “a service of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)” supports federally-funded community health centers across the Country. Their free or reduced-cost health services also include dental care. For a list of centers in your area, contact the HRSA Information Center toll-free at 1-888-Ask-HRSA (1-888-275-4772) or visit HRSA web site.

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) administers the federally funded Medicare, Medicaid, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

* Medicare is a health insurance program for people who are 65 years and older or for people with specific disabilities. While Medicare does not cover most routine dental care or dentures, you can find out more about dental procedures that are covered at their website.

* Medicaid is a state-run program that provides medical benefits, and in some cases dental benefits, to eligible individuals and families. Most states provide limited emergency dental services for those 21 or over; some states offer comprehensive services. For those under the age of 21, dental services are provided under Medicaid.

* CHIP helps children up to age 19 who are without health insurance, providing medical coverage and, in most cases, dental services to children who qualify. Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009 (CHIPRA) paved way to provide health care to millions of children across the country. CHIP is jointly financed by the Federal and State governments and is administered by the States. Each State determines eligibility groups, benefit packages and payment levels for coverage. Visit InsureKidsNow website for details on oral health coverage.

State and local health resources

Call your local or state health department to find out more about programs that offer free or reduced-cost dental care.

United Way

Your local chapter of United Way may also be able to direct you to free or reduced-cost dental services in your community.

Comparison shopping

Comparison shopping for dental care is a good idea too. If you are comparing fees, American Dental Association recommends that you ask for estimates on full-mouth x-rays and a preventive dental visit that includes an oral exam and tooth cleaning. And if you have talked with your dentist and still are uncertain, they recommend that you get a second opinion.

We hope the above alternatives will help you in seeking low cost dental care that you need.

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Low Cost Dental Care

Your options for obtaining low cost dental care may include:

* Clinical trials
* Dental Schools
* Bureau of Primary Healthcare
* Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
* State and local resources
* United Way
* Comparison Shopping
* Free Dental Clinics

Clinical trials

Dental Schools

Bureau of Primary Healthcare

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) administers the federally funded Medicare, Medicaid, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

State and local health resources

Call your local or state health department to find out more about programs that offer free or reduced-cost dental care.

United Way

Your local chapter of United Way may also be able to direct you to free or reduced-cost dental services in your community.

Comparison shopping

We hope the above alternatives will help you in seeking low cost dental care that you need.

Low Cost Dental Care

Your options for obtaining low cost dental care may include:

* Clinical trials
* Dental Schools
* Bureau of Primary Healthcare
* Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
* State and local resources
* United Way
* Comparison Shopping
* Free Dental Clinics

Clinical trials

Dental Schools

Bureau of Primary Healthcare

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) administers the federally funded Medicare, Medicaid, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

State and local health resources

Call your local or state health department to find out more about programs that offer free or reduced-cost dental care.

United Way

Your local chapter of United Way may also be able to direct you to free or reduced-cost dental services in your community.

Comparison shopping

We hope the above alternatives will help you in seeking low cost dental care that you need.

Low Cost Dental Care