Dollar Store a Dollar No More?

Is the economy so bad that the 99 Cents Only should abandon their premise? I guess what surprises me about this article is how much the local Dollar Tree is carrying. I am seeing a huge diversity of products from crafts stuff to food storage materials. I think that they just want to make more money because apparently other dollar stores are making decent profits.

Meal Plan Monday

This is a short crazy week for me so lets try to get in and out easy!

Monday: Chicken Kiev, Mashed Potato, Broccoli
Tuesday: Lasagna
Wednesday: NerdMom and NerdDad at Campagnia, stay tuned for a review over at Blog Fresno!
Thursday: Chicken Kiev, Bread, Broccoli (requested again)
Friday: Marinated Pork Loin Chops, Broccoli Mac and Cheese gratin

First Woman VP?

I have to say that I wasn't very familiar with Governor Sarah Palin before this afternoon. Frankly, because I have 4 kids and went a got a haircut, I still haven't done a lot of research on her. But, what I know I like! There are 2 issues I have already heard of.

First, it appears some of the Mommy Wars are starting. In one of my homeschooling groups a message was posted that you can't be a good mom and balance it all. She was disappointed in the Republican party for picking someone who would be neglecting her family. There was no proof that she neglects her family. Apparently she has her baby with her and has it well under control. I think that it would be a shame for women to start slinging this issue around. While I stay home I think everyone has different situations that work well for them. Do I believe that on the whole everything goes better if mom stays home? Sure, that is why I stay home. But, I only make my own choices and even those are based on today's circumstances. If things change so may my actions.

The second issue I have bandied about is her lack of experience. I haven't looked at her complete resume but...Being the governor of Alaska seems to be better experience than being a junior senator. And that is their candidate for President, not vp.

The last issue is a woman in leadership. I DON'T CARE. I want to see the right person for the right job, regardless of sex.

For the first time I am looking forward to the Vice Presidential debates. She is going to wipe the floor with Biden;).

NerdDad reminded me of the Cheney/Lieberman debate. I did look forward to that but not in the same way. I looked forward to Cheney but Lieberman was too boring to look forward to. While I don't like Biden , he is entertaining (like a train wreck or the show Wipeout).

Now That the Picks Out

Now that McCain's announced his pick for Vice President you should go over and see his short list. It is complete with hand written notes;).

Allergy Gene?

Apparently Munich scientists have found the gene that may be responsible for many people's allergies. The FCER1A gene controls the lgE receptor. It appears that the lgE receptor is what fights off parasites (in people who need that). Maybe now a gene therapy drug can be developed to treat allergies once and for all.

Adam Smith on Public School

On a recent family trip to the library (what else do you expect from a group called the NerdFamily? ;) NerdDad found a great book. It is P. J. O'Rourke's On The Wealth of Nations (Books That Changed the World). Now we here in the Nerd Family are huge P.J. O'Rourke fans, and we can speak of his greatness further in the future, so NerdDad checked it out and found that Adam Smith had his opinions on school and how it should work.

This piece got NerdDad's attention and then he had to share with me;):

Adam Smith was only a tepid fan of public education. As he went on to explain in book 5 of Wealth, he thought that some government subsidy of education was needed so that "even the common labourer may afford it." Teachers, however, should be "partly, but not wholly paid" by the state. "In modern times the diligence of public teachers is more or less corrupted by the circumstances, which render them more or less independent of their success and reputation," wrote Smith, making his modern times sound like ours. And Smith believed that certain very prestigious institutions of higher learning were teaching "a mere useless and pedantic heap of sophistry and nonsense." Was UC Berkeley even around back then?

O'Rourke then goes on to further expand on Smith's views. About how there was value in an ability and not just being a highly (or overpaid) specialist. This is all tied into how our economy works and what should be valued.

To me this further proves that merit of the public school educational experience isn't the education because the public education system can be skewed by itself, its beliefs and its own social agenda. The public education system is not at all driven by what would be considered useful knowledge or what is good and productive. Just as God created man in His image, the public education system is trying to create a society of its own ideals and creation rather than concentrating on the knowledge it is getting paid to pass on.

Fun with Chemistry

Check out the fun to be had with Sulfur Hexaflouride.

(HT: The Weave)

Meal Plan Monday

So here we again. I am going to be trying to stock my freezer yet keep this week easy!

Monday: Pasta Alfredo Bake with Homemade White Sauce
Tuesday: Pasta Carbonara Florentine
Wednesday: Crockpot Shredded Roast Beef, Potatoes, Broccoli
Thursday: Pork Loin Chops, Cheddar Bay Biscuits, Broccoli
Friday: Tilapia, Broccoli Mac and Cheese Gratin

And for something completely different.....

These lyrics have been bouncing around for a couple weeks and now the author put it to music. Enjoy!

Cheap and Easy Headboard

I can't be the only person to be cheap. I have to say that non-functional furniture has been the lowest priority. So NerdDad and I have been married almost 12 years without a headboard. But maybe not to much longer! Yahoo has an easy How-to piece on making your own upholstered headboard. I have seen it done on tv before but it seems a lot simpler with written instructions.

(HT: Tipnut)

The DNC: Really Classing Up the Joint

Apparently I have been wrong in my feelings that the DNC convention and all the liberal protests surrounding it will be a tasteless show of their ill will toward any people who have morals. This is evidenced by the fact that in the many crazy activities going on that week Public Enemy will be gracing everyone with a free concert.

The band's performance was announced Monday, along with three speakers who will bolster the efforts of the activist group Re-create 68.

For those unclear on the slant of Re-create 68, the are also sponsoring speaker Cindy Sheehan.

Here is a glimpse of the band, for those who aren't familiar.

Led by rapper Chuck D, Public Enemy is a pioneer of political hip-hop with groundbreaking albums such as 1988's It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back and 1990's Fear of a Black Planet. Chuck D continues to comment on issues both in song and in the media, including a radio show on Air America Radio. His sidekick, rapper Flavor Flav, has struggled with an addiction to crack cocaine and has starred in the reality TV show Flavor of Love.

(HT: Bridget Johnson)

I know you are a good homeschooler but...

Tell me, have you heard something similar? Where someone you know starts off on how you are a great homeschooler but on the whole they are against it because of the bad homeschooling parents. You educate yourself on teaching and are bright but what about the others? You know, the ones that don't make sure their kids learn anything or they lock their kids in the basement;). Or better yet can't read or do any figurin';).

I had this happen a lot over VBS. I served with a teacher who said she used to teach homeschoolers and she kind of felt that who does it or the kids' progress needed to be regulated. When I got further details come to find out she didn't teach "homeschoolers". She was teaching at a charter school (read public school) that was an independent study program for kids that were already basically bombing out.

I also have been hearing about parents that weren't making sure their kids did any work. Or left them at home alone while the mom went to work. Or parents that don't like doing anything with their kids.

Well, I had an epiphany moment. I was talking about the Rachel L ruling with a lawyer friend of mine (who is pro-homeschooling) and the comeback for all these arguments hit me.

Parents who don't like their kids and don't want to teach them won't homeschool! It is too hard. Those parents are going to be the first ones in line for the public school.

Now will there be exceptions, sure. But those exceptions to all parenting rules already exist. Parents who are going to lock their kids in the basement and neglect them are already breaking the law. They aren't using the out of "homeschooling" to get away with anything;).

Meal Plan Monday

Here are this week's meals!
Monday: Chicken Kiev, Broccoli Mac and Cheese Gratin
Tuesday: Chicken Thighs and Ramen Noodles Asian Style
Wednesday: Crockpot Pork Loin with Potatoes, Broccoli
Thursday: Spinach and Hamburger Lasagna Rolls with White Sauce
Friday: Pasta Alfredo Bake with Pork

Your innoculation against Olympics Fever

As our beloved TiVo was trying to get me to watch Olympic highlights last night, I (again) told NerdMom that I was boycotting the Olympics. She asked me if I was protesting the Chinese government or just don't like the Olympics, I said "Both." We both agreed that this is quite convenient for me, but if you are torn between supporting our Olympians (thrill of victory, agony of defeat, yada yada) and supporting a Communist totalitarian regime, here's a few facts that might bring you over to my side.

- Internet crackdown: Promises of allowing athletes and journalists uncensored internet access were broken.
- Beijing Olympic architect Albert Speer Jr.: His dad was the architect for the 1936 Berlin Olympics.

"The sportive, knightly battle awakens the best human characteristics. It doesn't separate, but unites the combatants in understanding and respect. It also helps to connect the countries in the spirit of peace. That's why the Olympic Flame should never die."

– Adolf Hitler, commenting on the 1936 Berlin Olympic Games

- Video fakery: Extra fireworks were added in digitally to the opening ceremonies.
- Singing little girl wasn't cute enough: Cuter girl brought in to lip-sync as singing 7 year old was deemed not good looking enough by a member of the Politburo.

AP video talking about the opening ceremony issues:



And as a final note, Let's not forget how a country gets the Olympics in the first place.

You have been BarackRoll'd

Its like being RickRoll'd but funnier!

(HT: Heather@Beehive)

Meal Plan Monday

Here we gather again and it is all about the food! Here is our menu for this week.

Monday: Corned Beef Hash, Scrambled Eggs, Broccoli
Tuesday: Chicken Kiev, Beer Bread, Broccoli
Wednesday: Steak, Ribs, Mashed Potatoes, Broccoli
Thursday: Cube Steak, Broccoli Mac and Cheese
Friday: Marinated Pork Loin Chops, Broccoli, Parmesan Garlic Bread

Affair Today, Daddy Tomorrow

So a month ago John Edwards wasn't having an affair. Now he admits to the affair. So in another month will he admit to being the baby's father?

California Homeschoolers Breathe Easy

Now I am not one of those people who panicked about homeschooling in California after the initial ruling in the Rachel L case but I am now breathing easier. The Appeals Court in California that initially released the controversial ruling that forbade homeschooling had vacated their ruling. They then heard from various effected parties.

Well, the ruling is out and it is just as we homeschoolers orginally said. Taken from CHN's site:

Today's court ruling held that (1) California statutes permit home schooling as a species of private school education; and (2) the statutory permission to home school may constitutionally be overridden in order to protect the safety of a child who has been declared a dependent. Homeschooling, therefore, remains a legal educational option in California.

So it is over and the Nerdfamily doesn't have to move;). Go read up more at CHN and HSLDA.

Help a Girl Out and Try Something for Free!

Amazon wants to promote their free Amazon Prime Trials. So I get a financial incentive (yes, money;) for every person who signs up for a free trial. Can you believe it? It is a great program to begin with.

Amazon Prime members enjoy the following benefits:

1. Unlimited FREE Two-Day Shipping on millions of Amazon.com Items
2. Overnight Shipping upgrades for only $3.99 per item
3. Shopping with no minimum order size
4. Ability to share benefits with up to 4 household members

So what do you have to do to try this for 1 month free? Just click on the banner and sign up. As long as you cancel before your month is up nothing will be charged. I know because I have done it my self. During that time I did a lot of my Amazon shopping to make the most out of the deal. Can you get a better deal than that?

If you like it and it is worth it to you, DON'T CANCEL. With Christmas coming up think about how much you spend in shipping and handling alone. That may pay for a year long membership. So help me out and go try it!



(This will be cross posted to all my blogs)

Friday Fun!

Mercy Me is great in this, especially those funky fresh moves. For guys who put out such moving worship music it is amazing how funny they are. I remember loving this song when it came out.

New Baby

Yes, you read right. I am getting a new baby! Go check it out. I am so excited. I will post more when she arrives.

Meal Plan Monday

We are heading into a crazy week with doctors so I am using the freezer a lot.

Monday: BBQ Flank Steak, Chili Beans, Broccoli
Tuesday: Left over Spinach Lasagna
Wednesday: Chicken Kiev, Mashed Potatoes, Broccoli
Thursday: Pork Loin Chops, Beer Bread, Broccoli
Friday: Lasagna Rolls with Homemade White Sauce and Spinach

Its Hip to be Nerdy

Queen's guitarist Brian May finished his PhD in Astronomy last year from Imperial College in London. Now his doctoral thesis is being published. Apparently he was working on his doctorate when Queen began to take off so he put the PhD on the back burner.

As a stay at home mom it brings me joy to see someone who took a 30 year break in education getting critical acclaim for their research. It brings me hope that someday I may actually go back to school.

As a nerd it brings me joy to see a rock legend say things like this:

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my years playing guitar and recording music with Queen,” said May, 61, who earlier this summer received his doctorate in a ceremony at the Albert Hall. “But it’s extremely gratifying to see the publication of my thesis. I’ve been fascinated with astronomy for years.”

You don't have to collect knowledge for the sake of making money in it but the pure joy!

(HT: Physorg.com)

Smelly Starbucks Sandwiches?

So what is the first thing you smell when you walk into Starbucks? Coffee? Well, not when they make those yummy breakfast sandwiches. Initially Starbucks was just going to ax the sandwiches all together. The backlash was to great so Starbucks is going to reinvent the sandwiches to make them less smelling. I think it is so funny. Also to help get people into the actual Starbucks, they are testing extra small cups of coffee for $1 with free refills. They hope if they get you in you will end up upgrading.

(HT: Fresno Bee News Blog)