What about the friend who forwarded this to the media? I think that's breach of trust. How can a friend do that without the DIL's consent. It's one thing to vent to my friends, it's quite another to have family fights splashed across the globe. It raises a lot of questions..

:lol: Totally cracked me up. Really good. I like that it's not disrespectful of anyone - just irrelevant. Too funny.

:lol::lol::lol: Made my morning!

I was in a similar situation yesterday. I did book my hotel last night. What a relief! The advice I got from another group was -Stay in Manhattan if you can -If not, Jersey City, Secausus are all good alternatives - just make sure you are close to the PATH or bus system My own priorities were clean, safe, onsite parking (free is always nice), breakfast, free wifi and accessible to public transit. I ended up booking the Hampton Inn Carlstadt. Here are the reviews http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g46344-d98355-Reviews-Hampton_Inn_Carlstadt_At_The_Meadowlands-Carlstadt_New_Jersey.html The only con I can see with this hotel is the bus to Manhattan costs $8.50. It was quickly add up with a family. I'm taking one child so it's not an issue on this trip. The Candlewood Suites Jersey City was my second choice till I saw the bed bug review. http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g46531-d225883-Reviews-Candlewood_Suites_Jersey_City-Jersey_City_New_Jersey.html Now I just have to organize what to do...

You can get a cheap unlocked phone on Amazon or Newegg. Look for a GSM quadband phone then you can use it anywhere in the world where they use GSM technology (i.e. a SIM card.) It's easy & cheap. I travel between Canada and southern africa & use the same phone - just swap SIM cards when I move into a different country. Pay as you go works great. If they are a bit techy they can buy a smartphone & use 3G for internet if the carrier offers a data plan. 3G was awesome on my last trip to Zimbabwe. I was uploading stuff in very remote regions. It was fun sharing my trip with family here in real time. Depending on how cheap the data is there, you can use Skype on your smartphone. The downside of course is some areas have sketchy cellphone coverage but that's to be found anywhere. This page http://www.worldtimezone.com/gsm.html shows you what frequency band each country uses. Quadband (850/900/1800/1900MHz) covers pretty much everywhere. Those international SIM cards are a rip-off.

Most polymers are stable compounds unlike most of the birth control and regular medications we pop everyday without a second thought. This is a cleaner & more discrete form of the diaphragm.;)

My DD had those issues too. I've also emphasised RESPECT for others (in addition to some strategies mentioned above). We are Christian so I found myself saying 'Everyone is created in the image of God'. 'Everyone deserves RESPECT - not because of what they can do, but because they are a human being.' 'Human beings are equal, regardless of ability'. etc I felt like a broken record but I think it kind of paid off - or maybe it's maturity. DD is now 9. She still occasionally patronizes her sister & 13yo friend but it's much much better than before.

We started using Fluenz about 3 weeks ago. So far, it's great. It takes an entirely different approach to Auralog Tell Me More & Rosetta Stone. It teaches French from the perspective of an English. If you haven't yet, I'd say check out the demo on their website. I also found the Amazon reviews helpful. This approach really works for me & DD9. It's not a 'fun' program. No frills. I'd say it was designed for adults. (One of the things you learn in the first few lessons is how to order a beer. It has become a standing joke in our house.) I think a younger child can use it as long as they are motivated. It breaks the language nicely. I think you still need lots of practice to be fluent but this is a great starting point. It makes the language accessible. We've used Auralog Tell More, French in Action (Learner.org), LiveMocha & Fluenz. I'd say Fluenz is the best for the absolute beginner. If you're thinking of getting it check out bookcloseouts.com. They have Fluenz French & Spanish for $150 each. You can use a $20 off $120 from retailmenot.com to bring the price to about $143 shipped. I took a chance on this & I'm glad I did. (Disclaimer: I have no relationship with either bookcloseouts.com or Fluenz. Just a happy customer.)

It's straight to the point. It seems it was meant as review. After signing up for the trial (takes about 2 days for trial to be activated) and picking up the child level, the child gets to do an initial assessment. The assessment shows areas that have been mastered for that level and what the child needs to work on. There are a few practice questions if needed. I think some kids may need more practice questions. At least the programs helps you identify weak areas.. There are explanations if needed. For review, I think they are adequate. I'm using it alongside Time4learning & so far it's working great. I haven't tried the higher grades yet. Only done Gr 5.

http://www.aleks.com/webform/c217 Online math program K-12+ I signed up my DD9 & so far she likes it. It really is her type of thing though so YMMV. She likes the pie-chart thingy. I think it works for independent, goal-oriented kids. I don't know if you'll keep it after the 3 months. It's a bit pricey. Here's one of many TOS reviews http://thehomeschoolmagazine.com/Homeschool_Reviews/1577.php

Thanks!

We haven't quite found a home church yet so I don't feel comfortable calling the one we've been attending. I'll check the website though. There might be something. Thanks for the suggestion.

My DD9 needs to email questions for her AWANA. I emailed one missionary I know but haven't heard from them. They are in a remote areas so I imagine internet is sketchy. She needs responses for tomorrow. We are already a week behind. Any help? Any former missionaries? Help!

I had problems last night too. It was worse for their Boxing Week sales. I lost all items in my cart twice. Both times I had >20 items. Now my strategy is to add items that I want to the wishlist. Email the wishlist to myself and add items to cart from my inbox. Even then, I do <10 items at a item. I know. It shouldn't be this complicated to order stuff online but I really, really, really wanted the ebooks. Some of them are pretty good.

My DD cracked the CD. Beyond repair. I'm so frustrated. I tried calling their customer service number & all my calls are going to voicemail. I'll try again on Monday. I'm so distraught. First DD lost the Simply music DVD, then this - in my most financially tight year. :glare: I give up.