The other posts jogged my memory a bit. My girls started with gymnastics and preferred it when younger (until 6 or so).

<<Tax them too much, attack them for being wealthy and they just may not show up anymore. In fact, they might start drinking overseas where the atmosphere is somewhat friendlier.>> And then, the bar closes! Buy American - Keep the Bars Open!!!:D Which reminds me of another Economic/Beer Joke going around Some keen market insight for us all **Liquid Assets** If you had purchased $1,000 worth of shares in Delta Airlines one year ago,you would have $49 today. If you had purchased $1,000 worth of of shares in AIG one year ago, you would have $33 today. If you had purchased $1,000 worth of shares in Lehman Brothers one year ago,you would have $0 today. But, if you had purchased $1,000 worth of beer one year ago, consumed the beer, then turned in the aluminum cans for a recycling refund, you would have received $214. Based on the above, clearly the best investment strategy is to keep your assets liquid and recycle, also known as a 401-Keg Plan. :cheers2: PS I don't personally drink much beer . . . but thought this funny!

<<I don't think anybody is proposing that college is the answer for everyone. However, it should be a lot easier for those who WANT to go to college to do so.>> I agree!:iagree: The GI bill helped many go to college after WWII that might not have been able - and the results were positive for most.

My daughters have been heavily involved in dance, especially ballet and I don't feel that they have developed body issues. Dance studios are very aware of past problems and only a very few still emphasize the super skinny look.

Kohl's has them at a very reasonable price if you watch the sales. Urban Behavior also had very skinny jeans but ours went out of business.

Another interesting video http://www.keatingeconomics.com/

Some of mine have been moody at that age and at least one has not been. I think it depends on personality and other factors.

Writing and Math are most important. Does your school district have a website? If so, you can look at the curriculum lists and search through classroom websites to see what the kids are studying.

I second a program such as Writing Road to Reading etc that works on phonics from the spelling stand point. That way the child is learning the necessary phonics without the pressure to read unknown words. Just MHO:)

Everyone I know is holding.

I also like the Calvert Spelling CD's for ease of use. But I don't think you need to panic yet<g>. I have had 1 natural speller and 2 not so natural<g>. For some reason, it took until the 8th grade for the kids who struggled more with spelling to mature enough to be able to spell well when working on first drafts or when writing off the cuff. :)

I voted yes but don't know that I would allow my own kids to have one. But I don't have a problem if others do.

Well lets at least agree that we should ALL vote on election day! I hope the voter turnout goes through the roof!!!!!!!!!!!:lurk5:

I am a very conservative pro life person. But I don't think it superficial to examine the image of someone who is in a position to someday be President of the United States - someone who will be our representative to the world. Also, if McCain wanted Joe Lieberman - Not Prolife - and picked Palin when the Republican committee made it clear that Lieberman was not an option - how can we really trust him on this issue? Just my feelings - but I am feeling sort of used. Am I supposed to just vote for anyone who says they are prolife? Am I not allowed to examine the person who will represent me? How is it trivial to think that a flirty manner is inappropriate for the VP/potential President whose job in large part involves meeting with the heads of state of other countries?

Please don't stone me, but our family thought Palin winking at the camera a bit out of place. I also thought she overplayed the mom card. Most candidates have children and are therefore parents. She is not unique in that role. Last but not least, I think it quite proper to expect a VP or President to be above average<g>. So when she pulls out the Joe Six Pack line I cringe.:blush: Just my personal take.

No jobs for auto workers is/will be fairly horrible.

We used the reviews as tests. As you get higher in grade level, there are progressively more reviews. Often 2 in a row so that one can be used to review and one to test if you so desire.

Chocolate!;)

:grouphug:Hope there is a bright spot in the suffering.

Firefly is one of my all time favorite shows!

I began homeschooling officially when my youngest started Kindergarten and continued through high school graduation. I have an 8th grader left at home but she will attend high school so this is my last year.:ohmy:

Why do money matters have to be so complicated!

People often forget that the majority of those living off investments are retirees. A downward market trend makes grandma poorer and messes with pension plans etc.

Looks great!:lurk5:

Popped up Catholic for me!