April is Financial Literacy Awareness Month! This post is my contribution to the Financial Literacy Awareness Carnival hosted by Shannon Ryan from The Heavy Purse. What is the most important thing leading to success? Is it a good education? Having wealthy parents? Is it being a genius like Steve Jobs? It couldn't hurt, right? Or is it grit? … [Read more...]
Are You a Hipster?
Probably not. I kept hearing about "hipsters" on a recent visit to Houston. I asked my 20-something daughter and son for a definition. They came up with some things that confused me at first. Here's what they said.1. cares about the environment2. is well educated3. keeps up with politics4. likes to wear vintage clothes from resale shops5. … [Read more...]
Nicer Parents Have Smarter Kids
Want smarter kids? Just be nicer to them. I know, that sounds strange and simplistic, but research shows that early nurturing aids in brain development. Children's brains develop better if their parents are more nurturing and positive in their interactions. In other words, the parents are just nicer to their kids! The study was concerned with … [Read more...]
Mottos to Live By: Patience is NOT a Virtue
After a job interview for a teaching position some years back, I was escorted out into the hall by the school principal where his daughter, about 6 years old, was playing quietly. The interview had started at the end of the school day and had lasted about 90 minutes. He introduced me to his daughter and I said hello and complimented her on … [Read more...]
Why You Should Buy a Refurbished Computer
I'm reposting this link because many people are looking for a computer to take to college right now. I've read it's not a good idea to send a tablet computer with them because they get dropped too easily. Plus they are expensive. Here's why you should consider a used/refurbished computer to send off with your student. You could score a great … [Read more...]
Mr. Rogers Visits a Crayon Factory
With all that's happening in the world right now something soothing sounds good. Here's a nice little video of Mr. Rogers visiting a crayon factory. Maybe you saw it as a kid or a parent; I remember it well. People used to make fun of Fred Rogers for having such a calm voice and saying some simple things. But I think he was wonderful. He gave … [Read more...]
Is Law School a Losing Game?
There is an oversupply of lawyers and law school graduates these days that is making it a lot harder to find a job in law. The unemployment rate for lawyers is 20% compared to 10% for job seekers in general. When I graduated from high school there was a teacher shortage due to the bulk of the baby boomers in school. I became a teacher as many … [Read more...]