ArchivesMarch, 2011

31Mar

It seems like they've been rehearsing forever, but tonight it's finally Opening Night for the spring musical at my daughter's high school.  She and her younger brother have been practicing for weeks.  She's begun threatening him with bodily harm if he doesn't stop singing the "Munchkinland" song (and frankly, I'm getting a little tired of Continue Reading

31Mar

In my house, Thursday night is Pasta Night.  If the kids don't see pasta and meatballs on their plates for Thursday dinner, I hear about it.  I could offer them filet mignon or lobster on a Thursday, and they'd probably still complain that it wasn't meatballs.Continue Reading

30Mar

Shopping for a new printer can be an overwhelming experience. After all, there are so many brands, models, and price points to choose from. The Apple Store has lot of options and some of the printers are free with the purchase of a new computer.  If you’re in the market for a printer, here are Continue Reading

30Mar

The tradition of elaborately-scripted invitations to the high-school prom continues.  My daughter's a freshman now, and she's already hoping to be asked to the prom in some creative, unusual way--two years from now. Here's photo evidence of one of this year's more colorful prom-invitation ideas.Continue Reading

30Mar

I enjoy listening to a satellite-radio program that is hosted by a married couple who are the parents of five children.  They keep it real, which is what keeps it funny.  Sometimes the first half-hour of the program is devoted to things that have happened in their household, which causes them to ask listeners, "What Continue Reading

29Mar

The latest craze for your Kindle:  video games. I've got a Kindle, but I only use it to read books.  I rarely even use its web browser.  But there is an increasing variety of games for the Kindle--paid apps as well as free ones.  And reviewers state that these games are quite well-done.  As of Continue Reading

29Mar

The good thing about sending your kids to a school where uniforms are worn is that there are no arguments about what they'll wear to school. The bad thing about sending your kids to a school where uniforms are worn is that when an item needs replacement, it's not as easy as going around the Continue Reading

28Mar

They've been busy over in Atlantic City, NJ, trying to figure out new ways to attract travelers to the beach casino-resort town.  First, one casino has opened some of its guest rooms to folks with small dogs.  And now, developers are scouting a location for a new wax museum for the city. There used to Continue Reading

28Mar

March 29 is National Mom & Pop Business Owners Day! Some of my favorite stores are "Mom & Pops."  I'll be doing my part to support small businesses tomorrow by picking up my newly-repaired vacuum cleaner at the local Vac & Sew. March 30 is Pencil Day! Whether you use a pencil to make to-do Continue Reading

26Mar

The news broke yesterday:  LL Bean has decided to offer free shipping on most orders (excluding large items like canoes).  That's free shipping, with no minimum purchase, and not just limited to holidays or store credit-card holders. We love our free shipping.  In fact, studies have shown that up to 75% of consumers will abandon Continue Reading

25Mar

People who enjoy taking their pets along while they travel often discover that pet-friendly hotels aren't so easy to find. The Showboat Casino Hotel in Atlantic City, NJ is the first casino in that gaming resort to begin a "Pet Stay" program.  Travelers visiting the Showboat with their dogs will find that canines are welcome Continue Reading