Dear Verizon,

Have you ever heard of CHILDREN? You know…smaller people that are not adults? I’m thinking perhaps you haven’t. Or maybe you have but you just don’t give a crap about those of us who have them.

Either way, I have to tell you I am inches away from canceling my fiber optic service which would include my internet access, phone service and most importantly, my cable TV.

You see, when I am using your On-Demand service to look for children’s programming, of which you offer a generally nice selection, I really don’t think it’s appropriate to be showing previews of RATED R movies in the corner of the screen.

Yes, I know it’s important to constantly sell, sell, sell but COME ON! I’m looking for children’s entertainment and in the corner are people shooting each other, beating the sh!t out of each other and lots of sexually-mature material playing as you advertise movies for which the trailers are not even remotely suitable for children.

Do you NOT see how counterproductive this is to making a profit? I end up switching off the On-Demand menu altogether and guess what? You’ve lost money because I’m not going to order ANYTHING now. In fact, I avoid the On-Demand menu altogether these days because it infuriates me THAT MUCH.

Maybe some people don’t care about what their children are exposed to but I DO. My kids are seven and two years old and I’m not going to allow you or anyone else to pre-empt their innocence. Am I making myself clear?

Shoving grossly inappropriate movie trailers down our throats is just a bad way of doing business and engenders a lot of ill will from parents like myself who don’t need some faceless, money-grubbing corporation making our jobs any harder than they already are.

You already offer trailers that can be watched by choice if someone wants to see them. Do the responsible thing and stop showing them while one is merely perusing the On-Demand menu and let people CHOOSE whether they want to view them.

OR? Just give us the power to turn them off — before we turn YOU off.

Sincerely,
Pissed Off Parent in Florida

I recently read a report in the Washington Post on the unhealthy lifestyles kids in the U.S. are leading, today:

“Almost one in six American children and teens are overweight, according to the U.S. Surgeon General’s office, which also warns that 70 percent of overweight teens will grow into overweight or obese adults. ”

Television, junk food and school lunches are the main culprits mentioned, but the article also makes an interesting point:

“Schools have a big part to play, but kids often aren’t offered the best choices at school or in the community. It’s up to parents to lead by example.”

Crap.

Well, taking into consideration that I spend most of my spare time (however stingy it may seem, at the moment) sitting in a car and/or driving my kids (everywhere) and allowing them to walk (anywhere) with the amount of traffic running in, around and through our town is dangerous, quite frankly. Then, the rest of the time, they see me working in front of a computer, while wolfing down a cereal bar, because I just can’t seem to find the time to, you know, eat.

Riiiiight - not a very good example, eh? - thankfully, our county offers a wonderful parks program (read: convenient AND affordable) that is chocked-full of activities NOT involving the use of one’s backside, still.

“Okay, so you’re not into sports and hate the outdoors…um…how about a nice pottery class?”

Once they hit their teens, the choices become slim (no pun intended, sort of) but, then I remembered receiving an email about a new concept - O2 MAX!

Have you guys heard about this, already?

O2 MAX is the brainchild of concerned mom Pam Goldman, fitness expert and aspiring entrepreneur Karen Kashinsky, trainer Heather Kandawire and the newly inspired Shirley Brown.

These woman got together and realized their vision - creating a safe place where kids could hang out, exercise, study and relax - and came up with one kicking business plan…over a light lunch…no doubt.

They opened their first O2 MAX hub in L.A. this fall and hope to continue opening new hubs throughout the country as the year(s) go by.

“We are driven by a passion to help teens avoid the epidemic of obesity and ill-nutrition that is growing in America . We take a holistic, mind-body-soul educational approach - we want to help kids be physically fit, intellectually successful, and balanced and confident in their personalities. We also want to create that place in our community where teens can gather and socialize in an environment that supports health, good nutrition, academic success, respectful relationships, and have all that in a safe environment with supportive adult trainers, tutors, and mentors.”

Now, why the hell don’t we all have one of these - instead of a bank at every corner - huh?

Because this is a totally new concept - rather than complaining about how fat and lazy are teens are getting - I thought that perhaps these guys deserve a little press, if not a big old shout out, too.

They ARE looking for a National Online Parent Advisory Board parent team advisers, just so you know.

I, for one, applaud you young ladies (and gentlemen) over at O2 MAX and hope that you see it fit to come on over to the right coast, real soon - you can hang with me and my kids, anytime!

I just had to get that Seinfeld joke in there.

If you haven’t already, you may want to check out this most recent article from the NY Times regarding the scandal (yes, scandal!) around banning cupcakes at school birthday parties.

I have to tell you, personally I felt a little annoyed reading this. I am all for offering more healthy snacks in school, and cranking WAY down on the high-sugar, high-fat offerings in school cafeterias. But, banning cupcakes from school birthday parties? Why, that is just going a little too far. Cupcakes are Americana. Cupcakes are not evil, they represent happiness and celebration. One cupcake isn’t going to make or break a healthy diet (unless you are eating a dozen in one sitting).

What do you think about this? Do you feel that federal and state regulators are making wise nutritional decisions for your children in these matters, or do you see it as infringing on an American tradition?

I say, let them eat cake!

What do you say?

Sadly, it seems like there is a toy recall about once a week these days. Rather than go on about how scary and disturbing this is, I think I’ll just simply list the recalled items this time. Here is the information from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

1. RC2 Corp. Recalls Additional Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway Toys
Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard
2. Target Recalls Children’s Toy Gardening Tools and Chairs Due to
Violation of Lead Paint Standard
3. RC2 Recalls Knights of the Sword Toys Due to Violation of Lead Paint
Standard
4. Children’s Toy Rakes Sold Exclusively at Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft
Stores Recalled Due to Violation of Lead in Paint Standard
5. Guidecraft Inc. Recalls Children’s Puppet Theaters Due to Violation
of Lead Paint Standard
6. Children’s Spinning Wheel-Metal Necklaces Recalled By Rhode Island
Novelty Due to Risk of Lead Exposure
7. TOBY N.Y.C. Expands Children’s Metal Jewelry Recall Due to Risk of
Lead Exposure

You can find out more information about these recalls here. Just click on the links under “Recent Recalls.”

Not too long ago my health club replaced all soft drinks, sports drinks and enhanced water with one option: water.  Sure, they raised the price by a quarter, but it sent a clear message; it is hard to lose weight if you are finishing your workout with a 12oz can of cola. 

 But, now the sugar is sneaky back into our school. The NY Times featured this article in the business section.  Remember how the major cola companies were lauded last year for removing high sugar sodas from schools?  Did you really think there was not an ulterior motive?  $$

I left my job in corporate America and made the jump to becoming a work at home mother this year.  The everyday juggle is still there but in an entirely different way.  The freedom I now possess has been a life saver.  Our family has become better due in part to this life changing decision.

It is life changing and not just for the warm fuzzy feelings of seeing my daughter up close and in action more frequently either.  It has been the change I needed to view working in an all together different way.  A new realm and way of thinking about my abilities and myself.  It was during a slightly boozy dinner date with my husband last week where I mentioned that an offer had been made for me to go back to work.  Different field, different job.  Possibly a great fit too.  Did I want it?  The verdict is still out and the details of the job itself are a bit hazy.  My husband made the offhand comment that I seem so much more grounded than before.  Calmer and decidedly more likable.  It’s true.  I like writing and working from home far more than I thought possible.  This side work I do could stem into something quite real and good. It is in essence, a job that has me writing my own ticket.  What could be better than that?  Then like a lightening bolt  it struck me.  The real reason that I like working from home.   

No one can see me. 

My meetings are all on the phone.  My work is all done via the Internet.  For me nothing could be better. I still have weekly meetings and tasks to do, but it is all done with only my typing fingers and my voice.  No face time. No hand shakes.  No touching.  My work is based solely on my abilities.  Nothing else.  And you know what?  I’m truly appreciated and seen as talented for the first time in my life.  It’s exhilerating!  It’s freeing and justified.  Before this?  Each job was like the last.  A boss that didn’t give credit where credit was due.  Co-workers who cared more about the state of my breasts and butt than the state of my spreadsheets or anything else.  My levy at work had always been my physical assests and not based on any real ounce of talent.  I hated it.  It crushed me emotionally and left me feeling empty.  No matter what I did each job was the same.  I was a pretty face and must have only that going for me.  It wasn’t my field of work because I kept changing that!  It is just the way it always seemed to be. 

Now, for the first time that isn’t the case.  I feel valued for simply the work I do and nothing else.  There is no one there to proposition me and then penalize me when I turn them down.  No one to tell me to jump out of their birthday cake to get ahead.  Oh yes, that happened.  No one asks about my sex life or what my breasts look like after breastfeeding.  I could go on.  And on.  Over the years I’ve racked up quite a few squeamish moments. 

I felt embarassed for even stating this as the reason for my new found happiness, but my spouse whole heartedly agreed. He saw it himself and heard the daily travails of each job, each shockingly perverted comment, each sexual innuendo, and each punishment if I didn’t comply. Which I never did.  I’m just not that type of woman.  I am the woman who will enforce the ethics laws on you, but that is the only thing I solicit, besides Human Resources.  I do not back down.  However, it gets old, especially when you are the only one playing by those rules. 

Eight months later becoming a work at home mother has been one of the best things I could have ever done and not just for my family.  For the first time I am evaluated on the work I actually do, on my true performance and talents, and not my cup size.  I am taken for my full value and what I can and will achieve.  That has been the real self-esteem builder way more than any of those women in the workplace workshops. 

I stumbled on a great article reminding us that there are seemingly endless ways to give back to the world. And seeing we are on the fringe of another holiday shopping season, why not think about giving a gift that could directly impact a person or group immediately?

Unique charities are popping up all over the place, providing you a chance to donate in the most unusual manner.

Buy a cow, a tree, a water buffalo, a knitting basket… and you’ll be sure to leave someone in a third world community with a gift that keeps on giving long after your check clears.

Better yet, surprise a hard to buy for loved one with a donation in their name. Beats another generic red tie in a box or a sweater that doesn’t fit!

For more info, check out the link above or visit www.heifer.org or www.oxfam.org

Have you heard yet about Bisphenol A? Sandra over at Blog Chocolate reminded me this morning of a news story I read recently and intended to post about here. The gang at BlogHers Act Canada are getting in on this action, too, taking up the cause of urging the Canadian government to ban Bisphenol A. Bisphenol A is a toxic hormone disrupter sometimes detected in products such as food cans, plastic water bottles and baby bottles. According to Wikipedia,

Recent studies have confirmed that bisphenol A exposure during development has carcinogenic effects and produce precursors of breast cancer. Bisphenol A has been shown to have developmental toxicity, carcinogenic effects, and possible neurotoxicity. Recent studies suggest it may also be linked to obesity by triggering fat-cell activity.

There are also studies that have been done that suggest normal, regular use of products containing Bisphenol A causes no health risk.

Read more about Bisphenol A here. Then, if you agree that this is a substance you’d like to keep out of your family’s bodies, head on over to Toxic Nation to sign the petition to ban it:

To the Honourable John Baird, Minister of the environment, and the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Health,

Bisphenol A is a hormone disruptor found in many everyday products including food cans, plastic water containers and baby bottles. Studies show that people can be exposed to Bisphenol A when it leaches out of these products. Low-doses can harm our health.

Canadians’ health should be protected from harmful toxic chemicals. Ban the use of Bisphenol A in food and beverage containers immediately. Phase out other uses over the next five years!

Sincerely,

[Your Name]
[Your Address]

(I’d also like to mention that Sandra and Her Bad Mother will be guest speakers on a podcast tonight from 9-10 pm EST with Kristen of Motherhood Uncensored. Their topic is, “It Can Be Easy Being Green: How to Make Green Parenting Work For You”. Be sure to listen!)

One of your elected representatives, Senator James Inhofe (R), is not acting in the best interest of you, your children OR the environment.

Senator Inhofe has been quoted as saying global warming is “the greatest hoax ever perpetrated on the American people”

Not coincidentally, Senator Inhofe has ALSO accepted more than $1 million in campaign contributions from Big Oil and Gas AND voted against an amendment that would require utilities to provide 10% of their electricity from clean, renewable energy by 2020.

It doesn’t take a genius to see whose interests Senator Inhofe is looking out for and they most definitely aren’t those of you, your children or the environment.

Do you really want this sellout of a politician working against your best interests for another six years? I certainly hope not.

PLEASE, PLEASE spread the word about Senator Inhofe’s self-serving ways by telling everyone you know about his voting record, his views on global warming and who is funding his re-election campaign and buying his loyalty (big oil and gas!) and urge them to VOTE HIM OUT!

So it seems that while Facebook spends all its time seeking out and deleting pictures of women breastfeeding, they’re letting far more dangerous activities go unnoticed.

David Wescott already posted about the high number of pro-anorexia groups available on Facebook, and today the New York State Attorney General announced they were investigating Facebook for not better protecting its younger users from sexual predators.

Investigators went undercover, posing as underage members on the social networking site, and found no shortage of porn and adults seeking sex with minors.

Facebook, where are your priorities? You spend all of your energy chasing after breastfeeding moms, yet you let sexual predators run wild on your site. You quibble over the definition of obscene when it comes to an infant sucking on a breast, but hard-core porn can be found with little trouble.

Which is more dangerous: a mom sharing photos of breastfeeding with other moms, or an adult contacting minors to solicit sex? Somehow I think Facebook has a different answer than mine, and that is scary.