HLN Says “Pretty Girls Don’t Pay.” (I Agree)

 

Men, do you find yourself dishing out more money (for meals, entertainment, gifts, and recreational activities) when you date a very attractive woman as opposed to Miss Plain Jane?  Yes?  It’s no surprise.  Gorgeous women, like the cutest kids, are used to getting more smiles-she smiles back-receiver experiences a feeling of elation-the feeling of elation sends a message to the receiver’s brain that this face belongs to a good person-receiver subconsciously feels they’ve received an intangible gift from the woman (the smile/attention is the intangible gift)-receiver seeks to reward the gift giver-receiver’s brain searches for a way to quickly offer a gift= dinner on me/drink on me, etc. 

Think of it this way, during the holidays family, friends, and co-workers exchange gifts.  A subliminal message is sent to the gift receiver that it’s their turn to give a present in return.  Most men use this equation when dating a pretty woman:

Woman’s company + FREE meal = invite to her bedroom/SCORE!

The gift-giving usually ends right there, unfortunately.  Pretty women learned this equation early in life.  The smart ones actually use this equation instead:

My company + HIS money = sucker/no score = a second FREE meal/gift, etc. = my new meal ticket

How do I know this?  Complete the poll below.  After the 50th response I will disclose my answer in a new blog.  

The cutest kids learn early that their face and a smile alone gets them freebies! 

So, there you have it folks.  I agree with Richelle Carey on HLN.  Pretty girls know they don’t have to pay (for a meal, drink, favors, etc.).

Peanut Allergies: Will Sufferers Get Special Treatment or Become the New “Minority Group?

By now you’ve heard about the 6-year old girl in Edgewater, FL who is allergic to peanuts (and peanut butter, which is derived from peanuts).  When she comes in contact with peanuts, she experiences an allergic reaction so violent, that she is considered a child with a disability.  Therefore, she is protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act. 

Nevertheless, she had to swallow a dose of discrimination administered by parents of her classmates.  Some parents have openly spoken against new procedures to rectify the problem and have shown disdain towards her.  They feel she’s receiving special treatment.  Notwithstanding, the school believes they were obliged to take drastic measures to prevent her from having an allergic reaction.  The new rules that were implemented stipulate that all of her classmates are to wash their hands before entering the classroom.  Then, following lunch they must wash their hands and mouths out.  I’m guessing someone must be standing over every child’s shoulder because many children don’t bother to wash their hands thoroughly.  Other children may forget to use soap (the agent that should remove germs and traces of peanut oil). 

Needless to say, her parents must be utterly furious since those parents aren’t more compassionate and cooperative.  They’d rather protest and demand that she be removed from the school and get taught at home than to go along with the program.  Some parents don’t want to break the habit of sending their kids to school with a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

 So, let’s put this in perspective.  According to the CDC, the number of children diagnosed with peanut allergies has increased 18%.  Children allergic to gluten, nut, egg, milk, and shellfish, or who have asthma, ADHD, or diabetes has increased.  Schools have yet to stop serving milk to students. They serve eggs for breakfast in some schools.  So, schools won’t always roll out the red carpet to make every student comfortable.  Children from all backgrounds who live with these conditions are still in the minority. 

MY THOUGHTS

In my opinion, the Edgewater Elementary School should simply disallow peanuts and peanut butter inside of the school.  This is what some schools have done.  I do sympathize with the child and her parents.  But, face it, everyone won’t always get to wash their hands and mouth this often.  I’m sure the staff must do the same.  I’m only allergic to heavy second-hand cigarette and cigar smoke and heavy fumes.  However, I was all too happy once smoking in restaurants and buildings was banned.  I’m not sure which side will win but the little girl’s parents may have to schedule a meeting with the Board of Education and/or the principal of the school to end this war.

author Deirdrie LoVerso receives “thank you” card from The White House!

 

    

From The WHITE HOUSE to author Deirdrie LoVerso

 

President Barak Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama extended their gratitude for my book, ‘Vowels: Long Sounds, Short Sounds’, that I sent and autographed for their daughter Sasha Obama.  I received this card, signed by both of them, in 2010 (see photo on this page).  The card stated, “We would like to extend our deepest thanks and appreciation for your generous gift.” 

I happily mailed and autographed my book, ‘Jade Made Me Do It!’ to Michelle Obama to present to their older daughter, Malia Obama.  Get copies of both books here:  www.createspace.com/3406832 and www.Amazon.com.

 

Elizabeth Taylor; an Icon and a Beauty Who Will Not Be Forgotten

ELIZABETH TAYLOR PHOTOS

 

Actress Elizabeth Taylor, who was born on February 27, 1932 in the UK, died today of congestive heart failure.  At 79 years of age, she was larger than life and still had a lot to live for.   Most considered her an irresistably beautiful woman.  She starred in a multitude of movies including A Place in the Sun, The Mirror Crack’d, and Little Women.  She won Academy awards for best accress in Who’s Afraid of Virginia Wolf and Butterfield 8. 

A best friend of the late mega-talented Michael Jackson, she led a very interesting life.  While many women waited to walk down the aisle, Taylor was echoing wedding vows for the eighth time!  Among the suitors who won her over: Conrad Hilton, Michael Wilding, Michael Todd, Eddie Fisher, Richard Burton (married 2x), John Warner, and Larry Fortensky. 

Most of her roles were laced with drama but yet seasoned with sophistication.  Elizabeth Taylor was an advocate for advancements in the treatment of AIDS.  She suffered with physical ailments herself, which decreased her quality of life.  She is survived by her four children.  She was a unique talent who will be greatly missed by all of her fans.

Sources: www.dictionary.com, www.destinationhollywood.com, http://www.encyclopedia.com/topic/Elizabeth_Taylor.aspx

Would You Go to Work if a Tsunami Were Scheduled to Hit?

If you woke up and saw that the weather forecast indicated a tsunami was on its way toward the east coast would you head to work?  What are you looking for, brownie points?  All of the brownie points in the world won’t save your job if the building and your boss are wiped out by “mother nature”. 

If you feel like I do, you’d think “Bump that.  If the east coast survives the tsunami, I’d have an awesome excuse for calling out!”  Am I making light of the tragedy in Japan?  On the contrary; I was one of the thousands of folks who walked across the 59th Street Bridge in Manhattan on 9/11.  On that day, plenty of employees in the Twin Towers thought they’d win brownie points by obeying the announcements and their bosses when they were told to not panic, remain calm and to await further instruction.  Common sense told them to get the heck out of there but they feared that if no harm came to their floor they’d get fired for leaving their posts.  I know the feeling.  I used to always fear getting fired if I needed to call out due to inclement weather.  Therefore, I didn’t.  I even made my way into the office when I felt ill. 

Inclement weather is a very good reason not to go into work.  The roads are dangerously slippery, the drivers who got their licenses out of bubble-gum machines seem to come out like a pack of wolves, and it’s easier to get stranded somewhere if your car breaks down.  I recall a snow storm in 2002.  I was working as a secretary for URS Corporation in Center City.  I was basically snowed in where I lived in New Jersey.  I was relieved when I was informed that I could choose to work or stay home.  I decided to remain at home.  However, I had to declare it a personal day (I got paid but I lost a day off that I could’ve used later in the year for some other obligation). 

So, who would report to work if a tsunami was approaching?  Those who have an obligation to the community most likely would.  Firemen, doctors, paramedics, pharmacists, nurses, gas station attendants, 911 operators, etc. would have an ethical responsibility to at least attempt to show up. 

When I was in grade school I looked forward to getting that Perfect Attendance award.  But, I assure you that no such an award would be worth risking my life or well-being for.  There are Japanese workers risking their lives in the nuclear plants to help minimize how much the citizens there are exposed to nuclear radiation.  So, my hat goes off to them and to the dedicated workers in our country who make their way to work in rain, sleet, snow, blizzards, heat waves, and potentially in the midst of a tsunami.

Notwithstanding, don’t try to be a hero if there is a threat of an earthquake, a tsunami or any other natural disaster.  After all, (figuratively speaking) you can’t be another person’s lifeguard if you’re drowning yourself.

What is the explanation for so many disasters? Look up HAARP to find out.

Should Parents Allow Their Adult Children to Live with Them?

 

My Argument 

A law does not exist that demands parents to discard their children and toss all of their belongings out the door when they turn 18.  The law does, however, deem an 18 year-old mature enough to live on their own.  Actually, they may still be somewhat reliant upon their parents for college tuition assistance, guidance, transportation, storage of their belongings, a shoulder to cry on and a home to return to in between semesters.

For high school graduates, the beginning of autonomy usually occurs after they enroll in college.  If the student decides to live on campus, as opposed to commuting to school, they may become independent quicker.  While the student is away, the parents begin to take advantage of their new-found free time by engaging in fun recreational activities, hobbies and more intimate encounters with their significant other.  They may start to sleep in on their days off, join a gym and they may find it easier to keep the house clean longer as their child isn’t present to mess it up.

After living like this for a few months, the thought of their child graduating from college and beginning a life on their own may seem quite comforting.  At this point they begin to feel proud that they’ve been able to raise a child who has a promising future and provide them with a college education.  After looking forward to seeing their child obtain a college degree, have a promising career and buy their own home, many parents would feel they’ve done something wrong if their child never leaves home.

So, let me expound upon the good, the bad and the ugly when a child fails to leave their parents’ home.

The Good

Having your adult child at home does have its advantages.  You need not worry where your child is all of the time or wait anxiously for them to call you during the week.  They will be able to save money to buy their first home, a car and may have money to spare to help pay your mortgage or rent.  They may be able to help cook, mow the lawn, take out the trash, watch the house when you’re away, run errands for you, shovel snow, help host your parties, care for you when you’re ill, fix things, be present to let contractors in when you’re not home, pay your bills, wash clothes and dishes, pick up your prescriptions, keep you company, and answer the door when you don’t want anyone to know you’re home.

The Bad

You’ll have another adult in the home.  This can sometimes spell war since they’ll consider themselves a chief instead of an Indian.  Everyone wants things their way.  Yet, as a parent you’ll still have the tendency to usurp your authority over your adult child since that is what you’re used to.  They won’t want to be treated like a child anymore and, therefore, everyone may butt heads.

You’re likely to have more traffic in your home as their friends and lovers may visit.  You may feel uncomfortable if your son or daughter has a lover behind closed doors.  Do you allow this behavior and realize that he/she is capable of deciding whether or not to sleep with someone?  Or do you pull the reigns on such activity and insist that certain rules be obeyed under your roof, risking resentment from them?  Much conflict can arise if this becomes an issue. 

Another disadvantage may not present itself immediately.  The bad part about this potential behavior is that it’s insidious.  Your child may get too comfortable and lose their sense of duty by not working.  A certain comfort level may emerge whereby they’ll take for granted that mom or dad will be there to bail them out of every jam.  He or she may decide to quit any job that doesn’t satisfy their needs, even if this means forfeiting their next paycheck. 

On the other hand, you may grow accustomed to relying on that extra check to pay bills but that reliance can prove to be a false sense of security.  A major setback for everyone can take place when a new baby is a part of the picture.  You could end up at square one again when your help is suddenly needed to get up early and stay up late to care for a grandchild.  Your newfound freedom won’t be there anymore.  Also, if your child loses or quits a job you may have to foot the bill for their car note, auto insurance, food and credit card bills until they secure another gig.

The Ugly

A worst case scenario that can happen when your child moves back home is that you may never see eye to eye.  This could be as minor as a petty disagreements and the silent treatment to regular blow-ups (such as heated arguments or yelling matches), and domestic violence.  No one wins when this happens.  As a result, anger, hatred, resentment and alienation may become a part of your daily lives.  Hurtful words, which aren’t easily forgiven, tend to be spoken when everyone’s adrenaline is pumping. 

A male who remains in his parents’ home could be stereotyped as being a mama’s boy.  According to the vocal group ‘TLC’, he is looked down upon and dubbed a “scrub” (a man who doesn’t have money).  In order to attract a quality woman, he may have to prove to her that he can make it on his own outside of his parents’ home.  Females aren’t exactly expected to fly the coup until she gets married.  Others will see this situation as completely acceptable.

In Summary

With all of this said, I believe that parents shouldn’t rush their children to move out.  Unless they don’t contribute their time, money or energy towards the household, they should be welcome to remain there indefinitely.  I feel that they should only leave when they’ve completed their education, saved a good amount of money, established good credit and have a stable career.  I don’t see any harm in a 30 year-old being a viable part of the household.  I personally plan to allow my child to stay in my home until he is ready to fly solo.  After all folks, being a loving and supportive parent doesn’t end when our chicks become chickens.