Lately

If you've had a hard week, and just want some happy news, go ahead and skip down til you see the word Uppers.
I understand. 

Downers:

*Toddlers and Tiaras: Have They Gone Too Far?
 What?
 No.
 It's not like they're up there stripping, for Pete's sake.
 They're living every girls dream: getting spray tanned and wearing padded bras.
 What 3 year old wouldn't want that?
 Is art imitating life, or is TLC making gads of money from this insane minority?

*JCPenney pulled this shirt, after people complained vociferously said, "Wha?"
 Sometimes, it pays to say, "Wha?"

*And, the grand finale of Downers: Maggie Goes on a Diet! 
Amazon listing this book for 4-8 year olds.
So, if you are looking for a good diet picture book for your 4 year old, call a nutritionist, then your pediatrician, then your therapist.  Then give your 4 year old a hug, and don't buy this book. 




















Uppers:

*Scholastic responds to vociferous "Wha?"

Late last week, Scholastic contacted us to let us know that it was reducing its InSchool Marketing division—which produces teaching materials sponsored by corporations, nonprofits, and government agencies—by approximately 40%.  And the overwhelming majority of cuts are coming from its corporate-sponsored materials.  You can read more about it in today’s New York Times

This change brought to you by Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood.
They really rock.

*Grand Finale of Uppers: from Pig Tail Pals

There was a time when you were five years old,

and you woke up full of awesome.

 

You knew you were awesome.

You loved yourself.

You thought you were beautiful,

even with missing teeth and messy hair and mismatched socks inside your grubby sneakers.

 

You loved your body, and the things it could do.

 

You thought you were strong.

 

You knew you were smart.

  

Do you still have it?

I think you do.