Almost didn't post any today because a head/chest cold has me down. But I found a few items anyway.
- Such a big debate going on about what to do regarding "sexting" and the like by teens. You know, sending naughty pics of themselves either from cell phones or via social networking sites. Recently this came up here in New Jersey where a 14-year-old posted nude photos of herself on MySpace for her boyfriend, and she is now accused of distributing child pornography. Many feel this is too harsh a treatment for a girl who clearly needs some sort punishment/guidance for this (if arrested and convicted she would be labeled a sex offender), but unfortunately state laws haven't caught up to technology these days. I have no answers, but as a parent I can just add this to my list of things to have discussions with my kids about as they get older (and probably have them cringe at me bringing up).
- Killer whales live in the Gulf of Mexico. While orcas are typically though of as living in cold waters eating seals (or living at Sea World), there are actually some living in the Gulf, dining on tuna and dolphins. Fifteen groups of killer whales have been sighted in the Gulf since 1992, and some experts feel the actual number could approach 500 - a two-month expedition is scheduled to begin this summer which could help confirm this number.
- Swallows are not returning to San Juan Capistrano. While legend has it that the swallows returned to Capistrano each year filling the sky "like a rain cloud," reality now is that the swallows have hardly been seen at the mission in years. None showed up at the Festival of the Swallows this year. Many theories exist as to why the numbers diminished. Some feel the number of swallows never was actually as much as legend says; there is little scientific evidence that the birds migrate to the same spot year after year. Others say preservation work on the mission a decade ago knocked down the bird's nests. And still others blame it on Southern California bird population reduction in general, resulting from loss of habitats due to the building of homes and shopping malls. Experts have been brought in to try to lure the birds back, but nothing has made much of a difference so far. The locals continue each year to hold the festival, always with the thought that "there's always next year."
The family is off to see "Monsters vs. Aliens" today - Alex is overjoyed!
1 comment:
Regarding "Sexting"...As a mother of a (almost) 16 year old girl, I have had that talk. It is the worst conversation I have had to have with her. Who wants to discus these types of issues with their child? I remember when my girls were really little, Jon and I talked about having the "talk" with them...how old should they be, what if they don't want to listen, how much do you tell them, should I have a few drinks 1st? I was NOT prepared for this conversation, and I shouldn't have to have it! But it is something that has to be discussed, and other parents better start talking before their kids are slapped with a "Sex Offender" label, which will haunt them for the rest of their lives!
See, Julie, we do read your tidbits! Thanks for posting them!
Lisa H.
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