Miss Manners says...

The question was brought to Miss Manners about kids opening their presents at their birthday party. I have a young daughter that has been invited to kids birthday parties and did not know this was an issue. Miss Manners answered this question by stating she was wondering who thought this was a good idea in the first place. She thinks kids to "exclaim over everything" they receive and sometimes the guests feel "strain to conceal envy" if their gift does not measure up to the others. You can read the whole column for yourself - just click here.
I think we need to also teach our children to be happy with what they have and sometimes seeing others get things helps us teach them that. Also what is wrong with children saying "thank you" to the giver in person. As we all know most kids are happy with anything - okay any toys, so as far as them being disappointed about a gift - I don't see that happen too much. I guess things will stay the same at my house - my kids will open up their gifts in front of everyone, so just call me old fashion.

They're Baaack!

Yup, the mayflies are back. I understand there is a benefit of having them around, important to the food chain and so forth, but they are not pleasant to have around. It's really not fun to fill up your gas tank in the evening while you are getting bombed by mayflies, so as always we live with and wait for the end of them you can click here to find out all you would like to know about mayflies.

WHY??

This story from Port Huron, MI started with an interesting case being investigated by police. Officials are reported saying that Shannon Rhodes told them a man came to her door a few months ago, sprayed her with fluid and then set her on fire. She was seriously burned and she has had police on a search for the suspect. Except...she now met with officials again and have lead them to believe she set herself on fire. What? She's been arraigned on charges of filing a false report and it could cost her 5 years behind bars if she is convicted.
Again - why? What possesses someone to do this to them self? I hope it is not for attention because there are much better ways to do that without hurting yourself or anyone else.

WELCOME WIAA

Yes there are more people on the roads, in the restaurants and hotels and we would like to welcome them all to La Crosse! Welcome to the athletes and fans of the Wisconsin State Track Meet held at the brand new Veteran's Memorial Stadium.

Ahhh... A Little Bit of Good News

How many times have you heard it - "I wish the news would not be so negative." "If only the news would just cover positive stories."
I was very happy to read a couple of stories in the past week on the front page of the Winona Daily News and the Houston County News that fulfilled that wish for many.
1. Last week (you may have seen it) there was a story in regard to a couple, Ken and Pat Pape, donating all the proceeds of their auction to the Church that they have been members of for many years. What a story of great faith in this economy. Read the whole story.
2. On Thursday the Houston County News featured a story about a director, John Haugan, for the Bluff County Learning Options - (LaCrescent Alternative School) retiring. The good news is not that John is retiring but that while he served in his position - he touched so many lives and "saved lives." What a great story about a genuine person who cares. Read the whole story.
I have had the pleasure of meeting all of the above parties that these stories were written about. The best thing about the stories is that the stories in the papers are not exaggerations, but definitely true, so share some good news with someone that needs it.

Susan Boyle Update

An anxiety attack landed Susan Boyle in the hospital earlier this week after finishing 2nd in the Television show Britain's Got Talent. Of course rumors start at the same time something "bad" happens to a celebrity and Susan is no exception. Concerns of Boyle's mental state and where she is going from here led to if she was invited to sing on July 4th at the White House for President Obama. And as we know with most rumors, they tend to be proved false. Entertainment Tonight reported that Michelle Obama's press secretary said "It's actually not true," but Susan's brother confirmed the report. Either way she will be in the U.S. when she appears on Larry King and Oprah.
Instead of trying to figure out what the celebs are doing before they know what they are doing, I'm okay with waiting. You?

Youngest Tweeter?

"Whassup World" - his first words? Max Armstrong announced to the world on Twitter that he and his mother are happy and healthy after his birth. Max is the son to Lance Armstrong and his girlfriend Anna Hansen and may be the youngest person ever to "tweet." Max even gave some credit to the nurse and doctor who helped with delivery. I'm impressed with the creativity of some people. How Lance decided to put the happy news on Twitter about the birth of his son though the eyes of his son - wow! The other amazing part of this story is the fact that the world knows about Max via internet social networks in such a short period of time. That's Crazy!