Mr Nice Guy?????

I walked into a Miami convenience store and something caught my eye. A customer was buying marijuana and paying for it at the register. I looked around to make sure that a camera crew wasn't going to pop out with a group of people laughing, but this wasn't a joke. Marijuana being sold out of a convenience store?? When did this happen. I thought California was the only state that legalized marijuana and they are definitely not being sold out of stores. The package being brought said "Mr Nice Guy" When the customer opened his package at the register I couldn't believe my eyes. This couldn't be marijuana? So I decided to be nosey and investigate.

Mr. Nice Guy is an synthetic marijuana that is being sold as herbal incense. The product claims that it is a blend of different herbal smoke blends and is 100% drug test safe. It was being sold on the herbalcity.com website and is now being sold at our local convenience store and gas stations for $20.00-$30.00 per package, which weighs about one gram.

So what are the side effects and what makes this blend so different from marijuana that it is okay to be sold out of stores? Doctors are indicating that the product is a stronger version of the drug minus the THC. It is a variety of the herbals plants sprayed with chemicals mimicking THC. Mr. Nice Guys label states that it should not be used for humans consumption. This synthetic marijuana has been banned in 8 states and is leaving trails of emergencyroom visits and linked to some deaths. The symptoms include dizziness, nausea, abnormal heart beat, and hallucinations.

So I guess Mr Nice guys isn't so nice after all? and to my parents out there, here is another one to put on your list of things to educate our kids about.

POLL: Do you think that parents should educate their kids about Mr. Nice Guy or should parents keep it quiet until it's an issue at home or school. (answer in comment box)

Lynn: Is the Heat On?

Lynn: Is the Heat On?: "When I was a kid I remembered being nervous for my first day of school. I Could not sleep the night before I couldn't even eat breakfast the..."

Is the Heat On?

When I was a kid I remembered being nervous for my first day of school. I Could not sleep the night before I couldn't even eat breakfast the day of because of butterflies. The thought of seeing my friends again and the excitement of the challenges of the new school year just kept my adrenaline pumping. Til this day I still get flustered if I start a new challenge. I am a die hard Laker fan, but I have to come to the defense of the Heat for my friends that are heat fans.

Just like it takes us time to get adjusted to a new challenges it will take the Heat a couple games to get it together.MAYBE then they will be unstoppable(notice is said MAYBE ,that will change when they play the Lakers) LOL

They did good last night. They had to overcome the challenge of playing their first game away from home and with that in mind the the score of 80-88 is not bad at all. Great job Miami Heat!!! This was just a warm up.

Toddler R Us

It's amazing how the mind of a toddler works. I have not worked as a preschool teacher for over 7 years so I forgot how smart these one year and two years old children could be. They watch the information around them and absorbs it like a sponge. A toddlers mind should not be underestimated. There are many ways to use this exciting revelation to a parents advantage. Stimulating your toddlers mind is the best way to avoid negative behaviors. These simple 5 techniques can also help prepare these little people for preschool.

1-Have an actual conversation with your toddler, no baby talk. Use actual words. If they point or wine for an object that they want, associate that object with the proper word. If you give the object to them after they point to it without the association you can be holding them back from talking.
2-Reading is fundamental. Reading for a toddler is the best way to stimulate their mind. Let them interact with you to keep the story interesting. Keep in mind the little ones attention span is short. So keep the book simple.
3- Let's Bake- Let your toddler help you add the ingredients to the batter or even pour the batter in the pan.
4- Music-did you know that playing smooth or classical music while you child is sleeping stimulates healthy brain development. Have no shame in popping in the Mozart or Kenny G , both you and your toddler can enjoy and nap in peace.
5- Library Time-Your toddler is not to young to go to the library. Most local libraries have programs for ages 1yr-3yrs. They encourage parent participation, so go to the library and have fun with your little one.

2010 Election-The Issues

With Florida elections right around the corner it is surprising to me how people are still undecided on who would be the best fit behind the Florida Senator and Governor's desk. It is like the voters are blinded and can not see the issues that affect Florida daily. The issues such as the elderly residents waiting in line for days in hopes of getting affordable housing on Wednesday morning. Only to be told that only a handful of them will e able to call one of these places home. Florida is the leader in the nation for high-school drop outs. This issue seem to slip the minds of many. Unemployement is at all all time high and has spiked up to 11.4% .

Florida candidates are slandering each other daily by either commercials or debates. We the voters need to avoid these political tactics and vote for the better fit that will resolve our state's problems.