What's up with that?

I was reading an article on Yahoo News about the Dee Why Grand Shopping Center. Apparently the mall has enacted a zero tolerance policy on screaming children. The irony of their new policy, it is in regards to the mall’s play area next to the food court. A notice was posted in the play area stating: “Stop. Parents please be considerate of the other customers using the food court. Screaming children will not be tolerated in the center.” I don’t know about the malls you frequent, but the ones I have been to, the food court is always the loudest place in the mall. Second, why put a CHILDREN’S play area in the mall and then complain that they are too loud. I have two children of my own. Children are loud, especially while playing. I understand not approving of children screaming for no apparent reason, or the fits they throw being not acceptable by other customers. But what do you expect from a child that is playing, to pretend they are in the Library?


This article got me thinking of other things in life that make me wonder “what’s up with that?” Why can I check yesterday’s weather on weatherchannel.com? Why would I need to know what the weather was yesterday if I already experienced it? Why does it take five minutes to make one minute rice? Why not call it five minute rice? Is this false advertisement? Why is a pizza box square if the pizza is round? Why is there no dislike button on Facebook? Apparently you have to like everything or your opinion doesn’t matter. When you call someone’s cell phone why is there an option at the END of their message to press a button to go straight to voicemail or wait (usually 1 more second) to go to the voicemail? That message would be more useful at the BEGINNING of the message. Why is it called a free gift? Aren’t all gifts free? Why is it called a hot water heater? If it already is hot water, what are we heating? Shouldn’t it be referred to as a water heater? Why do they make lemon juice with artificial flavors but use real lemons in liquid dish soap? Shouldn’t it be the other way around? Why are men’s buttons on a dress shirt on the right side but a women’s buttons on the left side? These are just a few things to ponder during your busy day. I know it seems like I have too much time to think of the ironic things in life that others don’t give a second thought to. So I will leave you with one last question…What the heck is a grape nut?



Nicole Emery, AIC, FCLA

Cell Phones & Driving

Cell Phones and Driving


Technology, we all love it cell phones especially! Although when it comes to cell phones and driving, read the following:

A study completed by the University of Utah put subjects in a driving simulator while researchers observed their driving behavior in three scenarios: 1) without distractions, 2) talking with a passenger, and 3) while engaged in a cell phone conversation. The participants drove roughly 8 miles on a simulated freeway with light to moderate traffic. They were instructed to exit the freeway at a rest stop. Drivers talking on cell phones performed the worse. They were more likely to weave or depart from their lane, and were four times more likely to miss their scheduled turn off at the rest area. Talking to their passenger had little effect on their driving. Although talking on the cell phone or talking to a passenger both require listening and conversation skills, a passenger can provide assistance in pointing out dangers ahead or limit a conversation when the driving task becomes more complicated.

Debbie Rogy

How Alf Would Do Valentine's Day

Awe yes it is Valentine’s Day. Hmmmm, what to blog about. We could hash through romantic ideas on gifts or outings, how to insure those gifts of jewelry or even events that have occurred on this special day. But my husband always tells me I have a “special” way of thinking. So let’s do just that. For my Valentine’s Day blog I have decided to think about what Alf would do for this special day. That’s right Alf. For those of you youngsters, Alf was a beloved alien in the sitcom that aired between 1986-1990. So in remembrance of Alf, here is what I think his Valentine’s Day would be like.

Let say Alf’s planet of Melmac didn’t explode and he was just on a trip to Earth, first he would have to call up girlfriend Rhonda (that’s right, Alf’s girlfriend was named Rhonda). He would say, “Rhonda Baby, the Tanner’s and I have fixed my Patrol Ship and I am coming to sweep you off your feet with a romantic night for two.” Of course Rhonda would be so elated, you know since it has been years since he left Melmac. She would say “Oh Alfie I’m so excited.” She would primp and pamper herself for her loves arrival.

Once Alf arrives at Rhonda’s house he would try and woo her with flowers. Who knows what aliens of Melmac think of flowers, but hey it’s pretty standard here on Earth.

Of course he would take her to a special dinner of cat and for dessert…caterpillar pudding (yummo). Then they would spend the rest of the evening catching up on good times and all that Alf has learned on planet Earth and with the Tanners. They will even laugh about how we earthlings keep cats as pets instead of an ingredient to a meal.

So whatever it is you do for Valentine’s Day or even if it is just a Single Reminder Day to you, enjoy the people around you, cherish your friends and loved ones. And watch out for hairballs!



Nicole Emery, AIC, FCLA

Valentine's Day Trivia

Here is little trivia on Valentine’s Day and Looking for Love



141 million Valentine's Day cards are exchanged annually, making Valentine's Day the second-most popular greeting-card-giving occasion. (This total excludes packaged kids valentines for classroom exchanges.) (Source: Hallmark research)

Over 50 percent of all Valentine's Day cards are purchased in the six days prior to the observance, making Valentine's Day a procrastinator's delight. (Source: Hallmark research)

Research reveals that more than half of the U.S. population celebrates Valentine's Day by purchasing a greeting card. (Source: Hallmark research)

There are 119 single men (i.e., never married, widowed or divorced) who are in their 20s for every 100 single women of the same ages.

So I say single, divorced, married, or separated purchase yourself a Valentine. Oh and keep in mind that you can register on our Facebook for our Valentine Giveaway!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Deborah Rogy

Mardi Gras 2013

Mardi Gras 2013

My wife and I are traveling to New Orleans next weekend for a weekend getaway. We will be missing Fat Tuesday of Mardi Gras by just a few days. This can be taken two different ways. 1. We will be missing out on one of the most historic yearly celebrations in our country. 2. We will be missing the wildest day of the year in New Orleans when approximately 700,000 people will be packing the streets partying.


I am sure most people have heard of Mardi Gras but how many people know why it is celebrated.

Mardi Gras is the last big party of winter. It is the last day of Carnival, a word derived from “Carnevale”, which means “goodbye meat”. On Mardi Gras, revelers indulge in food and drink in anticipation of Lent, the 47 days and nights of austerity that precedes Easter beginning with Ash Wednesday. This year Fat Tuesday is February 12.

The most famous place to celebrate Mardi Gras in the United States is New Orleans. St. Louis, however, is one of the other best cities in the US to celebrate which offers Central Illinois residents a closer place to enjoy the festivities.

My next blog will reveal some of our experiences in New Orleans.