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It’s on like Donkey Kong!

Game time has arrived and everyone is gearing up!  Who are you rooting for in this year’s bowl?

I personally am not much of a football fan, but I do love those commercials!  Did you hear about the newest commercial for the NFL?  They are spending their valuable, high exposure ad space slot to impress upon the fans their increased focus on player safety.

I say “GO TEAM!”

Even though I am not much of a fan, I am all for team sports and their importance to our society.  But, it is about time that someone steps up to the plate to say “It is all right if you have to sit out part of the game for an injury.”  Messages in sports and many other aspects of life have been “Be tough!”  “Brush it off!”  “Cowboy Up!”  “Show no weakness, be strong!”  These messages have their place, but when we push our athletes too hard they can lead to some very dire results.  No game is worth someone’s life!

Did anyone see the “Head Games” episode of Harry’s Law that aired right after Thanksgiving?  Harry is asked by the grieving parents of a young high school football player, who lost his life due to repetitive hits to his head, to sue the high school for misconduct.  They want to see the game of football banned from high school sports.

Tough case, huh?!  Caught my attention!

Harry took the case, even though she was an avid football fan and saw it as a time honored American tradition.  They don’t call it American football for nothing.  It was interesting to watch the case unfold and the many questions it brought out about the game and just sports for that matter.  Doctors were brought in to explain the damaging affects of repetitive blows to the head, which I have later learned were not made up by the writers.

According the CDC, each year an average of 173,285 sports- and recreation-related traumatic brain injuries, including concussions, are treated.  Among them are children and adolescents, from birth to 19 years.  (MMWR October 2011)

each year an average of 173,285 sports- and recreation-related traumatic brain injuries,

including concussions, are treated.

No one is pointing fingers at football or even specifically sports, but there is some focus on the impact of football on young athletes.  One of the common injuries found in autopsies of older football players is chronic traumatic encephalopathy, it doesn’t necessarily happen to everyone and it isn’t life threatening.  It does, however cause forms of dementia and in some cases Parkinson’s disease, like Muhammad Ali.

non professional football player sustains almost 650 hits to the head in one season

Did you know that on average a non professional football player sustains almost 650 hits to the head in one season?  We are talking about blows to the head from young athletes weighing over 200lbs.  The impact is similar to a car crash, but it can come in the form of multiple players and multiple times.

Statistics show that one average player weighing about 200 lbs. can create an impact of approx 1600lbs on a player.

CNN aired a special report from Dr. Sanjay Gupta, a neurosurgeon, called “Big Hits, Broken Dreams“.  It focuses on football and it affects (even deaths) on young athletes.  The quote that hit home for me was when a football coach is asked “My child really wants to play football.  Can you guarantee me that he will be safe?”  His deadpan, serious answer was “I can’t guarantee that.”

As you watch the Super Bowl on Sunday, take note of the changes they have made to keep their players safer.  For more information, see their site NFL Heath and Safety.

If you are a mom to a young football player or even an athlete, check out the “Heads Up” program set up by the CDC.  They provide training and prevention steps you can take to protect your child.

I am not saying that football needs to be banned, I can’t imagine a world without football.  I think Judge Ray Gillot, a character in Harry’s Law, summed it up best in this quote

”

“Sometimes even the most cherished traditions need to be re-examined. Especially when they are killing our kids.”

This post was written for an entry into the “Safety First” giveaway in honor of Super Bowl XLVI.  Educating parents, coaches and children on the signs and symptoms of concussions.

This post is brought to you by Outright.com, the easiest way to manage your business finances online!

Moms have it tough as it is. And business-owning moms are stretched even more thin – between picking up the kids and balancing the business budget, you squeeze in a few hours of sleep before going right back to work. Clearly, you have enough on your plate already.

So why would the IRS try to sabotage your life by giving you more stuff to do this tax season?

It’s true. If you haven’t heard, there’s a new tax form that should be in your mailbox very soon (if not already). It’s the 1099-K, also known as the PayPal 1099 or Amazon 1099. Whatever the name, the 1099-K is yet another thing to worry about before that fateful mid-April tax deadline.

So what’s the story behind this mysterious document? And just how much work is it going to add to your workload this year?

1099-K Origins 

Though it seems that – like the mystery smell in the backseat of the car – it came out of nowhere, the origins of the 1099-K go back a few years. The United States has always suffered from what’s known as the “tax gap.” This term just means the difference between income actually earned in this country and income actually reported to the IRS. This is why, for instance, businesses are required to send out W-2’s to employees and 1099’s to contractors. By 2008, congress suspected that the rise of ecommerce selling was causing quite a sizeable tax gap, as people made money through sources like eBay and Amazon but – perhaps – didn’t report that income. Thus, with the passing of the 2008 Housing Assistance Tax Act, Congress also required that payment processors like PayPal issue form 1099-K to people who receive income through those sources. This form is also sent to the IRS so they can know what to expect when ecommerce sellers file their tax returns.

So if you’ve ever filed as an ecommerce pro before, prepare for things to be a little different from now on. That is, unless…

Stipulations

The new 1099-K tax form does come with some catches. For one, not everybody who made a few bucks from PayPal here and there gets it! Only select online sellers will receive the form in the mail soon.

There are two big criterias you must meet if you are to get the 1099-K:

• Must have made over $20,000 through Amazon, PayPal, etc.
• That $20K must have been made through 200 or more transactions

If you don’t meet either one of those criteria, then you won’t get the form in the mail. If you do get it, though, it’s no reason to throw the baby out with the bathwater! The only thing the 1099-K reports to you is how much money you made through your ecommerce ventures. That’s it! So it should be the same amount as your own personal records.

Remember, this new tax form came about simply because congress wanted to catch ecommerce pros who weren’t paying their way. Reporting should be the same – just remember to take out all the deductions and exemptions you need, as the 1099-K doesn’t report those.

So although you’re super swamped already and may feel like you can’t take on anymore, this new tax form shouldn’t send you over the edge. And if this news does send you running around the room like a 2-year-old with a lollipop, then please visit our Tax Resource Center for more information on 1099-K in particular and self-employment taxes in general!

From newborns to teenagers, keeping mom’s car in tip-top running order can prove to be quite difficult at times. However, there are a few tools that can be used to make life flow a bit more smoothly. All of the major must-haves for the car can be divided into two categories: keeping the car clean and keeping the kids (and mom) happy.

When putting infant and toddler car seats in the car, some precautions should be taken to ensure that no damage is done to the seats. Use a car seat protection mat to save leather and upholstery from heavy seats digging into the material. This helps maintain the vehicle’s value and when the seats are removed there is no unsightly dents or holes left behind.

Another way to keep the car clean and organized is by attaching a mesh bag to the back of the front seats. All of the toys, books, snacks, drinks, etc. will have a home that is easy to reach for both mom and child. It also helps to make cleaning up a breeze. There are times that things will fall on the floor or the children will have excessive amounts of dirt trapped under their shoes and will attempt to make the floors of the car filthy. To avoid the headaches of unnecessary stains and odors from the accidents, simply put a rubber floor mat down to catch all the grime. They are extremely easy to clean and most come with treading on the bottom to ensure that the mat stays in place at all times.
Now on to keeping the vehicle’s driver and passenger pleasant. Sure, traveling can get frustrating and seem to be endless at some points, but over the years moms have learned how to keep it together.

Perhaps one of the greatest inventions for keeping the kids occupied is the portable DVD player. They are available in multiple kinds of ways and are an absolute key part of keeping everyone happy. For example, one can purchase an in-dash DVD player actually installed in the vehicle, or just attach them to the headrest in the vehicle.

Lastly, play games in the car. There are games for just the child and there are games that mom and child can play together to keep both occupied. Simple games like finding a specific state license plate and rewarding with a quarter seem to be quite helpful and create fun quality bonding time.

Though it sometimes may seem like a daunting chore, driving around with kids in the car has become much easier to manage using the proper tools available. Finding other things to fit specific lifestyles will come naturally to aide in these basic mommy must-haves.

Bio: David spends the majority of his time riding in cars, and speaks from experience. He currently works at a company that offers individuals cash for autos, making it easy to sell your vehicle.

Is bedtime at your house one of the worst times during your day?  If you have a child who refuses to go to bed you are likely familiar with bedtime tantrums and frantically searching for a way to put an end to the chaos that happens at the end of the day.  The following are a few tips for dealing with your child’s bedtime tantrums that many parents have found helpful. 

• Establish a routine and stick to it. If your child does not have a daily routine, you can’t expect him to outgrow the tantrums anytime soon. Studies have shown that children that have a daily routine are able to cope better. This means that bedtime becomes easier.  Establish a daily routine. Bedtime should be at the same time each and every night unless you just can’t avoid it.

• Don’t feed your child sugary foods near bedtime. Feeding your child junk food before bedtime will serve only to hype them up and make them reject the entire situation once again.  It is okay to give your kids a snack before bedtime but make sure it is a healthy snack.  Warm milk will help promote sleeping. Fruit is a great alternative to sweet food.

• The bedtime ritual.  What does your child’s bedtime ritual consist of?  Try to enforce a ritual each night that will help.  Taking a bath, brushing teeth, reading a bedtime story, etc. are all examples of things that can be done before bedtime to let your little one know that the time has arrived. Once you form a ritual, make sure that you do it every single night.

• Allow your child to watch television an hour or so before bedtime to begin winding down.  Television can induce sleepiness in your child and help prepare him for rest.  Do this to allow him to calm down.  Some children will fall asleep within 15 to 30 minutes of watching it.  Do not let your child watch television all night!  A little television will be helpful while a lot television will only make matters worse.

• Avoid high energy activities before bedtime. Before bedtime is not necessarily the time to play high intensity video games or get on the floor and wrestle with dad.  Do low key activities within a few hours of bedtimes such as coloring, having a tea party with dolls, etc. 

• Let your child know that his behavior is unacceptable. The way you react to your child’s behavior will make all the difference.  Make sure that your child knows that the behavior is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.  As the parent, you must let him know that you are in charge. The tantrums will continue if he feel that he is in charge.

• Avoid the behavior. Some children will throw tantrums just to get your attention. To help with the problem, do your best to avoid the behavior.  Once the child is in bed, don’t continue to go in and out of the room to check on him.  Once you leave the room, he must know that you aren’t coming back.

• Don’t enter the room. Again, if your child is throwing a tantrum, stay out of the bedroom.  This will let him know that crying won’t solve anything.

• Give rewards when the child is successful. Once he begins overcoming the tantrums, be sure to reward him.  Each night without a tantrum should be awarded with a surprise of some kind the next morning.  Rewarding good behavior can help deter the bad behavior. 

• Let your child know he is safe and comfort him with a stuffed animal. Reassure your child each and every night that he or she is safe. Some children throw tantrums because they feel insecure.  A stuffed animal or blanket can help him feel safe. 

Dealing with bedtime tantrums in a child can make you wonder if you are actually cut out for parenting. Don’t give up.  Once you establish a daily routine and bedtime ritual, your child will begin accepting that he or she must go to bed.  As your child gets older, it will get easier. Don’t give up.

Marina is co-owner of 1001Shops, an online store of specialty products like nesting doll,
artificial flower, wall mirrors and lot more.

 

 

 

If your kids are bored with the regular amusement parks and games, perhaps it’s time to locate some truly weird ones to keep them amused. Others have come with the idea before you, which is why the list of weird amusement parks in this article exists!

1. Dickens World, UK

All of Charles Dickens’ characters come alive in Dickens World. If your kids love PIP, Nicholas Nickleby and other Dickens’ characters, they’ll enjoy the Dickens’s boat ride, the 4D cinema show. the haunted Scrooge house, the Victorian school house and the 1859 haunted house. This is a great place to introduce your kids to Charles Dickenson and his literary works.

2. Alien Apex Resort, New Mexico

Roswell, New Mexico is known for the possible crash of a UFO some time ago. Creators of the Alien Apex Resort took up the alien theme and created a park where humans are brought into a world controlled by aliens. Various rides are available, the most popular one where humans are abducted by aliens. There’s an exhibit hall that provides everything you ever wanted to know about extra-terrestrial life. The “Symbiosis,” show uses music and special effects to recreate the 1947 Roswell UFO incident.

3. Diggerland, England

Diggerland creates construction machines and vehicles such as diggers, cranes, and trucks for kids and adults to dig through dirt and grass and carry gravel. There are 4 digger theme parks in England and they offer everything from monster machines that can be ridden or raced against each other. For those who love their monster trucks, this is a theme park not to miss.

4. Shijingshan Amusement Park, China

The Shijingshan Amusement Park in Beijing is similar to Disneyland. The park is so similar to Disneyland, down to the characters, their outfits, castles, games, themes and other attractions that one might be forgiven for thinking Disneyland moved east. However, the park maintains that the characters are all based on Grimm’s tales, and not on Disney’s cartoons.

5. Haw Par Villa, Singapore

This park is based on Chinese folklore. The park has over a 1000 statues depicting various characters from Chinese folklore, dating back to the time of Confucius. Several scenes are depicted using 150 dioramas. Each diorama is given names such as “Filthy Blood Pond” and so on. You’ll find weird scenes of blue demons dismembering a chained prisoner and the “Ten Courts of Hell” that show the many punishments for wrong doers.

6. World Chocolate Wonderland, China

The World Chocolate Wonderland has all kinds of items made out of chocolate – in fact; it uses 176,000 pounds of chocolate overall. You can see the Great Wall of China, Terracotta Warriors, a BMW, shoes, daily items and famous characters and buildings, all done up in chocolate. Of course, all items are preserved in glass to prevent you from taking a bite and also to keep the chocolate from melting. The park also features a fashion show with models wearing clothes made of chocolate.

7. Holy Land Experience, Florida

If you want to teach your children about Christianity, here’s a theme park that helps you do just that. Statues are used to reenact many scenes from the bible, including the crucifixion of Jesus. There’s also a town that is made to look like the Jerusalem of old, including a Jewish temple, markets, a Judean village and Jesus’ golden tomb. Everything is built to look the way it did 2000 years ago.

8. Nintendo Amusement Park, New York City

Super Mario comes to life in this amusement park. The visitor is fitted with Mario’s overalls, mustache, gloves and power harness. The visitor is then hooked to a suspension system with a motorized truss. The visitor can then leap, fly, jump and perform Mario-like stunts with pillows and balloons supporting their falls, while searching for the missing princess.

9. Seagaia Ocean Dome: Japan

The Guinness Book of World Records calls this park as the largest indoor water park. The ocean dome has waves that surfers must conquer, and a volcano that erupts every hour, and a removable blue sky! The park is set too close to the ocean to get many visitors but the technology is mind-blowing. Even though this park has been closed and opened again several times, it still remains popular as a fabulous place where nature meets fantasy.

10. Kingdom Of Little People, China

In this park, the little people, that is, dwarfs, provide various types of amusement for visitors. Even though this park has been criticized for mocking dwarfism, they claim that the park ensures employment to the dwarfs. The little people perform on stage for tourists; they sing, dance ballets, act out scenes from fairy tales, and perform hip hop dances and so on. There’s also the “Dwarf King” who’s only a meter tall.

This article is written by Teena from Adrenalin. If you’re looking for some unique Christmas gift ideas then do visit their website. They offer a large range of gifts for men at Christmas all across Australia.