August 1st, 2010 tyko
My Pop, Phil Niss, and I would spend hours on Beach 20 in Rockaway, New York. We flew kites, while talking about baseball, our ancestors, heritage, dreams, and fears. He implored me to be true to myself, and to embrace change. It was he who kept reminding me to never, ever give up… while gazing at skies like this:
Kite Flying Hints
Kite Trivia – In 1749, two Scottish scientists, Alexander Wilson and Thomas Melville, fastened thermometers to kites in order to record temperature of the air at high altitudes. This was the first recorded attempt to obtain scientific data using kites. |
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Launching
In good winds, you should be able to launch your kite from your hand. Standing with your back to the wind, hold your kite to catch the wind. Let line out smoothly, as far as the wind lifts your kite.
In light wind or gusty winds, a high-start launch can help to get your kite up to the steadier winds above. Have someone hold your kite at least 100 feet downward from you with the string stretched tight. When your assistant releases the kite, reel in line as needed to make it climb. In very light winds, leave your reel on the ground and pull in the line hand-over-hand.
Running is the hardest way to launch a kite and the uncontrolled tugging on the line can make the kite dive and crash. Let the wind and your reel do the work for you.
How much wind do you need?
Generally, less than you think. Use the Kite Wind-Range Chart to judge the wind before launching. If the trees are swaying and it is hard to walk, you will have a battle on our hands even if your kite does fly. Gentle breezes are much more fun.
Adjusting for the wind
Most kites can be adjusted to fly in lighter or stronger winds. If your kite loops and dives erratically while you are pulling hard on the line, the wind is too strong. If it wobbles and fails to climb, the wind is too light. If adjusting does not help, the wind is beyond your kite’s wind-range, so try another kite or another day.
Tails
Adding or lengthening a tail can help a kite in strong winds and shortening or removing a tail can aid in light winds.
Big Kite Satety
Big kites offer increased performance and excitement but the hazards increase as well. Keep a few common sense precautions in mind whenever flying big kites:
- Be particularly careful to keep your flying area clear of other people.
- Fly big kites with a friend. If the wind changes, you may need help to get your kite down.
- Always wear gloves
If you are unsure of your ability to control a kite in a strong wind, tie the line down before launching. Big airfoils, in particular, can overpower any kite flier in a heavy wind.
What regulations govern kites?
The FAA has one regulation governing kites under 5 lbs. in weight: “No person may operate a kite in a manner that creates hazard to persons, property, or other aircraft.”
Posted in Grandparenting | No Comments »
July 27th, 2010 tyko
By Helen Graves / Feature
March 1, 2010
From her decades on the child care front lines, Mary L. Reed learned that, while any child under the age of 5 is susceptible to the achievement gap, children from low-income families are the most vulnerable.
Furthermore, she saw that underpaid and undereducated providers reduce the likelihood that preschool enrichment will reach these kids.
At least now, thanks to Reed and the Bessie Tartt Wilson Initiative for Children, children in the state voucher system no longer bounce in and out of care – another factor contributing to the achievement gap.
And soon, because of this same advocacy, these children – all children, really – could receive quality care because of better early childhood teacher pay and education.
For entire article, link here.
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July 21st, 2010 tyko
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July 18th, 2010 tyko
Dr. Seuss injects humor into this serious tale of conflict. The Butter Battle Book is a powerful book to begin a discussion on valuing diversity.
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July 15th, 2010 tyko
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July 12th, 2010 tyko
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July 9th, 2010 tyko
“Even though your kids will consistently do the exact opposite of what you’re telling them to do, you have to keep loving them just as much.”
Bill Cosby
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July 6th, 2010 tyko
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July 3rd, 2010 tyko
When I was a kid, there was the terrific Soupy Sales… “Soupy Sez,” was our Voltaire. 
The man revolutionized children’s programing, appealing to kids and adults, alike.
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July 1st, 2010 tyko
… and they won’t be false to you,” once quipped the late Milton Supman… and it’s never too early to start.
BASIC CHILD DENTAL CARE INFORMATION
FACTSHEET FOR DAY CARE PROVIDERS AND PARENTS CARING FOR AN INFANT’S TEETH
Even though newborns and infants do not have teeth, it is important to take care of their mouth and gums. Follow these tips:
- Use a damp washcloth to wipe your infant’s gums after each meal.
- DO NOT put your infant or young child to bed with a bottle of milk, juice, or sugar water. Use only water for bedtime bottles.
- Begin using a soft toothbrush instead of a washcloth to clean your child’s teeth as soon as his first tooth shows (usually between 5-8 months of age).
- Ask your pediatrician if your infant needs fluoride added to his diet.
THE FIRST TRIP TO THE DENTIST
- Your child’s first visit to the dentist should be between the time the first tooth appears (5-8 months) and the time when all the primary teeth are visible (before 2 1/2 years).
- Many dentists recommend a “trial” visit to expose the child to the sights, sounds, smells, and feel of the office before the actual examination.
- Children who are accustomed to having their gums wiped and teeth brushed every day will be more comfortable going to the dentist.
CARING FOR A CHILD’S TEETH
- The child’s teeth and gums should be brushed at least twice each day and especially before bed.
- Take your child to a dentist every 6 months. Let the dentist know if your child thumb sucks or breathes through the mouth.
- Teach your child how to play safe and what to do if a tooth is broken or knocked out.
- When your child gets permanent teeth, he or she should begin flossing each evening before bed.
- When the child reaches the teens, braces or extractions may be needed to prevent long-term problems.
If your child loses an adult (permanent) tooth during a fall or other injury, if you act quickly, you can often save the tooth.
Teach children to brush twice a day.
Source: National Institutes of Health
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