Just a quick note that I have just been layed off from The Bee. I will miss my readers and bloggers. Almost made 20 years here. I have had the pleasure to meet some of the nicest people here in the Valley. I have been lucky to have readers who have often sent me emails [...]

 The Fresno-based Handyman Connection, a licensed General Contractor, which specializes in small to medium-sized home repairs, is offering $25 to $200 in free labor IF homeowners call between 8 to 5 p.m. Thursday March 12 for an appointment.  "All you have to do is call them at 559 453-2460 on Thursday for an appointment, get a [...]

The web site http://www.scholastic.com/  offers a free journal that can be downloaded to help kids deal with their feelings as they see their parents deal with a job loss.  The site also offers tips from Denise Daniels on how parents can explain these tough times to their children:  1. Try to deal openly and honestly with your child about your [...]

  Dr. Richard Selznick has written a book "The Shut-Down Learner: Helping Your Academically Discouraged Child" (Sentient Publications, $15.95) on how parents can understand their child's characteristics and offers special approaches to "break the downward spiral."  How would you know if your child is a Shut-down Learner?   *A sense that the child is increasingly disconnected, discouraged, and unmotivated. [...]

 Have you ever wondered if those products "as seen on TV" work? Well, I will be providing the info in my column on Tuesday, March 10 in The Bee.  I confess how I have been buying more of these products even though I should be watching my spending.  I have bought the "Slap Chop" and [...]

 Parenting magazine offers an article "5 Smart Ways to Handle Teacher Troubles" by Stephanie Dolgoff.  The story: "Is it the teacher or is it your kid" How to find out why your child's unhappy at school" provides insight on what may be happening. "A part of you will want to elbow your way into the classroom [...]

 First 5 Fresno County, ESA Love Inc., and Inland Star will be giving families with young children a generous supply of essential goods to ensure they have some of the basics, according to a press release.  About 2,000 families in Fresno and six rural communities will receive boxes of food and children's supplies 10 a.m. March [...]

 As I sit here writing this blog, I'm wearing a pair of $32 shoes I purchased at Ross. Even at $32 I had to think about it. Could I find a better deal elsewhere? After deciding that I was worth $32 shoes I went ahead and bought them.  I came across a Los Angeles Times [...]

 In an attempt to be "green" I decided to look online for tips on how to clean brass. I have three brass lamps that aren't solid brass and looked dull. I found suggestions on using ketchup by putting a little on a soft cloth and wiping the stuff on.  Just in case, it didn't work, I [...]

 Darcy Jacobs, executive editor fo Family Circle suggests parents have an honest conversation with their teens if she or he has a Mexican spring break planned. No matter where teens are traveling this year, Family Circle has the Six Must-Dos Before Your Teen Leaves for Spring Break.  1. Sit them down and talk to them [...]