in the front seat

Each year, Google invites kids to draw original works of art for its Doodle 4 Google contest . In this video, the Doodle team shares their advice for young artists. To learn about the Doodle 4 Google contest, visit doodle4google.com . Submissions are due by March 22, 2013 . This year, we ask students to exercise their creative imaginations around the theme, “My Best Day Ever…” One talented student artist will see their artwork appear on the Google homepage, receive a $30,000 college scholarship, and a $50,000 technology grant for their school along with some other cool prizes Download the Entry Form

My sister,  Theresa, who is discerning a vocation to the  Capuchin Sisters of Nazareth drew this for us.  It is funny how many people made Lord of the Rings comments, but it was Theresa who made it fit a wedding. Two rings to rule them.   Two rings to find them.   Two rings to bring them,  and in LOVE and PEACE, bind them. January 12, 2013

My family was not one of the first to dial-up and start surfing the internet.  I  remember using the internet first in 1993.  We had a large white screened Gateway computer with three dial-up services: AOL, Prodigy, and Comp-u-Serve. Also at this time, adults (including my parents) were all discussing what to do about chat rooms.  Its much the same at today's discussions about Facebook, Google+, and other such sites.  We are trying to figure out how to allow our children safe and teach them how to communicate appropriately. I was reminded of this because of today's "Daily Infographic".

Artwork from one of my students.   I'm sure we will see the resurrection of the bunny this Spring.

While catching up on the news this morning, I came across a new Android app, detext .  Many applications for smartphones have an entertainment or productivity element to them.  This one is all about safety.  The creators say that it "uses GPS  to monitor for speed. When the phone is in motion, detext automatically restricts text messages, phone calls, and other apps that may distract the driver." This life saving app works on Android 2.2 and higher devices.  Parents cannot only stop texting-while-driving, they can also monitor their teen's speed.  My big question is, what happens if your teen is a passenger in the vehicle?   Detext has that covered too.  If your teen is a passenger and they receive a text, all they have to do is solve a simple puzzle to respond.  Remember you can customize these options and it's all free.

If you followed the song "12 Days of Christmas" how many people would you own?

Well, it seems safe to post this picture.  I came across this a party store and loved it so much that I wanted to share it with all of you.

This video was shared with me.  It starts off as a regular Christmas flash mod but ends with a nice touch.  Our Holy Father has spoken about new evangelism, well this reached people where they were, and the memory will last longer than any sermon. 

The Scripps National Spelling Bee is an educational promotion sponsored by The E.W. Scripps Company in conjunction with sponsoring newspapers and organizations around the world.  Its purpose is to help students improve their spelling, increase their vocabulary, learn concepts, and develop correct English usage that will help them all their lives. The school level spelling bee will be on January 16.  Prior to that a bee will be conducted in our classroom sometime after the new year.  If students wish to prepare, they may visit the "Students & Parents page" .