Bleach... My Dear Friends, BLEACH!

Inspired by the events of the past few days…

In lieu of Tool Box Thursday, I’m offering a tip provided by the Mommy. As most of you know, the Mommy is a restaurant manager for a large national company. Ever wonder how a restaurant cleans and disinfects its surfaces?

Bleach, my dear friends… Bleach!

Piping hot water mixed with a generous amount of straight bleach combined with a clean, white terry cloth rag is the ONLY Board of Health approved method for disinfecting surfaces. No wimpy, non-caustic cleaners here! No “safe for all surfaces” sprays for me, folks! Its basic bleach and hot water, approved by the Board of Health!

Little known fact… a restaurant can be heavily fined if they don’t have “bleach buckets” in certain areas! These buckets are cleaned and freshened throughout the day to provide maximum effectiveness.

Today, I will endeavor to clean all hard surfaces with my “wonder solution.” Hopefully, exterminating the little guys who got my little guy sick… bastards!

Beware, this concoction is extremely unforgiving to manicures, clothing and nasal passages… but it works. In his four years on this earth the Helper has only puked twice!

He’s only had ONE ear infection and I can count the colds he’s had on one hand!

As they say, “the proof is in the puddin’”

Important Dryer Safety

I received this email today. I thought it was important to pass along. Please remember that when exposed to heat, dryer sheets can become transparent. The dryer screen may appear clean when it really isn't. Please pull out your dryer lint screens and WASH them! It's the only way to know, for sure, that they're clean.

INFO ABOUT CLOTHES DRYER

I had a wonderful morning, until the heating unit went out on my dryer! The guy that fixes things went in to the dryer pulled out the lint filter.

It was clean. We always clean the lint from the filter after every load of clothes.He told us that he wanted to show us something. He took the filter over to the sink, ran hot water over it. Now, the lint filter is made of a mesh material - I'm sure you know what your dryer's lint filter looks like.

WELL......the hot water just sat on top of the mesh!!! It didn't go through it at all!!!

He told us that dryer sheets cause a film over that mesh that's what burns out the heating unit. You can't SEE the film, but it's there. This is also what causes dryer units to catch fire - - - potentially burn your house down with it!

He said the best way to keep your dryer working for a very long time (& to keep your electric bill lower) is to take that filter out & wash it with hot soapy water using an old toothbrush ( or other brush) at least every six months. He said that makes the life of the dryer at least twice as long!

How about that! Learn something new everyday! I certainly didn't know dryer sheets would do that. So, I thought I'd share!

NOTE: I went to my dryer & tested my screen by running water on it. The water ran thru a little bit but mostly collected all the water in the mesh screen. I washed it with warm soapy water & a nylon brush & I had it done in 30 seconds. Then when I rinsed it and the water ran right thru the screen! There wasn't any puddle of water at all!

That repairman knew what he was talking about!

And Now... A New Look!

With my new ability to change my header, I thought it might be time for a fresh look here at LID. I went on a search for 3-column templates that work with the new blogger. Lo and behold a great gentleman from the Netherlands, Thur Broeders, had been working very hard on just such a thing. The layout you see is fully customizable, from colors to fonts, to layout size. Between Jeff and Thur, LID is getting closer to the look and feel I want.

Please visit Jeff's and Thur's sites. They're both great.

A million thanks!

A New Header and a Thank You!

Our friend, Jeff, from Daddy Diary Tales and Daddy Dairy Tales: The Other One, has done it again. Yesterday, he fixed Oh, The Joys comments... Thank God! What would a day be without commenting over at The Joys.

I'm sure her email server thanks Jeff too.

Anyway, Jeff had a great post recently that included a free tip. I was able to now create my own header, as you see above. I'm pretty adept at HTML but the "new" Blogger is killing me. With Jeff's help I can now start to have the layout I want. Look forward to many additional header banners in the future... I just luvs me a cool header!

Thanks again Jeff... you'da man!

Cell Phones...A Parent's Dilemma or Dream?

Are the days of passing notes in the hall or during study hall gone?

Ever since the cell phone industry has started making their products extremely affordable, the issue concerning children and cell phones has grown. Schools are having problems balancing parental concerns and security issues. Some schools prohibit cell phone use (and actual possession) altogether. While some others just institute an “out of sight, out of mind policy.”

The issue is whether the use of these devices by children (anyone under 18 for the sake of this article), is for their convenience or ours? Even some of the most diligent parents who would never consider putting an internet enabled computer in their child’s room can be lulled into handing over a cell phone for their own piece of mind. While I certainly like the idea of being able to get in touch with my child at any time, what are the real advantages? And, what pitfalls should be avoided?

• Disney Mobile (as well as some other companies) has introduced a cellular service that enables parents to track their child’s whereabouts by means of the Global Positioning System (GPS) and their home computer. Other phone manufacturers have started to design phones specifically for children. These phones contain certain parental controls that allow us the ability to prevent text-messaging, block web access or to dial only certain numbers. These features can definitely help us make the decision on whether or not to get our child a phone.

• Besides the obvious element of distraction, cell phone use by children raises some other issues with educators and schools. A recent study found that 1 in 5 teenagers use the web to cheat. With most phones now having the ability to access web based functions the problem of cheating may increase. Especially, when parents (and teachers) may not be fully aware of a device’s capabilities. I would suggest every parent either receive complete detailed instructions from their dealer or read the phone’s instruction manual cover to cover before handing it over.

• Another area that needs to be addressed when considering a cell phone for your child is cell phone etiquette. Are you a good example of cell phone etiquette to your children? Children need to learn what constitutes appropriate usage. There needs to be a clear set of rules in place before a child should ever receive this privilege. Also, parents should carefully review all bills and statements and question every unfamiliar number. I would suggest that a cell phone be treated like a loaned household item, not as the child’s personal property (even if they’re the ones who are paying for it). An item, which must be produced on demand, for review, or revocation.

• Some Tips:

1. Regard cell phones as a privilege to be earned, and revoked as needed.

2. Research products and choose one that suits your and your child's needs and responsibility level.

3. Familiarize yourself with all the phone's features and operations.

4. Periodically check your child's phone for message content and for dialed and received calls.

5. Contact you child's school to find out their policy on phone use.

6. Review all cell phone bills for usage information.

7. Teach proper cell phone etiquette and set the example.

There’s certainly a lot to consider when making these decisions. We know our children best, we also know what’s best for them. We need to balance our own wants and needs with our child’s responsibility level. In an effort to provide a complete picture on this topic I’ve listed some great links below. Thanks for stopping by, any thoughts or comments?

Further Information On This Topic:

MSNBC Article: Cell Phones and Kids, Do They Mix?

Should We Ban Cell Phones In School? An NEA Article

Tracking Children Using GPS Cell Phones

A Quick Tip

As a quick follow-up to "Restaurant Manners" I want to pass along our tip for managing public behavior. We set up a "Restaurant Bag" with coloring/activity pages, learning activities and washable writing implements. This bag is also useful for Dr.'s visits and the like. Rotate the content of the bag so it's always a surprise for your child. Keep the bag in the car at all times... you never know when the urge for dinner out will hit.
Remember it is not the establishment's job to provide entertainment for our children. That's our job, we're the parents. While many do provide crayons and coloring sheets, these can just supplement your "bag." Temper tantrums, by adults or children, should not be thrown because a restaurant ran out of crayons, I've witnessed this way too often. Another benefit to setting up this activity bag is that you get to participate with your child while you're waiting. Flash cards are fun, some compact travel games are also fun and pass the time quickly.
Finally, Long Island Dad does not support the use of portable DVD players to entertain children in public. There's a time and a place for everything. I have no problem with them in my minivan, as I use it often. But, while dining with the family, a child should be fully engaged in the conversation and activity at hand. This is how they learn proper behavior. I've seen, all too often, when the DVD ends, a child screaming for more... while the "adult" conversation continues. Just my opinion. Thanks. Any thoughts, folks?

P.S. This concept works for us church goers too. Just replace the activities with those of a religious nature, based on your faith. It's not sacrilegious if a two year old doesn't listen to everything during a service, God knows they don't have a long attention span... He made them. I am an advocate for taking your child to service, rather them dropping them in the nursery, as long as your church supports this. Usually, it will, when they see how respectful and well behaved your child is. One of our biggest compliments is when people turn around and say, "I didn't even know you had the children with you."

"Real" Men Do Vacuum

I have to vacuum everyday, sometimes twice a day, sometimes three times. We live in a rural area, have a large gravel driveway, a 4 year old who loves his dirt, and two dogs and a cat. I have learned quite a few tricks to effective floor maintenance over the years. Below is some of my acquired knowledge:

• Use a vacuum that’s bag-less. (I’d go broke buying bags if I didn’t.) I use a Hoover knock-off of the Dyson. It works just as well for a quarter of the price. Ah, cyclonic action that never loses suction. Test drive all different models. I research a new vacuum like a new nail gun. Nowadays I use a vacuum much more than my great collection of self contained Paslode nailers.

• Buy a 25’ shop vacuum extension hose (the small diameter one) from a home center (i.e. The Home Depot, Lowes, etc.) and attach it to your vacuum’s hose. You can either use aluminum tape or large hose clamps. This lets you use all the attachments two rooms away without having to lug the machine around. Also you can clean hard floors in a room where people are sleeping, because the noisy machine is down the hall. Also helps when vacuuming the blades of ceiling fans, or basement stairs.

• Clean the vacuum out in the garage using your air compressor. Make sure to wear a dust mask. The result is a canister and filter that resemble a new machine.

• Buy a shop vacuum brush attachment. The ones that come with a regular vacuum just don’t cut it.

• Vacuuming is easier than sweeping, not as much bending over, plus it does a better job.

• Vacuum when babies are little. They get used to the noise and it doesn’t wake them. Infants have an uncanny ability to tune out sounds they don’t need to process. As a bonus, when they get older they’ll want to help.

• Replace the brush roller belt monthly. They stretch out faster than you think.

• Don’t bury a vacuum away in a closet where it can’t be gotten to easily. Dog fur waits for no man and “Dustbusters” just don’t cut it for us “more power” freaks.

Yes, to all the Mom readers, I do tweak and modify most household appliances to suit my needs, and No, nothing has blown up...yet.

Thanks for reading.

Tracking Santa Made Easy!

I stumbled upon this great site for the kids to track Santa. It provides a countdown clock and real-time radar images.

Visit:
Tracking Santa @ Norad

text version:
http://www.noradsanta.org/en/tracking.php

Enjoy!

Life Is A Highway: The Song

This summer, Nannie took my 3 ½ year old to see the Disney/Pixar movie CARS. I heard it was a wonderful outing, as I did not attend the festivities. My son thoroughly enjoyed this film. Great, a successful outing with Nannie, and a good time was had by all.

Then everything started to go downhill. We had to start collecting the “cars” from the movie. Well, this took some time but we seemed to acquire all the characters in most sizes – did you know each one comes in a different size? These little vehicles provide hours of enjoyment for the boy. Great, we’re done until the DVD release. We all decided that the DVD would make a great Christmas present. At first, I wasn’t convinced; I wanted to get a copy on the day it was released. But cooler, female heads prevailed, and we’re waiting until the holiday. This would be great if it wasn’t advertised all over the place. Who knew you could effectively market 3 ½ year olds into a frenzy?

After much convincing, the boy has accepted that Santa has his copy and will be bringing it shortly. That should’ve been the end of it, small little cars collected and DVD on the way. Not so fast. There’s the matter of a soundtrack. In particular, the song, “Life Is A Highway” remade by Rascal Flatts for the movie. This theme song is tagged on most of the television advertising. After a while my son could hear it played from over a hundred feet away.

Being the “techno” dad I am, and wanting to look like a hero in the young boy’s eyes, I proceeded to download the song from iTunes. Hey, where else can you get so much enjoyment for only $.99? Now this is where the wheels really start to come off. It started, innocently enough, with, “Dad, can I have the “CARS” music, Please?” Off to the computer and, click, click, poof – “CARS” music!
“Again, Dad!” …Okay.
“Again, Pweeeaze!” …Okay.
I needed a solution. My son needed his “fix.” Thinking on my feet, I decided to burn a CD, one song only. Let’s face it, blank CD’s are cheap and my sanity was at stake. I finished the CD, took it to my son’s room, put it in his small little CD boom box, pressed play and the repeat button, left and closed the door.
“You’re the greatest Dad, ever!” he said, reeling in delight.
Mission accomplished. I’m so smart.

Yeah, I’m too smart for my own good. I had also put the song onto my iPod (a gift from my wonderful wife). I have configured our car stereo to plug in our iPods. One day, on a trip to the supermarket, I inadvertently played the song. Yes, the boy was with me. A scream echoed throughout the minivan. Since then we measure the length of a car trip based on the song’s “playcount”; 2 ½ times to the supermarket, 3 ¾ times to The Home Depot, and so on. Something had to be done.

Most of us who have more than one child have a minivan or SUV. It’s not that we don’t care about the environment, or that we enjoy $40-$60 fill-ups. It’s that kids need stuff, kids have stuff, and easily getting a child in and out of a car is one of life’s little pleasures. Most of you who have a newer version of one of these vehicles also know the pleasure of factory installed DVD players. These on board entertainment systems are usually equipped with headphones, as well. This is one of life’s big pleasures. But, did you also know that DVD players will play audio CD’s. You guessed it; burn another copy for the car. Have child put on his headphones and enjoy the quiet. Except for the occasional singing that’s heard from the back, life is good again. Back to my news radio for adult stimulation, and away we go!

Moral of today’s story; if at first you don’t succeed – keep trying, remember, necessity is the mother of invention.

The Magical Wire Coat Hanger

Unlike “Mommy Dearest” I thoroughly approve of wire coat hangers. Not necessarily for hanging clothes, but, as an invaluable household tool. That's right men, a tool. Every house has to have one of these wonders.

First, take a wire coat hanger and unbend it, if needed use pliers or a bench vise. Get it as straight as possible. Second, bend a small hook at the end. Congratulations, you’re finished! Hang this tool on a nail behind the basement door and sleep well tonight for you are the proud owner of The Magical Wire Coat Hanger.

“Hey buddy, be careful with that little car. If you keep doing that it’ll go under the couch.”
“Wheeeeeee!”
“Oh no, time for the hanger.”
I get my trusty hanger from its nail and easily retrieve that little car from under the couch. No muss, no fuss. And my back thanks me!

Vacuuming is a daily task in my house. With two little boys, two dogs and a cat there’s no chance to skip a day. Sometimes the vacuuming takes place twice or even three times in a 24 hour period. This greatly increases the chance that something will get stuck in the hose. No amount of shaking or banging seems to loosen the obstruction. Alas, dog fur and toddler socks can block air flow better that a concrete wall. With my handy dandy hanger the blockage is removed and in a flash I’m back to work.

One of those pesky alphabet magnets has somehow fallen off the refrigerator. Hmmm, I wonder how that could’ve happened. Anyway, I have two options; I could wait until the weekly moving of the fridge for cleaning (doesn’t everyone do this) or reach underneath with my magic hanger and retrieve the culprit. My boys can’t learn their ABC’s without an R so I opt for the hanger. After a little fishing around out comes the R, last week’s shopping list, some more dog fur, an S that been missing for at least a week – maybe it’s time for the “weekly” clean behind the fridge party.

If you don’t have one of these devices yet you don’t know what you’re missing. Remember, do not accept imitations; use only the original Magical Wire Coat Hanger.
You’ll be glad you did.