http://www.marybethhicks.comRSS feeds for Marybeth Hicks60http://www.marybethhicks.com/blog/tabid/207/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/717/Oh-these-poor-poor-girls.aspx#Comments6http://www.marybethhicks.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=207&ModuleID=604&ArticleID=717http://www.marybethhicks.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=717&PortalID=1&TabID=207http://www.marybethhicks.com/blog/tabid/207/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/717/Oh-these-poor-poor-girls.aspxI have a seventh grade daughter, so maybe that's why this story is so upsetting. But honestly, this is truly disgusting: Band teacher allegedly left sexualy explicit notes in middle school girls' lockers What is there to say about this? What is wrong with people?mbhSat, 05 Dec 2009 01:56:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:717http://www.marybethhicks.com/blog/tabid/207/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/698/Default.aspx#Comments7http://www.marybethhicks.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=207&ModuleID=604&ArticleID=698http://www.marybethhicks.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=698&PortalID=1&TabID=207http://www.marybethhicks.com/blog/tabid/207/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/698/Default.aspxLast week I wrote a column about the release of the latest version of "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2," a video game from Activision. I took the position that violent video games such as this one are meant to stir up the darkest side of our nature. The game's publisher says it is meant to take the player on an "emotional journey," and one that busts through all previous taboos in gaming. When you consider the violent games already on the market, this is quite a statement. I read about the release of this game (the biggest sales event in entertainment history, I might add) in a newspaper that also included stories about the Ft. Hood shooting and the decision on the part of the U.S. Supreme Court to consider the constitutionality of life-without-parole sentences for violent teen offenders. It struck me as interesting that the "A" section of the paper contained disturbing stories of violence and its impact on our culture, while the "C" section carried the happy news that "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2" would rake in $300 million-plus in one day. The column considered these things and posed a question about the convergence of "violence for entertainment" and the condition of our cultural soul. Suffice to say, I got a lot of email last week! The column was picked up on several gaming message boards, where I was skewered for merely suggesting that it's barbaric to be entertained by a game that puts its player in the position of engaging in terrorism against innocent human beings. Turns out gamers aren't the most articulate group of people ever to email me, and as a group, they use a spicy vocabulary. mbhWed, 18 Nov 2009 14:59:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:698http://www.marybethhicks.com/blog/tabid/207/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/672/Maybe-youre-not-the-only-one.aspx#Comments2http://www.marybethhicks.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=207&ModuleID=604&ArticleID=672http://www.marybethhicks.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=672&PortalID=1&TabID=207http://www.marybethhicks.com/blog/tabid/207/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/672/Maybe-youre-not-the-only-one.aspxFor the past few weeks, I’ve spent lots of time on the road speaking at parent education events about raising Genuine, Enthusiastic, Empowered Kids (GEEKs!) It’s gratifying to see so many parents come out on school nights or give up weekends to learn how they can fight the influence of popular culture and help their kids enjoy a wholesome, innocent childhood.   Lots of folks approach me after my talks to tell me of their concerns and their triumphs in raising geeky kids. I’m always struck by the similarity of their comments. What do I hear most often from the vast majority of parents who attend my events?   “I feel like I’m all alone.”mbhWed, 28 Oct 2009 17:20:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:672http://www.marybethhicks.com/blog/tabid/207/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/660/Fake-or-Real.aspx#Comments3http://www.marybethhicks.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=207&ModuleID=604&ArticleID=660http://www.marybethhicks.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=660&PortalID=1&TabID=207http://www.marybethhicks.com/blog/tabid/207/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/660/Fake-or-Real.aspxToday's news included a story out of Colorado about the Heene family's traumatic afternoon during which they feared their 6-year-old son had accidently flown away in a makeshift hot air balloon, but was not in the craft's basket when it landed. Turns out the boy was safely hiding inside his home the whole time.mbhFri, 16 Oct 2009 02:51:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:660http://www.marybethhicks.com/blog/tabid/207/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/643/Catchy-beat-but-scary-message.aspx#Comments15http://www.marybethhicks.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=207&ModuleID=604&ArticleID=643http://www.marybethhicks.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=643&PortalID=1&TabID=207http://www.marybethhicks.com/blog/tabid/207/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/643/Catchy-beat-but-scary-message.aspx 0 false 18 pt 18 pt 0 0 false false false /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} Let me start by saying I realize I am not among the Gap’s target market. The styles and construction of the apparel sold there are simply not meant for a woman who birthed four children, starting 20 years ago. But I ended up there recently while on a hunt for long sleeved t-shirts. (They had t-shirts, but I didn’t buy any. Re-read sentence #2). Back to the point of this post… so I’m shopping at the Gap and there’s this song on the sound system. I assume the song is called “What’s so bad about feeling good?” as that’s the line that was repeated most often, in between verses about dancing and “letting your love mingle with mine.”   I had to give this band credit because the lyric was at least marginally euphemistic, a relief from most songs that include now-familiar graphic descriptions of every sort of lewd act. But then this song did something scary – something I have not heard in even the most offensive rap or hip-hop tunes.mbhSun, 04 Oct 2009 18:45:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:643http://www.marybethhicks.com/blog/tabid/207/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/640/Common-sense-Not-here-in-my-neck-of-the-woods.aspx#Comments3http://www.marybethhicks.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=207&ModuleID=604&ArticleID=640http://www.marybethhicks.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=640&PortalID=1&TabID=207http://www.marybethhicks.com/blog/tabid/207/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/640/Common-sense-Not-here-in-my-neck-of-the-woods.aspxHello, friends, It's been months since I blogged. I'm trying not to beat myself up over the fact that I'm pretty much a blogging failure and instead, just reintroduce myself to the "create article" button on my web site. I promise to work harder to bring you commentary and insight on issues of culture and common sense... issues like this: State to Mom: Stop Watching Neighbor's Kids That's right. The state of Michigan's Department of Human Services recently sent a letter to Lisa Snyder, a friendly and helpful mother and neighbor, and told her that child care licensing regulations prevent her from opening her home FOR FREE to the children of her friends so that their parents -- her FRIENDS -- could leave for work before the school bus arrived.mbhWed, 30 Sep 2009 16:41:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:640http://www.marybethhicks.com/blog/tabid/207/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/476/Wasnt-this-a-Nicholas-Sparks-novel.aspx#Comments8http://www.marybethhicks.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=207&ModuleID=604&ArticleID=476http://www.marybethhicks.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=476&PortalID=1&TabID=207http://www.marybethhicks.com/blog/tabid/207/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/476/Wasnt-this-a-Nicholas-Sparks-novel.aspxRant alert: This is an uncensored reaction to today’s news… I have had enough. I swear if I hear one more wimpy, self-absorbed apology from one more immature, oversexed, morally corrupt politician claiming to want the public’s prayers for his long-suffering and humiliated wife, I think I’ll hurl into the next county. South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford today admitted that his five-day disappearance to recover from a busy and challenging legislative session was, in fact, just a five-day tryst in Argentina with a woman he met online. How original.mbhWed, 24 Jun 2009 21:40:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:476http://www.marybethhicks.com/blog/tabid/207/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/468/Defining-decorum-isnt-easy-these-days.aspx#Comments13http://www.marybethhicks.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=207&ModuleID=604&ArticleID=468http://www.marybethhicks.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=468&PortalID=1&TabID=207http://www.marybethhicks.com/blog/tabid/207/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/468/Defining-decorum-isnt-easy-these-days.aspxIf you’ve ever taken an air horn to a commencement so that your favorite graduate would know you were proudly applauding his or her achievements, you probably should stop reading this post and just move on. It’s not likely you’re going to appreciate my point of view.mbhWed, 17 Jun 2009 21:34:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:468http://www.marybethhicks.com/blog/tabid/207/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/467/Finally-feminists-unite.aspx#Comments2http://www.marybethhicks.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=207&ModuleID=604&ArticleID=467http://www.marybethhicks.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=467&PortalID=1&TabID=207http://www.marybethhicks.com/blog/tabid/207/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/467/Finally-feminists-unite.aspxAt long last, it seems ardent feminists have united around the issue of misogynistic humor, even when it’s directed at conservative women. The past few weeks have brought a wave of vile and indefensible attacks against women who happen to espouse conservative political opinions. From a crude and disgusting Playboy web posting about "hot" conservative women to David Letterman’s lame attempt at humor at the expense of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin and her daughters, attractive and outspoken women on the right seem to be fair game for crude and exploitative jokes.mbhWed, 17 Jun 2009 18:50:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:467http://www.marybethhicks.com/blog/tabid/207/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/453/Thanks-be-to-God-for-a-priest-such-as-this.aspx#Comments37http://www.marybethhicks.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=207&ModuleID=604&ArticleID=453http://www.marybethhicks.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=453&PortalID=1&TabID=207http://www.marybethhicks.com/blog/tabid/207/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/453/Thanks-be-to-God-for-a-priest-such-as-this.aspxOn May 20, our dear friend Fr. Joe Krupp was honored by the Catholic community of Lansing, Michigan. He took the opportunity to articulate what it means to be Catholic. Treat yourself and read this lyrical and profound message... "To God be the Glory for the things he has done. We are Catholic.mbhTue, 02 Jun 2009 14:48:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:453http://www.marybethhicks.com/blog/tabid/207/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/448/Texting-and-sexting-back-in-the-news.aspx#Comments1http://www.marybethhicks.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=207&ModuleID=604&ArticleID=448http://www.marybethhicks.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=448&PortalID=1&TabID=207http://www.marybethhicks.com/blog/tabid/207/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/448/Texting-and-sexting-back-in-the-news.aspxTeens and text messaging are back in the news this week. A new study says teenagers send an average of 80 text messages a day, and the researcher who did the study, pediatrician Dr. Martin Joffe of Greenbrae, California, is worried about the effects of this growing habit. He sees kids with anxiety, distraction, falling grades, repetitive stress injuries and sleep deprivation. He found that teens are texting for hours after their parents believe they have gone to bed, and that unlimited texting plans mean parents aren’t taking note of the excessive texting habits their kids have developed. I share Dr. Joffe’s concerns but I have a few others, too.mbhThu, 28 May 2009 14:20:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:448http://www.marybethhicks.com/blog/tabid/207/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/447/Find-out-Whats-Cool-later-this-summer.aspx#Comments1http://www.marybethhicks.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=207&ModuleID=604&ArticleID=447http://www.marybethhicks.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=447&PortalID=1&TabID=207http://www.marybethhicks.com/blog/tabid/207/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/447/Find-out-Whats-Cool-later-this-summer.aspxI'm thrilled to announce that my new book -- especially for tweens! -- will be available this summer. Watch for it! What's REALLY Cool in Middle School How to be happy and successful with or without a cell phone by Marybeth Hicks and Michael Richmond Ever wonder how to be REALLY cool in middle school? Here's teh book that has the answers! (Hint: You don't need the latest fashions, a hot new cell phone or a Facebook page!)  mbhThu, 28 May 2009 12:36:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:447http://www.marybethhicks.com/blog/tabid/207/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/434/The-only-right-answer-for-Miss-USA.aspx#Comments2http://www.marybethhicks.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=207&ModuleID=604&ArticleID=434http://www.marybethhicks.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=434&PortalID=1&TabID=207http://www.marybethhicks.com/blog/tabid/207/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/434/The-only-right-answer-for-Miss-USA.aspxI feel so badly for Miss California USA, Carrie Prejean. Clearly, she should have watched my daughter Amy’s favorite chick flick, “Miss Congeniality,” before entering the Miss USA competition. That way she could have studied the scene where Sandra Bullock, playing the role of FBI Agent Gracie Lou Freebush, completes the interview portion of the pageant and remembers that the only right answer in a pageant interview is “World peace.”mbhWed, 13 May 2009 20:30:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:434http://www.marybethhicks.com/blog/tabid/207/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/415/Default.aspx#Comments12http://www.marybethhicks.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=207&ModuleID=604&ArticleID=415http://www.marybethhicks.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=415&PortalID=1&TabID=207http://www.marybethhicks.com/blog/tabid/207/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/415/Default.aspxLast week’s news included a story out of Hamilton, OH, about a third grade boy who was expelled from his private Lutheran school after a “hit list” of teachers and fellow students was found in his desk. School officials believe no one was ever actually in danger, and they mention that the boy is known to be “troubled” and previously has been in counseling. The principal says they cannot be too careful in this day and age, while stressing that the school community is praying for the boy. I believe the school did the right thing by expelling the boy, because sadly the principal is right – we really don’t have any way to know if a child will act on his violent thoughts and feelings.mbhMon, 04 May 2009 15:53:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:415http://www.marybethhicks.com/blog/tabid/207/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/410/Default.aspx#Comments8http://www.marybethhicks.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=207&ModuleID=604&ArticleID=410http://www.marybethhicks.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=410&PortalID=1&TabID=207http://www.marybethhicks.com/blog/tabid/207/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/410/Default.aspxOn Saturday, my dear, devoted husband Jim and I celebrated 22 years of marriage. We toasted another year together by sneaking out for brunch. (A romantic dinner was out because we had committed to take our two high schoolers to Toledo to run in their first half-marathon on Sunday. To kill time on Saturday evening, we went with friends to a Toledo Mud Hens game. Who says my guy isn't a hopeless romantic?) Here's hopeless for you, if not romantic: A couple in Britain married in full "Shrek" attire. See the photo. That's not a costume party -- that's their wedding picture. Apparently the bride thinks her new hubby looks like the ogre in the Disney cartoon and felt a full Shrek theme wedding would be lovely. Guests also donned costumes, though the news report says the bride's teenage son didn't follow suit. (Gee... I wonder why?)mbhMon, 27 Apr 2009 16:35:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:410http://www.marybethhicks.com/blog/tabid/207/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/401/On-the-heartbreaking-loss-of-a-mother-and-son.aspx#Comments19http://www.marybethhicks.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=207&ModuleID=604&ArticleID=401http://www.marybethhicks.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=401&PortalID=1&TabID=207http://www.marybethhicks.com/blog/tabid/207/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/401/On-the-heartbreaking-loss-of-a-mother-and-son.aspxIf you look up the word senseless in the dictionary, you’ll find a long list of names of the people who have been killed by drunk drivers. Add two names to that list today – Sylvia Washington and her son Major Washington of Lansing, MI. They died last evening at the hands of an alleged hit-and-run drunk driver who thankfully was apprehended and jailed. Major was a student at my children’s high school, and while I didn’t know Sylvia or her son personally, I mourn their deaths and I feel the heartbreak shared by our whole community.mbhTue, 21 Apr 2009 18:53:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:401http://www.marybethhicks.com/blog/tabid/207/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/389/Thanks-Jen-Singer-for-a-great-new-book.aspx#Comments4http://www.marybethhicks.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=207&ModuleID=604&ArticleID=389http://www.marybethhicks.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=389&PortalID=1&TabID=207http://www.marybethhicks.com/blog/tabid/207/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/389/Thanks-Jen-Singer-for-a-great-new-book.aspxIf you’re like me, you’ve picked up a magazine in the waiting room of the pediatrician’s office, flipped to an article that looked interesting to you, and learned from some expert or another that you’re screwing up, big time. My biggest moment of self-doubt came when I learned that watching Sesame Street may contribute to attention problems. Long after my toddlers had grown into squirmy children, someone did the research and found that the barrage of images meant to teach language skills and values about sharing may have contributed to thinking patterns that switch too quickly from one idea to another. Thus, the American Academy of Pediatrics warned that TV is not for anyone under the age of two. But wait! How does a woman ever take a shower on a weekday if she can’t turn on a TV for a toddler?mbhFri, 10 Apr 2009 20:41:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:389http://www.marybethhicks.com/blog/tabid/207/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/377/What-does-God-have-you-YOUR-grocery-list.aspx#Comments9http://www.marybethhicks.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=207&ModuleID=604&ArticleID=377http://www.marybethhicks.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=377&PortalID=1&TabID=207http://www.marybethhicks.com/blog/tabid/207/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/377/What-does-God-have-you-YOUR-grocery-list.aspxNext Sunday, March 29, I'm thrilled to be speaking at the Phases of Womanhood Spring Tea at the Crowne Plaza/Tysons Corner, VA. (Get info and tickets at PHASES OF WOMANHOOD). If you're able to join me, you'll get some insight into "God's Eternal Grocery List: Ingredients for a balanced life." I decided to write a talk that every woman can relate to, and let's face it, who can't relate to grocery shopping. I actually did some analysis of this task and realized that over the course of my adult life -- tracking only from the time I was 25 and living on my own, until a projected groceryshopping lifespan of 80 -- I will have made 6,673.33333 trips to the market. If you figure that during each of those trips, I roam down an average of 10 aisles, that's 66,730 grocery aisles in my adult life. Seems like an eternity!mbhFri, 20 Mar 2009 16:57:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:377http://www.marybethhicks.com/blog/tabid/207/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/371/Default.aspx#Comments18http://www.marybethhicks.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=207&ModuleID=604&ArticleID=371http://www.marybethhicks.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=371&PortalID=1&TabID=207http://www.marybethhicks.com/blog/tabid/207/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/371/Default.aspxI always hope my Washington Times column will garner some attention, but not necessarily the kind I got today! The current column on the new White House Council on Women and Girls has been quoted and posted on several blogs, along with choice words about my intellect (or lack thereof) by people who variously think I am a typical manbasher and a woman-hater, all at once. I suppose if I had more than 600 words for a column, I’d have been able to make myself more clear, but I don’t suppose I’d have received a different sort of response. I guess the reality is that mine is just an unpopular opinion, at least in certain circles.mbhWed, 18 Mar 2009 21:16:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:371http://www.marybethhicks.com/blog/tabid/207/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/369/What-IS-it-with-Brits-and-SEX.aspx#Comments17http://www.marybethhicks.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=207&ModuleID=604&ArticleID=369http://www.marybethhicks.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=369&PortalID=1&TabID=207http://www.marybethhicks.com/blog/tabid/207/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/369/What-IS-it-with-Brits-and-SEX.aspxOK, seriously, I am NOT a prude. I'm not. But I'm starting to realize that every story I read out of the UK obsesses over sex -- youth sex, in fact! I guess the sordid tales of sexual escapades on the part of their politicians and royals just aren't enough to occupy those folks. Now, it's all about the kids. Gosh, at least they're fretting over their children. What has me so incredulous this time? A mom trying to find a sex partner for her son who has Down's Syndrome, one of several Down’s sons she has adopted.mbhWed, 18 Mar 2009 02:42:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:369http://www.marybethhicks.com/blog/tabid/207/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/368/Sexy-texts-Teenage-prank-or-a-serious-problem.aspx#Comments11http://www.marybethhicks.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=207&ModuleID=604&ArticleID=368http://www.marybethhicks.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=368&PortalID=1&TabID=207http://www.marybethhicks.com/blog/tabid/207/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/368/Sexy-texts-Teenage-prank-or-a-serious-problem.aspxMy brother sent me an email a couple of weeks ago with a link to a news story about a teenager in a nearby county who is being prosecuted in juvenile court for sending nude photos of herself to her boyfriend over her cell phone. When they broke up, the boy then forward the pics to his buddies. The newspaper doesn’t say if this was retaliation for being dumped or justification for doing the dumping. Either way, the boy is a creep. But the story doesn’t say if the boy is in trouble; only that the girl is being held accountable for distribution of illegal child pornography. In case you aren’t aware, using a cell phone to distribute nude photos of minors is against the law, even if you’re the one in the photo. The practice of sending dirty pics is known as “sexting.”mbhSat, 14 Mar 2009 18:11:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:368http://www.marybethhicks.com/blog/tabid/207/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/358/So-nice-youd-think-I-wrote-this-myself.aspx#Comments5http://www.marybethhicks.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=207&ModuleID=604&ArticleID=358http://www.marybethhicks.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=358&PortalID=1&TabID=207http://www.marybethhicks.com/blog/tabid/207/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/358/So-nice-youd-think-I-wrote-this-myself.aspxThis is a recent review on Amazon for "Bringing Up Geeks" and I'm now considering making thousands of copies of it and using it to wallpaper my bathroom. I don't even know this person, but now I am hoping she wins Publisher's Clearinghouse or something. So lovely I just had to share it with you... Bringing Up Geeks 5.0 out of 5 stars I can't shout Amen loud enough! March 5, 2009    "I picked this book up randomly at the book store - I was drawn by the title because my friends and I talk all the time about what geeks our little kids are (in a good wholesome way) and how we hope they stay that way. So I'm about half-way through the book,mbhFri, 06 Mar 2009 19:40:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:358http://www.marybethhicks.com/blog/tabid/207/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/354/Default.aspx#Comments4http://www.marybethhicks.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=207&ModuleID=604&ArticleID=354http://www.marybethhicks.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=354&PortalID=1&TabID=207http://www.marybethhicks.com/blog/tabid/207/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/354/Default.aspxI like columnist Kathleen Parker, whose wit and insights often have me nodding my head as I sip my morning coffee. It's hard to do this without spilling, believe me. Parker can be pretty sensible, but a recent column contained one short, power-packed sentence that I believe is responsible for much of what's wrong in our nation, both in the political realm and in the parenting struggles facing so many families. Here's what she saidmbhWed, 04 Mar 2009 17:14:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:354http://www.marybethhicks.com/blog/tabid/207/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/351/And-you-thought-your-kids-were-tough.aspx#Comments0http://www.marybethhicks.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=207&ModuleID=604&ArticleID=351http://www.marybethhicks.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=351&PortalID=1&TabID=207http://www.marybethhicks.com/blog/tabid/207/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/351/And-you-thought-your-kids-were-tough.aspxThere's not much I'm going to be able to say about this story, or more correctly, there's just not much you can say. In case you missed it, here's a news item that I found a few weeks ago:     LAUREL , Del., Jan. 27 (UPI) -- Police in Delaware say they have arrested a 16-year-old girl who allegedly threatened her parents with knives...  mbhThu, 26 Feb 2009 21:59:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:351http://www.marybethhicks.com/blog/tabid/207/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/349/This-party-held-few-surprises.aspx#Comments1http://www.marybethhicks.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=207&ModuleID=604&ArticleID=349http://www.marybethhicks.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=349&PortalID=1&TabID=207http://www.marybethhicks.com/blog/tabid/207/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/349/This-party-held-few-surprises.aspx“Never again.” That was Betsy’s verdict Saturday morning after hosting a surprise birthday party the night before. Unfortunately, my high school senior learned a lesson that stings many a hostess – manners aren’t what they ought to be. Betsy had big plans for a surprise party for two friends who share a birthday. She created invitations which she distributed with precise timing so as not to jeopardize the surprise. She also issued invitations on Facebook. Several kids told her they planned to come and would see her on Saturday, though a fair number of kids never replied, even with the point and click convenience of a Facebook response. When I asked Betsy how many teens we could expect at our home, she couldn’t give me a clear answer but instead had to guess based on snippets of conversations at school and a few text messages she received. Betsy spent all day Saturday getting ready for the party.mbhWed, 25 Feb 2009 21:59:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:349