Newly released data has shown a rise in truancy by 18% this is using a new way of counting absences. This is higher in secondary schools. Allegedly there are authorities, that are in there bid to lower there level of truancy are handing out “home education forms” to the families and communities of high offenders. These are communities like travellers. There is no hard evidence to prove this point. But it was believed that they are handing out pre-typed de-registration letters so that parents/ careers will be left alone.
Home education charity Education Otherwise feels that it gives home education a bad name and makes home education stats wrong.
I have to say a few years ago my son who has Aspergers and ADHD was permanently excluded from his local school. This left a gap where the services to cope with his education was not available. We did manage to get three hours a week home education supplied by the local authority after about four months wait. My point is there is not the resources for the services to offer full support to the children who drop out of the normal school system, there are fines and prison sentences for parents who do not educate their children, and believe me some of those children run out the minute you get them to the school! So if you get offered a way out you’re going to take it. The end of the day it is about education, not truancy rates that the government sees. It is harder to fight the system with difficult child. Home education is hard work, I know, I now home Ed my son but its right for him. Stop looking at numbers and start doing, there are a lot of children out there that need help with their education. Have things in place to identify early on the children in need of help, prevention is better than cure!
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Teletubbies birthday!
I was shocked to find a news item on how the Teletubies are 10 years old this year! I remember that when they first started that my kids where not that bothered as they where a little old for it . I how ever loved them! At one point becoming a secrete watcher, there sweet humor, and love of the world of children! I thought that the screen on the tummy was great and the way they played the small story twice, what a great idea! Teletubbies have been seen with the "A list" people like Britney Spears, Angelina Jolie has been seen shopping for their stuff.
My sister hated them saying that they where giving kids subliminal messages! I think that says more about her mind!
So the BBC are doing a gift box two disc collection of the best ten shows. These sweet tubbies have now been shown in 120 countries! that is going some.
Well I wish them a big happy birthday and well done to those actors who hid in those costume's thats one job I would not apply for.
My sister hated them saying that they where giving kids subliminal messages! I think that says more about her mind!
So the BBC are doing a gift box two disc collection of the best ten shows. These sweet tubbies have now been shown in 120 countries! that is going some.
Well I wish them a big happy birthday and well done to those actors who hid in those costume's thats one job I would not apply for.
funny AND true
By PHIL DAVIS
CLEARWATER, Fla. (AP) - Lawrence Roach agreed to pay alimony to the woman he divorced, not the man she became after a sex change, his lawyers argued Tuesday in an effort to end the payments. But the ex-wife's attorneys said the operation doesn't alter the agreement.
The lawyers and Circuit Judge Jack R. St. Arnold agreed the case delves into relatively unchartered legal territory. They found only a 2004 Ohio case that addressed whether or not a transsexual could still collect alimony after a sex change.
"There is not a lot out there to help us," St. Arnold said.
Roach and his wife, Julia, divorced in 2004 after 18 years of marriage. The 48-year-old utility worker agreed to pay her $1,250 a month in alimony. Since then, Julia Roach, 55, had a sex change and legally changed her name to Julio Roberto Silverwolf.
"It's illegal for a man to marry a man and it should likewise be illegal for a man to pay alimony to a man," Roach's attorney John McGuire said. "When she changed to man, I believe she terminated that alimony."
Silverwolf did not appear in court Tuesday and has declined to talk about the divorce. His lawyer, Gregory Nevins, said the language of the divorce decree is clear and firm - Roach agreed to pay alimony until his ex-wife dies or remarries.
"Those two things haven't happened," said Nevins, a senior staff attorney with the national gay rights group Lambda Legal.
Arnold is considering the arguments. But lawyers on both sides agreed Tuesday that Roach will likely have to keep paying alimony to Silverwolf.
The judge poked holes in several of Roach's legal arguments and noted that appeals courts have declined to legally recognize a sex change in Florida when it comes to marriage. The appellate court "is telling us you are what you are when you are born," Arnold said.
In the Ohio case, an appeals court ruled in September 2004 that a Montgomery County man must continue to pay $750 a month in alimony to his transsexual ex-wife because her sex change wasn't reason enough to violate the agreement.
Roach's other attorney, John Smitten, said the case falls into a legal void.
"It's probably something that has to be addressed by the Legislature," Smitten said. "There is one other case in the entire United States. It really needs to be addressed either for or against the concept of eliminating alimony for that reason."
Roach, who has since remarried, said has been unable to convince state and federal lawmakers to tackle the issue. He said he will continue to fight.
"This is definitely wrong. I have a right to move forward with my life. I wish no harm and hardship to that person," Roach said of his ex-wife. "They can be the person they want to be, to find happiness and peace within themselves. I have the right to do the same. But I can't rest because I'm paying a lot of money every month."
The legal fight is the second transsexual rights showdown in Pinellas County in less than a week. On Friday, transsexual activists from around the country packed a City Commission meeting in neighboring Largo to oppose the firing of City Manager Steve Stanton after he announced he was a transsexual.
Despite the support, commissioners voted 5-2 to fire Stanton.
I have to say poor man! The old husband I mean! Kind of hard to have to pay a man house keeping till he dies! Now his ex is unlikely to remarry then all he can do is hope for an early death! Not a good way to think.
CLEARWATER, Fla. (AP) - Lawrence Roach agreed to pay alimony to the woman he divorced, not the man she became after a sex change, his lawyers argued Tuesday in an effort to end the payments. But the ex-wife's attorneys said the operation doesn't alter the agreement.
The lawyers and Circuit Judge Jack R. St. Arnold agreed the case delves into relatively unchartered legal territory. They found only a 2004 Ohio case that addressed whether or not a transsexual could still collect alimony after a sex change.
"There is not a lot out there to help us," St. Arnold said.
Roach and his wife, Julia, divorced in 2004 after 18 years of marriage. The 48-year-old utility worker agreed to pay her $1,250 a month in alimony. Since then, Julia Roach, 55, had a sex change and legally changed her name to Julio Roberto Silverwolf.
"It's illegal for a man to marry a man and it should likewise be illegal for a man to pay alimony to a man," Roach's attorney John McGuire said. "When she changed to man, I believe she terminated that alimony."
Silverwolf did not appear in court Tuesday and has declined to talk about the divorce. His lawyer, Gregory Nevins, said the language of the divorce decree is clear and firm - Roach agreed to pay alimony until his ex-wife dies or remarries.
"Those two things haven't happened," said Nevins, a senior staff attorney with the national gay rights group Lambda Legal.
Arnold is considering the arguments. But lawyers on both sides agreed Tuesday that Roach will likely have to keep paying alimony to Silverwolf.
The judge poked holes in several of Roach's legal arguments and noted that appeals courts have declined to legally recognize a sex change in Florida when it comes to marriage. The appellate court "is telling us you are what you are when you are born," Arnold said.
In the Ohio case, an appeals court ruled in September 2004 that a Montgomery County man must continue to pay $750 a month in alimony to his transsexual ex-wife because her sex change wasn't reason enough to violate the agreement.
Roach's other attorney, John Smitten, said the case falls into a legal void.
"It's probably something that has to be addressed by the Legislature," Smitten said. "There is one other case in the entire United States. It really needs to be addressed either for or against the concept of eliminating alimony for that reason."
Roach, who has since remarried, said has been unable to convince state and federal lawmakers to tackle the issue. He said he will continue to fight.
"This is definitely wrong. I have a right to move forward with my life. I wish no harm and hardship to that person," Roach said of his ex-wife. "They can be the person they want to be, to find happiness and peace within themselves. I have the right to do the same. But I can't rest because I'm paying a lot of money every month."
The legal fight is the second transsexual rights showdown in Pinellas County in less than a week. On Friday, transsexual activists from around the country packed a City Commission meeting in neighboring Largo to oppose the firing of City Manager Steve Stanton after he announced he was a transsexual.
Despite the support, commissioners voted 5-2 to fire Stanton.
I have to say poor man! The old husband I mean! Kind of hard to have to pay a man house keeping till he dies! Now his ex is unlikely to remarry then all he can do is hope for an early death! Not a good way to think.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
crazy car
Green race car with a difference
Ben Wood is studying for his Engineering Doctorate at WMG
Researchers based at a university have created an environmentally-friendly race car with tyres made from potatoes and brake pads from cashew nut shells.
Eco One is the idea of WMG, a provider of innovative solutions to industry based at the University of Warwick.
The car was designed originally with a top speed of 125mph (201km/h).
It will be at the Sexy Green Car Show alongside green offerings from major names in the motor industry at the Eden Project in Cornwall from Friday.
'Recyclable materials'
The car also runs entirely on bio-fuels and bio-lubricants.
Project manager Ben Wood said he has tweaked the original engine and claims he can achieve up to 150mph (241km/h) given a long straight and a tailwind.
He said: "Almost everything on the car can be made out of biodegradable or recyclable materials.
"All the plastic components can be made from plants and, although the chassis has to be made from steel for strength, steel is a very recyclable material.
"We already have the shell, brake pads, fuel and tyres sorted.
"My aim is to end up with a race car that's 95 per cent biodegradable or recyclable.
"If we can build a high-performance car that can virtually be grown from seed, just imagine what's possible for the average family car."
I found this on the BBC web site. I want one! does it mean that when I hit the curb I plant more "Green Belt"! and if it rains does this car grow??I think I will keep all my kitchen waste just so I can fuel it!
Ben Wood is studying for his Engineering Doctorate at WMG
Researchers based at a university have created an environmentally-friendly race car with tyres made from potatoes and brake pads from cashew nut shells.
Eco One is the idea of WMG, a provider of innovative solutions to industry based at the University of Warwick.
The car was designed originally with a top speed of 125mph (201km/h).
It will be at the Sexy Green Car Show alongside green offerings from major names in the motor industry at the Eden Project in Cornwall from Friday.
'Recyclable materials'
The car also runs entirely on bio-fuels and bio-lubricants.
Project manager Ben Wood said he has tweaked the original engine and claims he can achieve up to 150mph (241km/h) given a long straight and a tailwind.
He said: "Almost everything on the car can be made out of biodegradable or recyclable materials.
"All the plastic components can be made from plants and, although the chassis has to be made from steel for strength, steel is a very recyclable material.
"We already have the shell, brake pads, fuel and tyres sorted.
"My aim is to end up with a race car that's 95 per cent biodegradable or recyclable.
"If we can build a high-performance car that can virtually be grown from seed, just imagine what's possible for the average family car."
I found this on the BBC web site. I want one! does it mean that when I hit the curb I plant more "Green Belt"! and if it rains does this car grow??I think I will keep all my kitchen waste just so I can fuel it!
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Jane Austen
Austen 'too ugly' for book cover
The book cover shows Austen without her night-cap
Novelist Jane Austen has been given a makeover for the cover of a book about her life after publishers decided an original image of her was unattractive.
"She was not much of a looker," said Helen Trayler, managing director of publisher Wordsworth Editions.
Publishers traditionally use a portrait of Austen painted by her sister but Wordsworth have added make-up, hair extensions and removed her night-cap.
The book is a new edition of a memoir by Austen's nephew.
The book cover was adapted from this portrait housed at the National Portrait Gallery
"I know you are not supposed to judge a book by its cover. Sadly people do. If you look more attractive, you just stand out more," said Ms Trayler.
The original painting by Cassandra Austen, which hangs in the National Portrait Gallery in London, is thought by some scholars to be the only authentic portrait of the celebrated author.
But another portrait said to be of Austen is going up for auction at Christie's in New York on 19 April and is expected to fetch between $400,000 (£203,000) and $800,000 (£406,000).
I found this story on the BBC News web site(25.03.07). I have to say I think it is really sad that they have decided to change her looks just for the “sale “. The point is her work, not her looks and people would buy on that alone, not on a made up picture just to please our “image” clean times, if she had a facial disfigurement would we change that too?
The book cover shows Austen without her night-cap
Novelist Jane Austen has been given a makeover for the cover of a book about her life after publishers decided an original image of her was unattractive.
"She was not much of a looker," said Helen Trayler, managing director of publisher Wordsworth Editions.
Publishers traditionally use a portrait of Austen painted by her sister but Wordsworth have added make-up, hair extensions and removed her night-cap.
The book is a new edition of a memoir by Austen's nephew.
The book cover was adapted from this portrait housed at the National Portrait Gallery
"I know you are not supposed to judge a book by its cover. Sadly people do. If you look more attractive, you just stand out more," said Ms Trayler.
The original painting by Cassandra Austen, which hangs in the National Portrait Gallery in London, is thought by some scholars to be the only authentic portrait of the celebrated author.
But another portrait said to be of Austen is going up for auction at Christie's in New York on 19 April and is expected to fetch between $400,000 (£203,000) and $800,000 (£406,000).
I found this story on the BBC News web site(25.03.07). I have to say I think it is really sad that they have decided to change her looks just for the “sale “. The point is her work, not her looks and people would buy on that alone, not on a made up picture just to please our “image” clean times, if she had a facial disfigurement would we change that too?
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Ten commandments of mother earth
*THE TEN COMMANDMENTS OF MOTHER EARTH*
I. Thou shalt love and honour the Earth for it blesses thy life and governs thy survival. II. Thou shalt keep each day sacred to the Earth and celebrate the turning of its seasons. III. Thou shalt not hold thyself above other living things nor drive them to extinction. IV. Thou shalt give thanks for thy food, to the creatures and plants that nourish thee. V. Thou shalt educate thy offspring for multitudes of people are a blessing unto the Earth when we live in harmony. VI. Thou shall not kill, nor waste Earth's riches upon weapons of war. VII. Thou shalt not pursue profit at the Earth's expense but strive to restore its damaged majesty. VIII. Thou shalt not hide from thyself or others the consequences of thy actions upon the Earth. IX. Thou shalt not steal from future generations by impoverishing or poisoning the Earth. X. Thou shalt consume material goods in moderation so all may share the Earth's bounty.
I found this on my friends site and thought that they are great so wanted to share with all of you! I will try to keep them, if each of us does some thing its better than a whole lot of nothing!.
I. Thou shalt love and honour the Earth for it blesses thy life and governs thy survival. II. Thou shalt keep each day sacred to the Earth and celebrate the turning of its seasons. III. Thou shalt not hold thyself above other living things nor drive them to extinction. IV. Thou shalt give thanks for thy food, to the creatures and plants that nourish thee. V. Thou shalt educate thy offspring for multitudes of people are a blessing unto the Earth when we live in harmony. VI. Thou shall not kill, nor waste Earth's riches upon weapons of war. VII. Thou shalt not pursue profit at the Earth's expense but strive to restore its damaged majesty. VIII. Thou shalt not hide from thyself or others the consequences of thy actions upon the Earth. IX. Thou shalt not steal from future generations by impoverishing or poisoning the Earth. X. Thou shalt consume material goods in moderation so all may share the Earth's bounty.
I found this on my friends site and thought that they are great so wanted to share with all of you! I will try to keep them, if each of us does some thing its better than a whole lot of nothing!.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Well on the family front my daughter has had some money from me! I did give in but only today so I thought that was an improvement. I will see her in five weeks and then we talk about what she should do with her life! I've sent her some jobs that where advertised on line (so why then can she not see them!) and hope to build up her trying on the job front.
We have manage to sort out some great insurance for the children and friends that visit us . We found a great deal so take a look at it on our web site. www.expatsavings.eu
We have manage to sort out some great insurance for the children and friends that visit us . We found a great deal so take a look at it on our web site. www.expatsavings.eu
Friday, March 16, 2007
teens today
Well I've talked to my daughter a lot this week, what due to her boyfriends dad hitting the roof over his son but it turning into a frightening verbal, physical attack on her young man! Sarah has sadly grown up with the more violence in the home than the average, due to her brother having such a bad phase of blowing his top and the grabbing a knife and going for the person that dared to say "No". This resulted in all knifes, forks and any thing with a sharp edge being locked in the garage! and eating was a hard time. So she had it hard. I have to say that she knew it was due to his disability and that he saw all sorts of "head" people to help with it , so it came as a shock to her that a "normal" adult man can just go like a toddler on coffee!
Then I get text for more money due to the fact she has gone over drawn at her bank!!!!! Like my wonderful partner says "You can be mad but we both know that by Monday you will bail her out!" Oh how true! I try not to help on these things as how is she to learn, but then I think "mother guilt" and the money slides over to her account. Well we shall see how long I can hold out! I think due to seeing it head on I'll try not to help her, keep you posted, us sad guilt riddled mothers.
Then I get text for more money due to the fact she has gone over drawn at her bank!!!!! Like my wonderful partner says "You can be mad but we both know that by Monday you will bail her out!" Oh how true! I try not to help on these things as how is she to learn, but then I think "mother guilt" and the money slides over to her account. Well we shall see how long I can hold out! I think due to seeing it head on I'll try not to help her, keep you posted, us sad guilt riddled mothers.
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
So for the work from home front I have started to do some research on the subject. I have set myself to finding information that is free on line where on so many sites you have to pay for the information. With this I hope to turn the information into a workable format first to get income for me then second for yourself. There is so much free information out there! So its a question of sorting through it all and then doing what it says. If it works then great if not I try again.
How many of you have tried this? what have you found? drop me a line and let me know. The question is what are you (or me) looking for from on line work. Yes money but it has to be a work balance. Anyone out there let me know if you have tried this approach.
How many of you have tried this? what have you found? drop me a line and let me know. The question is what are you (or me) looking for from on line work. Yes money but it has to be a work balance. Anyone out there let me know if you have tried this approach.
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
jobs on line
As a mum I found working hard to balance with my home life so I've decided to test out some on line jobs. I will keep my blog up dated with my progress!
I like most of you am sick of on line scams that say you will make money. Now do not get me wrong I like you want to make money and work from home so I thought I would explore the possibilities and keep you posted so you don't have to do the same work as me. All I want is a real work at home job that brings in money to meet the bills extra would be fantastic. If you know of one that works let me know and I can tell the world on here. There are too many false promises out there and to have a area to help people to the right ones that have clear" what you get" for what is the aim! Wish me well as I go off for the hunting of real work on line.
I like most of you am sick of on line scams that say you will make money. Now do not get me wrong I like you want to make money and work from home so I thought I would explore the possibilities and keep you posted so you don't have to do the same work as me. All I want is a real work at home job that brings in money to meet the bills extra would be fantastic. If you know of one that works let me know and I can tell the world on here. There are too many false promises out there and to have a area to help people to the right ones that have clear" what you get" for what is the aim! Wish me well as I go off for the hunting of real work on line.
Wednesday, March 7, 2007
Dreams
Well I have to say that for me dreams are very powerful. I have no idea if it is a subconscious way of working through problems or just a made up world that we enter at night. I can say that some nights they are so over whelming I need a few hours just to get over the dreams and ground myself in the reality of the day!
Am I alone in this or does the whole world have vivid dreams? My partner says he doesn't dream much and it has no affect on him. Why then do I dream dreams that are so real and can be so emotional I need time to recover! I have to say my dreams are not all bad by along way, just vivid. Some dreams you can tell are just yourself playing out options to your own life. Some are learning curves but some are just so complexed they leave me breathless. Oh and I don't mean they are sexual, mostly not(that could be an age thing!) but vivid. Yes I feel they are in color. Yes I feel that they have meanings just I am unable to always tap into the meanings.
Let me know if anyone else has dreams that mean something. I have read books on dreams and some of it I can see but other bits just do not fit. Well I feel I have recovered enough for today. Oh and I haven't been drinking the night before, or eaten cheese or chocolate, so not food related.
Am I alone in this or does the whole world have vivid dreams? My partner says he doesn't dream much and it has no affect on him. Why then do I dream dreams that are so real and can be so emotional I need time to recover! I have to say my dreams are not all bad by along way, just vivid. Some dreams you can tell are just yourself playing out options to your own life. Some are learning curves but some are just so complexed they leave me breathless. Oh and I don't mean they are sexual, mostly not(that could be an age thing!) but vivid. Yes I feel they are in color. Yes I feel that they have meanings just I am unable to always tap into the meanings.
Let me know if anyone else has dreams that mean something. I have read books on dreams and some of it I can see but other bits just do not fit. Well I feel I have recovered enough for today. Oh and I haven't been drinking the night before, or eaten cheese or chocolate, so not food related.
Saturday, March 3, 2007
I forgot my daughter!
On my profile I forgot my daughter, yet another thing due to chatting about her disabled brother! I find that children who have siblings that are ill long term or have disabled siblings do get half the normal attention than regular families. I have had to be looking after the one that will stab you if you turn your back! To spend hours outside his bedroom door to keep him in his room, on the nights I had the energy and The will to fight him! She had to go to bed hearing the screaming and shouting, not getting involved ,creping quietly through the house to not upset him. Wow she had a hard life. I'm told by her that she really did'nt mind, and for her it was home and how it was ,but as a mum I know she was not given what she should have been given, my time.I can get down about this and say it really was'nt fair to her, or if my ex had helped more then it could have been easier on her, all of which I can't change. My daughter learnt early that life is unfair.
Friday, March 2, 2007
This is it!!
Well here is to a great new blogging person......ME
Ive thought about this for a while and even started to read others to get ideas! Then it hit me, I am the only me there for what I write has to be what I think, which is a whole lot.
Ive moved countrys (well I never did things by halfs!) Got sick of the rat race that I would never find what I want so throw it all in for a new idea, an that includes blogging. Now most peole donot need to move countrys to blo but for me it was the excuss for w new way of life and to keep touch with anyone who wants to know what Im doing when.
Ive thought about this for a while and even started to read others to get ideas! Then it hit me, I am the only me there for what I write has to be what I think, which is a whole lot.
Ive moved countrys (well I never did things by halfs!) Got sick of the rat race that I would never find what I want so throw it all in for a new idea, an that includes blogging. Now most peole donot need to move countrys to blo but for me it was the excuss for w new way of life and to keep touch with anyone who wants to know what Im doing when.
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