Hackschooling

This kid has the right idea about stepping away from traditional education to find a way of learning that works for you.  As someone who suffered test anxiety and didn't particularly excel in the classroom, it wasn't until I figured out that experiential learning (i.e. experiencing a culture rather than reading about it) was the best way for me to learn and retain the information.  I encourage parents to support their kids in whatever their method may be, and also, to push them out of their comfort zone a little bit.  But most importantly, help them learn the tools for living a happy and healthy adult life.

Something Wonderful is About to Happen

Patrick Hanlon, Founder and CEO of Thinktopia - an innovative branding, marketing, consulting, and advertising firm - has the secret to brand relevance, and PLAY it Forward is part of his amazing video!

Happy Anniversary to the Beagle Freedom Project

Today marks the day of Beagle Freedom Project's first rescue of two Beagles from laboratories in 2010.  This story of hope will melt your heart.  Please support this cause.

Beagle Freedom Project

Did you know 96% of dogs used in laboratories are Beagles?  Thank goodness for this project.  I have a 14-year old beagle named Morgan so this is very near and dear to my heart.  No animal deserves a life of suffering like this, Beagle or otherwise.  Please educate yourself about this issue and sign a petition to free beagles from labs by visiting Beagle Freedom Project.

Shirley the Elephant

This story will warm your heart.  Just goes to show the importance of companionship in all our lives.

To Catch a Predator

One cause PIF is trying to help raise awareness for is sex trafficking. Check out the story of “Sweetie,” a make-believe 10-year-old girl from the Philippines. She was invented by the Dutch for the sole purpose of catching sexual predators online. What a novel approach.

Stomachs Full of Plastic Trash

This video entitled “Bird Island – Plastic vs. Nature” nearly broke my heart. We are killing our poor wildlife with our plastic trash! Would we want to eat bottle caps for lunch? You can find the rest of the story on RealNews24.

Define Necessity

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This is a nice reminder during holiday season to consider what is most important.

Consider sponsoring a family or making a monetary donation to a charity in lieu of gifts to people who “have everything” this year. 

Some of our favorite charities include: International Justice Mission, Kiva and Heifer International.