Firefly Watch Review

Where did all of the fireflies go? Generations of families have spent countless evenings spotting and catching little glowing bugs in our backyard. After the sun would set, seemingly hundreds of flashing lights would come out and float around outside. But, many are finding fewer of these flashes, and it is not yet clear what is causing an apparent decline in firefly populations.

Researchers from the Museum of Science, Boston, Tufts University, and Fitchburg State College are enlisting citizen scientists from all over the country to help map out and study firefly habitats to determine what environmental factors affect their geographic distribution and behavior during the summer. This is a wonderful opportunity for families to experience real amateur research and contribute to an important nation-wide study of the evolution of habitats in our country.

The tasks involved in this project are relatively easy, and will consume only a few minutes each week in the evenings... of course, more time may be spent to collect more valuable data. The project features an easy-to-use on line data journal, and provides updated maps of habitat observations across the country. For each data collection session, a few simple questions need to be answered from ten minutes of observations in your backyard ... a time that will prove to be a relaxing respite after a long day at work or a fun time to bond with the children.

Several environmental factors are being explored in this study to find out more about what general influences firefly activity. In particular, they are looking at how different types of lawn care activities might affect the habitat, outdoor and street lighting during the evening and night-time, foliage coverage, farmland, and water sources.

Firefly Watch also includes a nice educational overview about fireflies... or lightning bugs (they're really flashing beetles!)... including how to identify different types, gender, and why and how the little buggies having flashing bums. This is yet another perfect opportunity to learn about science in nature with your family, and then go out and experience the science directly in your own backyard. Certainly, this is a way for younger students (and those newly-inspired adults!) to realize a deeper understanding and appreciation for nature. In addition, if time is spent first with children to "book learn" about fireflies and then directly experience firefly behavior in the "real world," a further realization and connection between learning and experiencing the real thing can be developed. And, this skill is certainly important to have as they continue with their future education experiences in the classroom.

Register for free on line right away, so that you may collect as much data as possible this summer. Then, additional data collection will open up next summer so that firefly habitat trends year-to-year may developed. Recall your childhood memories, make new memories with your kids, and do real amateur research this summer with Firefly Watch.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matthew_Dearing

Raising Good Kids

People often ask us why we have such good kids. At first we didn't know what to say. So we have given it a lot of thought. We have been happily married for 21 years, have 3 sons and are middle class. We hope our experiences will help other families.

We have worked hard to live in nice neighborhoods within good school districts. We put our children and their futures first, before material things.

Setting expectations at different ages has worked very well for us. Even as babies, they could tell what was acceptable and what wasn't, simply by the looks on our faces and the tone of our voices. From the beginning, they know who the bosses are. They like happy smiling parents, so they learn to do what will get them that result. We never give in to tantrums or bad behavior. Sounds simple, right? Not so simple.

As toddlers, we teach them not to ever embarrass us. At the mall, at friends houses, at restaurants, etc... When they did occasionally try it, I would take them to the nearest restroom, kneel down so that we would be face to face and let them see I was upset. I would ask them, "Did you mean to embarrass us out there?" By then they've given it some thought. So we would discuss what happened and why. Getting them away from the scene of the crime would help them calm down. Later as they grew older, all we would have to say was, "Do you want to go the restroom?" Now you're probably thinking ,well what if they do have to go to the restroom? Simple. If we were checking to see if they needed to GO, we would phrase if differently, and the kids knew the difference. If we asked "Do you need to go to the bathroom?" That was different.

I am not saying we are perfect parents, or that we have perfect kids. But a dose of common sense goes a long way. And instead of just saying yes or no, we explain why. Never 'just because we say so.'

We also had a code word. We taught them all about Stranger Danger. If someone ever tried to get them to go off with them, they were taught to say, what's the code word?

We tend to be over protective parents. We need to know where they are at all times, and who they are with. If we find out a friends of theirs has been expressing bad behavior, such as smoking at age 12, they are not allowed to be around that friend until we see that his or her behavior is improving. Even if it is my best friends child. As a matter of fact, that is a true story. I took the chance of losing my best friend by putting the welfare of my child first. The good news is that we are still best friends. The boys are now 18, but rarely see each other. Our son just graduated high school. Their son dropped out of school and has spent some time in jail.

When the boys were about 4 years old, they came over for a visit. It was raining hard outside. My friends son had forgotten his toy in the car and wanted his Mom to go out in the storm, with lightning and thunder, to get the toy. She said no about ten times. Then finally gave in to him to stop his screaming and crying. What? At that moment, I knew she would always have trouble with that child. And, God Bless her, she has.

We also have our children sign pre-teenage contracts. We let them know not to expect much privacy while living in our family home. It is our job as parents to guard our children in every way. Even against themselves, until they are old enough to do so. In a way it helps them resist temptation because they tell their friends the rules and their friends don't want them to get in trouble either. When a teenager comes home at night, I always give them a hug. Firstly because I love them and secondly for a smell test. They better not have on extra cologne, or mouthwash. No cover-ups. This way if someone offers them a cigarette, liquor or worse, they can say, no way, my parents always hug me when I get home and they can smell if I've been around anything like that. My parents aren't stupid. They like having that 'out'.

Also, they cannot have computers in their bedrooms. We have a main computer room and we can look over their shoulder at any time. They think it's funny when I try to sneak up on them. That is something important to bring up. We do all of this with a sense of humor. We laugh a lot in our home.

Another thing we think is extremely important is setting a good example. They know that grown-ups can do and say different things than a child can. But we never use bad words in front of them, or talk about adult matters. I've had friends talk about all sorts of things that I didn't feel children should hear. As if the kids are in the room and not listening. Believe me, they listen.

When we want to party or drink, we either go out or the kids spend the night with a friend or relative. That is not to say they have never seen us have a glass of wine with dinner or a beer after mowing the lawn.

Being careful as to what is on the television is just as important. R-rated movies are not for the family room.

We all have such busy hectic lives that it's important to remember to try to spend a 'kid' day with each individual child. Plan it with them. Ask them what they would like to do for a day. Do they want to spend a day with just Mom, or just Dad, or do they want both parents all to themselves? You won't believe how happy and special that makes them feel.

When we pick them up from school and ask how their day was, "It was okay" is not what we're looking for. We take it farther. Well, what was the best thing about today? What was the worse? They give us one of those sideways grins and are happy to know that we are really paying attention to them.

Our children know that we love them unconditionally and always will - no matter what. They can come to us and tell us anything.

And they can ask us anything. We've always told them if they are old enough to ask the question, they are old enough to get an honest answer. That has turned into a joke in our family. They have gotten some answers that really surprised them. So now they think twice before they ask. Once our 15 year old asked me what the mile high club was.

We're out of time, but for more parenting tips, tune in next time. We'll discuss explaining what a period is and why girls have them, (they see commercials on T.V.)and more.

And please remember, we know we're not perfect parents. However we do our best and give it a lot of thought. It started because so many people ask us why, or how we have such good children.

K.T. Banks

K.T. Banks is a pen name we use. We are a husband and wife writing team. We have just published our first mystery novel, 'Stand and Protect' and the second one is almost finished. Don't hate us, but we feel that we have the family thing figured out. Besides our good relationships with our children, we have a great marriage. Despite many ups and downs financially, we are still madly in love. Once we came into a lot of money, and through mostly our own ignorance, we lost everything after a while. Sometimes we have in-law problems. We've had to deal with death in the family. Our 18 year old lost his best friend in a car crash about 6 months ago. That was really hard to deal with. I have anxiety problems from a childhood experience. And yet we are always there for each other. We're in this together and learning how to compromise is huge. So, while we really enjoy writing novels together. We like this avenue to try to help others that may need it. A happy family life is one of the greatest blessings you can have. You can read about our novels at http://www.KT-Banks.com or email us at ktbanksnovels@gmail.com All the Best, K.T. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kenneth_Buchholz

Calling All Kids - Cell Phones For You

Cell phones aren’t just for adults anymore. Cell phones exist for kids that are simple, sturdy and look like toys. Other phones look like regular cell phones, but have features that appeal to kids. Maybe most important though, these phones have features that appeal to parents.

Phones With Parent Appeal Parents everywhere have reasons to buy cell phones for their kids. Maybe your youngster has been begging you for a phone after seeing that all their friends have them. They might even make the case that they need one to stay in touch with you or contact you in an emergency. Parents imagine a big mess: huge phone bills and strange numbers on the phone. Yet, many parents are finding ways to get around steep phone bills and unnecessary conversations. Some companies make phones specifically designed for kids with features parents will love. Here are four popular types of cell phones for kids today with built-in features parents appreciate.

Disney Mobile

• Allows parents to set monthly spending limits for their children’s phones through the phone or the computer. Once a child reaches the limits, they are still allowed to make and receive calls to designated numbers and can still get through to 911. Parents are alerted once a child reaches their limits and may raise them.

• Parents can program the days and times during the week when children can use the phone and can track the location of the phone from their own phone or computer.

• Parents can also enter phone numbers that their children can never access.

Firefly phone

• Using a parental pin, parents can add up to 20 numbers.

• The call screening feature on the phone rejects calls not stored in the Phone Book.

TicTalk phone

• Parents can visit MyTicTalk.com to set controls on the phone. Controls include entering phone numbers that can be called anytime, calling numbers that only can be called during permission-based times which parents set, selecting what times phones can ring, sending your child a reminder, and choosing which features to enable or disable.

• And what’s better than a phone that encourages learning? Kids can earn extra minute rewards on TicTalk phones for playing LeapFrog learning games on their phone.

Verizon Migo

• The phone comes with an optional Chaperon service, where parents can track the phone in real time on their own phone or computer.

• Parents can pay an additional charge to set boundaries for their child; for instance, if their kids leave a designated area, parents will get a text message sent to their phones.

A phone for kids is worthless though if your child won’t use it. Let’s take a look at each of the above phones and why your kids might like their features. Here’s more information on these phones specifically designed for kids.

Disney Mobile, a phone specifically designed for 10-15 year olds includes custom text messaging as well as preset text messaging choices such as “Can U Get A Ride?” Kids can connect to Radio Disney as well as download wallpaper, graphics, and ringtones from Disney. TicTalk phones allow kids to record their own ringtones and download photos. A calendar and to-do list are also available on the TicTalk phone.

But what good are lots of cool features if they are too complicated for your kids to use? Simplicity is particularly key on the Firefly and Verizon Migo phones, which are designed for younger children. The Firefly simplifies things with only five keys. The Verizon Migo, designed for kids between five and nine years old, has five speed dial buttons on the front that parents can program for their kids.

Service Plan Options Interested to know how much these phones cost? In most cases, the phones themselves are more expensive than regular cell phones.

• Customers sign contracts with Disney but the service is actually on Sprint’s network. Interested customers can visit DisneyMobile.com. The Disney service works with LG phones ($110 each) and Pantech phones ($60 each). Subscribers to the Disney service buy two or more phones. One person with the “parent” phone becomes the “family manager” and sets monthly spending allowances for the “child” phone by accessing the Family Center menu on the phone. The monthly family phone plan with two lines and 450 daytime minutes starts at $59.99.

• TicTalk phones can be purchased online at http://www.enfora.com

Rate plans are prepaid according to phone minutes. For example, $25 for 100 airtime minutes.

• A Firefly phone costs $79.99 and includes a travel charger, backpack clip, and 30 minutes of airtime. Firefly has a monthly package starting at $9.99 and a pay-as-you-go $.25 per minute package that requires a minimum of $25. Both can be cancelled at any time.

• The Verizon Migo phone costs about $120 and calling plans vary.

Parents should check out these phones and plans if considering a wireless device for their young children. Kids will probably find the phones easier to use than standard cell phones and parents have the control and peace of mind that they desire.

Robin Meyer is Web Manager of Your Wireless Source, a company that specializes in portable wireless products and accessories including Pantech cell phone accessories and LG cell phone accessories. Visit them online today at http://www.yourwirelesssource.com or contact them at 1-866-837-7265 to learn more.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robin_Meyer

Firefly Phones Vs Kajeet Phones

You may have heard all about the new crop of cell phones geared especially to kids. They are full of features that your kids will love, as well as features you'll love as a parent. Two of the popular cell phones for children are Firefly phones and Kajeet Phones.

In order to make your decision you'll want to do a little research. There are features prevalent in one phone that may not be in another phone. Think about your needs as a parent, and your child's needs to pick the cell phone that will work best for your family.

Firefly Phones

The Firefly phone is a fairly simple cell phone for kids. It does not have a keypad, but just five buttons. There is also no camera or some other things you may be used to having on your own phone. That is ok with younger children who will just be happy they have their own phone!

One feature your children will love is that the covers of the phone are interchangeable. If they want a blue phone one day and a red phone the next, it is a simple matter of changing a "skin." This sort of customization is exactly what children need, and a Firefly phone provides this.

You will like the Firefly Kids cell phone because there are two designated buttons for your child to call you. That is a huge plus if your child has a hard time remembering numbers or needs to call quickly in case of an emergency.

Another huge plus is that there is an emergency button for one-touch phone calls to 911. That definitely adds some peace of mind for the safe use of children's cell phones!

The Firefly cell phone is a great choice for you if you like simplicity. There is a phone book and other helpful features, but nothing that gets in the way of this being a very useful cell phone for children.

If your children are keen on the idea of being able to send text messages to their friends, they will not be able to do so with the Firefly mobile phone. Again, they may be so excited with having their very own phone that they may not even notice.

The Firefly offers a prepaid plan and one with a contract. Parents who want to maintain control of how long their children are talking on the phone will want to buy the Firefly prepaid phone rather than the version with a contract.

Pros of the Firefly Cell Phone

Simple, 5 button navigation

Emergency Mom and Dad buttons

One touch 911 Button

Prepaid or Contract Plans

Changeable Skins

Cons of the Firefly Cell Phone

No ability to Text Message

May be Too Simple for Some

Has a Small Learning Curve

Kajeet Phones

Another option in the world of cell phones for kids comes from Kajeet Phones. A Kajeet phone allows parents to provide all of the limitations on the child's phone, rather than the company making a more limited cell phone.

A Kajeet cell phone has the Kajeet Navigator. This is a web software application. Another unique part of the Kajeet phone is the Configurator. This is a Web-based application that you can get to from your home computer.

In the Configurator, parents can set approved and blocked numbers. This is especially important if you want to maintain safe use of cell phones for children.

For parents who are especially concerned, you can also view sent and received calls. This can be important if you're worried that your child is contacting something they should not be.

Kajeet phones seem to be geared toward helping children learn how to live in the real world. One way they do this is by having wallets in the Configurator. In these wallets, your kids can earn how to manage their money and the amount that is going into the cell phone plan.

Kajeet is a pre-paid service, so it is a great learning tool for your children to see how many minutes they have left and come up with better ways they could be using them.

Your kids will want a Kajeet phone because they've recently partnered with Nickelodeon! They can get ring tones, games, and images all with a Nickelodeon theme. So many children love Spongebob and Rugrats that they'll flip for this service.

Kajeet phones allow for text messaging which is all the rage among kids and teenagers these days. The main goal of the Kajeet service seems to be teaching kids responsibility, while still giving them a great full-featured cell phone for children.

Pros of the Kajeet Phone

Full Featured

Parents decide how much or how little freedom their children have.

Nickelodeon themes

Text messaging capability

Teaches Responsibility

Cons of the Kajeet Phone

May offer too much freedom

Not as easy to use for younger children

Has a learning curve

Which Phone is Right for My Child?

Firefly phones and Kajeet Phones are both wonderful in their own way. Weigh the pros and cons of each to make your decision. Regardless of which cell phone you choose, your child will thank you and you will feel great for taking part in safe use of cell phones for children.

Emi Light is the mother of two very active boys, who force her to keep abreast of modern technology trends. For more info on technology for children (including where to find great discounts), visit her info logs at http://BestKidTechnology.wordpress.com and http://BestComputerBuy.wordpress.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Emi_Light

Kiddie Phones

Firefly Mobile, released their new pre-paid cell phone at Target for $99. The new phones are marketed to kids and features kid friendly features and options. Cingular features the pre-paid phone that includes the kiddie phone and 30 minutes of cell phone service through Cincinnati Bell.

Firefly CEO Robin Abrams stated, “What parents told us is they want to know who their kids are talking to - and probably even more important, who's talking to their kids.” The new phones have great kid and parent friendly features. The phone offers a mom and a dad quick button for easy dialing of their parents. There is also a quick 911 button for easy access to emergency operators.

Parents can program 20 other phone numbers in the phone and restrict incoming calls to that list only. Parental access is password protected so kids cannot alter the information and there is not a keypad on the device. The phone also comes in fun color options and features customizable face plates, changeable ringtones, and a “Fireworks” button that when pressed lights the phone up for 30 seconds. There are not any gaming or Internet features on these kiddie phones.

Many other cell phone companies are working on similar releases. Blackberry is working on a kid friendly Blueberry, Grapeberry, and Strawberry’s. Disney and Sprint is also in the works of creating a kid friendly mobile device.

http://www.cellchecker.com

Life of a Firefly

Outside is the summer night is getting dark. What are those twinkles in the yard? They are fireflies. They signal to one another with their lights. The males fly round. The females wait on the grass or a plant and watch for a male's twinkling light. If she likes him, she will twinkle once. They flash at one another about twenty minutes, not all night. Some kinds flash for hours.
Fireflies are not flies. They are beetles with three main body parts: a head, a thorax, and an abdomen.

Its head has two large eyes. The eyes have many flat surfaces. The scientists believe these make the firefly see objects like looking through a cracked mirror. On its head are two antennas. These are used to touch and smell and to check out its surroundings. The head also has two sharp jaws called mandibles that it uses to catch its food.

The firefly has no teeth. It uses maxillas to chew its food. These are found behind the mandibles.
The thorax comes behind the head. The firefly's six legs are attached to the thorax. Each leg includes a foot with two claws. These serve the beetle in climbing.
The firefly's two sets of wings are attached to the thorax. The front pair is stiff and protects the lightweight wings underneath. When the firefly wants to take off, it opens its front wings and uses the other wings to fly like a ladybug does.

The abdomen is behind the thorax. Its light organs lie on the bottom of the thorax. These make the firefly glow yellow or yellow-green.
The light organs contain chemicals to mix and make light energy. The firefly's light is called bioluminescence (by-oh-loo-muh-NEH-sunts).

A firefly hatches from an egg. The mother firefly lays from 40 to 1,000 eggs at one time during the summer! She places them in loose, damp soil to keep them safe from the sun's light and heat.
The round, tiny, smooth egg glows! But it doesn't twinkle. The egg hatches in less than a month.
Then the firefly is called a larva (LAR-va). It resembles a worm with ridges. In the day the larva hides and sleeps and hunts for food at night. It eats earthworms and soft insects. It's like a human baby and must eat liquids. The larva grabs the insect by its mandibles. Then it squirts a liquid into the insect through its mandibles to soften the insect into a thick liquid. This is the larva's meal.

Soon the larva grows too big for its skin and molts. To molt, the larva splits its skin open and wiggles out and then grows a new skin. The larva molts several times through the winter. Some larvas of firefly species are adults in the spring; other kinds take another summer and winter to become an adult.

The firefly larva builds a shelter out of mud. The larva chews the soil into mud and then spits out the mud in strips. Over and over, the larva piles the mud strips atop each other to make its shelter.

The larva crawls in and curls up in its new home. There it stays for about five weeks. Once more it molts. This time it forms a stiff, white cover and is called a pupa (PYOO-puh). The pupa grows its firefly organs for about ten days. Then it is an adult firefly.

©2008 Carol Hegberg.