FRESHDAD

We will see you tomorrow nite - Jack and Joe Buck call their respective Game 6's

2011-10-28T06:51:00.002-05:00

14 things you probably didnt about the world series

2011-09-17T06:37:00.000-05:00

NewsCorp Pulls Fox from Cablevision

2010-10-16T02:41:00.003-05:00

First ABC now Fox. 2nd time this year this has happened with Cablevision, I pay Cablevision. I hold them accountable. I wish i can pay these networks a monthly licensing fee directly. I don't need 800 channels.

I just want to watch football this weekend.

Click on image below to enlarge

I Like Freshdad.com.. Do you?

2010-04-30T11:19:00.001-05:00

SNL's Lazy Sunday Live (3/8/10) -Late Night with Jimmy Fallon

2010-03-09T15:55:00.002-05:00

GMC | 2010 Acadia Crossover: Features, Photos, Accessories

2010-02-08T12:02:00.001-05:00

GMC | 2010 Acadia Crossover: Features, Photos, Accessories

Posted using ShareThis

How interCLICK Survived The Ad Network Bubble

2009-12-28T21:06:00.002-05:00

My Good Friend Michael Katz, President and Founder of Interclick ( ICLK )" How interCLICK Survived The Ad Network Bubble"

Michael is a true Entrepreneur who not only gets it, he executes well.

Pottery Barn 20% off any in-store item. December 20

2009-12-20T06:49:00.001-05:00

Click on Image and print.

Hanukkah Flash Mob

2009-12-11T12:56:00.001-05:00

Hear Tiger Panic to Mistress: "My Wife May Be Calling You"

2009-12-02T11:36:00.003-05:00

What was Tiger thinking. Call his mistress, leave message on her voicemail and say " This is Tiger " I don't know any other Tigers in this world, This for sure was going to come back and haunt him.

I personally think he wanted to get caught. Just my opinion

Who Do You Know?

2009-11-13T09:26:00.009-05:00

Who Do You Know?
David Honig

Something extraordinary is happening: we are witnessing the creation of an entirely new Internet model that few people could have foreseen even a few years ago. According to some analysts, as much as 70% of consumer time online is now spent viewing content created not by professional editors, but by fellow consumers. And let’s face it: most people aren’t boning up on their WWI trivia on Wikipedia. Most eyeballs are trained on social media sites like Facebook, MySpace, Flickr, and YouTube. These sites alone account for upwards of 20% of all consumer time spent online today in the U.S.

Social scientists, among others, are fascinated by these developments. Many have noted that in social media we see a classic example of homophily: the powerful tendency of like-minded people to gather in closely-knit clusters around common interests, including brand affiliations.

The Value of Social Graph Information:

Since the dawn of Friendster,figuring out how to monetize the social space has been a
thorn in marketers’sides; the industry has not been able to find a way to fund social
media through ad revenue alone.In fact, last year,Google execs have recognized that “social networking inventory is not monetizing as well as expected,” but that may be because they’re trying to apply models from other online contexts to the social space. For example, CPM and CPC models have worked with traditional mass media display and search, respectively, but have had limited effectiveness in social media. It’s time to look old problem in a new way.

I have discussed many times in the past how incorporating social graph information into online advertising targeting methodologies will instantly add value to any behavioral advertising plan. Most marketers would intuitively agree that social groups of their existing customers (a.k.a. “network neighbors”) represent a desirable audience.
Here’s why:

As summarized by the old proverb dating back to Plato’s The Republic, “birds of
a feather flock together,” people tend to form social groups of similar, like-
minded individuals both on- and off-line. This predilection to interact more and
form stronger social ties with those similar to us is a classic sociological and
psychological concept called homophily.Today, we are going to focus on homophily. Marketers who can successfully leverage the power of homophily -- while respecting users’ privacy -- will find that they’ve harnessed an analytic tool that has the potential to be highly predictive on a massive scale.

What is homophily?

A simple definition of homophily is that “contact between similar people occurs at a
higher rate than among dissimilar people” and that “people’s personal networks are
homogenous with regard to many sociodemographic, behavioral, and intrapersonal
characteristics.”1 Similarity in factors such as “ethnicity ... age, religion, education, occupation, and gender” operating in shared geographic, family, and organizational environments play a huge role in determining how personal relationships are formed.

Why does homophily matter? Homophily is a robust phenomenon because it forms the
structure in which almost every type of social relationship exists. You will find
homophily in “marriage, friendship, work, advice, support, information transfer,
exchange, co-membership, and other types of relationship[s]”.

Whom does homophily affect? Everyone. Everywhere. Homophily is global cultural
phenomenon: Researchers in the early 1990’s were able to find approximately the “same
levels of homophily in a Chinese City as in the United States.” It is pretty amazing that two completely different cultures can have the same level of homophily. In our
increasingly fragmented social space, it is essential for marketers who want to target
specific groups to keep this in mind.

How does homophily work? Homophily is highly predictive: In essence, the power of
people’s self-selection in personal relationships creates social groups that rival the best segments created by demographic, behavioral, and/or psychographic targeting.
Researchers have shown that marketing to people socially connected to an existing
customer of a product have a three to five times higher response rate to advertising versus methodologies uniformed by this social information, including demographic and
behavioral targeting.

Homophily 2.0

Homophily was a concept originally observed and formulated in the 1920’s, but it has
become increasingly relevant in the Internet and mobile age. New forms of technology
allow people to interact with each other and form social ties and groups (through social networks, blogs, Internet chat, web video, mobile phones, texting, etc.) much faster and more effectively than ever before.

In the 1950’s, your social groups would have been formed primarily from similar friends from your family, neighborhood, school, work, and social clubs. For example, if you lived in Tampa, cultivating numerous friendships with people in San Francisco, Chicago, and Dallas would have not have been easy for the average American.

The advent of Internet and mobile technologies makes it extremely easy to interact and
connect with people all over the world. Due to the popularity and high penetration of
next-generation communications channels, geographical barriers have been drastically
reduced, if not completely eliminated for many Americans. We can expect Internet users to use these new communications mediums to continue to seek out and bond with similar people and form even stronger relationships with their “real-world friends” online.

New Online Marketing Paradigm

The new world order online necessitates a radical change in the online marketing
paradigm. Moving forward, it will often be more valuable to ask about your
customers, engagers, and/or prospects: “Who do they know?” rather than “Where
do they live?” The next generation of targeting methods will utilize a much more group- and social network-oriented approach than traditional demographic and behavioral targeting and segmentation.

What’s Next?

We are all familiar with “groupthink” consumer behaviors and how people cluster
together with like-minded people in social media. We, as marketers, must create business models and innovative technologies that will allow this fertile new area to expand and flourish while driving revenue from successful brand-building platforms. That’s where you come in.

BalloonBoy Throws up on Live TV - Today Show

2009-10-16T18:09:00.001-05:00

BalloonBoy Throws up on Live TV - Today Show

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Microsoft & Yahoo : Skip the dating, get married, and think Social

2009-07-29T12:27:00.001-05:00

Search is only one component. Want to seriously threat Google. Think Social now.

My Quick thoughts on the Yahoo / Microsoft Deal.

So now that the Microsoft / Yahoo search deal been announced. The deal combines the No. 2 and No. 3 players in Search. Now what? Ok, I get it, Microsoft’s Core competency is technology and not media, and Yahoo core is Media, not technology. They both compliment each other and it makes for a good partnership, but so what.

Fact is that Google has a dominant position in search and this partnership will not change this position one bit. But is it really about search, and should Google be concerned? Yes, Google absolutely should be concerned.

I do not buy that Yahoo and Microsoft are fully committed to this deal if it restricted them from using the user data outside of just optimizing the search platform. It’s so much more about search but a very good first step.

If the vision of this relationship was only about search, than game over. Google Wins.

How does Microsoft win?

Microsoft needs to marry Yahoo. They can date for now, but need to marry and get serious as long as they get the blessings of the Department of Justice.

Microsoft needs the social component to plug into their platform. Microsoft should be aggressively pursuing Facebook now. Social Data is incredibly vital and a real threat to Google.

You take Eyeballs, Social Data, Search Data, content, Technology and world class sales, you just very well may have the holy grail and perhaps a Google Killer, or at least a very attractive alternative that will cause Google incredible pain.

Thoughts?

NY Times is not a fan of Jon Stewart anymore

2009-06-11T09:36:00.004-05:00

Cannot believe the NY Times invited the comedy central team to their offices with their cameras. This is a classic " what the F%&k were you thinking " moment

Enjoy

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart

Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c

End Times

www.thedailyshow.com

Daily Show
Full Episodes

Political Humor

Newt Gingrich Unedited Interview

Ad Operations/Trafficking Coordinator - Media6Degrees, New York City

2009-04-29T20:19:00.004-05:00

Ad Operations/Trafficking Coordinator - Media6Degrees, New York City

Media6° has an immediate opening for an Ad Operations/Trafficking Coordinator. This position will be responsible for end-to-end implementation and management of assigned advertising campaigns — from creative testing and QA, to trafficking, troubleshooting, and maintenance. This individual contributor role will be responsible for managing all Media6° advertising campaigns.
Media6° is positioned for tremendous growth in 2009 and beyond and we are looking for an Ad Operations all-star to help us take advantage of this incredible opportunity.
Job Responsibilities
• Oversee timely scheduling and implementation of all online advertising campaigns across the entire network of Media6° partners
• Work closely with all Media6° partners to ensure that all campaigns are being implemented correctly and continue to run in the proper manner for their entire run dates.
• Daily monitoring and reporting of all campaigns
• Work closely with all internal groups and execute campaign optimization decisions in a timely and accurate manner
• Conduct audits on a regular basis to ensure that overall system volume is being maintained
• Work with members of all team to gather input on guidelines, policies and procedures and subsequent documentation of said procedures
• Work with internal teams to troubleshoot any creative or pixel related questions from our clients
Success in this role will be achieved by, but will not be limited to:
1. Successful trafficking and completion of all advertising campaigns
2. Successfully managing and prioritizing action items for all clients/campaigns on a day-to-day basis
Professional Experience and Personal Qualities
• 1+ years working in the online advertising industry with a focus on operations and trafficking
• Positive, pro-active attitude and commitment to excellence a must
• Must have experience managing multiple high-dollar advertising campaigns simultaneously
• Must have strong Excel skills to review and analyze advertising performance reporting
• Experience with at least one adserver (such as YieldManager, DoubleClick DART or OAS), and the ability to learn our proprietary system
• Able to effectively multitask and balance multiple priorities
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and presentation skills
• Emotional intelligence, a problem solver, and a grounded, mature person
• Flexibility, resourcefulness, and the ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced start-up environment
• Undergraduate degree in Business/Advertising/Marketing or a relevant discipline is preferred
• Behavioral targeting experience a plus

Please send qualified resumes to andrew at media6degrees dot com.

Coming Soon OprahTweets.com

2009-04-16T20:06:00.001-05:00

Coming Soon OprahTweets.com - Will have site up with real time tweets from Oprah and Fans. Look forward to your comments

Trouble with Twitters - By Super Josh

2009-03-26T21:05:00.001-05:00

Enjoy

How the Best Get Better and Better - Harvard Business Review

2009-02-17T14:28:00.005-05:00

Publish at Scribd or explore others: Business Research harvard Business-Management

Welcome Mr President

2009-01-23T07:06:00.006-05:00

Happy New Year Everyone. Seems kinda late but Its been a long while since I posted here on Freshdad. We welcome with open arms our new president Barack Obama. The excitement that has taken over this country has been simply unprecedented. My twins girls are now 20 months old, while they will never remember the incredible inaqueration day all of us expereinced. I made sure they would capture that day in the future. I started back on election day, as a family we walked to our local polling station where I video taped my girls first presidential election. I Thought this was very important and deep down I knew this was going to be a very special election for the country and the world. On Inagueration Day, I went out, bought all the newspapers and I documented everything all of us did that day, down to what we ate. I documented it in the form of a letter to my children. I am so happy i wrote this latter. I knew if I waited just a day, it would of not captured what all of us felt on January 20th, 2009.

Freshdad Christmas!

2008-12-25T07:43:00.000-05:00

7-Eleven Election Genius. Hail to the Beans

2008-10-26T20:26:00.008-05:00

Many of us that live by a 7-Eleven convenient store know that when purchasing a cup of coffee you have 3 choices. a Red John McCain Cup, Blue Barack Obama cup or the generic 7-Eleven cup to pour a nice cup of Java into. Without going into what I chose, I was quite impressed at how they are capturing the data. They scan the bar code on the cup and the cash register recognizes your choice. Thinking about this, I actually got excited at how innovative 7-Eleven is, and how something so simple can be potentially a very accurate polling process. Let start at the hundreds of polls currently conducted, I am not a polling expert, but I am thinking the pollsters make enough phone calls to make a statistically relevant poll.

Its almost comical how one poll has one candidate ahead while another poll has another. We know nothing about how they conducted it, nor do we really care. Its just a scoreboard of sorts, and more of a stage to debate with family or friends who will win or not.

The only thing predictable about presidential polls lately is how unpredictable they are and this is where 7-Eleven can make the argument that their Data is based on people choosing to walk out the store with. I would go as far as saying choosing a candidates cup is comparable to wearing a pin of that candidate. If you were a supporter of Obama, chances are you are not getting a McCain Cup, and if you choose to keep it private, you would most likely go with the generic 7-Eleven Cup.

WOW

I would actually love to see CNN report the 7-Eleven poll. This would be no joke here. It has alot of merit.

7-Eleven is claiming they customers correctly choose the winner of the last 2 Presidential Elections... I believe it.

In 2000 George Bush outsold Al Gore by 1%. This is actually not very telling because we know that Al Gore won the Popular vote. But they are breaking results out by state.

In 2004 - they reported a few points in line with the presidential election. George Bush 51% and John Kerry 49%

So results with about a week left in the poll

Obama 60%
McCain 40%

More importantly,7-Elevens Data is showing Obama is beating McCain in every State. Again this is Coffee cups, but the intent of the consumer is hard not to take seriously.

Click Here for 7-Eleven Election.

The Execs at 7-Eleven really took an opportunity and making a believer out of me.

Lets look into the future. You have many other self service coffee franchises that can track the same way. Where does this lead to?

Does Coke and Pepsi purchase the right for their own cups for market research? Perhaps Not, but the data would be strong enough to show many brands how they stack up.

This is not just advertising on cups here, this is advertising with real time data. You just need to give the consumer a choice.

ACTIONS SPEAK MORE THAN WORDS

Whats your opinion?

Apple and Pumpkin picking today

2008-10-12T05:26:00.004-05:00

Headed out to Wightman's Farms in New Jersey with the family. Should be alot of fun. I have been looking forward to taking my girls for their first time both Pumpkin and Apple Picking.

Freshdad remembers -Randy Pausch: The Last Lecture

2008-08-15T20:38:00.001-05:00

Unfortunatley Prof Pausch Pass away Yesterday. He has made a lasting impression to Millions!!!

BabyCenter.com - Chairman Tina Sharkey Video interview

2008-07-15T06:04:00.004-05:00

I tell everyone this and mean it. BabyCenter.com really does just a fantastic job in understanding the needs of a Mom and Dad when it comes to parenting by age of your children. Even Daddy loves those weekly emails from Babycenter and informs me what I should expect at this weeks stage of your child's life.

Enjoy

Most Popular Baby Names Change Dramatically

2008-07-09T05:37:00.003-05:00

The top 10 baby names from 1950 look nothing like today. Here's the list from 1950, according to the U.S. Social Security Administration:

Most popular boy/girl baby names in 1950:

1. James / Linda
2. Robert / Mary
3. John / Patricia
4. Michael / Barbara
5. David / Susan
6. William / Nancy
7. Richard / Deborah
8. Thomas / Sandra
9. Charles / Carol
10. Gary / Kathleen

Here's the list from last year:

1. Jacob / Emily
2. Michael / Isabella
3. Ethan / Emma
4. Joshua / Ava
5. Daniel / Madison
6. Christopher / Sophia
7. Anthony / Olivia
8. William / Abigail
9. Matthew / Hannah
10. Andrew / Elizabeth

Happy Fathers Day Dads!!

2008-06-15T08:46:00.002-05:00

Wanted to wish everyone a very Happy Fathers Day. I cannot believe Its my 2ND fathers day as a daddy. My Twin girls are getting bigger and more advanced everyday.
So I prepared breakfast for the family, and now my wife and kids are both napping. So I am off to read my Sunday papers in a quiet room. Than, off to spend the day with family.

Cheers to all Dads!

Freshdad

Summer is not even here.. and its HOT in NYC

2008-06-07T06:11:00.006-05:00

We are about to experience our first, and not last heat wave here in NYC this weekend. Excessive heat in NYC is not fun. It becomes somewhat of an oven with no breeze, uncomfortably sticky and just miserable. Today, the weather people are saying 98 Degrees, Tomorrow about the same, where it cools down on Monday to a Balmy 90 degrees. So whats the plan. First thought was lets get out of New York, and go to the beach in Long Island... Than I realize with 12 month old girls, perhaps the beach may not be the best place with this excessive heat. So now we are looking indoors and I will do what many New Yorkers do not get a chance to do that often. Go out to Surburbia, and go to the Shopping Mall. I guess I can consider that an Indoor Activity.

Top baby Names for 2007

2008-05-11T11:36:00.001-05:00

Do you know anyone named Jacob? Emily? Michael? Emma? Of course you do! These are some of the most popular names that parent have given to their children, according to the Social Security Administration.

The top boy's name is Jacob, followed by Michael and Ethan.

The top girl's name is Emily, followed by Isabella and Emma.

The list is put out every year by the Social Security Administration; their website offers lists of baby names for each year since 1880 . Social Security started compiling baby name lists in 1997.

The top ten boys and girls names for 2007 are:

Top Boy's Names Top Girl's Names

1. Jacob 1. Emily
2. Michael 2. Isabella
3. Ethan 3. Emma
4. Joshua 4. Ava
5. Daniel 5. Madison
6. Christopher 6. Sophia
7. Anthony 7. Olivia
8. William 8. Abigail
9. Matthew 9. Hannah
10. Andrew 10

Its been a while

2008-05-03T05:26:00.003-05:00

Its been a while since my last post. My twin girls are about to turn 1 year old next week. This means no more formula!!!!! Its incredible watching how advanced they are getting each and every day. Freshdad is having so much fun with them, and even getting a little more sleep ( thanks girls ! ) Its Saturday Morning and I am looking forward to just hanging with the family. I think we have a pretty packed schedule. One thing I have learned with twin girls is to expect the unexpected. Its always something different. I need to finish up on small baby proofing projects this weekend, they are going to walk any day now which means their little hands reach higher and higher.

As always, I invite anyone to write for Freshdad. We need reviews on products you use with your children.

Have a good weekend

Checkout the FreshDad Group on Facebook

2008-04-17T05:20:00.003-05:00

I invite everyone to join the FreshDad Facebook Group. You can access the group from the link below.

FreshDad Group on Facebook

Babies' lack of sleep boosts later obesity risk

2008-04-07T20:13:00.004-05:00

Story Highlights
* Tots who sleep less than 12 hours daily at greater risk for overweight in preschool
* Kids who slept the least, watched most TV had greatest chance of becoming obese
* Sleep's impact on appetite hormones may explain the effect

CHICAGO, Illinois (AP) -- Babies and toddlers who sleep fewer than 12 hours daily are at greater risk for being overweight in preschool, a new Harvard study finds, providing startling evidence that the link between sleep and obesity may affect even very young children.
art.sleep.toddler.jpg

Twelve percent of toddlers who slept less than 12 hours a day became obese 3-year-olds.

TV viewing heightened the effect. The children who slept the least and watched the most television had the greatest chance of becoming obese.

"The two (behaviors) are acting independently. In combination, they are particularly risky," said the study's lead author, Dr. Elsie Taveras of Harvard Medical School.

The findings, published in April's Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, are based on mothers' reports of their babies' sleep habits and TV viewing, and direct measures of the children's height, weight and skinfold thickness.

Starting when the babies were 6 months old, mothers were asked how long their children napped during the day and how long they slept at night. Moms were asked again when the children were 1 and 2 years old. They were asked about TV time when the children reached age 2.
Don't Miss

* BMI calculator
* In Depth: Fit Nation

The researchers combined the sleep answers to find an average pattern for each child during the first two years of life. They found 586 of the children slept an average of 12 or more hours a day and 329 of the children slept less than that.

Among the long sleepers, 7 percent were obese at age 3.

The short sleepers fared worse. Twelve percent of them became obese 3-year-olds. Adding TV to the picture, 17 percent of those who slept less than 12 hours a day and watched two or more hours of television a day were obese by the time they were 3.

Obesity was defined as having a body mass index in the 95th percentile or above. BMI is a measure that combines height and weight. A 3-year-old who is 3 feet, 3 inches tall and 40 pounds would be considered obese.

The researchers took into account other risk factors for obesity, including TV viewing, and still found the children who slept fewer than 12 hours a day had a doubled risk of being obese at age 3 than the other children.

Sleep's impact on appetite hormones may explain the effect, Taveras said. In prior studies, sleep-deprived adults produced more ghrelin, a hormone that promotes hunger, and less leptin, a hormone that signals fullness.

TV viewing is thought to increase the risk of obesity both because it takes time away from calorie-burning play and because of food ads for snacks and fast food.

The families in the new study lived in Massachusetts and had relatively high incomes and education levels, making it difficult to apply the findings to everyone, Taveras acknowledged. Sleep researchers who read the study said it adds to growing evidence of the link between poor sleep and obesity. A study published last year found that every additional hour per night a third-grader spends sleeping reduces the child's chances of being obese in sixth grade by 40 percent.
Health Library

* MayoClinic.com: Health Library

"The main message for parents is that there has to be regularity in sleep in children. It's very important to maintain a schedule," said Dr. Michelle Cao of Stanford University's sleep disorders clinic. She wasn't involved in the study but co-wrote an accompanying editorial in the journal.

Taveras recommended practices that teach infants to fall asleep on their own, putting them to bed when they're drowsy but not fully asleep.

Pat Prinz of the University of Washington, who wasn't involved in the study, said parents who rely on day care should make sure their toddlers have plenty of time to run, jump and play.

"The more active they are in the day, the better they'll sleep at night," Prinz said. But she cautioned that genetics may play a role in sleep and a person's genetic makeup may limit how much sleep duration can be improved.

Hey Dads, Give your Wives this Ann Taylor 25% off Coupon

2008-04-03T09:44:00.008-05:00

Ann Taylor Friends and Family Coupon 25% off everything

Click on image to print or just save it to your desktop and print it later.
Only good April 17 - April 20th

Enjoy... Mothers Day around the corner

SNL - MOM JEANS

2008-03-27T06:23:00.002-05:00

I always loved this clip and wanted to share with everyone.

BabyStyle Files for Bankruptcy

2008-03-25T14:50:00.004-05:00

BabyStyle, the Los Angeles retailer of baby and maternity products, has filed for bankruptcy after raising more than $146 million from investors.

This is actually a sad story. Looks like they were misguided by their investors who pushed them to open more and more retail stores even after they were reporting huge losses. The loss here is to all their loyal customers. Its really just too hard to have a successful etailer these days especially when competing against the likes of babiesrus, Target and Walmart.

The company is still open for business, and I dont think they will close their site down. You may see heavily discounted items in order for them to raise money and get rid of their inventory.

The company has laid off 14 employees and plans to close six of its 23 stores.

FreshDad Picks - Geoff & Drew's Gourmet Cookies and Brownies

2008-03-23T19:33:00.009-05:00

FreshDad Picks Geoff & Drew's Cookies and Brownies as the finest, freshest and greatest tasting cookies and brownies in the world. If you haven't tried them yet, I would suggest ordering some for yourself, your family and perhaps a business associate.

I saw their product on the Today Show one morning, ordered some for my family and we just could not believe how good they were. Since then, we have been a loyal customer ordering cookie baskets for many occasions.

Don't forget Mom on Mothers Day. She will love them

Click here to visit Geoff & Drew's or just call them at 1-866-437-3928.

SNL - Jarrets Room

2008-03-13T14:20:00.003-05:00

60,000 people have visited Freshdad.com

2008-03-10T05:55:00.004-05:00

on March 9th, Freshdad observes its first milestone of 60,000 visitors.

Thank you everyone for stopping by. Tell all your friends and family and Freshdad.com

“Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams” Randy Pausch's Last Lecture as seen on the Oprah Show

2008-03-01T07:19:00.007-05:00

This is one of the most moving lectures I have ever seen. I urge everyone to take 10 minutes and watch this video.

The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch. Based on the terminally ill Carnegie Mellon professor's moving and inspirational “last lecture.”

This is his speech which he presented so well on the Oprah Show.

Enjoy

If you would like a transcript of his speech or the PowerPoint Slides
Click Here.

Please share this post with your friends and family

New Cadbury Ad _ Gorilla Drummer

2008-02-29T11:08:00.002-05:00

Being in the advertising Business, I particulary liked this ad that was recently pitched.

Report: Pillows, Soft Bedding Linked to Baby Deaths

2008-02-28T07:21:00.001-05:00

February 28th, 2008

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Parents are putting their babies at risk when they place pillows and other soft bedding in their cribs, the Consumer Product Safety Commission warned Thursday.

From 2002 to 2004, 241 children under age 5 died in incidents involving nursery products. About 40 percent of the deaths involved cribs, with soft bedding cited as the leading contributing factor. Many of the children suffocated when lying face down on pillows or other bedding, the agency said.

"Less is more when you're talking about the crib,'' CPSC spokeswoman Julie Vallese said, adding that cribs should be free of adult pillows and blankets, stuffed animals and baby quilts.

To reduce risk of suffocation and sudden infant death syndrome, parents should place babies on their back in a crib that meets current safety standards, the agency said.

Among other incidents of death in cribs, babies became trapped when the mattress was ill-fitting, CPSC said. Old, broken and modified cribs should not be used, and parents should never allow a gap larger than two fingers at any point between the sides of the crib and mattress, the agency advised.

The agency said there were 36 deaths over the same period relating to baby baths and bath seats. All occurred when caregivers left the baby unattended. In many instances, babies slipped out of bath seats, fell out of baby seats or tipped forward or sideways into the water.

At no time, even for a few seconds, should babies be left unattended in the tub, Vallese said.

Deaths involving playpens also were high, with many resulting from the use of soft bedding.

Although CPSC has in recent years issued many crib product recalls, Vallese said there were no related deaths during 2002 through 2004 that involved a recalled product or a product that eventually was recalled.

In 2006, the most recent year in which injury data was collected, CPSC counted about 66,400 emergency injuries linked with nursery products among children under age 5. Most of these were related to baby carriers and car seats, excluding motor vehicle accidents, followed by incidents involving cribs and mattresses.

The most common injuries in 2006 resulted from falls, and the head was the most frequently injured body part.

On the Net:
http://www.cpsc.gov

Good Prank - Stopping time at Grand Central Station, NYC

2008-02-18T07:34:00.002-05:00

Recently, Over 200 New Yorkers walked into one of the busiest train stations in the world, New York's Grand Central Station, and at 2:30 pm exactly, they all froze in place. its a great visual, and some of these people are just fantastic.

Look for yourself

Kids Sick? Sleep Deprived - Remember The Parenting Job Description

2008-02-16T06:26:00.005-05:00

It has been a challenging past 2 weeks to say the least. Both of our kids have ear infections and a virus, and keeping us up all night. These weeks have been just another lesson in parenting. Its not Easy at all. We have been to the doctors office about 6 times and each of our girls have been in the hospital.

Many sleepless Nights, Many stressfull Nights, Many worry some nights, but its all so good!

So with all this, I am reminded of The Parenting Job Description I posted in December. This is Fantastic and So True

Please share.

When Your Favorite TV shows will return

2008-02-12T14:27:00.000-05:00

Now that the Strike is over. here is some info on when your favorite shows will run again

Keep in mind that the following information remains extremely tentative and is subject to change (and probably will).

24
Season 7 likely postponed until January '09.

30 Rock
Expected to shoot 5 to 10 new episodes to air in April/May.

Aliens in America
Eight pre-strike episodes remain. No additional episodes expected for this season.

Back to You
Two pre-strike episodes remain. Future TBD*.

Battlestar Galactica
Returns April 4 with first half of 20-episode final season. Production on second half could start as early as March. Airdate for those TBD.

The Big Bang Theory
Expected to shoot 5 to 9 new episodes to air in March/April/May.

Big Love
Expected to go into production on Season 3 in March. Airdate info is TBD.

Big Shots
No new episodes expected. Ever.

Bionic Woman
No new episodes expected. Ever.

Bones
Four pre-strike episodes left. Unclear whether additional episodes will be produced for this season.

Boston Legal
Expected to shoot 6 to 8 new episodes to air in April/May.

Brothers & Sisters
One pre-strike episode remains. Expected to shoot 4 or 5 additional episodes to air in April/May.

Burn Notice
Production on Season 2 expected to get under way in late April. New episodes could start airing as early as July.

Cane
No additional episodes expected this season. Future beyond that TBD.

Chuck
No new episodes until fall.

The Closer
Expected to kick off its fourth season this summer.

Cold Case
Expected to shoot 4 to 9 new episodes to air in March/April/May.

Criminal Minds
Expected to shoot 4 to 9 new episodes to air in March/April/May.

CSI
Expected to shoot 4 to 8 new episodes to air in March/April/May.

CSI: Miami
Expected to shoot 4 to 9 new episodes to air in March/April/May.

CSI: NY
Expected to shoot 4 to 8 new episodes to air in March/April/May.

Desperate Housewives
Expected to shoot 4 to 7 new episodes to air in April/May.

Dirty Sexy Money
No new episodes planned until fall; three remaining pre-strike episodes will undergo some tweaking and kick off fall run.

ER
Expected to shoot 4 to 6 new episodes to air in April/May.

Everybody Hates Chris
Twelve pre-strike episodes remain. No additional episodes expected for this season.

Friday Night Lights
No new episodes expected for this season. Future TBD.

The Game
Four pre-strike episodes remain. Expected to shoot 8 or 9 additional episodes to air in March/April/May.

Ghost Whisperer
Expected to shoot 4 to 7 new episodes to air in April/May.

Girlfriends
Two pre-strike episodes remain. No additional episodes expected, although a special one-hour series finale is being discussed.

Gossip Girl
Expected to shoot 5 or 6 episodes to air in April/May.

Greek
Kicks off second half of Season 1 on March 24. Still awaiting Season 2 pickup.

Grey's Anatomy
Expected to shoot 4 to 7 new episodes to air in April/May

Heroes
No new episodes expected until fall.

House
Expected to shoot 4 to 6 new episodes to air in April/May.

How I Met Your Mother
Expected to shoot 5 to 9 new episodes to air in April/May.

Jericho
Seven episodes remain. No additional episodes expected for this season.

Journeyman
No new episodes expected. Ever.

Las Vegas
Two pre-strike episodes remain. No additional episodes expected for this season.

Law & Order
Expected to shoot an indeterminate number of episodes to air in spring.

Law & Order: CI
Expected to shoot an indeterminate number of episodes to air in spring.

Law & Order: SVU
Expected to shoot an indeterminate number of episodes to air in spring.

Life
No new episodes expected until fall.

Life Is Wild
No new episodes expected. Ever.

Lost
Six pre-strike episodes remain. Five additional episodes could air this season.

Medium
Six pre-strike episodes remain. Expected to shoot additional episodes for this season.

Men in Trees
Eleven pre-strike episodes remain. No additional episodes expected this season.

Moonlight
Could produce a handful of new episodes to air in April/May.

My Name Is Earl
Expected to shoot 8 to 10 new episodes to air in April/May.

NCIS
Expected to shoot 5 to 9 new episodes to air in March/April/May.

The New Adventures of Old Christine
Seven pre-strike episodes remain. No additional episodes expected this season.

Nip/Tuck
Season 5 concludes Feb. 19. Production on the show's eight-episode sixth season expected to start up this summer. Airdate TBD.

Numbers
Expected to shoot 5 to 9 new episodes to air in March/April/May.

October Road
Four pre-strike episodes remain. Future beyond that TBD.

The Office
Expected to shoot 5 to 10 new episodes to air in April/May.

One Tree Hill
Six pre-strike episodes remain. Expected to shoot 5 or 6 additional episodes to air in April/May.

Prison Break
Two pre-strike episodes remain. Future beyond that TBD.

Private Practice
Slim chance it could return with 4 or 5 new episodes this season. Either way, it'll be back in the fall.

Pushing Daisies
No new episodes until fall.

Reaper
Three pre-strike episodes remain. Expected to shoot 5 or 6 additional episodes to air in April/May.

The Riches
Seven-episode second season kicks off March 18.

Rules of Engagement
Expected to shoot 4 to 7 additional episodes to air in March/April/May.

Samantha Who?
Three pre-strike episodes remain. Expected to shoot an additional 3 episodes to air this spring, likely after Dancing with the Stars.

Saturday Night Live
Returns Feb. 23.

Scrubs
Four pre-strike episodes remain. Four additional episodes will likely be shot; unclear whether they'll air on NBC or go straight to DVD.

Shark
Expected to shoot as many as four new episodes to air in April/May. Future beyond that TBD.

The Shield
Final season already shot. Airdate TBD.

Smallville
Four pre-strike episodes remain. Expected to shoot 5 or 6 additional episodes to air in April/May.

Supernatural
Two pre-strike episodes remain. Expected to shoot 4 or 5 additional episodes to air in April/May.

Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles
Four pre-strike episodes remain. Future beyond that TBD.

Two and a Half Men
Expected to shoot 5 to 9 new episodes to air in March/April/May.

Ugly Betty
Expected to shoot 4 to 7 new episodes to air in April/May.

The Unit
No additional episodes expected this season. Future beyond that TBD.

Without a Trace
Expected to shoot 4 to 9 new episodes to air in March/April/May.

Women's Murder Club
Back on the critical list. I'm now hearing ABC is thisclose to shutting down Club for good.

* TBD = To be determined

Hail Manning!

2008-02-07T07:26:00.000-05:00

Congrats to the NY Giants for just an incredible Championship Season and beating the 18-1 New England Patriots.

Perhaps one of the top 3 plays in Super bowl History The Hail Manning to David Tyree. If not for this play with less than 2 minutes in the game, The New England Patriots would have secured the perfect season, and regarded as the best football team of all time... but thats not the case. Also below is a fantastic commericial named Perfectville ( Giants )

Perfectville ( Giants )
Population 1

Review - Baby Jogger City Double Stroller

2008-01-24T16:18:00.001-05:00

For City Living, this stroller has it all. Other than being somewhat heavy, it moves so easily on each push and turn. We really like this stroller, and we went with the Baby Jogger over the Mountain Buggy because we felt it gave more room for the children as they grow. I remember thinking I bought a car in quicker time than it took to buy this stroller.

The Double Baby Jogger has the One-Step Quick release reclining system which makes it very easy to place your children in a reclining position or back to a sit up position. The Patented Quick Folding technology is actually a good selling tool, but being such a big well built stroller, and using it quite often here in New York City, we will never fold it up, nor to we have the room to store it in any closet. I can see this quick fold being handy on the single strollers.
While the size seems big, its moves like a luxury SUV. Its fits through all standard size doors, and has just an incredible front wheel suspension which allows you to go over bumps and curbs without interrupting the children.
My girls fall asleep in their Baby Jogger within minutes we put them in.

A couple of small flaws:

I find is that their multi-position adjustable handle bar slips constantly and while I tighten up the bars, it usually goes back to slipping. We deal with it, and understand this is not a normal occurrence, and its really not a big deal.

The Storage underneath is so small, and tough to get anything in and out. I recommend buying The Mommy Hook now this is a great " why didn't I think of that " Product. This hook is sturdy and allows you to hook your bags onto it.

You can expect to pay $549.00 - $599.00 for this stroller, and its worth it. You can buy them on Amazon or at a number or retailers.

Children under 2 shouldn't get cold medicine, for fear of side effects, FDA says

2008-01-17T07:13:00.000-05:00

Government ruling comes after drugs were pulled by companies, and after warnings from scientific advisers

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Thursday, January 17, 2008

WASHINGTON — Parents should not give babies and toddlers over-the-counter cough and cold medicines, the government plans to declare today.

The Food and Drug Administration hasn't decided whether the remedies are appropriate for older children to continue using, officials said.
For now, the FDA is issuing a public health advisory to warn parents to avoid these drugs for children younger than 2 "because serious and potentially life-threatening side effects can occur."

Drug companies in October quit selling dozens of versions of such medications targeted specifically to babies and toddlers. That same month, the FDA's scientific advisers decided that the drugs don't even work in small children and shouldn't be used in preschoolers, either — anyone younger than 6.

Today's advisory will mark the government's first ruling on the issue. It comes because the FDA fears that parents haven't gotten the message and might still have infant-targeted drugs at home or buy drugs meant for older children, said Dr. Charles Ganley of the FDA.

Does MySpace Really Care about Protecting our Children?

2008-01-16T10:25:00.000-05:00

I would like to start by saying that This is not just a " MySpace " Issue. This is an issue for all Community and Social Networking sites. MySpace can set the tone to where the industry can succesful make a difference.

At the end of the day, its the Mom's and Dad's that will make the real difference and montior our children closely.

A New York Times blog named MySpace to Let Parents Block Their Children From Joining notes that attorneys general of 49 states are announcing a partnership with MySpace to fight sexual predators on social networks by letting parents submit the e-mail addresses of their children, so the company can prevent anyone from using that address to set up a profile.

Being in the Online Media business, I believe this is just a very poor way to fix a very serious problem.
Its rather obvious that the Attorney Generals office along with public support is pushing MySpace to act. MySpace, which is owned by Fox probably could not care less about protecting Children from online Bullies, or Sexual Predators. If they did care for a second, they would of taken a pro-active approach to at least address the issue and come up with a plan to assure Parents that we are here to protect. You would think that MySpace would put more of a urgency on this issue in the past, but it takes an Attorney Generals announcement, countless kids being taken advantage of, and in some cases, Death.

So how do you fix something like this?

This is not a easy question to answer, but one thing I am sure of is that having Parents submit email addresses to Myspace is not a fix.

Lets look at this.

Does anyone think for a second many children have only 1 email address, or their parents know of every email address their children have. Yes, I understand as a parent, we should know all the email addresses our kids have, and everything they do, but realistically, that just may be impossible. Why? In this day it is just so easy to get a free email address from Gmail, Yahoo and Hotmail. Children just understand how to work around this system.

I have a real fix I would present to our friends at MySpace... and all the other social networking sites.

Instead of Parents submitting Email addresses, make it easy for parents to submit their home IP Address. MySpace can easily set up a program which easily allows parents to recognize their computers IP Address, which will allow them to submit to Myspace and allow MySpace to block your child's profile. Or you can go here to find out your IP address.

I would even take this a step further, Along with Submitting the IP Address, They would need to list the School they are attending. This will allow for a master Data Base of all Schools, In which the Schools Administrator can share the Ip addresses so the children cannot set up " new profiles " in School. In a perfect world, Schools should not even allow any access to any Social Networking Site, but that may not be the case. If the Parents put enough pressure on the School administrators, they will get everything they need to make sure that their kids are protected.

This by no means will fixed the issue overnight, but it may be a good start, and it will show me that MySpace really does care about protecting our children.

Whats your Opionion on this? Dont be shy

Separated-at-birth twins get married

2008-01-11T15:47:00.000-05:00

This is an absolutley incredible story I read today.

LONDON (AFP) - Twins who were separated at birth and adopted by different sets of parents later married each other without realising they were brother and sister, a peer has told the House of Lords.

David Alton, an independent, pro-life member of the Lords, said the brother and sister were granted an annulment after a high court judge ruled that the marriage had never validly existed.

The Catholic politician -- who discovered the case after talking to a judge -- used it to highlight perceived deficiencies in the government's proposed Human Embryology and Tissues Bill, which is currently going through parliament.

The bill is designed to make it easier for lesbian and gay couples to have children through assisted reproduction, recognising same-sex partners as legal parents of babies conceived through donated sperm, eggs or embryos.

But it contains no provision to require the identity of the donor to be disclosed, potentially meaning a child could not be told they were conceived by assisted reproduction.

Alton raised the case of the married twins -- who were born after IVF treatment -- during a debate on December 10, details of which only appeared on Friday.

"There are implications for everybody involved, but the needs of the child will always be paramount, and it is right that we should therefore make the process as transparent as possible," Alton told the Lords.

IVF -- which increases the chances of multiple births -- meant such cases could become more common if the law does not require children to be told they were donor conceived and have access to their genetic history, he said.

"The right of children to know the identity of their biological parents is a human right," he added Friday.

"There will be more cases like this if children are not given access to the truth. The needs of the child must always be paramount."

The identities of the twins and details of their relationship and marriage have been kept secret, but it was known they were separated soon after birth and never told they were twins.

They only discovered they were blood relatives after the wedding.

Sounds hard to believe? here is a link to the story

FreshDad is Down on the Buckeyes

2008-01-08T14:50:00.000-05:00

This should be a record of some sorts. The Ohio State Buckeyes Lost (3) Championship games in a 13 month period. In Football, They lost The National Championship game last January 2007 to Florida, And in 2008, they lost last nite The National Championship game to LSU. Also In March of 2007, they lost to Florida in the NCAA Basketball championship game.

FreshDad doesnt feel bad for them

I wouldn't feel too bad for them. Being an Ohio State Alumni, Its somewhat of a bummer, but I will not lose sleep over it. While nobody remembers who finished 2nd, I tip my hats off to The Ohio State University Athletic programs for consistently being in the Elite, at a time when they lose many players each and every year to the professional ranks.

I couldn't imagine a business in corporate America where they have to recruit the best people for perhaps a 2-4 year period, and your lifeline is bringing in more talented people each and every year to plug in for the those who leave, only to find your selves recruiting more when that class is moving on.

College sports is a very tough, and ridiculously competitive. I do think these Athletes should be compensated to some extent, but an amount that allows them to " live " and that's all. Yes, I understand they get A college education, free school meals and board, but in this day and age, that only helps down the road when they do not owe any money for college loans.

These Student Athletes cannot even take on a job because they responsibilities are where they should be, with the program. With these schools making millions of dollars ( and lots of millions ) they should be a way where they can pay the athlete a modest monthly sum, with a greater payout in after they graduate. Lets incentivize these Athletes to graduate, and focus on their education.

I don't know if it were to make a difference, but if I were facing dropping out, or finishing school to get my " bonus " I would finish off, and it ends up at win-win for both the Student Athlete, and the school.

While the Buckeyes cant seem to win the big game as of late, they are true winners, and should be proud of their accomplishments. The School earned a nice payday for being in the National Championship game. A cool 18 millions dollars for showing up.

GO BUCKEYES!

Family Dog Mauls 8-month old boy

2008-01-04T10:13:00.000-05:00

I do not like to write on stories that have a tragic ending but as a caring parent, I feel its important to notify my readers on the story of an 8 month old boy being cared for by his grandmother. This little Boy was bitten on the head by his family dog in Brooklyn, New York on Thursday, January 3rd and tragically died.

Neighbors said the dog ( a Doberman Pinscher )was docile and friendly and would allow them to pet it.

I understand millions of people have Dogs as family pets, but this story I hope will open every pet owners eys with young children. I would expect most would say " never my dog " or " " My dog is so good with my infant " Which in most cases is true. But if we are not watching our kids constantly, you can get into a situation where the baby tuggs on the dogs ear, or grabs their hair which can set them off.

Many of us that do not have pets have friends who do have dogs. We have to be very careful when we bring our kids over. It is our responsibility to always supervise. Our Young children are for the most part always exploring, I can see where they can mistake a dog from a big stuffed animal, and accidently anger the dog. We just all need to be extra careful.

I know this does sound rather obvious, but we need reminders constantly.

I hope I never ever read another story like this, and just want to share this with everyone.

Please share your thoughts on this

For Full Story as reported click here.

Thanks

FreshDad's Parenting reflections for a brand new year - 2008

2008-01-02T16:55:00.000-05:00

What a wonderful year it has been for my family. In May, 2007 my wife and I welcomed our 2 beautiful girls into this world. So many great things have happened ed to us in 2007, I am just so excited to see what 2008 brings us.

With this New Year comes reflection. Being a new Dad, Reflection now is very rewarding. You truly understand the term counting your blessings, and how to improve on your parenting skills. I am far from a perfect parent, but I am real close :) .

In all seriousness, Having a parenting road map for 2008 may not be such a bad idea. I am pretty sure that if I was to start on focusing on certain goals, it will continue throughout my children's lives which will hopefully have a positive effect.

My children are coming on to 8 months, and as each month passes, their are new stages of development that our children and we experience. It only gets harder, and as a very involved Dad, I not only want to excel in each stage, I want to have somewhat of a plan.

If you have any favorite kids tips you would like to share, Click here to post it. We all can learn a little something from everyone.

As for me, I always want to stick to my gut feeling and not second guess myself. Sometimes when you make decisions for your children, you can get overwhelmed in trying to make the right decision, and end up making no decision at all.

Not me in 2008, go with the gut, and most of the time its correct, and if its not, I am sure it will not be a detrimental decision that will affect your kids lives.

Happy New year Everyone

FreshDad Wishes Everyone a Happy and Healthy New Year

2007-12-26T06:43:00.000-05:00

I cannot believe how fast time goes by. Now that the holidays are past, we all look to close 2007 and look forward to a fantastic 2008. While it will be hard to top just an incredible 2007, I look forward to an even better 2008.

I started FreshDad based on a promise to my wife that I would be a Dad that is very involved, never to think I would take it to the world!

I look forward to getting many Dad's involved with Freshdad. I hope 2008 bring's more Dads to FreshDad where they can share their experiences with Fatherhood, a review on a Baby Product, or whatever they would like to share. The Success of FreshDad will rely on many people sharing their thoughts, somewhat like an online community for Parenting.

Spread the word, invite all the Dads you know to share their knowledge at Freshdad.com, Your One-Stop Parenting Resource.

If you use any of the Community Sites ( Facebook, MySpace), spread the word there. Freshdad will be the #1 Daddy site on the Internet, and just think how many happier moms there will be with more involved Dads.

I look forward to 2008!

Happy and Healthy New Year to everyone

Fresh Daddy Pick - BabiePlates.com

2007-12-20T10:49:00.000-05:00

My wife recently ordered me customized FreshDad BabiePlates.

What is a BabiePlates?

BabyPlates are the trendy baby name license plate and a great baby accesory product.

Why BabiePlates?

At first, I thought it would be great to have my FreshDad logo on a License Plate, and being attached to our Stroller. ( a way to promote FreshDad in NYC )

I realized how it allows for any parent to recognized their stroller in a public area. Here In NYC, and I am guessing in other bigger cities, many people have the same strollers. There is just a enormous amount of Black Strollers on the streets here. Many places here in NYC, have designated areas to leave your strollers, making it a challange to get your quickly, especially when your kids are acting up a bit as we all know this situation.

With these License plates, Its Easy to recognize your stroller in public places.

Product Users and Life Cycle

* (Age 0-1 or walking) - Buy for baby stroller name plate – Identify your baby stroller in a flash in popular baby stroller parking areas (houses of worship, restaurants, etc).
* (Ages 1-7) - Move to bedroom door/wall – Hang on your child’s bedroom door or wall.
* (Ages 7-eternity) - Move to baby memoirs - Ultimately save with your baby memoirs.
* Excellent and personalized gift idea – Buy for baby shower, newborn, birthday, holiday gift..perfect gift idea from grandparents, godparents, relatives, friends or coworkers.

These Plates start at 39.95, and are well worth it. You can customize it to say whatever you want, whether its your childs name, or a phrase.

BabiePlates is based out of Long Island New York. Check out their Site
Click here to visit BabiePlates.com

Parenting Job Description

2007-12-14T09:20:00.000-05:00

This is hysterical. If it had been presented this way,
I don't believe any of us would have done it! :)

Job Description

POSITION :
Mom, Mommy, Mama, Ma
Dad, Daddy, Dada, Pa, Pop

JOB DESCRIPTION :

Long term, team players needed, for challenging
permanent work in an
often chaotic environment..
Candidates must possess excellent communication
and organizational skills and be willing to work
variable hours, which will include evenings and weekends
and frequent 24 hour shifts on call.
Some overnight travel required, including trips to
primitive camping sites on rainy weekends and endless sports tournaments in far away cities!
Travel expenses not reimbursed.
Extensive courier duties also required.

RESPONSIBILITIES :

The rest of your life.
Must be willing to be hated, at least temporarily,
until someone needs $5.
Must be willing to bite tongue repeatedly.
Also, must possess the physical stamina of a
pack mule
and be able to go from zero to 60 mph in three seconds flat
in case, this time, the screams from
the backyard are not someone just crying wolf.
Must be willing to face stimulating technical challenges,
such as small gadget repair, mysteriously sluggish toilets
and stuck zippers.
Must screen phone calls, maintain calendars and
coordinate production of multiple homework projects.
Must have ability to plan and organize social gatherings
for clients of all ages and mental outlooks.
Must be willing to be indispensable one minute,
an embarrassment the next.
Must always hope for the best but be prepared for the worst.
Must assume final, complete accountability for
the quality of the end product.
Responsibilities also include floor maintenance and
janitorial work throughout the facility.

POSSIBILITY FOR ADVANCEMENT & PROMOTION :

None.
Your job is to remain in the same position for years, without complaining, constantly retraining and updating your skills,
so that those in your charge can ultimately surpass you

PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE :

None required unfortunately.
On-the-job training offered on a continually exhausting basis.

WAGES AND COMPENSATION :

Get this! You pay them!
Offering frequent raises and bonuses.
A balloon payment is due when they turn 18 because
of the assumption that college will help them
become financially independent.
When you die, you give them whatever is left.
The oddest thing about this reverse-salary scheme is that
you actually enjoy it and wish you could only do more.

BENEFITS :

While no health or dental insurance, no pension,
no tuition reimbursement, no paid holidays and
no stock options are offered;
this job supplies limitless opportunities for personal growth, unconditional love,
and free hugs and kisses for life if you play your cards right.

FreshDad is in Park CIty Utah

2007-12-13T18:26:00.000-05:00

I am here in Park City, Utah. Its Snowing, Its terribly Cold, but absolutely beautiful. My Girls finally slept through the nite with no interruption. Unfortunately for me, I was up at 4:00 am to get to the Airport. Fortunately for my wife, she slept well, and we hope to have many more nites of sleep.

I cant wait to go back home tomorrow. As beautiful this place is, it doesn't come close to my beautiful girls.

FreshDad will be back with " Fresh " Posts soon.

It's FreshDad's Birthday!!!!

2007-12-08T21:04:00.000-05:00

FreshDad had a great birthday today with his Wife and 2 little Girls. I remember the days when a birthday was relaxing... Being my first birthday with children, it was everything but relaxing. It was a great birthday, and now I am off to bed.

Happy Holidays

The Evolution of Dad part 2

2007-12-05T15:55:00.000-05:00

Please let me know what you think of these videos. Your comments are welcomed!

Received great response to my reviews on the Evolution of Dad Fathers Day video Segments where I would like to post other great clips from the documentary :

Remembering

Gratitude

Forgiveness

Your Holiday Online Discounts

2007-12-04T15:40:00.000-05:00

American Eagle Outfitters Coupon Code: 64152219 (15% off from Nov. 27 - Dec. 11, 2007)

Armani Exchange Coupon Code: STYLE20 ($20 off $100 from ? - ? )

Banana Republic Coupon Code: BRHOLIDAY (20% off from Nov 27 – Dec 24, 2007)

Barnes & Noble Coupon Code: T4N3B6W (25% off Single Item on Nov 27 – Dec 10, 2007)

Bed Bath Store Coupon Code: holiday07 ($15 off $75 from Nov. 28 - Dec. 10, 2007)

Diapers.com

eToys
Golf Smith Coupon Code: FFD07 (UP TO 30% off from Nov. 28 - Dec. 4, 2007) Exclusions, here's the original post

Hasbro Toy Shop Coupon Code: FRIENDS20 (20% off from Dec 2 - Dec. 9, 2007)

JC Penny Coupon Code: CHAMPION (20% off from Dec. 9, 2007)

Limited Too Just click link for savings (25% off from Nov 27 – Dec 9, 2007)

Linen & Things Coupon Code: 223823997733 (20% off from Nov 30 – Dec 31, 2007)

Nike Coupon Code: 2PCTH7A (20% off $125 from Nov 27 – Dec 24, 2007)

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Sephora Coupon Code: FF2007 (20% off from Nov. 28 - Dec 31, 2007)

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Snap Fish Coupon Code: FRIENDS07 (25% off on Nov 27 – Dec 25, 2007)

Victoria's Secret Coupon Code: FA78113 or FA78449 ($15 off $100, $30 off $150, $75 off $250, & $150 off $500 from Nov. 28 - Dec. 20, 2007)

WinkFlash Coupon Code: G3F8E7W4 (40% off from Nov 28 – Dec 15, 2007 )

Yankee Candle Just cick link for savings ($10 off $25 from Nov 27 - Dec. 22, 2007)

Printable Instore Coupons

Borders or Waldenbooks (20% off from Nov 27 – Dec 6, 2007)

H&M (25% off from Dec. 7 - Dec. 9, 2007)

JC Penny (20% off on Dec. 9, 2007)

Kirklands (25% off Single Item from Nov 27 – Dec 31, 2007)
Loehmanns (15% off Reduced Item & 20% off Clearance Item from Nov 27 – Dec 31, 2007)

Limited Too (25% off from Nov 27 – Dec 9, 2007)

Linen & Things (20% off from Nov. 27 - Dec. 31, 2007)

Lord & Taylor (15% off from Nov. 9 - Dec. 24, 2007)

New York & Company ($30 off $75 from Nov 27 – Dec 3, 2007)Niketown, Nike Women, Nike Outlet - Front / Back 30% off 11/29 - 12/2 YMMV

oshKosh ($10 off $50 from Nov 26 – Dec 11, 2007)
Radio Shack (Various Deals Dec 1, 2007 from 7am - 9am)

Sharper Image ($10 off $100 from Nov 27 – Jan 31, 2008)

Staples (12% off from Dec. 2 - Dec. 8, 2007)

Yankee Candle ($10 off $25 from Nov 27 - Dec. 22, 2007)

Grandma was right all this time !

2007-12-04T07:03:00.000-05:00

A new report today states that a teaspoon of honey before bed seems to calm children's cough and help them sleep better. In a three way comparison, Honey did better than Cough Medicine and no treatment at all.

For the research, researchers recruited 105 children with upper respiratory infections from a clinic in Pennsylvania. Parents were given a paper bag with a dosing device inside. Some were empty. Some contained an age-appropriate dose of honey-flavored cough medicine containing dextromethorphan. And some contained a similar dose of honey.

Federal health advisers have recently warned that over-the-counter cough and cold medicines shouldn't be used in children younger than 6, and manufacturers are taking some products for babies off the market .

Honey should not be giving to anyone under the age of 1 year because of a rare but serious risk of botulism.

The parents were asked about their children's sleep and cough symptoms, once before the bedtime treatment and once after. They rated the symptoms on a seven-point scale.

All of the children got better, but honey consistently scored best in parents' rating of their children's cough symptoms.

The Evolution of Dad

2007-11-29T20:25:00.000-05:00

Today, I traded emails with Dana Glazer who is the Filmmaker to a short Documentary Titled, The Evolution of Dad.The clips below is pretty much a Fathers Day tribute to Dads which was done in conjunction with the larger feature length documentary.

You can go to his site to see his amazing credentials. Anyways, when I had a moment this evening to check out his these clips on Dads, I got a little emotional. Being a new dad, I never thought how much of a positive impact my baby girls would have on me, and how much being a daddy has actually changed me. Change is not good, its great.

I wanted to play and share a couple of segments that both my wife and I enjoyed. Please go to his site for other segments of his Documentary.

I hope you enjoy as much as I did.

Segment: Kids

Segment : Affection

Toys R Us is advertising RECALLED Aqua Dots in the Sunday Circular 11/25/07

2007-11-25T11:40:00.001-05:00

While I was going through the Sunday papers today, I opened the Toys R Us weekly Circular. This was the circular named Power Play Sale - Sale Dates November 25 - December 1, 2007. I was shocked to see on the 2nd page Aqua Dots Super Studio Being advertised prominently on the page. This is the same Aqua Dots that was
recalled 3 weeks ago to hazards if injested
The popular toy beads pulled from U.S. store shelves about a month ago because they are coated in a chemical that can turn into the "date-rape" drug gamma hydroxy butyrate.

Injesting Aqua Dots could cause breathing problems, loss of consciousness, seizures, drowsiness, coma and death if ingested. Nine children in the United States and three children in Australia have become sick.

I am assuming these circulars were printed in advance of the recall which is really not an excuse to include them. They could of easily stopped it. ToysRus is not selling the AquaDots in their stores or online, so this can be chalked up as a mistake.
What got me angry was the AquaDots picture toysRus used says clearly, 2007 Toy of the Year.

This error should not of happened, If you look at the online version of the ad, the AquaDots are not listed on the same page. I am including pictures of both the online page of the circular, and the one that came in the circular this morning.

For this "Mistake " Toys R us wins the First Annual FreshDad Turkey Award.

Circular from the Sunday Newspaper ( with AquaDots )

Online Version

Happy holidays!!!

2007-11-23T22:19:00.000-05:00

Happy Holidays Everyone. Thanksgiving is a great time to be with family. With two 6 month old girls, it also means packing up an SUV for a simple day trip. I remember when planning on leaving at 1:00 meant taking a shower at 12:30, out the door at 1:00. Now, it means, start getting ready at 11:30, and still getting out late.

Please spread the word about Freshdad.

Black Friday Ads

2007-11-19T20:23:00.000-05:00

Can you believe the holiday season is upon us? Its that time of the year. If you shop retail, you can expect to wait on long lines this week. For those brave souls who want a great deal visit one of my favorite sites, bfads.net and for another great site for Black Friday sales, try
Black-Friday.net

Happy holidays and thank you for visiting Freshdad

FreshDad

Kitchen on Fire - Fire Safety Month Video - Watch this now!

2007-11-14T15:30:00.000-05:00

This is a dramatic video (30-second, very short) about how to deal with a common kitchen fire ... Oil in a frying pan. Please read the following introduction and then watch the show .. It's a real eye-opener!!

Perhaps you'll want to send this one on to your family and friends. If so send them the link to this post, it is VERY important we understand what to do in the event of a fire in the Kitchen.

At the Charleston Navy base at the Fire Fighting Training school they would demonstrate this with a deep fat fryer set on the fire field. An instructor would don a fire suit and using an 8 oz Cup at the end of a 10 foot pole toss water onto the grease fire.

The results got the attention of the students. The water, being heavier than the oil, sinks to the bottom where it instantly becomes superheated. The EXPLOSIVE force of the steam blows the burning oil up and out. On the open field, it became a thirty foot high fireball that resembled a Nuclear Blast. Inside the confines of a kitchen, the fire ball hits the Ceiling and fills the entire room.

Also, do not throw sugar or flour on a grease fire. One cup creates the explosive force of two sticks of dynamite.

Again, share this with your friends and family, If we can help just one family avoid the potential horrors a fire can cause in the kitchen, that would be very satisfying.

The Myths of China and Toys

2007-11-13T07:11:00.000-05:00

I recently read a Commentary written by the past CEO / Chairman of Hasbro Alan Hassenfeld who's Grandfather also founded the company in 1923. The purpose of this article was as he says " providing perspective of someone who cares deeply about the toy industry"

I agree while there has been a number of recalls for a variety reasons, many are deserved recalls, but as I did post in the past, many are not. Many are just happeneing based on lack of commensense on the Parents.

Mr Hassenfeld grew up in the toy business, my first thought was he was trying to " save face " just perfectly timed for the holiday season, and than after reading his commentary, this really is a guy who is not a reporter, but someone who understands the situation better than anyone. But lets not be Naive here, he also has a vested interest in the success of Hasbro.

While he makes no apologies for the toy industry or even for China, he wanted to straigten out what he thinks are some pretty broadly held misconceptions.

I want to share them with my readers below :

( please note that the below commentary was found at Forbes.com )

--Misconception: Product design and quality issues are endemic in the toy industry.
--Fact: All of the products recalled so far in 2007 amount to about nine-tenths of 1% of the 3 billion toys sold in the United States each year. There are many hundreds of toy brands (500 in the Toy Industry Association), but only four accounted for 75% of all the products recalled. And just two of those four accounted for about 54% of the toys recalled for excess lead in their paint.

--Misconception: China is one of the main culprits in all these recalls; it is their fault that our children are in danger.
--Fact: That is simply not true. Companies manufacture, import and sell products; countries do not. The Consumer Product Safety Commission rightly holds those who order the toys and bring them into the country responsible for the safety of those toys. Equally important is the fact that about 74% of the toys recalled were for design-related issues, not manufacturing-related ones. The designs are the primary responsibility of those who order the toys, not only of those who manufacture them. Let us take responsibility for our actions and not blame others

--Misconception: China is responsible for the loss of American jobs in the toy industry.
--Fact: Again, not true; China is simply the latest country where production has concentrated so that its cheaper labor costs can translate into lower prices to consumers. Toy production started moving out of the United States over 50 years ago, going first to Japan, then to Taiwan and Korea and other Asian countries. It was in the mid-1980s that China began its export of toys.

--Misconception: The toy industry is so focused on reducing costs that it is willing to use factories that mistreat their workers.
--Fact: The worldwide toy industry is an acknowledged leader in ensuring that workers in its suppliers' factories are treated fairly. The International Council of Toy Industries' (ICTI) Code of Business Practices, one of the first such codes in the world, obligates its members to treat workers fairly. Through its ICTI CARE Process, a comprehensive system has been developed to ensure that factories adhere to the standards established by the Code.

In the past three years, nearly 1,200 factories employing over a million workers have entered the program. Its Seal of Compliance, issued to factories who have achieved those standards, are accepted by just about all of the major toy retailers in the U.S. There is still much to do, as this is a long journey that brings retailers, brands, civil society and government together. For now, we must continue to monitor and audit all factories in the system, but our primary objective is to build capacity through education programs. Our stated goal is one global standard for the ethical manufacturing of children's products.

His final thought is this: Why shouldn't there be one worldwide set of safety standards and safety testing procedures? That way, all countries would adhere to one proven standard, so that we could assure parents everywhere that the toys they give to their children are safe. If I could have one wish granted, it would be this one: that all children have safe toys to play with--no matter where they live.

Please share your thoughts on this.
--------------------

Toy Recall : Aqua Dots contain Toxic Chemicals for Children

2007-11-08T07:12:00.000-05:00

This toy is so popular, just about every child wants and now should be taken out of their hands immediatley.

4.2 million Chinese-made Aqua Dots Toys Recalled

A children's toy being pulled from shelves Wednesday evening after it was discovered that it contains a chemical that converts into the date rape drug if swallowed.

Aqua Dots are a Chinese made art toy that allows you to arrange color beads and fuse them together with water. Wednesday stores like Target and Walmart are taking them off the shelves and the government is recalling millions of the packets.

The problem is scientists said the beads contain a chemical that the human body metabolizes into the so-called date rape drug gamma hydroxy butyrate. When eaten, the compound made from common and easily available ingredients can induce unconsciousness, seizures, drowsiness, coma and death.

Again, anyone with Aqua dots in their home should throw them out. The Toy was named toy of the year in Austrailia and recently made Wal-Mart store list of top 12 christmas toys

This recall is caused due to three children in Austrailia being hospitaizied due to injestion of these Aqua Dots.

PLEASE SHARE THIS POSTING TO ALL YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY WITH CHILDREN
Copy and paste the following link that will take them right to this page
http://freshdad.blogspot.com/2007/11/toy-recall-aqua-dots-contain-toxic.html

Marathon Sunday in NYC

2007-11-05T22:08:00.000-05:00

Marathon Sunday is arguably the best day to be here in New York City. With Beautiful weather, over a million cheering people on the streets, and over 30,000 runners, it has my vote as the best day in NYC. We took our 6 month old girls outside our apartment, which happens to be in the route of the Marathon ( Mile 15 ), and just had a great time with everyone.

If you have never been to New York City to experience the incredible pulse of the Marathon, book your trip for next year. It is always held on the first Sunday in November. November 2nd, 2008 is the date.

Early Warning Signs of Autism - A Special Report

2007-11-01T04:54:00.000-05:00

Alarming Fact : One in every 150 children is diagnosed with autism,and every day, 67 more children are diagnosed.

I would like to tell everyone about a website that was just launched called Autism Speaks. This site has everything in which all parents can visit, to be informed on this devastating Disorder. Autism Speaks is a Non Profit which raised over $33 Million and Committed to $25 Million to fund Scientific Research.

Speaking as a new Parent, you really should use this site as only a resource and NOT as a diagnostic tool for your children. This site is a great first stop for parents. The Video Glossary shows many different examples of children that show signs of Autism and the those who do not.

EARLY WARNING SIGNS OF AUTISM - A SPECIAL REPORT

Doctors Call for Early Detection, Treatment of Autism.

The American Academy of Pediatrics has called for every child to be screened for autism.

Over the past 15 years, there has been an enormous, some say alarming, increase in autism diagnoses among young children

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention developed guidelines for detecting autism and getting early treatment, with the help of Rebecca Landa, director of the Center for Autism and Related Disorders at the Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore

Key Facts on Autism:
Autism is a neurological disorder in which people have difficulty communicating and interacting socially with others.

Autistic children often speak little, ignore others and display repetitive behavior, such as spinning in circles or focusing on one object for hours. They may excel at something in detail, such as spelling or playing a musical instrument, but become overwhelmed when trying to navigate the world at large.

In the United States, about 17 percent of children have a developmental or behavioral disability such as autism, mental retardation and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

New studies suggest that the earlier the detection, the greater chance of improvement in language, cognitive, social and motor skills.

Early Signs of Autism:

At 6 months:

Not making eye contact with parents during interaction.

Not cooing or babbling.

Not smiling when parents smile.

Not participating in vocal turn-taking (baby makes a sound, adult makes a sound, and so forth).

Not responding to peek-a-boo game.

At 12 months:

No attempts to speak.

Not pointing, waving or grasping.

No response when name is called.

Indifferent to others.

Repetitive body motions such as rocking or hand flapping.

Fixation on a single object.

Oversensitivity to textures, smells, sounds.

Strong resistance to change in routine.

Any loss of language.

At 24 months:

Does not initiate two-word phrases (that is, doesn't just echo words).

Any loss of words or developmental skill.

Source: Rebecca Landa, Center for Autism and Related Disorders at the Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore.

Impt Information - Playtex New 10oz expandable drop in Liners

2007-10-31T13:21:00.000-05:00

Recently I bought about 10 boxes of the Playtex Drop in Liners ( We go through alot with twins!). Since we had our 2 girls in May, we have loved the playtex Drop-in bottles and Liners. It just makes everything very easy with very little maintenance. When my wife first showed me them, I was sold right away. In my mind I heard a voice that said " Very Little Cleaning ", and just too easy.

Recently Playtex decided to come out with their " New and Improved " Liners. It now says on the box, Expandable to 10oz. So to let you know, in the past, it only held 8oz of Formula. A few weeks go by and my wife started bringing up concerns how our kids aren't drinking as much formula as they did in the past. We didn't know if its because we started them on Rice cereal, or if they are just were not as hungry as in the past.

Note that we have been using the new liners for about a month now.

Over this past weekend, I was at a friends house preparing my kids dinner. I poured in an 8 oz can of formula into the liner which was already in the bottle. I notice it only filled up to the 6 oz line, I did it for my other child and the same result.

It than hit me. These new liners hold 25% more, but the bottles do not recognize it. I felt really dumb at that moment, but than I thought... If we experienced this, than I have to bet many people using these liners have had a similar experience.

So basically, the entire time my wife thought our kids we rent getting enough formula, they actually were. The Bottle was off 25%. So if we filled the formula to the 6 oz line, it really is 8 oz. You can do the Math on the rest.

You would think the Brains behind Playtex would colorize the ounce markers on the Liners, but no such luck. They are as clear as the liner which makes it next to impossible to read, even for perfect eyes like mine. If they just put the ounce markers on the liners black, I would probably not have a big problem with this being that I would be able to see thru the clear bottle to see how much formula is in the bottle.

So I went right to the box, and to Playtex's Credit, they did recognize it by saying in small letters on the box that older bottles will not line up correctly. I go back to the store, and the older bottles are still the ones on the shelves.

Playtex should of been much clearer on this. One may think new and improved is better, but in this case, it just caused alot of problems.

I only wish Playtex would give me the option to but the 8oz liners and not the new and improved 10oz ones. I am not buying new bottles. So I am returning the new liners I bought, and just going with the Target Brand 8oz Liners.

U.S Consumer Group flags more toys with lead

2007-10-29T22:00:00.000-05:00

Here we go again... and again... and again... its hard to keep up with all these recalls but here is yet another.

Pass this along to all your friends and family with small children.

Dishes, toys, jewelry and backpacks that have not yet been recalled all carry "worrisome" levels of lead, the nonprofit Consumers Union said on Monday.

The group's Consumer Reports magazine staff recommended that people immediately stop using some of the products tested.

"Our lab tests detected lead at widely varying levels in samples of dishware, jewelry, glue stick caps, vinyl backpacks, children's ceramic tea sets and other toys and items not on any federal recall list," the group wrote in a magazine report.

It said the items were not included in recent recalls. Last week the Consumer Product Safety Commission recalled 665,000 products, including Go Diego Go Animal Rescue Boats from Mattel Inc's Fisher-Price division.

More than 20 million toys made in China have been recalled worldwide over the past four months due to potentially dangerous levels of lead and hazards posed by small magnets that can be swallowed.

Retailers and manufacturers have stepped up product testing, as high levels of lead can cause brain damage in children.

"We screened products from stores and consumers' homes in the New York metropolitan area using home lead testing kits and an X-ray fluorescence analyzer," the magazine article reads.

Consumers Union said some of the products it tested included a Fisher-Price blood pressure cuff from a toy medical kit, caps from seven Elmer's Glue Sticks and some duck-shaped backpacks.

"We detected the highest concentration of total lead, more than 10,000 parts per million, in a cuff that a child had regularly played with for the past two years," the group wrote.

The caps were on glue sticks decorated with cartoon characters and were all orange colored, the group added.

"What we envision is that a child will pull the cap off with their teeth will potentially chew on it," Donald Mays, who heads product safety planning for the group, said in a telephone interview.

Mays said the group used commercially available home lead testing kits.

"Any time that we saw a positive result with these kits and did more scientific testing for lead, we confirmed the presence of lead," he said.

The group said it also found lead in products that were unlikely to leach lead, even when chewed on by children, which raised less concern.

"There is no federal standard for lead in plastics, but the amount of lead detected in the glue stick caps was more than three times the 600 parts per million allowable for paint in the United States," the article reads.

"If you own those items, Consumers Union recommends that you remove them from use."

BUMBO BABY SEATS RECALLED

2007-10-25T13:36:00.000-05:00

CPSC: Kids Could Fall Out, Suffer Serious Head Injuries If Seats Are Used On Elevated Surfaces.

My first thought :

1) What parent would actually put their kid on a bumbo, on a high surface area.

My second thought:

2) Just another Recall due to poor commonsense or as some people say, The Duh Factor.

My third thought

3) I have been concerned at my children falling off of this Bumbo when on the floor. I would never even consider putting this on a Counter or a Chair... You are just asking for problems.

It is not surprising at all that this popular baby seat is also potentially dangerous and being recalled. Just recently my wife was nervous about putting our kids in the Bumbo due to her fear they can fall out. I admit, I got caught up with the hype of the Bumbo, but now I really just cannot stop thinking of what our Doctor Said. She said its just pure marketing and there is no need. If I recall, she may of also said there is more risk than reward due to potential accidents that can occur, but at the time was not published.

Just last week, I was alerted by seeing alot of Bumbos at discounted local stores in the New York City Area, selling them at half the price of the bigger retailers. This was really concerning to me. Why would this company sell the same product to these small 99 cent type of stores. Was their something that Bumbo knew about in which they just wanted to clear their wharehouse? Dont know, but perhaps.

My last thought is that I would NEVER put my baby on a Bumboo on high surfaces. This is just plain Commonsense. For the most part,many recalls occur due to people who perhaps do not use best judgement. And Last, always supervise, and NEVER leave the baby alone on the Bumbo( again, Commonsense people)

Article below. Your comments are welcomed

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced the voluntary recall of about a million Bumbo "Baby Sitter" Seats, made by Bumbo International of South Africa. The CPSC says, "If the seat is placed on a table, countertop, chair, or other elevated surface, young children can arch their backs, flip out of the Bumbo seat, and fall onto the floor, posing a risk of serious head injuries."

The agency says it's had 28 reports of young children falling out of the seats, and sustaining injuries that included three skull fractures suffered when kids fell out of Bumbo seats that had been placed on tables.

The seats were sold by Target, Wal-Mart, Sears, Kmart, Toys R Us, Babies R Us, USA Babies, and various other toy and children's stores nationwide, as well as numerous online vendors, from August 2003 through October 2007, the CPSC says. They cost $40.

Consumers should never use the infant seat on a table, countertop, chair, or other elevated surface, the agency warns.

It adds that consumers can contact Bumbo to obtain warning label stickers and instructions, free of charge. The new warning label will state: "WARNING -- Prevent Falls; Never use on any elevated surface."

Consumers should use the Bumbo seat at ground level, but should never leave a child unattended when the youngster is in the seat, the CPSC points out.

Consumers can contact Bumbo International at (877) 932-8626 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. eastern time, Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.bumbosafety.com.

Freshdad is Traveling!!!

2007-10-21T21:33:00.000-05:00

Will be back mid week.

If anyone wants to write a review or anything email me at freshdad@gmail.com

FDA Panel : No evidence cold medicine works in Kids

2007-10-20T06:24:00.000-05:00

WASHINGTON - A U.S. Food and Drug Administration panel said Friday, October 19th there is no evidence that popular over-the-counter cold and cough medicines work in children, and said the products shouldn't be used in children younger than age 6.

"There's overwhelming evidence they are not generally recognized as effective in (children) age 2 to 12," said panel member Thomas Newman, a professor in the epidemiology and biostatistics department at the University of California, San Francisco. While panel members said there was "modest" evidence that the drugs work in adults, they said the handful of studies conducted in children suggest the drugs don't work. The panel unanimously called for new studies in children.

The panel voted 13-9 to recommend that over-the-counter cold and cough products not be used in children younger than age six. An estimated 95 million units of over-the-counter cold and cough medicines are sold each year in the U.S. for adults and children.

While the panel overwhelmingly said the products haven't been proven to work in children 11 and younger, the panel, by a vote of 15 to 7, stopped short of recommending the products not be used at all in older children.

Amy Celento-Stamateris, the patient representative on the panel, said if there were no children's cold and cough products on the market, "there are many people who will administer (adult) products to their children because they work for them and I'd be very concerned."

In advance of the meeting, major drug companies said last week they would stop selling cold and cough products aimed at children younger than 2 years old. Some of the products include an infant version of Johnson & Johnson's (JNJ) Tylenol Plus Cold, Novartis AG's (NVS) Triaminic Infant & Toddler Thin Strips Decongestant and a Robitussin product sold by Wyeth (WYE).

Linda Suydam, president of the Consumer Healthcare Products Association, a trade group that represents makers of over-the-counter drugs, said products for children 2 to 6 years old will remain on the market.

"These products are safe and effective and parents rely on them," she said, adding that industry would conduct additional studies to show the drugs are effective in children.

A group of Maryland doctors petitioned the agency earlier this year to require the products to state that they aren't safe and effective for use in children younger than age 6, which prompted the review of children's cold and cough medicines by the FDA. The FDA said it wanted the panel's advice on whether the products were safe and effective in children 11 and younger before deciding on the petition.

FDA officials said they needed time to review the panel recommendations before deciding what to do next and said any labeling changes would have to go through a lengthy federal rule-making process. But in the meantime, John Jenkins, director of the FDA's Office of New Drugs, said the agency would "get back to the public in the near future about whether we have any recommendations about the safe and effective use of these products."

Last month, an analysis prepared for the meeting by an FDA medical reviewer said cold and cough medications in children younger than age six have been tied to "serious side effects, including death." However, the panel focused its discussions more broadly on whether the drugs worked and said safety problems seen with the drugs were small compared to overall use of the products.

Most of the active ingredients in various medicines, such as cough suppressants and nasal decongestants, have been on the market for decades and were never required to undergo testing in children. Current dosing recommendations on children's cold and cough medicines are extrapolated from adults. Generally, the dose in children ages 6 to 12 is about half the adult dose, while the dose in children ages 2 to 6 is one-quarter the adult dose. For children younger than 2, the product labels instruct parents to consult a doctor.

The FDA noted that only 11 studies of cold and cough products have been conducted on children during the last 50 years, and that most of them found the products weren't effective. However, the FDA also said many of the studies had design flaws.

The trade group's representative, Suydam, said the drugs are safe and effective when used at recommended doses and several studies have been conducted in adults showing the drugs work. She said drug makers agreed to pull products aimed at children age 2 and younger because of the potential for overdose when, for example, more than one product is used at the same time.

--------------------------------------------------------
Article written by Jennifer Colbert Dooren, Dow Jones NewsWires

New website launched for all updated product recalls

2007-10-18T12:58:00.000-05:00

Recalls have been in the headlines so much these past few months, the organization behind "Consumer Reports" magazine has launched a new Web site to keep you up to date.

The site called Notinmycart.org. is created by Consumers Union. It takes recall information from a variety of government sources, including the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the Food and Drug Administration.

It also includes updates on what the federal government and Congress are doing to make sure the products Americans buy and consume are safe.

Freshdad is looking for Dads to contribute to this Blog

2007-10-17T15:22:00.000-05:00

Please get involved. I am looking for Dads who would like to write a reviews or just write an opinion on something. Freshdad has received over 50,000 visitors the past 3 months, and the goal is to get other dads involved and make this site the ultimate Daddy resource. Their is abslutley no way I can do this on my own. I am new to this also. So if you know someone who would enjoy writing and getting feedback from other, please have them email at (Freshdad at gmail.com )

How about those Buckeyes!!

2007-10-16T14:17:00.000-05:00

It was supposed to be a rebuilding year, and yet, The Ohio State Buckeyes are the #1 ranked football team in America.

FreshDad is a Buckeye Alum, and needed to recognize the great start they are off to.

Michael and Ashley top list of New York's most Popular baby names

2007-10-13T10:42:00.000-05:00

New York City's Health Department said Yesterday That Michael was the most popular nane for baby boys with Ashley being the No. 1 Choice for Girls

If anyone really cares, here is the list

Boys

#1 Michael ( 26th straight year at the top spot )
#2 Daniel
#3 Matthew
#4 Joshua
#5 Justin
#6 David ( freshdad's Name )
#7 Christopher
#8 Joseph
#9 Anthony
#10 Jayden

Girls

#1 Ashley
#2 Emily
#3 Isabella
#4 Sarah
#5 Kayla
#6 Sophia
#7 Mia
#8 Madison
#9 Brianna
#10 Samantha

The favorite names for white boys were Michael, Joseph, with Daniel and Matthew tied for the third. For white girls, Darah, Rachel and Ava topped the list.

Asians' favorite boy names were Ryan, Jason and Kevin. For girls, Emily led the pack, followed by Sophia and Chloe.

Around 125,500 babies were born in the city last year, according to the city's Health Department.

DRUG MAKERS PULL INFANT COLD MEDICINES!!

2007-10-11T10:14:00.000-05:00

An update to a posting from October 3rd named FDA Experts Urge Ban on Cold Medicines for Young Children.

Click here To Send this Impt article to Friends and Family

Please note this is not a recall because there is something wrong with the medicine, they are pulling it off the shelves only because some parents just do not read dosage directions, and give their small children too much resulting in overdosage.

October 11, 2007

Drug Makers Today Voluntarily Pulled Kids cold medicines off the market less than 2 weeks after the govt warned of potential health risks for infants.

Products aimed at children under the age of two are being removed from store shelves due to "rare instantances of misuse" that could lead to accidental overdose, a trade group that represents over-the-counter drug makers said

Cold medicines being withdrawn include: Johnson & Johnson Pediacare Infant Drops and Tylenol Concentrated Infants Drops, Wyeth's Dimetapp Decongestant Infant Drops, Novartis' Triaminic Infant & Toddler Thin Strips and Prestige Brands Holdings' Little Colds Decongestant Plus Cough.

CVS Caremark Corp. said Thursday morning it would remove the affected products as well as CVS-brand equivalents from store shelves.

Late last month the Food and Drug Administration tentatively recommended adding labeling to the medicines indicating they are not to be used in young children.

Current labeling directs parents to consult a doctor before administering the drugs to infants and toddlers and many doctors say they are safe to use.

FDA will formally consider revising labeling at a meeting scheduled for Oct. 18-19.

After reviewing reports of side effects over the last four decades, FDA found 54 child fatalities from over-the-counter decongestant medicines. The agency found 69 reports of children's deaths connected with antihistamines, which are used to treat runny noses

Diaper Free Babies?

2007-10-10T10:15:00.000-05:00

I thought I heard it all. This is a new one for me. This morning, The Today Show did a segment on some Parents that are practicing " Diaper Free " Toilet Training with their newborns and Infants.

Here is how the Proponents say it works :

When child has to go to the bathroom, he or she gives the parents so sort of visual cue that its time to go. The parent take the children into the bathroom, holds them over the toilet, and makes specific noises to encourages them to " go " .

This apparently is not a new trend, and is practices in other countries. ( countries where people may not be able to afford diapers ) While this may have rather large environmental implications, eliminating tons of disposable diapers from landfills.

I don't buy it.

I think this is a crazy practice that most likely has close to a 0% change of working within the first year of the babies life. The American Academy of Pediatrics agree that children do not have any control for at least the first 12 months.

All this does it create more stress for Parent and child. What happens when you are outside at a picnic, do you take them to the nearest tree?

Diaper Free? Hardly

Please let me know what you think, I am sure this is a subject that can be up for debate.

Below is a recent CNN report on Diaper Free Babies

Below is the Segment Broadcasted on the Today Show, October 10, 2007.

Toddler trend: Diaper-free babies

Small Children - Overdose - Warning for all Parents

2007-10-09T13:17:00.000-05:00

Last week I wrote FDA Experts Urge Ban on Cold Medicines for Young Children. I said if all parents would just read the labels and stop being lazy, than we would not have overdose problems.

This morning I woke up to tragic news out of New Jersey which really scared me. A 2 year old dies of apparent pill overdose. The baby found her grandmothers pills in the bathroom, and digested them. She went to sleep and never woke up. While this seemed to happen to a troubled family who lived in dire conditions, my thought was that this can happen to anyone, Rich, poor or in the middle.

It sometimes takes a tragic event for people to open their eyes. I really urge all parents to be in constant aware of your prescription medications,vitamins and always keep them somewhere where the kids cannot get to.

Yes, we are all great parents, and will do anything for our children. And while this is obvious to all of us reading, lets just take a step back and communicate with our husbands and wife's on this, and just take the appropriate measures to make sure this can never happen to you and your family.

It only takes one time folks. Spread the word to all parents.

Update : Remember its all type of pills and Medications not just prescribed meds. Thanks to a concerned mom who mentioned the following warning on Womans PreNatal vitamin bottle

WARNING: Accidental overdose of iron-containing products is a leading cause of fatal poisoning in children under 6. Keep this product out of reach of children. In case of accidental overdose, call a doctor or poison control center immediately

Send the link below to this posting to all your friends and family.

Just copy and paste it.

http://freshdad.blogspot.com/2007/10/small-children-overdose-warning-for-all.html

Thank you

FreshDad

EvenFlo SmartSteps Exersaucer Entertainer- Review

2007-10-05T10:33:00.000-05:00

We recently purchased this Exersaucer for our 4 month old girls. It started off really bad when I opened the box to find about 25 screws and about 50 pieces to put together. All of this with an instruction guide that could of been much better.

I consider myself somewhat handy, more lazy, but somewhat handy. I was ready for the task. After cursing about 10 times and 90 minutes, it was complete and ready for the kids to start playing.

My kids like this Exersaucer, I feel that its only helping in their development and it keep them occupied with so many toys. Its incredible watching them explore all the fun parts and really entertains themselves without Antone's help.
I noticed after just 4 weeks on this exersaucer, both my daughters strength has increased significantly.

If my kids are happy, We are happy. One thing to note, if your children are small, you really should put some sort of towel on both the front and back of them when in the exersaucer for support.

Click here for EvenFlo SmartSteps Exersaucer Entertainer customer reviews

FreshDad Pros on the EvenFlo SmartSteps Exersaucer Entertainer

Strengthens your baby's legs and develops their sense of balance
Folds easily for storage and travel
3 position height Adjustment
Entertains your baby for an extended period of time
50 sounds
18 interactive activities
Seat spins in all directions

FreshDad Cons on the EvenFlo SmartSteps Exersaucer Entertainer

Assembly takes along time
Some of the interactive educational features can be confusing

Price - $ 99.00 on Amazon

FDA Experts Urge Ban on Cold Medicines for Young Children

2007-10-03T10:30:00.000-05:00

I would like to put this up for Debate.
U.S. health experts on Friday urged the federal Food and Drug Administration to consider banning the sale of over-the-counter cough and cold medicines for young children.

The recommendation, from FDA safety officials, would apply to decongestant use in children under 2, and antihistamines in those younger than 6, according to agency documents released Friday, the Associated Press reported.

The products include approximately 800 popular medicines that are sold in the United States under names like Toddler's Dimetapp, Triaminic Infant and Little Colds, The New York Times Reported. (full story)

This is all based on an FDA review that states between 1969 and September 2006, their were 54 reports of deaths in children associated with Decogestant medicines made with pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine or ephedrine. It also found 69 reports of deaths associated with antihistamine medicines containing diphenhydramine, brompheniramine or chlorpheniramine, And most of these deaths were children younger than 2.

A couple of thoughts here.

1) Isnt it true you not supposed to give any children under 2 years of age cold medicines anyways? Doesn't the label clearly state on the package that if you have children under 2 please consult with a Doctor first?
2) Out of those who did the past 37 years, how many actually died due to an overdose? Perhaps the parents thought it was better to give more than just read and stick to the directions.
3) I would think more babies died from chocking on grapes the past 37 years. Does this mean the Grape producers must slice each and every grape?

Both of my young newborn's both have bad colds this week. I would never consider giving them Cold Medicine.

My wife and I have been sticking to the basics :

A) Humidifier
B) A little time in the bathroom with the Steam from the shower than taking the nose aspirator ( Suction ) and trying to take out any loose congestion.
C) Some Tylenol for Kids.
d) Saline Nasal Drops

In summary, We can debate this, but to me banning cold medicines for young children is only a reaction to people not reading directions correctly. If this ban were approved, what is a Dad and Mom to do if their children which are over 2 years old gets a cold?

JUST READ THE LABELS AND STOP BEING LAZY

2007 Hot Dozen Holiday Toys

2007-10-02T11:15:00.000-05:00

The People at Toy Wishes Magazine released today their annual " Hot Dozen " List which for casts the most popular toys for the holiday shopping season.

This year's candidates include the Barbie Girls MP3 player from Mattel, Smart Cycle by Fisher-Price, Revolution by Rubik's and Eye-Clops electronic magnifier from Jakks Pacific.

With the increased popularity of Consumer Electronics products like Xbox, Gamecube, Sony PlayStation, along with the popular Apple Ipod's, Many of the Hot Dozen Holiday toys have a screen or a monitor, compared to only 2 in 2006.

The fact here is that children are getting more advanced and are going right to the computer. It seems as if the Toy makers are in tune with how children are playing today, and that is the ultimate driver of the toys coming out.

The Toy industry insiders do not seem to be worried about any fallout of holiday sales due to the recent rash of recalls of Chinese made toys over lead contamination. In fact, they seem to think their is more concern among Consumers, but not as much for parents. Their thinking here is that Parents know and understand the toys they are buying for their children but the less experienced toy buyers like aunts, Uncles, and perhaps grandparents may just opt for gift cards instead. ( FreshDad just reports what he reads from industry experts, FreshDad does not particulary agree that Uncles and Aunts are less expereience, but I can understand granparents )

Most of the Companies are doing so much more testing now of their toys, the recent recalls can result in the safest season to buy toys. Perhaps the recent recalls were timed perfectly to help educate everyone on the measures that are being taken to effectively produce safe toys. I am pretty confident the toys will be much safer.

With all these new additional testing measures, industry experts feel that it could take longer for toys to get to the shelves in time for Christmas. This will mean a shortage of the top 100 toys in December. So chances are if you go for the last minute toy, you may be finding yourself on Ebay paying a hefty premium.

Perhaps this is why Yesterday, Wal-Mart Slashed many of the more popular toy prices early to get ready for the holiday season. The pressure must really be building to get people in early to buy. Perhaps they are slashing their prices now, knowing they will have limited inventory in December. Maybe they want to limit many of the last minute shoppers and motivate them to come in early when the levels of the inventory is high.

Click here for complete Toy Wishes Holiday 2007 Hot Dozen

Please share your thoughts

Kolcraft recalls 425,000 play yards

2007-09-27T05:54:00.000-05:00

Here we go again. Kolcraft Enterprises, which makes a variety of products for babies and toddlers, is recalling about 425,000 Chinese-made infant play yards following the death of a 10-month old child, the U.S. Consumer Producer Safety Commission said Thursday.

The recall involves 12 different play yards that pose a strangulation risk because of the changing table restraint strap.

Included in the recall was Kolcraft's Contours 3-in-1 Play Yard, which includes a cradle that poses a suffocation risk

Click Here for Complete Kolcraft Recall Information from the U.S.Consumer Product Safety Commission

FreshDad Widget is here

2007-09-24T20:28:00.001-05:00

Click Here to get FreshDad's new Widget

Where and how can I use this widget?

You can put this widget on any personal page on the web that allows you to embed widgets. You can place this widget on the following sites: Facebook, MySpace, hi5, Xanga, Pageflakes, Netvibes, iGoogle, etc.

Major Baby Crib Recall after 3 deaths

2007-09-23T17:27:00.000-05:00

Take a good look if you have a baby in a crib.

What took so long to notice a defect in the cribs. This recall goes back from Jan 1998 - May 2007. Someone at the manufacturer was obviously sleeping for almost 10 years. Not good at all.

About 1 million Simplicity and Graco cribs have been recalled after three children became entrapped and suffocated. The recall was announced by the Consumer Product Safety Commission on Friday, more than two years after a California lawyer says he alerted the federal agency about a 9-month-old who died in a faulty crib.

The cribs, which were made in China, were sold in department stores, children’s stores and mass merchandisers nationwide from January 1998 through May 2007 for between $100 and $300.

What Cribs have been recalled?

Friday's recalled Simplicity crib models include: Aspen 3 in 1, Aspen 4 in 1, Nursery-in-a-Box, Crib N Changer Combo, Chelsea and Pooh 4 in 1. The recalled cribs with the Graco logo are the Aspen 3 in 1, Ultra 3 in 1, Ultra 4 in 1, Ultra 5 in 1, Whitney and the Trio.
The cribs have one of the following model numbers: 4600, 4605, 4705, 5000, 8000, 8324, 8800, 8740, 8910, 8994, 8050, 8750, 8760 and 8996. The numbers are on the envelope attached to the mattress support and on the label attached to the headboard.

The company is offering free repairs for cribs with older hardware. For more information, consumers can contact Simplicity at 888-593-9274.

Full 4 minute video from The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission that will explain everything

Some important links for more information :

Click Here for Recall Information from the Manufacturer, Simplicity for Children

Click Here for the official U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Recall Release

Baby Bliss Gripe Water Recall

2007-09-21T08:48:00.000-05:00

I would say this is a small recall but one that you should be aware of.

A liquid herbal supplement sold as a remedy for colic is being recalled this morning. Several bottles of Baby's Bliss Gripe Waterhave tested positive for a parasite. The supplement may be what made a 6-week-old baby in Minnesota sick. The recalled bottles were sold in 4-ounce containers with the code 26952V . The bottles have an expiration date of October 2008. You can call (877) 457-4955 for more information.

FreshDad has a new Logo!!!

2007-09-20T16:47:00.001-05:00

I thought the old one was bland. Let me know what you think of the new logo.

E. coli fears spark lettuce recall

2007-09-18T09:58:00.001-05:00

SAN FRANCISCO - A package of Dole salad mix that tested positive for E. coli has triggered a recall in at least nine states, prompting new produce fears almost exactly a year after a nationwide spinach scare.

The tainted bag of Dole's Hearts Delight salad mix was sold at a store in Canada, officials said. Neither Canadian health officials nor Dole Food Co. have received reports of anyone getting sick from the product.

The voluntary recall, issued Monday, affects all packages of Hearts Delight sold in the United States and Canada with a "best if used by" date of September 19, 2007, and a production code of "A24924A" or "A24924B," the company said
Last year, an E. coli outbreak traced to bagged baby spinach sold under the Dole brand was blamed for the deaths of three people and for sickening hundreds more across the U.S. Authorities ultimately identified a central California cattle ranch next to spinach fields belonging to one of Dole's suppliers as being the source of the bacteria.

The latest recall affects packages sold in Ontario, Quebec and the Maritime Provinces in Canada and in Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Tennessee starting around Sept. 8, said Marty Ordman, a Dole spokesman.

Eighty-eight cases — or 528 bags — were distributed in Canada, and 755 cases containing 4,530 bags were distributed in the U.S., he said. FDA spokesman Michael Herndon said the agency was talking with Westlake Village, Calif.-based Dole about the situation.

The romaine, green leaf and butter lettuce hearts that went into the blend were grown in California, Colorado and Ohio, then processed at Dole's plant in Springfield, Ohio, on Sept. 6, according to Ordman.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency said it would be looking to find out at what point the salad blend became contaminated and to see if any other products are affected, spokesman Garfield Balsom said. "We'll go back and find the origins and determine where the product was produced and packaged," Balsom said.

Dole contacted the FDA on Sunday night, as soon as the company got word of the contaminated bag of salad in Canada, said Ordman. "They have been to our plant and they will visit the growers," he said.

The salad mix subject to the recall may have been available in the U.S. in states other than the nine already identified by Dole because in some areas the product was distributed by a wholesaler with clients in overlapping markets, Ordman said.

Food contaminated with this strain of E. coli may not look or smell spoiled but health officials say the bacteria can cause life-threatening illnesses.

Symptoms include severe abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea; some people can have seizures or strokes and some may need blood transfusions and kidney dialysis, while others may live with permanent kidney damage.

*Associated Press Article, September 18, 2007

Its FreshDads 2 year Wedding Anniversary

2007-09-15T07:49:00.000-05:00

Spending time with Wife and children.

FreshDad will be back!

Consumers Could Face Higher Toy Prices

2007-09-14T06:22:00.000-05:00

So they say someone is going to have to pay all the extra costs of making toys safer for our children. They say as much as 10%. If this is the case, it would be the biggest one time price hike in toys in several years, and more than twice the Governments measure of consumer inflation of 4.7% during the first 7 months of this year.

The price increase is said to begin January 2008.

I really hope that if the toy makers decide to increase prices of toys, that these toys are safer for our children to play with. This is not a time for anyone to take advantage of the consumer without results. We all know Mattel took a rather large financial hit, and has been communicating with their consumers extremely effectively.

I do believe if they say a price increase is needed, than I am confident they will do right by us consumers. On the other hand, we may have other toy Manufacturers that may tell us they are raising prices without efficient safety measures.

Most of the rising costs come from emergency third-party testing in the U.S. by both makers and sellers as they aim to root out any unsafe products, analysts say.

The U.S. Toy Industry Association supports a federal requirement to make safety testing and inspection mandatory and is working with the American National Standards Institute to develop industrywide safety procedures. But during Wednesday's Congressional hearing on toy safety, senators urged even more stringent

Anita Frazier, toy analyst at market research company NPD Group Inc., added that higher prices will stick around because some toy makers will shift a portion of their production from China to the U.S. or Europe, where labor is more expensive.

We shall see what happens. I actually would have no problem with paying any increase in price. I only hope the Major Retailers such as Walmart and Target are behind this and will not nickle and Dime these Toy Manufacturers.

Lets be honest, they are part of the problem.

Video report on the Legislation on the Safety Measures in the Toy Industry

Baby Health: Bottles Made with BPA

2007-09-12T09:35:00.000-05:00

Early this morning I watched a very information segment on the controversy that stirring amongst many parents of babies. I must admit, like many of us, I never even new of the Controversy surrounding the Safety of BPA, Bisphenol A, a chemical found in many plastics, including Baby bottles.

It seems as if many parents have been wondering if they need to be concerned about the type of bottles they are giving their children. There are many sides and opinions to this matter. None of which is right or wrong.

Speaking personally, I am not worried only because we use the Platex Drop-ins with the great drop in plastic liners.

The information Below is from Dr. Lisa Thebner who is a pediatrician and a local New York Medical Corespondent on WNBC.

What is Bisphenol A?

Bisphenol A, abbreviated as BPA, is a widely used, petroleum-based chemical which has been a part of many plastic products since the 1950s, such as infant bottles, food and drink packaging, and personal hygiene products. It is used to make transparent, rigid plastics.

The main question is the risk of exposure of BPA through food. BPA in plastics and packaging can leech out and get ingested, especially when the plastic breaks down, as in repeated washings or heating of bottles. It is estimated that we have some low level of BPA exposure and ingestion every day. The issue is whether this is of any significance to human health.

The question is whether the BPA ingestion from baby bottles creates a level that is unsafe for them in regards to their weight and total body mass.

What have the studies shown about the health effects of BPA?

Interestingly enough, the results have been contradictory. This is what makes the issue so controversial.

The studies that have demonstrated adverse health effects have been completed using high doses of BPA.

Concern arose as a result of studies that demonstrate high doses of BPA to be a ‘hormone disruptor’, and interacting with the hormonal systems in the body. BPA has been studied in animals for potential links to neural and developmental, hormonal effects.

But what are the potential effects of low dose BPA in humans?

The conclusions vary.
The European Union’s Food Safety Authority has reversed its previous conclusion, now stating that under a newer review of the scientific literature, the exposure risk is quite minimal and not a threat to human health. They state that a child would need to ingest four times the daily amount of BPA to get to the minimal level of safety.

On the other hand, the National Institute of Health convened the National Toxicology Program (NTP) Center for the Evaluation of Risks to Human Reproduction. It convened a public meeting of 12 independent scientists to review and assess the studies and its potential effects on humans. They met last month and had this in part to say after a review of the literature:

For pregnant women and fetuses:

The Expert Panel expressed some concern that exposure to Bisphenol A in utero causes neural and behavioral effects.

For infants and children:

“The Expert Panel expressed some concern that exposure to Bisphenol A causes neural and behavioral effects.”

The expert panel did not have the same level of concern regarding BPA exposure to adults. The level of “some concern” was limited to exposure to fetuses and developing infants and young (those who are most vulnerable for a developing nervous system).

Why the difference in opinion?

Different scientists have interpreted the literature differently. Some have stated that the data obtained from mice studies show that the amount that humans would be estimated to receive is so small as to be negligible.

However, others would contend that since studies in humans are considered the “gold standard”, more studies need to be done to prove or disprove a link between BPA and adverse health effects.

What’s the bottom line?

There are no definitive answers at this point. The research has been contradictory. The recent NIH meeting summary is compelling, but the plastics company has claimed that the scientists were a biased sample. Studies may continue to reveal the safety of the potential hazards of this chemical.

For now, there are neither bans nor restrictions on the sale of products with BPA.

For those who are more risk averse with young children, there are BPA-free bottles that are sold. The options include: glass bottles (troublesome when they break, however), drop in plastic liners, or Born Free bottles (sold at Whole Foods for more money than your standard bottle).

September 11, here in NYC...

2007-09-11T13:03:00.000-05:00

Somewhat fitting that today is a very dreary rainy day here in New York City. Who can believe its been 6 years since the awful attacks against our country. Seems like yesterday where I witnessed something that can never be forgotten. Alot has changed for me in the 6 years. I met my wife, got married and recently had 2 beautiful girls. Now, its only about my girls, and nothing else matters. Days like today make you realize the importance of family and friends, and days like today are really good to reach out to a relatives or a friend you ha vent spoken with in a while to just say hey.

Living here in NYC, we can never forget what happened, and only help to rebuild in honor of all the friends we lost. We always need to be aware of our surroundings and never, ever get caught off guard again. Unfortunately, Times have change.

Toy makers seek a little oversight

2007-09-07T09:13:00.000-05:00

If I were the Toy Companies, I would be also concerned about the sales over this Holiday Season. They Made they beds, They must live by their decisions and do what's right. They should be held accountable, and I do believe the Gov't should step in and set some standards fast.

The Toy Industry Association is asking the government to set safety-testing standards for all toys sold in the U.S., in a bid to restore consumer confidence. U.S. toy makers are worried that anger over recent recalls of dangerous toys will hurt sales in the crucial Christmas season. "If the consumer is aware that the government has some responsibility and is holding companies responsible, it will set their minds at ease," said toy executive Jeff Holtzman. Congress is investigating Mattel's policies for informing regulators about hazardous toys. (Reuters)

Freshdad was at the US Open today

2007-08-29T20:34:00.000-05:00

Should be pretty quiet the the next few days due to the holiday weekend.

Please spread the word that Freshdad has arrived!!!

America's Best Childrens Hospitals 2007

2007-08-27T08:41:00.000-05:00

U.S. News recently has ranked the top Childrens Hospitals of 2007.

#1 Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
#2 Children's Hospital Boston
#3 Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore
#4 Children's Hospital, Denver
#5 Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital, Cleveland
#6 Texas Children's Hospital, Houston
#7 Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center
#8 New York-Presbyterian Univ. Hosp. of Columbia and Cornell
#9 Children's Hospital and Regional Medical Center, Seattle
#10 Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, Palo Alto, Calif.
#11 Children's National Medical Center, Washington, D.C.
#12 Columbus Children's Hospital
#13 Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC
#14 Children's Healthcare of Atlanta
#15 St. Louis Children's Hospital
#16 UCSF Children's Hospital, SanFrancisco
#17 Childrens Hospital Los Angeles
#18 Primary Children's Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah
#19 Duke University Medical Center, Durham, N.C.
#20 St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis
#21 Mattel Children's Hospital at UCLA, Los Angeles
#22 University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children's Hospital, Ann Arbor
#23 Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville
#24 Long Island Jewish Medical Center, New Hyde Park, N.Y.
#25 Children's Memorial Hospital, Chicago
#26 Miami Children's Hospital
#27 Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota, Minneapolis
#28 Children's Medical Center Dallas
#29 Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn.
#30 Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Milwaukee

For a detailed look at the newly enhaned methodology click here

Dads are the New Moms?

2007-08-23T13:38:00.000-05:00

Good job to the People at Adweek writing a good piece named Dads Are the New Moms, so It's Time to Start Selling Them Stuff
While by no means am I saying that I think Dads are replacing Moms and I dont think that was the articles point. Point here is that the " New and Improved Dad " Is just very much so involved, and I urge all dads to get more involved. Perhaps its because we are having children later in life.

My whole goal here at FreshDad is to say " Hey, not only is it cool to be hands on with your children, Its necessary. I look forward to each and every nite when I take out my 2 little girls ( 3 months now ) for a walk on the NYC streets. I absolutley have no worries at all. I meet so many nice people who stop me to tell me how beautiful my girls are. Its actually Funny when my wife and I go for dinner, and some of the woman I meet on the street come up to me to see how my Kids are. I not only feel like the Mayor of the Upper Easy Side, I feel like the Dad I should be. We can never replace Moms, they rule, and just get beat up daily with our kids, but we can really help, and Marketers are seeing it now. I challange the advertisers to start marketing to Dads now.

Dads are very much influences in the family, and Moms would only appreciate the Dads getting involved. More Importantly, With Dads getting more involved builds the Dad / Children bond that is most important ( it also most definitely helps the Mom/Dad relationship grow )

I invite all Dads to write for FreshDad, Review your favorite Products, get involved. Moms, tells your husbands about FreshDad, challenge them to get more involved. Its a trend that's not going away.

Email me at Freshdad@gmail.com if you are interested in writing on FreshDad.

GO DADS!

FreshDad is a little under the Weather and will be back in a couple of days

2007-08-21T11:29:00.001-05:00

What's Next ? Mattel is just the beginning

2007-08-15T08:22:00.000-05:00

The Monsterous Toy Making Giant Mattel Said Yesterday it was recalling dozens of their products including Polly Pocket, Batman, Barbie and Other Toys in the Asian Markets. This Asian Recall is Part of a worldwide recall announced Yesterday here in the US aimed at removing more then 18 million toys from store shelves and home because of Lead Paint and Tiny Magents that could be swallowed by our children. Its also the 2nd major recall announcement in 2 weeks by Mattel.

Mattel continues to say " they do not put a price tag on safety " I actually do believe they think this now, but indirectly may of lost focus on safety. These public companies are unnder so much stress to post a profit, and unfortuanley its my opionion that they may of cut too many costs with may of had a direct effect on this massive recall. And to this point, this pressure is than pressed down to their Manufacturers in China. The Cheap Labor people, the ones who all of us just assumed were producing safe toys for our children.

All of us need to put pressure on these Toy Companies to produce safe products. If this means an increase in the price of toys, than do it, but do it fast. Because the fact is their are millions of parents and Grandparents out there that are very nervous and scared right now, and perhaps overwhelmed at the situation.

You want to really do the right thing Mattel? Why dont you set up shop at every single Toys R us Store so all of us can bring our toys in for you to tell us what is safe and what is not. Who has time to mail in the toys? Make it easy!

Why dont you make a deal with Walmart and their Clinics to have our children checked out at no cost?

You need to not only communicate with your customers and rectify the situation, you need to change your ways of doing business overseas. You need to show your customers what you are doing so this doesnt happen again.

The Toy Industry is becoming more of a soap opera.

Toy Company Recalls Products
Toy Manufacture CEO Kills Himself
Toy Company Recalls Prodcuts Again

I am afraid this is only the begining.

Now that the cat is out of the bag, chances are we will start seeing many more recalls from China, as they make more than just toys. Many of the other larger toy companies manufacturer their toys in China, so I would expect some of these companies to step forward with recalls.

Changes need to be made. I appreciate Mattel recognizing the issue and taking the steps to rectify it. It cant be easy telling the world that most of your products are not safe and take them away from your kids. But it never should of came down to this.

Click here for more information and details from the Consumer Products Safety Commission

Your comments are appreciated

FreshDad

Mattel recalls 9 million toys made in China - August 14,2007

2007-08-14T09:07:00.000-05:00

Click here for the complete list of toys and their lot numbers on the Mattel Web site

Any Comments are Welcomed.

Toy-making giant Mattel Inc. issued recalls Tuesday for about 9 million Chinese-made toys that contain magnets that can be swallowed by children or could have lead paint.

Toys recalled Tuesday include 253,000 "Sarge" cars, because the surface paint could contain lead levels in excess of federal standard. The 2 1/2-inch, 1-inch high car looks like a military jeep.

Also recalled were 345,000 Batman and "One Piece" action figures, 683,000 Barbie and Tanner play sets and 1 million Doggie Day Care play sets.

In full-page ads Tuesday in The New York Times and other newspapers, Mattel said it was "one of the most trusted names with parents" and was "working extremely hard to address your concerns and continue creating safe, entertaining toys for you and your children."