Free today on Amazon: An eBay Seller's Secrets: 20 Essential Household Items

I did it!  I publishsed my very first e-book on Amazon, available for download on Kindle readers (or, you can download the Kindle for your PC for free as well and read it on your computer).

The book includes 20 essential household items I have found useful for cleaning, repairing, removing stains, and repurposing items for resale on eBay.

Today only - The book is being offered as a free download.  Get your free copy here!

The process was not overly diffiult, but does require some amount of education in writing, formatting, and uploading for publication - Not to mention designing the cover (which I changed from the original, but the changes have not yet shown up publicly for some reason.  I'm hoping they show up soon.)  I must admit that I am looking at this book as my training wheels book to help me learn the ropes of publishing.  I thoroughly proofed it, and carefully uploaded it only to find some places I would like to tweak and edit.  However, overall I'm happy with the result of my first published e-book.  And, thanks for reading it.  I hope you enjoy the read.

Growing Interest in Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics Girls in STEM

Female workers make up half of the workforce. But, when STEM programs began, they made up less than 25% of careers workers in science, technology, engineering, or math fields. The US has lost ground with other progressively-moving countries in the fields of Science and math. While these subjects are taught in school, little progress seemed to have been made. That's where after school programs stepped in. These programs make learning subjects like science, technology, engineering, and math fun. Not only fun, but promising. With the downturned economy, careers in IT technology have remained a viable option. However, without the training, these jobs are difficult to land.
Started out of an effort to draw girls, in particular minority girls, into careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), after school programs were started. Today, interest in the programs soar. Read more at:

Out-of-School Time Drawing Girls Into STEM

Snow-Making Science Project

"Is it snowing yet?  Snow, will we get snow?  Snow, tomorrow?  Why didn't we get a white Christmas?"  These are all questions my 9 year old asked this year as we continue to experience an unseasonably warm winter so far.

If you were lucky enough to have a white Christmas, you may not need (or want) to produce your own snow.  For the rest of us (who rung in the new year at 60 degrees), you just might want to experiment by making your own pretend snow.

Try this experiment from the folks at Kinder Art.com.

All you need are a few items (mostly found in your kitchen or bath room).  You might not be able to build a snowman, fort, or have a snowball fight with your home-made snow.  However, it will be a fun learning experiment.

Sign up for Discovery Education Childhood Nutrition Webinar

Do you eat with your children 7 nights a week?  Do you eat with them 1 night a week?  Are your mealtimes more of a battle over what to cook, who will eat what, or what's for dessert than it is a family time filled with encouraging, relationship-building discussions?  Would you like to discover healthy nutrition tips for your dinner time?

Join experts on November 2 at 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time for a Webinar on Energy Balance 101:

Register here at Discovery Education!

This seminar is one-hour long and is intended for educators, teachers, and parents!

Bring In The FBI To Make Sure SAT Testing Is Secure

The recent arrests of students who hired other students to take their SAT tests has sparked an investigation, involving the FBI. Colleges rely heavily on the results of these type of standardized testing to decide upon college and university admittance. Making sure the testing is fair and secure is important.

What do you think? Are there holes in the testing security system?

Read more in this article from Education Week:


Education Week: SAT Hires Former FBI Boss to Review Test Security

Facebook Law for Teachers in Missouri Heating Up

Facebook is a very popular site. In fact, it is the most popular Googled site on the internet. It is not only helpful in sharing friendships, but in building business, networking, and can be used for educational advances. However, Missouri has made a law prohibiting school teachers from friending their students on Facebook.

The law was met with argument. Many claim that Facebook can be used as a learning and tutoring tool that is needed and helpful. When used properly, by responsible teachers, it can be a wonderful connection that builds a teaching/learning environment.

Of course, when not used properly, it could lead to disaster. What do you think? Read more here:

Teachers, Lawmakers Grapple with Law Restricting Contact With Students - St. Charles, MO Patch

EdWeek: Apple's Steve Jobs

Steve Jobs was a brilliant man, who changed the world of technology (many say for the better). Do you own an Apple? Do you enjoy your iPhone? Maybe you use several learning apps available. Many schools are now using Apple tablets for learning. What do you think?

For detailed information about education and about Steve Jobs (who passed away yesterday after suffering from pancreatic cancer), visit:

Steve Jobs: Education Technology Pioneer

And, for more educational wrap-up news, visit:

EdWeek Update: Apple's Steve Jobs, Education Technology Pioneer