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Friday, April 22, 2011

Green Our Earth 2011 Contest




Celebrate Earth Day, April 22nd 2011 with  "GREEN OUR EARTH! Share with them what you and your family are doing to improve our environment by submitting a photo (preferred!) or a short description. You'll automatically be entered to win fabulous, fun, educational eco-friendly children's toys from an exclusive list of award-winning toy and children's accessories companies committed to greening our Earth. You'll automatically receive a 15% discount coupon code, too!   www.green-our-earth-2011.com

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Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Easter Hunt


 While checking out party ideas for my niece, Shakina's birthday we found a few interesting companies with Easter and party themes some with even healthy choices for the children and the environment.  New York Pops offers a gorgeous looking cake pop. Their cakes on a stick dipped in chocolate can light up any party.  For more information visit http://nycakepops.com/index.html.

For those interested in organic, vegan or fair trade candy check out The Natural Candy Store  http://www.naturalcandystore.com.

For green party favors, organic candy, crafts and gifts for parties try Green Planet Parties http://www.greenplanetparties.com

 Cup and Ball

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Kids Comic Con 5

Young people can meet some of the creators of new superheroes and comic book characters, and get the opportunity to practice the art of comic book design this weekend.

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Saturday, April 9, 2011

Japan Earthquake Relief



 While updating the Charities section on the Children's Focus website, I came across conflicting reports that made me question what was the most effective way to reach out and help Japan.  One writer in the New York Times gave two reasons why aid to Japan was not necessary. According to him, Japan is a rich nation and secondly, their government is not asking for help.  Then I saw an interview with a relief worker who said the people were very appreciative of the help they were receiving.  Looking at the pictures and stories on the disaster, I can't help but think that the way governments respond to disaster is sometimes misguided. We have only to look in our own backyard at Katrina.

Fortunately, we are entering a new age where people are reaching out to each other beyond the rhetoric and politics of their leaders.  We are seeing the power of people organizing in the Middle East and across the globe. In this light, I think we need to be able to help those who are reaching the people of Japan.  On a human level when you are hurt it does not matter how much wealth you have, you still may need your neighbor to help you. So if it is in your heart to give, I believe this is the best choice so let's reach out and support our neighbors.

Financial support is not the only way we can help Japan. With the whole nation in danger of exposure to radiation, they need our moral support and prayers.  I think if we speak out as a global community, pressure will be put on the government to accept expertise and assistance from other nations. Nuclear melt down is a global problem that affects all of us.  Standing by helplessly, while our neighbor battles a global catastrophe is not a good thing. In this instance, the voice of the people really needs to be heard.  Visit Children's Focus.

Thursday, April 7, 2011

KEATS FILM FESTIVAL CELEBRATING The 50th Anniversary of THE SNOWY DAY in 2012


In celebration of the 50th Anniversary of The Snowy Day in 2012, Ezra Jack Keats Foundation  will feature a different Keats book each month.  "This April the Ezra Jack Keats Foundation is putting out a call for imaginative videos of you reading PETER'S CHAIR to your child or class. Actually, it doesn't have to be you, it can be a friend, a grandparent, an older child reading to a younger child or group of children you know and love.  It can even be a young child reading and exploring PETER'S CHAIR on their own."

" We are eager to see the children in your life get started on their way to a lifelong  love of reading."
Post your video on youtube and send the link or any questions to ezrajackkeats@gmail.com
Also enjoy animated stories by Ezra Jack Keats at www.ezra-jack-keats.org.  

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