Cindy_Farmer's Blog

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This morning on the FOX 8 Morning News, we had a story about a school system in Texas, that allows its teachers to carry guns. Officials say they were concerned about the increase in cases of assaults against teachers in class... and the response time of law enforcement should something terrible happen. But most educators argue though, that there is no place for guns in schools. Some say it would only add to the problem, while others say it sends the wrong impression. What do you think?

I LOVE strawberries! Especially when they are paired with chocolate or in a salad with bleu cheese... in a smoothies.. or on their own! Did I say how much I like strawberries? ;o) I brought in one of my favorite recipes to share with the gang here at FOX 8 last week... and they LOVED it! It's so easy too! Here's the recipe in a nutshell.

Take a white or yellow sheet cake and prepare and bake according to the box directions. While the cake is baking, take one cup HOT water and pour a strawberry Jello gelatin mix into the water and stir until it dissolves. When the cake comes out of the oven take a fork and poke small holes in it and then pour the jello mixture over it. Refridgerate until cool. Then top with sliced strawberries and whipped cream and serve. Your guests will think you've spent hours in the kitchen and lots of money on dessert, when you can likely get all the ingredients for under $7.00!

SO now.. share your favorite strawberry recipe and we'll make our own little cookbook!!!

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A bar owner in Marietta, Georgia is selling t-shirt with a "Curious George" cartoon character eating a bannana. Under the cartoon it says Obama '08.

According to a television station in Atlanta, the bar owner says he just looked at Senator Obama and thought the ears and hairline resembled the cartoon character. He says he didnt' see anything racist about it. But other people have. The Anti-Defamation League, the Georgia Association of Latino Elected Officials and many others have condemned the shirts saying they are racist, offensive stereo-types from years past. They want the bar owner to quit selling the shirts. He says they are for a good cause because the proceeds from the sale of the shirts go to the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Here's a link to the television station's website. There is further information there as well as a photo. What do you think?

http://www.wsbtv.com/news/16255301/detail.html

Today (5-1) on the FOX 8 News at Noon, Brad Jones and I have the opportunity to talk with Senator Barak Obama live via sattelite. I am wondering, if YOU had the chance to ask Senator Obama a question, what would it be? We only have a few minutes with him, so we won't get to ask a lot of questions, but I'm curious as to what you would ask. Watch the FOX 8 News at noon... you may hear your question!!!

Those of you who know me, know I love my dogs. I spoil them as much as possible. Recently my husband installed an invisible fence in our backyard so that Daisy (our chocolate lab) and Bailey (our rescued black lab mix) could play out in the yard without running off! They always went "exploring" before leaving me and Kylie and Abby sick with worry while we search for them. This afternoon, while putting Bailey's collar on her she got very excited. She jumped up as I was leaning down to put the collar on her and BOOM! Her head met my cheekbone HARD! I saw stars and couldn't see for a few seconds. The I felt the swelling start! I wasn't too bad. My eye didn't swell shut but I did get an egg sized lump for a while. My friend Maria gave me some herbal "anti-bruise" pills, and I'm hoping they will calm down the color a bit. Right now its really not that bad, but I'm sure some of you may tune in and wonder what's up with my right eye... now you know!!! I've posted pictures in "My Photos"!

Has your pet ever done anything like this to you? I love my Bailey... black eye and all! She brings me much joy each day. At least there won't be a scar...... 

I'm so torn over this issue. As a Virginia Tech graduate this hits close to home. Is this man just trying to make money or is he really out to protect students? Do you think students would feel more or less safe if they had a gun? Would you allow your child to go to a school where students could carry a gun? What about living in a dorm where students are armed. Lots of questions on this one folks!

Here's the story:

A WISCONSIN MAN IS ON A CRUSADE TO GET STUDENTS TO CARRY GUNS ON COLLEGE CAMPUSES.

ERIC THOMPSON WILL BE AT VIRGINIA TECH TODAY AND SAYS FOR THE NEXT TWO WEEKS, HE PLANS TO SELL FIREARMS AT COST.

THOMPSON'S COMPANY IS RESPONSIBLE FOR SELLING THE VIRGINIA TECH SHOOTER A GUN... *AND* TWO GLOCK MAGAZINES TO THE MAN WHO KILLED FIVE PEOPLE AT NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY.

THOMPSON SAYS HE WANTS TO SELL A GUN TO SOMEONE WHO WILL USE IT TO PREVENT A CRIME, NOT CAUSE IT. Eric Thompson says

What do you think? Will it stop the shootings or add to them? Post your opinion.

 "The next news story I want to be involved in is how I sold a firearm to somebody who helped prevent a tragedy not cause it. I will gladly forego a profit for some time on gun sales to help make that a reality."

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WOW! I'm amazed. On Wednesday evening I met a group of students who participate in a competition like I have never seen. Its called FIRST... For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology. Teams are given the rules and regulations of a game in January. Then, they have six weeks to design and build a robot to compete in that game. SIX WEEKS! It is amazing what these students have done! I was with Team 1533 .. Triple Strange.. is their team name. Its based on Physics... that I can't explain. However.. I can tell you these are some of the most amazing students I have ever met. Many of them got started in FIRST as elementary school children with the Junior LEGO League. FIRST has programs for children from elementary age all the way up to high school. It was founded by Dean Kamen.. the man who designed the Segway. He wanted to get kids excited about science and technology. The program seems to be working. But it only can with the help and support of local companies like ABCO Automation. They not only help to fund the teams, but also provide mentoring with engineers for the students and give the teams a place to build and work on their robots. President Brad Kammerer said FIRST was the best thing he had ever seen for the future engineering. I'd have to agree with him. If you have a child who you think might like this sort of cool competition... one student called it an intellectual spport... then here are a couple of websites where you can get more information.

www.usfirst.org or www.firstlegoleague.org

Click below to watch the video. Enjoy!!!

"Gimme a head with hair, long beautiful hair
Shining, gleaming, steaming, flaxen, waxen
Give me down to there, hair!
Shoulder length, longer (hair!)
Here baby, there mama, Everywhere daddy daddy..

Hair! (hair, hair, hair, hair, hair, hair)
Flow it, Show it; 
Long as God can grow it, My Hair!"

If you are as old as I am... you remember the words to that  Broadway musical. You may have even acted in a high school production of the play. It was very popular in the 70's when shoulder length hair was common for teenage boys. Those 70's, longer length hairstyles are back... much to the dismay of one middle school principal in Massachusetts. It's a story we had this morning on the FOX8 Morning News.  It appears the principal felt a student's hair was distracting. So the principal  sent a note home asking his parents to get it cut. Apparently teachers said they couldn't tell if students were asleep behind their bangs... or just thinking hard! The 14 year old student says his hair is his way of expressing himself! But the principal says its just a suggestion... what do you think? If boys have to cut their hair to a certain length... should girls? Does the principal even have the right to make such a suggestion? This discussion.. could get a bit... HAIRY!!! 

Today (3-14) is Dr. Terry Grier's last day as Superintendent of Guilford County Schools. The search is now on for someone to replace him. The Guilford County Board of Education is asking for the input of parents of school children. They want to know what qualities you'd like to see in the new superintendent.  Do you want a business person... or a person who has been in education all their adult career? Do you want someone with experience leading a school system.. or someone who is somewhat new? What are your thoughts on this? What qualities do you want in Guilford County's new school leader? I'm curious to see what's important to you....

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Here's a story we had this morning on the FOX8 morning news. I want to know what you think about it. I agree with the fact that students should progress when they are ready... but if there is no grade level.... how do you "progress"? Here's the story:

NO GRADE LEVELS AND NO TRADITIONAL GRADES.

IT'S A NEW CONCEPT BEING TRIED-OUT IN THE ADAMS COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT IN COLORADO.

INSTEAD OF STUDENTS AUTOMATICALLY BEING MOVED UP TO THE NEXT LEVEL, THEY PROGRESS WHEN THEY'RE READY.

THE SCHOOL SYSTEM IS CURRENTLY ON ACADEMIC WATCH AND THEY HOPE THIS DRASTIC CHANGE WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN HOW STUDENTS PERFORM.

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Ever been to Chuck E Cheese? It can be a lot of fun for kids.. and fun for parents who like to watch their kids having fun. There can be lines to get on the games and a wait to play on equipment... but this teaches kids patience... right? Well, according to a story we had on the FOX8 Morning News, it may teach kids patience... but not the parents! (Click here to watch the story) Two mothers in Massachusetts apparently went after one another because one claimed the other's child was "hogging" a game and wouldn't let her child play. Both women were interviewed, arrested and charged with assault! And all this happened at a birthday party! What does this teach the kids? What do you think?

A student at Georgia's Valdosta University was expelled for what he says was free speech. Hayden Barnes is protesting the construction of a new, 35 million dollar parking garage that is being built on campus. He took his protest public, making flyers and writing letters and lobbying state leaders. He even met with the president of the university, Ronald Zacarri. Barnes says he would like to see the university explore alternative solutions to the parking problem on campus. Barnes suggests the university use bus systems, car pools and bus pools. But it was a posting on his facebook page that got him in trouble. He called the parking garage the "President Zaccari Memorial Garage". It was the use of the word "memorial" that investigators took as a possible death threat against the University President... and used as a reason to expell the student. First amendment advocates say that this was a clear violation of his free speech rights. The University says there is a place on campus where students can go to express their opinion... free from any repercussions... during certain times of the day. First amendment advocates don't like that either. They say free speech should be permitted anywhere and not subjected to designated areas, during designated times.  So Hayden Barnes is suing the school for violating his rights to free speech.  What do you think? Does he have a case or not?

Every four years we are given an extra day on the calendar. There are many great stories about Leap Day. Some have proposed to their special someone. Some have grand birthday parties, since their true birthday only comes once every four years!! Others take the day off to pamper themselves. Whatever you do.... MAKE THIS DAY COUNT! Call a friend you haven't talked to in a while. Check on your elderly neighbor and take them  treat! Share a smile. If you smile at someone and they don't smile back... at least they'll wonder why you are so happy or what you are up to!!!   It doesn't have to cost you anything... but you CAN make Leap Day... a day to remember... if not for you then for someone else. What am I going to do? I'm going to a benefit concert for a Southeast High School student who has cancer. She's a wonderful young lady... and her medical bills are piling up so her friends are stepping up to help.  The concert starts at 5:30 at Southeast High School on Southeast School Road in Guilford County... just off Highway 421. Join me if you want! So the challenge before you today  is.... WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO??? Post below and let me know!!! Share your ideas!!!

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First.. let me admit up front I am a Girl Scout Leader and the mother of two Girl Scouts. I have been in scouting for years, starting with Brownies when I was in elementary school. I love the interaction I have with the girls, and watching the "lights come on" when they learn new things. Their squeals of joy, fuel the fire I have to teach them more and experience the fun things in our world with them. I have 16 girls in my troop and love every minute with them. It gives me a chance to be a kid again!!!

This morning we had a story about a national organization calling for a boycott of Girl Scout cookies. The "National Action Against Obesity" group claims that Girl Scouts are sending the wrong message to overweight Americans by making money off of cookies that are high in sugar and calories. The group is calling for people to boycott the cookies altogether. To this I say "BAH HUM BUG". I do agree that obesity is a huge problem in America and we do need to teach and practice, healthy habits and choices. Obesity can lead to a number of health problems; heart disease and diabetes being two of the most prevalent. But to say that Girls Scout cookies cause obesity is absurd. Girl Scout cookies are sold once a year and the proceeds from their sales go to support Girl Scouting and its many wonderful programs. The motto of Girl Scouts is "Where Girls Grow Strong"... and that's what we as leaders try to teach our girls. Healthy Habits is just one of the many programs that the girls experience to earn try-its and badges. We teach them to eat right and exercise. We teach them to cook in healthy and good ways. We teach them that is more to exercising than just running and lifting weights. We teach them about biking, hiking, camping, yoga, court sports, lawn sports.. you name it! There is so much to scouting that I could never cover it all in this blog. But most of it would not be possible either, without the sales of those cookies.

The Girl Scouts of America realizes that Americans need to make healthy choices. That's why last year, all the transfats were eliminated from Girl Scout cookies. This year, there is a new lowfat cookie that comes in a 100 calorie pack. That way, you can still support Girl Scouting and have a healthy snack even if you are overweight. In the future, I am hoping GSA will come up with a sugar-free cookie that scouts can offer to diabetics. But in the meantime, don't blame America's weight problem on the Girl Scouts and their cookies. That's just crazy. Walk down any grocery aisle.... look at the cookies and cakes and you'll see many more offerings that are higher in sugar and calories.. than Girl Scout cookies. And these products are offered year-round. Andy Warhol said "In the future everyone will be famous for 15 minutes." I think the "National Action Against Obesity" just sought... and got their minutes! Times up! Anybody want a box of Thin Mints???

Click here to watch the video from the FOX8 Morning News

I've know it was coming... and today was the day. The Wyndham Championship is moving from Forest Oaks to Sedgefield. I am a member at Forest Oaks and have volunteered for the tournament every year since it was the KGGO. I remember watching the final round on the television when my husband and I were on our honeymoon. Its been a part of our lives for many years. We've had friends come and spend the week with us. Hosted pig pickins' and other parties. Its sad to see it all come to an end. But then again... it doesn't have to. While the tournament won't be in my backyard any longer, it will only be a few miles away. I can still volunteer and we can still have parties in the tournament's honor. I hope the move is a good one for the tournament and it bring new life to it. The August date is tough. I've been a walking scorer for the Buy.Com Tour and the Nike Tour at Sedgefield during those summer months and it is hot!!! But I am sure the tournament officials will find a way to keep things cool. Greensboro needs this tournament to be successful, and I truly hope it is. Having said that, I am hurt and dismayed about the things I have read in the print media about Forest Oaks and its membership. We have been referred to as the "Gawky Step-Child"... and other various and hurtful terms. We are not "Beer Swilling Chicken Bone Throwing Uneducated Rednecks". We are wonderful, caring people who come from all walks of life. Just like our city counterparts we have doctors, lawyers and CEO's as members. We also have teachers, firemen , nurses and computer analysts and programmers and stay-at-home Moms. We have a wonderful, diverse mix of members from all ethnic and religious backgrounds. And we all have one thing in common. We love our community. It is rapidly changing and growing. And we plan to stand by and help ease those "growing pains". To portray us as something other than what we are is wrong.  Unlike other clubs, Forest Oaks isn't owned by its members but rather the Nissin Corp. We do have facilities that are older (70's style) and in need of updating. I'm sure that many members like myself would have loved to have seen the updating done a long time ago, but that was not the plan of our owners. We have been told it will happen within the next year. We are set to see some improvements and are all happy about that. We wish the Wyndham Championship well and we hope to watch it grow and prosper... just like we have faith our club will.  Working together.. not in a GAWKY way... good things will happen!!!