Researchers think that it has something to do with the way that their brains are wired. At a very young age, exposure to music may be one of the contributors in the establishment of connections between brain cells and the building of the pathways that nurture a child’s development. From my simple observations and experience, I believe that listening to good music at a young age does positively affect wiring in a child’s brain. Children’s music has to do more than just produce pleasant sounds to be effective, however. Music must engage the child’s imagination in song and create an emotional bond that triggers these strong brain connections and development.

What does all this mean? If you want to help your kids enjoy life at its fullest, then provide them with high-quality children’s music to listen to. I’m referring to the kind of kids’ music that makes them think, songs that they can laugh at, music to get up and dance to and sing along with when the mood hits them. Who knows, you might find out in a few years from now that your kids are really good in math, reading exceptionally well, developing strong friendships, appearing to have more focus on tasks at hand and enjoying music too. Quality children’s music can help make this happen.

I have four children and music has played an important role in their lives. All of them are very confident. Music has brought out the best in them, both personally and scholastically.

Children’s music has come a long way since I listened to Sparky’s Magic Piano and the Flight of the Bumble Bee. Today, even though there is a broad selection of kid’s music to choose from, let’s face it; a lot is insulting to a child’s intelligence and terribly orchestrated. Children lose interest quickly if it does not have a catchy melody. Fortunately we live in an age where the internet helps you find great kids’ music. It is now possible for you to sample songs prior to investing your hard earned money. You can visit websites like Amazon.com, iTunes, or companies like CDBaby and listen before you buy.

So what will your child respond to in kids’ music? First, I suggest a good solid mix of styles and songs. Reggie, Rock, Blues and other genres will hold kids’ attention. Choose music that is not repetitive, mundane or simple. Children are smarter than you think, even at a very young age. Lyrics should carry value messages, be catchy, and use “play on words.” The instrumentation should be quality, layered and complex. Basically, lots of instruments and well thought out arrangements. Look for music that appeals to your child, makes them feel good, and, most importantly, select music that does not drive you crazy while listening to it along with your child!

Invest in good quality kids’ music, crank up the CD player, or iPod, and watch your kids have a blast. You’ll be developing their brains for future challenges and preparing them to fully enjoy all that life has to offer.

Bio:JC Calhoun and Steve Paris are members of “Just Us Kid’s” . “Just Us Kids” are professional musicians with children of their own and a goal of producing top-quality Children’s CDs. Their musical efforts focus on writing, recording and producing Kids CDs that present children with a variety of musical styles. The result of their effort is a professional Kids CD that is packed with value for both you and your child. Vist: http://www.kidscdfun.com

It’s Here!

Allergy season is defined as the months of the year with increased allergens. It peaks as the weather warms in the spring and fall and then ends with the onset of winter. As I write this article, I am reminded of one summer about 25 years ago, when my love for roses came to an abrupt halt. I was so fond of roses that I had planted them around the outside perimeter of my entire home. When the roses bloomed, my sinuses crashed and kleenex stock went through the roof. The allergic reaction lasted for 3 seasons and eventually subsided, but it was a rough 3 summers. While most people look forward to the arrival of spring, many of those who suffer from allergies dread it.

Increased allergens include higher than normal levels of pollen, mold, and other outdoor allergens. Ragweed is considered one of the most common allergens during the fall allergy season and ragweed is the number one cause of hay fever. It causes a respiratory allergy called Hay Fever Allergic Rhinitis. In the deep South, ragweed season often hits as early as July.

By limiting your exposure to pollens, molds, and other allergens during the height of allergy season you may be able to reduce your allergic reaction.

Some of the common allergy causes include: pollen, dust mites, mold, animal dander, insect stings, latex, and certain food and medications. The common symptoms indicating an allergic reaction are mild eye irritation, congestion, generalized swelling and difficulty breathing.

Allergy Levels

If you are one of the baby boomers active in sports, you may not reach your peak performance if you suffer an allergic reaction. You may be relegated to curling as your Olympic activity and have to give up pole vaulting. Regardless, it is a good idea to check your cable weather channel, local newspapers and internet in order to monitor the allergy levels in your area so you can live a happier and healthier life.

Depending on what triggers your allergy symptoms, “seasonal” allergies can last all year. Those who suffer from allergies should therefore avoid certain plant life at particular times during the allergy season. Seasonal allergies are immune reactions to pollens, molds, or other triggers that are present. Pollen and mold induced allergies are typically felt for three seasons, (spring, summer and fall) but can spell trouble all year.

Help Yourself

There are steps that you can take to minimize triggering of allergies.

First, check your home and keep it free of allergy triggers by vacuuming. Improve the air quality in your home by keeping windows closed. Use air conditioning and HEPA filter your home’s heating system. Remember to clean your home air filters and ducts regularly. And, do not smoke in your home.

Second, install and use a dehumidifier in basement areas and prevent mold growth by keeping humidity below 50%. Use a mask when entering basements, crawl spaces, garages, barns, and compost heaps. Hopefully, you won’t be arrested.

Third, wash your bed linens and towels in hot water and place in the dryer right away. Don’t hang laundry outside to dry where it can collect pollen.

Fourth, when cleaning, use a mask and gloves. Remove blinds and curtains that cannot be washed.

Also, there are a few things that you might not think of, yet can make a difference: Store firewood outdoors, avoid having wall-to-wall carpeting in your home if possible, routinely wash throw rugs, and be selective about your indoor plants. Keep pets outside and definitely keep them out of the bedroom. If you have pets, brush them outdoors to remove loose hair, dander, and other allergens. Bathe them regularly…even cats. But start out doing this when they are young and maybe you’ll keep half your face.

Finally, realize that you can develop an allergy at any time. Recently, I have found that I have a gluten allergy which is causing me to avoid a few of my favorite things…breads, pasta and Elmer’s glue. But, that’s another story for another time. Now, please pass me a kleenex.

Pueblo and crew seized by North Koreans

Martin Luther King assassination Memphis

Sirhan Sirhan assassinates Robert Kennedy

James Earl Ray arrested for murder of Marten Luther King

Richard Nixon elected president

Jackie Kennedy marries Aristotle Onassis

Prague invaded by soviet tanks

Tet offensive launched by Viet Cong

Civil Rights Act is passed

Jane Mansfield dies in car crash

Fashion for men is wide ties

Fashion for women is rings on all fingers

Most popular TV shows - Laugh-in, Gomer Pyle, Bonanza

Wimbledon Title won by Billie Jean King

Summer Olympics were held in Mexico City

Popular movies – Oliver, 2001, Planet of the Apes

Average price of a car , $2,450.00

Gallon of Milk, $1.21

Loaf of bread, $0.21

Postage stamp, $0.06

Average price of a home, $26,600

4 cups mashed sweet potatoes (Yams)  (Can use 2 large cans of yams)

1/2 cup white sugar

2 Tablespoons vanilla extract

4 eggs, beaten

1 cup heavy cream

1/4 pound (1 stick) butter (softened)

1 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1 & 1/4 cups chopped pecans (do not substitute nuts)

Butter a 2 quart casserole dish.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a mixing bowl, combine the sweet potatoes (Yams), sugar, vanilla extract, eggs and cream.  Blend well and spread evenly in the casserole dish.

Prepare the topping by combining the softened butter, brown sugar, flour and pecans.  Mix until crumbly and sprinkle over the sweet potato mixture.

Bake for 30 minutes in the preheated oven, or until heated all the way through.

Serves 6 to 8

This is a great dish not only for the Holidays but for kicking up one of your everyday dinner meals!

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