Nothing Left to Lose

It finally happened: a court has ordered Britney Spears to relinquish custody of her two sons today, placing them into the full-time care of their father, Kevin Federline, until future notice.

We may have all seen it coming, but it’s sad all the same. There’s no question in anyone’s mind (except maybe that YouTube video guy) that Spears’ boys were not being properly cared for under her watch. From allegations of soda in their bottles and toddler teeth-whitening to her much publicized partying and car seat missteps, it’s clear Spears still has a lot to learn.

No Comments

RK Express Coffee

Here’s a new concept: fresh-brewed coffee taste…without the brew! RK Express Coffee offers a twist on coffee making that doesn’t require coffee beans or a coffee maker, and it delivers an authentic cup of coffee instantly. Simply pour the coffee concentrate from a pre-measured cup into a mug, add hot or cold water, and serve. It’s easy to use, it’s ready instantly, and there’s no mess. Even if you’re a coffee connoisseur who wouldn’t dream of drinking instant, RK Express Coffee can be a useful alternative for those frenetic days when you need a quick cup but don’t have time to make a pot or trek to a coffee shop.

No Comments

MONEY FOR NOTHING, by Edward Ugel

“What would you do if you won the lottery?” This standard bit of party talk has a far-from-standard answer in Money for Nothing, Edward Ugel’s fascinating memoir about his years at The Firm, buying lottery winners out of their winnings for pennies on the dollar.

What a lovely daydream, all that money just falling out of the sky to pay off your house, send your kids to college, and take the family on a cruise. But as rosy as the fantasy sounds, the reality is that cash windfalls bring their own problems, some of them devastating. Ugel does a great job explaining why: The typical person who plays the lottery is not already rich. They don’t have a circle of trusted financial advisers helping them navigate the lottery system, invest (or spend) their winnings wisely, or deal with the many charities, friends, and family members who want a piece of the pie. Trying to be smart about it, they choose annual payments over a lump sum, and blow through the first check or two like air. All too soon they are living a high-flying lifestyle while juggling massive debt, unable to wait for the next annual check.

No Comments

A Lesson in Stress

Kindergarten consultants, move aside. The October issue of Parenting includes a story that will have parents everywhere on edge: “Will Your Preschooler Need a Tutor?” While the obvious answer seems to be no, the trend is, apparently, pointing towards yes. If you thought parents hiring tutors and consultants to get their young kids into private schools was a scary thought, brace yourself. It seems it just will not stop – and the targets are getting younger every day.

With a generation of overachieving parents pushing for a generation of overachieving kids, we have seen everything from diminishing playtime to overloaded schedules for kids as young as 2 and 3. Imagine being a grandparent that needs to be penciled in for a playdate with your 6 year-old grandchild, who shuffles back and forth between school, music lessons, gymnastics, and second or third-language courses daily. But it’s all about to get worse. Tutors and academic programs meant for the not-yet-even-in-school set are popping up across the country.

No Comments