“Kids come out to play in the Salt City Games” plus 3 more

Kids come out to play in the Salt City Games
New Kids on the Block Do Cruise Concert
Raise money-smart kids with these online tools
Noblesville kids can meet Freddy Fever

Kids come out to play in the Salt City Games

Posted: 11 Aug 2010 01:22 PM PDT

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SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- The sixth annual Salt City Games had kids running around Meachem Field in Syracuse Wednesday. The annual event is a chance for kids ages 7 to 12 to have fun during their final days of summer.

It's hosted by the "Syracuse Department of Parks and Recreation and Youth Programs." The day is full of Olympic-style competitions including the 50 meter sprint and a football toss. There are also team competitions like the water balloon toss and the wet sponge race.

Nearly 250 kids are expected to attend the Salt City Games.

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New Kids on the Block Do Cruise Concert

Posted: 12 Aug 2010 05:34 AM PDT

By SCOTT MAYEROWITZ

Aug. 12, 2010

On Friday morning, Nichole Newerth plans to be in front of her computer eagerly waiting to buy tickets.

The '80s boy band is ready to head out on the high seas with 2,600 fans.

No, she's not some star-crazed teenager but a 36-year-old mother of three looking to go on a four-day Caribbean cruise with the '80s boy band New Kids on the Block.

"It's a lot of fun for mommies who need to cut loose," Newerth said. "I know, it sounds crazy."

Forget filling stadiums and concert halls. These days, some bands are finding a second act on the high seas.

The Backstreet Boys, Sammy Hagar, Boyz II Men and Rick Springfield all have upcoming cruises where they play to a boat full of adorning fans.

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But it's not just about the concerts. The musicians also lead limbo competitions, bingo games, belly flop contests and join in karaoke at the bar.

"You think you're going on this cruise and you're never going to see them, but they're out everywhere," said Newerth, who has been on two New Kids on the Block cruises and plans to go on the band's third voyage in May.

On the first cruise two years ago, she got a hug from Donnie Wahlberg before leaving port. Then last year, she was sitting in the hot tub on the deck.

"I turn around and there's Jon [Knight] standing right behind me," Newerth said. "He stuck his hand in and said, 'How's the water ladies?' And I said, 'Climb in, we'll make room.'"

Five Filters featured article: "Peace Envoy" Blair Gets an Easy Ride in the Independent. Available tools: PDF Newspaper, Full Text RSS, Term Extraction.

Raise money-smart kids with these online tools

Posted: 12 Aug 2010 03:11 AM PDT

Children and teens, ages 8 to 18, spend an average of 7 hours and 38 minutes a day using entertainment media, according to a recent U.S. survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation. That's a lot of time Tweeting, texting and watching videos of the Biebs and bulldogs who skateboard. How much of our children's online use is devoted to exploring personal finance sites?

If the answer is unclear or it's zero, then introducing them to some sites they can relate to might be a way to tear them from their media multitasking and onto something of real value. Some suggested sites to start with are below.

Ages 8-10

At this age, it's important for the site to be fun and interactive while still providing useful information. In the online game Savings Quest, your children will choose a job, earn a paycheque, set a savings goal and work toward it. Throughout the process of working toward the desired goal, unexpected expenses are thrown into the game to simulate real life situations. Some of the concepts are slightly more advanced so it might be useful to play along with your child. If you're looking for other games to play with your young children to teach them about money, check out MoneyInstructor.com. Most games suggest using cards, dice or coins - things that your kids are already familiar with playing or using.

Ages 9-14

Great resources for girls ages 9 to 14 can be found online at Girls Inc. With some help from mom and dad, girls can create their own online profile and then take part in interactive money games that show you how to save money, make it grow, start a business, etc. The site also has suggested reading material for parents as well as suggested reading material for kids and teens.

Ages 15 and up

I'm a big fan of the virtual world known as The City. Here, teens and young adults can learn about basic financial life skills relevant to their lives by becoming a character and encountering real life scenarios. If you've ever heard your teens talk about FarmVille or SimCity, they might be into this. The Money Belt also features tools, quizzes and quick tips for your teen.

You should also encourage your kids to test out stock simulators at such sites as Investopedia.com. They can play a number of games to suit their investment levels and interests. If your children get to select stocks in their favourite stores, places or restaurants, it may increase their interest in the simulation. It will also be easier to bring the virtual world to real life when you talk to your kids about money. The site is also great for a junior investor as it covers the basics of personal finance.

Of course, the lessons your children and teens take away from these sites will go a lot further if there is a little incentive, and a lot of communication about what was learned and how it can be applied to real life – even if those conversations happen to be via texting.

Five Filters featured article: "Peace Envoy" Blair Gets an Easy Ride in the Independent. Available tools: PDF Newspaper, Full Text RSS, Term Extraction.

Noblesville kids can meet Freddy Fever

Posted: 11 Aug 2010 02:05 PM PDT

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