Two or three times this week I have seen national news programs discussing social media sites like Twitter and Facebook and how it relates to job and family. They have been talking about whether or not to “friend” or follow your kids or boss. It interests me because in all cases I would say heck NO to friending my boss on social media sites. Putting it all out there for everyone to see can get pretty dicey.

I use social media quite a bit but I try very hard not to say or do anything that will embarrass me, my family, or get me into hot water. I learned that the hard way one time when I was discussing my rather lax European-esque viewpoints on something that is not looked upon kindly in the US. After I got someone threatening to call the police on me I decided that some things just should not be shared….even if I am sooo totally right and they are sooo totally wrong. ;)

Anyway, friends recently shared a link to NetSmartz with me and I am very impressed. The object of the site is to teach kids with cartoons and videos how they can really mess things up for themselves when the are not careful on social media sites. Your boss might read about your drunken night out and fire you the next day. A college might look you up on facebook when considering your application and see your username is maryjanefan. I even read an article recently that potential employers are checking social media profiles to see if you are a gamer and then not hiring people who are. That reference to Warcraft on your Facebook page could kill potential jobs.

We all need to be careful what we put on the Internet and especially kids. This is an awesome, not cheesey way to share that message with them. So foward the site on to any kids you have that use social media to meet and make friends.

There are so many books out now about green living that even I am getting a  bit overwhelmed. I get one in the mail from a publishing company and I start to groan. Love the topic, I am just not sure we need a thousand books on it.

Getting The Green Year was kind of refreshing though. It breaks up the info into 365 small things you can do to make a difference and categorizes them by date. Every day you can potentially start off by reading that day’s Green Year page and then see if you can implement it. After a year you have 365 new habits that equal BIG change. There is a notes section at the bottom on each page so you can jot down an alternative idea and there is also an empty bubble you can fill in like a standardized test if you were able to act on the day’s tip.

I like the concept because it is a fresh and fun approach and the info is excellent as well. I might not opt to sit and read the book cover to cover but one page a day I can totally handle. ;)

Make sure to check out the Whole Foods podcast this month. The topic is perfect for Valentines Day… Libido Part I: Medicinal Plants.

It is a short and fast podcast that explains how plants can be useful to stimulate the libido. Chris Kilham, known in the industry as the Medicine Hunter, gives his top picks for medicinal plants that are commonly for this purpose.

Enjoy!

Check out my review/story about these adorable little dolls at Eco Child’s Play.

Here is a fun video I took today of my daughter using my new Flip. This camera is totally awesome. I sacrificed some of the quality to make the file smaller for YouTube purposes but the initial video is wonderful. I am impressed. And the Flip is much greener than my other camera…no need to buy little CDs to burn anymore, I just download the Flip videos directly my computer. Very cool!

Anyway she is singing a song she learned at school. I wanted her to be exposed to Christian beliefs since she isn’t learning them at home. Guess it is working. I think it would be awesome if I could send her to schools for other religious faiths in subsequent years. It would be either very interesting or very confusing. ;)

BTW the 30 minute Flip is on sale at Amazon rigtht now.