PSA- What Do You Care About? #VoteYourFuture

It's no secret that this has been a particularly divisive election cycle in American politics. I am not particularly shy about where I stand on the candidates or on the issues they consider important, but I also believe in the age old tradition of civil discourse. I might not agree with what you have to say, but I respect your right to say it. Just be able to state your case without resorting to hateful rhetoric or bombastic diatribes… especially on someone's personal social platforms.

Naysayers might grumble about how celebrities have no right to talk about politics, blah blah blah, but I very much disagree. They're voicing their opinions, which is a wonderful – and utterly responsible and patriotic – thing for Americans to do.


One of the big conversations Bob and I have been having with Roo lately is that it's important to have an opinion and to take an interest in the world around you. Middle school is an incubator for tweens being self-absorbed and blind to anything outside of their teeny tiny friend bubble, but it's also an important time to explain why the political platforms matter and what the historical precedents are.

And if seeing Zendaya and Kendall Jenner talking about voting makes it seem cooler than when mom and dad whine about how important it is to have an opinion and vote on it, I am all for it.

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"What do you care about?"

If you care about it, #voteyourfuture. Register (or check your current registration) at voteyourfuture.us Registration deadlines are coming!

Join one of the biggest conversations about this election. Consider liking, sharing, and tell us what you care about in your own #voteyourfuture video:

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Twitter @voteyourfuture
Facebook /voteyourfuture

Ansel & Clair: Paul Revere's Ride

One of the kids' favorite apps is Ansel & Clair’s Adventures in Africa. Roo and Jasper reviewed it back in summer 2011 and they still enjoy playing it, which in terms of apps is pretty darned impressive. In terms of educational apps, it's nearly unheard of!

I was excited to hear that a a new title has recently been added to the series: Ansel & Clair: Paul Revere's Ride. Jasper, in particular, has an unusual affinity for the Revolutionary War and is obsessed with the "Shot Heard 'Round The World" from the America Rocks series. This seemed like it would be an obvious hit with him.

This app is very, very interactive with plenty of animation, trivia, maps, minigames and even the ability to type your own notes into the Travel Log. (Jasper does not read or write much yet but Roo really liked that; her class did Lewis & Clark journals so she enjoys the historical documentation process.) Period music and licensed museum artwork add to the immersive learning experience.

At $4.99, Ansel & Clair: Paul Revere's Ride is a great investment in your kids' history education AND amusement. You'll all be reciting The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere before you know it…


In accordance to the FTC Guidelines and WOMMA Code of Ethics, I am disclosing that I received a complimentary download code to facilitate this review. As usual, though, all thoughts are my own.