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If you are a gifted student in a high school, transferring to another one or applying to university, this is for you. Here are some ground rules for educating gifted students that you should be on the lookout for in any school.

Ideally schools should ensure that the curriculum for gifted and talented students is "qualitatively differentiated", meaning that what you learn should be at a probably higher level than other students, and teachers should be purposefully changing the course with your involvement. This requires a look at and possible change of the course content (what is taught or learned), processes (how teaching and learning occur), and products (the ways learning is assessed) - in every classroom. The purpose in differentiation is simply to better match the curriculum to individual strengths, abilities, and needs - for all students, as a matter of fact. Schools should also strive to employ opportunities for both enrichment (broadening the learning in courses) and acceleration (speeding up a course) across a range of options - again, starting in every classroom.

When applying to a secondary school or university, it is worthwhile finding out about accommodations available to gifted students. Here are some questions that may be asked by students or parents:

• Does the school you want to attend have a specific policy on gifted and talented education? Is it available to read? Get a copy.
• How are students identified as gifted and talented? Different boards of education will have different methods. If you have been identified by a school board, will you be accepted automatically or will you have to be re-tested by the new board?
• Upon identification, what provisions are put into place to meet special educational needs? What courses does the school focus on to differentiate for gifted students – math, science, English, etc. Are there any special courses available to gifted students only?
• At what level, or when, does identification and provision begin - what grade, what time of the year, for how many years?
• To what degree are parents, and even children, consulted and involved in decision-making regarding gifted and talented programs? Are there special meetings held?
• What training do facilitators have that qualifies them to teach gifted students? What specialists will there be available for consultation?
• When, where and how will meetings be held with facilitators? What happens at meetings? What resources are available to them?
• How many gifted students are in the school presently and how many are expected to enter next year? It might indicate the degree to which the school values gifted students, suggest the kind of neighbourhood the school is in, or perhaps suggests the school has other areas that they want to emphasize with students.

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REFLECTIONS FROM A GIFTED ADULT
(Rob Graham was one of my students in the Toronto Catholic School Board Gifted Program in the 1970’s-early 1980’s. We have been friends since those days. –editor)

Ever wonder about your future? How’s this all going to turn out? What’s the point of Grade 10 Math or OAC Chemistry? The answer - you turn into a gifted adult, which is the only thing more fun than being a gifted teenager!

Over twenty years ago as a fifth grader I got involved in one of the early gifted education programs in North York (is St. Cyril's still there?). In those days computer programs were stored on audio cassettes and the Bee Gees were still cool. Everyone wore Jordache jeans and North Star running shoes (I actually had a t-shirt with a Nike swoosh on it but didn’t really know what it was!). Since that time, I made it through high school, finished an engineering degree at the University of Waterloo, learned to speak fluent Japanese at age 20, lived in Asia for four years, and now I’m at the University of British Columbia doing a graduate degree in business administration. Looking back, I realize that many of the vital skills and attributes I have I learned at St. Cyril’s

Here’s my list of the most valuable skills I learned in the gifted program:

• Never be afraid to ask questions - Chances are, if you don’t know the answer, then someone else doesn’t either. Good questions are a sign of intelligence, interest, and alertness.
• Think different – It’s an Apple Computer mantra that’s very true. You will always be surrounded by people who think similarly, who are afraid to rock the boat. As a gifted thinker you should be able to think differently, to look at a situation from a fresh perspective, to find new ways of approaching a subject. The world needs more independent thinkers.
• Develop research skills – I mean real primary research, not the Google kind. Talk to the people who are at the source, don’t just read about them. If you don’t know your stuff you’re likely to get snowed in by someone who does.

A friend’s mother once told her that life has two purposes: to find someone you love, and something you love to do. As for the first, it’ll come in due time. As for the second, follow your passions to succeed and have a heck of a lot of fun!

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Canada Wide Science Fair will be held in Saskatoon, Sask., May 11-19.
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Art Gallery of Ontario Evening/Weekend Art Courses (apply now)

Auctions to attend: Waddington’s, 111 Bathurst St. @ Adelaide, Toronto, ON.

Canadian College Italy (apply for the summer courses)

Canadian International Documentary Film Festival

Driver Education Program (good time to start)

Rotary Agri-Food Career Adventure (visit an agricultural college)

Ryerson University Engineering Project for Women (great summer course)

Science Outreach Program (U. of Toronto summer science course)

Toronto International Dragon Boat Race Festival (on Toronto islands each year)

Young Peoples Press Summer Institute for Teen Journalists

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Genevieve McD.-McL. and Vera L., all OAC, attended the Camp Enterprise free weekend on business leadership.

Alexis C., Gr. 11, organized a Hugh O’Brian Leadership Foundation weekend conference (CLEWS) and Angela P., Gr. 10, attended. Very successful.

Eugenia P., Gr. 9, placed 3^rd out of about 20 contestants in the AM10 Math Competition. Congratulations. She is also preparing to enter a story writing contest.

Janice C., Gr. 12, has been going to the World Youth Day preparations at her church. She attended the Athena Conference, on International Women's Day, organized by the United Nations. Guest speakers included a high-ranking Canadian army officer, a university lecturer from York, and even Miss Canada. She is also an AGO (Art Gallery of Ontario) member and visits the galleries once in a while. Janice also went to the Sing-a-long Sound of Music at the Eglinton Theatre, and it was quite fun! She recommends it to you.

Cathy L., Gr. 12, was on the LAT school hockey team that won a major championship. Congratulations.

*The following LAT Gifted Program students were involved in SOMA (Southern Ontario Model United Nations Assembly): Christine D’A., Magda S., Magda W..

*The following LAT Gifted Program students attended an Earth Day Conference:
Victoria A., Sarah L..

*The following LAT Gifted Program students attended a Student Trustee Conference: Alexis C., Amelia M., Irme C., Sarah L., Christine D’A., Ashleigh S., Nathalie O.

*The following LAT Gifted Program students will be attending the Queen’s University Mini Enrichment Program: Sarah L., Olivia M., Pauline L., Magda W., Ashleigh S., Michelle H., Amelia M., Kate A., Jenna M., Eugenia P., Caroline R.

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What Type of Driver are You?

(monthly article written by Sandra Tipei, Gr. 9, Gifted Program)

Everyone has their own personality and they take that with them when they drive. There are four basic driver personalities, but most people are a mix of at least two. So, what kind of driver do you think you are or will be? Here are some ups and downs of each personality:

The Thinker
This personality strives for perfection. They plan many driving lessons and won't quit until they've gotten it right. Their parallel parking is right on, but situations involving judgmental decisions may take longer to learn i.e. changing lanes or turning onto a busy road. Constantly analyzing and striving for perfection can slow down their decision making process. These personalities like learning through situations that are always the same and thus take a longer time
to get an understanding of spontaneous situations. This personality has a computer like brain and stores all the information they have learned. The thinker usually makes a very good no nonsense driver.

The Actor/Actress
Usually this personality is very talkative and fun to be around. The actor or actress has many friends resulting from their approachable personality. They understand ideas and situations very well but can't be bugged with details. Usually these drivers like to gain the attention of the people around them like a friend on the street or another car at the stoplights. They may do things to get others’ attention. They are fun to drive with and usually drive with a happy-go-lucky disposition.

This personality is very confident though that may be misinterpreted. When learning to drive, they may seem to act as if they know everything and are a step ahead, and may argue on some occasions about what they are learning and may be a handful to teach. The Goer is very competitive but can be easily discouraged with negative remarks. Speeding can be a problem for the Goer, as they are focused on their goals and have a tendency to take risks. They may drive aggressively or tailgate. These types of drivers do very well in school but have to learn to keep things under control on the road.

The Peacemaker is quiet and tries to please others. They are gentle and hate being put under any pressure. Their temperament is very controlled and they have trouble making decisions. The process of learning to drive is very slow for a Peacemaker and usually whoever is teaching them has to be very patient. Sometimes they can be too patient and though this personality probably won't become a race car driver, their calm and dependable character will keep them crash free for years to come.

Learning to drive is not just about memorizing all the laws and making sure you pass your test. It is feeling relaxed and comfortable behind the wheel. Knowing how your personality affects the way you drive will help you become a better driver in the long run. No 'type' of driver is better than another, just unique and they each need to learn in their own way.

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(based on an article in Chatelaine Magazine and U. of Toronto S.H.O.P. Talks Health)

Many students spend a lot of time pushing a pencil and sitting at a desk. With heavy studying to do, there just doesn’t seem to be any time for more active exercise. You don’t want arteries to clog or mould to grow in unusual places. What to do? Here are a few ideas:

1. Walk to school or get off the bus 1-2 stops early and walk the rest of the way.
2. Walk around when you are studying. Carry your book or notes with you.
3. Take the stairs – any stairs – whenever possible.
4. Practice pressure, resistance, tensing movements while you are sitting.
5. Stretch your whole body often while at your desk.
6. Power step or power-walk whenever you go somewhere.
7. While watching TV, do some crunches, sit-ups, presses, flexing.
8. Buddy up with friends and form a power-walking club to and from school.
9. Schedule short exercise times right into your timetable.
10. Get some simple exercise devises that can be used at your desk. e.g. rubber ball, bungee cords, spring-loaded grips, etc.

Challenge: Send us your ideas of other interesting exercises to do.

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(from all over. – editor)

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(muse-ings – editor)

Maybe it's just me, but over the years I have seen a slow change in the meaning of "hero" that I don’t particularly like.

To me, the word "hero’ means a person with fortitude, convictions, morals, principles, courage, optimism, faith, selflessness. A hero overcomes defeats, shows love for others, and determination in character and strength in the face of overwhelming odds. The person leaves an impression and I want to be like him/her. As a kid and even today, my heroes were generally people who made major impacts on me as a person and kept me from straying into bad territory. They "talked" to me and through their convictions and insights, I became a better person or at least put brakes on when I was going in the wrong direction. I could actually be like the person.

Nowadays, people have heroes I don’t relate to very well. There seems to be a rule that heroes have to be stars and enormously wealthy/famous (Paul McCartney), or super athletes (Michael Jordan). Being able to raise a lot of money for charity seems to be a major reason they become heroes (Terry Fox). The most popular ones are usually exceptionally good-looking and young (Princess Diana. Did anybody pay attention to the death of Princess Margaret?) Some are high flyers who crashed because of drugs or self-abuse and now go around telling people about it (Robert Downey Jr.) I can respect or admire these people but they are not my heroes. Too many of us look for heroes in all the wrong places. Movie stars, musicians, athletes and models aren't heroes; they're celebrities. I can’t be like them, and in many cases, don’t want to be - even with a major stretch of the imagination. They are too far removed from my life.

There are very few heroes in Canada that last a long time. If they do, they are usually thrust into our midst each year whether we want them there or not. Our government desperately tries to find people whom the public might accept as great role models while ignoring the true heroes among us all the time.

How about urging our government and media to put more ordinary people into the spotlight reserved for heroes? Why not the strong people in our daily lives - the teachers, scientists, environmental activists, police officers, crossing guards, energetic elderly people? We might be able to actually identify with them. Don’t they deserve national recognition too? How about a national firefighters day, crossing guard day, etc. Why not make every day a special day honouring people who are the real heroes in our lives.

Challenge: When were you a real hero to somebody in your life? Tell us about it. Who is your greatest hero and why?

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A Class Clique is Crowding Me!
(adaptations and excerpts from an article in Canadian Living Magazine. Personal additions too. – editor)

Cliques can cause some serious problems for some kids. A group that has it in for you can be very frustrating. Knowing how they operate will help in responding to them. Here are some ideas and advice for potential joiners and recipients of abuse from one:

Potential Joiners: They usually don’t provide close life-long friendships. This may help you decide not to join.
Recipients: Make friends in other classes or outside of school. It may be hard to not be too offended if they exclude you but you can still have a good time outside the group.

Potential Joiners: Think. Is this what I want to do to other people?
Recipients: If you know they may do this, steel yourself. Falling apart may be just the reaction they want. Be strong and show them your life is ok despite them. Learn to rise above. This is very difficult but you can do it.

Potential Joiners: Your leadership skills, values and friendships may be compromised as you do what the clique tells you to do.
Recipients: If confronted by them, be very careful how you deal with the leader who will have much more support than you. If the leader is challenged without the others around, it may be of some advantage to you. Talking to individual members might help.

Potential Joiners & Recipients:

Get more involved in extra-curricular and/or family activities. Broaden out your range of friendships. Develop friendships in other classes, other schools, neighbourhood activities, church groups. Go to people who love and support you for the great person you are.

Challenge: Any clique stories to tell? Send them to us.

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(article in the Catholic Register by Art Babych)

A Leger Marketing survey released earlier in 2002 showed Canadian views on morality and values. (1519 people, 18yrs+) Here are some rather interesting findings:

• 72.5% feel Canadians have a strong sense of morals
• 13.5% feel Canadian moral sense is very strong
• 59% feel moral sense is strong
• 20.1% feel moral sense is somewhat weak
• 4.9% found moral sense to be very weak
• only 59.2% of people whose mother tongue is neither French nor English believe that Canadians have a high moral sense

• 89.3% said shoplifting was immoral (shoplifting was ranked #1)
• 80.8% said extra-marital affairs were immoral (ranked #2)
• 79.2% said taking hard drugs was immoral (ranked #3)
• 41.85 said abortion was immoral (ranked #10)
• 22.1% said homosexuality was immoral (ranked #13)
• 31.3% said doctor-assisted suicide was immoral (ranked #14)
• 27.3% said pre-marital sex was immoral (ranked #15)
• 26.3% said being an atheist was immoral (ranked #16)
• 22.3% said divorce was immoral (ranked #17)

President Jean-Marc Leger said that in the last 10 years, morality seems to have shifted away from social issues such as divorce and homosexuality. Dishonesty, tax evasion, working under the table, seems to be more immoral than abortion or homosexuality. People in the USA share the same opinions.

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(excerpts from an article in the Toronto Star by Peter Calamai)

After roughly 200 years in flight, the first spaceship carrying human explorers may reach an Earth-like planet relatively close to our sun. Believe it or not, the necessarily well ordered world of the colonists on this spaceship has already been under discussion by some of the world’s leading space scientists, psychologists, geneticists, and anthropologists. A leading figure in this delicate planning is John Moore of the University of Florida.

In order for a colony to survive, space families must be demographically engineered before sending them into outer space. These are some of the very interesting and provocative considerations and possible results:

• as small a total population as practical to keep spacecraft size down, only 80 people would fulfill all the requirements
• as much genetic variability as possible to minimize weakening of the gene pool
• colonists must have children later (age 35-40) to reduce the number of generations that exist during the trip
• families must be small in order to increase the number of unrelated people
• every person would have the opportunity to be married
• every person would have the opportunity to be a parent
• age clusters spanning 15-year periods separated by age gaps of 35 years would be ideal
• no genetic abnormalities would be allowed so that such a small population would have a greater chance of survival for such a long time
• people would also be selected based on their genetic makeup to satisfy a need to have a 50-50 split in the sex of children they have
• Space English would evolve but would probably be recognizable as English after 200 years (based on the study of English of the 18^thC, 17thC, 16thC here on Earth)
• many words would disappear from the travellers’ vocabulary i.e. snow, horse, tiger, sailing, etc. Other new space slang would come into existence especially from teenagers.
• English would have to be taught as a foreign language to ensure the travellers could communicate once they returned to Earth.

With Earth orbit only in mind, some special groups might find space settlement particularly attractive:

• The handicapped could keep a settlement at zero-g to make wheelchairs and walkers unnecessary.
• Some religious groups might prefer to live away from "unbelievers".
• Penal colonies might be created in orbit as they should be fairly escape proof.
• People who wish to experiment with very different social and political forms could get away from restrictive social norms.

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(based on an article in the Toronto Star)

Want an interesting new career of the future? Biometrics technology makes it possible to identify individuals based on physical characteristics, voice, signature, fingerprints, and even facial recognition.

A computer mathematically maps out the features of ones face and compares it to those in a database of faces.

This has been used in casinos around the world including those in Ontario but is relatively new to airport security. As you walk through a scanner, your image is compared to images of suspects wanted for whatever reason. If an exact match is found, an alarm goes off.

Considering only about 5% of our population commits crimes and even a smaller percentage of people commit terrorist acts, is it acceptable to do this to honest people? What happens with your image once in the computer? How much of your person and privacy are you willing to give up to governments, police, security agencies, insurance companies, etc.?

to see how far we have come in losing our freedoms. This book was first published in 1949. What are your views?

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(from Now Magazine)

Knowledgeable consumers have been pressuring food providers to put labels on food products we buy. After reading the following, you might want to get active and increase the pressure.

Danone Fruit-Bottom Yogurt – supposed to be a great source of calcium, potassium, etc.
What you didn’t know: it’s loaded with 2 teaspoons of sugar, has over 240 calories, contains aspertame artificial sweetener which has been linked to many illnesses.
Solution: buy plain, natural yogurt and add your own real fruit, natural jams or jellies.

Quaker 100% Natural Oats & Honey Granola – supposed to be 100% natural.
What you didn’t know: one serving has about 6 teaspoons of sugar, has more fat than a McDonald’s hamburger
Solution: make your own using individual bulk purchases of fruits and unsweetened granola

Microwave/Theatre Popcorn – supposed to be a simple smart food.
What you didn’t know: a typical bag of popcorn has about 80 grams of fat equal to 6 Big Macs, oils and fats put on the popcorn in theatres are twice as saturated as lard
Solution: air-popped, low-fat popcorn, add salt only or light virgin olive oil and seasoning

Sunny Delight – supposed to be a good source of Vitamin C.
What you don’t know: each cup contains only a teaspoon or two of real fruit juice, it is missing all the vitamins, minerals and cancer-fighting plant phyto-chemicals found in real orange juice.
Solution: buy 100%real fruit juice or make your own organic fruit juices. Eat oranges.

Haagen Dazs Ice Cream – supposed to be a high quality ice cream.
What you don’t know: one cup contains fat equal to a half stick of butter, there is more saturated fat (26 grams) than a 13 oz rib-eye steak
Solution: buy ice-based cones or low-fat frozen yogurt, sherbet

Campbell’s Condensed Soups – a good stomach warmer.
What you don’t know: one can contains 950 mg of salt. That is more than half of your recommended daily intake. Can you say "hypertension?"
Solution: make big batches of your own soup and freeze it in small batches

Pizza Hut’s Big New Yorker – supposed to be a source of good nutrition when on the run.
What you don’t know: each slice of plain cheese and pepperoni has as much fat as a McD’s quarter-pounder, two slices have a full day’s allotment of saturated fat, two slices have twice as many calories as a 21 oz sirloin steak
Solution: eat chicken, raw vegetables and fruit instead

(editor’s comment: Don’t you get frustrated when people call the worst junk and trash food on the planet a "treat"? Think about what a "treat" should really be. We need to become more nutrition-conscious, encourage food producers to improve the nutritional quality of foods, and get honest labels on foods we eat. Little children need to be taught the correct terminology for the many "treats" people foolishly give them.)

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(collected from various places – editor)

These numbers relate to Canadian households:

• Approximately 49% have a personal home computer. About 9% have plans to buy one in the near future.
• In approximately 40% there is someone who is on a diet or trying to control their weight
• In about 29% there is someone trying to eat more natural food
• In about 12% of homes, someone is actively involved in a self-improvement course
• Canadians donated almost $5.5 billion dollars to charities in 2000
• Out of about 8 million families in Canada, almost 7 million are husband-wife families (1996 statistics)
• Between 1997-2000 there were approximately 153,000 marriages each year
• In 1998 there were approximately 172,000 university degrees granted with 100,000 going to females. Most degrees (approx. 67,000) were in social sciences
• In 2000 there were 227,076 deaths in Canada. In that time there were 329,791 live births
• in 1999 there were 31.8 abortions for every 100 live births in Canada
• in 2000-01 there were 252,088 immigrants into Canada

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by Rudyard Kipling (1865-1936)

If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or being hated, don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good nor talk too wise;
If you can dream and not make dreams your master;
If you can think - and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two imposters just the same.
If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it in one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breathe a word about your loss.
If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with Kings - nor lose the common touch,
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,
If all men count with you but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And - which is more - you'll be a Man my son!

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TEACHER: Why are you late?
WEBSTER: Because of the sign.
TEACHER: What sign?
WEBSTER: The one that says, "School Ahead, Go Slow."
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TEACHER: Cindy, why are you doing your math sums on the floor?
CINDY: You told me to do it without using tables!
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TEACHER: John, how do you spell "crocodile"?
JOHN: "K-R-O-K-O-D-A-I-L"
TEACHER: No, that's wrong !
JOHN: Maybe it's wrong, but you asked me how I spell it!
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TEACHER: What is the chemical formula for water?
SARAH: "HIJKLMNO"!!
TEACHER: What are you talking about?
SARAH: Yesterday you said it's H to O!
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TEACHER: George, go to the map and find North America.
GEORGE: Here it is!
TEACHER: Correct. Now, class, who discovered America?
CLASS: George!
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TEACHER: Willy, name one important thing we have today that we didn't have ten years ago.
WILLY: Me!
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TEACHER: Tommy, why do you always get so dirty?
TOMMY: Well, I'm a lot closer to the ground then you are.
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SILVIA: Dad, can you write in the dark?
FATHER: I think so. What do you want me to write?
SYLVIA: Your name on this report card.
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TEACHER: How can you prevent diseases caused by biting insects?
JOSE: Don't bite any.
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TEACHER: Ellen, give me a sentence starting with "I".
ELLEN: I is...
TEACHER: No, Ellen. Always say, "I am."
ELLEN: All right... "I am the ninth letter of the alphabet."
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Teacher: "Can anybody give an example of COINCIDENCE?"
Johnny : "Sir, my Mother and Father got married on the same day, same time."
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Teacher: "George Washington not only chopped down his father's Cherry tree, but also admitted doing it. Now do you know why his father didn't punish him?"
Johnny : "Because George still had the axe in his hand."
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Son : Daddy, have you ever been to Egypt?
Father : No. Why do you ask that?
Son : Well, where did you get THIS mummy then?
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Teacher : What a pair of strange socks you are wearing, one is green and one is blue with red spots!
Kirk : Yes it's really strange. I've got another pair of the same at home.
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At a church school gathering, one little old lady approached a cute 5-year-old girl and asked her where she got her good looks. "I musta got 'em from my Daddy," said she little girl, "cause Mommy's still got hers."
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Teacher: Now, children, if I saw a man beating a donkey and stopped him, what virtue would I be showing?
Student: Brotherly love.
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Teacher: Now, Sam, tell me frankly. Do you say prayers before eating?
Sam: No sir, I don't have to, my mom is a good cook.
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Teacher: Desmond, your composition on "My Dog" is exactly the same as your brother's. Did you copy his?
Desmond: No, teacher, it's the same dog!
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Teacher: What do you call a person who keeps on talking when people are no longer interested?
Pupil: A teacher.
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I was driving with my three young children one warm summer evening when a woman in the convertible ahead of us stood up and waved. She was stark naked! As I was reeling from the shock, I heard my five-year-old shout from the back seat, "Mom! That lady isn't wearing a seat belt!"

My son Zachary, 4, came screaming out of the bathroom to tell me he'd dropped his toothbrush in the toilet. So I fished it out and threw it in the garbage. Zachary stood there thinking for a moment, then ran to my bathroom and came out with my toothbrush. He held it up and said with a charming little smile, "We better throw this one out too then, 'cause it fell in the toilet a few days ago."

On the first day of school, a first grader handed his teacher a note from his mother. The note read, "The opinions expressed by this child are not necessarily those of his parents."

A woman was trying hard to get the catsup to come out of the jar. During her struggle the phone rang so she asked her four-year old daughter to answer the phone. "It's the minister, Mommy," the child said to her mother. Then she added., "Mommy can't come to the phone to talk to you right now. She's hitting the bottle."

I love the outdoors, and because of my passion for hunting and fishing, my family eats a considerable amount of wild game. So much, in fact, that one evening as I set a platter of broiled venison steaks on the dinner table, my ten-year-old daughter looked up and said, "Boy, it sure would be nice if pizzas lived in the woods."

A mother was showing her son how to zip up his coat. "The secret," she said, "is to get the left part of the zipper to fit in the other side before you try to zip it up." The boy looked at her quizzically... "Why does it have to be a secret?"

When my daughter was three, we watched Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs for the first time. The wicked queen appeared, disguised as an old lady selling apples, and my daughter was spellbound. Then Snow White took a bite of the poisoned apple and fell to the ground unconscious. As the apple rolled away, my daughter spoke up. "See, Mom. She doesn't like the skin either."

A little boy got lost at the YMCA and found himself in the women's locker room. When he was spotted, the room burst into shrieks, with ladies grabbing towels and running for cover. The little boy watched in amazement and then asked, "What's the matter --haven't you ever seen a little boy before?"

Aloha, until we meet again.

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