He's too sexy. According to new rules on advertising created by the EU's women's right committee and approved by the EU parliament,regulatory bodies in charge of monitoring advertising are being asked to establish a "zero-tolerance" policy" against "sexist insults or degrading images." Haven't these folks heard about YouTube?

Thanks to Dr. Kiki Wants Your Help at .51 for leading me to The Bird's Brain.

These are expensive times, and families are having to get creative in maximizing their resources. One blogger, Mary of Owlhaven, is a mom of ten kids committed to teaching her kids common-sense frugality by example.

Last week in Denver I had to grovel for credentials. Not regular Pepsi Center credentials or floor passes so that I could see right up Beau Biden's nose, but for Big Tent credentials. Basically I had to promise my first born to someone in order to sit in a giant outdoor tent, kept warm by the sweaty heat off of people's bodies and MacBooks. I had to beg to be with my fellow geeks. Fist bumps for twittering through Bill Clinton's 20 minute standing ovation.

Are people simply drinking their way through the uncertain economy? My recent weekend trip to a wine and spirits superstore would lead you to believe they are. As I walked through the mammoth building which was packed wall to wall with people on a Saturday afternoon, I thought to myself - who says spending is down and people are hurting financially? Well, if they are, they certainly aren't cutting back on the booze.

A new report card on the state of the US workforce finds that more of us are struggling to find full-time work, pay for health care and manage our debts. Meanwhile union and business advocates are drawing battle lines over a proposed new law that would change the way workers decide whether to unionize. The new law is so important that one expert says it could "decide the future of organized labor in the United States."

When I drove into the gas station in Vancouver,B.C. this weekend, the sign said Full Service. I looked for the self -serv line but couldn't find it. When I didn't see an attendant coming my way I got out of the car, put my credit card in the scanner--just like at home .However, before I could  start pumping, the attendant grabbed the pump out of my hand. Was I supposed to tip him? He didn't wash my windows, check under the hood, he just pumped. I would have preferred doing it myself.

The Democratic National Convention provided an opportunity for every organization, activist and corporation under the sun to advertise their cause. After loading up on swag bags, you couldn't move ten feet through the streets of Denver without somebody handing you something. My favorite souvenir

The subject of kids' allowances is a hot topic in the momosphere, as confused parents try to figure out the best way to teach their children responsible money management.  Most people would agree that hands-on experience is best, of course, but how do you navigate confusing chore charts?  Should you tie chores to payment, or are chores just part of being in the family?  And how do you know how much to pay them?

When is $100 million dollars chump change? When the plaintiffs in a lawsuit were hoping to be awarded $2 billion dollars in damages. Things have not been going well for our girl Barbie. Ever since the Bratz came to town sales have been plummeting. 

I only travel by air a few times a year. I haven't yet faced the daunting task of traveling in light of all the additional fees and "perk-stripping". So, as I logged onto the computer a weekend or so ago to compare airfares, I wondered - what am I really comparing? Is there any way to do this in a logical way or is it a futile attempt at comparing apples, oranges, and green beans? How does one manage the travel budget whether for business or personal if you have no clue what to expect or where a fee may be thrust upon you at a most unlikely time?

Having a sales office in New York has become a cool thing, especially since my sister and brother-in-law moved to the Tri-State area. I travel East at least once a month and get their guest bedroom, and now I get to see my niece and nephew grow up. I get to be Aunt Jory--the pinch story reader, bathgiver, and fun kink in the usual schedule for my niece and nephew.