Break My Heart: Groupon, Christina and the Steelers

What’s a girl to do when three things she loves all flop in one day? And what if that one day is Super Bowl Sunday?

I love Groupon. I recently got $20 worth of Barnes & Nobel purchases for $10. What’s not to love? If you’re familiar with Groupon, you know they’re quirky. But the point of a Super Bowl ad is to reach the millions who don’t know you. To those folks, their ads were, at best, odd and at worst, offensive.

Then there’s Christina Aguilera. I love her and have her latest on my list of things to download on iTunes. When I watched her sing the National Anthem on Sunday and heard her mistake, I thought, “Did she just muff the words?” Then I got distracted by the runs and riffs I didn’t enjoy and almost forgot about the words. I was left unimpressed, along with much of the audience.

Jimmy Kimmel had fun with it.

Then there’s the Steelers.

What’s a girl to do?

Digitally Distracted Kid Falls Off Train Platform

How many times have you watched your kid so totally engrossed in a handheld game that the world around him didn't exist?

In Italy this week a 10-year-old boy walked right off an underground train platform and onto the tracks while playing his PSP. The Daily Mail reported that an off-duty police officer jumped onto the tracks to lift the kid to safety with another train due to cross the electrified tracks in less than a minute.

This kid is no abnormality. I know my kids have walked into doors and walls playing their games. And many times I've had to say, "Put that game down so you can pay attention to where you're walking." I guess I'm just lucky my state doesn't have underground rail.

Source: Daily Mail

How Much Do You Share About Your Family Online?

What are your thoughts on putting your children's names and images online for all to see?

In the past I tried to strictly avoid it. Now I may use an occasional image but try to avoid linking their names to the images. Part of it is about protecting their privacy another part is just trying to protect them from danger. Effective protection? I don't know, but it's my attempt.

We use code names for fun in our house anyway, so that's how I like to refer to them online. So here are the introductions:

Dirt Diver: He's 7, an early riser, loves knights and chess, and has no fear of picking up bugs, lizards, etc. This is his big sports year with first seasons of football, basketball and baseball filling his days. He has a way of making the world a happy place through his sense of humor, his smile, and his loving heart. Favorite digital pursuits: all things Mario, computer chess, numerous iPhone apps.

Rose Red: She's 10, loves to read mysteries (recommendations welcomed), and is the most caring person I've ever known. If I ever needed a friend, she is who I would pick. She's also very crafty -- in an arts-and-crafts kind of way. Life pulls her many directions these days, from dance rehearsal to the basketball court in the same morning. Favorite digital pursuits: Roku surfing for favorite TV shows, Poptropica, Beatles Rock Band.

Cool Breeze: At 12, his true loves are football, video games, and sports talk radio. He is extremely driven and competitive, but he's got a soft heart for his family. He's also got a mind like a steel trap. If I need to know anything about anything, I ask him first. Favorite digital pursuits: the PS3 he saved up for on his own, watching The Cape on Hulu, and iTunes.

Whiplash: He's the top. Loves surfing, coaching football and stock market analysis. Favorite digital pursuits: gadgets.

Me, I'm Snake Doc, but you know my real name so no need for the code.