Enumerated Update

Ahhh, it's finally Friday.  Although this week was technically short, we are sort of exhausted. We are ready for a quiet weekend.

Below is what is on our minds this week:

1) The business of dying: The WSJ explores the tax implications of Prince's legacy, specifically the future value of his name, image and likeness. My favorite tidbits in this article are a) Michael Jackson's estate claiming a future value of $2,105.00 at the time of his death (that's a bold negotiation move) and b) the following quote:

“Michael Jackson will be different from Prince who will be different from Madonna,” Mr. Blattmachr said. “It’s horribly speculative as to what the value is.”

Uhm, hello? Madonna isn't dead yet. Can you imagine the wrath of Madge over that quote? I'm a little outraged on her behalf, frankly.

A portrait of Prince is hung in the ‘In Memoriam’ space of the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C. PHOTO: MICHAEL REYNOLDS/EUROPEAN PRESSPHOTO AGENCY

2) Homework: I may have mentioned this previously, but Grace and Lauren have just finished their third week with no homework. Since they have had standardized testing, homework has been eliminated temporarily. We have still read every afternoon, and this week they had a reading project wherein they both completed a slideshow about a book read in class. Otherwise, there have been no after hours tasks to complete. 

This has been the best three weeks of the school year. They excitedly tell me about their day, and then they eagerly read a couple of chapters each afternoon. It has been absolutely delightful, and reinforces my thinking that this article about homework is spot on.  

We remain a firm "no" on unnecessary busywork.  

3) ThirtySomethings: Advice for those about to turn 30.  

4) iPhone Tips: Who doesn't love learning about hidden iPhone features? Do you know all of these?  

5) DumbPhones: At the other end of the spectrum, did you know that 24.2 million non-smartphones were sold last year, an increase of 2 million from the previous year? Skip and I often reminisce about the satisfaction we would experience when slamming shut our old Motorola Startac.  

The one-handed, snap close was rewarding.  

That's it for us... have a wonderful weekend.