Points of Interest

This Saturday, September 29, Vienna Youth Soccer (VYS) is celebrating Supportive Saturday for children in the U6 and above divisions.  By returning the game to the children it encourages these players to talk to each other cooperatively and learn to rely on their teammates.

To conform with the guidelines, parents and coaches are to refrain from shouting directions to the players during the game.  An as was pointed out by VYS executives, as parents we shouldn't be "coaching" from the sidelines during any games.  No child should be hearing  "run," "get back on defense," "get in there and get the ball," "shoot the ball," or "pass it to [name]" unless it comes from another kid on the field.

But sometimes shout we must and coaches, parents and spectators are encouraged to cheer often and loudly.  Encouragement yes, directions no.

I was never a NY Giant's fan and as a DC native always found the Dallas Cowboys insufferable.  And yet Bill Parcells' philosophy that practice was his time to yell and direct but the game was reserved for the players always struck me as sensible.

If you missed them in July because of one of the few storms we had this summer, The Splinters are returning to Vienna, Virginia this Friday evening, September 21, 2007.  The show starts at 6:30 pm and is outdoors at the new Vienna Town Green, across from Whole Foods.  And did I mention that it is FREE!

There is a cadre of loyal Splinter fans here in Vienna as one of the musicians is a major organizer within the Vienna LaCrosse organization.  And keep in mind that it is the eve of the fall equinox.  It could be an equinox eve extravaganza.

In Washington, DC, and the surrounding suburbs of Virginia and Maryland, we have a great deal of statues commemorating heroes of past conflicts.  Here's an interesting fact:

If a statue of a person on a horse has both front legs in the air, that person died in battle. 
If the horse has one front leg raised in the air, the person died as a result of wounds received in battle.  
If the horse has all four legs on the ground, the person died of natural causes.

And now, a statue that defies the others just for that reason.

Finally, find out why this is really an "urban legend".  Andrew Jackson, riding the horse with both front hooves in the air, died at the Hermitage after 8 years of retirement from public service.

Next year, our family will have our oldest child enroll in a college or university.  As much as my wife and I have looked forward to this and will cherish the success in preparing our daughter for this next step, we do so with some trepidation.  College tuition costs are skyrocketing!

"Tuition is out of control," says Robert Dickeson, senior vice president of Lumina Foundation for Education.  Nationwide, college tuition typically increases much faster than general inflation.  The two biggest questions on my mind right now are, "How much will it cost?" and "How will I pay for it?"

There will be direct and indirect costs.  Direct costs are composed of tuition and fees, room and board.  These are fixed costs that the family is billed for by the college. Then there are the indirect costs or the “unknowables”.  They include books, supplies and travel as well as personal expenses such as laundry and any off campus food and entertainment.  For the 2006-2007 school year the national average for personal expenses at a four year on-campus private college is estimated to be $1,277.

Going to college will be one of the most exciting and challenging times of our child's life.  Before our kids pack their bags and ipods, it is essential that we spend time with them thinking about what they want out of their college experience and what environment would foster their growth the most.  The key is to find the college with the best fit for them.  The happier they are at the college they choose, the more likely they are to succeed and complete their degree in the shortest amount of time.

I am delving deeply into the options and learning much quickly.  It is my hope to share our experiences, both good and bad with you in future columns.  We are considering conducting a workshop once we have accumulated the necessary knowledge so that parents of future college attendees can benefit from both our mistakes and good fortune.