Maverick Zero

So I know this may seem like it includes an obvious answer, but please bear with me.

My son just recently turned 5 and I want to start teaching him about chores. The problem is that I didn't really grow up having to do much myself so I'm a little at a loss (not so much because I don't know what to do but because I have a tendency to bite off more than I can chew when I clean up). Anyone have any suggestions?

I am filling for divorce from my wife. The problem is that I can't afford a lawyer and honestly, I would just like to make this go as smoothly as possible. The only real issue in all this is custody of my 4 year old son. The current situation is that even though I'm filing, we're in a situation where we have to live together at least until next April. Because of this, I don't know how to go about custody. Her schedule is set, mine has a tendency to fluctuate because of school and work. Mondays are probably my best days to see him but again, it all depends on what my schedule is like for work. Does anyone have any suggestions?

I need some advice. My son has been sleeping less and less during his naps and sometimes not at all. Recently he fell asleep for 5 minutes and I accidentally woke him up and he never went back to sleep. At night, he fights sleep tooth and nail. Today he only got about a half-hour of sleep and I tried to get him to go to bed earlier, but he is still up. I made little mistakes like keeping the TV on (he's afraid of the dark) and I let him sleep with some of his toys (he doesn't play with them because they are always in the same spot and position when I check on him). I'm really worried about him. My wife and I are going through a divorce (though we're still living under the same roof, we do not argue in front of him). Is he being a typical 4 year-old or can our situation be affecting him?

First and foremost, I'm not a big fan of Olbermann. But I find his departure sad to some extent. Granted his words were harsh and sometimes I think he went over the top as do some of these other commentators on television, but I feel like there's a sense of balance that is gone.

You see, as much as I didn't like him, he still made me think. If I were to catch his program, I would usually catch his final words before the end of a broadcast. And at times my opinions on the issue at hand have changed.

As much as people hate these commentators on both sides of the playing field, I think aside from ratings, they're there for that. To make you think whether you like them or not.

Perhaps I could be wrong, but what do you serious thinkers out there think?

Serious answers only please whether you're left, right or in the middle.

So I heard an interesting argument today and wanted to know what some people think. Before that though, all I have to say on this is that as of right now I'm neutral to the situation. That's in case you were wondering.

Anyway, so I overhear these two guys talking about whether or not this would happening if the Republicans were in charge. One of the guys says That this exact situation would be happening if the Republicans were in office. The other guy says this wouldn't because the Democrats would be all over the Republicans about getting the clean up taken care of immediately. He argues that the Republicans would've already had it done by now and instead of being on day 60 of an oil spill we'd be on day 60 of Democrats grilling Republicans over the resolved issue. What do you think?

I'm scanning a picture right now and everything I blow it up to 100% the image is severely grainy. I'm trying several different ways to counter this but I come to the same conclusion. Can anyone help?

OK, so since this has passed, I might as well care to know about it. Can someone give me an unbiased definition in a nutshell of what this will cover and where I can get more unbiased info? And no, I don't care to know whether you're for or against it. That's not what I'm asking.

By the way, my stance on this is I was neither for nor against it. I figured in this case my opinion wouldn't matter anyway.

My son loves to have us read to him. I think it's great. But at the same time he wants to hear it over and over and over again to the point where I'm sometimes not in the mood to read it anymore. I'm starting to worry now because I don't want him thinking it's wrong for him to ask us to read. On top of that, he'll ask about everything on each page, which is fine, but then he won't let me finish the book and there are times I'm busy myself. I'm not asking for a solution on what to do because I don't want to discourage him from reading. What I want to know is if it wrong to feel this way sometimes?

I'm considering downgrading my service provider to just the Internet. But I understand that there's a way to get an HD signal without them (at least for the local channels). Is there anyone who knows about this who could help me out? Thank you in advanced.

I read this article recently stating that Moveon.org would be going after Democratic opponents of Health Care.

What I don't understand is why? If it's their choice, why not let it be? Can anyone explain this (preferably without insulting your opposing party).

Has this happened within the Republican party as well (if you have any sources, I'd like to know).

I promise this isn't a rant. I just want to make my point as to why I'm asking this:

I always see so much negativity towards each other here. I know some people are negative because they know they can but, but I'd like to know what the serious people; Liberal, Conservative, Republican, Democrat, or whoever you associate yourself; have come across this situation:

A member of the opposing party has done something you agreed with.

It doesn't have to be something major. It can be as small as showing support for someone, a group, a good cause, etc.

As for myself (for those who are curious), off the top of my head (I'm writing this question on a whim), I can think of Obama's extension of School days, which I think would be better for our children (and please, I'm just generalizing, I know there are possible flaws that would need to be discussed and if you'd love to talk about it with me, feel free to send me a message).

Please, serious answers only. I don't care if you hate a political figure of an opposing party. This isn't about that. Unfortunately, I see that most people tend to look at the negative aspect of things, regardless of the opposing party's intentions.

Ok, so I consider myself an Independent Conservative. Now before anyone attacks me with their torches, I do try to keep an open mind about situations. A family member of mine tells me that politically, an open mind is another word for someone who's undecided. Does anyone agree with this? Why or why not?

Let's say for the sake of argument, that Colin Powell or heck, even Condoleezza Rice ran against Obama in the 2012 elections and Powell or Rice won. Would people still say that Powell or Rice voters are racist because they voted against Obama?

Oh, and "they won't win" or "the wouldn't win" are not valid answers. I'm asking "what if", not "when they win".

I'd like to know if there are people out there who regret their vote for Obama.

I ask this because after finding out the Obama administration extended the 82nd Airborne Troops' tour of duty, something he has stated in the past that he was against, I'd like to know how some of you feel.

Conservatives, Liberals, please try to play nice.

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/09/03/gates-f...

I may be wrong, but from what I understand, Michael Jackson's Billie Jean video help boost the popularity of MTV. MTV (the original, not the spin-offs, has barely showed anything on Michael Jackson since his death. Don't they owe him more than a few hours of coverage? The news channels covered more than MTV did. What do you think?

I'll admit I haven't been happy with Obama lately but I have to defend him here since I believe we can all agree on this. Did PETA seriously have a problem Obama swatting a fly? Seriously? I know the news story of him doing so is a bit silly, but PETA managed to blow it out of the water.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31422688/ns/us_news-we...

I had a question that was recently deleted after a best answer has been chosen and everything. The question itself was regarding a touchy subject, but as far as I can remember, I never went beyond the guidelines and violated anything. Because I couldn't look at the question and answers again, I asked specifically what I did wrong. Instead I got some pre-written statement sayind that I "indeed" violated the guidelines.

So how the heck am i supposed to know what I wrote so that I won't do it again? Is there someone higher I can go to?

As I've mentioned, I'm a first time parent. One of the things I'm trying to do more is read more to him. When I try to read to him, there are times where he will sit and listen, but there are several times where I can only make it to 3 or 4 pages before he wants to turn the pages or count and point out colors. I try to support him by praising him when he points things out correctly and then continue to read. But lately I can't get through a book and tend to give up. Does anyone have any advice as far as how long to read to him and when the best time should be? I've tried before bedtime and it works seldomly.

This is the first in a small series of question I have to ask, but I'm a first time parent and my son is at the age where he should be potty training. He only pottied in the toilet once. Other than that, he won't give us any signs and will only tell us something when he wants his diaper changed. When we get him to sit on the potty, we wait patiently but he eventually gets up and runs around the house without doing a thing. Is there anyone with any advice? Thank you in advance.

OK, so maybe they're just trollers and what not, and I usually don't care about the thumbs up/down option, but I guess I'm a bit shocked that I got thumbs down for quoting Merriam-Webster.

The question was in regards to the definition of a liberal and a conservative. Since there was already so much bashing going on, I decided to quote that instead. So should I be surprised that I got no thumbs up and all thumbs down?

Yeah I know it's not really a big deal, but I was just surprised. What do you think?