"Hooray for Kelly Ripa and All You Women Who Agree With Her"

Television hostess, Kelly Ripa, of "Live with Regis and Kelly", when asked for her thoughts about women picking up the tab after a dinner date said, "I'm sure a lady doesn't want to pick it up. But because she thinks chivalry is dead already, maybe the guy should impress her and pick up the check. And maybe pull out her chair, too." She added, "Any feminist who disagrees with me, I am sorry, but it's gone ridiculous now. We give birth; you pick up the check." Ripa also said that she tells her husband, "Raise your sons to pick up a check for a lady."


Within a few hours the women's website, Jezabel, slammed Ripa for her "antiquated social extremism". WHAT? Are you kidding me? The writer was outraged, "A woman can buy a man's meal any damn time she wants to---Ladies DO want to pay. Yours truly wants to pay, likes to pay, plans on paying etc, etc."

So where do these diverse views from women leave us men in these modern times? How are we supposed to know what will happen to us if we have the temerity to hold a door open for a woman or offer her a seat on a bus or maybe offer to help her with her overflowing grocery cart while she is trying to lift her toddler out of its seat? Are we going to be thanked or cursed? Are we going to be accused of being one of those defiled
 "male chauvinists"? (FYI ladies: there are actually very few true "male chauvinists". But it is sure a handy stereotype). We men do not know what to expect anymore. As for me, I DO NOT like it.

I come from a world where a boy was taught to do these things. I can remember men walking down the street and tipping their hats to ladies as they passed by. It was a sign of respect and the ladies ALWAYS nodded and smiled. We men view women as needing to be "looked out for", protected, as wanting a strong shoulder readily available to "cry on". It is our nature. We are somehow genetically programmed to want to take care of you.  It has nothing to do with mental acuity. In the IQ world many women are smarter than men. Women today are doctors, lawyers, politicians, successful entrepreneurs, accountants, IT experts, etc. Surprise ladies, men respect that. Most men also believe that women should get equal pay for doing similar jobs. But men DO NOT believe that women should become like men and strip us of who and what we were meant to be and mask it under the guise of equality. There are women out there who actually have this twisted notion that fathers are unnecessary. Just go to a sperm bank---who needs a stupid man. WHATEVER. If I were to pull your chair out at a restaurant it would be out of respect not because I would think I was better than you or was trying to control you or dominate you. I find it hard to believe that I  am actually explaining this but this is where our minds have gone.

Lord knows, I NEVER wanted to give birth to any of my children. But I sure loved being there to take care of and protect my wife and to hold my kids and feed them and even change their dirty diapers. I loved watching them grow, playing Santa and wrestling with my boys and teaching them how to throw a ball. The fact is, there are millions of men who feel the same as I do. Consequently, we deserve the same respect that you expect from us. "Hooray For Kelly Ripa" and all you women who agree with her.

Silkki's Reviews

Silkki's Reviews
November 11, 2011

Slippery Willie's Stupid, Ugly Shoes
by Sally Payette

Willie Wiggles hates his slippery feet. He just slips, slides and spins all over the place. But what he hates even more are the special shoes that have been made for him that will help him to walk just like all the other kids. Willie thinks that they are the "stupidest, ugliest shoes in the whole world."

Discover how sometimes we worry about things about ourselves when actually there is nothing to worry about in the first place.

MY REVIEW:

I was thrilled to receive this book to review. I love reading to my four children and this story definitely shares a lesson with children that although you may be different some times things aren't as bad as you think they may be. Willie is one of those children who has an issue that he can not control, the doctors can't find a way to stop the problem so his wonderful mother buys him special shoes to fix it her own way. They are custom made and work like a charm. Unfortunately, like most young children with a problem, Willie is afraid of what children at school will say, it even haunts his sleep, he wakes up only to discover that it was all a bad dream and when he gets to school the next day he sees that he was wrong about the other kids in school. They love his shoes and everyone wants some. Although the story is wonderful in meaning I do not like the words it uses "ugly, stupid & hate" are all words that we do not use in my house so I have to improvise when reading it to my children. Most people may not have that same issue and their children will love the story as is. I love the story, just with a little bit of tweaking. Willie learned a valuable lesson and I really think the author Larry Peterson did a wonderful job with this story. It will be a treasured story because it has a lot of good humor and a great message for children.

Larry Peterson Bio:
Larry Peterson was born and raised in the Bronx, New York. As a freelancer, he has written many newspaper columns for local publications. Slippery Willie's Stupid, Ugly Shoes is his first children’s book. Peterson has lived in Pinellas Park, Florida for the past 28 years.

We give this story 10 out of 12 thumbs up.

Visit Slippery Willie's website.

Add Larry Peterson as a friend on Facebook

Visit the Tribute Books website for this and other exciting books

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Purchase the Book

~~Preview the book~~

Larry is looking for readers to share their thoughts about accepting differences

Everyday Ramblings of My Life review

Everyday Ramblings of My Life
November 10, 2011

Slippery Willie's Stupid, Ugly Shoes (ebook review) - A MUST Read!
by Tara Funair

Slippery Willie's Stupid, Ugly Shoes was a perfect book to read to my boys.

They are so concerned with how others see them. Whether their friends, classmates, and family will accept their clothes, or quirks, and old/new toys.. It's ridiculous!

My boys will lose sleep, make themselves ill, and have little panic attacks over these silly little things.

I loved reading this book to them. I even asked hubby to sit with us when I read it because he is the exact same way.

My 5 year old did not like it when everyone laughed, because he doesn't like to be laughed at.

Our children are so wrapped up into what others think of them or their possessions, even their family, that they forget to be children. It's important to teach our children that it's okay to be different, that it's sometimes a good thing. We also much teach them to respect and tolerate others who are different.

The author of this book lives (locally) in my area, which I thought was cool! AND it's his first book. Even better!

Slippery Willie Synopsis:Willie Wiggles hates his slippery feet. He just slips, slides and spins all over the place. But what he hates even more are the special shoes that have been made for him that will help him to walk just like all the other kids. Willie thinks that they are the "stupidest, ugliest shoes in the whole world." Discover how sometimes we worry about things about ourselves when actually there is nothing to worry about in the first place.

Larry Peterson Bio:
Larry Peterson was born and raised in the Bronx, New York. As a freelancer, he has written many newspaper columns for local publications. Slippery Willie's Stupid, Ugly Shoes is his first children’s book. Peterson has lived in Pinellas Park, Florida for the past 28 years. Facebook

Buy the book.

Slippery Willie's Book web site Tribute Books website
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Want to share your thoughts accepting differences?
Visit: http://slipperywillie.blogspot.com/2011/01/share-your-thoughts-about-accepting.html

Sweet 'n Treats review

Sweet 'n Treats
November 10, 2011

(Review) Slippery Willie's Stupid, Ugly Shoes by Larry Peterson
by Bonnie Sweeten

I had the opportunity to review a children’s book, Slippery Willie’s Stupid, Ugly Shoes by Larry Peterson. It is an easy read for school-aged children where they can relate to the message. Peterson depicts an excellent message that is it okay to be different than everyone else and sometimes your own fear is the biggest hurdle. Many children face bullying in school by their peers and this story gives children courage to be themselves.

I wanted to read this to my daughter but it is a little too mature for her age right now but I would love to purchase the book for her to have when she is older to read and understand the message of accepting differences. Everyone is not the same and you should not put a person down or make fun of them because they are not like you.

{Slippery Willie Synopsis} Willie Wiggles hates his slippery feet. He just slips, slides and spins all over the place. But what he hates even more are the special shoes that have been made for him that will help him to walk just like all the other kids. Willie thinks that they are the “stupidest, ugliest shoes in the whole world.”

Discover how sometimes we worry about things about ourselves when actually there is nothing to worry about in the first place.

{About the Author} Larry Peterson was born and raised in the Bronx, New York. As a freelancer, he has written many newspaper columns for local publications. “Slippery Willie’s Stupid, Ugly Shoes” is his first children’s book. Peterson has lived in Pinellas Park, Florida for the past 30 years.

{Links for Author & Book} Please support Larry Peterson & Tribute Books by visiting Slipper Willie’s Stupid, Ugly Shoes website as well as their other social network sites.

Book web site:
http://www.slipperywillie.com

Larry Peterson Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/#!/larrytpbx

Tribute Books website:
http://www.tribute-books.com

Tribute Books Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Archbald-PA/Tribute-Books/171628704176

Tribute Books Twitter:
http://www.twitter.com/TributeBooks

Oh the Joys of Boys review

Oh the Joys of Boys
November 10, 2011

Slippery Willie's Stupid, Ugly Shoes - children's book review
by Jess Berry

Willie Wiggles hates his slippery feet. He just slips, slides and spins all over the place. But what he hates even more are the special shoes that have been made for him that will help him to walk just like all the other kids. Willie thinks that they are the "stupidest, ugliest shoes in the whole world."

Discover how sometimes we worry about things about ourselves when actually there is nothing to worry about in the first place.

My take on the book:

I always read books before sharing them with my kids, just to be on the safe side. I chose not to share this book with Spank, but when my neighbors were over the other day I asked her read it and see if she would to share it with her children to read, who are older. She did, and they liked it! They are ages 6-10 and they liked that the kids in Willie's class were nice and didn't make fun of him for being different. The pictures were great, this book would definitely be a big hit with many boys!

Why didn't I choose to share with my 3 year old? We have been working on not saying two very forbidden words in this house and this book contained them. I guess I should have known from the title, if it were a one time word I would have been alright with it. It wasn't though, and I didn't think it at this time it would be age appropriate. When he gets a little older and out of this phase, I would read it to him, or let him read it himself. The storyline is wonderful, especially because so many children battle with fitting in, and this would be a wonderful key to help them build their self esteem.

Want to purchase?

You can find Slippery Willie's Stupid, Ugly Shoes, Here.

About the Author:

Larry Peterson was born and raised in the Bronx, New York. As a freelancer, he has written many newspaper columns for local publications. Slippery Willie's Stupid, Ugly Shoes is his first children’s book. Peterson has lived in Pinellas Park, Florida for the past 28 years.

Connect with him:

Book web site:
http://www.slipperywillie.com

Larry Peterson Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/#!/larrytpbx

Looking for readers to share their thoughts about accepting differences at:
http://slipperywillie.blogspot.com/2011/01/share-your-thoughts-about-accepting.html

TwinkieMommie Review

TwinkieMommie
November 10, 2011

Book Review: Willie's Slippery Feet
by Laurie Danas

I had the opportunity to review a wonderful new children’s book called Slippery Wille’s Stupid Ugly Shoes. The story is very inspirational. It touches on the delicate issue of being different; and how it is okay if you are different. It is a truly sweet and funny story.

The story:

Willie Wiggles hates his slippery feet. He just slips, slides and spins all over the place. But what he hates even more are the special shoes that have been made for him that will help him to walk just like all the other kids. Willie thinks that they are the "stupidest, ugliest shoes in the whole world."
Discover how sometimes we worry about things about ourselves when actually there is nothing to worry about in the first place.

I thoroughly enjoyed the book. The story and illustrations were quite enjoyable. I would recommend this book for children, parents and teachers.

About the Author Larry Peterson:

Larry Peterson was born and raised in the Bronx, New York. As a freelancer, he has written many newspaper columns for local publications. Slippery Willie's Stupid, Ugly Shoes is his first children’s book. Peterson has lived in Pinellas Park, Florida for the past 28 years.


Links:

Author’s Website

Larry Peterson Facebook

Tribute Books website

Tribute Books Facebook

Tribute Books Twitter

Purchase the Book

Preview the book

Bay Area Mommy review

Bay Area Mommy
November 9, 2011

Book Review: Slippery Willie's Stupid, Ugly Shoes
by Alice

I had an opportunity to review this wonderful book by Larry Peterson.Entitled “Slippery Willie’s Stupid Ugly Shoes“, this book tells about the story of Willie who had feet so slippery that his shoes and socks would slip off his feet even while he’s seated. Doctors were unable to find out why his feet were so slippery so as a solution to his problem, special shoes were made for him.

Willie hated these shoes because he felt they were ugly. Unfortunately, he had no choice but to wear them to school and when he did, everyone laughed at him, his classmates, his teacher, the principal, the school building, the birds, the passengers on an airplane, drivers on the street and even his mom. He felt so embarrassed that he begged his mom to take the locks off the shoes so he can stop wearing them. His mom said she can’t because she lost the keys. Eventually, Willie realized he was just dreaming and when he did wear the shoes, they even elicited praises from those who saw them.

MY REVIEW:

I really appreciate the intent of Larry peterson in this book. I remember when I was child, I would imagine being embarrassed in front of people when in the first place, there isn’t really anything to worry about. I remember being embarrassed that my mom would cook and make me bring my lunch to school. I was embarrassed that she would make me a sandwich instead of just letting me buy junk food in the school cafeteria. As a child, I had a lot of fears and apprehensions that were unreasonable.

And this book captures just that, how a child’s imagination can affect the way they relate with others. This book makes the reader realize that sometimes we just need to understand that different people have different situations, different preferences, different ideas. And just because others are different doesn’t mean that it gives us license to make fun of them or maybe even hate them. We have to understand that God has created us to be unique and we need to accept and love our uniqueness.

I also love how the book ends with an interactive part where questions are asked for the reader to think about. It doesn’t stop at just telling a story. It goes further to engage the reader and encourage him/her to apply what he/she learned based on Willie’s story.

This book is an excellent read for a child and the child-at-heart. No matter what situation they find themselves in life, it is always good to be reminded to respect yourself and respect others.
Buy the book at slipperywillie.com

Check out Larry Peterson’s Facebook.
See more excellent books at the Tribute Books website.
Like Tribute Books on Facebook.
Follow Tribute Books on Twitter.

Savvy Saving Couple review

Savvy Saving Couple
November 8, 2011

My Review of Slippery Willie's Stupid, Ugly Shoes by Larry Peterson
by Amy Desrosiers

I have had the pleasure of reading, and reviewing Slippery Willie’s Stupid, Ugly Shoes by Larry Peterson. While I did enjoy the concept of the book I do not think I would read it to my child because I am not a fan of the language. In our household we do not promote the words Stupid, Ugly, or Hate. I was very saddened that the author chose these words to describe Willie’s shoes. I think a better choice would have been to use the words silly, and dislike.

Although I was not a fan of the language I did like the underlying theme that we are all different, and should accept each other’s differences. Sometimes we are so self-conscious about our own personal appearance that we let it fool us into thinking we are strange, or will be made fun of. I was relieved that Willie had been dreaming about his new shoes experience, because as a former teacher I could not have ever imagined a child being ridiculed by a teacher, or principal.

I really loved the ending of the story when Willie was reassured by his mother that his shoes were not “stupid, or ugly”. I think the children at school reacted with great innocence. They too wanted a pair of his neat slip proof shoes. I have observed many self-conscious kids in my time teaching, and I think that a lot of children are so innocent that they do not always realize another child’s handicapped device. With the exception of a few choice words I really enjoyed this story, and believe it conveys a great message to all who read it.

If you would like to learn more about the book “Slippery Willie’s , Stupid, Ugly Shoes” by Larry Peterson, you can read an excerpt of the book HERE.

Keeping Your Cents review

Keeping Your Cents
November 7, 2011

Book Review - Slippery Willie's Stupid, Ugly Shoes
by Mardesia Chauvin

Willie Wiggles hates his slippery feet. He just slips, slides and spins all over the place. But what he hates even more are the special shoes that have been made for him that will help him to walk just like all the other kids. Willie thinks that they are the "stupidest, ugliest shoes in the whole world."


* * * * * * * * * *
Most people will be able to relate to the message in Slippery Willie's Stupid, Ugly Shoes by Larry Peterson.

For most of my adult life I would say that I have worn my hair in a socially acceptable way. Recently I decided to make a change to something a little more natural that my husband really liked. My hair was finished, I rode home and then the doubt set in. Looking in the mirror I felt like I had the stupidest, ugliest hair in the whole world.

I work at an elementary school and the children can at times be merciless with the teasing. Was I setting myself up for being teased?


So the next morning, instead of being confident in my choice I made the decision to wear a scarf. Every day for a week I wore a different scarf to match my outfits. Finally my husband questioned me as to why I was hiding my cute hair under scarves.


It took his questions and reassurances to make me take off the scarves and go to work with my new hairdo. The funny thing was nobody was laughing and pointing. Everywhere I went the kids told me how cool my hair was and how much they liked the style.


A week spent worrying myself to death for nothing!

In Slippery Willie's Stupid, Ugly Shoes, discover how sometimes we worry about things about ourselves when actually there is nothing to worry about in the first place.

A Thrifty Diva/Surviving Mommyhood review

A Thrifty Diva/Surviving Mommyhood
November 6, 2011

Slippery Willie's Stupid, Ugly Shoes (review)
by Michelle Cantu

Synopsis:

Willie Wiggles hates his slippery feet. He just slips, slides and spins all over the place. But what he hates even more are the special shoes that have been made for him that will help him to walk just like all the other kids. Willie thinks that they are the “stupidest, ugliest shoes in the whole world.”

Discover how sometimes we worry about things about ourselves when actually there is nothing to worry about in the first place.

This is a must read for every school aged kid. My ten and two year old both enjoyed the story of Willie. We can all relate to the idea of being made fun of. As a parent we teach our children to be comfortable being themselves. It was nice to have them read a story that they can relate to, interact with and enjoy.

I love the questions at the end of the book. A very nice surprise that even my ten year old was excited to take part in.

A great story I was happy to read with my children.

http://www.slipperywillie.com
http://www.facebook.com/#!/larrytpbx