For President Obama and every American leader before him, the number 13 has represented hope, prosperity and freedom. Contrary to what the general public believes about this often cursed numeral, our Fore Fathers and all the “fathers” after them think the number is swell. Why? Well, the U.S. had 13 original colonies, which eventually turned into states, and thus it’s associated with our nation’s beginnings. Below are all the ways the number shows up on each dollar bill (Go ahead, you know you want to pull out your wallet to check):
13 stars above the eagle
13 steps on the Pyramid
13 letters in Annuit Coeptis
13 letters in E Plurbis Unum
13 vertical bars on the shield
13 leaves on the olive branch
13 berries on the olive branch
13 arrows
Divorce S.O.S.
Divorce can be a nasty time in anyone’s life…especially when children and balancing a career are concerned. Parent Coordination (PC) is a problem-solving service offered to parents that are going through — or have been through — a divorce. The goal of PC is to offer professional assistance to parents who need help learning to work together to keep their children free from exposure to parental conflict. A Parent Coordinator can assist in the creation of a parenting plan, monitor compliance and help resolve disputes as they arise. For attorneys and courts, the goal of the Parent Coordinator is to help their clients avoid chronic litigation and comply with court orders. Litigation can get out of hand and be draining for both parents and attorneys. Attorneys and Mediators should recommend PC when children are involved, especially if a parent is of high conflict. Although PC involves skills that are therapeutic, it is not therapy. A PC may assist in issues such as planning visitation schedules and holiday planning; promoting positive exchanges between the parents; establishing daily routines in the two homes; solving daycare/babysitting issues; providing transportation and exchange plans; planning for medical care; determining psychological counseling or testing; aiding with extra-curricular activities, education, tutoring and discipline strategies; and problem-solving related to payment issues and conflicts.
Lisette N. Beraja is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and Parenting Coordinator approved by the 11th Judicial Circuit of Florida. To discuss Parent Coordination options, email [email protected].
What the Buck?
We’ve uncovered some little-known facts about American money you may have always wondered about but might not have known. For more interesting priceless tidbits, go to WheresGeorge.com to find out where your dollar bills are going and how long they take to get there. So far, they’ve tracked a total of $789 million.
1955 A.D.
The year it was decided that all U.S. currency was required by law to include the phrase “In God We Trust.” The national motto didn’t appear on paper money until 1957.
$2 Bill
Surprisingly, the U.S. Department of the Treasury says there is more than $1.2 billion worth of rare $2 bills in circulation worldwide. Curious Americans want to know: Where are they?!
Big Bucks
Dollar bills account for nearly half of all the current U.S. paper money currently in circulation. Each one is expected to last only 21 months before it is retired permanently by banks.
