Blogs: Russian Babies and Minimum Wage

Could you get by on just over $15,000 a year?

That's the going rate when you convert New York State's minimum wage to annual income—and Patch blogger Hannah Buckler says it's harldy enough.

"In the past five years, the New York State minimum wage has only been increased by 10 cents," Buckler pens. "Our current minimum wage is not enough for families to pay for basic necessities such as rent, food [and] clothing."

But upping the base pay rate isn't all reward—it impacts the economy. Buckler argues, though, the trade off is well worth it. To add your voice to the discussion, click here.

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Now, onto a topic that marries Vladimir Putin, babies and bureaucracy: the current adoption controversy in Russia.

The nation no longer wants to allow United States families to adopt Russian children, a decision that has Patch blogger and Lower Hudson Valley resident Tina Traster miffed.

"Why lengthen a baby's prison sentence in an orphanage?" she asks. "It breaks my heart to picture those children who are left behind."

To read more, click here.

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That awkward-but-necessary conversation parents have with kids about sex and drugs now has another component: social media.

In her "Grown and Flown" blog, this Patch writer notes explaining the dangers and pitfalls of Facebook and co. is just as important as an informed discussion about cigarettes, alcohol and dating. Do you agree?

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If you're interested in blogging for Patch and sharing your story, insights, opinions or photos, email kevin@patch.com.