Prosecutor’s Free E-book Helps Parents Talk to Kids About Gangs

Filling a void in existing gang prevention, education, and awareness programs, a juvenile prosecutor releases an e-book to help parents discuss the negative impact of gangs with their children. At times there seems to be no end to the vicious and cruel acts some youth are willing to commit against others without showing a shred of remorse Steve has done a lot of work with Fortune 500 companies and numerous authors of children’s books. When approached, he was really excited about the idea. Recognizing that this e-book was being funded solely from my own pocket, Steve was kind enough to deviate greatly from his commercial rates, and for that he deserves a lot of credit and a special thanks the idea here is to reach as many children as possible.   (PRWEB) November 7, 2008 — Working as a prosecutor for over seven years, the last two supervising a juvenile delinquency unit in one of the largest cities in New York State, few things surprise Carl A. Bartol, MPA, Esq. anymore when it comes to youth gang violence. Knowing that preventing gang violence involves open communication and often starts at home, Bartol is releasing a free e-book, My Brother’s Friends, through the Prevent Delinquency Project to help parents more openly and effectively communicate the dangers of gangs to young children. “At times there seems to be no end to the vicious and cruel acts some youth are willing to commit against others without showing a shred of remorse,” Bartol says. Even so, one thing that still causes him alarm is the rising number of juvenile gang members who commit violent assaults involving knives and firearms and the age at which many of them were introduced to the gang lifestyle. “Lately, there have been quite a few cases involving hardened fourteen and fifteen year old gang-bangers who once debriefed openly admitted they were jumped in (recruited into) gangs at age seven or eight. It’s clear that, despite all of the gang prevention, education and awareness programs that currently exist, we as a society have dropped the ball. It’s time to return to the basics – parents talking to their children at home while they are still young enough to be positively influenced and engaged.” Recognizing, however, that discussion between parents and young children about gangs can be awkward and difficult for many parents to initiate, Bartol devised a solution with My Brother’s Friends. “Children under age seven respond very well to stories and pictures. Because of that, when this e-book was created a lot of thought was put into not only the tone and specific words that were used, but the illustrations as well. It needed to be non-threatening, short and simple, while at the same time open the door to frank talk about what gangs are, the lies they use to recruit members, the negative impact gang affiliation has on both members and their families, what to do if approached by a gang, and the vulnerable population most likely to be recruited.” To ensure the images in the e-book fit his vision, Bartol reached out to world-renowned illustrator, Steve Gray. “Steve has done a lot of work with Fortune 500 companies and numerous authors of children’s books. When approached, he was really excited about the idea. Recognizing that this e-book was being funded solely from my own pocket, Steve was kind enough to deviate greatly from his commercial rates, and for that he deserves a lot of credit and a special thanks,” says Bartol. My Brother’s Friends may be downloaded at www.PreventDelinquency.org. Bartol encourages not only parents but teachers, counselors, law enforcement professionals and anyone else who cares about keeping kids out of gangs to use this resource. It is available free of charge and may be copied and distributed at will, provided the cover and back pages are included. Bartol also grants the print media permission to reprint the e-book in full. According to him, “the idea here is to reach as many children as possible.”

Voots, a New Dietary Supplement for Kids, Offers Three Servings of Real Vegetables and Fruits in Two Candy-Like Tablets

All-natural product hits the shelves to improve the heath of finicky eaters and busy parents

Golden, CO (PRWEB) November 10, 2008 — With childhood obesity at an all time high in the United States, children’s nutrition is becoming an increasingly pertinent issue to parents and caregivers. Voots (http://www.eatyourvoots.com), a dietary supplement that provides a full day’s serving of fruits and vegetables in two candy-like tarts, is taking the market by storm. Intended for children (and those at heart) ages two and up, Voots is an all-natural tablet filled with the nutrients, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants found in three servings of real vegetables and fruits. Available online at http://www.eatyourvoots.com and at Wal-Mart stores nationwide, the Voots MSRP is $9.99.

Created by Colorado parents and fitness industry veterans Stephen and Julia Adele, Voots were inspired by a kitchen conversation about how hard it was to ensure their young daughters were eating their recommended daily three servings of fruits and vegetables. Upon further research, the couple was alarmed to learn that only seven percent of American children were eating three servings of fruits and vegetables per day. With that, Voots were born and parents everywhere were given an effective, simple and healthy way to ensure that their children receive proper nutrients.

Delicious and convenient, Voots taste and look like a medley of mixed-berry candy, making them a no-brainer for finicky eaters. They contain no sugars, artificial flavors, colors or sweeteners. With three servings of fruits and vegetables in each serving (two tarts) of Voots, they are ideal for an active lifestyle or places where it is difficult to get your daily recommended levels of fruits and vegetables. Additionally, each serving of Voots contains twelve calories, zero grams of sugar and nearly one gram of fiber.

What’s more, unlike other “vitamins” intended for children, Voots are 100% derived from real fruits and vegetables. So while the product contains a multitude of healthy minerals, Voots also offers antioxidants and any other natural benefits found in real foods, many of which may be undiscovered and not on the consumer radar. Voots provide important vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, and flavonoids and are power-packed with antioxidants to help boost the immune system, improve brain development and enhance memory capabilities.

Just one packet of Voots equals a full day’s helpings of fruits and vegetables for kids ages four and older. Children ages two and three will get a full day’s helpings from just one tart a day. Adults will get a full day’s serving with three or four tarts.

Creator and father Stephen Adele knows a thing or two about health. As a fitness guru and industry insider, he states, “Julia and I developed Voots as a convenient ‘insurance policy’ to know that our daughters are getting the nutrients in the required three servings of fruits and vegetables, no matter how poorly they might eat that day.”

Yet Adele espouses the importance of a balanced diet in addition to Voots, “Pretty much any supplement, including Voots, should not be viewed as a substitute for healthy eating habits and whole foods. Yet sadly, recent data indicates that less than seven percent of all children consume the recommended three servings of fruits and vegetables per day. Voots is a tool for parents everywhere to simply and practically integrate healthy eating into their children’s lives, regardless of their daily regimes, busy schedules or picky taste buds,” he attests.

Voots are made in the USA, using only ingredients produced in the USA. For more information, high-resolution photography or product samples, please contact Betsy Martin at 303.997.6704.

Seat belt covers are now high fashion auto accessories at Spirited Corsages

Spirited Corsages has reinvented seat belt covers into beautiful, fun-loving, floral corsages for the car. Women can now express their own unique style in their cars while enjoying relief from the discomfort of seat belts.

Redondo Beach, Calif. (PRWEB) November 10, 2008 — Spirited Corsages has introduced the first-of-its-kind floral corsage seat belt protectors / seat belt covers that combine functionality in auto accessories with high fashion for women.

 

Spirited Corsages are floral seat belt protectors and fun-loving corsages for the car – available in three styles.

The new Spirited Corsages seat belt protector corsages help to eliminate the rubbing, irritation and pressure caused by seat belts. In addition, the corsages create a fun-loving fashion statement in women’s cars on the driver’s or passenger’s seat belt. The corsages are available in three flower styles: rose, begonia and bougainvillea, each available in an array of colors. Spirited Corsages are made in the U.S.A. from beautiful fabrics, including a soft 100% cotton base that is comfortable against the skin.

 

With the newly developed Spirited Corsages™ floral corsage seat belt covers, a woman can express her flair for fashion in her car, and receive the comfort and functionality of an auto accessory that relieves seat belt discomfort.

Vicki Boatman, managing director of Spirited Corsages, stated, “With the newly developed Spirited Corsages™ floral corsage seat belt covers, a woman can express her flair for fashion in her car, and receive the comfort and functionality of an auto accessory that relieves seat belt discomfort.” Spirited Corsages™ products make unique gifts for women and are now available for the holiday shopping season at www.spiritedcorsages.com.

Spirited Corsages appeal to all ages of women drivers and passengers. Parents especially enjoy giving the corsages to teenage drivers as a continual reminder to ‘buckle-up’ for safety. The corsages come in a variety of styles and colors, and make great gifts for girls who want to express their individual taste. Additionally, the corsages are worn on backpacks by girls and women to avoid the pressure of the strap on the shoulder, or to merely create a lovely fashion statement.

Spirited Corsages™ produces high-quality, functional, floral seat belt protectors / seat belt covers and fashion accessories for women’s cars, handbags and backpacks. The company is located in Redondo Beach, California and is a brand of Boatman International.

NASSP Asserts Students Should Not Pay Extra for School Sponsored Activities, Courses, or Programs

Nor should schools be forced to find funds. Reston, VA (Vocus/PRWEB ) November 26, 2008 — Almost all middle level and high schools in the United States offer a number of student activities ranging from athletics, music, and drama to honor societies, clubs, service learning, and student councils. Oftentimes, students and their parents bear the costs for these activities, programs, and even remediation classes.   NASSP Logo The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) adamantly disagrees with this growing practice and firmly believes that students and their parents should not bear the financial responsibility for any school or school district sponsored — programs, activities, or courses — regardless of when such programs, activities, or courses are offered.  Although often termed “extracurricular” activities, they provide students with important development opportunities not always afforded during the regular school hours. In effect, it is NASSP’s position that they not be considered “extra” in nature. Research shows that students who participate in co-curricular activities achieve higher grades, are more motivated, have fewer discipline problems, are less likely to drop out of school, and are more likely to graduate and apply to college. The benefits are particularly significant for at-risk students, for whom such programs and activities have been found to reduce juvenile crime, provide a sense of connectedness to the school, increase self-esteem, and create positive social networks they might otherwise not have. Read or download NASSP’s complete position statement titled, NASSP Board of Directors Position Statement on Fees for Student Activities. Direct Link

Pangea Media Survey Finds Tweens/Teens to Give Back and Spend Less this Thanksgiving

Pangea Media Survey on Teens/Tweens and Thanksgiving/Spending.

(PRWEB) November 28, 2008 — Pangea Media, the leader in online quizzes and quiz technology, has released the results of its latest “Pangea Pulse,” which tracked the attitudes and preferences of its tween and teen users towards volunteering and spending this Thanksgiving.

Most (60 percent) of the tweens/teens surveyed responded that they will give back to the community this Thanksgiving. Thirteen percent said they will volunteer their services and 47 percent plan to donate food or money to help those less fortunate. Thirty-nine percent of tweens/teens are planning no community involvement this year and expressed that they will spend the holiday relaxing with family.

When asked how the economy will impact their spending on Black Friday, 53 percent said that they plan to spend less this year, with 17 percent indicating they will not shop at all this Black Friday. Only 18 percent of respondents said the economy will not impact their spending on Black Friday this year.

When asked what they are most thankful for this Thanksgiving, respondents said their families (40 percent) and friends (40 percent). Fifty percent of the users felt that Thanksgiving is about spending quality time with their families, while 33 percent said they care most about the food

Security Conference on Bullying?

Education Management Consulting head Edward F. Dragan’s forthcoming book No More Tears: Danger-Proofing Your Child offers practical tips for parents and administrators

Simply the best presentation I’ve ever seen on bullying

 

 

Las Vegas, NV (PRWEB) December 2, 2008 — Dr. Edward F. Dragan, nationally-known authority on many issues, including school accident prevention, spoke to overflow crowds at the second annual National Student Safety and Security Conference about his revolutionary approach to combat bullying, preventing school accidents and other safety topics.

Dragan stole the spotlight, bringing Patric Kohlmann who vividly described his own bullying experience at a Long Island middle school. Dragan offered ideas drawn from his forthcoming book, No More Tears: Danger-Proofing Your Child.

During a series of presentations based on his 40-year-career in education, Dragan discussed a host of vital student welfare issues, such as preventing injuries on class trips, bullying, minimizing school accidents, how to prevent students from becoming victims or perpetrators of sexual harassment, and how to recognize “red flags” indicating unsafe practices.

Dragan is a familiar face on television, bringing his provocative brand of educational expertise to Court TV, Montel Williams and The Fox Morning Show with Mike and Juliet. His firm, Education Management Consulting, based in Lambertville, New Jersey, consults on school accident prevention, liability matters, bullying, special education and related issues with lawyers, administrators and parents. Dr. Dragan has appeared as an expert witness in lawsuits around the country.

Dr. Dragan said he has too often seen educators who don’t plan adequately. “When that happens, children get hurt – sometimes killed,” says Dragan.

Dragan asserted that many tragedies are preventable and said that in-school bullying can be leveraged by savvy administrators into a moment of learning for both victims and perpetrators.

“Simply the best presentation I’ve ever seen on bullying,” said one administrator, a sentiment echoed by other conference attendees

HIV Epidemic 40% Higher Than Estimates

Cleveland, OH (PRWEB) August 7, 2008 — New cases of HIV infection in the U.S. have been underestimated by 40% every year for more than a decade. This was the surprising announcement made by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC HIV fact sheets) at the 17th International AIDS Conference in Mexico City.

 

AIDS / HIV Testing

 

The revised calculations mean that at least 56,000 Americans are infected with HIV annually instead of the 40,000 previously thought. HIV is the virus that causes AIDS, a disease that remains incurable. Tragically more than 15,000 Americans die of AIDS every year. Early detection is important so that treatment may begin as soon as possible and assist delaying the onset of serious complications. In addition, knowing your status will enable you to take the necessary steps in preventing the transmission of HIV to others.

These new numbers “reveal that the U.S. epidemic is – and has been – worse than previously estimated and serve as a wake-up call for all Americans,” said Richard Wolitski, acting director of the division of HIV / AIDS prevention at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Sophisticated new blood-testing methods combined with consistent reporting methods now used by all states have resulted in more accurate estimates and revealed a much higher yearly incidence of new infections. The CDC estimates that about 1 million to 1.1 million Americans are HIV-positive. Using the new figures we can estimate that there are roughly 225,000 more people with HIV than previously suspected.

Shockingly more than 1/3 of new infections are in youth ages 13 to 29, and disturbingly, 25% of persons infected don’t know they carry the HIV virus. These eye opening statistics make early HIV tests and diagnosis more important than ever.

There is still hope even after a positive result, however, thanks to powerful combinations of drugs that are allowing patients who are HIV-positive to live for decades with the disease. It’s the test that makes early detection possible, catching the virus before it can damage the immune system beyond repair, which is critically important. Confidentiality is also an important factor since fear of being stigmatized often stops people from being tested.

The CDC’s revised statistics regarding new HIV infections is bound to bring attention to the continuing problem of AIDS in America. It highlights the need for funding to prevent and treat the disease and emphasizes the critical importance of early detection.

One convenient place to order STD testing online is Request A Test, Ltd., founded in 2001. They are comprised of advanced degreed business professionals and medical doctors who wanted to remove the challenge and embarrassment from HIV and STD testing.

As Sir Francis Bacon said, “Knowledge is Power.” Testing for HIV empowers you to take control of your health and prevent transmitting HIV to others.

Confidential and anonymous HIV testing has now become affordable, as low as $59. HIV tests along with other STD tests such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis, herpes and syphilis can be ordered securely online. Same day testing at 1200 convenient locations NATIONWIDE and results by phone make it a very discreet process. Your data is SECURE, Request A Test, Ltd adheres to the same privacy laws followed by physicians in the United States. Your personal information is protected under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

Contact:
Request A Test, Ltd.
8803 Brecksville Road, Suite 7-130
Brecksville, Ohio 44141
1-888-PEACE-4U (732-2348)
1-866-DUDAS-NO (383-2766) (español)
http://www.RequestATest.com/

Falling with Grace

For the 2nd year in a row, Miss USA falls at the Miss Universe pagent.  Crystal Stewart fell during the 2008 evening gown competition of the pagent.  What makes Crystal so special? She graciously recovered with a smile on her face and applauded herself.  How many young women would have considered that point the end of their career?  Not Ms Stewart!  I do hearby crown her a graceful Princess.

5 Tiaras up!!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLCbsH1SOxs&NR=1

Mr. Princess?

Ok I admit it guys can’t really be Princesses but Randy Pausch is so special that he deserves recognition.  Randy is a father, husband, and Professor of Computer Science at Carnegie Mellon University.   He delivered what what was supposed to be his last lecture -for his kids, after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.  The overall message is so powerful, that it has spread throughout the world and is now being published into a book.  Watch the YouTube video and you’ll see why.   I can’t officially crown him, but, by being so brave, Randy has crowned himself!

MyKidsRegistry.com, a New Children’s Wish List Social Networking Site Launches

 

New site provides parents a place to share their kids’ birthday party and holiday wishes with family and friends and much more.

Port Chester, NY (PRWEB) May 29, 2008 — MyKidsRegistry.com, a children’s wish list social networking site recently announced its launch. The site is a resourceful and comprehensive tool for parents dedicated to birthdays, birthday parties and holidays. MyKidsRegistry.com give parents a place to showcase their children’s milestones and special events, allowing them to connect with family and friends through video-sharing, picture sharing, groups, IM chats, e-invites, weekly feature articles and much more.

MyKidsRegistry.com’s founder, Yvette Segal — a former NYC Fashion Executive for 17 years — decided to make gift giving for children easier. In her research she found several of the gifting websites to be on the cold side of gift giving when it came to kids. While searching for a community dedicated to kids’ birthdays Segal found that a place where parents can connect and showcase their children’s milestones, at the same time utilizing all of the latest online tools was almost non-existent.

When planning her son’s 3rd birthday it went from being a project of joy to a “project”, Segal began to think of ways to simplify the process. She didn’t like telling people exactly what to buy for her son and the idea of people trekking to the nearest toy store and waiting online was simply too much.

Segal wanted to create a website that was warm, friendly, fun, secure and inviting for friends and family to view children’s birthday wishes and view their growth each year. As Segal looked over a bridal registry one day, the light bulb went off and MyKidsRegistry.com was born.

MyKidsRegistry.com is not about an over the top party or a “buy my kids this” mentality, but it is about saving time and money for everyone. Its free membership is designed to assist parents in planning and shopping for the perfect party. MyKidsRegistry.com is affiliated with birthdayinabox.com for all your party supply needs, Amazon.com as the main wishlist, and for additional shopping; LandofNod.com, Nick Jr. Magazine.com, ebeanstalk.com, Kazootoys.com, littletikes.com, Upromise.com, netflix.com, snapfish.com, giggle.com, uncommongoods.com, Boden.com, Limitedtoo.com and LillianVernon.com. Mykidsregistry.com is also a proud supporter of AutismSpeaks.org.

MyKidsRegistry.com allows parents to list what a child needs or wants for his or her birthday to help avoid duplicate toys, allows parents to list a charity of choice in lieu of a gift, has links to online shopping so busy family and friends can shop from home, and after the party is over, parents can share photos and videos with those unable to attend. The site makes managing family events via the MyKids calendar a breeze, and as with any social networking site, friendships can be made. Currently MyKidsRegistry.com has over 260 members across the U.S.

Segal writes a weekly blog on the site and award-winning early education member and founder of wigglegigglelearn.com, Tracey Stuckey, is a guest blogger. Members are encouraged to also start their own blogs, as MyKidsRegistry.com’s newest member Naomi, from blog TalesOfASingleparent.com will soon do. MyKidsRegistry.com was also recently featured on Naomi’s blog, TalesOfASingleParent.com and interviewed, via podcast.

To learn more or become a member please visit: www.mykidsregistry.com