7/31 Tuesday Pick: Survivor Activist Art

Melina's Pick:  Survivor Activist Art

Why I recommend it:  This website was brought to my attention by the site owner.  It features artwork and writing by the adult victims of sexual abuse and domestic violence.

Founder Sandi Carter Brown founded the site as a form of therapy for survivors.

View site.

adult survivors of sexual assault, child sexual abuse, domestic violence, their non-offending parents, partners, and friends

Every Other Year: Hope

Not many things make me tear up with pride. But the Olympics do. Sure, on one hand, they are nothing more than a series of sporting events, but, on the other hand, they are so much more.

The Olympics represent hope. Nowhere else do we see every segment of humanity come together despite differences in race, religion and belief -- and come together peacefully. Aggressions and rivalries are worked out in a healthy, productive way. Participants are encourage to seek their personal best, that winning isn't everything. It's how the game is played that matters.

They also represent a place where equality exists. There are no social classes, no male superiority, no human-rights violations. The Olympics represent hope that we, as a species, can overcome the things that ail us.

This hope has been shaken a few times --- games were cancelled because of two world wars, violence struck in Munich and domestic terrorism in Atlanta -- but still the dream lives on. We can do anything so long as we set our mind to it. So why don't we set out minds to establishing a world of peace and equality all the time?

Under-age Drinking

by Dana Arevalo,

P.O.V. Contributing Author

It's finally here.  Your child's graduating.  As a parent you feel bittersweet. Happy of the academic accomplishment while sad that your teen is growing up.  Your 17-year-old approaches you and asks if he or she may have an after-party. Hesitant you and your significant other decide it is a good idea as you can chaperone the event.  The moral and obvious thing to do is not to serve alcohol or drugs.  Parents, be forewarned, not all parents feel the same.  Some consider under-age drinking to be irresponsible even ignorant; while some parents are supportive. 

Overall, the parents serving the alcohol are enablers. An enabler supports something that is negative and or self-destructive.  For example, suppose an individual had a food addiction.  An enabler would continue to support the person by bringing them bad foods in large quantities, knowing its harming them and supporting their addiction.  Parents who drink or do drugs with their children are enablers.  The enabling parent chooses to ignore the potential harm of the situation; that, however, in no way is an excuse.  This topic, however, is debatable.  Some feel that they'd rather have their teens drink under their roof in order to monitor or control the drinking.  These parents are afraid that their teen will drink and be in danger at another location. 

In May of this year, two parents were arrested for serving alcohol to under-age guests at their son's party in Breezy Point, New York.  Being well respected individuals of their community some adults have supported them brushing the drinking off as a "summer custom" in their neighborhood.   I feel that calling it a "summer custom" or openly admitting of the practice is absurd.  Many children in the Breezy Point area attend a distinguished private school - is this an excuse?   

What are your feelings about parents serving under-age "teens"? 

Sources:  Queens Parents' Arrest Calls Attention to Under-Age Drinking

Autistic Child Bullied

By Rhonda Ramsey,

P.O.V. Contributing Writer

In Cherry Hill, New Jersey, at the Horace Mann School, a single father named Stuart Chaifetz was shocked to hear that his jovial 10-year-old son, Akian, was getting into trouble at school. Chaifetz was receiving notes from Akian’s elementary school stating that Akian was having violent outbursts and hitting his teacher and aide. Chaifetz was in sheer disbelief as his son, who has autism, had never behaved this way before.

"I could not understand why this was happening," Chaifetz, a 44-year-old animal rights activist in New Jersey, wrote on his website. "I had never witnessed Akian hit anyone, nor could I dream of him lashing out as had been described to me.”

Determined to get to the bottom of this, Chaifetz took matters into his own hands.

"The morning of February 17 I put a wire on my son, and I sent him to school," Chaifetz says in a video he created to showcase the audio clips. "What I heard on that audio was so disgusting, vile and just an absolute disrespect and bullying of my son, that happened not by other children but by his teacher and the aides -- the people who were supposed to protect him. They were literally making my son's life a living hell."

The recordings are so disturbing, and so hurtful, that I found myself angry as I listened to adults yell at kids to "shut up," "shut your mouth," and "knock it off." Adults have inappropriate personal conversations in front of the children, discussing what they had done the night before, their husbands and talking in detail about adult issues.

More than once an adult bullies Akian to the point of tears -- and then laughs at him. "Go ahead and scream," one adult says antagonizing Akian.

"Because guess what? You're going to get nothing until your mouth is shut."

And later, the teachers even said: "Oh, Akian, you are a bastard."

Chaifetz says, "The six and a half hours of audio I had proved that my son wasn't hitting the teacher because there was something wrong with him -- he was lashing out because he was being mocked, mistreated and humiliated."

Chaifetz writes on his website, No More Teacher/Bully, "His outbursts were his way of expressing that he was being emotionally hurt at school."

In my heart of hearts, next to God, the innocent come first in this world - the babies, the children. To read this, breaks my heart. Not only do we hear of children bullied by one another, but we hear of children who cannot speak out being bullied and broken -- by adults!?

This story makes me want to stand up and change something, do something; but what can we possibly do as we come to understand that bullying is beyond counseling bullied children?

Clearly the bully needs an intervention as well. But as we read articles like this one and look around our world, children are not the only bullies. Adults in the workplace bully one another. People who do not even know one another find ways to intimidate or demean one another.

This is not just a "kid thing". This is a people thing, which brings me back to my point.

If the problems we see with our children are beyond the bullies who are cruel to them and go out of their way to humiliate them, and at times the problems we see start with the adults who see no wrong in their own behavior, how in the world will bullying ever be stopped?

Source:  YouTube

7/24 Tuesday Pick: The P.O.V. Fan Shop

P.O.V.'s Pick:  The P.O.V. Fan Shop

Why we recommend it:  Express your point of view at The P.O.V. Fan Shop. Clothing and gifts for women and children with a social message.

Shop using the direct link below or by clicking on the Shop the P.O.V. Store tab on P.O.V. at any time.

http://www.cafepress.com/thepovfanshop

Make Custom Gifts at CafePress

Shooting Sparks Gun Control Debate

Over the weekend Aurora, CO, witnessed incomprehensible violence. A madman opened fire on a crowd attending the premier of "The Dark Knight Rises", killing 12 and injuring countless more.

His is now in police custody. And "madman" is a description that fits him well. His apartment was booby trapped and a Batman mask was found among his belongings.  A photo shown by the press clearly shows a creepy smirk. Perhaps he thought he was acting out one of the villains from the film franchise.

This tragedy also sparks the gun-control debate. And unfortunately, it always takes a tragedy before we talk about this issue.

Yes, it is our Constitutional right to bear arms, but when the constitution was written people needed weapons to hunt for food and to protect themselves in a lawless frontier. There is no reason in today's world that a civilian needs a gun for anything other than sports shooting. A weapon generally reserved for the police or military is not a weapon a civilian needs for hunting, sport or protection.

The governor of Colorado points out that nothing would have stopped this tragedy, that it would have happened anyway with another weapon, but the truth is we hear more about mad gunmen than we do mad bombers.

Are you for or against gun control?

Source: Theater massacre suspect set to appear in Colorado courtroom

Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

My P.O.V. on Election 2012: Jacqueline Schriewer

Jacqueline Schriewer lives in Sarasota, FL. A registered voter, the issues that mean the most to her are environmental issues, equal rights for women, foreign policy and health care.

Schriewer would rather vote for Mickey Mouse than any of hte presidential candidates.

She says:

"I have to be honest. Neither of them are fit to hold office. Obama, in many ways, is out of touch with what Americans really need (Obama care did nothing but give families yet another expense and did even less to give them quality health care) and is not a Commander in Chief. Romney is out of touch with middle class Americans and has taken a strictly political career path.

"As an expat I can tell you, we have lost the 'power' of being American overseas with Obama as president. This would not be remedied with Romney.

"I am nostalgic for Bush yet was happy to have him out! Enough said.

"Gay marriage nor abortion will be decided by the president. These are Supreme Court or state issues. America pull your head out of your backsides and realize that NONE of these issues are the real issues."

We asked, "Election 2012 is important because?"

She replied, "It will show that the powers-that-be are really in charge, not the American people."

When asked if she voted in 2008, she answered, "Yes, because I believe that every vote should count. In this election, with more voters being disenfranchised, not so much."

 

Have an opinion on the 2012 presidential election? Please visit our election page and express your point of view.

Move Over Mommy Bloggers

by Dana Arevalo,

P.O.V. Contributing Writer

Mommy blogging has been popular for quite some time.  In fact, mommy blogging debuted in the mid-2000s and became increasingly popular between 2008 and 2009.  Today, there are millions of mommy bloggers. I personally did not know what a blog was until I was exposed to blogs and wikis in a graduate class as an assignment.  I was hooked from the start.  Being an expressive individual, it is a perfect way to express and share ideas with the world.  The blogs often give advice, opinion, tips and speak of real life experiences.  The blogs build a following and others utilize them as a valid resource for information on everything from beauty to potty-training.  Mommy blogging is a serious business with huge potential.  They have annual conferences, develop marketing kits, network with others, advertise and more; all activities a regular business would participate in. 

While mommy blogging is still a booming business, daddy blogs have followed suite.  As of 2010, Daddy blogs are picking up the pace and becoming popular, as well.  The economy has led them in this direction.  Dad's are talking about a wealth of diverse topics, too.  They blog about anything from caring for a newborn to romantic relationships.   Daddy bloggers started having annual summits in 2010.  I applaud these men for taking an active role in parenting and sharing their ideas and advice in a public manner.  To introduce the daddy blogging trend, ABC featured popular daddy blogs on Father's Day.  The pressure is on; daddy blogs are also being ranked by services such as Klout which measures the the social popularity based upon the content that they publish on their sites.  Like mommy bloggers, daddy bloggers also utilize social networking and have many followers. 

Sources:  Mommy Blogger Directory
7 Daddy Blogs Worth Reading

Night Owls

By Rhonda Ramsey,

P.O.V. Contributing Writer

 

I am a night owl; I have written about it, and for years I have wished I could change it. I literally become wide awake around 9 pm, my mind is racing and ready to go, and most of all, I am at most creative at night.

I can honestly say every book that I have written was written between the hours of 9 pm and 6 am. Why? I do not know. Again, I wish I could change it, but in reading an article on BBS Research Digest, I may not be losing my mind when I say that I feel like the creative juices just don’t flow the same when I wake up early to write! Here is the article:

“Insight-based problem-solving requires a broad, unfocused approach. You're more likely to achieve that Aha! revelatory moment when your inhibitory brain processes are at their weakest and your thoughts are meandering.

“Mareike Wieth and Rose Zacks recruited 428 undergrads and had them complete a questionnaire to identify whether they were night owls or morning larks. As you might expect, based on factors like preferred time of day and peak performance, most of the students - 195 of them - were owls and just 28 were larks. The remainder came out as neutral.

“Here's the headline result: the students were much more successful at solving the insight problems when the time of testing coincided with their least optimal time of functioning. When larks were tested in the evening and owls were tested in the morning, they achieved an average success rate of 56, 22 and 49 percent, for the three insight tasks, compared with success rates of 51, 16, and 31 per cent achieved by students tested at their preferred time of day...”

From:  You’re Most Creative When You’re at Your

According to this article, which I found very interesting, our insight-based problem-solving is best when our “thoughts are meandering"!

Since middle school, I have had trouble focusing and concentrating altogether, but it is somehow refreshing to know that when it comes to being creative -- maybe, just maybe -- I was onto something when I pounded away at the keys at 3 am.

When are you most creative? Are you the early bird, the night owl or the neutral? Do you ever feel as though you are most creative when you are slightly less focused?

7/17 Tuesday Pick: Try to Watch Without Crying....

Rhonda's Pick: Try to Watch Without Crying.... 



Why I recommend it: Very beautiful, very inspirational, this video shows that we can do anything we set our minds to; but isn't it that much more inspiring to have someone hold us up when we can hardly hold ourself up?


Whether you are the one who is stumbling or the person who is holding another person up, always be encouraged -- never quit, never give up.

Health Care Infographic

Click image to enlarge

Via: Medicare Supplemental Insurance.com

Note to Readers: The preceding was a paid advertisement. P.O.V. is not affiliated with this company or its services.

Team U.S.A. Made in China

When team U.S.A. marches into the Olympic stadium in London in a few days, it will be decked out in the red, white and blue. Their patriotic uniforms will be made in China.

The uniforms the athletes will be wearing in the opening and closing ceremonies are designed by Ralph Lauren and addition to looking like unstylish throwbacks to the 1940s, they are highly expensive and all were manufactured by the Chinese.

When contacted by ABC News, the U.S. Olympic Committee said, “The U.S. Olympic team is privately funded and we’re grateful for the support of our sponsors. We’re proud of our partnership with Ralph Lauren, an iconic American company.”

They are privately funded. Hum, wouldn't that make you think they would be cautious with their money? Well, the Olympic uniforms are anything but budget friendly. One men's blazer alone costs $795. The least expensive item on the list costs $55.

Meanwhile, politicians from across the country are calling for the uniforms to be burned and for team U.S.A. to wear something made in the United States. One lawmaker called the situation embarrassing. But the Olympic Committee has no plans to scrap the uniforms.

With this being an election year, we're hearing a lot about unemployment and job creation. We're also hearing a lot about jobs being outsourced to foreign countries all in the name of saving a buck.

Whether they realize it or not, the Olympic Committee is sending the message loud and clear that domestic jobs do not matter. Worse, they are sending the message that foreign workers can do the job better than Americans, and that insinuation can do more damage than a few lost temporary jobs.

What do you think? What route should the U.S. Olympic Committee have taken?

Source: Team USA To Be Decked Out in Uniforms Made in China

 Lawmakers Want ‘Made in China’ U.S. Olympic Uniforms Burned

What’s Your Sign?

By Jessica Snow,

P.O.V. Contributing Writer

 

 

 

 

Coincidence or truth, think back to at least one time where your horoscope was spot on.   When it comes down to it, are you a daily reader, check it out every once in a while reader or are you a not even waste your time non-reader?  How is it that your birthday can fall into one of 12 signs that can determine your path through life?  Questions I’ve always asked myself because my life as a Gemini feels exactly right.

Researching most suited careers, I found ideal jobs for a Gemini include exploration, novelist, journalism, publicist, sculptor, artist, musician, announcer and other work that “would bring them in contact with the public on a regular basis.”  Funny, because I’ve been writing since I was six and picked up the flute at the age of 10 and over the years have also learned clarinet, piano and guitar like it was second nature.  Some would say it’s just say of course since I’m reading that, I’d see similarities and automatically think it’s right.

Stemming from the Greek language, “Astrologia” meaning “star study” and “Horoscopos,” meaning “hour watcher,” the history of the horoscope dates back to 626 B.C. where the oldest record of any astrological data was dated.  Astrology’s purpose is identifying personality, strong points and weak points in an individual’s life based on the placement of the planets and their location at the precise moment of each person’s birth.

Each of the 12 signs possesses characteristics that are widely spread and distributed in daily, weekly or monthly horoscopes you read in your local paper.  The majority of astrological writers for newspapers use the most basic way of figuring out the information needed.  After doing a little bit of research, I learned that some writers use a computer program and the skill most needed for that is the ability to decipher the given information.

How do you match up to your given sign?  Does it suit you well, or do you think you were born under the wrong one?  I often joke that the reason my son was one month premature was because with his personality; there was no way he was a Gemini.  The sign of Taurus fits him perfectly. 

Either you believe or you don’t, but looking into the history of the subject and how it’s evolved over many thousands of years is the most interesting part.

Sources:

WhereIn City

NewspaperHoroscopes: Should You Bother?

Horoscopes Within

 

Beating Summer Boredom

by Dana Arevalo,

P.O.V. Contributing Writer

This is the first summer ever that I do not have my children in a day camp or an activity.  We are only at the beginning of July and they are bored.  Not to mention, they are eating me out of house and home.  Here I am pondering over what to do with them.  While summer is time for them to relax and play, I believe keeping them busy with structured activities is also important; that is why I have always had them in summer camp to remain on a schedule.  It's my job now, therefore I have gathered some ideas.  If I have to play hide and go seek one more time, I may go bonkers! 

1)  Assign age appropriate chores.  My children are ages nine and 11. It is never too early to teach them responsibility.  While some children may already have chores during the year, now is the time to introduce some additional items to keep them busy.  My son is responsible for feeding the family dog, keeping his room tidy and taking out the trash and recycling when asked.  My daughter helps put the groceries away, empty the dishwasher, put away her clean clothes and keeps her room neat and clean. 

2)  Breakfast & Lunch.  Children are used to eating at the same time daily; continue this as it will be easier to stick to a daily eating schedule.  Involve them in meal preparation and ideas. They love to help in the kitchen.  It makes them feel happy and special.  Maintain a healthy diet and encourage them to drink water so that they remain hydrated.   

3)  Take weekly trips to the local library.  Many times their teachers will assign summer reading.  Take them to the library at least once per week.  Make it a consistent activity.  They will enjoy looking around and choosing other books, magazines or videos that they want to see.  It is important to allow them to begin making decisions; it will help them express their own opinions and share their likes and interests with you. 

4)  Take inexpensive day trips.  Conduct an Internet search for local parks, lakes, amusement parks, museums, exhibits and more.  Many places have discounted prices for family day or deals such as, buy one adult admission, one child admission free. Some restaurants also offer specified evenings or days that children eat free.  Take them out once per week to these establishments. 

5)  Schedule play-dates or allow their friends to visit.  I rarely refer to them as play-dates, anymore, because the reaction I get from my daughter.  However, I allow my children to invite friends over.  They play inside and out.  I allow them to have water balloon fights and just have lots of fun.  This will allow you, the parent, to have a little down time. 

6)  Have a camping trip in your backyard.  We did this last summer.  I invited my dad over; they loved it.  They set up a tent, ate pizza and even had time to roast marshmallows.  Create memories that they can appreciate when they grow up. 

7)  Incorporate daily exercise into their routine.  Do you have a family dog?  When the family is awake in the morning, take the dog for a walk before the sun gets to hot or in the early evening when the sun begins to set. 

I recommend pre-planning activities as much as one can.  It is hard to stick to a strict schedule during the summer, however, if you sit down and make a plan you can enjoy a semi-structured week with less stress and boredom.  You will have activities planned, happy children and a delighted you.  They will begin to look forward to what is in store and everyone will have a joyous and memorable summer.   

Second Time Around

By Rhonda Ramsey,

P.O.V. Contributing Writer

 

I ran across this article about watching movies and reading books the second time around. I really enjoyed it, as it explains something that I somehow knew but never really thought about:

"New research reveals why people like to reread books, re-watch movies and generally repeat the same experiences over and over again. It’s not addictive or ritualistic behavior, but rather a conscious effort to probe deeper layers of significance in the revisited material, while also reflecting on one's own growth through the lens of the familiar book, movie or place."

What I learned from this, is that there are always reasons why we go back and repeat things. As stated above, we crave "...deeper layers of significance in the revisited material, while also reflecting on one's own growth through the lens of the familiar book, movie or place."

Even if I am not familiar with the things that move me deeply, I certainly feel something.

How often do you revisit your favorite movies or movie scenes? How often do you put your favorite song on repeat? Do you ever wonder what you are searching for as you listen and/or watch as your mind is gently whisked away?

Source:  Why Books and Movies are Better the SecondTime

7/10 Tuesday Pick: Police Officer's Final Act of Kindness

Rhonda's Pick:   Police Officer's Final Act of Kindness Caught on Tape Before Dying



Why I recommend it: This is very sad. The world is a sad, scary, unfair place, but this shows that there are real heroes.
My prayers go out to his family, I wish I could thank him for his service.

Video can be watched at http://www.godvine.com/Police-Officer-s-Final-Act-of-Kindness-Caught-on-Tape-Before-Dying-1065.html

Does Retirement in the U.S. Work?

Looking to retire comfortably? Then don't retire in the United States. The nation has the least generous retirement package of any wealthy nation.

 

 

"We always are neck and neck with the United Kingdom, but other than the U.K., I think we are among the stingiest," adds Alicia Munnell, the director of the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College told CNBC.

 

 

But other nations are catching up. Not because U.S. benefits are getting better but because theirs are getting worse. At the same time, however, the organizations studying retirement plans, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and Melbourne Mercer Global Pension Index, admit there are many factors in determining how efficiently a system works.

 

 

It's unfortunate but seniors in the U.S. are not helped and valued. Hardly any company still offer a pension and those that do often only offer them to management. Today's alternative is the 401K but many companies do not even offer that. Not to meantion that 401Ks values can fall depending on the stock market. Finally, there is social security but seniors do not recieve a significant enough pay raise to make up for inflation. It is no wonder that many of the poor in our nation are elderly.

 

 

So what do you think? Does retirement in the U.S. work? Why or why not?

Source: US retirement trails other nations'

Can we Become More Human Through Reading Fiction?

By Shaunda Kennedy Wenger

P.O.V. Contributing Writer

 

 

A portion of this post was originally broadcast on Utah Public Radio in 2003. I have updated it with new opinions for today’s guest.

I’m a glutton for books — both new and borrowed. Regardless of pending appointments or deadlines, if I happen to come across a shelf of literature, I can’t resist the urge to pause and browse. Sometimes, I even go out of my way to visit them — just to look at new titles or feel the pages flip through my hands. And I’m not alone. I always find company among the shelves at the bookstore. And if I happen to be holding a book in my hands in public, more often than not someone will pause to ask me what I’m reading.

So I ask, what keeps us coming back to books?  Turning page after page?  Perhaps it’s because reading a book is like opening ourselves up to an emotional caress, regardless of whether the book is humor, suspense or chick-lit-light.  In books, we can step into another world where another person’s problems are solved within the confines of a safe environment, an environment contained on bound sheets of pressed paper, dressed with ink (or the soft glow of an e-reader). An environment where the conflicts faced by a character we’ve grown to like and understand are eventually sorted out but on our own schedule.

Perhaps what is most appealing about reading is that we benefit from viewing the story and its conflict with an empowering perspective. We have a bilateral view of two worlds — that of the character and that of our own. Coupling our own experience with that in fiction gives us an advantage in focusing on a character’s path to resolution. This dual perspective also broadens our ability to empathize — with the character, with others and ultimately with ourselves, particularly when we carry the story within us. In essence, perhaps we become more human through fiction.

My last post focused on bullying, and methods that seem to work in correcting that behavior at the school where I teach. I’d like to close today’s post by sharing a book I recently read that touches on this subject: BEFORE I FALL by Lauren Oliver. Although this book took a couple chapters before I really started to care about the character (as was the author’s intent), once I got into it I couldn’t put it down. BEFORE I FALL is one of those books that begs for discussion. It gets the reader into the emotions of both the bullies and the victims. However, given the topics that are touched on in the story such as drinking, partying, sex and bullying, this read is better suited for older readers with parental guidance. However, the author handles the story so well it does deserve the time spent with it and further reflection and discussion with others.

If you’ve found books you’ve recently fallen in love with, please share them here.

Thank goodness for books, and the time we make for them.

"Old Wives'" Tales and Urban Legends Examined

by Dana Arevalo,

P.O.V. Contributing Writer

Have you ever wondered if something was fact or fiction? An urban legend? Or, perhaps, an "Old Wives" tale? There is so much content and information floating around, one often wonders what to believe. With technology, the message is spread to billions of people within seconds. At times, I find it humorous that some of these messages, such as e-mails, are distributed time after time and also displayed over and over on social networking sites and some people believe them because they are so vivid and seemingly truthful. The topics include anything from children getting stuck with hypodermic needles in ball pits to product or company hoaxes. Then there are "Old Wives'" Tales, the methods that your mother, grandmother, aunt or older relative swear by. While the majority are just "tales" and "legends", some are true.  

"Old Wives'" Tales

Have you heard of the following?

Sitting to close to the television will ruin your eyesight.  This tale is one of my favorites. When my grandmother watched my sister and me, we would sit point blank right in front of her television enjoying I Love Lucy and Regis, when Kathy Lee was his host. Most of the time, the purpose was to hear or see the television better. The more we inched up to the screen, the more we were scolded. This tale is false.

You must always wait twenty to thirty minutes after eating to swim.  As a young girl, my family would frequently visit the shore. There is no question that I love the water and swimming. However, when I was finished eating my lunch, I would be told, I could not go back in the water for twenty to thirty minutes, that I may drown.  What a pain! This tale is also false. I use this tale on my own children, mostly with failure. I want their sunscreen to absorb properly before they jump into the water.

An apple a day keeps the doctor away. I hear this tale frequently. How can a fruit prevent a person from getting ill? I also often wonder if this is the reason behind giving your teacher an apple on the first day of school? Apples aren't my fruit of choice, although, I have been eating more lately because they taste good with peanut butter and this tale is true.


Urban Legends

How about these?

Ball-pits contain hypodermic needles.  I received an email on more than one occasion from a frantic mom begging and pleading with parents and guardians to refrain from bringing their children to places that have ball-pits. The message further stated, that her son was stuck with a needle full of drugs and did not survive. This sad story is not true. I often wonder who has the time to attempt to pass this story off as true? 

Halloween candy at times, contains pins, needles, or razor blades. Halloween is my favorite holiday. I love to dress the children in costumes, as I always dressed up for Halloween. But, who wants to take their children Trick or Treating if individuals are sticking hazardous items in their candy? I don't want to upset anyone, however, this legend is true. I did most of my Trick or Treating during the 80s and when we were finished, each and every candy was examined by my mother. I, to this day, do the same. Unfortunately, some people do not think clearly and believe the attempt to place sharp items in candy is more of a prank than an intentional harm. Most completely disagree. 

"Sing a Song of Sixpence" was developed to recruit pirates.  Does this nursery rhyme have a hidden agenda? I used to have book of nursery rhymes, I am sure everyone has, but why would a sweet nursery rhyme be code for pirates? This urban legend, is not true, however, some sources, still report it as true. 

Do you have a favorite?  Share it!

Sources:  Halloween Legends

Old Wives Tales

Facebook, Friends, and Self-esteem

By Rhonda Ramsey,

P.O.V. Contributing Writer

 

How do you use Facebook? Is it a business tool? A way to connect with family? A way to stay connected with friends? Many people enjoy the opportunity to share deep feelings, personal issues and intimate details -- even embarrassing pictures. I suppose it is fun to open up and share with close friends and acquaintances; but could Facebook be more harmful than good for some?

Did you know that a Harvard study shows that sharing on Facebook and other social media sites delivers a powerful reward to the brain similar to the pleasure from food, getting money and ... sex? I will share some insightful information from cbsnews.com and foxnews.com:

• A staggering, but not surprising, 84 percent of users said Facebook was part of a daily routine. The amount of time spent on Facebook averaged out to about 75.2 minutes.
• "Results showed that Facebook usage had a significant negative relationship with self-esteem," researchers said in the CBS report. "In other words, the results indicated that users who spend more time on Facebook have lower self-esteem."
• But, take those results with a grain of salt. The researchers point out that when they "entered the control variables gender, age, education and income, the relationship between Facebook usage and self-esteem was not significant."
• The main difference was between genders. Women tilted the scale in the usage to lowered self-esteem correlation. Meaning, prolonged Facebook usage tended to make women feel less happy and content with their lives. Men, however, were not affected to the same degree.
• One of the theories behind the discontentment could be the finding that women tended to write more about their thoughts and feeling, while men spent more time provoking others.
• Facebook's initial public offering of stock is likely to make a lot of developers and designers of the site very wealthy. But for many users, frequent Facebooking may not be so beneficial.
• According to three new studies, Facebook can be tough on mental health, offering an all-too-alluring medium for social comparison and ill-advised status updates. And while adding a friend on the social networking site can make people feel cheery and connected, having a lot of friends is associated with feeling worse about one's own life.
• The thread running through these findings is not that Facebook itself is harmful, but that it provides a place for people to indulge in self-destructive behavior, such as trumpeting their own weaknesses or comparing their achievements with those of others.

Although Facebook is an awesome tool for connecting, promoting and sharing, I think people who struggle with self-esteem may benefit from limiting their time on Facebook. It is far too easy to slip into a habit of comparing, beating yourself up or unhealthy competition. It is far too easy to seek validation from like buttons, counting comments and counting friends. 

What tips do you have for those who struggle with self-esteem, and blame social networking sites?

Here are my tips:

Instead of focusing on the accomplishments of others, list your own accomplishments. If you spend hours upon hours browsing the Facebook pages of others and comparing yourself, balance that time by being grateful for the positive things in your life; the things that make you smile.

If there are people, places, or things that always seem to bring you down, address it. If need be, maybe take a break.

What do you think of the social networking studies? How do you utilize Facebook?  What do you think of those who find Facebook more harmful than good?

7/3 Tuesday Pick: Eliana's Journey with Epilepsy

Rhonda's Pick: Eliana's Journey with Epilepsy 



Why I recommend it: A beautiful person, strong and probably the most positive and faithful woman I know shares her personal story with a child who is suffering from epilepsy. This video brings me to tears every time I watch it, but it reminds us to keep our faith. It is a true story of perseverence.

Poverty in the United States

U.S. Child Poverty Rates.  Source:  MSN Money

Do you know where you'll be going to sleep tonight? Some Americans don't. Recent statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau show that slightly more than 15 percent of Americans live below the poverty level.

 

 

These people struggle on a daily basis with unemployment, lack of health care and low wages.

 

 

Some of their stories were told on MSN Money. For some, it's a lack of education or lack jobs in their area. For others it's illness or being born into poverty. No matter the reason, they all have a story.

 

 

How can we call ourselves the world's only superpower when so many of our citizens live in poverty? What are we going to do to fix this problem.?

 

 

It depends on which side of the political aisle you belong. As MSN points out, there are two points of view.

 

 

One point of view says, "people should take full responsibility for their actions under all circumstances and that "neediness" is a character flaw overcome through hard work and determination."

 

 

The other point of view says, "government's main purpose is to care for the well-being of its people -- not just the 'cans' but also the 'cannots,' the 'have-nots' and sometimes even the 'do-nots.' They believe compassion is integral to civil society, that government's role is to make sure Americans are safe and healthy ... "

 

 

Who do you believe should be responsible for ending poverty? Individuals or the government or a combination of both?

 

 

Source: America's own Third World