should I skip the sippy cup stage altogether? She still does manage a mini mess from a regular cup but she is learning.
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for 5 January 2010
Acai Berry Drink
Nutritional Armor – It would be nice if you could put on armor everyday to protect your body from all those things which would harm it. Cell research has shown that free radical damage causes early aging, and free radicals come from the environment. The good news is that nature holds secrets like the Acai berry which can be consumed and become a natural armor against free radical damage.
When you read Acai facts, it’s hard to believe this amazing fruit has not been used in most health products. The berry contains an intense concentration of flavanoids called anthocyanins known to reduce the occurrence of heart disease. Acai also contains fatty acids which help the body absorb the fat soluble vitamins like A, D and E.
The nutritional armor you wear when using Acai also includes a variety of vitamins and other elements like phytochemicals. There is calcium, fiber and protein also packed into these little berries. You will find minerals like potassium and magnesium which are required by your body’s systems for efficient operation.
Knights on White Horses
When you read the facts about Acai, it’s easy to see that consumption of the berry will give you the ability to fight disease and increase your energy levels. When you put on Acai armor, it’s like having knights on white horses come to your defense. Except in this case the “knights” are essential nutrients and the “white horses” are the antioxidants.
Reading Acai facts presents an interesting story of a plant known to contain exceptional health benefits for years. In South America the Acai berry has been used in fruits drinks as a nutritional supplement. The fact is the berry has up to 30 times the number of anthocyanins as any other dark colored fruit.
Most people have read about the heart health benefits of drinking a glass of dark wine each day. It’s the anthocyanins in the wine which are protecting your cardiovascular system. It’s amazing to think this natural remedy has been hiding in the Amazon for thousands of years.
A summary of Acai facts shows you the tremendous nutritional value of the berry. The berry is turned into a delicious drink that can be used regularly in your daily diet. It makes it easy to insure you are getting the nutritional supplementation you need to stay as healthy as possible.
Acai Facts You Never Knew!
Before we dig into the amazing acai facts, let’s take a look at the famous acai story. Legend says that there lived an Amazon Indian girl called “Iaca.” Her father was the chief of the tribe. It so happened that their tribe faced acute shortage of food. Thus, the chief ordered every newborn to be killed in order to let the existing members survive. When the chief’s daughter, Iaca, gave birth to a baby, the tiny life had to be terminated too! Iaca couldn’t overcome her baby’s death and wailed for many days in her hut.
One day, she heard a cry outside. Curiosity got the better of her and she followed the baby’s cry that led her into the forest. She came across a tall, attractive palm tree loaded with dark purple tiny berries. This came as a rude shock to her. Here was so much food for the tribe and she had to kill her baby! This harsh truth struck her like a bolt of lightening and she died right there against the tree.
The next day, the tribesmen found Iaca’s body and the treasure of food too. The rule was removed and the tribe became healthier and stronger after eating the wonder fruit, which was named as “Acai” after the chief’s daughter. Actually, it’s “Iaca” spelled backwards!
Among all the interesting acai facts, one especially intriguing is that out of all the native Indian tribes, only those who consumed acai berries survived; the rest perished due to European germs!
Astounding Acai Facts!
Acai juice is known popularly as the “Wine of Amazon.”
Acai can’t be transported in its whole fruit form. It has to be processed into freeze dried powder or liquid form.
The amount of disease-combating antioxidants found in acai is higher than any other fruit found on the earth.
The ORAC value of acai berry is 1026 as compared to spinach’s 150 and broccoli’s 130!
Acai berry contains anthocyanins that are 30 times more than that present in red wine!
This fruit is rich in vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, C, and E; minerals like calcium, iron, and phosphorus; protein, dietary fiber, and essential fatty acids like Omega 3, 6, and 9 that are also present in virgin olive oil.
This fruit with abundant health benefits and loads of nutrients is dark purple in color and just one inch in diameter!
Brazilians have been relishing on acai fruit for decades. A cold bowl of these rejuvenating berries for breakfast daily is your way towards a healthy and youthful life in the future. Chomp Chomp!
The fact is that using the Acai berry will increase your energy, improve organ function, strengthen the immune system and fight free radicals. It’s hard to find a single product which can accomplish so much in one drink. Read the facts and see for yourself all of the health benefits.
Security on Campus
It may surprise you to know that college and university campuses are scenes to more than just socializing and learning. All too often, they can also be the scenes of a crime. Awareness of this problem has grown dramatically over the last twenty years, and many institutions are taking appropriate measures to protect their students from malice. Wise parents do not close their eyes to these issues, but discuss them openly with their students. When choosing schools for their sons or daughters, they consider the security programs and features utilized by the schools. You must do all you can to ensure that your student doesn’t get an education they didn’t plan for.
Drugs and Alcohol
Nine out of ten student felonies involve alcohol or drugs. Annually, 1,700 college students die from alcohol-related causes. On their own for the first time, students often feel a surge of independence that can lead to poor decision-making, such as binge drinking. There are many resources available to help parents discuss substance use with their young adult children. Meanwhile, when choosing a school favor institutions with strict policies regarding alcohol and drug abuse, and effective parent-notification. In this way, colleges and universities keep better control of this problem.
Sexual Offenses
Unfortunately, 25% of undergraduate women nationally will be victims of an attempted or completed sexual assault. Many schools have embraced innovative technological solutions in an effort to protect their students. Residence halls that use electronic key-card systems are superior to the ones still using old-fashioned metal locks, and most commons areas of dormitories are now outfitted with video surveillance. At the very least, residence halls should be monitored, and nighttime access should be limited to residents only. Room doors should be equipped with peep holes and dead bolts. Bathrooms are safer when restricted to floor residents. For peace of mind, you may see if single-sex and “substance-free” dormitories are available. Crime is lower in these halls.
Another important deterrent against sexual predators is awareness. Your student should study the campus and neighborhood with respect to routes between his or her residence and classes/activities schedule. Parking lots should be adequately secured, lit and patrolled. Many campuses offer emergency phones, escort services, and shuttle systems so that students should never have to compromise their safety by walking across campus alone after dark. These are free services that have dramatically decreased crime.
Theft
College students are often the target of fraudulent identity-theft and credit card schemes. Make sure your student is savvy about personal information. They should never leave bill payments, credit card offers, health insurance statements, or any personal mail lying around. Instruct them never to give personal information over the phone to any company unless they initiated the call, and they know the company is reputable. Caution students not to give out their social security numbers to obtain credit cards or memberships, and to keep a personal record of all such cards, with expiration dates and company phone numbers in a locked drawer or cabinet. PIN numbers should not be kept in wallets, and should never incorporate birthdates, social security numbers, telephone numbers or addresses.
The Jeanne Clery Act is a federal law that was signed into effect in 1990, requiring colleges and universities to disclose annual information about campus crime and security policies. It is your privilege and right to know these statistics. This law was passed at a great cost. In 1987 Jeanne Clery was raped and murdered in her dorm room by a student with whom she was unacquainted, who had passed through three propped open doors in order to rob dormitory rooms. Knowing they could never bring their daughter back, Mr. and Mrs. Clery demanded safer campuses for future students. More advice regarding security on campus can be found on their outreach site at www.campussafety.org.
Dealing With your Cellular Carrier – Part 1
I fell behind recently on my Sprint bill. I figured I owed them about $50 so on payday last Wednesday, I made the payment online. Friday, I got a recorded call stating my service was in danger of being cut off. I called immediately and asked for an extension as I wasn’t sure I still owed as much as they said. The representative I spoke with offered to give me two weeks to review my phone bill but I said one was fine. He promised my phone would stay on for the next week. I didn’t take notes of the conversation. That was my first mistake.
There always comes a point where you have to adjust what bills you’re going to pay and how much. Usually, the only bills that were given guarantees of payments were for cars or homes. But, in today’s world, even cellular service requires immediate attention. We’ve become so convenient on the necessity that we feel naked if we don’t have our phone tucked away in our pocket. Hell, I didn’t even own a cell phone until a year ago. Now, it’s the only phone I have.
The main thing that amazes me is how much we all complain about the customer service. Having worked as a Verizon Wireless customer service representative for six months, I feel I have enough experience to make the next statement: They complain as much about you, the customer, as you do about them!
First off, how many times do we contact customer service and end up getting frustrated that we use certain words that we wouldn’t even say to our worst enemy? We may not think we do or realize when we’re doing it. But when we dial that number we put up a shield…a front. We expect results because we are, after all, the customer. When we don’t get them, we feel violated. And we unleash the anger. What’s the big deal, after all? They don’t know you. You’ll never speak to them again. So it makes it a little easier.
Back to my story, I called Sprint immediately when I realized my phone had been cut off. I explained to the lady the conversation I had less than a week earlier where the gentleman said my service would remain active for a week. Her response: “I’m sorry, sir. I don’t see that notated in the account.” Of course, you don’t.
Every time you call your cellular provider the customer service rep, of course, must access the account. As soon as they access that account, it is recorded in the system. It is up to the rep to notate why you called and what the solution was. Of course, they don’t always do that.
The rep continued: “Sir, I cannot reinstate the service until we receive your past-due payment.”
“Let me speak to a supervisor!” (I promise, I used no vulgarity!)
“Sir, they will tell you the same thing I’m telling you now.”
STOP!
Don’t fall for this junk. Let me explain the four types of customer service representatives:
THE BEGINNER
This individual just started working for the company not too long ago. Chances are, this is the first day on the job. This market has such a high turnover rate that call centers go out of their way to offer prizes for best monitored call, best attendance, most kudos (will explain in a moment), etc. They’ve more than likely gone through some training course (Verizon requires six to 12 weeks training). But, a majority of them are scared. They’ve listened in on previous calls with a more experienced rep. They remember the rep bouncing back and forth between screens on the computer looking at various information. They remember the rep having a solution, or at least some kind of answer, for every question the customer through. Most importantly, they remember that BEEP! That beep that signals, ACTION! Speak! And the beginner, when they hear that first beep, panic! They want to do good, but are afraid they won’t.
Identify the beginner:
They hesitate. They get quiet. They mumble. They sound unsure. Most, and probably all, reps for each company are told not to allow more than five seconds of silence. Keep the conversation going while you research whatever you need to research. The beginner doesn’t realize how fast those five seconds go, or they forget. Either way, numerous long periods of silence are sure signs you have reached a beginner.
Dealing with the beginner:
Or, better yet, don’t. If you just need a text message package added to your account or want to know your minute usage, go ahead and stay on the line with the beginner. Otherwise, either ask for a supervisor or call back. If you ask for a supervisor, explain to the beginner that it’s nothing personal. Explain you just want to make sure you take care of your needs in one call. I won’t hesitate to call back at all. I’ll let the beginner take care of my needs. But, you better believe I’ll call back and make sure they were taken care of (if possible, I’ll just access my account online. Most information is posted online and you can save yourself time AND hassle). Don’t be afraid to double-check. In fact, not double-checking is the worst mistake you can make. Imagine the phone call you’ll have in a month when you realize you were NOT moved from that 450-minute-plan to the 900 minutes and you have 400 minutes in overages at $0.45/minute. That’s $180. I’ve seen it too much. It’s much easier to call back than it is to fight for that credit!
The Statistician:
This person is concerned about the length of the call. This person is concerned about how long they keep you on hold. This person is primarily in a rush. They want to move on to the next call. Believe it or not, reps are judged more by how long their average call lasts than anything else, including hold time (though that is heavily stressed, as well). This person wants you to move on so they can move on. They want that Playstation 3 the call center is prizing off!
Identify the Statistician:
Again, they’ll rush you but do it in a way that you don’t seem rushed. If you think to yourself, “Man, this kid’s quick,” you have a statistician. It’s not necessarily a bad thing. They feel confident in themselves, in the system, and in the product that they can move quickly. It’s almost second-nature for them to change that price plan or your text message package. Most importantly, these kids won’t try to upsell too much. They might offer you more minutes, but only if it appears you may go over. They want you off that phone. They care about results. That can work in your favor.
Dealing with the Statistician:
Let them be! Tell them immediately what you want and let them do the rest. As with the beginner, though, double-check at a later time that the changes you requested were made. It’s pretty simple to click on the 100 text message package when they should have clicked 1000! After a few hours on the job, staring at the screen can become quite numbing!
The Quitter:
The Quitter doesn’t care about results. They’re one call away from turning in their badge and walking out the door for good. You’ve reached the Call Center Slum!
Identify the Quitter:
Sarcasm, laziness, mumbling, unpoliteness; you name it! This person doesn’t say, “Yes,” “Ma’am”, “Sir.” This person says, “Yeah,” “Sure,” “Uh-Huh.” This person won’t call you by your name.
Dealing with the Quitter:
Just hang up. It’s not worth it. You’ll accomplish nothing. Chances are, they won’t even make the changes you’re requesting. You can try to ask for a supervisor. But don’t be surprised if while you’re on hold he’s already headed towards the door!
The Carer:
The Carer is the opposite of the Satistician…to an extent. The Carer is more concerned with making sure you get what you asked for. The Carer is more concerned with assuring you end the call with a smile or at least a sense of satisfaction. The Carer understands they will not be liked by every call nor will they satisfy every call. But, the Carer knows when the call is over, they will have given it their best shot. If you get the Carer and still feel unresolved, understand it’s not the rep, it’s the Company.
Identify the Carer:
The Carer will strike up a conversation with you. And, it may not be the simple “How’s the weather in Montana?” The Carer may notice a dog barking in the background or a mumbling baby. The Carer will pick up on things. And you will, too. You’ll pick up on their tone of voice, their friendliness, their willingness to help. You’ll feel at ease. You’ll feel relaxed. You know when you hang up that phone, you can move on to the next task of the day.
Dealing with the Carer:
Go ahead and feel at ease with the Carer. But, don’t let your guard down. The Carer can still make mistakes. The Carer may have spent a long day at that cubicle and not realize they selected the wrong plan. But, don’t feel betrayed. It is a tough job. The Carer meant to do right.
I won’t say which one of these categories I fell in to. I remember one customer who took a trip from New York to Colorado. She wanted credit for all the overages, not realizing her peak times were adjusted with the time zones. I coudn’t give it to her and I knew a supervisor wouldn’t. She, of course, was irate. And her threats made me less willing to help her.
I remember a gentleman whose teenage daughter went WAY over her text message usage. I knew it could be credited back. But, I couldn’t do it. Several times the man became irate; not at me but with the Company and their rules. I kept insisting to the gentleman, “I can’t help you sir.” “I can’t help you sir!” “I can’t help you, sir!” Finally the man caught on. “Let me speak to a supervisor!” “Absolutely!” The man got his credit.
Most importantly, and I can’t stress this enough. Double-check your changes. Do it online. Call back. Do whatever to make sure you did get that price plan change or that data package. If you don’t double-check, expect surprises. If you expect surprises, you may be surprised that there are none! Mistakes happen. Don’t think every customer service rep is out to screw you.
In Part 2 of dealing with your cellular carrier I’ll focus on some tricks you can use to accomplish the results you need.
What are your experiences with cellular customer service reps? Have you ever done the job? Want to share some stories? Have at it!
Treatment of Ovarian Cysts Using Natural Methods That Work With Your Body
My daughter was recently diagnosed with an ovarian cyst on both ovaries by her gyno and was prescribed a cocktail of painkillers and birth control pills. Since she would love to have a baby and had suffered side effects from contraceptive pills in the past, she was reluctant to start taking them again. Having heard horror stories from other women about ovarian cysts growing larger and leading to surgery and possible removal of her ovaries, she was desperate for an alternative treatment of ovarian cysts that would work naturally with her body to offer pain relief and get rid of the cysts. I would like to share with you, a lot of useful information which she obtained from a visit to a naturopathic consultant.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a complex disorder which needs to be assessed for each individual and so she decided to visit a naturopathic consultant who was able to do a full history, including personal and family medical history, medications, diet and lifestyle before advising her about possible treatment of ovarian cysts.
Ovarian cysts are small sacs on the ovaries containing fluid. They are usually benign and quite often disappear on their own accord after a couple of menstrual cycles. Some of them, however, have the ability to grow larger and they can twist or rupture causing immense pain. Women who suffer from PCOS are producing excessive amounts of androgen, which is a male hormone, which results in some unpleasant symptoms such as excessive facial hair growth, weight problems and irregular ovulation and menstruation. Other causes of ovarian cysts are obesity, poor liver function, thyroid function, insulin resistance, exposure to synthetic estrogens and nutrient deficiencies.
Natural treatment for ovarian cysts involves using a mixture of vitamin supplements and herbal remedies, coupled with changes in diet, which all work naturally with the body to help balance the hormone levels. Evening Primrose oil is an anti inflammatory and also a hormonal modulator for the female reproductive system whilst B Vitamin Complex will help as a gentle anti oxidant, regulate the menstrual cycle, reduce excessive amounts of androgen and also begin to shrink the cyst.
With regard to diet the following guidelines should be adopted:
1. Change to a low fat, whole food and mostly vegetarian diet
2. Eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, especially leafy green vegetables, oily fish, tofu products, soy milk and grains such as millet, brown rice and buckwheat.
3. Cut back on the amount of red meat, dairy, wheat and sugar that is consumed.
4. Increase live growing foods such as barleygrass, wheatgrass, sprouts and soaked grains and seeds.
5. Drink vegetable juice in place of fruit juice.
6. Increase the amount of water intake in the form of herbal teas and filtered water
7. Avoid alcohol and smoking
Finally, there are plenty of herbal remedies that are well worth trying out. False Unicorn helps to regulate ovulation and normalise follicular development in women suffering from PCOS and Chase Berry lowers excessively high estrogen levels whilst increasing progesterone levels.
A naturopathic consultant can make up a tincture containing the various mineral and herbal supplements that he thinks will be most beneficial for you and it is also worthwhile asking your doctor for a thyroid function test together with a hormone test, to give a clear picture of what is going on with your hormones. It will take anything from 3-6 months to balance the hormones using natural products and ovarian cysts will change in their size and formation each menstrual cycle due to oestrogen production.
This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to treating ovarian cysts by natural methods and there are numerous treatments and remedies that a woman can do herself at home that have a high success rate.
You shouldn’t have to life with the pain and worry of an ovarian cyst. Life is too short to be spent moping at home, doubled up with pain. Instead you can be living a pain free, happy existence by taking control of your own body and using natural means of treating it.
Detoxify and Improve Concentration
Did you know that problems such as lack of concentration, headaches, skin problems, fatigue, backache, lung, and sinus congestion could all be caused by a build up of toxins in the body? If you are unaware of the importance of detoxification, please read this article.
Toxins are everywhere. The food we eat, the products we clean ourselves with, as well as the air we breathe all contribute to the build up of toxins in our bodies. Without effectively eliminating those toxins from our organs, they will eventually wreak havoc and we risk contracting a number of illnesses. In a society that relies heavily on chemically-laden prescription drugs, psychotherapy and surgical procedures to “heal” the sick, it is more than time to put matters into your own hands. Pursue a strategy of detoxification – it will help you to stay healthy!
When the digestive system experiences imbalances, the whole body is affected. Most diseases and even common problems such as poor concentration, constipation and gas result from having digestive system malfunctions. So, what causes digestive malfunction and imbalance? There are many causes, but stress is the most common and most destructive. Stress targets the digestive system and if it gets a hold there, the rest of the body is in for a rough ride. According to a number of research studies, most diseases start from a digestive system problem. To cure the diseases of today, we must dig into the digestive system and fix the problem at the source.
Reflexology presents a solution to this common problem of toxin buildup in the body. Reflexology applies pressure strategically to points (or to ‘reflexes’ of the feet and hands), which are thought to correspond to specific body organs. By stimulating nerves on specific areas of the feet and hands, we can stimulate blood flow and eliminate toxin buildup in the corresponding organs and systems of the body.
Reflexology is not only effective for self-healing, but it also is known as an effective detoxification procedure as well. And maybe most importantly in today’s society, Reflexology can be free, if you are willing to learn the techniques yourself. Yes, unlike our current healthcare system, reflexology therapy is available to everyone!
Studies have been done that show that lack of concentration could be due to heavy metal buildup in the body. My daughter for example, suffers from ADHD and bipolar disorder. When tested for heavy metal toxicity, she was high in copper and mercury very low in zinc. When she was given zinc supplements and taken off vitamins that contain copper, her condition did improve dramatically. In addition, she benefited from a colon cleansing in order to reduce the amount of mercury buildup.
Reflexology treatment along with a good diet can make a substantial difference in concentration ability; sleep problems and many other common health complaints. I always advise that people at least go to one reflexology session to feel the difference for themselves. No matter what your physical or emotional problem may be chances are you will be hooked after just one treatment. In fact, many people find that they want to learn the techniques for themselves so that they can experience the benefits on a regular basis.
Is drug addiction and alcoholism , hereditary ?
Did you ever notice where alcoholic fathers seem to have drug addict sons or daughters.. my cousin, a female had a alcoholic father and turned out with drug addiction problems?
Announcements & Invitations for All Type School Graduations
Graduation Announcements and Graduation Invitations for Your School Graduate!
If you’re earning a diploma yourself or if you are the parent of an upcoming graduate, this is definitely one of the biggest milestones in your lives. You don’t want anything less than a momentous celebration for an event like this. That’s why everything from the commencement invitations to the personalized Graduation Announcements, http://www.cardsshoppe.com/graduation-announcements/ should be perfect. Having a party like this is not only a great way to celebrate with friends and family members but also an excellent way to secure some fabulous gifts for your troubles. Here are some things to consider when you’re preparing custom Graduation Invitations, http://www.cardsshoppe.com/graduation-announcements/graduation-invitations.htm
Who Can Attend the Graduation Ceremony?
The issue of who can attend a graduation party or ceremony varies based on several factors. The most pressing factor is how many people the student is allowed to invite. Many schools, even some universities, have such large graduating classes that the number of tickets per student is limited. If that is the case in your family, you will need to make some tough decisions. However, most of your other friends and family members will understand the problem and will still attend the after party. For their benefit, be sure to record the ceremony and consider playing it at the actual party or making copies for them to have for posterity.
In terms of who can attend the party itself, you’ll first need to decide how much you can spend and what type of event you want to send the printable graduation invitation for. You might prefer a more intimate event with just a few close friends and most of your immediate family or you could throw a huge bash with dozens of truckloads of guests. The choice is up to the graduate and the person paying the bill for the event. In either case, we have several Graduation Party Invitations, http://www.cardsshoppe.com/graduation-announcements/graduation-party-invitations.htm to choose from!
Additionally, it’s a good idea to start thinking about these choices in advance. Unless you’re having the party at home, you need to make arrangements in advance to make sure you can secure the space you want for the day and time you want it. Remember this is a busy time for many party-related venues. Before you make a decision and send out invitations graduation party, consider learning more about the graduation open house party.
High School Graduation, http://www.cardsshoppe.com/graduation-announcements/high-school-graduation.htm Invites & Gifts
When teenagers finish high school, they usually already have some idea of what they will be doing next. If your graduate is planning to head for college, then you might want to look for gifts that will be practical for them. For example, a laptop computer can be an excellent choice. Your son or daughter will definitely need one while attending college. Other traditional ideas, such as a car or money, may also be a good idea.
For people who have received your commencement invitation, you might want to recommend gift cards to stores where your son or daughter can purchase items for their dorm. Gift cards to the college bookstore are a nice idea as well. If those invitations graduation reach people who want to purchase something practical and personal, then they might want to get some type of engraved item, such as a pen or key chain. Digital photo frames can also be a nice gift.
If your high school graduate isn’t planning on heading to college, then money is always going to be a useful gift. For a student who already has plans to move out on his or her own, having everyone who receives graduation stationary pitch in cash to cover the first and last month’s rent will provide the former student with a great start to an independent life.
Unique College University Graduation, http://www.cardsshoppe.com/graduation-announcements/college-university-graduation.htm Announcements
Money is probably going to be an issue unless your family is covering the costs of the announcements school graduation. Most colleges will sell you the graduating college announcements but they will do so at a very high cost. Although the per college graduate card rate is reasonable, you won’t receive a discount for bulk orders. Colleges will also charge high prices for matching thank you cards and for shipping.
A better way to purchase college graduation cards is through an online vendor. You’ll find a larger selection available, plus the costs are usually lower. Additionally, you can save money by buying larger orders. Shipping is usually more affordable as well.
Another way to lower your costs for college graduating invitations is by purchasing invitations that you use on your own printer at home. You’ll create the message on your invitation using your existing computer software then that message is printed directly on the invitations. This style of college graduation card isn’t blank though – it usually includes some type of graphic and by shopping online you’ll be able to find more choices.
Regardless of whether you print your own or have the college graduation invitations created for you, you’ll want to include some basic information on each of them: your name, your university, your degree, the information about the school commencement, and any honors or special designations you’ve received. Don’t feel weird about adding these honors either. You’ve earned them so it’s fine to be proud and show off your accomplishments on your college commencement cards.
What to Say on Graduation Cards, http://www.cardsshoppe.com/graduation-announcements/graduation-cards.htm
Be sure to write your message carefully. If you know the person well, you probably won’t have much trouble writing the message. Just remember to be sincere. If you are sending college graduation cards to your own child, for example, consider mentioning how proud you are of him or her. Knowing parents are proud is something most children want but few get. Take this chance to tell them how you really feel about their accomplishment.
For relatives or other people you don’t know that well, there’s nothing wrong with keeping the content short and sweet. Congratulate the person and offer your best wishes. It would also be acceptable to include an inspirational poem or quote that would be relevant.
Some Other Important Tips to Remember
Many post-graduation parties are going to involve alcohol, even if the guests are still under 21. If you’re hosting the event, you need to know about the legal consequences of having drinking at your party. Obviously, when the guests aren’t legally allowed to drink, alcohol should not even be an option. You could face big legal problems and lawsuits from parents if such an activity goes on at your party. Even if the guests are over 21, you may want to be careful about serving alcohol because you can be held liable if someone gets into an accident on the way home. Plus, you need a liquor license to serve alcohol in some venues. The best thing is either to have no alcohol or to have guests bring their own alcohol. Make sure you specify your decision on the graduation invites. Obviously, drinking does not need to be mentioned on printed graduation announcements.
If you know drinking will be a part of the event, keep everyone safe by renting a limo or a party van that can be used to deliver intoxicated guests safely to their home. Make sure to mention this on your printable graduation announcements if you choose to do it.
Other topics of interest – Graduation Wordings, Verses and Sayings, http://www.cardsshoppe.com/graduation-announcements/graduation-wordings.htm and Graduation Open House Party, http://www.cardsshoppe.com/graduation-announcements/graduation-open-house-party.htm
Learn more on the following types of graduations, such as Preschool Kindergarten Graduation, http://www.cardsshoppe.com/graduation-announcements/preschool-kindergarten-graduation.htm, Graduation Thank You Cards, http://www.cardsshoppe.com/graduation-announcements/graduation-thank-you-cards.htm, Homeschool Graduation, http://www.cardsshoppe.com/graduation-announcements/homeschool-graduation.htm and Nursing School Graduation, http://www.cardsshoppe.com/graduation-announcements/nursing-school-graduation.htm
Michael’S Mistake: Eight Ways To Turn The Michael Phelps Pot Scandal Into A Valuable Teaching Moment For Your Kids
Michael’s Mistake: Eight Ways to Turn the Michael Phelps Pot Scandal into a Valuable Teaching Moment for Your Kids
He was a national hero that parents and kids both loved. Now, with a compromising photo making headline news, parents are wondering what they should say to their kids about Michael Phelps’s fall from grace. Parents should not to let this great opportunity to talk with their kids pass them by. There are many lessons we can all learn from Michael’s big mistake. Â
By Kelly JohnsonÂ
Throughout the Olympics we heard some pretty amazing facts: His wing span is longer than his height! His feet are like flippers! He eats over 10,000 calories a day! He has two times the lung capacity of a normal human! These exclamations, some more true than others, were all used to help explain the superhuman feat of Michael Phelps winning eight gold medals in one Olympics, an accomplishment that made him a hero to many, especially kids. But as the result of one unfortunate photo, the superhuman Olympian is now having to face his very human actions.
While disgruntled parents with Phelps-loving kids might want to throw him under the proverbial bus, going after him won’t help your kids to process what is happening to their American hero. Instead you should take this opportunity to teach them some valuable lessons about their own integrity.
Particularly recently it has become especially hard to protect our kids from the misbehaving celebrities out there. With a famous baseball player admitting to steroid use, a famous singer being accused of domestic violence, and of course Phelps, parents have had a lot to explain to their children recently. For me, Michael Phelps’s behavior hits a little closer to home than that of many other celebrities because I think he became a national hero for the country. Someone, for once, that we were happy to let our kids idolize.
As we hear the news coverage and consider what we would do if we were in Michael’s mom’s shoes, Johnson says it’s a prime opportunity to talk to your kids about what happened and what we all-kids and parents alike-can learn from Michael’s mistake.
Let’s be honest. This could have happened to any of our sons. And while my first reaction would be to bring the hammer down hard, once the dust had settled, I would want my own son to know that there was a way to set things right. We have to remember that role model or not, Michael Phelps is entitled to the same compassion, forgiveness, and encouragement we would want extended to our own kids. And I think for many parents it will be easier for us to forgive Michael if we can use him to teach our kids some valuable lessons about life.
Read on for eight ways to maximize this teaching moment instead of letting the opportunity pass you by:Â
Talk about the Phelps story because your kids can relate to it. When the nightly news is made up mostly of stories dealing with the financial crisis, the hardships it is causing, and wars overseas, a story about an Olympic swimmer smoking pot may seem insignificant. But the Phelps story is one that your children will more easily relate to as they will experience pressures to drink or use drugs in their own lives. Failing to talk with them about the decision Michael Phelps made and the ramifications it can have is a huge missed opportunity.Â
As parents, we didn’t mind that our kids looked up to Phelps. But now it’s time for us to sit down with our kids and tell them what we don’t like about the situation and to listen to them give their opinions. It’s also important that you use this opportunity to explain to them that Phelps is redeemable. That, sure, he made a mistake, but we all do and now he must do what he can to make it right.Â
Remind your kids they must separate the Michael in the pool from the Michael on dry land. American consumers are nothing if not optimists, and no matter how many athletes and “heroes” have disappointed us in the past, we continue to hope that the next one will live up to our expectations. Enter Michael Phelps. We wanted to believe that the skill and maturity we saw in the pool was reflected in the young man himself. The truth is Michael Phelps is a uniquely talented swimmer, but his superhuman qualities are limited to the pool. On dry land, he’s no better or worse than most kids his age, and we can’t really be angry with him for that.Â
The trick in a situation like this one is to help your kids to find the qualities in Phelps, or any favorite athlete, that they should emulate. Talk about his drive and dedication, or the fact that he was never a quitter. Tell them it’s okay for them to look up to famous athletes, so long as they don’t try to be exactly like them. Identify the best qualities about that person and explain to them that is who they should try to be.Â
Explain that when commitments are made, things change. As a result of his superstar status, Michael is paid millions of dollars as the spokesperson for big brands like Speedo, Kellogg’s, and Subway. He is also a favorite speaker at elementary schools and naturally is the most recognized face of the U.S. Swim Team. There is nothing wrong with that. He has achieved extraordinary levels of success in his sport and he is entitled to reap the benefits that come from those accomplishments. The problem lies with the responsibility he had to maintain his good image and make good choices, because the brands he represents market to adults AND children. When you endorse products that are popular with kids, no matter what your image clause says, you have to remember that you are presenting yourself as a role model to kids-someone they look up to and someone whose actions they imitate. Phelps should have thought about that.Â
A great way to explain this concept to your kids is to tell them that it’s no different from running for student council at school, or joining the Girl Scouts. When they become a part of a bigger organization, they immediately become a representative for that organization, and it’s their responsibility to represent the organization well. When you take on a title, or wear a uniform, you’re making a promise to that organization that you will represent it in a positive way. Through his recent actions, Phelps broke his promise to the brands he represents, the children he’s spoken to, and the U.S. Swim Team. His actions are a great way to reiterate to your children what it means to be trusted and what it means to have integrity.
Teach them how their decisions affect other people. When we make mistakes, it can be easy to forget that we aren’t the only ones affected by the ensuing fallout. In Phelps’s case his decision had far-reaching ramifications. Everyone from his fans, the companies that sponsored him, his teammates and coaches to his own mother was forced to endure the negative effects of the scandal. Talk to your kids about thinking before they act, and remind them that their actions can affect people outside of their inner circle.Â
Sit down with your kids and have them make a list of all the people in their lives: friends, family, teachers, and coaches and explain to them how their bad decisions can negatively affect the people on their list. Explain to your daughter that if she gets in trouble at school, her bad choices affect more than just her. Explain that you as her parents would be disappointed, and her teacher’s good opinion of her would be tarnished. And if she’s grounded she wouldn’t be able to fulfill her commitments to her soccer teammates and coaches. When they start to think about the broad affects their choices can have, they will be more likely to stop and think more carefully about their own actions.Â
Explain that they may not be famous, but people are watching them, too. As with most celebrities today, Michael Phelps has been followed by cameras and reporters on a regular basis since his enormous success last summer. As it turned out, it wasn’t a paparazzo’s camera that caught him in a compromising situation-it was a camera phone, presumably belonging to a peer who was attending the same party. While your son may not be facing paparazzi on his way to class, or have to deal with media scrutiny over what he had for lunch, it’s important to make the case that people are watching his actions, and that they can make a bigger statement about who he is than anything he will ever say publicly.Â
Kids watch one another closely, and they notice the things that happen when no one else is watching. Explain to your son that the decisions he makes each day, and the way that he carries himself at school, on the soccer field, and even at home impacts those around him. Teach him to strive for setting a good example at all times. Even if no one notices 99 percent of the time, it will set him up for success when someone does take notice.Â
Teach your kids that it’s NOT all relative. Celebrity news is more popular than ever, and you can hardly turn on the television or check out at the grocery store without being bombarded by the latest celebrity scandal. It’s unfortunate, but after seeing repeated trips to rehab, allegations of steroid use and domestic violence, and other incidents of open drug use, your kids may be desensitized to news like this and may even think it’s not a big deal. When you talk to them, make sure that they understand that what Michael Phelps did was wrong; no matter how much more press the A-Rod steroid scandal may be receiving.Â
Just because smoking pot isn’t the worst celebrity offense out there doesn’t make it any less serious. In fact, it’s sad that the bar is so low that you can quickly find worse offenses from celebrities. Now is the time to explain to your kids that wrong is wrong: If your son gets caught cheating on a test, it doesn’t mean he is in any less trouble just because Tommy was caught fighting at school. Teach them that the only offenses that matter are their own, and that they should be their own litmus test for what’s right and what’s wrong.Â
Remind them that admitting mistakes and apologizing speaks volumes. With sponsorship deals, future training, and of course, his reputation all on the line, it can be a big temptation for someone like Michael Phelps to want to deny the story, explain it away, or to try and fly under the radar and not comment. Instead, he admitted to making a bad decision on national television and he apologized. While it may not change what happened, it’s a step in the right direction and it’s a demonstration of humility on Phelps’s behalf, one that speaks more to his character than a compromising cell phone photo ever will.Â
It’s important to make sure that your kids understand that an apology isn’t an instant fix, but it is a necessary first step towards making things right. If you avoid or deny the things you have done wrong, it can do further damage to your overall character. Admitting your mistakes and apologizing to the people you’ve affected is the first step in restoring the faith and trust they once had in you. And you should also remind your kids that simply apologizing does not erase their transgressions. Tell them they must live their apology every day by not repeating their past mistakes.Â
Remind them that everyone deserves a second chance. Yes, Michael Phelps made a bad decision, and, yes, he should have known better. That doesn’t change the fact that, superstar swimmer or not, he’s still human. That means he is bound to make mistakes from time to time, and he deserves the chance to rise above. Explain to your children that just because Phelps made a mistake, it doesn’t mean that we automatically write him off. Just as they should forgive a friend who has apologized for a mistake, we must allow Phelps the opportunity to admit his mistake, to apologize, and to prove that he should not be defined by this one event. And even more importantly, when it’s their turn to make the mistakes, they will want others to forgive them as well.Â
A huge part of the outcome of a crisis is determined not in the crisis itself, but in how you handle it. And this is a great opportunity to teach your kids that they shouldn’t race to judgment when the people in their lives make mistakes, redemption is always available to those who seek it, and everyone deserves a second chance.Â
If there is one truly good thing that comes from all this, it may be the number of parents who will be sitting down with their children in the coming weeks to talk about drugs, role models, money, and fame. Those are tricky conversations to have and, however unintentional, Michael Phelps has provided parents with an opening. At the end of the day, I’m confident that these conversations will stick with our kids longer than any fallout from Michael Phelps’s infamous marijuana media scandal.
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About the Editor:Â
Kelly H. Johnson is an attorney, writer, and the mother/stepmother of five sons and one daughter. She holds a BBA from the University of Notre Dame and a law degree from the College of William and Mary, Marshall-Wythe School of Law. She served as law clerk to the Honorable Harry L. Carrico, then Chief Justice of the Virginia Supreme Court, prior to entering private practice with the law firm Williams, Mullen, Clark and Dobbins. She remained there, in the firm’s litigation department, until becoming a full-time mother.Â
An occasional lead singer in a local rock band, Ms. Johnson has written for both local and national parenting magazines including Richmond Woman on-line, Memphis Parent Magazine, Charlotte Parent, V Magazine for Women, Fifty Plus, and Family Fun. She is a frequent contributor to the widely distributed Richmond Parents Monthly, and her work appears in the compilations The Imperfect Mom-Candid Confessions of Mothers Living in the Real World (Doubleday), It’s a Girl-Women Writers on Raising Daughters (Seal Press), and in the forthcoming Love Wins (SmileyBooks). Â
Ms. Johnson lives in Richmond, Virginia, with her husband, Fred, and their children, who outnumber them three to one.
 For more information, please visit www.abettermanbook.com.Â
About the Book:Â
A Better Man: True American Heroes Speak to Young Men on Love, Power, Pride and What It Really Means to Be a Man (Brandylane Publishing, Spring 2009, ISBN: 978-1-883911-84-3, $24.95) will be available at bookstores nationwide, from major online booksellers, or direct from the publisher by calling 804-644-3090.
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Wrongs With the People of India
Wrongs with the people of India
If we go deep and examine the people of India we shall come to the conclusion that there had been some wrongs with the people of India and that is the reason they could not get good governments and that could also be the reason they could not rise from the status of slavery. When the people of India have an introspection, they themselves come to the conclusion that they are victims of the following weaknesses in them and till they come out of these weaknesses, they shall remain in the same condition where they had been suffering since generations. Therefore, time has come when the people of India must note down their weaknesses and they should try to write off these weaknesses one by one and come and join the main stream in the age of science and technology. They are a rich country because they have got all the blessings of nature such as mountains, rivers, minerals, petroleum, coal, iron, jungles, fertile land, hard working people, different seasons, rains, different corps and all that which are the base for proper development. But we are not progressing at the prescribed speed. Therefore, time has come when we should come out of the following weaknesses in us:-
1. We should make it sure that we shall write off illiteracy from India and this work shall be done within the next five years.
2. We shall make it sure that all the people who are in working age shall be trained in a profession, trade, calling and occupation and none shall be left untrained.
3. We shall make it sure that everyone shall be at work and shall earn money for the house so that the family could stand at its own feet and they should not seek help from the state, from the people as beggars and from social organizations.
4. We shall make it sure that every family shall have money at their disposal to run the family administration and we shall see that they are able to face the rising prices.
5. We shall see that every family has got a living accommodation where they can keep privacy and they have got all the facilities in the house and they do not utilize open space for easing themselves.
6. We shall see that the family is in a position to look after the ailing members of the family and they are getting proper treatment.
7. We shall see that all have got savings or insurances for the rainy days and for their old age.
8. We shall not allow a single person to beg on the roads.
9. We shall not allow any person to wear on rags because we know such people are condemned to inferiority complex.
10. We shall see that not a single child is having free books, free mid-day meal from the state because such a situation turns the students beggars from the very beginning and they are also condemned to inferiority complex in presence of other students who are from the rich families.
11. We shall see that all those who had been looting the people and have amassed wealth more than their recognized sources of income shall be brought to book and all such wealth shall be snatched away from them and shall be deposited with the state exchequer so that the same could be utilized for the welfare of the people who are the real creator of this wealth.
12. We shall not allow any one to indulge in scams, scandals, muddles, bribes, corruption, sale of jobs, sale of licenses, sale of quotas, taking commission on government work.
13. We shall see that honest people are elected and therefore, we shall see that all the parties are forwarding their shadow cabinets before elections and they shall be showing us the bio-data of such people so that the people could have the choice.
14. We shall see that all state level legislative assemblies are abolished and only one Parliament serves the whole country and we shall see that all the states are converted into administrative units under one central government.
15. We shall see that the number of political parties is reduced.
16. We shall see that gap between rich and poor is reduced
17. We shall see that all those who are seeking elections shall have to get character verification from the District Magistrate at least six months before the elections.
18. We shall see that elections are held only one in five years and on that date we shall be conducted elections both for the Parliament and for the State level assemblies.
19. We shall see that there shall be no bye-elections and the work of a constituency shall be given to the member from the adjoining constituency.
20. We shall not allow a family to remain in poverty as God’s gift. We shall catch that family and shall ask them to run with the remaining nation.
21. We shall make it sure that no one is allowed to run a Dera, Math or a Asharam and if there are already such institutions, those shall be brought under Trusts or Societies duly registered and their accounts are audited by the state and all individual properties so collected shall be taken and deposited in these trusts and societies.
22. We shall make it sure that dowry system shall be stopped and instead the daughters shall get share in the properties of their parents.
23. We shall see that there is no family rule, there is no party dictatorship and there is no individual autocracy in India.
24. We shall appoint sub committees to have a look on all the legislatures and on all the officers so that they may not collect money beyond their recognized sources of income.
25. We shall make it sure that very small number of people turn drug addicts, opium eaters, drunkards, smugglers, criminals, terrorists, rioters and the like and this work shall be given to welfare committees for each village, colonies or the like.
26. We shall make it sure that no religion is allowed to establish a political party. We shall make it sure that religions are not allowed to be polluted by the these political parties.
27. We shall not allow a person to take part in election more than two times and if he is loser on both the occasions, he shall not be allowed to come for the third time.
These are the points on which the people of India shall concentrate and they shall see that all these evils are rooted out and a new era is established in this country.
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