The Summer of Social Good "is ‘the first large scale online charitable campaign to raise funds strictly online through the power of Social Media and the Internet.’ The campaign is organized by Mashable and raises money for The Human Society, World Wildlife Fund, LIVESTRONG and Oxfam America," more...
Courtesy of Social Earth
Monday, June 8, 2009
Where are your kids right now?
A 14-year-old boy was brutally beaten to death near his suburban home May 30 by a group of teens claiming to be in a gang, according to a report by "Good Morning America" (GMA) today.
"He died on our street in suburbia where we paid $350,000 for a townhouse in a neighborhood where our shutters have to match our doors," Jenny Adkins said about the murder of her son, Christopher Jones, in Maryland. Javel George, 16, and an unidentified 14-year-old boy have been charged with the murder, according to GMA.
This violent crime in suburbia last week was committed by the hands of a group of young teens claiming to be a gang. I am prompted to reconsider what a gang really is, and how we can keep our kids safe from being victims or perpetrators of violence.
Most common presumptions are that gangs only exist in urban and low-income areas, they always include older teen or adult leaders, and your kids would never get involved in one. But in reality, a gang can happen at any age in any area, because it can start as simply as a small group of mischievous kids in a middle-class neighborhood looking for violent or destructive stimulation or entertainment.
This is an especially growing threat in an age where children are more desensitized to violence than previous generations were, because they are exposed it at a very young age through many romanticized and graphic cartoons, video games, movies and TV. Because of this, it is vital that parents remind their kids that those virtual and Hollywood realities are different from the one that they actually live in.
It can be very hard, if not impossible, for working and single parents to always know where their kids are, who they're with, and what they're doing. That is why it is so important to talk to them every day, even if it is only a short chat for a few minutes; even if they roll their eyes and whine.
Ask them about their life and acknowledge their accomplishments. If a child or teen feels like they matter at home, they are less likely to look for that recognition (respect) elsewhere; like in a gang.
Whether religious, atheist or other, remind kids about the importance of taking social responsibility, and respect for others, life and the law seriously.
Talk to them about their long-term goals. Where do they want to go to college? What do they want to be when they grow up? Youths who have an idea about what they want their futures to be, are less likely to commit crimes that will jeopardize that now.
Finally, never assume that a bully is just a bully. If your kid is being picked on or bullied, follow your instincts. Contact other parents, school officials or even the police if necessary. It is better to lose a little sleep to get to the bottom of a threat, than to get a dreaded phone call because that threat was real.
Stay concerned. Stay connected. Stay in control.
"He died on our street in suburbia where we paid $350,000 for a townhouse in a neighborhood where our shutters have to match our doors," Jenny Adkins said about the murder of her son, Christopher Jones, in Maryland. Javel George, 16, and an unidentified 14-year-old boy have been charged with the murder, according to GMA.
This violent crime in suburbia last week was committed by the hands of a group of young teens claiming to be a gang. I am prompted to reconsider what a gang really is, and how we can keep our kids safe from being victims or perpetrators of violence.
Most common presumptions are that gangs only exist in urban and low-income areas, they always include older teen or adult leaders, and your kids would never get involved in one. But in reality, a gang can happen at any age in any area, because it can start as simply as a small group of mischievous kids in a middle-class neighborhood looking for violent or destructive stimulation or entertainment.
This is an especially growing threat in an age where children are more desensitized to violence than previous generations were, because they are exposed it at a very young age through many romanticized and graphic cartoons, video games, movies and TV. Because of this, it is vital that parents remind their kids that those virtual and Hollywood realities are different from the one that they actually live in.
It can be very hard, if not impossible, for working and single parents to always know where their kids are, who they're with, and what they're doing. That is why it is so important to talk to them every day, even if it is only a short chat for a few minutes; even if they roll their eyes and whine.
Ask them about their life and acknowledge their accomplishments. If a child or teen feels like they matter at home, they are less likely to look for that recognition (respect) elsewhere; like in a gang.
Whether religious, atheist or other, remind kids about the importance of taking social responsibility, and respect for others, life and the law seriously.
Talk to them about their long-term goals. Where do they want to go to college? What do they want to be when they grow up? Youths who have an idea about what they want their futures to be, are less likely to commit crimes that will jeopardize that now.
Finally, never assume that a bully is just a bully. If your kid is being picked on or bullied, follow your instincts. Contact other parents, school officials or even the police if necessary. It is better to lose a little sleep to get to the bottom of a threat, than to get a dreaded phone call because that threat was real.
Stay concerned. Stay connected. Stay in control.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Dr. Martin Luthor King Jr. Sings "I Have a Dream"
The greatest threat to a better society is stagnant thought.
"I Have a Dream" song:
Courtesy of schmoyoho on YouTube
In this current age of political argument and blame, mud-slinging, fight between the red, blue, green and other Americans, it is easy to forget how and why our society has reached this point. It is difficult to predict how we could or should continue to evolve. There is no right answer; no wrong answer; no single answer- just ideas.
I think it is important to step outside of ourselves and take a view removed from the present. When the individual perspectives and ideas are jumbled and at odds with each other, then perhaps it is time to look at a bigger, more holistic question.
What dream do you have for your children?
"I Have a Dream" song:
Courtesy of schmoyoho on YouTube
In this current age of political argument and blame, mud-slinging, fight between the red, blue, green and other Americans, it is easy to forget how and why our society has reached this point. It is difficult to predict how we could or should continue to evolve. There is no right answer; no wrong answer; no single answer- just ideas.
I think it is important to step outside of ourselves and take a view removed from the present. When the individual perspectives and ideas are jumbled and at odds with each other, then perhaps it is time to look at a bigger, more holistic question.
What dream do you have for your children?
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Body Image vs. Body Appearance
This video was a response to Dying to Be Thin: Anorexia (College Health Guru)
Courtesy of College Health Guru and YouTube
Courtesy of College Health Guru and YouTube
11 Useful Internet Aps
Rocketboom Tech correspondent Ellie Rountree shows Tweetdeck, CoTweet, Adium, and more favorite productivity applications...
Courtesty of Rocketboom and YouTube
Courtesty of Rocketboom and YouTube
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