10.14.2010– Last year, a Guinness World Record was set by Everywhere, out of Atlanta, Georgia (raising more than $70,000) for the “Most Widespread Social Network Message” with #beatcancer. In 24 hours the one-word phrase #beatcancer set the record contributing to the 209,771 unique mentions on Twitter, Facebook and blog posts.

That’s not good enough.

This year, #beatcancer is back and supporters want to break their own record.

On October 15, 2010 at 9am PST the official #beatcancer race for a new record begins via the BlogWorld & New Media Expo.

To participate simply add the hashtag #beatcancer (all one word) to any tweet, Facebook status update or blog post. That’s it. Anyone who adds this phrase ensures that in addition to a world record, money will be donated to further the efforts of selected non-profit cancer organizations.

The above post is a (partial) excerpt from Everywhere Social Media

Michael Jackson: 1958 – 2009, has died at age 50.

He was perhaps the most exciting performer of his generation and the biggest celebrity in the world.

According to reports, Michael, went into cardiac arrest at his Holmby Hills home in L.A. Thursday (a 911 call was placed shortly before 12:30 p.m. PT), according to TMZ, which first reported the news. Paramedics were unable to revive the singer (who had no pulse upon their arrival), the site reports. He was then rushed to UCLA Medical Center while in a deep coma before passing away,

Michael is survived by three children: Michael Joseph Jackson, Jr., Paris Michael Katherine Jackson and Prince “Blanket” Michael Jackson II.

The seventh of nine children of Joseph and Katherine Jackson, Michael Joseph Jackson was born in Gary, Ind., on Aug. 29, 1958, and began his career performing with his brothers. His professional debut with the Jackson 5 came at age 11.

Jackson’s death brought a tragic end to a long, bizarre, sometimes ridiculous decline from his peak in the 1980s, when he was popular music’s premier all-around performer.

Michael changed how the world would look at music videos by providing mini-music-movies.

His 1982 album “Thriller” — which included the blockbuster hits “Beat It,” “Billie Jean” and “Thriller” — is still the best-selling album of all time, with an estimated 50 million copies sold worldwide. The video for Thriller all but defined the music video genre and helped send the album to the top of the charts for 37 weeks. (It remained on the list 80 weeks.) It was also nominated for 12 Grammys and won eight.

On March 25, 1983, Jackson performed his single “Billie Jean” live on the Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever TV special, where he debuted the moonwalk that was to become his signature move.

One of my favorite MJ videos is “Smooth Criminal.”

Jackson was set to headline 50 sold-out shows at London’s O2 Arena beginning in July, billed “This Is It” — his final London performances.

It’s impossible to include a complete report on MJ – I suggest you check the websites that have devoted endless coverage about Michael’s life and death. You will find numerous photos, videos, and endless text on the life and career of Michael Jackson – a musical mastermind, phenomenon, an icon.

Regardless of his personal drama – Michael Jackson was and will always be a music pioneer who provided the world with a talent they’d not seen and one that will never be matched. He was and always be “The King of Pop.” and he will truly be missed.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31553183/ns/entertainment-music

Posted by Chrystal’s Corner on June 25, 2009

Father’s Day is a time to observe and have a good time with the father in your life. And to remember those fathers that are no longer with us.  Father’s Day has never gotten the fan-fare that Mother’s Day has been afforded, nor have some fathers been shown the appreciation they may rightly deserve; perhaps that’s partly due to the misunderstanding of the Father and his role.

Fathers take on the role of protector and work hard to provide for their children and families.  Some fathers have to work harder and longer than they’d like, which often results in less time spent with their children. This is difficult to explain to children – just another reason not to celebrate Dad.

Fathers are usually the flexible parent, at least in my household; when Mom said “this is the way it is.” That’s the way it was – no negotiation.  Fathers are also likely to love with impulsiveness and surprises. They love having fun with their children and are generally the parent that pushes the children physically in an effort to toughen them up – while mothers are all for having spirited children, the father wants his children to be brave, aggressive, and fearless.

Then there is the optimistic nurturing side of a father, trying to be in tune with his children.  Hoping his children will find out who they really are and become independent – if for no other reason than to stay out of his pocket; but seriously, fathers help serve to wing the child from the nest to become self-sufficient productive members of society.

Although my father didn’t die until I was grown with children and grandchildren of my own – I still truly miss my Dad.  So for as long as you have breathe in your body and are able to do so, make an effort to celebrate, appreciate, and be glad to have that father figure in your life.

The way I see it, there are quiet a number of decent unattached men (and women) still in this world.   At times, people are unduly concerned or remain unmarried because they cannot find an ideal mate who, in fact,  could not exist outside their imagination. So,  it may be time for them to consider making some edits to their potential mates’ profile and consider settling for a Mr. Not-So-Perfect. And remember it takes time for a relationship to develop naturally; women should not make it their primary goal to snag-and-bag a husband.  They should enjoy getting to know the person while working on the flaws – both his and hers.

On Zwinky.com I have made over 50 friends nationwide in a relatively short period of time, and what is there to do in this world? Well, you can chat, chat, & chat about this and that. Quite a bit of the conversations on this site are relatively for the younger crowd, but if you select your buddies wisely you are able to chat with avatars in your age range. But what keeps me coming back, is the wardrobe and furnishings you’re able to obtain from the credits you earn. Although you are able to purchase Zbucks, as they’re called, I prefer to earn mine by visiting different areas on the site such as the park, which is always crowded or by playing games mall dash is one of my favorites.

But on IMVU.com the 3-D avatar world is quite a different playing field. I’ve only been there a couple of days and thus far have seven buddies from all around the world, including Trinidad and Brazil. Compared to Zwinky, the avatars in IMVU world are much more animated, unlike Zwinky IMVU avatars are able to sit, swim, jump, kick, dance, hug, etc. and are able to interact with other avatars in varies 3-D scenes and realistic looking rooms while they chat. And of course there are rooms for adults only (must verify you’re 21 or over), but I find that some of the interactions in certain areas are a bit brazen to say the least; therefore I opt not to visit those areas.

IMVU 3-D avatar world of chat can also become a very addictive dress up game with sooo many outfits to choose from, not to mention you have the opportunity to showcase your own creative designs. You can play music during your chats from tracks you select to include in your mix. In your inventory you have hair, make-up, eyes, eyebrows, clothes, pets, actions, and more to choose from. Although my avatar came equipped with a fully furnished modern penthouse, I choose to purchase (using credits) a huge villa, but since I’ve not yet furnished it, I’ve only had one guest over to take a tour of the place with me.

My avatar’s name is Writer, look me up if you ever decide to stop by, you may find me at a tv studio, cruise club, bowling, police department, airline, etc. there are so many rooms at IMVU and approximately 50,000 people online at any given time to hang out and have fun with.

Be warned, it can become addictive.
Until next time, have a wonderful time with your life. I must check in with Facebook and Twitter my serious sources of communication. LOL

It wasn’t a Secret – just repacked and marketed for mass appeal. The real question to ask is did it or any of them deliver what was promised?

There are countless self-help books on the market offering to guide you toward your quest to financial freedom, love and happiness. They’re available in various formats: books, audio-books, e-books, DVD, and even on the internet.  Why so readily available?  Advice is a money making industry.  Sara Nelson, editor of Publishers Weekly, says “Nobody went broke overestimating the desperate unhappiness of the American public.”  Wayne Dyer alone has written 29 self-helps with sales of at least 50 million.  And Rhonda Byrne’s “The Secret” was one of the fastest selling of its kind with 1.75 copies in just over 3 months when it first came out.

But what do they offer?  Let’s see…

They all start off with a promise of helping you to achieve your ultimate goal of becoming wealthy, successful, & partnered in a great relationship.  One such helpful guide starts off actually revealing its proclaimed secret in the first chapter, and referred to it as “the law of attraction”. The premise to the law of attraction is, “You create your own reality by virtual of your thoughts.”  Therefore, if you change your thoughts you will feel better about the circumstances in your life. Furthermore, if you believe you will succeed, then you will.  But after completely devouring the entire 198 pages in the hopes of uncovering the steps necessary for you to stop living from pay check to pay check; you like so many others are no closer to paying off your debt let along realizing your dreams than you were when you first shelled out your hard earned $23.95 in hopes of parlaying your net sum of nothing into something.  Do you move on with your life, continue to work hard, and attempt to save? No, because you’re in for the long haul, you must have missed something which is surely covered in the latest edition of… so you refrain from buying an acquaint amount of groceries and spring for another promising self-help book. After all it’s an investment. Besides, you can use the 20% coupon you received from your last purchase.

            Wait, wait, wait! Before you rush off to grab the latest edition of “Master yourself and get what you want.” Perhaps I can save you some money by summarizing what the vast majority of these books have to offer or suggest.

• If you think good thoughts good things will happen.  Ha! Do the brilliant advisors of these inspirational books think unemployed persons are sitting around thinking “I don’t want a decent paying job, I don’t want to improve my financial status, I really would like to have my utilities shut off, or be evicted from my home.”
• “Like attracts like, and if you think positive and surround yourself with good positive people then good things will come to you.”  Now, there’s some merit to this.  If you surround yourself with criminals surely crime will come your way.
• Ask, believe, and receive.  Well, that’s pretty darn simple, why didn’t any of us think of that? Yeah, right.

Here are a few of my favorites:

• “The only reason any person does not have enough money is because they are blocking money from coming to them with their thoughts. Every negative thought, feeling, or emotion is blocking your good from coming to you, and that includes money.”  There are few too many comments I can make on this one, so I’ll just sum it up; “Are you freakin’ kidding me?”
• You can tape a check made out for the amount you desire and it will come to you. Things will come to you in abundance. Pretend like you already have the money.  Yeah right!  My (fake) check for 5.5mil has been taped to my mirror for over 7 months and I’ve yet to see a dime materialize from it.

Some of these advisors mind you who’ve made a great deal of money off of the books they’ve sold us, would lead you to believe that all you need to do is believe and all of your goals will manifest. It’s even suggested by one of contributors, a personal empowerment advocate that,  “When you think of the things you want, and you focus on them with all of your intention, then the law of attraction will give you exactly what you want, every time.”  Apparently my ignorant-behind keeps clouding my focus with trying to pay those pesky bills that keep coming monthly, no matter how hard I “will” them not to.   

            Here’s something you may find interesting.  Noticeably is the lack of reference to serving others, yet there’s a relentless focus on materialism—money, cars, houses and vacations. Mental health professionals rate approximately 10 percent of these self-help books as detrimental; there are a troubling number of individuals who have a tendency to self-blame when things don’t work out. 

            Don’t get me wrong there are some that offer logical suggestions such as creating and using a number of feasible steps to achieve happiness and success.

Basically, the benefit of self-help books is that they can re-enforce what you already know.

But if you’re still in the mood for some self-help advice here are my suggestions:

• The way I see it, you should attempt to become a decent human being, live your life to the best of your ability, hopefully have some fun along the way, because basically the outcome is already forecasted-you will have a good life, you just need to participate.
• Find a way to motivate yourself when you need to and take some positive steps to improve your chances for success.
• Try fresh innovative things, and DON’T GIVE UP.
• If you must read the self-help books, try the library, you’ll truly save money using that method.

Finally, the next time you’re not able to meet your financial obligations, instead of wishing on a star, perhaps you may want to consider editing your budget by cutting down on entertainment expenses, the latest cell phone upgrade, those to-die-for Parda pumps, or any of the things keeping you from achieving your financial freedom..

Perhaps banning inapt drivers would be more beneficial.  Some drivers are just plain ignorant to the rules of the road and cause havoc wherever they go and they do so without the use of a cell phone.  They simply can not drive.

There are far too many drivers who have no business behind the wheel of a motor vehicle, again, because they just can’t freakin’ drive.  There are individuals who’ve never had a driver’s education course or any structured training yet they managed to obtain an operator’s license; there are individuals who can’t manage to walk two feet without tripping over air; there are those who can’t maneuver a bicycle down a straight path; there are licensed drivers who can not read or speak English yet they too managed to pass a written test administrated in English and become licensed to drive a motor vehicle in Michigan. Road menaces are all around us and surprisingly a great deal of them aren’t banishing a notorious cell phone.  

Perhaps educating and training drivers on a regular routine basis would be a more logical method for reducing accidents involving motor vehicles. 

Admittedly there are some hazards to cell phone usage during the operation of a motor vehicle, although not on the same level so is changing the station on the radio; if you allow it to distract and impair your judgment. 

I must admit I am a little torn regarding the banning of cell phone usage while driving, and can easily argue both sides.  I realize and respect the fact that the issue of driver distractions caused by cellular phones becomes increasingly important as cell phone use becomes more prevalent in daily life. According to studies conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), some form of driver distraction is a contributing factor in 20 to 30 percent of all crashes. The Cellular Telecommunications and Internet Association estimates that there are currently 134.5 million cellular phones in operation in the United States, and a recent NHTSA survey found that nearly 75 percent of drivers reported using their phone while driving. A NHTSA observational study released in 2001 estimated that 500,000 drivers of passenger vehicles (cars, vans, sport utility vehicles and pickups) are talking on hand-held cell phones during any given daytime moment throughout the week.  However,

There are countless studies citing reasons for banning cell phone usage including, a University of Utah study that shows conversing on cell phones while driving disrupts the driver’s attention to the visual environment, leading to what the authors call “inattention blindness”, or the inability to recognize objects encountered in the driver’s visual field. The authors also stated that cell phone conversations create much higher levels of driver distractions than listening to the radio or audio books. Clearly they’ve not studied the numerous drivers who engage in road dancing while listening to latest joint kicking through their stereo system. I periodically give a live concert whenever I hear a cut with a serious beat – how can you not bob your head when track 14 (Ring the Alarm) of B’ Day Album or track 6 (Dirt off your Shoulder) of The Black Album blares through the speakers. 

But despite all the cons against, there are some pros as cell phones have become a valuable tool in conducting business as more employees are using them to perform their jobs. Among other things, they help boost productivity by keeping employees connected to the office and to clients. Not to mention the invaluable use during road side emergencies.  Let us not forget there are very few if any, public phones available in Michigan or other states for that matter, and there are none on the local freeways.  In spite of the available automotive options, not all drivers can afford or desire to equip their vehicles with On Star.   However, cell phones also raise a number of issues involving safety, security, and privacy. 

I personally do not have any difficulty conducting a short conversation on my cell phone while I am driving; my motor skills are in great operational order.  And I know there are several other drivers out there who are capable of the same. Besides, there are hands-free devices readily available for every cell phone on the market. The problem I’ve noticed regarding the use of a cell phone while driving has to do with the texting option.  No one should be texting while operating a motor vehicle, it’s a serious and potentially deadly hazard, and therefore I am in agreement that particular function should be banned, not talking.   Geez! How uncoordinated must you be not to be able to steer a vehicle and speak at the same time. I realize there are a number of individuals who can’t manage to do so, but the majority of those individuals should not be driving under any circumstances. 

51 countries From Australia to Zimbabwe ban cell phone use while driving.  Five US states and the District of Columbia have laws prohibiting drivers from using hand-held mobile phones except in emergencies. Those states are California, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York and Washington.  I am in agreement that texting should definitely be banned and perhaps hand-held cell usage but not hands-free usage.

In Belgium, cell phones can be used without a hands-free unit when the car is stationary, but not while in traffic, such as at traffic lights. How simple is that.

In Ireland, there’s a fine of $380 US and/or up to 3 months imprisonment on a third offence. But hands-free kits are allowed.  And here we have yet, another simple and plausible solution.

Wisconsin would become the third state to make text messaging illegal for drivers under a bill to be introduced in the state Senate.

The proposal is part of a growing national effort to cut down on distractions while driving, including cell phones, Blackberries and other devices that allow users to not only talk but send e-mails and surf the Web.  The way I see it, anyone engaged in this type of activity while driving is out of their mind or have a death wish.

Michigan does not have a state wide cell-phone law, however Michigan does allow localities to determine their own cell-phone driving laws.  The Detroit Hands-Free law was passed in 2005 and went into effect in 2006. 

Detroit’s hands-free legislation makes it a civil infraction to use a hand held mobile phone while operating a motor vehicle. This law is enforced only as a secondary offense. Since this new hands-free bill is a secondary offense, the police cannot ticket the driver unless there is a primary driving offense such as speeding or running a red light. This has led many people to question the effectiveness of a law that doesn’t specifically target the driver who is clearly talking on a cellular phone without a hands-free device. Nevertheless, the new hands free law remains a secondary infraction.

The fine for violation of the law is not to exceed $100. Just like every other state that has hands free laws in effect, there are exceptions for emergency situations or if you are an on-duty public safety employee.

There is a lot of merit in what they’re seeking to accomplish with the pending Wisconsin bill.  But let’s not forget there are a number of older drivers involved in texting and other distractions, so teenagers should not be singled out here.

One of the biggest hazards I’ve seen on the road second to the most dangerous of all offenders – the drunk drivers, is drivers who keep their pets in their laps and allow them to protrude from the driver’s side window while the vehicle is in operation. Not only does it put the animal at risk of falling out of a moving vehicle, it is a serious driver distraction.  Odd as it may seem to other motorists whose life is being jeopardized by this risky action, this driving action is not illegal! Nor will a police officer arrest you if you can’t bear to part with your precious four-legged canine or feline during your driving escapades.  However, I believe in most states if your pet causes you to drive in an unsafe manner you could be cited under the state’s Negligent Driving law for endangering people or property.

The way I see it, a loose pet is a greater hazard than speaking on a cell phone and there should be a ban on driving with pets running rapid in the vehicle, but even more dangerous is for the driver to have a pet on their lap while operating a motor vehicle.  I can not count the number of times I’ve seen a driver wrestling to gain control over a moving pet seated on their lap.  Not only is the drivers’ sight impaired but they lose the ability to control the vehicle because their hands are full trying to restrain the animal; and as for reflects, they’re nil and none.   

Pets should be restrained in a vehicle in order to prevent them from moving around and distracting the driver; to protect the driver or passengers from being hit by them if they are in a crash; and to prevent the pet(s) from escaping through a door or window

I read some where that a woman in Alberta (Red Deer) Canada was outraged and is attempting to appeal the courts’ decision which fined her $402 for driving with her dog on your lap, but perhaps a hefty fine is what it takes to get through to some people because despite her reasoning, It doesn’t matter if the pet is much better behaved that way; it is clearly unsafe.

I have nothing against pets or the love some owners have for their pets, but seriously, it’s better for all concerned to leave your pet at home or in a carrier, or some sort of pet restraint in the back seat.

Perhaps it’s not the use of cell phones that is the issue perhaps the main reason lies with the number of inapt drivers on our road ways; one method to reduce accidents may be to reduce the number of inexperience drivers by increasing the road skills requirements; and some states such as Indiana are taking steps toward addressing the issue.

Indiana is proposing a graduated driver’s license, or GDL, that would, among other things, raise the age for teens to get their learner’s permits and licenses. The measure also would prohibit drivers under 18 from using cell phones.  A GDL is a three-stage system designed to introduce teen drivers to more complex driving situations gradually as they gain more experience. In Indiana, teen drivers can first obtain a learner’s permit, then a probationary license and finally a regular license. The premise of the bill is to reduce crashes.

In Michigan if you are 18 years or older in order to obtain a driver’s license you only need to practice for 30 days with a license driver and take a Driving Skills Test  given by third-party testing organization. Hence a number of inexperienced drivers are licensed and let loose on the road.

I don’t know the best method for correcting or reducing the number of unsuitable drivers but they could start by implementing mandatory driver’s education classes for all first time drivers regardless of age and the 30 days of practice should be a part of the course.  Although I would prefer not to, but perhaps licensed drivers should be required to pass a road test at the time of each license renewal to ensure they are operating under the state guidelines.  

Human Factors experts tell us that there are basically four kinds of driving distractions. The first is visual. Looking away from the roadway would be an example of this. The second is biomechanical. This would include manipulating a control – such as dialing a phone or adjusting a radio, and can often be associated with a visual distraction. The third is auditory – such as being startled by a ringing phone or a car back firing, and the fourth is cognitive. Being “lost in thought” or being in focused conversation with someone causes us to withdraw from situational awareness.

Researchers are also claiming to have evidence that shifting from hand held to hands-free phone use while driving does not result in eliminating all cell phone distractions. Frankly, it is next to impossible to eliminate all driving distractions, so why single out cell phones? Perhaps it’s easier to regulate than drinking and driving.

Regardless, it addresses the visual and mechanical distractions, but does not address auditory and cognitive issues.  Which raises the question, “How is conversing on a phone different than talking with a passenger in the vehicle?” Well according to some studies there are two important differences. The first is that a passenger in a vehicle is aware of the driving situation and can even serve as an additional look-out for hazards. If there is a needed pause in conversation, the reasons are evident.  The second is that phone use seems to carry a certain obligation of immediacy. When the phone rings, we feel compelled to answer it – whether it is convenient, safe or appropriate to do so. We become focused on the phone call, and lose the situational awareness so necessary for safe driving.  

What are they implying with this study, that if the caller periodically reminds the driver to look out for hazards – that may change the outcome? Or perhaps that the driver doesn’t have sense enough to provide a needed pause when it becomes evident?

It’s safe to say that anyone who becomes blindly engrossed during any activity with no regard to safety has a limited attention span and should not operate any type of machinery. Yes, I agree that drivers should focus their attention to the task at hand, but to suggest that most drivers are too inattentive to talk and drive at the same time is somewhat insulting.  

Perhaps a more logical explanation that there are some behaviors such as drinking or phoning while driving that are so commonplace, and yet so potentially dangerous that they require special laws. Laws are effective in two ways: they establish appropriate punishment for willful behavior, and they create guidelines for law abiding citizens. Under current careless driving laws, a cell phone using driver who kills someone in a crash will receive a $50 fine in most states. That hardly seems appropriate. There should be consequences befitting the offense, involving cell phone and driving distractions. 

There is no way to eliminate all driving distractions but if they wish to ban some of the causes let’s not stop at cell phone use.  There are a number of distractions or unsafe actions that drivers should restrain from doing; including reading newspapers, books, etc.; putting on make-up, especially eye make-up; shaving; eating; searching for items on the seat or floor; watching television or movies and more. Common sense should factor into one’s actions. And of course, any action that impedes a driver’s performance should be met with consequences during the initial offense not and only after a life has been taken. 

In my opinion, another way to reduce the number of motor vehicle accidents is by putting in a massive transit system in MI (and other states).   No, the lame-as* downtown People Mover does not count.

Finally, the way I see it, if anyone has the need to use a cell phone while in their car, the following simple safety tips may help:

• Use a hands-free phone.
• Never compose text messages while driving.
• Always dial while the car isn’t moving.
• Never use the phone in heavy traffic or bad weather.
• Use speed dialing as much as possible.
• Never look up phone numbers while driving.
• Never have stressful conversations while driving.
• Keep your eyes on the road while on the phone.

And if by chance a driver has an urgent need to convey some extensive information that just positively can not wait; they should pull their happy behind over to the side of the road and bring the vehicle to a full stop before engaging in a lengthy conversation.

Basically, drivers need to slow down adhere to the rules of the road and be mindful of their surroundings and road conditions. 

STOP TXTING WHL DRVG IT CUD B ILGL

Slightly off the subject but still a valid footnote…

There is nothing more distracting or more menacing than a drunk behind the wheel of a motor vehicle. Speaking of which, the system some how failed to impose the proper punishment on six-time drunken driving offender, Danni Baker of West Bloomfield; otherwise his ignorant behind would not have plowed into the back of 71 year old Marie Baron’s vehicle killing her shortly after being booted out of jail for being drunk at one of his routine week-end detentions.  (Due to the amount of material on this subject I will need to cover it in a separate article – look for it soon).

Prior to the city of Detroit opting to close several of its public schools creating an even larger problem than originally; they had serious problems.

Not only do the public schools in Detroit not receive the same financial funding and equipment as most of the suburban schools.  The children are struggling to stay focus on the long-term goal of education due to a number of (deplorable) factors which interfere with their educational growth.

Some examples of what Detroit Public School Students have to endure include:

• Metal detectors
• Hostile environments created by students, teachers & outside forces
• No toilet tissue in the bathrooms
• No locks and or doors on the stalls of the toilets
• No bathroom pass until kidney’s are about to burst
• No current textbooks
• No computers or computer access
• No access to their lockers (having to carry ALL books for all classes throughout the entire day)
• Not enough desks for the students to sit at, therefore having to sit on the floor
• Extremely over-crowded class rooms
• Disinterested teachers with inflated attitudes about their personal lives
• Students having to supply the classrooms with such items as: tissue, toilet paper, paper towel, etc.

That’s just a small list of some of the elements students have to content with, it’s not a wonder a number of them opt to forgo the completion of school.

Maintenance implies there will be some form of reasonable upkeep provided.  Not true in the Detroit Public schools.  I’ve visited on several occasions more than one Detroit school at the grammar, middle and high school levels and none of them are maintained as they should be.   The floors aren’t swept or mop let alone waxed.  The trash isn’t emptied, the bathrooms are cleaned maybe once a month if then, and it goes on.  I am aware that a number of adults will blame the students for the schools being in such raggedy conditions as they are the ones who sometimes mark the walls, but the pealing paint, the missing lockers, the falling bricks aren’t’ the result of student defacement.  It’s due to the lack of maintenance which is due to the lack of care, due to the lack of funding, again due to the lack of care for the children of Detroit.

Due to the city’s rapid decline in economic growth, increasingly high unemployment rate, and the deplorable conditions of the public school system my son and daughter-in-law made the decision to move (their children) to a suburb outside of Detroit, so that their children would have a better opportunity at an education, with less drama.  And a number of other concerned parents have and are doing the same; which can be another reason for the low stats, quite a few have dropped out of Detroit’s school system only to re-enroll in another school district.

Contrary to some reports, there are more children than not, who wish to obtain an education, but find it increasingly difficult to do when faced with the daily deplorable conditions as noted in the aforementioned paragraphs, not to mention the element of danger they face just commuting to and from school. 

Amazingly there usually seems to be support and endorsement provided for funding that involves contracts for Casinos and Downtown/Midtown Ventures and Condos that the average Detroit Resident can’t afford to live in, but they can’t manage to keep the doors open on a neighborhood school or find the Lottery funds (the billboards claim supports the schools) to put back into the Detroit Public School system. 

I’m all for improvement and growth for the community, but last I heard the community of Detroit consisted more of than just the Downtown area.  Perhaps more attention should be given to improving the conditions of the school system as oppose to only concentrating on commercially building Downtown and its surrounding areas.   Perhaps if Detroit hadn’t been asleep in development for the last 15 – 20 years they wouldn’t be struggling to crawl out of such a desperate economical decline.

In conjunction with the other elements, the lack of concern by the School Board, Administrators, and City Officials are the major cause for the decline in the Detroit Public Schools and its Graduates.

‘When the Childless Bitch wrote ‘Stay Out of My Restaurant,’ Moms reacted strongly to her views on our children’s behavior when eating out. Kelly wrote: “Please. I’ve been to many a restaurant with my now 2-year-old son, and while i will concede that certain establishments are not ‘kid-appropriate,’ I hardly think it ANYONE’S right to tell me where, and when, I can take my child.”

And here’s what I had to say…The way I see it, CB, the author of the article is not on a tirade nor on a mission to irk the mothers of America. Although her format is loaded with sarcastic-wit, I think she is attempting to provide some valid and sound advice. Not to mention that she’s hilarious. Regardless if you agree or disagree, you can still find the humor in her presentation of the material, which rather you want to admit it or not, has a ring of truth throughout. Mothers, correction, Parents should be responsible for raising respectable and well-mannered children but in order to do so, the parent must actually believe children should be taught to and actually use their manners. Unfortunately, there are far too many parents who seem to be under the impression that their “little Suzy or Bobby” have some inalienable right to act a pure-d-fool whenever and wherever they please and let the world beware. Wrong!

As pointed out in several of the responses to this article. It is the parent’s responsibility to raise their child and everyone else shouldn’t have to suffer because they can not or will not make the effort to do so.  For the most part, I think CB is hilarious and entitled to her opinion as we all are. I also think a number of individuals who have taken offense to her opinions are perhaps guilty of allowing their child(ren) to behave like heathens. Getting an attitude because someone isn’t ignoring the antics of your child’s bad behavior isn’t the solution, perhaps taking the time to instill some values, respect and manners would be beneficial. 

Children are basically a sponge and will absorb anything you teach them, bahavior is taught, habits are formed.  So teach children respect, manners, and some self control;  Not how to bitch, moan and groan to get their way or to throw a fit when they disagree or wish to have their way. Keep in mind, your child is a reflection of you. Take the time to teach them, the rewards are endless. I am a Mother, a Nana, a Sister, and an Aunt; so to some degree, I know of what I speak. I have raised my own and help to raise a number of other children.

The Childless Bitch 

In the NWLB six-month report card they claim, NWLB is about lifelong learning. It’s about providing opportunities for people who have lost their jobs to improve their lives. It’s about creating a workforce with skills to match the needs of business ─ which in turn, will help bring in more jobs and create more economic opportunity. It’s about aligning existing programs and funding streams to maximize the impact limited resources can have on a workforce system. 

Perhaps the diversity and opportunities noted in the aforementioned paragraph(s) applies to a selected few, because it definitely did not serve to benefit the unemployed individual who has been out of work for over a year without the assistance of unemployment compensation.