Discrimination in school?

I recently read a story on abcnews.com about a 17-year old girl in Fort Worth, Texas that is pregnant. Mackenzie McCollum, a senior at the Arlington Heights High School, a member of the volleyball team at the school, continued to dart around the court even four months pregnant. She had plans to do so until her doctor advised her otherwise. That was until an upset parent of one of her team mates advised the athletic director that Mackenzie was pregnant and did not want her daughter to play on a team with a pregnant girl. The athletic director and the school both told Mackenzie she could not play on the team until she got a doctors note stating she was OK to play. Mackenzie received the note stating she could continue to play volleyball as long as there was no contact and her heart rate stayed under 140 beats per minute. However, the school sent her mother a letter stating the accommodations could not be met because they could not continuously monitor her heart rate and there is a chance of physical contact. The doctor then sent a note stating she could play with no restrictions and she could attend the game the next day. This should have been great news. When Mackenzie returned to the team, she had to confront the head coach, Jack Warren, who she was told “outed” her to the entire volleyball team. Mackenzie was devastated. She was trying to keep it a secret to avoid any confrontation. Coach Warren declined several requests from Outside the Lines for comment on rather he did disclose the information or not. This would violate the constitutional right to privacy. Mackenzie stated that after the team meeting she received several calls and text messages from friends and teammates concerned about her. She stated that after everyone knew she could not walk down the halls at school without people staring or whispering and she knew they were talking about her. Mackenzie stated she was OK with all that, she just wanted to get back on the court. However, to add injury to insult, the coach cut her playing time stating that he always does that before people move up and before the seniors leave. But Mackenzie said she looked at the court and noticed that everyone else was still there. She felt devastated. She stated this was the one thing she could count on and it was being taken away from her. Mackenzie was devastated so much that she even considered abortion even though it is against her religion. Mackenzie’s mother has filed four complaints with the US Department of Education stating the school district discriminated against her daughter on the basis of her sex and the retaliated against her, which is a Title 9 problem, a federal law prohibiting the discrimination of students. Mackenzie is set to graduate in December and she knows she has her mom to assist her if need be.

I am not entirely certain how I feel about this article. I got pregnant when I was 14 with my first child and I was 15 when I got pregnant with my second. However, I was not involved with sports and any after school projects. I could not imagine being as involved as she is and getting pregnant. But I always say everything happens for a reason. I know where Mackenzie is coming from about trying to keep it a secret. I knew everyone would find out eventually but it was my decision to tell people not anyone else’s. However, when I was pregnant with my daughter I was going to school with my cousin’s girlfriend and she took it upon herself to tell everyone. I was very hurt and upset. I would not trade my kids for anything in the world but at that age I was embarrassed and was afraid of the whispers and the snickers behind my back. I did drop out during my first semester of my freshman year because of it. I soon realized that I wanted to go back to school so I decided to go to the alternative school in my town so I didn’t have to deal with mean kids my age. I delivered my son 8 weeks early during my second semester of my freshman year, the last week of school to be exact. So I had all summer with him, no homework, no being up all night and then going to school all day. I understand where this girl is coming from to a point, however, I think if she really cared about volley ball as much is she is stating then she would not have been a little more careful.

Work

Since all I ever do is work, school work and take care of my family; that will most likely be what most of my blogs are about. I truly hope that it isnt too boring for those of you who read it.

Today was hopefully the end to a very busy shopping weekend. I work for a call center for Best Buy and I take calls for bestbuy.com. As most of you know, the day after Thanksgiving is Black Friday. However, some of you may not know that if you are a Reward Zone Premier Silver member, you get access to what is called Black Monday. This the Monday before Thanksgiving and it gives the RZ Silver members access to Black Friday specials, early. So OMG Monday was crazy!!! Placing the orders isn't the hard part, the hard part is dealing with the customers who do not understand why something is sold out. You try to explain to them when we have an that is $200 dollars off, it is going to go very quickly. But they dont seem to understand why we cant have one of everything for everyone of our customers that could take advantage of this sale. Its crazy. I mean seriously. It is first come first serve or first recieve.

Or we will have customers that call in, mad, because we have an item that is available in some stores but not theres and that dont understand why we still have the item on the website. I try to explain to them that the website is viewed by people all over the country and since it is still available somewhere we still have to have it on the website. And boy do they get mad to hear that some one else will have the oppurtunity to buy when they dont. I understand some of the customers frustrations, like if there is website error or something along those lines. What I don't understand is the customers who expect us to pull something out of thin air when we are sold out or the customers who expect us to pay to have a washer fixed when it is broke and they purchased the item two or three years ago, and if we dont fix it they tell us they will shop else where. As much as I hate to hear customers say that, but if there is nothing I can do, then I guess they will have to.

Mother asks for child to be tased.

I recent read a story about a taser being used on a 10-year old child in Arkansas. Reportedly, the mother called the police when her daughter became defiant and combative. When the officer, Dustin Bradshaw, arrived he found the girl screaming and crying on the floor. When the girl refused to follow her mother’s instructions, the mother told Bradshaw to use his taser. Officer Bradshaw then carried the girl to the living room and told her she was going to jail. The girl then reportedly struck the officer in the groin with her legs and feet. Bradshaw then administered what was reported as a “very, very brief” stun with a taser, put the girl in handcuffs, and carried her to the patrol car. She was then taken to the Western Arkansas Youth Shelter.

I read this story and I was very appalled. I could not believe someone would use a taser on a child. Not to mention the mother telling the officer to use it on her child. I understand that some children can be out of hand and be very combative. I used to work in a home where we took in children from families that was experiencing a crisis, as well as, children awaiting foster placement. At times these children could be very combative and abusive but never would I suggest or even think they need to be tased. There are other ways to handle children like this. Unless the child is armed themselves and is truly a threat to themselves or others with said weapon, then it may be permitted. I truly think that this officer was upset that the girl kicked him in the groin. If I was a guy I know that would make “lose it.” I would die if someone tased my child. They would probably have to tase me in the end.

This isn’t the first case reported about kids being tased. In another article I found on the National School Safety and Security Services website, it mentioned several instances where children were tased. In Orlando, Fl a 14-year old girl was tased, twice, by a sheriff’s deputy, after she reportedly went after her boyfriend with an 8-inch chopping knife in hand and the turned on another deputy who did direct her to stop and drop her weapon. Reportedly she had written a note on her notebook reminding herself to bring the knife, and she had also told friends that she was going to kill her boyfriend. She went after her boyfriend as soon as they exited the school bus and before the officials at the school she attended for emotionally challenged students could conduct their weapons search.

In this case, I am not sure how I would react. The child did have a weapon but she was attending a school for emotionally challenged students. I do not how challenged she was but I could not imagine having to tase her twice. That can be good for someone who apparently already has emotional problems.

As if the H1N1 virus isn't bad enough.....

According to the World Health Organization, the pandemic H1N1 flu virus has spread to 206 countries since its discovery in March. There have been more than 6,250 deaths to date, most of which have been in the Americas region. This pandemic has lead to criminal gangs, mainly in Russia, to take advantage of the panic stricken consumers and sell fake flu drugs over the internet. This was discovered by a web security firm-Sophos-on Monday. This firm intercepted hundreds of millions of fake pharmaceutical spam adverts and websites this year, many of which were trying to sell counterfeit antiviral drugs, such as Tamiflu. The top five countries buying the fake Tamiflu and other medications on the internet were the United States, Germany, Britain, Canada, and France. The Geneva-based WHO declared H1N1 a pandemic in June, updated the guidance to doctors last week to inform them that antiviral drugs should be given even before tests conclude that the patient had the pandemic flu. Two of the websites that was found to be selling counterfeit drugs were branded as the “Canadian Pharmacy” and “Glavmed.” There are plenty more sites like these out there and they are said to earn more than $100,000 a day!

I read this story and it made me angry. Angry that people would prey on consumers trying to stay healthy so they can attend work and pay their bills. In this economy today and the job market, no one can afford to get sick. When you try to stay healthy, you take a chance in still getting sick by purchasing fake drugs. Several of my friends at work have told me to take over the counter drugs such as Zicam and related products. With an article like this it makes you worry if the medicine you’re getting is the real thing or if you have just spent time and money at the doctor and then time and money at the pharmacy, to what, to get sick any way because you have take fake drugs.

My kids were sent home a couple weeks ago because they had a fever. I thank god that the medicine I gave them was the real thing. I do not what I would do if my children were infected with the H1N1 virus. Not to mention if they were infected and the medicine they were given didn’t work and they just got worse. I would be devastated. I don’t know how these parents of children who have been infected with the H1N1 virus handle it. Hopefully, we get a handle on all this soon. The fake drugs and the virus itself.

Hope for breast cancer patients.....From pigs?

Women who have lost one or both breast to cancer may start to see light at the end of the tunnel. In Australia, Professor Wayne Morrison, is experimenting with pigs to grow breasts in hopes to introduce it to woman who have had breast cancer. For the past two years Professor Morrison, working with a team at the Bernard O’Brien Institute in Melbourn, has successfully grown breasts on pigs by inducing the animals’ own fat cells to reproduce into molded chambers that are implanted under the skin on their chests. These chambers are then sown with a piece of fat no bigger than the size of two adult fingers, which is taken from the patient’s own body. A blood vessel is then looped through the fat, allowing it to recruit more fat cells until the chamber is filled. After six to eight months the chambers are removed leaving perfectly formed, functioning breasts, with their own blood supply. However, the process could take longer in humans than in pigs because humans stop growing at adolescence. The professor stated that if this works then this method could be used to contour any defect, rather it is the breast, a congenital deformity or trauma where someone has lost chunks of themselves. After three years of trial, if successful, this could be used in breast cancer patients. However, it could take a decade for it to be ready for cosmetic purposes. This institute is also responsible for growing working heart tissue.

I read this story and I was astounded. It is amazing how far the medical industry is coming. I have never experienced breast cancer and thankfully know one in my family has either. But I think it is awesome. I read some of the reviews on this story, and there were several commits about the fact that the testing is done on pigs. I believe animal cruelty is wrong, however, I know that a lot of the medicine and medical procedures were first performed on animals to perfect them for human use. The pigs they are experimenting with, I believe, aren’t going through any more pain and suffering than a breast cancer patient has to endure. I just think this is amazing. Hopefully, this is able to be performed on humans, if and when I get breast cancer. I worked in nursing homes where some women after a mastectomy just lost all will to live. It made them feel less of a woman. Even though they weren’t they always told me that is how they felt, as well as they did not feel attractive any longer. So I think any thing to improve the quality of life is good.

Gunned down at a gas station.

On Sunday, investigators captured a man they believed to have opened fire on a car parked at a gas station that killed three women. Three children inside the bullet-riddled vehicle were able to escape without harm. The ages and the relationships to the woman were unknown. At least one of the women knew the gunman. Most of the injuries were sustained in the torso of the women and later died at the hospital, stated Illinois State Police Officer, Lt. James Morrisey. Jay Makhuf, a co owner of the convenience store where the shooting took place, stated he heard around 14 gunshots. He ran outside to offer medical assistance but the women were already dead. Makhuf stated it appeared that one of the women had covered one of the children with her body to shield the child. Police in St. Louis arrested the suspect Sunday night at an apartment after an intensive search for the vehicle he was driving; white, four-door 1993 Mercury Grand Marquis; he allegedly drove to and from the shooting. The name of the suspect was not released because charges had not been filed.

The exact cause of the shooting isn’t clear at this time. All that is known is that the women and children were sitting in the car around 9:30 pm on Saturday when the suspect drove up, exchanged words with at least one of the women and then began firing with what appeared to be a handgun and the sped away. Sunday night the gas pump where the women were gunned down was like a memorial, covered in flowers and a teddy bear. One of the women’s fathers stated the women were good friends and that his daughter had three sons, it is still unclear if they were the three children in the car.

I could not imagine if this was my friends or family. I could not imagine what would make someone so mad that they would have to kill over it. I mean it is just words. The old saying is “sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me.” Apparently, whatever the women said to him hurt him bad enough that he believed he had to kill them. My heart goes out to these families and the children who may have lost their mothers.

Child Labor-Not only an issue overseas.

Wal-Mart and Kroger supermarket chains have cut ties with one of the country’s biggest blueberry growers. This comes after an investigation conducted by ABC news and four graduate students with the Carnegie Corporation working as interns. The investigation turned up children working at the Adkin Blue Ribbon Packing Company, in South Haven, Michigan this summer. A five-year was reported seen lugging two heavy buckets that were picked by her parents and brothers. Her brothers are only seven and eight years old. There was also an 11-year old in the fields as well that stated he has been picking berries since the age of eight. The owner of the company, Randy Adkin, once was featured on a billboard for Wal-Mart stated his berries were “locally produced and locally sold.” A spokesperson for Wal-Mart stated they will not tolerate the use of child labor and will not be purchasing any additional product from the company in question pending the outcome of the investigation. Adkins was cited by the Department of Labor for violating federal child labor laws.

Michigan was not the only state that was investigated. New Jersey and North Carolina was also investigated. Pictures show children in Texas harvesting onions, as well as grape tomatoes in North Carolina. A graduate of the Columbia University, Joel Stonington, stated that it comes down to small fingers picking the smaller fruits and vegetables.

I read this story and I couldn't believe it. I honestly thought that child labor issues were more of a problem overseas. But I guess you learn something new every day. I personally do not like blueberries but I do like onions and tomatoes. I never really put any thought into where they come from or how exactly that from the vine to the store. I think now this will definitely make think the next time I am at the store about where everything comes from and the possibility that a child was the one responsible for my food getting to the store. My kids have chores but I would never think of making them do what these children were/are doing. Children should be out having fun; playing, riding bikes, playing with other kids, etc. Not in fields picking our food

The licenses of two very experienced air line pilots have been revoked after they reportedly missed their destination by about 150 miles on October 21, 2009. At first it was reported that the pilots fell asleep and missed the airport in Minneapolis. After speaking with the pilots they determined that they were not asleep instead they were looking at their laptops working on the new monthly crew flight scheduling system. The system changed after the Northwest-Delta merger.

Air traffic controllers in Denver and in Minneapolis tried repeatedly to contact the pilots with no success for about an hour. Other pilots as well tried to reach the plane on other radio frequencies but still no answer. Authorities became so concerned that the National Guard jets were readied for takeoff at two locations and the White House Situation Room alerted senior officials, who monitored the airliner as it flew across mid-continent out of contact with anyone on the ground.

After reading this story I believe I am even more terrified of flying than I was before. I am sure there are several other Americans that feel the same way. If the pilots can’t pay attention to flying the plane, then how are we suppose to feel safe flying. In a car at least if you have a passenger then they can kind of help watch out. But in a plane there is only the pilots in the cockpit and if they are both distracted, who is going to keep the plane from crashing? I have never flown in my life and am terrified to even think of it and this story certainly does not ease my fears.

What is this world coming to?

Police in Florida confirm that the child’s body that was found in a landfill in Georgia is the body of Somer Thompson, who went missing on Monday after school. Somer was walking the mile long home with friends and siblings when she decided to run ahead after an argument with one of the other kids. When her two other siblings got home and realized she wasn’t there, they immediately began searching, along with their mother’s boyfriend. When the boyfriend called the mother, she contacted authorities. Authorities as well as friends and family began searching and continued searching late into the night. On Wednesday authorities followed garbage trucks from Somer’s neighborhood to a landfill nearly 50 miles away from. They began searching through the garbage of each truck. They searched through 100 tons of garbage before finding the body. The cause of death has not yet been released but an autopsy was planned for Thursday but authorities won’t disclose their findings. The police started questioning sex offenders as soon as the girl went missing. They have questioned all 161 sex offenders residing in a 5-mile radius of Somer’s home and they all were in the clear on Friday. The police are collecting evidence from a vacant home along the road where she was last seen.

In another story, in Missouri, a 9-year old girl vanishes when she leaves a friend’s house. In central Missouri, Elizabeth Olten left her friend’s house around 6:15 pm on Wednesday to walk the quarter mile to her house in St. Martins, which is just west of Jefferson City. She normally would walk through neighbor’s yard instead of walking on the two-lane county highway that runs in front of their houses. When she did not return home at 7:00 pm, she was reported missing. Elizabeth was listed as an “endangered missing person.” The sheriff stated that it did not appear that she ran away but an amber alert was not issued because they had found any evidence to suspect abduction or foul play. Onna Adrian, the mother-in-law of Elizabeth’s oldest sister, stated that Elizabeth was shy, she was not the type to get in a vehicle with anybody she did not know and would have screamed and tried to run away if she was confronted by a stranger. Authorities started the search in a section of woods several hundred yards in diameter, which they had triangulated with the girl’s cell phone location, but the battery died Thursday morning. By 2:30 am that morning, all but one of the search teams had stopped searching.

I read both of these stories and I got goose bumps just thinking of my kids. My kids walk 4 blocks everyday from school to get to their grandma’s house. I call everyday around 3:00 pm to make sure they made it. They get out of school at 2:45 and there should be no reason why they shouldn’t be at the granny’s by 3:00. I have also told both my kids that they are not to walk by themselves, what so ever. If one has an after school meeting than I have grandma pick them up. My kids think that I am over reacting but I would rather “over react” and still have my kids, than have something happen and I not know about it. I would not know what I would do if something happened to my kids. I tear up just thinking about it.

******UPDATE*****
Elizabeth Olten was found in a heavily wooded area on Friday. They have an older juvenile as a person of interest.

A mother in Oklahoma locked her son in apartment closets for over four years. On Thursday, LaRhonda McCall, age 37, and her friend, Steve Vern Hamilton, age 38, were charged with child abuse. The boys’ mom was charged with 29 counts and the friend was charged with 24 counts. The couple allegedly beat the boy with “fists, bike chains, cables, extension cords, and/or boards,” which left the boy with permanent scars. She also allegedly, tied him up, naked, to a ladder and poured sugar water all over him to attract insects, as well as pouring alcohol all over him and lighting it on fire, burning her son. In another instance she made him stand outside, barefoot, in the snow, for more than 45 minutes.

The boy was malnourished and covered in bruises when he contacted a security guard at a National Guard armory on the 25th of September. The boy told authorities that he had spent the most of the last 4 ½ years locked in closets and he never attended school or seen a doctor. The boys sister, who is 18, stated that she would bring her brother food but never had the courage to help get out. The boy has six younger siblings that are also in the Department of Human Services custody along with him. Even managers of two apartment complexes they lived at stated they never saw the boy but they did see the seven other children.

In 1996, in New York, the mother was convicted of second-degree manslaughter in the death of her 2-year-old daughter. She only served six months in jail. The toddler died of starvation in 1995. She and her friend are being held in the Oklahoma County jail on a $40,000 bond, each.

I read this story and I was appalled. Not only was the woman charged for manslaughter in the death of her two year old daughter but she was released and allowed to keep the rest of her children. Why would they do that? If the authorities would have taken her kids away from her then, maybe this boy would not have been tortured the way he was. Plus, the 18 year old sister could have said something to someone to help him. This story was just awful and really made me feel sick. I can’t believe someone would do this. I mean I can, because you hear about it all the time. I would really like to know what goes through people’s heads that do these sorts of things. She had to know that she would get caught, eventually. Plus, why bring children into this world just to be mean to them? They did not ask to be brought into this world. Kids are a blessing and a miracle. There are so many families that cannot have kids and would love to adopt kids, especially babies. Also, I truly believe that if the parents cannot take care of their kids, there should be a limit to the number of kids they can have. I know that sounds like a foreign country where you can only have one or two kids because of the population. I know a few families that keep popping out kids and live off the state. They can’t keep or even want a job as long as they keep having kids and get free money. The families like that should have to be ordered to be on some sort of birth control or face consequences.

Man asks daughter for sex....really?

In Pennsylvania, state officials arrest a man who asked his daughter for sex on facebook. The Attorney General Tom Corbett stated that on Friday John Forehand allegedly used Facebook to locate and sexually proposition his biological daughter, using the name “Bad Daddy.” Forehand planned to meet the girl for sex and explained in very graphic detail what he wanted to do, telling her that “not many other fathers and daughters are this brave, not many of them are so lucky to experience these pleasures.”

Corbett stated the girl alerted her mother, who then contacted the Ephrata Borough Police Department. The authorities and the state Child Predator Unit arrested Forehand at a predetermined meeting spot on Wednesday, October 7th. There were 4 other men arrested at the same time as Forehand.

Since weather is colder now and the days are shorter that means that kids spend more time in front of the computer. Some children are even home alone, without any one to monitor their internet usage, making them more vulnerable. Predators are starting to reach out to real families and the tips from these families are leading to the arrests.

Forehand is facing several chargers and is currently being held on $400,000 bail.

I truly felt disgusted when I read this story. I mean it is disgusting to act on innocent children, but when it is your own daughter, I mean seriously. That is beyond disgusting. I can’t begin to imagine what was going through this girls mind, or the mind of the father. Why would he even think of doing anything to his daughter that would hurt her in any way? I truly hope he gets a nice, long sentence so he can not hurt other children or his own any more.

This story really scared me. My children are not allowed on the computer right now, but I know there will be a time that they will need one for school. I will have to buy one for them to use, but I know that it will be placed in a common area in the house where I can keep an eye on them. I also know there is a lot of software out there that can track what websites are visited and I can block ones that I do not want them on. Also, explain that stuff like this is what can happen on these types of sites. I have a facebook account, myspace account, tagged account, and yearbook account, but I only talk to people I know. I mainly use it to talk to family out of state. When the computer time comes, I definitely plan to set rules and if the rules are not followed then there will be consequences. I still worry though. I am afraid my kids will resent me if I set too many rules or if I do not set enough then they will get hurt. But I guess this is the way most parents are.

Woman found dead under trash in own home.

After family could not contact Carina E. DeOcampo, they contacted authorities to check on her. When authorities arrived they encountered a horrible stench. After getting into the house they noticed it was full of garbage, in some areas up to eight feet. The police had to call in the missing-persons units who had to put on hazardous-materials suits to enter the home. Police and rescuers along with a K-9 search initially searched the home on Tuesday and they did not find the woman. It was on Wednesday when they returned with cadaver dogs that they finally found the 72-year old, dead. Family members say that DeOcampo had a heart condition and they had to call 911 once but she would not let them in her home. DeOcampo was a retired psychiatrist from the Florida Department of Corrections. After retiring, her cousin, Manny Manjon, states she became a recluse. She became a hoarder at an early age but it got worse after a family member died. She kept everything, even trash. Hoarders do this because everything reminds them of something, so they do not get rid of it. Manjon states that she was a very good woman, helpful and religious, and helped everyone; she just could not help herself. Homicide detectives have taken over the case, even though foul play is not being suspected and an autopsy is being conducted.

I read this story and I was astounded. I could not imagine living in that much trash. I like everything to be neat and clean. I could not imagine alienating myself from everyone. I know that there are people out there just like this lady. There is even a show about hoarders on cable. It is amazing how the mind works. This lady was a psychiatrist and not even she could help herself. I am at a loss for words. This is just crazy that someone could live in all that trash and not think it’s wrong. It had to smell terrible in her house, which is why she never let anyone in her home. The article stated that family would bring her food and leave it outside the door or on her car.

I truly hope that I never become a hoarder.

School officials try to stop a mother from riding bikes to school with her son.

In a recent story on foxnews.com, New York school officials are trying to make a mother quit riding to school with her son on her bike. Every day, Janette Kaddo Marino rides her bike the 3 miles from their home to her son, Adam’s school, Maple Avenue Middle School. The school states that it is school policy that non-high school students either ride the bus or ride in the family car. The school policy also reads "The riding of bicycles by elementary pupils to and from school is prohibited." The school is stating that it is unsafe and illegal for him to travel on his own pair of wheels, even with his mother. There is a school board meeting on October 3rd to reconsider the policy. All questions are being referred to the superintendent who refuses to divulge what the committee has recommended. She did praise the “collaborative process” and “positive change of perspective” that the meetings have occasioned.

The boy’s mother is challenging the policy stating that she rides with her son every morning and that he is safe. The school responds that the ride to school is unsafe because they travel along the busy Rt. 9 highway. The mother states that the shoulder is plenty wide enough for her and her son to ride their bikes to and from school. The mother doesn’t understand why the school would have this kind of authority to tell her how to get her kids to school as long as she is with him. She accompanies him and is “very safety-oriented.” The school has asked the students not to walk to school for their safety but the mother argues that her son isn’t “walking” to school, he is riding his bike and she is with him all the time.

I take my kids to school every morning now because of the distance we live from their school and the walk to the grandma’s after school. Before we moved, however, they walked to school and home. It did take a lot for me to let them walk but I eventually allowed them to because they are getting older and I can’t keep them sheltered forever. I have to let them “live”, a little.
I understand the school’s concerns with his safety. I would understand if the boy was riding by himself, but the mother is riding with him and she is watching out for him. So I honestly do not see the big deal with them riding their bikes to school. I would be a little worried about the highway but other than that I would feel safer if I rode with my kids. I was always a little nervous and worried that something would happen but history has shown that my kids get there and back OK. I always make sure that they both walk together and try to get a group of kids to walk with them from the neighborhood. I have also told them that if a stranger stops and asked to give them ride, they are to scream and start running either to school or home, whichever is closer.

Sex offenders.....aaaggghhhh!

In the Joplin Globe today there was an article that a Missouri sex offender is challenging the law that requires him to live 1,000 feet from schools and child care centers, saying it is unconstitutional. His attorney told the Supreme Court that the law should be “struck down” for two reasons. One being the 1,000 foot buffer is too vague, and two being the law imposes restrictions on the offenders that were not in place when they were convicted. The Supreme Court is faced with how to implement the new sex offender policies for people that were convicted of prior sex offenses. In previous cases the court has held the buffer zone could not be enforced against offenders that were already living near schools because Missouri’s constitution bars the “retroactive” laws.

Missouri first enforced the law in 2004 barring the sex offenders from living within 1,000 feet of any school, public or private, as well as, any child-care facility. This ban applied to any location that the sex offender would sleep as well. If they violate this law then they can face up to 15 years in prison for repeat offenses.

The sex offender in question was only identified by his initials “F.R” was convicted of 5 felony sex crimes in 1999. He informed the St. Charles County Sheriff’s Department that he wanted to move in with his fiancé, who lives in the St. Louis suburb of O’Fallon. The police approved the move at first, but then several days later was told he had to move in two days because of neighbors complaints or he would be arrested.

After reading this article, I read the comments that were posted by other readers and there is definitely mixed emotions about this. Some people say he deserves to be buried alive. I am not real sure I agree with something that extreme but I most definitely agree that he shouldn’t be allowed around children at all. However, the article doesn’t say what sex crime he was convicted of but I did look up the St. Charles County sex offender list on page 18 and there is only one person on there with the initials “F.R”. This man was convicted of rape and sodomy of a 12 year old. One comment on the article was that he should be able to live close if he was convicted of raping or sodomizing a grown adult but I don’t agree. Before looking up his initials my thought was even if he did rape an adult or sodomize them he still shouldn’t be allowed to be around schools and such because it’s only a matter of time that he takes on someone who cannot fight him off as well.

I also looked at the sex offender registry for my county and was amazed by how many offenders there are, and that is only the ones that have registered. My biggest fear is my daughter or son being violated like this and I do not trust very well. I am always very cautious of everyone, even people I know. Statistics say that children are violated more by someone they know than a stranger.

Parenting by Lying

I recently read a story that put my parenting in check, so to speak. Kang Lee, a researcher of the University of Toronto, and his colleagues acknowledge that their work is preliminary but they’re bringing up an issue that is rarely studied. Parents usually say “honesty is the best policy,” but the study shows that mom and dad tend to stretch the truth when it comes to interacting with their own children. They are referring to this way of parenting as “parenting by lying.” The researchers suggest that tall tales could give your kids mixed messages. They also state that these “lies” can harm the parent-child bonds. This way of parenting can keep the kids from learning certain rules. If you always “lie” to your child to get them to do something, then they never learn why they need to do that something. It could prevent learning opportunities for the child. The researchers also say, however, that it is sometimes okay to be less than truthful by telling a “fib.” Like telling a child that a scribbled drawing is beautiful but urges the parents to think of alternatives to the fib.

The researchers ran two studies where parents and students commented on 9 hypothetical scenarios where a parent lied to a child to shape behavior or make the kid happy. An example of a scenario is; a parent is embarrassed by a child’s crying and says “the police will come to make sure you behave if you don’t stop crying now.” A scenario aimed at shaping the emotions of the child would be a child is told “you did a good job at cleaning the room after making things messier.” In one of the studies, there was about 130 undergraduates read each scenario as their parents and indicated on a scale of 1 to 7 whether their parents had done something similar to them. Nearly 90% of the students gave a rating of 5 or greater to at least one of the scenarios.

Parents lie for various reasons; ranging from benefiting the parent to protecting the child from scary issues. Children tend to behave in ways that are disruptive or can harm their long-term interests so the parents try out a range of strategies, including lying, to get the compliance they want. Lying is usually a spur of the moment decision and parents don’t think of how it will affect their child.

I read this article and I was surprised about how much of this article fit me. I am sure, as the study says; a lot of parents are guilty of it. We don’t think of what we are doing or the real reason behind it but we do. I was guiltier of it when my kids were younger because I didn’t want to answer a long list of “whys” as toddlers do go through that stage. My kids are older now and it is a little easier to explain why I want them to do something or not to do something. This article will definitely be in my head the next time I think I need to tell a “fib” to get my child to do what I want.

Yet again another mother hurts her child.

In Kansas City, Mo two people are facing prison who “pimped” out a girl since the age of 12. The two people are Todd Barkau age 37 and the girl’s mother, who will remain anonymous to preserve the girl’s identity, is age 45. The girl first was forced to sleep with Barkau so he could train her in sexual bondage, discipline, sadism and masochism. When she was 14 her mother created a website and offered her to anyone who would pay for sadomasochistic fantasies. She was, at this time, known as “Mistress Alisha” a name her mother used while working as a stripper. She was offered on this website for two years.

Barkau and the mother plead guilty to commercial sex trafficking of a minor on Thursday. Barkau will spend 25 years in prison and her mother was sentenced to 15 years because of a plea agreement. This sentence was ordered only after asking the victim if she thought that was sufficient. Prosecutors say she is the first person in the COUNTRY to be charged under federal trafficking law in a case involving her own child. The two were also ordered to forfeit $80,000, the amount they collected from the girl’s customers.

The victim is now 22 and she did attend the hearing on Thursday so she could witness their pleas first hand. She states that she hope the sentence of 25 years for Barkau serves as a life sentence since he has a history of heart attacks and strokes. This was also considered in the sentencing process and a longer sentence was not sought.

I read this story and I became angry. How could anyone put their daughter through such a horrible experience? If they were so bad off and broke then why didn’t she prostitute herself? It’s still illegal but at least a 12 year old little girl isn’t being victimized. Your parents are suppose to protect you. But this mother was advertising her daughter like she was this week’s special at meat shop.

My heart goes out to the victim in this story. I am sure this has truly left her scared. I truly hope that this woman will be able to move on and have a normal life. I know there are victims of sexual assault that are traumatized for a very long time and must seek counseling. Sometimes they are able to live normal lives and some it affects them very deeply and they have relationship problems. Plus, this girl was victimized by her mother. So she may not be able to have a normal relationship with her. I know that I would never be able to forgive her and talk to her again.

High school is just that....High school.

The Milburn High School in New Jersey is well known for being on the Newsweek’s list of the top 200 schools in the nation. But it is rapidly becoming known for its “slut list”.

Every year, there is a group of senior girls that create the “slut list” of the incoming freshman. This has been going on for about 10 to 15 years where popular senior girls create the list and then hand it out as if it was a worksheet for class.

This year the list was started at a party, fueled by alcohol and according to one current senior it “was worse than ever”. There are more than 300 students in the freshman class and there are 21 names on this list. Each name is accompanied by vulgar descriptions. One description is “I am so desperate and hairy that I’ll give you drugs for free if you get with me.” And another was talking about keeping up the family tradition and getting pregnant at a young age.

Students claim that this is just something that happens on the first day of school and seniors also blow loud whistles at the freshman, as well as shoving them in their lockers and slapping vulgar stickers on their backs.

The superintendent of the school, Richard Brodow, has sent out an e-mail to the students last week stating that “any so called ‘ritual’ which in any way threatens, degrades, or makes any youngster feel intimidated or less than whole is a violation of school policy and just plain wrong.”
When I read this story, I just wanted to cry. I felt so bad for these girls who I am sure are just trying to fit in but instead get made fun of. I was always made fun of in school. Not as much in high school because I tried to stay under the radar of the “mean girls.”

I dropped out of school at the age of fourteen because I was pregnant and I did not want to have to face any one calling me all the names that the girls at the New Jersey High School are being called. I eventually went back only to drop out again later.

I have a couple of nieces that are in high school or close to it and I would be devastated if one of them had to go through this. I truly hope that they know who to hang out with and who not too. I would not wish this kind of “torture” on any one.

I completely agree with the superintendent when he sent the e-mail but I think there should be very severe consequences for the ones who disregard it. I also think that there should be some sort of way the girls being terrorized can remain anonymous. You know that if the freshman “snitch” there will be even more and even worse terrorizing.

I intend to always know what is going on with my children to hopefully prevent some of the torture that can and does go on in high school. Hopefully, my kids are comfortable enough to tell me when something is going on.

People would die to get into this country.

On Tuesday, four people were injured in San Diego and the busiest border crossing was closed to the northbound traffic for hours do to a shoot out from federal agents. Federal agents took into custody seventy four people that were crammed into three vans trying to make it into the United States illegally. A San Diego spokesman, Lt. Kevin Rooney stated that the exact details of the situation are still unclear. He also stated that the drivers of the vans tried to storm past the inspectors at the San Ysidro port of entry that connects San Diego and Tijuana, Mexico. The drivers were trying to make their way in without stopping.

There were three vans and they all got in the same lane. The driver of the first van gave his license to the agent. As the agent leaned back in the booth to check his license, all three of the vans quickly drove into the United States side. They then got stuck in traffic where the encountered three agents that were firing from all different directions. Three of the four people were injured by gunfire while the fourth person was injured because the lead van crashed into their vehicle. Only one shooting victim was still in critical condition where as the others were expected to recover fine.

The shooting commenced over nine of the twenty four northbound traffic lanes. The entire northbound lanes were closed after the shooting at 3:30 p.m. This created a massive traffic jam since there are about 40,000 vehicles that enter the U.S. using this border crossing. Motorists were told to go through Tijuana’s crowded streets to the only other border crossing leading to San Diego at Otay Mesa that is about 5 miles to the east of the bigger crossing. Eight of the lanes were allowed to reopen around 7:30 p.m. One motorist stated that he took his driver about an hour to travel the 5 miles before he was allowed to cross at a pedestrian crossing.

I read this story and all I could think about was “man what people will do to get into this country”. I understand that our country is great and all but risk getting killed is not the way. They are ways to get into this country legally. I feel some people just don’t want to take the time and do it the right way. If they would do it the right way they would be here free and clear. They wouldn’t have to worry about getting deported or getting caught trying to sneak into this country. They have to know since 9/11 that the government has stepped up security at the borders as well as airports. I just wonder what was going through these peoples’ minds; did they honestly think they would get away with it. And even if they made it into the country they would have eventually been caught and sent back. I understand why people want to come to this country but at least put forth the effort and do it the legal way and get to stay.

Children being taken due to obesity.

In Dundee, Scotland a family has been torn apart because their children are overweight. This has caused a big controversy. The couple is expecting their seventh child and is at risk of getting the child taken after having their fifth and sixth children taken by social services. The family was given warnings that their family needed to slim down. Their children range in age from 3 to 13 and range in weight from 56 pounds to 220 pounds.

These parents do not drink or do drugs. They just happen to be a big family, that can be noisy and is prone to being overweight says the couple’s attorney Kathleen Price. In Dundee and other areas in the U.K. treat obesity as abuse. Tam Fry, a member of the National Obesity Forum, states that more council are viewing obesity as abuse, but should not be on the same scale as sexual or physical abuse. She also states that she believes that authorities and social services should be helping this family by placing the children in the hospital and getting their weight down where it should be.

The couple first contacted social services to get help managing their children. That is when they were ordered to send their kids to dance and soccer lessons. Social services also provided paid supervisors that monitored the family and provided a healthy direction to go in. The mother states she doesn’t own a deep-fryer, all her food is home-cooked, and the kids aren’t given junk food. She also states that children can carry some “puppy fat” but can lose it as they grow. She believes that her kids are not being given a chance to lose this “puppy fat”.

I am a little split on this story. I completely agree that kids need to exercise and be healthy. But I am not sure I agree that they should have been taken away from their parents. There isn’t a whole lot of detail in the story about how much help these parents did actually received. I believe that a health advisor or dietitian could’ve came into their home and “taught” them how to eat healthier. I honestly believe that kids are a reflection of how they are raised and what they go through as children. I am bigger girl and I believe that if I was taught as a child how to eat right it wouldn’t be so hard for me now. I know what I am supposed to eat but I am just not used to it so it makes it harder for me. I do try to help my children make healthier decisions. I do not fry a lot of food, hardly ever actually.

My children are very active. Granted, I am not always financially able to put them in soccer or dance but they do play outside a lot and we do visit the park when the weather allows us to. They ride their bikes almost every day again as the weather permits. I truly hope that my kids continue to make healthy decisions as they get older. Our family does have a long list of health problems, a lot of which can be prevented by healthy eating and exercise. I wish someone would have been there for me when I was younger so I would have had the knowledge to make better decisions about food.

An 8-year is hanged....by herself?

I recently read a story in the Times Online about an eight year old that was fund hanged in her bedroom. The girl, Charlotte Avenall, was found around 9:15 am on Saturday. She has a younger brother, Alex, which is 5 and is currently under the supervision of the children and young people’s services at Nottinghamshire County Council. Charlotte’s parents, 24 year old Susan and 32 year old Simon, were interviewed but not arrested. They were again visited by police last night. Authorities are saying that the investigation as at an early stage and they feel they have nothing else to comment on at the moment. A neighbor of the family stated he”heard the mother screaming and crying her eyes out”. He could also see the dads’ eyes were all watery. The ambulance and police cars were at the residence for hours stated the neighbors. Other neighbors and shop worker noted that the girl was always happy when they seen her and that this is such a tragedy.

When I read the story, I felt tears welling up. I could not imagine what these parents are going through. I have an eight year old daughter myself and I would hope that she is happy with her life. My daughters’ day consists of going to school, coming home, doing homework, doing chores, and playing before bath and bed. I am not sure what this little girl was going through but at eight years there shouldn’t be a whole lot more expected of her other than what I mentioned my daughter does. I understand that there are kids in homes that are expected to do it all. I have seen a few children in my life that are expected to do it all. But for a child to feel their life is so hard or bad that they feel there is no other way out. Most kids act out such as in school or even at home to give some clue that they are unhappy. I still sit here fighting away tears because would die if my daughter hung herself. Rather she is eight or 58. She is still my baby and anytime your child dies before you it is hard. I personally have never heard of a “child” hanging themselves. I have heard of adults hanging themselves and even with adults there are other options. There usually are signs that let people know that something is wrong.

I am most definitely going to follow this story until there is an outcome. I would really love to know why this little girl hung herself. My sympathies go out to the parents and their families. Right now they need all the support they can get. My nephew almost died last year at the age of two and that was very hard on my sister and my entire family. The thing that got us through was prayer and support. You can never have enough support in a situation like this. I truly hope they are able to get to the bottom of this so the family can have some sort of peace and closure.

"The right to remain silent" from the Pledge of Allegiance?

I recently read a story pertaining to the Pledge of Allegiance. The courts have always or almost always ruled that students of public school do not have to recite the pledge. But now teachers and administrators around the country are trying to decide if they should tell students up front that they do not have to recite the pledge in public schools. Some First Amendment advocates are arguing that the law requires them to inform kids at the beginning of school that they do have that choice. They are pushing a “Miranda warning” for the Pledge of Allegiance. Rev. Barry Lynn states “the Pledge of Allegiance creates a constitutional problem; you have to tell them they can opt out.” In Florida, they have a policy that children do not have to participate if they have a parent from their mom or dad. In New Mexico last month they dealt with this question as well. The education secretary upheld the current policy that students can opt-out but rejected the amendment that would allow or require teachers and administrators to inform parents and students of the option. A recent poll has shown that 90% of Americans approve the pledge. The other 10% consist of 7% saying they would change the language of it and 3% were undecided.

When I read the headline of this story, I could feel my blood pressure rise. But then I read that it wasn’t about rather to recite it or not, it is rather to tell students that can opt-out of reciting. Which I guess is a little better than trying to kick it out completely. I understand keeping religion out of school to an extent. Everyone has their own faith. But I believe “under God” in the pledge is just like “In God we Trust” on our money. Is that the next thing to be put on the chopping block? I am not completely sure I agree with letting students opt-out, but I do understand the constitution and why they do have that option. So if they have that option, why not tell them they do? What is the point of having the right to do something if you do not know about it?

I know that my kids will always be permitted to recite the Pledge of Allegiance. Many of our ancestors fought hard for what the flag stands for and saying the pledge is one way of honoring them. Not to mention all of our men and women overseas fighting still for what it stands for. Not everyone gives thanks where it is due and the pledge is a good way of thanking them. The pledge doesn’t say anything about soldiers or fighting but it does say words like “indivisible”, “liberty”, and “justice”, these are the things our soldiers are fighting for. All these words and many more are reasons why America is the “free” country and everyone wants to live here. I feel saying something as harmless as the pledge is a lot less excruciating as some of the things going on in other countries.

Mothers are suppose to protect you, right?

On foxnews.com there is an article about a woman, Aimee Louise Sword, who looked up her son on the internet, which she put up for adoption 10 years ago, and then allegedly raped him. The boy is ten years old and he won’t disclose whether he knew the lady was his mother. Mental health experts are horrified and calling the case “an abomination.” Dr. Gerald Shiner, the chief of Consultation and Liaison Psychiatry at the Sinai Grace Hospital in Detroit says he doesn’t think he has ever heard of another case like that in his career. Aimee surrendered to the Waterford Township police on April 24th and then was freed on bond Wednesday following the arraignment. The house that she has as her home address is abandoned. Aimee’s attorney, Kenneth Burch, says his client “maintains her presumption of innocence.” He also states that that it is very difficult for her to accept the accusations of incest. Sword has written on her Myspace page that she’s inspired by Lil’ Kim because “she rises during the worst of obstacles.” She also stated that it reminds her of herself. Sword is confident that she will recover from the charges. The psychiatric doctor is worried that the damage to the boy could have long lasting effects, if the allegations are proven to be true.

I read this story and my first reaction was you have got to be kidding me. A woman puts her child up for adoption and then finds him. Then she allegedly rapes him. I thought that if a child is adopted then they have to be 18 or have the new parents’ permission to meet up with the biological parents. But I could be wrong. Plus I could not imagine finding my child just to horrify him by raping him. My kids are my life and I couldn’t imagine hurting them.

This poor boy, if the allegations are true, will have to live with this his entire life. The harm that is done by total strangers is bad, it’s even worse when it is a family member. Your family is supposed to protect you no matter what, not hurt you. I try to protect my kids from people who would harm them; rather it is sexually, mentally, or physically. Sometimes, God forbid, we fail but we can at least not be the one to inflict that hurt and pain on them. I really don’t know what goes through peoples’ minds that do this type of stuff. Maybe someday we can figure it out and get to the bottom of why pedophiles do what they do and “fix” them.

Responsibility of School Officials.

I recently read a story about a 15-year old boy who collapsed in Louisville, KY after football practice. The coach, David Jason Stinson, is being charged with reckless homicide as well as wanton endangerment. The coach allegedly made the players practice rigorously without a break for at least 40 minutes. Douglas Casa, an associate professor of heat and hydration issues at the University of Connecticut, stated that 15-year old, Max Gilpin's temperature was very high for more than an hour. His temperature was 107 even an hour after he collapsed. Anytime your body temperature is over 105 degrees for an extended period of time it can be fatal. It this case it was fatal. Max died three days after being admitted to the hospital for having a heat stroke. Max was not the only one showing signs of heat stroke. Casa told the jurors during the trial of Coach Stinson that 8 to 10 other players showed signs of heat stroke as well.

My kids are not quite old enough yet to be doing football practice but they are kids and they do play; play hard in fact. I know during the summer I make sure my kids take breaks all the time from playing. They get mad at me and think I am being mean but one day they will realize that I was protecting them. As well as taking breaks they drink nothing but water when they are playing outside. Again they think that I am punishing them for some reason but they will realize that it is for their health. My kids aren’t the only one that I look out for. I always make sure I have a couple of cases of bottled water around during the summer for the other kids in the neighborhood. I am always passing out water for them when they are playing outside or I will let them come inside my house with the air conditioner on to cool off. They come inside and sit for 15 or 20 minutes and then they are allowed to go back outside.

My kids are my life. I could not imagine what the parents of the football player is going through. I completely understand why they are suing the coach. Not only should he face criminal charges but I feel that he should face a civil suit as well. He should be responsible for paying some or the entire funeral. I mean these parents, I’m sure, thought they had more time with their child and he would be planning their funeral not the other way around. Money is not going to bring their boy back but it will help with expenses they should not have to endure but are because of the coaches’ neglect and irresponsibility. I truly hope I never have to go through what these parents are going through.

Man hits 2 year old because she won't "shut up."

In Georgia, a man takes it upon himself to discipline a 2 year old child. While shopping at an area Wal-Mart the mother stated that Roger Stephens approached her as her child was crying and told her "If you don't shut the baby up, I will shut her up for you." The mother and the child went on to another aisle and Stephens approached her again and allegedly grabbed the child and smacked her about four times in the face. Authorities were called and the man was arrested. The mother stated that all Stephens could say was "See, I told you I would shut her up."

My first reaction as I read this story was I would completely freak out. There is no way anybody is going to hit my children. I do not care if they are throwing a temper tamper in the middle of the floor, although that would be highly embarrassing, disciplining them is my responsibility.
I have been to restaurants, parks, and even the grocery stores where there have been disruptive children and I will ignore it and go on about my business or I will leave. There would be no way I would ever hit my children let alone anyone else’s children. Not to mention this child was only two years old. Children that age are just learning discipline. Maybe she was tired or hungry. No matter what the reason that child should not have been smacked, especially by a total stranger. I am sure that little girl was not sure what was going on. I am sure she did not shut up as he hoped or as he said he would do. I have been around my fair share of kids and even had a job taking care of children, and in my experience, if a child is hurt in any way, rather the child is hit, falls down, or even emotionally hurt, they are going to cry. So, honestly, what really did he accomplish by hitting this child, other than time in jail. I would like to know what was going through his head. Did he think that the mother was not going to call the police? He had to know that he would go to jail.

I do not agree with a child abused for any reason at all. I also do not agree with cruel and unusual punishment on children. Children do not ask to be brought into this world, and then they get abused. There is too many none physical, none violent, punishments that can be used instead. Plus it teaches children that it is O.K. to hit when angry and that is not the message I want my children to receive. My children write sentences, do extra chores, or take a time out when they get in trouble. They are older than 2, but there is other options than hitting, even for a toddler.

Since when do you not get to choose how your child is educated?

In New Hampshire, a judge ordered that a 10-year girl be forced to go to public school instead of being home schooled by her mother. How is this fair?

The mother and father of this young girl divorced shortly after she was born and custody was granted to the mother. So this gives her the right to choose how she is educated, the right to choose her religion, and it also gives her the responsibility to care for the child, feed her, clothe her, and make sure she is safe. As long as the mother is doing all these things, where is the harm in home schooling? The articles states "the girl's home-schooling consists of sitting in the corner of her mother's bedroom, where she receives her lessons on a computer screen." I understand the concern if the girl was being kept inside all the time and not allowed outside or allowed to go anywhere. My understanding of the article was the girl isn't locked away. She does her studies in her mother's room, in a corner. But how do we know that "the corner" isn't equipped with a desk and any other necessary items needed for her to study. With the "going green" economy, I would not be surprised if home schooling hasn't gone green as well and done away with paper, along with several insurance companies and banks.

The article also states that the young girl is "academically promising" and interactive with her peers. So again what is the big deal with this girl being home schooled. Apperantly her mother is doing a good job of teaching her if she is "academically promising." So why not let her continue school they way she is instead of making her start a "new" school.

This article kind of hit home because I had friends growing up that were home schooled and I believe they turned out fine. They had a very social life outside of their studies. Plus, I believe that the courts are overstepping their bounds more and more every day. Why is it ok for the courts to decide what the child should be exposed to. That is the mothers job. If the child isn't in danger, and isn't being neglected or abused, then what is the harm in home schooling. I do agree that children need social interaction but again why is it up to the court to decide where she gets that social interaction from. Rather it's from talking to people in her neighborhood, in the supermarket or walking done the street, or if it's from going to a public school. As long as it is not from a pediphile or someone who is going to endanger her life.

I would feel violated or betrayed if I could not home school my children if I chose. I would defenitly make sure that they had time for study and time for play. I would not want to be cooped up in a house all day and I would not make my kids be that way.

Dangerous Drugs

I recently read a story about cocaine being laced with a dangerous veterinary drug. Honestly, is cocaine not dangerous enough already that the manufacturers of this stuff have to add yet another dangerous drug to the mix.
Apparently, drug manufacturers are feeling the effect of the down word spiral of the economy as well. The drug dealers are adding levamisole to give the drug a "more intense high." Adding this livestock de-worming drug allows the manufacturer to make more of the cocaine at a cheaper price but still sell it the same. The levamisole elevates opiate levels in various brain regions, like codeine and morphine," said Don LeGatt,a clinical toxicologist at the University of Alberta, which if you have ever had surgery, you know leaves you feeling pretty good.
The few drug addicts that have taken the laced-cocaine and have gone to the hospital to seek medical attention after experiencing rashes as well as other medical problems have left doctors confused. It is hard for doctors to test and treat something they know nothing about. There has been two reported deaths and atleast 100 more have had some symptoms from this.
I know that the economy has taken its toll on everyone around but do you really have to make a dangerous drug more dangerous, if that's possible. I know that it is the addicts choice to use cocaine and I am sure they know that non-laced cocaine can kill them. Hopefully, this will open the eyes of some of the addicts to seek treatment and get help. You never know what these manufacturers are putting in their "stuff."

Im writing this blog to practice linking a site to a word for English class. Here is my link. This story amazed me. I could not imagine being locked up :in a backyard compound of sheds and tarps". I could not imagine what was going through that girls mind and then when she had kids she had to take care of also. The kids have not had any schooling, so only were they tortured while being kept captive but now they have to face the world being ill educated.

Going back to school.

I have currently enrolled back in school. One of the assignments is to create a blog on this site. I hope I have done this right.