Genius with a Penis, Don't Touch!

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By Stacey Honowitz

Stacey Honowitz is a twenty two year veteran of the State Attorney's office, seventeen years dedicated to the Sex Crimes and Child abuse Unit where she is currently serving as a supervisor. She is also a frequent legal commentator who has provided legal analysis for Larry King Live, Good Morning America, Dateline NBC, CBS News 48 Hours, MSNBC CNBC, as well as Fox News and Court Television.

She has prosecuted several high profile cases in South Florida and is also a guest lecturer who speaks about child sex abuse, the sensitive nature of these cases, the navigation of the criminal justice system and the importance of frank and open communication with children about this important and difficult subject matter.

She has provided important information for several years to both parents and children on the issues of child molestation and continues to send the message that the importance of reporting the abuse, it is the first step in healing. Stacey is also the author of "My Privates are Private."

Parents always want to know how to talk to their children about sexual abuse. They understand the importance of the topic, yet many struggle to find the "right words". This book was written specifically with that in mind, and gives parents the opportunity to discuss this subject matter without feeling uncomfortable. The importance of "Genius with a Penis, Don't Touch!" is two fold. The book will put both parents and children at ease when dealing with this very difficult, delicate, and often thought of as taboo subject matter.

The main character Bobby Boodle lets you into his little boy world and then helps parents and children engage in "breaking the ice" when bringing up the subject of private parts and touching. The book allows for open and frank communication between parents and children, and does not make the subject matter intimidating. Bobby teaches children through his limericks the importance of knowing your private parts and then stresses the importance of reporting abuse. The limericks are easy to remember and send powerful and important messages, first and foremost, don't ever be afraid to tell someone if you think you are being hurt.

The book enables children to see a cute character who has to deal with an important subject. They will feel sense of relief in seeing that children can speak up and not be afraid to report abuse. The message throughout the book is quite clear; never be scared if you are a abused and always know that someone will listen to you and help you along the way. Bobby advocates the many ways to seek out help, and teaches children that they should never be fearful of talking about abuse.

This book will bring parents and children together in fighting the fight against sexual abuse. Education and communication are the lessons "Genius with a Penis, Don't Touch!" will convey to both parents and children.

Order on Amazon today!  Limited copies available - more coming in - A must read for all parents of children.

2011 Summer Activities Challenge Starts Now!

Get your kids involved today!

From Education.com - Get involved today!

We’ve just kicked off our third annual Summer Activities Challenge (it’s hard to believe it’s already been three years!) and the Education.com office is buzzing with excitement. And apparently we’re not the only ones. It’s been less than two weeks, and already 1,200 families are signed up and over 500 activities have been completed!

The Summer Activities Challenge is a wonderful way to fill those dog days of summer in an educational (but mostly FUN!) way. Plus, your family has the chance to take home our grand prize, a $500 Back to School Splurge, or one of ten Indoor/Outdoor Kids’ Croquet Sets (an Education.com A+ Award-winner!).  

Check out the rave reviews some participating families gave the Winter Activities Challenge:

“The Winter Activities Challenge was so much fun - I’ve always seen the ‘Activities’ tab on your website but have never tried any. This challenge helped us take the plunge & it was a blast!” -Katherine H

“Thank you for the opportunity of doing the challenges with our first grader.  She is living with us as a foster child, and before coming to live with us, never had the use of a computer outside of school.  Even though the last challenge was a little difficult for her, she really enjoyed all of them.  We made them out to be games, and she looked forward to them as fun times.” -Lorry M 

“Thanks so much – The Challenge saved us over our extended snow day ‘vacation’!” -Gina D

Completing the Summer Activities Challenge isn’t just a fun way to win cool prizes! It can serve a functional purpose, too. Looking for ways to keep kids busy during your family’s Fourth of July party? Try making these awesome Patriotic Pinwheels or these festive Stars and Stripes Planters. Want to spruce up your house with patriotic décor? Try these red, white and blue Picnic Caddys or Folded Paper Star Garlands.

Whew… so much Fourth of July crafting, so little time! 

Ready to get started? 

Sign up here, complete five activities by July 31^st, and you’ll be officially in the running to win.

Happy painting, exploring, crafting, sculpting, drawing, experimenting, and discovering!

Predator Down

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By Marco Cota

Sex abuse prevention Tactics. FBI hunts serial killer dubbed the acid rapist in this real life effort to put the predator instinct down. Mark Johnson is released from prison for serving a sentence of sex abuse against his young daughter. While visiting friends, Jeremy and Paula Curtis, he injures their daughter, Jerica, in a freak accident in which acid dissolves her fingers.

Out of guilt they protect Mark's identity from the authorities giving him assurance of his safety. As he flees the law he begins a gradual descent into the Hell of becoming a serial killer rapist with a foolproof means to dispose of his victims.

By masking his increasingly bizarre ritual violations and murders behind the respectability of being a business owner, Mark analyzes his slavish devotion to the god that impels him, accepting that he is permanently beyond salvation. His only remaining tie to sanity comes from his periodic visits to Angela in La Paz, Mexico. During these trysts with Angie, unknown to him initially she reveals that she is a victim of child sex abuse from her father. Mark comes to realize that his hatred originated with the sexual abuse he received from his stepmother. He now forms a plan of appeasement costing life. His sojourn into Hell does not go unnoticed, Detectives Rainy and Worthy are assigned to this "Acid Rapist" case, one they pursue with obsessive zeal.

The detectives, not knowing who Marks is, opens another revelation of this criminal mind; he is unable to resist taunting the lawmakers. Johnson engages in a battle of wits with Rainy, Worthy and FBI agent Ryan. It shows how the legal system struggles with this unprecedented evil. The book also reveals that such behavior does in fact emanate from very rational people.

Predator Down further approaches the subject realistically and therapeutically. Realistic conversation takes place between Johnson and his counselor. Non-fiction Interludes are throughout the book to heighten reader self awareness. Astounding new research is revealed from foriegn universities and other accredited sources. Predator Down is both a thriller and compelling informational that gives answers we so desperately need to prevent sex abuse.

Order today on Amazon.

My Private Parts Are Private

By Stacey Honowitz

Stacey Honowitz is a twenty-two year veteran of the State Attorney's Office, seventeen years dedicated to the Sex Crimes and Child Abuse Unit where she is currently serving as a supervisor. She is also a frequent legal commentator who has provided legal analysis for Larry King Live, CNN Headline News, Good Morning America, Dateline NBC, CBS News 48 Hours, MSNBC, CNBC, as well as Fox News and Court Television.

She has prosecuted several high profile cases in south Florida and is also a guest lecturer who speaks about child sex abuse, the sensitive nature of these cases, the navigation of the criminal justice system and the importance of frank and open communication with children about this important and difficult subject matter. She has provided important information for several years to both parents and children on the issues of child molestation and continues to send the message that the importance of reporting the abuse is the first step in healing.

Parents always want to know how to talk to their children about sexual abuse. The importance of "My Privates are Private" is two fold. This book will put both parents and children at ease when dealing with this delicate, almost taboo subject matter.

The main character Betsy Boodle allows parents who find themselves having difficulty "breaking the ice" the ability to communicate openly with their child about the importance of reporting abuse. It provides easy to remember limericks which send powerful and important messages, first and foremost the importance of reporting the abuse. This book empowers children and parents who sometimes have a problem finding the "right words" for a frank and open discussion.

Children will see that Betsy Boodle is not afraid to speak her mind if she thinks that she was abused. She advocates the many ways that you can report and most importantly she teaches others that they should never be afraid to speak up.

Order on Amazon today!

No, I am not Crazy, I'm a Mom

 By Dr. Laura Dessauer

Yes, as a parent all you want is for your child to feel happy and confident, and act responsibly.
 
If only life was so simple!

It seems like there arguments and debates over the simplest things, and the continuous requests, again and again…”Please pick-up your clothes and put them in the hamper, do your homework before you turn on the tv, could you please stop texting while I’m talking, it’s time for bed so please turn of the lights.”

Some days it feels like you’ve gone crazy; honestly how many times do you have to say and do the same thing hoping for different results. You know that’s what Albert Einstein called insanity, right?

“Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”

So what’s a loving parent to do?

I asked parents how they manage to deal with the drama of daily life, keep their sanity while helping their children grow into confident, responsible, compassionate adults. I sought out the secrets of parenting experts and asked them to reveal their powerful strategies they teach the families they work with.

With humour, tears, and a whole lots of creative practical tools and tips No, I’m Not Crazy I’m a Mom will be your go to parenting bible. Laugh out loud as you realize that you are among so many parents out there with a crazy life, and enjoy creative out of the box tips from parents who survived their child’s behaviors and found some really innovative ways to help their child thrive.

This book will be released Spring 2012!

Learn more - click here.


Follow Dr. Laura Dessauer on Twitter and Facebook.

SoBe Sober: Underage Drinking Prevention

SoBe Sober is an Underage Drinking Prevention initiative helping the students of today live to become the healthy and productive adults of tomorrow by educating them on the dangers and effects of underage drinking.
In partnership with D-FY-IT, a local non-profit organization, this campaign is designed to combat underage drinking among Miami Dade and Broward County students through education, outreach and celebrity sponsorship endorsement programs.

The SoBe Sober program is being implemented under the leadership of Barbara Zohlman, Executive Director of D-FY-IT, a Miami-based non-profit that has developed many effective, award-winning programs aimed at both middle- and high-school-level students to alert them to the dangers of underage drinking.

SoBe Sober's multi media outreach uses public service advertising and peer to peer communication to encourage students to pursue a healthy, productive, alcohol free life style during Spring Break and throughout the year.
This website contains information for parents and friends to share in an effort to keep our young people safe from this public health hazard. We encourage you to review this information and make your commitment to help young friends and relatives follow a healthy, alcohol free life style.

This year, SoBe Sober is proud to have its first title sponsor, Southern Wine and Spirits of America, Inc. join us in educating students on the alternatives to illegal underage drinking and wants to thank Southern for their support and partnership.

Visit their website to learn more.

Real Girls' Guide to Everything... That Makes it AWESOME to be a Girl

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By Erin Brereton

Girls just want to have fun? Well, that’s all part of the journey of being a girl, but there is so much more that goes into becoming a well-adjusted and confident woman and a brand-new book provides helpful tips on how to get there.

Real Girls Guide to Everything…That Makes it Awesome to Be a Girlby Erin Brereton is a handbook that uses humor and everyday situations to emphasize positivity, achievement, and being a strong individual. Girls have so many pressures in today’s world and this book offers helpful tips and advice on how to combat those pressures including:

• Advice about social media, texting, and boys
• How to feel beautiful inside and out
• Tips about setting and reaching goals
• How to be confident and build self-esteem
• Ways to live and maintain a healthy lifestyle
• Important tips on choosing great friends and avoiding toxic friends

 Order today on Amazon!

Dean's List: 11 Habits of Highly Successful College Students

By John Bader

With a solid GPA, numerous extracurricular achievements, and an acceptance letter from an excellent college, it seems that all of your hard work in school has paid off. Now what? What can you expect from college life, and how can you get the most out of it? This book answers these questions to help you excel in college.

Deans at America's top institutions tell you what you need to know to have a rich and rewarding college experience. Armed with an insider's perspective, you will develop habits critical for college success, including:

• Focusing on learning, not on grades
• Building an adult relationship with your parents
• Working the system by understanding the system• Learning from diversity at home and abroad
• Coping with failure
• Planning boldly for life after college

Dean's List offers a thoughtful, common-sense approach to higher education that allows every student to achieve. Many books will tell you how to get an "A" in class, but this book encourages you to do more -- to explore college life, embrace new challenges, and become independent.

Includes expert advice from deans at top U.S. colleges: Barnard College • Brown University • Bryn Mawr College • Columbia University • Cornell University • Dartmouth College • Duke University • Georgetown University • Harvard University • The Johns Hopkins University • Mount Holyoke College • Northwestern University • Oberlin College • Pomona College • Princeton University • Rice University • Smith College • Stanford University • University of Pennsylvania • University of Rochester • Wellesley College • Yale University

Order on Amazon today!

2011 Safety Scholars Contest Extended!

It is so important for teens these days to feel empowered, and we can help by encouraging them and their peers to avoid distracted and other dangerous driving behaviors.  This contest is a great way for teens to be positive role models, share positive messages with their friends and compete for some great prizes at the same time.

The Safety Scholars Video Contest is accepting submissions until June 24, and the first place prize is a $10,000 scholarship! Any teen in the US or Canada (excluding Quebec) between the ages of 16 and 21 can enter by creating a 25 or 55-second video about any issue in teen driver safety, and uploading it to www.safetyscholars.com. The top 10 finalists will be posted online, and the videos with the most votes will win prizes. The winning videos will also be turned into public service announcements; the winning 2010 entries have already been aired 20,000 times, so teens and their families across the country are seeing these possibly-life saving messages.

More information can be found by visiting: www.safetyscholarsvideo.com

No Sucker Left Behind: Avoiding the Great College Rip-off

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By Mark Scheer

The book that colleges don't want you to read.
 
No Sucker Left Behind is the only book that blows the lid off colleges' scandalous price-gouging schemes. Marc Scheer reveals colleges to be profit-obsessed businesses best approached with the wariness reserved for used-car salesmen. From the application process to the undergraduate years and all the way through graduate school, Scheer shows how universities trap students into high costs and unmanageable debt. Most important, he arms students with innovative tools to fight back and get a valuable degree for less.

Includes more than 100 online resources for students.


Caveat Discipulus - Let the Student Beware!

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The Golden Rule of the 21st Century

Book review written by Mary Kay Hoal founder of YourSphere for Parents:

Order today.

Richard Guerry’s Public and Permanent: The Golden Rule of the 21^st Century: Straight Talk About Digital Safety: The Real Consequences of Digital Abuse isn’t just an educational resource for parents and teens, it’s an eye-opening analysis of what really drives the Internet safety issues we see today in digital communication and social networking.


The educational aspect aside, what makes Richard’s book so valuable is in the way it’s laid out for readers. Richard takes a very linear approach in explaining issues like Internet privacy and anonymity, viruses and spyware, personal and corporate responsibility, cyberbullying, sexting and much more.

Excerpt:

So who is to blame for the myth of privacy in the digital world?

[…]I believe that website developers need to assume some responsibility for the way in which they are marketing Internet privacy to their consumers. However, when people post information that they don’t want the world to see on a third-party site, such as Facebook, should Facebook be held accountable if a criminal see—and perhaps uses—that content? Absolutely not—the person who posted the information should be!

No current or future website can:

• Make anyone use their site
• Make anyone type in personal information
• Make anyone upload a picture to their platform
• Make anyone harass somebody via their messaging systems

But a website can make us believe that our actions are “private”—and that is where they seem to be incurring some responsibility and liability. (pg 40-41)

Throughout the book, Richard challenges readers to make their online experiences safer for themselves by taking personal responsibility for the choices they make, as well as understanding the consequences for making said choice. This is a huge, and often times overlooked, aspect of digital safety awareness, and Richard delves deep into the reasons why this deserves more public attention.

My personal experience with Richard has been nothing but inspiring. I’ve seen him give digital safety presentations in schools close to where I live, and I’ve seen the connection that he has with kids and how they soak in his information like a sponge. I’ve seen parents come up to him and thank him, not only for the education, but for the meaningful, yet simple, messaging that he passes onto their kids.

I highly recommend that all parents read Richard’s book. The information you’ll walk away with will open opportunities to have an educated discussion with your kids/teens about digital safety and responsibility. I bought the book myself, read it, loved it, and have since handed it over to my oldest daughter. You can buy the book here.

Mary Kay Hoal is an Internet Safety Expert that I highly respect and recommend to parents regularly.  Yoursphere is a social networking site for kids - where their safety is their priority.