Hair Loss Treatments, A New Direction in Solving Hair Loss

Hair Loss Treatments, A New Direction in Solving Hair Loss

Nu Hair has incorporated revolutionary improvements over the standard hair replacement procedure available in our market as non surgical hair restoration techniques. NuHair. net is a member of the largest hair loss treatments replacement restoration group, with over 55 members worldwide. I report on hair loss treatments and hair restoration from medical hair transplants to hair replacements non surgical hair restoration.

(PRWEB) April 9, 2005

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Save the Children Supplies 30,000 Haitian Children and Families with Rice at Sites in Marissant and Tabarre, Will Continue for Two Weeks

Save the Children Supplies 30,000 Haitian Children and Families with Rice at Sites in Marissant and Tabarre, Will Continue for Two Weeks

The global humanitarian organization Save the Children, in partnership with the World Food Program (WFP), successfully distributed critically needed food supplies over the past two days in Marissant and Tabarre to about 30,000 people.

Washington, DC (Vocus) February 4, 2010

Port-Au-Prince, Haiti (Vocus) February 3, 2010 -- The global humanitarian organization Save the Children, in partnership with the World Food Program (WFP), successfully distributed critically needed food supplies over the past two days in Marissant and Tabarre to about 30,000 people. The agency will continue to distribute rice at both sites for the next two weeks, reaching an estimated 285,000 children and adults.

“Our partnership with community leaders at these displaced camps was key in helping us get food aid out over the past two days. We couldn’t have done it without their support,” said Halane Hussein, Save the Children’s Emergency Advisor in Haiti.

He cautioned, “So many children and families have gone now 3 weeks with barely any steady food supply. We’ve met a pregnant mother who has told us that since the earthquake, her children had only been eating a meal a day, without vegetables or meat.”

Assessing Damaged Schools, Teachers and Students Remaining in Earthquake-affected Communities
Glimmers of hope were felt Monday when some schools in the non-affected quake areas opened. And in the most affected areas, Save the Children and partner organizations, including the Ministry of Education, will soon begin a needs assessment in an effort to get exact figures of the number of schools that have been destroyed or partially damaged, and to determine the number of teachers and children remaining in the communities.

The total number of teachers and children killed in the quake is unknown, and still others have migrated to rural areas outside of Port au Prince. Some of the least damaged schools in the earthquake-affected zones could restart as early as March 2010, according to the government of Haiti.

“It is so important for schools to get up and running as quickly as possible,” said Hussein. “Before the earthquake, there were already more than 700,000 children out of school. This number is set to increase as many schools have been damaged, and teachers killed or injured.”

Added Hussein, “We have the opportunity now to try to get all of these children back to school, including the most vulnerable children, and address the long-term educational needs of Haitian children.”

Providing for Children’s Critical Health Needs
To address urgent medical issues, Save the Children is responsible for providing health services in 36 camps and locations. About 6,000 patients were treated through Save the Children supported health facilities and by 12 mobile medical teams.

The organization has also established two mobile clinics in Leogane – one of the hardest hit towns – and is expected to set up an additional four mobile health teams in Jacmel, where Save the Children continues with their work to feed malnourished children.

The aid agency is also distributing hygiene and household supplies such as soap, towels, Jerry cans to hold water, and plastic sheeting for shelter.

Save the Children has worked in Haiti since 1978 and currently has more than 200 staff in the country.

Please Help Us Respond to the Haiti Emergency by Donating Now (https://secure. savethechildren. org/01/web_e_haiti_earthquake_10?source=hp_fb_haitidonate&WT. ac=hp_fb_haitidonate&dcsref=http://www. savethechildren. org/)

Donate any amount at www. savethechildren. org or by calling 1-800-728-3843 or 1-203-221-4030.

OR

DONATE $10 BY TEXTING “SAVE” to 20222 (U. S. Only).

Save the Children (http://www. savethechildren. org/) is the leading, independent organization that creates lasting change for children in need in the United States and around the world. Save the Children USA is a member of the International Save the Children Alliance, a global network of 29 independent Save the Children organizations working to ensure the well-being and protection of children in more than 120 countries. Follow us on Twitter (http://twitter. com/savethechildren? source=hp_sn_twitter) and Facebook (http://www. facebook. com/savethechildren? source=hp_sn_facebook).

Media Contacts:
Eileen Burke, 203-221-4233 (w), 203-216-0718 (c)
Ana Rahona, 202-236-5341 (c)

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AKE Group Opens Atlanta Office

AKE Group Opens Atlanta Office

AKE Group, a risk mitigation company with its headquarters located in Hereford, UK announces today that it is has opened an additional North American office in Atlanta, Georgia, in response to increasing demand in the region for its services and expertise.

Marietta, GA (PRWEB) July 12, 2006

AKE Group, a risk mitigation company with its headquarters located in Hereford, UK announces today that it is has opened an additional North American office in Atlanta, Georgia, in response to increasing demand in the region for its services and expertise.

AKE’s Managing Director, Andrew Kain, commented: “I am delighted to be able to announce the opening of our Atlanta office. It strengthens our prominent position in the United States and underlines AKE’s commitment to our US clients. This dedicated office will enable us to continue to support clients in the region, as well as developing our business throughout Latin America, in line with our strategy for global expansion.”

The first company of its kind, AKE was set up in 1991 to address the specific needs of personnel previously unprepared for work in high-risk environments. The company has grown significantly in the last 15 years to offer companies and organizations around the world a level of hostile environment training unsurpassed in the industry plus associated risk management and political/security intelligence services.

Founded by a former member of the elite Special Air Service, the company takes a holistic approach to risk reduction by analyzing threat, investigating and educating on the ways to mitigate risk and providing direct support should the client require it.

Headed by Executive Director Tim Crockett, the office will act as a regional hub for AKE Group's operations in the Americas and will build on the company's extensive track record in the media, energy and finance sectors. The company will initially concentrate on the development of regional marketing, sales and support teams in a preliminary growth phase to address current and growing business.

“Atlanta has become a major strategic business hub for AKE over the last few years and is destined to become a springboard for future growth,” stated Tim Crockett, Executive Director.

AKE’s new offices are located in Marietta, one of Atlanta's principal business districts.

Enquiries:

AKE LLC

Tim Crockett, Executive Director

Tel +1 678 560 2336

Tim. crockett @ akegroup. com

Tom Howard, Business Development Manager

Tel +44 (0)207 816 5454

Tom. howard @ akegroup. com

Notes to Editors

AKE Group

AKE Group, which has its headquarters in Hereford and major offices in London, Sydney and Baghdad, announces further expansion in the US. A leader in international political and security risk reduction and training, AKE provides a range of specialized services that empower businesses, NGO’s and media organizations to protect their staff and their assets when operating in hostile and challenging environments.

AKE tackles risk with a total solution from consulting on political and security issues to location and medical audits and evacuation. Organizations and individuals alike appreciate the expertise that AKE’s risk specialists, analysts and support team bring to business, and companies who have a presence in high risk regions benefit immensely from the education and reassurance offered by our ground support teams in understanding and addressing the myriad of risks that might not have been considered. For more information please visit www. akegroup. com

Atlanta Office

AKE LLC

2985 Gordy Parkway

Suite 118

Marietta, GA 30066

Tel: +1 678 560 2336

Fax: +1 770 216 181466

Email: servicesusa @ akegroup. com

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Telework Coalition Denounces New York’s Revised Telework Tax Policy

Telework Coalition Denounces New York’s Revised Telework Tax Policy

Group says federal legislation protecting telecommuters is needed now more than ever.

Washington, DC (PRWEB) June 19, 2006 -–

The Telework Coalition (TelCoa), a telework advocacy group headquartered in Washington, DC, has denounced revisions New York State recently made to its telework tax policy as “misleading” and “useless.” The group renews its call to Congress to protect Americans who telecommute to out-of-state employers by passing The Telecommuter Tax Fairness Act (S. 1097, H. R. 2558).

Another telework advocacy group that previously endorsed the federal legislation - The Association for Commuter Transportation (ACT) - is also reaffirming its support for the bill.

Under a longstanding New York tax rule, nonresidents who telecommute some or most of the time for their New York employers may be forced to pay New York taxes, not only on the income they earn when they work in New York, but also on the income they earn when they work at home, in a different state. Because telecommuters’ home states may also tax the income earned at home, these employees may be double taxed on that income.

A telecommuter might be able to avoid the double tax threat if he can prove that his telework arrangement is an employer “necessity.” However, under New York’s old telework tax policy, proving necessity was virtually impossible: A telecommuter would have to show that the nature of his work was such that it could not possibly be performed at the employer’s New York site. Because most work that telecommuters do at home can also be done in a New York office, the vast majority of telecommuters could not meet this test.

To solve the double tax problem arising from New York’s rule, U. S. Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) and U. S. House Representative Christopher Shays (R-CT) introduced The Telecommuter Tax Fairness Act. This legislation would prohibit states from taxing nonresidents on the income they earn while working at home.

On May 15, 2006, New York announced that it had revised its telework tax policy. However, while the wording of the revised policy is new, the policy itself is essentially the same: Nonresidents who want to avoid the double tax risk will still effectively have to prove that telework is an employer necessity, and, for most telecommuters, proving necessity will be just as difficult as it was under the old policy. For example, now, a telecommuter might have to show that his employer pays him rent for the use of his home office, that he never does any personal work in his home office, or that his employer’s advertising material shows his home office as one of the company’s places of business. These are conditions very few telecommuters will be able to meet.

“New York’s attempt to create the appearance that it has become more lenient when, in fact, most nonresidents will still be penalized for telecommuting across state lines only heightens the need for The Telecommuter Tax Fairness Act,” said Nicole Belson Goluboff, a lawyer and TelCoa Advisory Board member.

“With telework playing such an important role in the nation’s pandemic planning – and with gas prices as high as they are – it is outrageous for New York to continue punishing people who telecommute,” said Chuck Wilsker, TelCoa’s President and CEO. “Since New York won’t get rid of the tax on interstate telework, Congress has to do it.”

The Telework Coalition

Chuck Wilsker, President and CEO (202-266-0046, ext. 101)

Based in Washington, D. C., The Telework Coalition (www. TelCoa. org) is a not-for-profit 501(c)(6) that brings together a diverse array of organizations and individuals with the common interest of promoting awareness and adoption of existing and emerging telework and telecommuting applications. The coalition’s mission is summed up in its tag line, “Enabling virtual, mobile and distributed work through education, technology and legislation.”

The Association for Commuter Transportation (ACT)

Kevin Shannon, Executive Director (678-916-4944)

ACT (www. actweb. org) is the country’s leading membership association of more than 800 employers, non-profits, public agencies and others who offer alternative commute and transportation programs and services to help enhance mobility, conserve energy and reduce pollution.

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Kid’s TV Show About Health and the Environment Enters the Pepsi Refresh Project

Kid’s TV Show About Health and the Environment Enters the Pepsi Refresh Project

Imagine if the best minds in entertainment, technology, social media, gaming, advertising and curricula development collaborated to create televised programming and online communities that changed the way kids think about nutrition, fitness and the environment. There has been a lot of great education developed that enhances knowledge, but the current format has not completely resonated with all children, especially kids in low income areas or those belonging to minority groups. My proposed innovative approach to health education delivery will change perceptions, attitudes and behavior by using media that speaks the language of today’s youth.

Chicago, IL (PRWEB) January 8, 2011

Imagine if the best minds in entertainment, technology, social media, gaming, advertising and curricula development collaborated to create televised programming and online communities that changed the way kids think about nutrition, fitness and the environment. There has been a lot of great education developed that enhances knowledge, but the current format has not completely resonated with all children, especially kids in low income areas or those belonging to minority groups. My proposed innovative approach to health education delivery will change perceptions, attitudes and behavior by using media that speaks the language of today’s youth.

The Healthologist TV show will address the childhood obesity epidemic by providing kids and their families with a medium to learn about proper nutrition, fitness and sustainability in an entertaining way. This show will empower youth by teaching them how to determine their biological needs, utilize healthy cooking techniques, develop a proper exercise regiment and support the ecosystem. The TV program and online community will not only increase kids’ knowledge about health related topics, but it will influence young people’s motivation, attitudes and eating behaviors.

The cast of the show will include Chef Eric Paul, a crew of phenomenal youth between the ages of 9 and 17, special celebrity guests and subject matter experts. A typical episode would entail taking a field trip to an organic farm, cooking a nutritious meal as a group, discussing fitness tips with a famous athlete and exercising for 10 minutes to hip music provided by a young DJ.

The Healthologist has entered to Pepsi Refresh Project to compete for a $250,000 cash prize. The contest period runs from January 3, 2011 to January 31, 2011. To view the trailer of the show or vote for the Healthologist, please visit http://www. refresheverything. com/healthologist.

About Chef Eric Paul: Chef Eric Paul has helped people of all ages achieve balance in food, fitness and life. His extensive work in the field of healthy cooking has earned him a loyal following and national recognition. He has appeared as a guest expert on dozens of TV and radio shows and blogs for the Chicago Tribune. Chef Eric is currently enrolled in the Masters of Nutrition program at the University of Illinois in Chicago and plans to specialize in pediatric and sports dietetics.

About The Pepsi Refresh Project: The Pepsi Refresh Project is an online grant program which makes available millions of dollars to be granted to projects which are intended to improve communities through an online, democratic voting process. The Grant Program is open to individuals, for profit organizations and non-profit organizations. The Grant Program consists of six (6) categories (1) HEALTH – fostering wellness; (2) ARTS & CULTURE – celebrating the arts; (3) FOOD & SHELTER – ideas for providing food and shelter for the community; (4) NEIGHBORHOODS – building better communities; (5) EDUCATION – helping people learn at any age; and (6) THE PLANET – ideas which help the planet. To find out more about the project, you can visit http://www. refresheverything. com.

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Beyond Better Development Launches New Website

Beyond Better Development Launches New Website

A new website www. livingbeyondbetter. com was launched today containing resources for improving interpersonal skills and motivating personal growth.

(PRWEB) April 3, 2005

A new website www. livingbeyondbetter. com was launched today containing resources for improving interpersonal skills and motivating personal growth.

April 1st 2005, Beyond Better Development, Vancouver, B. C. Canada, launched its new website www. livingbeyondbetter. com. Looking for motivation and training in interpersonal skills and personal development? Find the information and resources you need for the next step in your personal growth. Beyond Better Development is dedicated to empowering people towards excellence in their personal and professional lives. The company enables individuals and organizations to deepen their understanding of their uniqueness, equipping them with skills to bring about positive personal growth, creating extraordinary results. Beyond Better believes that motivated, skilled, and empowered individuals create motivated, skilled, and innovative organizations with a reputation for excellence.

The new website, www. livingbeyondbetter. com has informative articles and inspirational E books, as well as details about available seminars and workshops to enable you to live beyond better.

Barbara White, the director of Beyond Better Development, believes that extraordinary results can occur when individuals and organizations embrace their uniqueness, live their values, and focus on their purpose. As a professional, her credibility comes from being able to personally ‘walk the talk’ and not just relay information. Barbara brings to the table years of experience in education, leadership, and management, both in Canada and the U. K.

Barbara White is a certified facilitator in “Personality Dimensions”, a temperament type assessment indicator. An understanding of the uniqueness and diversity of personality styles has significant applications in a number of interpersonal situations such as leadership and management styles, sales, team building, communication, relationships, styles of learning, as well as personal awareness and growth. Barbara presents highly interactive and enlightening workshops using this invaluable tool.

Communication is a foundational interpersonal skill that impacts relationships at every level of life. Enhancing your communication skills will build towards success and the results you want. Beyond Better Development will inspire and equip you to live beyond better through edu-taining keynote presentations and seminars. To go to the next level in your personal and professional development contact Beyond Better Development.

Contact Information:

Barbara White

Beyond Better Development

1-888-936-7834

Http://www. livingbeyondbetter. com (http://www. livingbeyondbetter. com)

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Eye-popping photos of the Pledge of Allegiance

Eye-popping photos of the Pledge of Allegiance

Historic pictures of the original Pledge of Allegiance that was written by a socialist and had a salute like that of the National Socialist German Workers' Party.

(PRWEB) April 15, 2004

Public comments about the pledge court case show that few people know that the pledge was written in 1892 by a self-proclaimed socialist in the U. S. nationalist movement, to promote socialism in the most socialistic institution - government schools.

Few people know that the original salute to the flag was like the Nazi salute and that "Nazi" means "National Socialist German Workers' Party." (Eye-popping photos are only at (http://members. ij. net/rex/pledge1.html (http://members. ij. net/rex/pledge1.html)) An easy mnemonic device to remember that Nazis were socialists and that "Nazi" means "National Socialist German WorkersÂ’ Party" is that the horrid swastika resembles overlapping "S" shapes for "socialism," and that the Nazis often used stylized "S" symbolism. (See http://members. ij. net/rex/swastikanews. html (http://members. ij. net/rex/swastikanews. html))

Those are issues in the pledge debate that pre-date the insertion of "under God" in 1954.

The pledge of allegiance was authored by the self-proclaimed socialist Francis Bellamy. Bellamy was the first cousin of the socialist Edward Bellamy. Edward Bellamy's futuristic novel, "Looking Backward," was published in 1888, and described life in the year 2000. It described a totalitarian society where all private transactions are outlawed, where the government places all men in an "industrial army" and where the monolithic government school system is operated specifically as part of the "industrial army" system. Of course, all of the preceding was portrayed as a dandy utopia just as it was portrayed by so many apologists for the industrial armies of socialist hell-holes worldwide. 

The book spawned a socialist movement in the U. S. known as "Nationalism," with the Nationalist magazine, and "Nationalist Clubs" whose members wanted the federal government to nationalize most of the American economy. Francis Bellamy was a member of this movement and a vice president of its socialist auxiliary group.

Francis Bellamy had often lectured on the so-called "virtues of socialism and the evils of capitalism." In 1891, he was forced to resign from his church because of his socialist activities and sermons. He then joined the staff of the magazine "Youth's Companion" and wrote the pledge of allegiance, first published therein.

In the original articles about the Pledge of Allegiance, Francis Bellamy promotes government schools and snipes at the many better alternatives, and urges that education should come only from government. It is consistent with the government school monopoly in the book "Looking Backward" and the "industrial army" promoted by the Bellamys.

Bellamy lived during the time when schools were becoming socialized heavily in the United States. When the U. S. Constitution was written, children received private educations (schools are not mentioned in the U. S. Constitution).

Edward Bellamy's book was translated into 20 foreign languages. It was popular among the elite in pre-revolutionary Russia, and was even read by Lenin's wife. John Dewey and the historian Charles Beard intended to praise the book by stating that it was matched in influence only by Das Kapital.

Francis Bellamy lived from 1855 to1931. Edward Bellamy lived from 1850-1898. Edward Bellamy was spared witnessing the horrors that his socialism caused to the rest of humanity. Francis Bellamy lived in the U. S. during the first 14 years of mass atrocities under the industrial army of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. Francis Bellamy might not have known about the horrors of his socialist ideas in the U. S.S. R. at that time. Francis Bellamy lived long enough to see a similar salute and philosophy espoused by the industrial army of the National Socialist German Workers' Party. If Edward Bellamy's fictional character had awakened in the year 2000 he would have learned that since 1887 Bellamy's philosophy had set and was holding all the worst records for shortages, poverty, misery, starvation, atrocities and mass slaughter.

According to R. J. Rummel's article in the Encyclopedia of Genocide (1999) the worst trio of socialist atrocities (see http://members. ij. net/rex/socialists. jpg (http://members. ij. net/rex/socialists. jpg)) occurred under the industrial armies of: (1) the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, 62 million deaths, 1917-'87; (2) People's Republic of China, 35 million, 1949-'87; (3) Germany under the National Socialist German WorkersÂ’ Party, 21 million, 1933-'45.

After the National Socialist German Workers' Party tried to impose socialism on the world, many U. S. citizens were disturbed by the Pledge's similar salute and that it was written by a socialist in "Nationalist" groups in the U. S. Although the salute changed, the pledge remained the same.

There is something more disturbing than all of the above: Most children are never told any of the preceding history in government schools, even though there is a totalitarian-style robotic recital of the pledge as a collective by children in government schools en masse on cue from the government every single day.

It is a wonder why anyone recites the Pledge of Allegiance. It is probably because of rampant ignorance about the Pledge's origin and history.

No one would trust the government to tell you the truth if it ran the newspapers. Why would anyone expect the government to tell children the truth in government schools? As Libertarians say: The separation of school and state is as important as the separation of church and state. And that is the real solution to the pledge debate and all other school issues: remove government from education.

For more info contact RexCurry. net at rexy@ij. net to learn more visit http://members. ij. net/rex/pledge1.html (http://members. ij. net/rex/pledge1.html)

In a First-of-Its-Kind Example, Lambda Legal Announces Settlement Agreement that Lays Groundwork for Civil Rights Safeguards in Public Funding of Faith Based Organizations

In a First-of-Its-Kind Example, Lambda Legal Announces Settlement Agreement that Lays Groundwork for Civil Rights Safeguards in Public Funding of Faith Based Organizations

United Methodist ChildrenÂ’s Home and the State of Georgia agree not to use taxpayer dollars to discriminate in employment and services

Washington, DC, (PRWEB) November 7, 2003 -

— As the nation debates the new wave of government funding of faith-based social services, Lambda Legal today announced a lawsuit settlement requiring civil rights safeguards when faith-based organizations receive taxpayer dollars to provide social services.

The terms of the settlement dictate that faith-based organizations providing publicly funded child welfare social services in Georgia must do so without infringing on the rights of employees, taxpayers, recipients of services or religious groups.

The settlement will end a lawsuit Lambda Legal filed in August 2002 against the State of Georgia and the United Methodist ChildrenÂ’s Home in Decatur. The closely-watched lawsuit said taxpayer money was being used unconstitutionally to discriminate in employment and services at the United Methodist ChildrenÂ’s Home.

“This settlement is a significant breakthrough in the national debate over whether more taxpayer money should be given to religious organizations,” said Susan Sommer, Supervising Attorney for Lambda Legal and the lead attorney on this case. “Under the agreement, the State of Georgia will not fund religious groups that use public money to discriminate, and the United Methodist Children’s Home will follow policies prohibiting discrimination in hiring and services. There can’t be a sign on the door of a government funded social services provider saying ‘Taxpayer Funded Position: Jews and Catholics Need Not Apply’,” said Sommer

“The White House has made public funding of faith based organizations a cornerstone of its domestic policy and several states have proposed using taxpayer money to fund religious groups – with no strings attached and no safeguards to prevent the kind of religious discrimination we saw in Georgia,” said Michael Adams, Director of Education and Public Affairs at Lambda Legal. “In this new era of public funding for social services provided by faith based organizations, we have made significant progress in this case by building in critical civil rights protections. A religious organization motivated by faith and funded with public money to provide important social services can do so, people who need services are protected from having to conform to a religion to get help, taxpayers don’t have to wonder what kind of religious activity their money is funding, and employees’ publicly funded jobs don’t depend on their personal religious beliefs.”

In the Georgia case, Lambda Legal represented Aimee Bellmore, Alan Yorker and several state taxpayers. Bellmore was a highly capable youth counselor at the Home who had been told that she would soon be promoted but was instead fired after the Home learned that she was a lesbian. Yorker, an exceptionally qualified psychotherapist with more than 20 years of experience, interviewed for a position at the Home but was turned away when, as the interview began, a senior staff member at the Home realized Yorker was Jewish and told him that the Home does not hire Jews.

“This is an important step in protecting the civil rights of employees, and the safeguards the settlement provides for gay or lesbian youth in state funded facilities are critical. Their food, shelter and care should not depend on their adherence to someone else’s religious beliefs about being gay,” said Bellmore.

The announcement of a settlement with both the State of Georgia and the United Methodist ChildrenÂ’s Home was made at a national conference of the Charitable Choice Research Project, a three-year, three state study funded by the Ford Foundation and directed by the Center for Urban Policy and the Environment at the University of Indiana. It is the first academic study comparing efficacy of faith-based and secular providers of social services.

“We found that states did not monitor constitutional violations and did little to educate contractors about constitutional compliance,” said Sheila Suess Kennedy, the Charitable Choice Research Project principal investigator and professor of law and public policy at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis. “We also found that congregational leaders had little familiarity with applicable constitutional constraints.”

Susan Sommer, Supervising Attorney at Lambda Legal and Greg Nevins, an Atlanta-based Senior Staff Attorney in Lambda LegalÂ’s Southern Regional Office handled the case. They are joined by co-counsel Debra Schwartz and Marcia Borowski of Thompson, Rollins, Schwartz & Borowski, LLC in Decatur, Georgia.

For more information visit www. lambdalegal. org

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Lisa Hardaway Cell: 402-369-2104 Pager: 888-987-1971

Eric Ferrero 212-809-8585 ext: 227 Pager: 888-987-1984

Lambda Legal is a national organization committed to achieving full recognition of the civil rights of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgendered people, and people with HIV or AIDS through impact litigation, education and public policy work.

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CHOWÂ’s HIV/AIDS Program in Detroit Chosen for National Expansion

CHOWÂ’s HIV/AIDS Program in Detroit Chosen for National Expansion

Detroit-based Community Health Outreach Workers, Inc. (CHOW) is poised to expand their successful capacity building assistance (CBA) across the USA through a recent grant award from the U. S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC). CHOW improves the overall ability of community-based organizations (CBOs) to implement strategies that facilitate access to and utilization of HIV/AIDS prevention services on the part of the African American population and important sub-population of African American men who have sex with men (AA/MSM) that the CBOs serve, by developing the quality of these services with specific attention to cultural competence, which fosters participation from the affected community and incorporates their integral input; unparalleled CBA expertise that CHOW has exemplified during the past decade of local, state and regional service.

Detroit, MI (PRWEB) May 1, 2004

There are few enough success stories (in Detroit or anywhere) when it comes to local organizations providing innovative HIV/AIDS care for the unique needs of African American populations, but Community Health Outreach Workers, Inc. (CHOW) is one such success story. Begun by a group of health and social service volunteers over 10 years ago on a shoestring budget, this local non-profit health organization is now poised to expand their unique brand of culturally competent HIV/AIDS capacity building assistance across the country. Official approval was received just days ago, as CHOW became one of the few community-based organizations in the nation to receive an award from the U. S. Centers of Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) as part of their recent grant titled “Capacity Building Assistance to Improve the Delivery and Effectiveness of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Prevention Services for Racial / Ethnic Minority Populations” (Program Announcement 04019). There was stiff competition among the 33 total awardees chosen for funding, with just 12 awards available in the focus area that CHOW competed in, which was “Strengthening Community Access to and Utilization of HIV Prevention Services.” CHOW helps build capacity by improving the overall ability of community-based organizations (CBOs) and other community stakeholders to implement strategies that will increase access to and utilization of HIV prevention and risk-reduction and avoidance services for racial/ethnic minority individuals. To this end, CHOW has used the principles of Parity, Inclusion and Representation throughout the past decade, developing the quality of HIV/AIDS services with specific attention to cultural competence that facilitates access and utilization to better serve the African American target population and important sub-population of African American men who have sex with men (AA/MSM), in such desperate need of these health services.

The programs most associated with CHOW are the successful Midwest African American Men United Against AIDS (AAMUAA) offering unparalleled capacity building assistance across the Midwest region, the POWer Set facilitating health outreach worker training certification, and the LINKS Referral Network that established standardized referrals and a first ever Resource Guide to coordinate HIV/AIDS and other gateway services -- having served some 4,397 clients. CHOW is located in the very epicenter of HIV/AIDS in Detroit, at 2727 Second Avenue, staffed by a cadre of indigenous health professionals, headed by Executive Director, Schawne Parker, a local Detroiter. Mr. Parker has served as the Chair of the Statewide Prevention and Care Planning Council, Michigan HIV/AIDS Council (MHAC), which is the HIV/AIDS Services planning body for the State of Michigan, administered by the Michigan Department of Community Health. The staff of CHOW is integrally involved in collaboration and coordination with the Community Planning Process, working closely with local, state, and regional health agencies (IL, IN, IA, KA, MI, MN, MO, NB, ND, OH, SD, and WI). Active participation in the planning councils of these organizations serve as springboards to present new initiatives, and a vehicle for maintaining connections with the organizations that make up the continuum of HIV Prevention & Care Services, providing a vast referral network of culturally appropriate providers. CHOW staff regularly provides presentations such as the comprehensive community planning orientation process for new and existing partner providers, designed to encourage more meaningful participation by planning group members, and to feature African American leadership in an effort to mentor emerging leaders. Highlights from such presentations include:

~ The Historical Perspective of Community Planning

~ Understanding Disease Surveillance

~ Conducting Needs Analysis for “Hard-To-Reach” Populations

~ Identifying Community Assets

~ Developing Multi-Year Prevention Plans

This new grant is an important part of the CDC’s new HIV initiative, “Advancing HIV Prevention: New Strategies for a Changing Epidemic,” focusing more on people living with HIV, and helping to ensure that the Minority AIDS Initiative dollars will benefit minority communities that are disproportionately affected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Prevention programs may be slowing the epidemic, but more needs to be done to reduce new infections. More HIV-infected people learning their serostatus should significantly reduce new infections. Focusing more on people living with HIV is consistent with the CDC HIV Prevention Strategic Plan (Goal 1 / Objective 1) as follows:

“By 2005, decrease by at least 50 percent the number of persons in the United States at high risk for acquiring or transmitting HIV by delivering targeted, sustained and evidence-based HIV prevention interventions. Among people living with HIV, increase the proportion who consistently engage in behaviors that reduce risk for HIV transmission or acquisition”.

Behaviors that place the disproportionately affected African American population at high risk for HIV infection or for transmitting the virus are: unprotected oral, anal, and vaginal sex with men and women; inconsistent condom use; multiple sex partners; poor communication between sex partners; poor adherence to risk reduction activities for HIV+ persons; use of intravenous drugs accompanied by needle sharing; and bartering sex for drugs.

There are a variety of reasons for the discrepancies in infection rates among the target population of African Americans and the sub-population of AA/MSM that can only be touched upon here, but include: cultural norms, homophobia, racism, intra-ethnic discrimination, structural barriers and lack of access/utilization of appropriate medical care. The medical establishment is often perceived as catering to white populations, or which focus on a mainly white MSM client base, where HIV/AIDS is concerned. These perceptions and realities affect health-seeking behavior, which is often reinforced by negative experiences with public health systems and/or institutions devoid of a nurturing, respectful, culturally congruent and judgment-free environment, engendering goodwill and trust. Add to that the findings of the 2000 Census, which showed the entire Detroit Metropolitan area to be the most segregated in the country. Such segregation, historically, has had negative ramifications on health.

Comparing numerous other socioeconomic indicators between the City of Detroit and the neighboring communities in the state of Michigan reveals disproportionate levels of poverty, lower levels of education and high unemployment. Also prevalent in the City of Detroit, as in many major urban centers, are crime, teen pregnancy/early parenthood, domestic and firearm violence, incarceration and drug use. When considering the health of the whole person, as well as the community, all of the above become risk factors for HIV/AIDS and other preventable diseases. Based on this formative research, it is clear that there is a severe need for capacity building assistance and a linked network of services among provider organizations that will serve the whole client. The gaps in services which CHOW has addressed are not so much about the number of providers, but more about their ability to provide culturally competent and holistic services.

The numbers hit home, as we see the disproportionate impact of the disease among MichiganÂ’s African American population. As of 1 July 2003, there were 10,860 reported persons living with HIV or AIDS (PLWHA) in the State of Michigan, which is about 0.10% of the population. However, African Americans comprise 14% of the stateÂ’s population, and an alarming 56% of the stateÂ’s HIV/AIDS cases, at 5,626 total AA/PLWHA. By comparison, whites comprise 79% of the stateÂ’s population and are 39% of the stateÂ’s HIV/AIDS cases, at 3,847 total white/PLWHA. Among the total PLWHA, the rate of HIV/AIDS cases for African Americans is a shocking 401 per 100,000 persons. By comparison, whites have a rate of just 49 HIV/AIDS cases per 100,000 persons. (Quarterly HIV/AIDS Analysis, pages 10 and 12, HIV/AIDS Surveillance Section, Communicable Disease and Immunization Division, Bureau of Epidemiology, State of Michigan, 3 July 2003).

In all risk categories (except health care worker and receipt of blood products), African American MSM had a larger proportion of persons with risks than white MSM. The rates for sexual contact of African American MSM as compared with their white counterparts

Are as follows:

~ 59% of AA/MSM also had sex with a female, versus 37% of white MSM.

~ 16% of AA/MSM had male-to-male anal sex with IDU, versus 11% of white MSM.

~ 11% of AA/MSM had heterosexual sex with IDU, versus 6% of white MSM.

~ 25% of AA/MSM had heterosexual sex with someone who was HIV positive but whose risk for infection was unknown, versus 14% of white MSM. 

A study done in 1999 by the State of Michigan indicated that 39% of AA/MSM in Southeast Michigan also had sex with women (Using Behavioral Data to Target Prevention Activities in the Black Community, 1999, Michigan Department of Community Health, Pratt et al). When one compares that to the more recent figure of 59% (State of Michigan, 2003), the data would suggest a dramatic rise in the number of AA/MSM having sex with women in Southeast Michigan. The 1999 study pointed out that sexual partners tend to be of the same race, stating “consequently, black women are at an increased risk for HIV infection through heterosexual transmission,” based on a study population of 1,777 HIV infected persons, of whom 74% were African American and mostly male, and of that number, 67% were AA/MSM. Most bi-sexual African American men have more than one male and female sex partner, the study stated, which puts their partners at higher risk for HIV infection. Additionally, use of injectable drugs by some African American men further increases risk of transmission. Because many of these men are not current injectors, they may not be considered intravenous drug users (IDU's) by their sex partners.

Prevention activities in the African American community should be designed to address the most likely modes of transmission, the study concluded. For African American men, this includes MSM behavior. For African American women, this includes heterosexual contact not only with IDU's, as is commonly perceived, but with bisexually active men as well. Often these AA/MSM, some of whom self-identify as heterosexual, do not disclose information about their sexual encounters with men to their female partners. African American women now make up the fastest growing group of newly-infected individuals (CDC, MMWR 2003), contracting the disease mainly through their heterosexual contact with AA/MSM.

Interventions that draw from a framework of community organizing, peer influence and personal empowerment have demonstrated efficacy in engaging AA/MSM and partners, especially with regard to HIV Prevention (HIV and Young African American Men Who Have Sex With Men: A Narrative Overview of Southeast Michigan, 2002, Anderson). Further, many AA/MSM share concerns regarding their place within the larger African American society, often affecting their health-seeking behavior. Successful interaction with AA/MSM on the part of community-based organizations is vital to stemming the tide of the epidemic.

To be successful, according to the CDC, HIV prevention must address the diverse communities affected by the HIV epidemic, where prevention efforts must focus on groups at greatest risk, and programs must be relevant to the lives of the target population -- appropriate to age, culture, community standards, and language, designed with input from the affected community and delivered by organizations and people with credibility in that community. The CDC recognizes CHOW for their highly successful efforts to this end, developed over a decade of service in the City of Detroit and the Midwest region, and the more importantly, the potential for applying these activities on an expanded national scale, to significantly improve access, quality, and utilization issues regarding HIV/AIDS services for a wider audience of African Americans across the USA.

While this award comes at a critical time, federal funds alone cannot tackle this disease that has taken such a foothold in the African American community. Future success depends not only upon the continued diligence of CHOWÂ’s committed staff, but also in large part upon the private financial support from the greater community it serves. It is hoped that through this honor from the CDC, there will come a greater awareness of CHOWÂ’s many accomplishments during the past decade, and the important work they are about to embark upon, which it is hoped will result in an increase of private donations, the very lifeblood of this worthy community-based organization, having a 501(c)3 non-profit status. Such community support has funded CHOWÂ’s advocacy, health training certification and specially tailored capacity building assistance throughout the many challenges of the past decade, whose exemplary work has now brought CHOW to national attention as a true Detroit success story.

For more information, and for those interested in making a financial contribution, please contact Mr. Schawne Parker, Executive Director of Community Health Outreach Workers, Inc. (CHOW), at tel.#: (313) 963-3352, fax#: (313) 963-4579, e-mail: chow@chowlinks. org

Contact:

Mr. Schawne Parker

Executive Director

Community Health Outreach Workers, Inc. (CHOW)

Phone: 313/963-3352

FAX: 313/963-4579

E-Mail: chow@chowlinks. org

Website: www. chowlinks. org/ (http://www. chowlinks. org/)

The New Yellow Ribbon Program Provides an Exceptional New Education Benefit to Post-9/11 Veterans

The New Yellow Ribbon Program Provides an Exceptional New Education Benefit to Post-9/11 Veterans

Welcome Home, and Welcome to Campus.

Tampa, FL (PRWEB) November 11, 2009

Earlier this year the Post-9/11 G. I. Bill (http://www. usnewsuniversitydirectory. com/post-911-gi-bill. aspx) went into effect, changing and expanding the education benefits available to veterans who have served since September 11, 2001. These benefits include the government paying up to 100% of tuition directly to any school the beneficiary chooses. This is generally considered an improvement over the Montgomery G. I. Bill, which made veterans pay tuition up front and then reimbursed them later.

However, government tuition and fee payment in the Post-9/11 G. I. Bill is capped at the rate charged by the most expensive undergraduate public institution in the veteran’s state of residence. This means that post-9/11 veterans attending graduate school, an out-of-state school or a private college will probably not have all – or even most – of their tuition covered by their benefits.

Unless they take advantage of the Yellow Ribbon Program (http://www. usnewsuniversitydirectory. com/yellow-ribbon-program. aspx), that is.

The Yellow Ribbon Program – officially known as the Yellow Ribbon G. I. Education Enhancement Program – is a provision of the Post-9/11 G. I. Bill that allows degree-granting colleges and universities to help veterans pay tuition costs exceeding the usual cap. Under this arrangement, educational institutions can volunteer to pay up to 50% of the additional tuition and fees, and the Department of Veterans Affairs will match them dollar-for-dollar. So attending a private or out-of-state school that participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program means up to 100% of the tuition can be covered, even though that tuition is greater than the cap set by the Post-9/11 G. I. Bill.

Not all veterans are eligible. Only those who are entitled to the maximum G. I. Bill benefit rate qualify, which means that:
They must have served an aggregate period of active duty after September 10th, 2001 of at least 36 months Or they must have been honorably discharged from active duty for a service-connected disability and have served 30 continuous days after September 10th, 2001

Dependents of a veteran can be eligible for a Transfer of Entitlement if the veteran’s service meets the criteria listed above.

Of course, not all colleges and universities participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program. When deciding on where they want to apply, eligible veterans should research both the U. S. News University Directory sponsor schools (http://www. usnewsuniversitydirectory. com/yellow-ribbon. aspx) that are taking part as well as the complete list (http://www. gibill. va. gov/GI_Bill_info/ch33/YRP/YRP_List. htm) of participating institutions.

Veterans of the U. S. Armed Forces have made enormous sacrifices on behalf of this country and its citizens. They deserve more than gratitude – they deserve every possible consideration to help them find success in civilian life. This Veteran’s Day, those who qualify are encouraged more than ever to take advantage of the Post-9/11 G. I. Bill and Yellow Ribbon Program. None are more worthy of an opportunity to achieve the American dream.

Contact:
Matthew Speer, Director, Sales and Marketing
U. S. News University Connection
866-442-6587
Http://www. usnewsuniversitydirectory. com/yellow-ribbon-program. aspx (http://www. usnewsuniversitydirectory. com/yellow-ribbon-program. aspx)

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Universiti Industri Selangor Partners with Malaysian Genomics Resource Centre Sdn Bhd in a Bioinformatics Research and Collaboration Initiative

Universiti Industri Selangor Partners with Malaysian Genomics Resource Centre Sdn Bhd in a Bioinformatics Research and Collaboration Initiative

Malaysian Genomics Resource Centre Sdn Bhd (MGRC), announced a partnership with Universiti Industri Selangor (Unisel) that will see the provision of the latest bioinformatics technology, consultation and support for the University's Bachelor of Bioinformatics programme.

Kuala Lumpur (PRWEB) April 6, 2007

Malaysian Genomics Resource Centre Sdn Bhd (MGRC), today announced a partnership with Universiti Industri Selangor (Unisel) that will see the provision of the latest bioinformatics technology, consultation and support for the University's Bachelor of Bioinformatics programme. This programme is one of the first to be launched in Malaysia, based on this new industry-led format.

According to Prof. Dr. Lokman bin Shamsuddin, Dean of the Faculty of Biotechnology and Life Sciences at Unisel, "We are excited to have the opportunity to work with an industry leader in bioinformatics and genomics research such as MGRC. This Malaysian company has shown significant growth both locally and internationally by securing leading universities, institutions and biotech companies worldwide as partners and customers."

By utilising cutting-edge, high-speed bioinformatics applications from MGRC, Unisel will gain a clearer appreciation from an industry perspective on the overall direction and trends in bioinformatics around the world. For the duration of the collaboration, it is anticipated that Unisel and Malaysia will be able to leverage unique strengths in areas such as biodiversity and agricultural biotechnology research while students and researchers at Unisel will gain access to proven methods and approaches in contemporary bioinformatics research.

The key objective for Unisel, in line with the national biotechnology directive, is to create and build a foundation and knowledge base to ensure continued growth of life sciences research in Malaysia. The only way to do this is through effective education and empowerment programmes with the support of proven successful industry partners such as MGRC. Such synergistic partnerships between academia and industry have proven to be a successful model in preparing students for positions within the biotechnology industry.

Munirah Abdul Hamid, Executive Director of MGRC, said, "Unisel's pragmatic approach in course curriculum development and industry partnership programmes is essential to support the medium and long-term goals of establishing Malaysia as a leader in biotechnology research within this region."

Multi-tier collaboration programmes such as that between Unisel and MGRC are seen as critical in assisting this overall direction and to convert academic research and innovation into tangible research of commercial value.

About MGRC
MGRC offers researchers worldwide online access to high-throughput bioinformatics applications, and genomic research services. The fundamental technology underlying MGRC's services is the proprietary SynaBASE platform. SynaBASE finds all patterns in genomic data and stores them into a network structure. Applications built upon this database platform exhibit very significant improvements in analysis scalability, sensitivity, specificity and performance. MGRC is a privately held bioinformatics company whose primary activities are based upon ongoing R&D related to its core technology and the support of its user base in the USA, Europe, Asia and Australia.

About Unisel
Unisel is a university fully owned by the Selangor State Government, specializing in technology based courses. Unisel networks with many industries especially those located in Selangor and this aspect is reflected in its curriculum. Since its inception in 1999 Unisel has become one of the most progressive universities in Malaysia. Faculties and academic centres in Unisel include the School of Biotechnology & Life Sciences, Faculty of Medical Science, the Lifelong Education Centre (UNISELEC) and many others. Unisel currently has two campuses which are at Bestari Jaya and Shah Alam.

Contact
Patricia Chan
Marketing and Communications
Malaysian Genomics Resource Centre Sdn. Bhd.
Www. mgrc. com. my

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New Ford Focus Options for SE and Titanium To Be Available At Castrucci Ford

New Ford Focus Options for SE and Titanium To Be Available At Castrucci Ford

Castrucci Ford professionals focus on achieving customer satisfaction by providing education about the full range of options offered by Ford, and by helping customers experience Ford cars and trucks for themselves.

(Vocus) October 29, 2010

Mike Castrucci Ford of Alexandria, the number one Ford dealership by volume in Kentucky, specializes in offering a full line of Ford cars and trucks to buyers. Castrucci Ford professionals focus on achieving customer satisfaction by providing education about the full range of options offered by Ford, and by helping customers experience Ford cars and trucks for themselves.

For the upcoming 2012 model year, Castrucci will be offering customers the opportunity to experience the soon-to-be released and completely redesigned Ford Focus. The new car in the already popular Focus line will feature new convenience options and new trim levels, in a car that Mike Castrucci Ford of Alexandria will offer to consumers as soon as it’s available.

With the upcoming model, Ford listened to consumers and give consumers the opportunity to choose between SE and Titanium models, each with new options and enhanced characteristics.

Speaking of the development of the redesigned Focus, Mark Rushbrook, Ford vehicle dynamics manager for the 2012 Focus, said, “Our enthusiast customers told us exactly what they want in an all-new Focus. They asked us to give Focus more responsive handling, and they asked that we develop and offer a factory-engineered handling package with beefier suspension hardware. We’ve done just that, fine-tuning a pair of available packages for mid-level SE and up-range Titanium models.”

As part of the upgrades, the 2012 Focus will receive a handling package including a “specifically tuned electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) system, independent Control Blade rear suspension and torque vectoring control.”

The Sport SE Package will offer many features including “sport-tuned suspension, 16-inch aluminum wheels, sport seats, four-wheel disc brakes, piano black grille, metallic interior trim accents, leather-wrapped steering wheel and standard five-speed manual transmission.” Meanwhile, the upscale Titanium trim level will offer “optimized suspension components, special 18-inch alloy wheels, low-profile summer performance tires and a trunk-mounted full-size spare.”

Mike Castrucci Ford of Alexandria offers a wide selection of 2010 and 2011 Ford Focus sedans available now, many starting at less than $20,000 for those buyers in need of a well-equipped, reliable and economical car today. For those planning ahead, Castrucci Ford will be bringing the new 2012 Focus to buyers in Kentucky as soon as it is available.

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Element Eden and The Collective Sound Summer Music Academy Announce New "Let it Be Heard" Music Contest for Girls

Element Eden and The Collective Sound Summer Music Academy Announce New "Let it Be Heard" Music Contest for Girls

This summer, Element Eden Skateboards and The Collective Sound (TCS) Summer Music Academy present the "Let it Be Heard" Music Contest for Girls. To enter, participants must submit a link of their video or recording on the Element Eden website. Links can be to MySpace, YouTube, Vimeo or any other social media site. Submissions by girls age 12-18 are automatically entered for a chance to win full tuition to TCS's 3-Week Summer Music Academy in Emeryville, CA at Ex'pressions College of Digital Arts and St. Mary's College (July 26th - August 15th). Also up for grabs, for those over 18, are "head-to-toe" Eden wear and an Edirol R-09HR Recorder. The contest closes July 9th, 2009.

Laguna Beach, CA (PRWEB) June 18, 2009

This summer, Element Eden Skateboards (http://www. elementeden. com) and The Collective Sound Summer Music Academy (http://www. thecollectivesound. com/Summer-Music-Camp) present the "Let it Be Heard" Music Contest for Girls in a joint effort to showcase young female musicians and spoken word artists.

To enter, participants must submit a link of their video or recording on the Element Eden website under "Let it Be Heard" (http://www. elementskateboards. com/dynamicProducts/contest_eden3.php). Links can be to MySpace, YouTube, Vimeo or any other social media site. Submissions by girls age 12-18 are automatically entered for a chance to win full tuition to TCS's 3-Week Summer Music Academy in Emeryville, CA at Ex'pressions College of Digital Arts and St. Mary's College (July 26th - August 15th). The Collective Sound is the world's first touring music camp, and the winner will participate in the Element Youth Movement CoOp Tour (http://www. ymctour. com), a five-stop youth music, education, and art event that travels to various cities across California.

Also up for grabs, for those over 18, are "head-to-toe" Eden Wear and an Edirol R-09HR Recorder.

The contest closes July 9th, 2009 and will be judged by Element Eden Advocates Motaji Booker and Ishle Park, as well as Zac Smith, Director of The Collective Sound.

Quote, Attributable to Zac Smith, Founder and Director, The Collective Sound

"TCS really wants to encourage young female songwriters to develop their skills and this contest is just another way to accomplish this goal. It will also allow the winner the opportunity of a lifetime to collaborate in writing, recording, and performing with other youth at our Summer Music Academy."

About The Collective Sound (http://www. thecollectivesound. com)
Founded in 1998, The Collective Sound Music Academy presents youth, age 12 to 18 years of age, from varying socio-economic and cultural backgrounds, with an authentic and collaborative musical experience in performing, recording, and touring through the vehicle of current music genres, affecting positive personal and social change through creative expression.

TCS works with leaders in the music industry to provide one of the most innovative music education programs in the world by developing music resources, programs and environments including summer camps and after school programs. In 2005, TCS became the first ever music academy to introduce a touring component to its three-week summer camps creating another learning dimension for students, and raising public awareness around youth issues. TCS is currently based in Laguna Beach, CA.

Press Contact:
Zac Smith
Email: zac(at)thecollectivsound. com
Tel: 530-693-2058

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Statistics Show Early Drinkers Have More Problems with Alcohol

Statistics Show Early Drinkers Have More Problems with Alcohol

Data indicates that one third of people who received treatment for alcohol abuse reported their first intoxication being between the ages of 15 and 17

(PRWEB) April 20, 2005

In 2002 there were more than 680,000 people who received treatment due to alcohol being the primary substance abused, and more than a third of them reported having gotten drunk for the first time between the ages of 15 and 17. This data comes from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services AdministrationÂ’s Treatment Episode Data Set.

This report also showed that 37 percent of the group became intoxicated before the age of 14. In all, nearly 90 percent of people in treatment for alcohol abuse that year reported getting drunk before the legal drinking age of 21.

Of the more than 22 million people in need of treatment in the United States, nearly 15 million list alcohol as the primary substance, and only a fraction of them actually receive it.

“I was 16 the first time I got drunk,” reports Lucas, who at 27 has now been clean and sober for over five years, “My drinking escalated through the latter part of high school and I eventually dropped out of college twice because of my alcohol abuse. Everything else took a back seat to drinking.”

As a graduate of the Narconon Arrowhead Drug Rehabilitation and Education Program, Lucas is now a Certified Chemical Dependency Counselor and Narconon Prevention Specialist helping prevent kids from going down the same road he and too many others traveled.

“I am very grateful for my family and for Narconon,” he says. The Narconon program is based on the research and developments of American author and humanitarian L. Ron Hubbard’s drug-free rehabilitation methodology.

Drug and alcohol education and prevention efforts are the primary factor in keeping our nationÂ’s youth from becoming statistics, and the responsibilities lies with parents, teachers, ministers and other family and friends, not just anti-drug organizations who work at it full-time.

There are only a few times a year when drug and alcohol use is thrust into the national spotlight, and April is one of them since it is Alcohol Awareness Month. Other times include National Recovery Month in September and Red Ribbon Week at the end of October, where the focus is on education and prevention.

For more information or to get help for a loved one in need, contact Narconon Arrowhead today at 1-800-468-6933. You may also visit www. stopaddiction. com and www. alcohol-addiction. org.

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The Malpractice Crisis in America: Tort Reform vs. Asset Protection

The Malpractice Crisis in America: Tort Reform vs. Asset Protection

The medical malpractice crisis is reaching national proportions. State legislatures as well as Congress are looking to tort reform as the answer. While waiting for the laws to change, however, there are other answers for medical professionals.

(PRWEB) August 8, 2002

Just follow the headlines. Malpractice insurance and the medical profession are in trouble, again. Rates are skyrocketing and physicians are rapidly dropping out of specialty practices. Richard Corlin, MD, from Santa Monica, Calif., and past president of the American Medical Association has gone on record as saying that a dozen states -- Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Washington, and West Virginia have already reached the breaking point. Thirty others are getting there quickly.

That it has reached a national pitch is without question. On July 25, 2002 President Bush speaking in North Carolina, called for federal tort reform legislation that would mirror what was done in California over three decades ago, placing caps on jury awards. Depending on which side of the issue you take, it was either fortunate or unfortunate that less than a week later the Senate voted 57-42 to kill an amendment that would have capped lawsuit awards and limited lawyer contingency fees.

Recent headlines out of Nevada provide further evidence that lawmakers at the state level are struggling to deal with the crisis. During a recently concluded special session where the tort reform war was waged, the legislature passed a $350,000 cap on pain and suffering awards.

Doctors in the state are hailing the decision as if it were going to save the medical profession. Insurers have been quoted as saying that it is a positive change, if it can withstand the court challenges that are sure to come. Trial lawyers have bemoaned the change and see it as special interests getting the better end of the deal at the expense of victims and their families.

Tort reform has always been the primary argument pressed forward whenever discussion about what to do with the malpractice insurance problem has been brought up. In fact, the AMA has declared federal tort reform as itÂ’s number one legislative priority for this next year.

But tort reform doesnÂ’t always work. Group members of Physician Insurers Association of America have pointed out that in many states the courts have ruled tort reform measures as unconstitutional. Tort nullification has taken place in Idaho, Illinois, North Dakota, New Hampshire, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Washington.

Even in states where tort reform has been upheld, doctors have still been held liable for judgements exceeding the caps imposed. Courts in Alabama, Colorado, and Texas have all upheld awards for amounts that exceeded the states’ statutory limitations. As Sarah Lawhorn, president of a malpractice insurer has stated, “Some jurors freely admit that they’ll overlook whether the doctor violated the standard of care if they feel sorry for the plaintiff.”

So, the question looms large in the minds of many practicing physicians, “When will relief finally come and what do I do until then?”

Taking an entirely different approach to the same crisis and providing an answer to this nagging question is the National Medical Foundation for Asset Protection. They provide education and training to physicians and dentists on total asset and medical malpractice protection. By sponsoring AmericaÂ’s top authorities on malpractice protection and prevention, the Foundation will present to over 100 medical and dental organizations in 2003.

“We have been sponsoring speakers to present to medical and dental organizations for over 15 years,” said Cameron Taylor, executive director for the Foundation. “Our goal is to help physicians and dentists stay in practice, teaching them ways to protect their personal assets as well as structure their practices in a way so as to preserve their ability to keep doing what they do best…taking care of patients.”

The Foundation, located in Provo, UT, was started by Jay W. Mitton, MBA, JD. Nationally known as “The Father of Asset Protection,” Mitton is the best selling author of the book Cover Your Assets: Lawsuit Protection. He started the Foundation to help achieve his life mission of educating the world on lawsuit and asset protection.

The speakers, who are sponsored by the Foundation at no cost to the medical and dental professional organizations, speak on a wide range of topics. They address how to protect your practice, assets, and property in the event of a judgment in excess of your malpractice insurance. Strategies are presented on how to protect IRA and pensions from judgments, seizures, and creditors as well as how to maintain the focus of your medical practice on improved patient care rather than malpractice defense.

Proven alternatives to costly malpractice insurance are presented as well as the advantages and disadvantages of “C” and “S” corporations. Legal steps that can be done in minutes to ensure 100% asset protection are offered as well as a myriad of other strategies.

Are such strategies and measures useful in the face of the crisis facing the medical profession now? A Chicago, IL based attorney who attended a Foundation-sponsored presentation believes so. “As the representative of three to four hundred doctors we have concluded that this seminar is a must for the asset protection of each and every doctor practicing in the United States today.”

Members of the Massachusetts Medical Society think so. At their annual meeting in 2002 emphasis was placed on the importance of becoming more educated about the importance of using the right asset planning and protection strategies.

The malpractice insurance crisis is real. Doctors are leaving the profession. Tort reform is needed. But, it may come to late or not at all for many who will face litigation challenges in the meantime. Asset protection strategies and practices can and do work to minimize lawsuit damages. The National Medical Foundation for Asset Protection is available to educate and provide answers on how to do it.

To contact the National Medical Foundation for Asset Protection, visit them online at www. nationalmedicalfoundation. org or call them at 1-800-375-2453.

“Pulse On America” to Feature Real Estate Investing Institute

“Pulse On America” to Feature Real Estate Investing Institute

The purpose of Real Estate Investing Institute (REII) is to educate anyone “serious about investing in real estate.”

Deerfield Beach, FL (PRWEB) April 8, 2005

New Line Media Solutions is pleased to announce the selection of Real Estate Investing Institute for its innovative, educational television series, Pulse On America. The company will be featured in a segment on “Investment Opportunities” in the Models of Excellence Series, based on their excellent reputation for success.

The purpose of Real Estate Investing Institute (REII) is to educate anyone “serious about investing in real estate.” REII’s emphasis focuses on two areas of education: first, how to acquire property through creative and conventional methods, enabling students to invest competitively in their market. Second, training in asset and tax protection, enabling students to increase their profitability and maintain their assets over the long term. This education is accomplished by mentoring students on a weekly basis. REII educates individuals who have a sincere desire to make changes toward achieving their financial goals. The education assists students in developing strategies that will enable them to meet their goals. Through education REII has been able to help many people take control of their financial future.

Real Estate Investing Institute mentoring offers a wide variety of training techniques in: foreclosures, pre-foreclosures, creative financing, landlording, no money down, lease option, tax lien/tax deeds, probate, discount mortgage and many other aspects of creative real estate.

The educational process consists of two types of mentoring:

The first is the Tax Lien & Foreclosure resource line. This program gives the student access to mentors via a toll-free number and provides him with access to a websites that enable them to research tax liens and auctions across the country via the Internet, and focuses on all aspects of REO and foreclosure information. The second program is the "Personalized Mentor" which gives the student a proactive/reactive learning experience, working one on one with an expert for twelve months. The mentor will evaluate the student’s situation, identify strengths and weaknesses, and walk the student through every aspect of their investing, once again eliminating “trial and error”. The student has access to his mentor by phone, fax, and e-mail.

These programs are designed to work in tandem with each other to give the student the best real estate business background, and the most diverse education possible.

Mentoring gives the flexibility to receive training from the comfort of the student's own home or office and provides specialized software programs to accompany the education.

Several times a year, REII hosts three-day real estate investor workshops. Students are taught hands-on, how to turn their knowledge into a successful retirement plan and home-based business.

REII products and services are based on proven principles, that when applied, produce positive results in the lives of individuals and families.

For more information, see www. reii. com

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In Their Prime, Women Face Far Greater Stroke Threat Than Men: Leading Neurologist & Stroke Specialist Discusses Unique Risk Factors, Symptoms and Prevention

In Their Prime, Women Face Far Greater Stroke Threat Than Men: Leading Neurologist & Stroke Specialist Discusses Unique Risk Factors, Symptoms and Prevention

Stroke is often a misunderstood condition - particularly among women. While it is true that men outnumber women among stroke patients over the age of 65, a new study reported at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference 2007 found that women between the ages of 45 and 54 are up to 2.5 times more likely to have a stroke than men in the same age group.

Brooklyn, NY (PRWEB) May 11, 2007

Despite its standing as the third leading cause of death and the number-one cause of disability in the U. S., stroke is often a misunderstood condition - particularly among women. While it is true that men outnumber women among stroke patients over the age of 65, a new study reported at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference 2007 found that women between the ages of 45 and 54 are up to 2.5 times more likely to have a stroke than men in the same age group. In fact, due to differences in risk factors, symptoms and response rates to treatment, the American Stroke Association reports that in the general population nearly 50,000 more women than men in the U. S. suffer a stroke each year, and over 30,000 more women than men die as a result of their stroke.

"Women - particularly younger women - have distinct risk factors that put them in greater danger of a stroke," explains Dr. Susanna Horvath, M. D., a neurologist and stroke specialist at New York Methodist Hospital in Brooklyn, NY. "Sadly, women in the 'prime of life' age group (35-65 year-old) - which accounts for a quarter of all stroke victims each year - are largely unaware of the unique risks, symptoms and prevention strategies they need to know in order to protect themselves from stroke," Dr. Horvath adds.

Stroke has reached epidemic status in the U. S.; according to the CDC, 700,000 Americans suffer a stroke each year, and approximately 150,000 Americans die each year due to stroke - making stroke the third leading cause of death in this country. It is also the leading cause of disability in the U. S., costing the healthcare system more than $63 billion annually, according to the American Stroke Association.

Roughly 80% of all strokes are ischemic, caused by clogging of one or more arteries by plaque or by a blood clot, preventing blood flow to the brain. For women at risk, Dr. Horvath says, education and awareness is key. "There are three critical things women need to know in order to prevent, recognize, and ultimately survive an ischemic stroke," she notes.

1. The risks are higher, but manageable
Dr. Horvath believes that, while the results of the new study were surprising, they are understandable. "Women in their late 30s and 40s are experiencing pregnancies at a greater rate than ever, or are frequently taking birth control pills, while women in their 50s and early 60s sometimes are beginning hormone replacement therapy (HRT) - all of which increase the risk of stroke," Dr, Horvath notes. "More importantly, women in these age groups need to watch for the development of high blood pressure and diabetes, the two highest risk factors for stroke," Dr. Horvath adds. "Even physiology, which dictates a larger waist-hip ratio (WHR) for women than men, puts us at greater risk, as studies have linked increases in tummy fat with elevated risk of stroke," Dr. Horvath points out.

The key to prevention, Dr. Horvath explains, is education. "Women need first to understand that stroke is a serious threat, and then to educate themselves about their own personal risks." When an assessment of basic factors like weight, high blood pressure and/or cholesterol, WHR, smoking, pregnancy and hormone use reveals a high risk, Dr. Horvath recommends a visit to a medical doctor or specialist to discuss stroke prevention. "Patients need to know that the four key factors to preventing stroke are controlling blood pressure, cholesterol levels and blood sugar, and avoiding smoking," she concludes. "It is important for women at risk to seek out and take advantage of the resources available to them in order to achieve these preventive measures."

"Here at New York Methodist Hospital, we have been designated as a Stroke Center by the New York State Department of Health, which means a great deal to women at high risk of stroke," Dr. Horvath explains, adding, "For example, we have a team of neurologists and other specialists on-call 24 hours a day, providing a full spectrum of preventive and treatment services for stroke."

Individuals with symptoms may be referred for testing to determine whether there are blockages of the carotid arteries, the neck arteries that carry blood to the brain. New York Methodist Hospital's Vascular Laboratory is fully equipped to provide these non-invasive studies. Advances in surgery and neuroradiology now offer highly effective treatments for narrowed carotid arteries that significantly reduce the risk of a stroke.

2. Know the Signs
Recognizing the signs of stroke is crucial for a positive outcome. Classic symptoms of stroke include numbness, tingling, loss of speech and partial paralysis. However, according to another study reported at this year's Stroke Conference, women are 33% less likely to report one of these symptoms than their male counterparts. Instead, more women report such symptoms as fainting, shortness of breath, dizziness and sudden pain right before having a stroke. "It is critical for women to recognize that our stroke signs may differ from men's, and to seek medical attention immediately - even if the symptoms don't fully mesh with the usual signs of a stroke," Dr. Horvath cautions. "Many patients - women and men alike - spend precious time 'waiting out' the signs of a stroke at home, thinking the symptoms may pass, but this can mean the difference between receiving lifesaving treatment or not," she adds.

Once patients get to the Emergency Room, Dr. Horvath encourages them to communicate if possible their belief, based on risk factors and/or symptoms, that they may be having a stroke to the Emergency Room staff immediately upon arrival in order to maximize their chances of receiving the only drug approved by the FDA to treat and reverse the effects of a stroke in its earliest stages.

3. Get The Treatment Fast
"Time is brain," says the American Stroke Association, based on the fact that the best chance for a stroke victim's recovery lies within the first three hours of the onset of symptoms. It's only during this timeframe that the clot-busting drug tPA - tissue plasminogen activator - can be administered safely before the risk of bleeding in the brain becomes too high. What's more, the closer the patient is to the three-hour time limit, the less effective tPA will be. Although there are other treatment options once the three-hour window has closed, they are more invasive than tPA. "TPA dissolves a clot and restores blood flow to the brain, increasing the patient's chances of survival, recovery and functional independence following a stroke," Dr. Horvath notes. "Yet its limitations prevent it from helping all stroke victims, and so the research community is hard at work seeking out new therapies for stroke patients," she concludes.

Bio:
Susanna E. Horvath, MD is a leading medical expert in the area of stroke. Dr. Horvath is currently New York Methodist Hospital Stroke Program Director. Previously Assistant Clincal Professor at Long Island College Hospital Dr. Horvath is a member of The American Heart Association, The American Stroke Association on their Scientific Council, The New York City Stroke Council and the Epilepsy Foundation Greater New York Chapter Professional Advisory Committee. Dr. Horvath received her medical training at Semmelweiss Medical School in Budapest, Hungary and completed her medical training at the State University of New York at Buffalo. Dr. Horvath is Board Certified in Neurology and Vascular Neurology and has been actively involved in public education. More information about Dr. Horvath and about the stroke program at NYM can be found at www. nym. org.

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Carcinogen Found in Many "Natural" Skin Care Products, One Skin Care Specialist Fights Back

Carcinogen Found in Many "Natural" Skin Care Products, One Skin Care Specialist Fights Back

Dr. Teri Dourmashkin was shocked when she found the results of a recent study: a number of skin care products that claim to be "natural" or "organic" have cancer-causing ingredients.

New York, NY (PRWEB) April 21, 2010

Dr. Teri Dourmashkin was shocked when she found the results of a recent study: a number of skin care products that claim to be "natural" or "organic" have cancer-causing ingredients.

The Organic Consumers Association (OCA) revealed that ethoxylation - a process that provides mildness to harsher ingredients - produces 1, 4-Dioxane, which, according to the state of California, is a chemical that causes cancer. Because it is considered a by-product, companies are not required to list 1, 4-Dioxane on their labels. While this has already been revealed to be present in a number of conventional skin care products, this is the first time the toxin is shown to be in many self-proclaimed, but not certified, "natural" and "organic" products.

"People purchase 'natural' and 'organic' products because they feel these products will be better for their health," says Dr. Dourmashkin, who holds a Doctoral Degree in Health Education from Columbia University. "These 'natural' labels may mislead consumers into rubbing toxins on their skin."

For this reason, Dr. Dourmashkin founded La Vie Celeste Skin Care, Inc., (http://www. laviecelesteskincare. com (http://www. laviecelesteskincare. com)) and is releasing a new line of anti-aging skin care products designed to take advantage of powerful antioxidants and other natural ingredients - without opening you up to the risk of overexposure to many harmful ingredients.

In particular, Dr. Dourmashkin uses only R-Lipoic Acid in both her face and eye creams. Research indicates that R-Lipoic Acid may have far superior anti-aging properties when compared to the more commonly used Alpha Lipoic Acid.

"By only using non-toxic ingredients, we make La Vie Celeste products safe for all skin types, including sensitive skin. Our products can help bring back a healthy, youthful appearance that can help boost a woman's confidence, with no harm done to her skin or her health."

La Vie Celeste's complete line of anti-aging products is available for immediate purchase at http://www. laviecelesteskincare. com (http://www. laviecelesteskincare. com), or call 1-866-921-9599. The products will soon be available at the New York City Fifth Avenue office of Dr. Raphael Kellman, M. D., who specializes in internal and holistic medicine.

"La Vie Celeste Day and Night Restorative face cream truly represents the next phase in cosmetics. I highly recommend it to my patients," Dr. Kellman stated.

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Minnesota School of Business/Globe College Selects CUnet’s Exclusive VLMS to Attain Enrollment Objectives

Minnesota School of Business/Globe College Selects CUnet’s Exclusive VLMS to Attain Enrollment Objectives

CUnet, an industry leader in the performance-based Educational Marketing and Managed Services sector, announced that it has been selected by Minnesota School of Business/Globe College to implement its exclusive Vendor Lead Management System.

Wyckoff, NJ (PRWEB) October 31, 2005

CUnet, an industry leader in the performance-based Educational Marketing and Managed Services sector, announced that is has been selected by Minnesota School of Business/Globe College to implement its exclusive Vendor Lead Management System. By enrolling in CUnet’s Vendor Lead Management System, Minnesota School of Business/Globe College joins the ranks of many other prestigious educational institutions throughout the country. 

CUnet’s Vendor Lead Management System provides powerful marketing intelligence which enables Minnesota School of Business/Globe College to proactively and efficiently maximize their enrollment objectives, while minimizing costs. CUnet manages multiple vendors and provides quality leads for Minnesota School of Business/Globe College by way of their network of interactive education portals. CUnet also manages all of the school’s lead providers, ensuring that each vendor is in compliance with the goals and regulations set forth by the school. In addition, CUnet’s Vendor Lead Management team secures additional vendors as needed to satisfy the school’s enrollment goals each month. The experience and professionalism of CUnet’s Implementation Department allows for a seamless transition for both the school and their vendors.

“CUnet is very excited to have been chosen by the Myhre family as their partner for interactive enrollment growth and vendor management,” said Tom Ferrara, CEO of CUnet. “The combination of our technology and business processes and their high quality education will ensure continued enrollment growth in the years ahead.”

“Minnesota School of Business/Globe College is one of the leaders in higher education in the Midwest. We are encouraged by our partnership with CUnet to expand our success nationwide.” said Mark Myhre, Marketing Coordinator for Minnesota School of Business/Globe College.

About Minnesota School of Business:

Minnesota School of Business has been providing specialized career training programs for more than 125 years. They have grown to be one of the most recognized and highly respected providers of private business, medical, and computer education in the Upper Midwest. Classes are offered both day and evening for full-time and part-time students. Many classes and programs are also offered online, providing students with an opportunity to participate in distance education. Visit www. msbcollege. edu for more information.

About CUnet:

New Jersey based CUnet, has solidified its reputation as a leader in the Educational Marketing and managed services industry. CUnet currently provides over 2,300 campus and online schools with performance-based Educational Marketing, lead generation, and vendor management services. Leveraging the flagship portal, www. CollegeandUniversity. net, along with over 1,300 media driven Education Channels it powers for geographically targeted TV networks, radio networks, newspapers, and career portals, CUnet has become the destination of choice for schools seeking branding, lead generation, and student recruitment. The CUnet network of education portals has a reach of over 1 million unique education seekers each month.

For more information please contact CUnet at http://www. cunetcorp. com/contactus. asp (http://www. cunetcorp. com/contactus. asp) or 201-560-1676

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Next Step Prep Helps Students Navigate the Road to College Life

Next Step Prep Helps Students Navigate the Road to College Life

Next Step Prep is dedicated to partnering with families to guide their high school students through the process of researching and selecting colleges, evaluating their choices, applying to college, and preparing them for their first year. This fall, beginning September 23, 2007, Next Step Prep will offer a lecture-style course, weekly for 12 weeks that will take high school students on an in-depth journey through the college admissions process.

Dallas, Texas (PRWEB) August 22, 2007

As the 2007-08 school year begins, students throughout the Metroplex are abuzz with excitement about the months ahead of them. High school juniors and seniors must make every moment count when it comes to preparing for college, and that is when it's time to turn to the Next Step College Preparatory Group (Next Step Prep).

Next Step Prep is dedicated to partnering with families to guide their high school students through the process of researching and selecting colleges, evaluating their choices, applying to college, and preparing them for their first year. This fall, beginning September 23rd, Next Step Prep will offer a lecture-style course weekly for 12 weeks that will take high school students on an in-depth journey through the college admissions process - and what better place for the program to take place than on the campus of Southern Methodist University.

There are many reasons why families will find that Next Step Prep is essential in their student's college application process. The Next Step Prep courses include "Financing the Easy Way", which educates students and families on scholarships and financial aid research, aimed at reducing families' concerns about paying for a college education. Students will also participate in "Essays that Pay", covering the best strategies for essay writing and personal statement development, a critical component that can result in a students' admittance or rejection. "Fill with Appeal" is a course session that guides students through building a great high school resume, allowing them to better promote themselves for their college applications, recommendations and financial aid applications. "The Major Pain" allows students to pinpoint their career interest and major ensuring the wisest decisions are made for school research and selection. Next Step Prep students will also greatly benefit from panel discussions with current students, recent graduates and special guest speakers from the College Board, test preparation services and college admissions representatives. Upon completing this program, students' admittance to the college of their choice and their satisfaction with their major selection is greatly increased due to the information, exposure and preparation gained; and they are properly equipped to take the Next Step.

Information session info:
Registration / orientation session September 23, 2007 at 3pm - 5pm
Southern Methodist University - Hughes Trigg Center (lower level
3140 Dyer Dallas, TX 75275

About Next Step Prep
Next Step Prep is professional college advisement firm located in Richardson, TX that specializes in helping Dallas Metroplex students gain admission to the college of their choice. Next Step Prep advisors work with students and families through interactive course sessions and through individual counseling. Whatever the needs are, Next Step Prep aims to walk hand-in hand with students as they take steps in the direction of success at the college of their choice.

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Peter Singer and the Universist Movement Evaluate State of American Culture War; Is Judeo-Christian Morality Unethical

Peter Singer and the Universist Movement Evaluate State of American Culture War; Is Judeo-Christian Morality Unethical

Famed Bioethicist Peter Singer sits down with the Universist Movement for a discussion of the state of the American "Culture War." Universists advocate individual moral reasoning free of faith and other forms of outside authority. Singer, like the Universist Movement, has become a favorite target of cultural conservatives for refusing to participate in their moral jingoism.

New York, NY, (PRWEB) October 28, 2005

The Universist Movement will host philosopher Peter Singer on Sunday, October 30th in a live online discussion with its members at 9PM Eastern. Singer, Decamp Professor of Bioethics at Princeton University, provided a philosophical justification for animal liberation so compelling it generated an historic global movement. He is today our most influential and controversial thinker in the field of bioethics.

Though an Australian, Singer has become a touchstone figure in America's culture war. Singer's ethical conclusions are often cited by raging evangelical Christians as a prime example of the "evil" of moral relativism. Singer is not the type of relativist that believes one person's opinion is as good as anyone else's. Singer makes famously strong ethical judgments himself about the rights of animals and the responsibilities people in the first world have towards people in developing countries. Singer argues that actions are right or wrong depending on their known consequences, "not whether it conforms to a rule." Ethics cannot be reduced to simple and universally applicable principles. Ethics are as complex as the situations that require their application. The rightness or wrongness of an action is relative to the particular case considered. This form of utilitarian ethics directly opposes the faith-based morality cultural conservatives advocate.

Albert Mohler, Jr., President of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, routinely refers to Peter Singer as "notorious." Yet it is Mohler's logic that is notoriously flawed. Mohler believes that Christians have only one argument against the devaluation of human life - the theology that we are "made in the image of God." That a principle intellectual leader of America’s 40 Million Baptists believes they will devolve into murder and mayhem without this one article of faith is troubling indeed. Mohler unwittingly highlights the moral bankruptcy of modern Christianity.

Singer's ethics value quality of life, distinguishing between personhood and the human species. It is "characteristics like rationality, autonomy, and self-consciousness" that give a being value. Mohler and other evangelicals, including President George W. Bush, enjoy labeling their view the "Culture of Life," and Singer's view the "Culture of Death." The Culture of Life means sustaining life at all costs and in all states, whether a ball of cells in a uterus or individuals in Terri Schiavo's state of brain destruction. It would be far more appropriate to label the evangelical position the "Culture of Yogurt." Strikingly ignorant of the fact that "life" includes yeast, bacteria and mice fetuses as much as humans, evangelicals have staked their theology on a distinction in semantics, not in reality.

Universists value quality of life, not membership in the Human species for its own sake (Universists are not Humanists). Universism values an activity transcendent of species identity, the conscious being's ongoing search for meaning in the universe. The search requires freedom, opportunity and education.

About The Universist Movement

The Universist Movement is an international nonprofit organization focused on individual wellbeing, social progress, personal responsibility and the promotion of existential questioning. It advocates Universism, a rational religious philosophy elevating relative truth at the expense of group authority in metaphysical questions.

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