Why Do Registered Sex Offenders and Pedophiles Like MySpace?

There is no charge to use MySpace, no registration fees; MySpace is used by many teens and most give out a great deal of personal information.

Why would a registered sex offender and a pedophile not love this environment? This is dreamland for these people. They can access over 50 million people, from their own homes, and no one knows it! Think about it...50 million...that's frightening!

Now one of the Internets largest social networking sites, MySpace has become the ideal environment for sex offenders and pedophiles. They can easily just blend into the environment, often passing themselves off as teenagers MySpace does not have adequate staff to monitor their users, and in spite of the fact they say they are doing all they can, there is little comfort in the knowledge that no one is really watching what is going on. If we know that, the sex offenders and pedophiles know it as well.

MySpace is where kids go to share everything about their lives in daily blogs. MySpace does prohibit users posting addresses and phone numbers, but, like in all avenues, we know that teens don't always follow all of the rules. With MySpace's admitted short-staffing, who is there to monitor what is posted?

When you register for your page on MySpace, you are required to fill out your personal profile. You are required to be 14 for a MySpace account, however, with the short-staffing-no-monitoring-issue that is so prevalent at MySpace, this rule becomes a joke.

All a sex offender or a pedophile has to do to get to your child is to read their personal profile and just send an invitation for conversation.

Most of the time they will claim to be a teen themselves, creating a whole online identity to match. They will usually start out this new friendship by talking about things they "have in common", music, sports, hobbies, peer pressures, whatever they can glean from the child's profile.

Once they have gained your child's trust, they will move on to conversations that have a more sexual nature. It is important to note here, that it is possible to have conversation on MySpace that is not visible to others.

Open your own MySpace account and learn all of the functions of the website. If your teen has an account, invite them to be your friend, they can not refuse, and this will allow access to their site.

If the account is set to private you can not access their page if you are not on their list of friends. All a predator needs to do is send an invitation to a private account. Many teens have thousands of online "friends."

Sex offenders and pedophiles both know that in spite of the rules and regulations of MySpace, if a child ignores their advances and follows proper protocol by reporting these advances, that MySpace, is so understaffed that there really is not much that can be done. All a predator needs to is establish another profile and begin searching again.

So set some rules for your kids if they are now using MySpace or plan too.

1) Make it mandatory that you have access to their MySpace page.

2) Get their MySpace login info and password.

3) Don't allow them to post personal information about themselves such as where they go to school or what school sports teams they play.

4) Set very clear expectations for your child and hold them to those expectations.

Amy Cainfield is a child advocate and expert on the dangers of social media for children. She is also a contributing editor for the MySpace watchdog site, http://www.MySpaceMonitor.com and teen chat acronym site, http://www.TeenChatDecoder.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Amy_Cainfield

Educational Toys and Early Childhood Education

arly childhood education is basically defined as children learning through play. It is important that parents begin educating their children from infancy to six yeas of age through interaction and introducing educational play which will aid in the development of these crucial areas...

* Physical Development: Developing fine and gross motor skills. Basically movement is the key, crawling, walking, running, climbing, throwing, touching and eye-hand coordination.
* Social Skills: Teaching children how to interact with others, how to share and co-operate with others, how to build strong relationship that will last as well as social etiquette and good manners.
* Emotional Development: Building self-esteem, self-awareness, self-confidence, as well as recognizing and understanding various feelings and emotions.
* Language Development: The expression and or vocalization of symbols and sounds as perceived and interpreted by an individual through the growing and learning process.
* Creativity: Developing unique and special abilities and talents in your child
* Cognitive Skills: Developing the ability to learn and solve problems, understanding the world around them, their environment and gain knowledge.

This may sound like a task that is overwhelming for the average parent and parents may be under the impression that they need an advanced education in early childhood development to help their children grow in these areas, but this is far from the truth. Certainly knowledge of this caliber would be a great asset, but children in this age group actually grow and learn through their playtime.

Years of research shows that educational toys actually promote and aid in the development of the above crucial growth areas. Specific types of experiences stimulate various areas of the brain, which, in turn develop a child's physical and mental abilities. However, any toy will provide some educational and developmental benefits. So parents must keep in mind that not every toy that claims to be educational is in fact educational and may not necessarily develop these crucial areas of early childhood development. Even the most successful educational toys have their limits. Educational toys are most effective when parents provide quality interaction with their children.

The educational and developmental success and advances of any society depends upon a parent's desire and ability to foster the health and well-being of their children, the next generation. In other words, parents have a responsibility to their children to prepare them for what lies ahead. When parents fail to provide chil­dren with what they need to build a strong foundation for healthy, productive and successful lives, the future is at risk.

We all must remember that today's children will become tomorrow's adults, which also means tomorrows parents. So parents, spend time with your children, introduce educational toys into their playtime and have confidence that the investment you make in your children will produce successful, productive parents of your grandchildren.

APlusEducationalToys is committed to helping children have fun while they learn and grow. With over 30 years of experience in child development, early childhood education and over 25 years in children, youth and family ministry, we offer you expert advice and guidance choosing age appropriate, creative educational toys for your child. For more information and to view our products, come visit us at...

http://www.apluseducationaltoys.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Barry_Slimm

Child Locator Devices - Are They Better For Teens Or Young Children?

Oh that relentless argument...To pry, or not to pry. Many parents are split on this issue. Some demand a major level of involvement into their teens' private life in the name of protection - and some just agree to let kids be, well - kids. This could probably go down as the debate of the century. Not only do parents have to decide how far they will take their prying concerns, but they also have to choose common sense when it comes to keeping tabs on a "little one," and child locator devices can do just that.

When asked, some parents will say that they wouldn't track their teen with GPS. The reasoning behind this: "Kids have to learn and make mistakes just like we did." Others say that they absolutely would track their teens if they were continuously breaking the rules...But, better yet - if they are constantly breaking rules they might as well lose all privileges that result in freedom, therefore annulling the need for tracking at all.

Either way, and however you slice it, there is a need for GPS tracking in certain circumstances. You as the parent probably already know this. That decision is something you will come to and carry out for the benefit of your family and your child's safety.

I would say that it is much easier to make this decision when it comes to the younger children. They are so much more vulnerable than a teen. They wander, Just imagine the situations they could end up in with no defense - no skills to find their family or fight back if they have been kidnapped. This is where GPS tracking becomes priceless. With an inconspicuous device located on or in your child's belongings, back pocket, necklace and various other places, you could make the difference between a disaster and a close call.

Read up on the most advanced child locator devices on the market at http://www.squidoo.com/childlocatordevices.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tressa_B.

Inflatable Trampolines - The Ultimate Party Supply

Inflatable trampolines can be fun and useful -- imagine how much fun your guests will have at your next party with an inflatable trampoline. They can be rented easily, are quick to set up and take down, but best of all they are super fun for all. Imagine for a moment being able to play like a kid again!

Why Rent an Inflatable Trampoline?

Renting an inflatable trampoline is easy, and it can provide hours of entertainment at your next event. I know you have seen them, just think of your last major picnic or harvest festival. Yup, there was one there, usually filled with kids, sometimes with balls or balloons for added pleasure. Just think, neighborhood parties, special events like graduations or other celebrations are great times spent with the kids or adults all burning off the extra cake or punch energy, and you can sit back and relax.

Where to Rent An Inflatable Trampoline

Party rental stores and sports stores are the obvious first stop for your rental. They supply them to dozens of birthday parties and company picnics every week and will have the most information and best staff to help you in setting up your party rental. The key is to make sure you give yourself and the store you're renting from enough time, so as you will have it on the day it is needed. Don't wait until the last second, or you might not find what you're looking for.

How to Set Up An Inflatable Trampoline

First, find a level flat spot preferably on smooth grass. Remember, do not set up the trampoline on cement. Doing so will simply increase the risk of injury, and that will ensure a fun filled day ends the wrong way. Next, lay it out flat and be sure to smooth out the top part.

Second, most come with a pump or air fill, be sure to make sure of this when renting one. Hook this pump up and plug it in. It is that easy. Now continue to set up your party, the inflatable trampoline will be ready in about 3 hours, sometimes less. It might be a good idea to set it up the night before. To take it down, just reverse this process, fold it up neatly for the next person, and put it back in its case. That's it, but be sure to have lots of fun.

Setting up party favors and the like is akin to making sure everyone has a good time, and adding an inflatable trampoline is a really good way to see that everyone has a good time. So long as you're careful and plan ahead, you and your kids will have a great time.

Nashville is the home of more than just country music and Opry Mills Shopping Mall, it is also the home of the best party rentals and inflatable jumpers as well. What are party rentals and inflatable jumpers?

Well, the names pretty much stay true to the definitions. When having a party, whether you have children or it's just the adults, renting "inflatables", "jumpers" and "inflatable jumpers" is the way to go in terms of smuggling and infusing 100% pure fun into the atmosphere and equation.

In other words, party rentals=special occasion fun, for any occasion and more importantly, all occasions!

Some people think that party rentals and inflatable jumpers, even in the fair weather city of Nashville, Tennessee, are only for summer, spring and fall. Well, actually winter is the time when more and more Nashvillians are going indoors to auditoriums to experience the joy of jumpers and instant excitement of inflatables. Not every Nashville party rentals jumper inflatables company is the one to choose.

In fact, according to the most recent research on the subject, statistical data has produced some very important questions that need to be asked and then answered by the nashville party rentals and inflatables company that you choose to ensure that you have chosen the very best.

For the sake of just giving the facts, below is listed the top 5 questions that you need to consider before joining in the fun and the answers following them:

1.What type of events do they host?

The best Nashville party inflatables co. must provide fun for just about any event such as birthday parties, corporate parties, fundraisers, church socials, school carnivals, or any other special event.

2.Can they set up on concrete?

In most cases, yes. Usually when people ask this question they are referring to setting up in their driveways. The only requirement is that the best Nashville party rentals / inflatables co. have to be able to stake the bouncer to the ground to keep it from moving or blowing over.

3.What is the age recommendation?

The best Nashville inflatables company will always tell you on their website that Bouncers are recommended for children ages 2-14.

4.Are the bouncers safe?

The bouncers are very kid safe. They are enclosed, except for the entrances which have a safety net, so kids will not fall out or get hurt.

5.What are bouncers made of?

The bouncers are made of commercial quality, 18-ounce, heavy-duty, fire resistant vinyl which is safe and durable

Wholesale Products - Multiple Suppliers

The majority of the suppliers here are the actual manufacturer for the products they offer so you can get some really good prices. Suppliers were invited by the auto-manufacturers to be directly involved in research and development, not only in car/parts design, but also in manufacturing processes at the auto-manufacturer and the supplier. In order to obtain a fountain you can try Party Rental firms who might be selling off used ones, try a manufacturer, try local party good suppliers and also of course surf the internet in search of the bargain you really want when you go to buy a chocolate fountain. And does the manufacturer have a system in place to verify that the ingredients used are what their suppliers claim.

Collaborative B2B e-commerce requires the exchange of data and business processes between multiple business partners such as suppliers, traders, buyers and distributors necessitating a large complex infrastructure that may cost between $30,000 to a few million dollars. Add in a competitive market with multiple suppliers and conservative buyers in the UK. For example, if you choose to offer people something based on the TV show "Crystal Maze", the suppliers will bring in multiple copies of each of the challenges (and maybe even the crystal dome itself) and effectively run multiple concurrent smaller events.

Imagine how much more effective the solution can be for complex integration of multiple suppliers with diverse geographic locations and reduced transfer of inventory. Here are some ways to negotiate successfully with your suppliers. The legend that "You never get fired for buying IBM" was one of the bits of marketing genius that came out of this and successfully kept other suppliers with better, more innovative and cheaper products out of their market for a long time. Here are the steps you must take in order to import products successfully: Locate several suppliers either through online resources or by contacting Trade Commissions of respective countries.

She's Come Undone - Hair and Makeup Trends Straight From the Spring Runways!

Early-morning workouts notwithstanding, faded makeup and unkempt hair are usually more closely associated with sluggishness than sex appeal. But at the spring 2006 shows in New York, Milan, and Paris, underdone beauty made a memorable appearance on virtually every runway. The effect: a confident, self-assured woman whose seeming spontaneity only adds to her allure. Fortunately, this season’s take on au natural isn’t for flawlessly skinned supermodels only; the following ten trends are sprinkled with enough flattering twists that any woman can pull them off with aplomb.

In the Nude

Underscoring fashion’s return to minimalism, spring makeup was decidedly more discreet than any we’d seen for seasons. “The goal is to create an ‘is she or isn’t she?’ look,” says makeup artist Viviane Hidalgo of Miami’s Primal Studio. “For most women, that means using a concealer, a primer, and a moisturizer mixed with foundation to achieve good coverage.” In real life, a look completely devoid of color can run the risk of looking deadly, so Hidalgo urges women to use a subtle shade to emphasize their best feature. “If you’ve got great eyes, for example, add a little definition in the corner,” she suggests.

On the Runway: At Chloé, models wore only a smidge of liner along the top lash line; at Balenciaga, freshly scrubbed faces were enhanced with hints of carefully chosen color; and at BCBG Max Azria and Christian Dior, makeup was barely there at all.

Best Bets: Maybelline New York Revitalizing Concealer, Laura Mercier Oil-Free Foundation, Olay Complete Moisturizer, M.A.C. Prep + Prime Skin

Rope Trick

Each season seems to spawn a signature hairstyle, and for spring, braids were the models’ crowning glory. If you haven’t worn them since the sixth grade, however, you may want to look before you leap. “It’s a very young look,” says Kim Lépine of the Lépine New York salon. “If you’re young and funky, you should do them everywhere, allover,” she recommends. For older or more sophisticated ladies, Lépine suggests “a single braid toward the back of the head as an elegant detail for a bun or an updo.”

On the Runway: Funky cornrows ruled the L.A.M.B. runways; at Rochas, hair was plaited into skinny, princess-worthy halos; Viktor & Rolf’s stylists opted for ropey, oversize versions; and at Calvin Klein, strands were swept into a single loose, low-maintenance braid.

Best Bets: Goody Exquisite Rat Tail Comb, Mason-Pearson Brush, Biosilk Silk Therapy, Sebastian Shaper Hairspray

Hot Lips

In a season of understatement, some makeup artists relied on ruby lips to add a dose of drama—a classic, glamorous look that makeup artist Troy Surratt loves. “A bold, sexy red lip is especially perfect for winter,” he maintains. What’s more, “you don’t need to be scared of it. If you’re using a red lip, just remember to play down the rest of your face.”

On the Runway: Lips were a matte cherry at Alessandro Dell’Acqua, a glossy rich scarlet at Costume National, and a warmer tomato shade at Emanuel Ungaro.

Best Bets: Maybelline New York Moisture Extreme in Royal Red, Chanel Le Crayon Gloss in Grenadine, Urban Decay Pleather Pencil in Kink, Nars Lipstick in Heat Wave

Heavy Metal

Sparkly shadows in shades of gold, silver, and bronze made a strong showing on virtually every runway. According to Surratt, “shimmer can play up anyone’s eyes, and golden shades tend to be the most flattering.” The key, he emphasizes, is dolling out the dazzle in small doses: “Be sure to keep the shadow on the lid, and use only a tiny bit to highlight your brow bone.”

On the Runway: At Alberta Ferretti, golden shadows highlighted the eyes’ inner corners, darkening to bronze at the browbone; Anna Sui used just a hint of sheen on the lids and lower lash lines; Chanel opted for a futuristic silvery shade; and John Galliano’s metallics (in keeping with the couture) took a Felliniesque turn.

Best Bets: Maybelline New York Roller Color in In-Line Ice, Bare Escentuals Foiling Glimmers, Girlactik Beauty Sparkle Eye Liner Set, Benefit Show Offs

Brown-Eyed Girl

Spring’s mink, sienna, and sable eye shadows proved that browns are anything but boring. “It’s a nice balance between nude and made-up, and there are a bazillion browns to choose from,” says Bobbe Joy of the Bobbe Joy Makeup Studio in Beverly Hills. “To amp up a neutral shadow, add a line of gold or iridescent shadow from the lashes to the crease, right down the center of the lid,” she says. “It’s still a natural look, but it really opens up the eye.”

On the Runway: At Andrew Gn, eyes were enhanced with a warm walnut; at Celine, makeup artists opted for an offbeat ochre shade; Moschino’s chocolate shadows were coated with glitter across the crease; and at Vera Wang, eyes were swept with a more unassuming ecru.

Best Bets: Cargo Eye Shadow in Cocoa Beach; Cover Girl Eye Enhancers in Mink; Too Faced Eyeshadow Duo in Full Frontal; and Afterglow Multitasking Eye Shadows in Champagne Shimmer, Dune, and Coco

Pretty Slick

Despite its gangster associations, slicked-back strands looked surprisingly fresh and pretty on the runways. In real life—without a team of stylists at your disposal—“the look is best suited to those with thin, fine, or straight hair,” says hairstylist Lindsay Rider of the Bang Salon in Washington, D.C. Assuming you have the appropriate hair type, start by coating freshly washed strands with a smoothing cream, then blow-dry and finish with a shine spray. To ensure an end result that’s sleek, not slimy, “use less product in the beginning,” Rider suggests; “you can always add more later on if you need to.”

On the Runway: Hair was swept into shiny ponys at Chloe and Prada; Narciso Rodriguez used glossy strands to create an ultramodern French twist; and Alexander McQueen split the difference, slicking back strands in front and leaving them loose in the back.

Best Bets: Tigi Bedhead After-Party Smoothing Cream, Frédéric Fekkai Glossing Cream, Redken Vinyl Glam 02 Mega Shine Spray, Citre Shine Mist Anti-Frizz Spray Laminator

Doll Face

Continuing a trend that began last fall, makeup artists relied on rosy blushes to give the models a fresh, pretty glow. For a convincing flush, rather than’80s-style racing streaks, selecting the right product is key. “You want to avoid pigments that are too heavy for your skin tone,” Hildago explains. “Creams and stains tend to work better on skin without enlarged pores, while powders tend to complement less-perfect complexions.” In either case, “you should use a round motion to get good blending, and remove any excess with a tissue,” she adds.

On the Runway: Carolina Herrera’s models got a healthy pale-pink flush, while Zac Posen’s and Anna Molinari’s were treated to a more intense rosy shade.

Best Bets: Chanel Joues Contraste Blush in Rose Bronze, Nars Orgasm Blush, Fresh Blush Powder in Charm School, Cargo Blush in Topeka

Smudge Report

Thin is eternally in on the catwalk, but at the spring shows, makeup artists eschewed skinny sweeps of liner in favor of thick, more imprecise spoltches. According to Hildago, blurring the lines beautifully is largely a matter of choosing the right the product. “To achieve a diffused look, use a soft kohl pencil to rim the eye,” she says. “Black can be very intense, so depending on your coloring, you may want to try a neutral brown or taupe instead.”

On the Runway: At Donna Karen, eyes were enhanced with a smudge of black liner on the inner corners and an abridged cat’s-eye on top; at Givenchy, the lines were thicker and more intense, continuing around the entire eye; and at Louis Vuitton, dark lines were seamlessly blended with progressively lighter shadows on the lids and brow bones.

Best Bets: Revlon Colorstay Eyeliner in Black, M.A.C. Eye Kohl Liner in Smolder, Benefit Bad Gal Liner, Estee Lauder Artist’s Eye Pencil in Softsmudge Black

Wet 'n' Mild

On many runways, makeup artists used lip glosses to give neutral palettes a dewy sheen. To give your gloss more staying power, “first prep your lips with a bit of foundation,” Surratt says. “Then line them with a shade very close to your natural lip color, and fill in with a light gloss.” The liner, Surratt explains, will “prevent the gloss from bleeding on to the rest of your face.” And if you opt for a nude, lustrous lip, “play up your eyes, and add a little highlighter to your cheeks,” he suggests.

On the Runway: Pouts got a pale-pink polish at Behnaz Sarafpour, a rosy sheen at J. Mendel, and a coral-colored glaze at MaxMara.

Best Bets: Giorgio Armani Fluid Sheer Foundation, Clinique Sheer Shaper for Lips in Blushy, Stila Lip Polish in Glisten, Smashbox Lip Gloss in Shoot

Bronze Age

For years now, makeup artists have used self-tanners and bronzers to give porcelain-skinned models a faux glow. But for the past few seasons, we’ve seen the fad evolve into a subtler, more believable bake—a trend that continued on the spring runways. “Self-tanners and bronzers can give nice color,” Joy says, “but they tend to have a lot of orangey tones, so you need to choose the right one. One size definitely does not fit all, especially if you’re pale.” For a more realistic glow, “use a blush on the apples of the cheeks, too,” she suggests. And remember, “your head is sitting on your neck, so don’t forget to apply these products to your neck, shoulders, and décolletage.”

On the Runway: Skin was tawny Michael Kors, a rosier glow at Oscar de la Renta, and glowing bronze at Versace.

Best Bets: Jergens Natural Glow, Clarins Liquid Bronze, Bobbi Brown Bronzer and Blush Duo, Stephane Marais Bronzing Powder

A Fine Mess

Deliberately disheveled manes provided a chic contrast to slick strands and cascading curls at the spring shows. According to Lépine, getting a sexy just-rolled-out-of-bed look requires a careful balance between chaos and control. “Use soft-hold products, like light gels, waxes, and pomades, to give the mess some order,” she says. “At that point, you can leave it loose or secure the hair discreetly with pins for a casual updo.”

On the Runway: Strands were messy and sexed-up at Libertine; pulled into haphazard updo’s at Luca Luca; and left loose and wavy at Roberto Cavalli and Missoni.

Best Bets: Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray, John Frieda Beach Blonde Ocean Sea Waves, Aveda Purefume Brillant Humectant Pomade, Matrix Biolage Shaping Crème Wax