Free Glide

Many people have discussed the pros and cons of choosing tattoo art as a means of adorning the human form with both meaningless and meaningful symbols of conformity or rebellion, depending on the message conveyed. There are commonly discussed risks both social and physical associated with this practice, but there are other considerations that do not often make the obvious warning list.

Aside from disease risks associated with a tattoo from someone using dirty needles, potential infections, or unexpected skin reactions, there are other significant physical risks to the proud owner of a new design. These risks increase exponentially according to how unique, eye-catching, and meaningful the design is in the eye of the beholder. The location and pattern of a tattoo can prove to be a very good means to assist in identifying people in situations where they may not wish to be so well noticed. Certainly, there are a number of career paths and lifestyles which call for discretion and anonymity that can be compromised by having easily identifiable marks, which can disqualify or endanger people who might otherwise want to pursue these directions. If someone is implicated in criminal activity, a vivid tattoo can strengthen the testimony of a witness, whether they are mistaken or correct in their accounting of events.

For Christians, the Bible offers a warning against believers allowing themselves to be tattooed. Whether one cares to heed these Biblical warnings or not, most specific references such as these are mentioned to help us avoid the pain and suffering we will endure by taking the opposite direction. There is also the added irritation which eventually sets in with explaining the Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How of the decision, to a never-ending stream of those who are curious. A tattoo is like an advertising billboard beckoning the viewer to ask the owner for details. Do you want to talk about the same painting for the next 80 years? Human beings are primarily designed to function as creatures of change, whether they accept this innate quality of their nature or not. By nature, our desire for change does not tend to mix well over an extended period of time with things that are fixed and immutable; even art. As lifestyles change over the years, so do our tastes and desires for things of the past. Someone from the 1960’s who might have chosen a large peace symbol tattooed on their chest as a gesture of deep social comment, might find their statement labeling them as a goof in modern times, even among their own contemporaries.

As it is with so many of mankind’s contrived social activities intended as expressions of our creativity, the value of body art can best be put into perspective by employing the clarity that comes with hindsight. In my own encounters with those who have lived and died before me, I have never heard any dying person confess that they wished they had gone ahead and had that thing tattooed on their butt.

If living expenses are eating up your budget, one of the most popular solutions is to find one or more roommates to share them. Rent for a multiple-bedroom apartment is usually not significantly higher than that of a single bedroom or studio unit. So actually, with a roommate to share the expenses, you’re able to live much more cheaply.

There are many places where you can find people who are also looking for roommates. Check the classified section of your newspaper and with acquaintances. Post a notice at your church, at work, or, if you’re a college student, on a bulletin board at school. There are also several websites which focus on finding roommates and living accommodations.

Choose Your Roommate Wisely . . .

You must keep in mind that you’ll be living closely with this person (or persons) so there are several things you should consider when choosing your roommate:

• Make sure that your schedules and interests will compliment each other. If you like a quiet life and your roommate loves to invite people in for impromptu parties, it’s probably not a good mix.

• How you live is another issue that should be considered. If you’re a neat freak and your prospective roommate is a slob, there will be problems.

• If you’re a pet owner it’s important to find someone who shares your love for animals.

• Be sure and specify whether you wish to room with a smoker or non-smoker.

• If you plan to share shopping and cooking responsibilities choose a person who likes the same types of foods you do.

These are just a few of the issues that must be resolved if you intend to live in harmony with other people. Take the time to get to know a little about the person with whom you intend to share a home. It will prevent a lot of difficulty later.

Agree On the Rules From the Start . . .

1. Choosing a location:

If you have already chosen a roommate, or roommates, and are looking for an apartment, be sure you only consider locations that are convenient for all of you.

2. All roommates should be included on the lease.

This will prevent anyone being left “holding the bag” if one of the roommates decides to make other living arrangements.

3. Decide how the bills will be divided.

How the rent, utilities, phone bills, etc., will be divided is extremely important. While heat, water and electricity are usually divided equally, other bills can be divided according to usage.

For example, if one roommate has a larger bedroom and a private bath, while the others share a communal bath and have smaller rooms, this should be taken into account when determining what percentage each pays for rent.

And, while the basic cost of the phone bill should be shared by all who use it, personal toll calls should be the responsibility of whoever made them.

If there are Internet and cable bills, you can hardly expect someone who doesn’t use a computer at home to share the Internet charges.

Be sure and put all of these arrangements in writing so there is no question or dispute later.

It’s a very good idea for each roommate to set up one of the utility accounts (electricity, gas, etc.) in his/her name.

4. Decide how housekeeping chores will be divided and put it in writing.

While this may seem like a lot to worry about, you and your roommates will get along better if everyone knows what’s expected from the start. Take the time to iron these things out at the beginning to prevent later dissension and hard feelings ~ you’ll have a much greater chance of living together happily and harmoniously if you do.

About the Author:

Kyle Thomas Haley has been helping people relocate on the Internet since 1999 with Apartment and Relocation Websites:

The Apartment Rental Net

Nationwide Relocation Guide

Copyright 1999 - 2005 STANZEEKAY Inc. You have permission to publish this article, free of charge, as long as the bylines are included and none of the links or content are removed or changed.

If you are a newbie magician and you want to improve your magic tricks, follow these tips and you are guaranteed to perform magic tricks that will amaze your audience.

Be Natural

The secret in having a great sleight of hand is your naturalness. There should be no hand wagging, no hand waving, jerky or quick motions. You should work naturally, deliberately, and slowly. If you master this, balls, coins, rings, cards, and coins will begin reappearing and disappearing at the tips of your fingers. Watching your angles

You should be aware of your angles. Angles refer to the sleight lines between the item that you have just palmed off and the eye of your spectators. If you do not have the right angles, the audience could take a glimpse or see the object in your hand and your trick will be caught.

Practice your palming skills wherever you go The most necessary skill of a man with a great sleight of hand is the ability or skill of palming an object that goes undetected. You could perfect this after some time of practicing palming small objects like coins in your everyday normal routine. You could palm a small object or item in both of your hands or either while writing, eating, watching TV, walking around, or doing other activities. If you practice care about the angles, no one would notice what you are doing, and after some time, what you are now doing self-consciously would later become almost natural to you. >From then on, you could be able to palm objects or items more confidently, boldly, and successful each time.

Master your presentation

Practice your presentation. A small trick that is well presented could work wonders even without the most sophisticated of techniques since the audience would most likely relate to your trick or understand it.

What good is a magician if nobody understands or enjoys his or her tricks? The presentations therefore should be straightforward, simple, and understood easily so that your viewers or watchers could understand and enjoy the complete meaning of what you have been saying and doing.

Do not replicate a trick

Do not repeat the same trick for the same viewers or watchers. That is one of the basic rules in doing magic. When you repeat a trick, your audience would immediately know what you are going to do next. What may have been a miracle for you when you did your trick for the first time may not be quite satisfying or dazzling the next time around.

I am so excited about xylitol. It is perfect for those who want their families to be healthy and cavity free. Xylitol has 40% less calories than sugar and fights cavities instead of creating them. The best part is that Xylitol tastes delicious! Substitute sugar in any recipe with xylitol at a 1:1 ratio. There is a great desert cookbook with recipes for cooking with xylitol. This cookbook contains a wide variety of delicious recipes such as black forest cake and Boston cream pie as well as recipes for cookies, pies, and ice cream!

Xylitol fights bacteria, especially the most harmful bacteria that can be found in our mouths. These bacteria can store acidic sugars to be used to decay teeth during times when we consume little or no sugar!

Xylitol is safe to be consumed by diabetics and those who are hypoglycemic because it is a sugar alcohol. It has an advantage above other sugar alcohols- it is all natural, extracted from birch trees, sugar cane bagasse, and corn cobs/stalks. That’s right- it is not created in a laboratory. It is not a synthetic chemical. It does not have an aftertaste like artificial sweeteners. Xylitol is the ultimate prevention tool when it comes to cavities.

Many people believe that when a cavity forms the only thing that will stop it is a dentist’s drill. This is not true! Xylitol can stop cavities from worsening and can eventually heal cavities by creating an environment where the tooth actually restores its enamel coating.

Is there a time for the dentist drill? Yes I think there is, when we have let mouths get so infested with decay that the tooth has died or is nearly dead. I my self have had several cavities and I don’t recommend it to anyone.

I have written three other articles on xylitol, Xylitol the Cure for Caries, The Many Bacteria in Your Mouth, and Safe, Healing, All Natural Xylitol. Each are easily found with a search engine. In all of them I have advocated the benefits of xylitol, told you why we have cavities, and even explained and given you solid research where you can find out for your self if xylitol is as good as I say it is.

However, I have yet to give you a resource for obtaining xylitol; the fact is that there are many different companies and products some better than others. I had the owner of Squiggle toothpaste call me and ask about buying a bulk order of his the product. He claims that his toothpaste is superior because it has more xylitol (36%) than the leading brands.

I think he is right, what I mean is that xylitol high products are better than xylitol low products. Just the other day I used a Crest brand toothpaste with a combination of xylitol and sorbitol, it also had tons of fillers and abrasives. Folks, if your toothpaste has a gritty sandpaper effect on your teeth, guess what you are actually destroying the very thing that protects you from cavities, your enamel. Stop buying those abrasive toothpastes, your toothbrush bristles do a fine job.

Ok so here is my list of great xylitol companies and products to buy:

Xlear, Inc. P.O. Box 970911 Orem, UT 84097. I use to work for clear in their shipping and warehousing department. Their xylitol is fairly good and is imported like most xylitol from China.

Products:
• Xlear, nasal wash Sugar in a nasal wash? We’ll cover that in another article.
• Spry Infant Tooth Gel not for pain when teething, but for stronger permanent teeth, see my article titled Safe, Healing, All Natural Xylitol.
• Spry Cool Mint Toothpaste
• Spry Cool Mint Oral Rinse
• Spry Gum, spearmint, peppermint, cinnamon, and fresh fruit
• Xylosweet, sugar substitute or as they call it sweetener
• SparX Candy, berry, citrus, fruit

Probst Farms 3350 South Probst Lane Charleston, Utah 84032. They buy their xylitol from Xlear, Inc. or at least they used to when I worked for Xlear, Inc.

Products:
• Sugar Free Jam Preserves, apricot, mountain berry, peach, raspberry, strawberry, and wildberry.
• (Sugar meaning “sucrose”)
• Sugar Free Diet Syrup, maple and wild blueberry
• Sugar Free Honey
• Sugar Free Tomato Ketchup

Epic Industries, Inc. Provo, UT 84601. One of the founders of Epic Industries, Inc. actually use to work early on for Xlear, Inc., so I guess you could call it a spin off company. I am not sure where they get their xylitol from, they use to get it from Xlear.

Products:
• Xylitol & Fluoride Toothpaste
• Fluoride Free Xylitol Toothpaste
• Gum, spearmint, peppermint, cinnamon, and fresh fruit
• Mints, peppermint and fresh fruit
• Oral Rinse, spearmint
• Euphoria Xylitol sweetener

Leaf Oy, box 406 (Krsmentie 36) 20101 Turku Finland. Claims to have the first 1005 xylitol gum, I wouldn’t be surprised, the USA has been so behind on adopting cures, the dental industry makes MORE money from us when we have more cavities.

Products:
• XyliFresh gum, 100% xylitol sweetened
• Jenkki, xylitol-sweetened chewing gum
• Lkerol Dents, xylitol-sweetened throat lozenge

Emerald Forest Xylitol, 557 #E Burbank St Broomfield, CO 80020

Products:
• Emerald Forest Xylitol Sweetener
• Lena’s Orange Marmalade
• Emerald Forest Fudge Bar, Chocolate, Chocolate with walnuts, Rum, Mint, Orange, Coffee, Maple, Vanilla, Vanilla with walnuts, Peanut Butter, Peanut Butter with Walnuts, and Lemon.
• Lena’s Peppercot Jam
• Ricochet Mints, peppermint, lemon-lime, and fruit punch
• Emerald Blend Chewable Vitamins
• Ricochet Gum, peppermint, spearmint, cinnamon, and fruit punch.

Miscellaneous Companies

Products:
• Squiggle Toothpaste
• Sweeten Your Life the Xylitol Way, recipe book by Dr. Karen Edwards

As far as xylitol resources are concerned many of the companies listed above have some great articles and research studies to back up their claims. But be studious, read the actual research sometimes companies are not allowed to tell you how effective their product actually is due to FDA regulations. Yes, only the FDA has the authority to tell us what cures what, and when something becomes a cure then it becomes a drug. So you’ll notice those disclaimers when doing your searches.

I do recommend one specific website for a great summary of what xylitol is and does. That is of course the free encyclopedia, WikiPedia found at www.WikiPedia.org. Search for xylitol you’ll find it.

John Bateman advocates healthy foods. Suggested recipe link: shepherd’s pie. Suggested xylitol link: xylitol gum.

To begin canvas work, you must first prepare a piece of canvas large enough to receive the design. ‘Large enough’ means the finished size of the design plus a margin of at least 5cm along each edge. When you are working with an uncharted design, finish size equals the dimensions of the drawing you will follow.

When a design is charted, finished size depends upon the number of canvas threads called for by the chart in relation to the threads per inch in the canvas. If the canvas is too narrow, lengths can be joined to get the necessary width. Make a pattern of the prepared canvas - it will be need when it is time to block the worked canvas.

Placing the design on canvas - method 1 This design transfer method places both the shapes and the colors of the design on to the canvas. The stitches are then worked right over the painted design. This method is recommended for use with any uncharted design, especially one that uses tent stitches only.

Before a design of this type can be transferred, both the drawing and the finished size of the canvas must be equal to the finished size of the item for which the canvas work is being done.

To transfer the design to the canvas, only use waterproof coloring pens or paints. If you are absolutely not sure about any pen, do not use it; colors that are not waterproof are likely to run while the worked canvas is being blocked. Use the painted canvas as a guide to calculate the amount of thread that will be needed.

Placing the design on canvas - method 2 This method of transfer puts the lines of the design, but not its colors, on the canvas. It is recommended for use with any uncharted design, particularly one calling for some ornamental stitches. Both the canvas and the drawing of the design as prepared as for method 1; if ornamental stitches are being used, the name of the stitch is noted in appropriate areas on the drawing.

To transfer the lines to the canvas, use markers that are waterproof and neutral in color. As you work an ornamental stitch area, modify the size or shape of the area to conform to the space needs of the selected stitch.

When you walk into a tattoo parlor, you are instantly greeted with eye-catching designs filled with color and complexity. Unless you have already decided on a design, it can be very difficult to select one on the spot. Even if you have a selected design already in mind, the artist may present you with varying possibilities that will present you with a difficult decision.

Before arriving for your tattoo, it is a good idea to have a selection of designs that you are interested in. Men and women will naturally select different images whereas the gentleman may prefer a masculine and powerful tattoo and the woman may prefer something dainty and pretty. For example, a gentleman may prefer a large tattoo with a lot of color or something that symbolizes the love that he shares for his wife or girlfriend. It is advisable that tattoo recipients give careful consideration to personalized tattoos. Why? If the relationship ends later, the tattoo will still remain unless it is surgically removed. Therefore, many gentlemen are electing to have symbols that remind them of something that they enjoy, such as a career, a hobby or a symbol that means something special to their life.

Women who decide to have a permanent tattoo will often select a dainty image, such as a heart, butterfly or floral depiction. These are small and can be placed anywhere, but most commonly are located on the hip, ankle or back of the shoulder area. Women typically select a smaller tattoo in an effort to make a statement of beauty and yet something that draws attention to a certain area, such as the leg or hip.

Even with these thoughts in mind, a tattoo is a very personal thing and must be a reflection of something that is important to the recipient. Therefore, there really isn’t a universal ‘man’ or ‘woman’ tattoo. Upon discussing various choices with the artist, a tattoo recipient will gain a better understanding of options and design choices. In addition, they will be able to browse through an image book or folder that will show a number of different tattoo choices, which will enable them to better decide which is right for them.

This article is to be used for informational purposes only. The information contained herein is not intended to be used in place of, or in conjunction with, professional medical advice or recommendations for tattoo placement. Before deciding on getting a tattoo or having one removed, the patient must consult a licensed medical doctor for medical advice and/or to determine the best course of action for his/her individual healthcare needs.

Find more about flower tattoos and many other tatoo designs on http://www.tattoos-gallery.com/

I’ve always taken pride in having an open mind …

So, when the invitation came to visit Uri Geller at his estate in the English countryside back in the summer of 1987, I couldn’t pass the opportunity to personally experience the phenomenon he represents and/or channels.

Uri Geller has made a career out of being controversial. His claims of possessing paranormal talents have not necessarily polarized opinions as much as the outrageous outlets by which he seemingly prefers to display them. For example, Geller has, at one time or another, alleged to have:

- bent spoons and keys merely by concentrating on them,
- made a soccer ball move just before a Scottish penalty kick was taken during an international match against England, causing the shot to be missed and victory assured for the English,
- stopped the hands of time on Big Ben,
- advised families that messages from the dead would appear to them in symbolic acts,
- sent disorienting mental signals to KGB agents at the request of the CIA, and
- healed people’s afflictions merely by being close to them.

Uri Geller was an Israeli paratrooper who fought in the Six-Day War and dabbled in modeling and a small-time magician’s career before bursting onto the global oddity scene by apparently having access to a part of his brain that others didn’t. He seemingly had the powers to move objects and sense thoughts and do them well enough that major media and, yes, even major governments took notice. Results may have been mixed — the CIA, interestingly, doesn’t comment either way about their contact with Geller — but they all served to perpetuate his fame (or notoriety, according to the skeptics).

When we approached his mansion, there was no doubting that his exhibitions, books, television appearances and hobnobbing with politicos and celebrities had allowed him to amass considerable wealth. Geller met us in the foyer, immediately conveying the impression that he may be a shameless self-promoter in public, but at home, he was a gracious host. This was a social call, so he was casually dressed, soft-spoken and totally unpretentious. I couldn’t say that for the furniture in his drawing room, however, as the matching sofa, chairs and coffee table were composed of huge glass-shards held together by metal spines. They were more artwork than furniture, and I was quite glad we settled in the kitchen instead.

Inevitably, our conversation broached the topic of Geller’s talents. He asked if I wanted to see them for myself and, after receiving the obvious response, he pulled a spoon from the utensil drawer and gave it to me to inspect. I can attest that it was a normal, everyday spoon; I tried to flex it and confirmed that its malleability was what one would expect from a common spoon.

Geller took it, kept it in clear view, and began to rub the stem in short, quick strokes from his index finger. Before my eyes, the spoon’s business end began a perpendicular rise, as if awakening from a nap. When it had formed a 90-degree angle, Geller stopped rubbing and handed me the spoon again. I felt the bent segment of the stem for signs of heat, but there was none. I checked to see if the tensile strength had been diminished, but it had not.

He really did it.

Geller then asked me to pull any spoon from the drawer and he’d do it again. I noticed that they were made of sterling silver — ie- a normal metal — and wondered how many he’d buy during the course of a year. Meanwhile, he repeated the feat. The only factor I noticed that could have possibly come into play was that Geller made sure he was standing in the same place both times. There was a metal radiator very close to him, but I have no idea if that played any role in the result.

He then gave me a small notebook and pen and asked me to draw something simple. He stood away and there was no chance he could see what I did. As this was summer, I opted for something totally opposite from the season and sketched a Christmas tree with a star on top. I then closed the notebook and told him I was finished.

Geller reached for a totally separate piece of paper and pen. He sat at the table, thought for a moment and began to draw. He briefly stared at me and then returned to his task. It only took another minute for him to announce he was done. He put down his pen and held up his drawing.

It was a Christmas tree, with a star on top.

I was impressed. I almost wished I had something he could heal.

I could not resist asking one off-the-wall question. I knew a prominent shipbuilding family in Spain who had access to the records of many galleons which disappeared on return voyages from the New World. Many of them were laden with gold. Had Geller ever been asked to ‘divine’ for precious metals underwater?

He didn’t bat an eye. “No,” he replied, “But I don’t know why I couldn’t.”

He pulled a book from a nearby shelf and opened it to a section of photographs in the middle. The topic was Uri Geller. The photos were allegedly taken with a sensitivity that exceeded the spectrum of light. There seemed to be a ‘cloud’ between Geller’s head and a small object of his concentration, such as a ball. The inference was that his mental projection was being physically ‘captured’ on film, joining his mind with the matter on which he was focused.

I ultimately did report to the Spanish magnates what I had seen and what I suggested. They were more than interested. One of their scions promised to get back to me, and he did, but somewhere during the course of our days, the momentum to pursue such a project faded.

I did pay closer attention to Uri Geller in the next few years. The two displays I witnessed were clearly his top talents; I read accounts of similar feats from others who had met him. However, Geller wasn’t as successful when he attempted to expand his range. For instance, he bought a soccer team, Exeter, and said he’d keep his mind off the pitch. I guess he did, as they were relegated to a lower division under his chairmanship.

Allegedly, Geller did later claim to avail his services to oil and gold companies. He said he got results, but that nobody wanted to disclose he was the secret to their success. He’s since written a number of books — some of the holistic tomes are actually quite logical and devoid of anything paranormal — and continues to enjoy the company of celebrities.

I have no idea about his talents beyond what I saw. I am convinced that what I witnessed was authentic. My lingering thought is what Geller’s displays to me could portend for the human condition. It’s a fact that 90% of our cerebrum’s utility is yet to be understood. Did all of us really have the powers of telekinesis and telepathy?

Those are deep thoughts, and I’m certainly open to further suggestions. In the meantime, if I ever come across shipping records which list a cargo of golden spoons lost at sea, I know who I’m going to call.

J Square Humboldt is the featured columnist at Longer Life’s website, which provides information designed to improve the quality of living. He’s at longerlifegroup.com/cyberiter.html

Tattoos are not new. They have been around longer then recorded history. It just seems I have been noticing them a lot more lately. I don’t know if that was because I started to take an interest or there are a lot more people getting them.

Before I decided to get my tattoo, I did some home work. I don’t come from a background of drunken sailors, so my only thoughts were those dark and dingy, back alley shops you see on late night TV. As most of you reading this can guess, I was wrong. There are clean and reputable tattoo shops even in my town. Some of these tattoo shop are even open during the day light.

I did a lot of internet searching and have learned a lot about tattoos and tattoo shops. Mostly I learned not to prejudge. But some of the things I learned I thought would be worth passing on to my kids and to whoever is deciding to get a tattoo.

Tattoos can put you at risk for contacting many diseases, such as HIV, Hepatitis and even tuberculosis. Tattoos can bring on skin infections such as impetigo, dermatitis and possibly an allergic reaction to the tattoo pigment. To minimize the risk you really need to follow a couple of common sense rules when seeking out a tattoo shop.

Stop by a tattoo shop and look and see if they are using single service equipment. Make sure all needles and tubes are individually packaged, dated, sealed. The person who tattoos should use guidelines created by OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration for the handling of body fluids. And of course, the person doing the tattoo should be wearing gloves.

After you get your tattoo, don’t pick or tug on the area of the tattoo. Clean with soap and water not with alcohol. Tattoos are sensitive to sun; use SPF 30 or greater to protect them. Also, use antibiotic cream for several days. The body considers tattoos as an open wound.

I hope anybody considering a tattoo or who has a tattoo and is getting another will just take a few precautions.

Remember friends don’t let friend’s get a tattoo while under the influence of alcohol or after just meeting Mr. or Ms. Right.

Authored by Richard Amburn http://www.body-art-online.com

Tips on Tattoos http://www.body-art-online.com

Children do not understand the concept of “stranger”. When you try to explain to them, it is even difficult to explain. Therefore, situations need to be discussed and acted out for young children to understand what to watch out for! It needs to be communicated, that strangers are not necessarily bad, but unknown. You are not being impolite to be cautious with people you don’t know, just being SAFE! 1. The child’s age is an important consideration: * Children aged 3-5: They are curious and may be naturally trusting. They also easily respond to adult attempts to be kind and supportive. Toddlers and preschoolers do not necessarily grasp the long-term consequences of potentially dangerous situations. They live in the now, hence the “mine!” attitudes. * Children aged 6-9: School age children have more of an ability to determine and understandright from wrong. They are able to remember informationand put it to practical use. They may still get overwhelmed in challenging situations. * Children aged 10-13: These children are not good judges of their ability to handle bad situations. They may also feel that they should not be scared in difficult situations and can act too relaxed about their attitudes toward risk. 2. Parent’s attitudes and approaches can make the difference. Parents must set the right tone for their children. If parents are calm when discussing tough or scary topics, children will be better able to learn and listen about the possible dangers. Parents must monitor their own fear and be careful not to alarm their children unnecessarily. 3. Deliver information in age appropriate ways. Younger children (toddlers and preschoolers) will get more out of role-playing situations and repeated conversations. Older children (school age) can discuss current events or real situations to continue the safety education process. Teaching our children and learning how they interpret the information is a continual process in order to keep them safe from stranger dangers. 4. Be aware of the specifics strangers use to get to children. Teach children not to help strangers look for lost puppies, accept gifts or candy, or get into a car with someone they do not know. 5.Work with the TASK strategy. *Talk - reminds me to discuss safety and strangers with my children. I ask them what they think a ’stranger’ is, and talk about what they should and should NOT do with strangers. *Ask - reminds me to ask my kids what they heard. This helps me figure out what they understood and what we need to work on their understanding of. *Show - is the role playing portion. This really helps younger kids learn how to put their knowledge into practice and really shows me, the parent, if they do have a complete understanding of the important safety practices. *Know - is the step of making sure your children know who, when where, and how to get help. Do they know their complete names, address, and phone number? Do they know how to dial 911? Do they know who ‘friendly’ strangers are?

6. Monitor the media. Child abductions and murders are in the news and parents should be aware of what their children are watching or hearing. Help your children separate out fact from fantasy. Changes in sleep, nightmares, and other behaviors may mean additional guidance is necessary, possibly even professional help.