Oprah, Tyler Perry and Barack Should Have Been at the Lifeskills 411 Formal Benefit Dinner

It was such an amazing event. I know Oprah, Tyler and Barak care about our youth. They are people who have proven their love for the public in the work they do. It is so admirable to see someone dedicate their life to the service of others. It takes time from your life to be giving but they do it.

The Lifeskills 411 formal benefit dinner was beautiful. Beautiful people, beautiful words and a beautiful venue. I have never been to such an amazing event. I enjoyed the charisma of our Master of Ceremonies Robert Brown from Carol H. Williams Advertising. He gave of himself and that touched me.

Kelvin McCaskel from the Oakland African American Chamber of Commerce was also there and I learned more about him and his service to the community. There were teachers, parents, business leaders and youth who stood up and showed they care that the lifeskills 411 program reaches the youth in the Bay Area and around the globe.

It was a great event and I thank you all so very much.

Julie Parker
Small Business Development Manager
Stellar Enterprise
lifeskills411.org

lifeskills 411 Formal Benefit Dinner Tomorrow Night 7-10 pm at the Oakland Airport Hilton. Please join me, Julie Parker and others support youth!

 

EAST BAY WOMEN IN BUSINESS 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

LIFESKILLS 411 TEAM MEMBERS JOINED THE EAST BAY WOMEN IN BUSINESS 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY LUNCHEON TODAY AT SCOTT'S SEAFOOD IN OAKLAND.

Here lifeskills 411 team members Lashanna Jackson, Rita Johnson, Julie Parker and Megan Tomasello joined Easy Bay Women In Business as the team promoted our February 16th Benefit Dinner at the Oakland Airport Hilton.

The afternoon was quite a blast as keynote speaker Fran Solomon has us networking, wearing fake noses and cracking up. Sponsors were Wells Fargo, Mercy Retirement & Care Center, Bank of the West, The Claremeont Resort and Spa, Marriott, LaMyx Tea Bar and Carol Koch to name a few.

Guests enjoyed a Mediterranean Chicken or Grilled Salmon with Parmesan Cheese Caper Butter Sauce. For me the best part was the Standing Ovation exercise where we practiced giving applauses to each other.

The East Bay Women in business Roundtable was founded by Alexis Wellington, Cynthia Meyer and Kathleen Dunn in 1997. It is a critical source for organizing women in business and young women who aspire to become entrepreneurs including participants such as Carol H. Williams CEO of Carol Williams Advertising in Oakland.

To get involved contact Darlene Crane at (510) 886-4483 or dcrane@pcicraneconsulting.com or Elsie Lum at (510) 272-6467 or Elsie.Lum@acgov.org

LIFESKILLS 411 THANKS NEWMAN LASIK CENTER

NEWMAN LASIK CENTER HAS BEEN A KIND AND GENEROUS SUPPORTER OF LIFESKILLS SINCE OUR INCEPTION. THEY HAVE CONSISTENTLY SUPPORTED OUR LUNCHEONS, BENEFITS AND EVENTS.

If you know someone who uses glasses or contacts to see with we suggest you have them talk to Doctor Leonard Newman who is a Yale Graduate who has performed over 50,000 lasik eye procdures.

Its so easy and painless. Many of the lifeskills 411 supporters have gone to Doctor Newman and now see with out glasses or contacts. Its like being born again with new eyes.

He offers LIFESKILLS / Stellar Enterprise amazing financing with 0 Down and low payments of just $74.91 per month. Rid yourself of the high costs of contacts and glasses once and for all. Call Doctor Newman at 1-888-415-2745. He is just down the hall from the Lifeskills 411 Center in Hercules with offices in Sacramento and Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Lifeskills 411 Needs Your Help

We are having our first annual formal Benefit Dinner at the Oakland Airport Hilton February 16th from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm and we want to be sure that we do not miss anyone who may want to attend this dinner.

Please make sure you tell your friends, family and co workers about THE IMPORTANT WORK OF LIFESKILLS 411 a results based program that is working to improve the lives of students and parents everywhere with tools and information everyone needs for life.

Positive Thinking Effective Communication Positive Relationships

Personal Awareness Goal Setting Discipline Effective Study Habits

Healthy Life Styles Understanding Cultures and more........


REFER THEM TO OUR WEBSITE WWW.LIFESKILLS411.ORG/DINNER OR CALL (510)741-2045 FOR MORE INFO. TO REGISTER ASK FOR LASHANNA FOR CORPORATE SPONSORSHIP ASK FOR RITA.
SMALL BUSINESSES/ENTREPRENEURS ASK FOR JULIE... BE SURE TO WATCH WWW.LIFESKILLS411.TV

Celeb's Can Make Difference When They Give Back!

It's about 20 after 1:00 pm and I'm at the hospital waiting for my mother to be released after her Cardiac Procedure. We went to bed early but neither of us got much sleep fearing the worst she faced in the morning. While waiting I did some napping, reading and mostly watching others as they dealt with their family members and their crisis's.

Amid all the drama, I came across an article about Celebrities Who Give back and I wondered if anyone of those celebrities who give back knows about "LIFESKILLS 411".
I guess my thoughts were there because while waiting for my turn on the computer I watched a young girl (probably 16) explore "men" on the Internet... I really did not mean to view her screen but from where I sitting it was hard to miss the young gentlemen and all their poses. It scared me to death she was talking to men who looked like a cover of a MUSIC CD... but there she was with her avatar (that looked nothing like her at all) clicking away.

I've heard the LIFESKILLS 411 founder, Michael E. Parker, talk about our youth and about the dangers of the Internet but I never had actually seen a student in action. (I've busted a few teens after the fact but never a live in action teen surfer a dating site). I was shocked and more shocked that her Dad although peeking in on her twice did not even seem to notice what she was doing online.

I guess seeing all of this is what got me thinking about how much youth in America need LIFESKILLS 411 and how celebrities can use their power to draw attention and support to a program. I read in "Delicious Living" (March '07) that Mary Steenburgen (from Parenthood and Elf) supports Heifer International an agency that gives livestock. The non profit trains the families how to care for the livestock and use them as a means of support themselves in activities such as selling eggs or milk. Despite the article being old it touched me that even a young actress like Amy Smart (from Varsity Blues) was making a difference and doing her part in supporting
Environmental Media Association (EMA) which gets environmental messages into TV shows and film.

As I ponder my thoughts I wonder, Who will champion LIFESKILLS 411 get messages youth and parents so desperately need to hear before the public eye?

How many other young girls and boys are practicing this activity every day? I hear that now youth are on the Internet even more than they are watching TV and I know why now. After watching this young girl and reading this story, I am burdened more than ever about the important role LIFESKILLS 411 will play online giving youth a safe social network with resources that promote education, entrepreneurship and global networking.

Lifeskills 411 needs a celebrity or corporate sponsor to help us in raising awareness and funds to expand this work and build the online social network these youth need. I saw today, we really do not need our youth on sites designed for adults. I am also more aware of how much our Adults need to learn what Lifeskills 411 is teaching so that they can protect and educate their youth about potential dangers on the Internet.

I've seen Lifeskills 411 change the youth in my circle and I've watched it change me just by being a volunteer but there are so many other youth and parents we must reach with this movement and we need everyone's help.

You can help us if you have access to a celebrity, corporate champion or anyone who may want to support this important cause with their time, money or participation. Many who I talk to are interested in learning more about Lifeskills 411 and supporting our causes because they have children and issues they need help with. Understanding teenagers and helping to mentor them can be challenging but we have a program that works!

I encourage you to please explore our "Program" tab on the website and watch some of the videos. Everyone can make a difference when they give back, celebrities, me and YOU! Lifeskills 411 intends to reach every student, in every city and ensure they have what they need to succeed in school, life and community.

FIRST ANNUAL BENEFIT DINNER: FEBRUARY 16TH 2008 OAKLAND AIRPORT HILTON 7 PM - 10 PM
REGISTER BY CALLING (510) 741-2045 OR VISIT THE WEBSITE AT WWW LIFESKILLS411 ORG / DINNER

Announcing Free Stuff

Hello Everyone,

If you NEED ANY FREE STUFF OR HAVE FREE STUFF to donate please feel free to post it here:

STUDENTS, DOES YOUR SCHOOL NEED ANYTHING?

ADULTS DO YOU KNOW A BUSINESS IN NEED OF THESE ITEMS?


THE VALLEJO ARTISTS GUILD IS MOVING AND GIVING AWAY MANY ITEMS !!

SAMPLE LIST:

A two door refrigerator, cabinets, book shelves, paint, chairs, two desk, file drawers, folding tables, chairs, lights decorating stuff, and lots of odd things.

This stuff will be GIVEN AWAY on, Saturday, January 26, 2008 From 2:00pm until 5:00pm

FIRST COME FIRST SERVED

BRING YOUR OWN BOXES

DONATIONS ACCEPTED, BUT NOT REQUIRED

ALSO NOTE: LIFESKILLS411 WILL BE HOSTING ITS FIRST ANNUAL BENEFIT DINNER ON SATURDAY FEBRUARY 16TH FROM 7 PM TO 10 PM AT THE OAKLAND AIRPORT HILTON. ALL WELCOME.

Being Robbed at the ATM

This post came to us from Lauren Dunn in Moreno Valley who will turn 17 on the 17th in just a few days. Lauren, Happy Birthday and Thank you for these tips. Hopefully we will never be robbed at the ATM but it is good to know how to alert the police if you are:

This is what Lauren says:

PIN NUMBER REVERSAL (GOOD TO KNOW)

If you should ever be forced by a robber
to withdraw money from an ATM machine, you can notify the police by entering
your Pin # in reverse.

For example if your pin number is 1234 then you would
put in 4321. The ATM recognizes that your pin number is backwards from the
ATM card you placed in the machine. The machine will still give you the
money you requested, but unknown to the robber, the police will be
immediately dispatched to help you. This information was recently
broadcasted on FOX TV and it states that it is seldom used because people
don't know it exists. Please pass this along to everyone possible.

Making Math Your Friend

Many students fear math and cringe when they think of a math class or exam. A decade or so ago I was in high school and I always struggled in math. The reasons I struggled were not because I was not smart but our household lacked lifeskills.

My father had a drinking problem and due to his problems with my mother our house was in constant turmoil. Doing homework was normally not discussed. I never remember either of my parents sitting down with me or ever coming to my school. Their lives were consumed with themselves and their issues.

I know I am not alone but many students face similar situations at home. There is no one there, no one cares and no one makes the time and your homework a priority. Meet lifeskills 411 who cares and is there to step up to the plate and help students learn to love MATH and their school work.

Your education is the most important thing in your life... This is the only time you will get to prepare your mind to learn all the important things you must be able to apply to your life. How much money you make and the type of friends you will have will depend on what you learn in school. If you want to survive you must make math your friend.

Do Not Waste This Time In School... It will take you about 18 years to learn all the lessons life must teach you... learn them well because your future will depend on it. If you are an adult with out math skills I suggest University of Phoenix online. You can brush up on math or any skills you may be lacking. If going back to school is too much for you and you want to save money and still gain some new skills I suggest you check out the "You Are a CEO" program at www.youareaceo.com it will give you a huge head start while teaching you executive lifeskills and the skill sets of a CEO You will live a better life... I do!

MATH

Math is the best subject because it has to do with numbers you will want to know as you get older such as:

Your salary...hopefully 100,000
How much you can spend on your house 500,000
How much you can spend each month for your car like a Porsche 1,800
How much money you can spend on going out to eat each week 500
How much money you can spend on things $500 you want.

So lets review the basics as we know that many students drop out of school (up to 60%of African American and Latino males). If you know this info then you are ahead of the game. We hope this will inspire you:

Decimal's are where the dots go and they matter. The decimal is the little . dot or period . that tell you if you have 1.00 one dollar or 100.00 one hundred dollars or 1000.00 one thousand dollars. You want the most numbers you can ahead of the decimal to get the most money.

Background:
Our number system uses a 10 digit (numbers) place system: 1, 2, 3, 4 ,5 ,6, 7, 8, 9, 10. It was first used by people from India and adopted by people from Arabia and therefore called the Hindu-Arabic numeration system.

The symbols of 1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8.9.10 are called digits and when you have a number with 2 or 3 digits it is called a 2 or 3 digit number such as in 12 which is a 2 digit number or 345 which is a 3 digit number. When you get a job you want the largest number of digits possible. You may hear people say I have a 6 digit salary which means 100,000+ min which is a six digit number or 8,333 per month.

Let me know if this is helpful or interesting.

We want to hear about your math stories. Have you done good or bad in the past? How are you doing now? What can you share with us about your fears or love of math? Both students and parents (all adults) are invited to share their math stories as we want to foster virtual mentorship.

I love now math because it tells me how much money I have and what I can do with it. Knowing my figures I feel safe and secure. Many adults also need math lifeskills so that they can manage their finances better. I suggest the Organize Your Life DVD series with a focus on the financial management DVD and the In and Out Cash Management Software and this will help you with your math.

Amazing Things Your Cel Phone Can Do

I got this from Chris Phipps the Membership Director of the Chamber of Commerce in Richmond who got it from her husband who works for AT & T.

So I assume its valid.



5 Things You Never Knew Your Cell Phone Could Do



For all the folks with cell phones. (This should be printed and kept in your car, purse, and wallet. Good information to have with you.)




There are a few things that can be done in times of grave
emergencies.

Your mobile phone can actually be a life saver or an emergency
tool for survival. Check out the things that you can do with it:


FIRST
Emergency

The Emergency Number worldwide for Mobile is 112. If you find
Yourself out of the coverage area of your mobile network and there is an
Emergency, dial 112 and the mobile will search any existing network to
Establish the emergency number for you, and interestingly, this number 112
can be dialed even if the keypad is locked. Try it out.

SECOND
Have you locked your keys in the car?

Does your car have remote keyless entry? This may come in handy
someday. Good reason to own a cell phone: If you lock your keys
In the car and the spare keys are at home, call someone at home on
their cell phone from your cell phone. Hold your cell phone about a foot
From your car door and have the person at your home press the unlock
button, holding it near the mobile phone on their end. Your car will
unlock. Saves someone from having to drive your keys to you. Distance is no
object. You could be hundreds of miles away, and if you can reach someone who has
the other "remote" for your car, you can unlock the doors (or the trunk).

Editor's Note: It works fine! We tried it out and it unlocked
Our car over a cell phone!"

THIRD
Hidden Battery Power

Imagine your cell battery is very low. To activate, press the
keys *3370#. Your cell phone will restart with this reserve and the instrument
will show a 50% increase in battery. This reserve will get charged when you
charge your cell phone next time.

FOURTH
How to disable a STOLEN mobile phone?

To check your Mobile phone's serial number, key in the following
Digits on your phone: *#06#. A 15-digit code will appear on the
screen. This number is unique to your handset. Write it down and keep it
somewhere safe.

When your phone get stolen, you can phone your service provider
and give them this code. They will then be able to block your handset
so even if the thief changes the SIM card, your phone will be totally
useless. You probably won't get your phone back, but at least you know



that whoever stole it can't use/sell it either. If everybody does this, there



would be no point in people stealing mobile phones.




And Finally....

FIFTH
Free Directory Service for Cells

Cell phone companies are charging us $1.00 to $1.75 or more for
411 information calls when they don't have to. Most of us do not
carry a telephone directory in our vehicle, which makes this situation
even more of a problem. When you need to use the 411 information



option, simply dial: (800)FREE411, or (800) 373-3411 without incurring

any charge at all. Program this into your cell phone now.

This is the kind of information people don't mind receiving, so
Pass it on to your family and friends.

What is Your Dream Travel Destination?

Check out my friend Jeffery Lyman who is a Senior Leisure Travel Consultant and runs his own travel agency at http://lymantravel.worldventuresdreamtrips.com

You can also become a travel agent easy with his easy offer.

Check it out at http://www.worldventures.com/product.html?product=carribean

I want to go to the Bahamas, I have been to Freeport at least 3 times but I want to explore Paradise Island also but first I have to get my New Years Resolution #2 handled first...yes, the weight...

Travel is a great way to learn as you explore other cultures.

Enjoy and tell us where you want to go on your next dream destination.

My New Years Resolution To Get More Sleep!

Ok, I will be honest, I have never really been a faithful New Years Resolution participant but I do faithfully set goals and quite often achieve them. Of course sometimes my good intentions stick and become a part of my life and sometimes they don't and I have to start all over again.

Since I work for Stellar Enterprise and lifeskills 411 I have learned much about goal setting and how to get to the "root" issue of the problem and for me believe it or not the root issue that hinders many of my goals was simply that I was too tired. So my resolution is to NOT BE TIRED and that means to get more sleep.

Sleep deprivation can cause moodiness, elevated stress and raise your cortisol level (especially in women with relationship issues) that keep the pounds on. To determine if you are sleep deprived ask yourself these questions:

Do you have a hard time waking up in the morning and being on time for work?
Do you feel, groggy, forgetful, achy or grouchy in the morning?
Do you have under eye circles or puffiness in the morning?
Do you seek multiple cups of coffee, energy drinks or sugary/salty treats?

If you are suffering any of these or regularly feel clumsy or inattentive you may not be getting enough sleep. The proper rest will help you maintain good health, mental alertness and can even improve your relationships and career. The proper rest will give you the energy to exercise and achieve your goals because when you are well rested everything you want to do is easier.

So, my number one goal in 2008 is to get more sleep. To me that means, I have to get home, get the house in order and get to bed early enough each day so that I am getting the proper rest to wake up early and achieve my goals. It also means budgeting emergency features which will allow myself to sleep-in one day per week just in case I feel especially tired. This means that although I plan to work out at 6:30 am every week day if I get up and feel too tired I can sleep in and trade that weekday for a weekend work out at a later time.

How much sleep does one really need? Most adults need seven to eight hours of sleep, teens should sleep about nine hours, school-aged children need 10 to 11 hours sleep, and children in preschool need between 11 and 13 hours of sleep, according to the AASM. Adults who are under stress or have a health condition such as diabetes, fibromyalgia or Hepatitis C may require additional hours of sleep to wake up feeling refreshed.

It is important that students and parents evaluate the number of hours they are sleeping to ensure that their minds are sharp and clear for the daily challenges in school and if you find that you are not getting the proper sleep take my advice and consider making it your '08 Resolution.

The lack of sleep can hinder grades and attitude in students of all ages. If your in college it may be a challenge to get your rest but since most people watch 4 hours of TV per day there may be some sacrifices you can make to get the required rest. By making "Getting More Sleep" a New Years Resolution your can improve your healthy and happiness at any age.

If you are in business or developing your life learning any new thing extra sleep can really enhance your performance in mind and body.

If you find it is hard to sleep make sure you develop a sleeping ritual: go to bed and wake up around the same time each day so your body develop a sleeping habit. Make sure your room is dark, quiet and most (other than me) prefer it on the cooler side.

Do you get your rest? Why or Why not? What tips do you have that can help others?
What other goals are you setting in 2008?

Have You Thought About A Career in Biology?

lifeskills 411 is a non profit results based program designed to assist youth and their parents learn the skills they need for a successful life including career education.

Getting a good education is important and so is preparing yourself for your future career. If you know they type of career you want you can take the right classes to better prepare yourself.

Adults as well can change their career and take up something else by going back to school and learning a new trade.

Today we are talking about Biology. Biology is the study of life and how it works. For a thing to be considered "living" there are about 10 characteristics that must be present all at one time. The are:

1. Living things are composed of one or more cells
2. Living things may evolve into a new type of organism
3. Living things may carry out and control a variety of chemical reactions
4. Living things produces offspring resembling themselves
5. Living things acquire and use energy
6. Living things grow in size and change in appearance and abilities.
7. Living things respond to changes in their environments
8. Living things maintain a fairly consistent internal environment
9. Living things contain a genetic program
10.Living things are highly organized and complex entities.

Biologists study life and consider what makes this or that process happen. They are called upon when solutions are needed and are employed in a wide range of careers because so many things are considered living in addition to human beings. There are biologists who study all types of things such as marine life, ecology and human beings.

The starting salary for a biologist is about $33,000 and the average biologist earns $60,000 as of 2003 studies. An experienced biologist with and extended career can earn in excess of $100,000.

You can learn more by doing a Google search using the key words careers in biology and you will pull up a National Resource center who can help you start training for this exciting career.

Please comment to this blog and let us know if this field interests you and we will keep the information on biology coming.

Who Wants to Go into Business?

The word business means several things. Business can mean the goal oriented steps one takes to accomplish a desired result. As in taking care of business. Business can also mean the exchange of commerce such as buying, selling, bartering or trading goods and or services. The word Business can also mean an establishment that conducts business such as a retail store or manufacturing facility.

Are you interested in a business career? If yes what type and where will you get the education you need to learn about all the many types of businesses? Stellar Enterprise is the principle sponsor for lifeskills 411 and encourages youth to learn about entrepreneurship, small business ownership and careers in business.

What are your career goals? We want to hear from you.

Blog Marketing

Alright now we have it! Ever wondered how to market your blogs? We have long list of the engines you can use! Check these out but don't forget to add our blog link to your blog. Thanks

http://www.lifeskills411.blogspot.com

Engine URL

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Do We Have Good Kids? Should We Choose Their Clothes?

I think we do and I guess I am bias because our kids are in lifeskills 411. They are kind, respectful, knowledgeable and care about other people.

I feel bad for kids I see walking down the street looking like thugs when they are 11and 12 years old. I wish they did not feel that they have to dress like someone who just got released from prison to fit in.

Don't get me wrong I like someone to look up to date with the fashion world but mimicking is not very original.

Anyway, what do you think? Do we have good kids? Should kids dress any way they want at any age? Are parents responsible to monitor how their children dress?

What involvement should schools have? Can they mandate uniforms or is that restricting a persons freedom?

I know this is a controversial subject but I think we should discuss it. I overheard an older African American man at my gym this morning complaining about a youth he saw with pants below his underwear and holding them up. I wanted to ask him why he did not say anything but I assumed he felt it was none of his business.

Who's business is it? Are we a village?

Why Support Lifeskills 411

You should support Lifeskills 411 if you had the perfect childhood and your parents were kind, loving and supportive. Many students these days do not have the benefit of two parents and some youth have parents who have struggles with parents who battle drugs, relationships or drinking. You should also support Lifeskills 411 if your childhood was very bad because you probably don't want any other young person to suffer what you went through with out any resources.

So Why Do You Think People Should Support Lifeskills 411? We want to hear from you.


Commenting on these blogs is important because traffic on the blogs makes people want to visit them and then raises awareness. So please blog and comment.

It Takes You!

If You Are Actively Seeking a Job They May Not Want YOU!

I just read a great story with some shocking information.

I had no idea that some large companies do not want to speak to someone who is actively looking for a job. They want someone who is employed. That is so weird but makes sense.

I interpret this as keep your job until you find another... as you don't look so good when you don't have a job.

Also did you know that employers may view your online profiles??? Yikes...you better be sure your "i"'s are dotted and "t"'s are crossed.

I hope you enjoy this story as I did and let me know what you think. It scared the heck out of me!

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/ET_Empower/How_do_social_networking_sites_shape_your_career/articleshow/2613139.cms

University of Phoenix Contact Info

If you are interested in learning about online college be sure to contact my friend

Craig Lewandowski, Enrollment Counselor, Southeast Division
University of Phoenix, Online Campus | Axia College

3157 E Elwood St | Phoenix, AZ 85034
phone (800) 545-6042, ext. 39293 | fax (602) 735-9535 | email: Craig.Lewandowski@phoenix.edu

He's great. This is a great option for parents who have not finished their degree and work full time.

Enjoy

Vallejo Artist Gets a Show in San Francisco

The Fine Art of Tucky along with 10+ other fabulous Artists will be at the San Francisco Artists Guild Outdoor Fine Art Gallery on Friday, December 14th in UNION SQUARE located at Geary @ Powell in San Francisco from Time: 9:30am- 4:00pm

If you are looking for art... be sure to check out Tucky. We love his work.


***(If it's raining or too windy, the show will be cancelled)***

San Francisco Artists Guild: http://www.artistsguildsf.com/index.php

Don't Die Early ...Take Care of Your Heart!

Young People live life to the fullest and eat just about anything! They are immortal but one day you may regret living an unhealthy life style.


The habits you form as a youth will carry over into your adult life and bad habits can cause heart attacks, heart disease, diabetes and strokes. These diseases can impare you or disfigure you.

You may think cancer is the number one killer or domestic violence in women but actually the NUMBER ONE KILLER OF WOMEN IS HEART DISEASE? AND THAT'S REALLY SCARY. HEART DISEASE AFFECTS MEN TOO SO PLEASE LEARN MORE ABOUT KEEPING YOUR HEART HEALTHY.

At lifeskills 411 you probably have already learned from us that living an organized, balanced life with positive relationships in school and at home can make you happier but also it is good for your health.

Young people can have stress from school, family situations and life in general which is directly linked to heart disease. We suggest you learn to manage your stress and life now by using the tools we have provided. When you get older your heart will be strong and you will live longer and look better than those who don't make their health a priority.

Share this information with those you love because there is a killer out there called Heart Disease.

A healthy lifestyle is a balanced diet, regular exercising and having a normal weight and a happy heart.

"The Heart Truth" campaign is a program of the National Heart, Lung and
Blood Institute that aims to raise awareness and provide education about the risk of heart disease in women.

One of their sponsors is Celestial Seasonings tea. They support this movement because they know that just two cups of black tea a day provides as many heart-healthy flavonoids as one serving of fruit or vegetables.

Green and white teas also have high levels of antioxidants and that is probably why so many people are giving up their coffee for tea. You can learn more at www.hearttruth.gov or womenheart.org or www.youareaceo.com where the woman you love can decrease her risks of heart disease by becoming the CEO of HER LIFE!

PS: You can show your support for women like my mother who have heart disease by wearing the red dress pin. Simply send in 3 right flaps that say "Official Mail-In Certificate and Proof of Purchase" to Celestial Red Dress Pin Offer P O Box 6185 Clear Lake Mn 55319-6185.

All Of Our Blogs

Do you know all of the blog sites Stellar has?

http://stellarenterprise.blogspot.com/
http://starteamfinancial.blogspot.com/
http://lifeskills411.blogspot.com/
http://vcmi.blogspot.com/
http://youareaceo.blogspot.com/
http://jovancespa.blogspot.com/

To make our blogs popular we need your comments so please have fun and learn.

Also if there is something you want to write about let us know.

Reminder of 2 BIG Events Tomorrow

11:30 am Emeryville Hilton - Lifeskills 411 Luncheon www.lifeskills411.org or call
(510) 741-2045 1800 Powell Street Emeryville, CA.


5:30 pm Jovance Beauty and Wellness Day Spa and Salon Holiday Event Just For Men
137 Plaza Drive Suite 321 Vallejo CA www.jovance.com or call 510 741 2045 for info

Lifeskills 411 Sponsor Clearfog with Julie P.

 

The Lifeskills 411 Sushi Roll at Nezumi Sushi

 

My Hero and My Boss

 

Add Lifeskills 411 to Your MyYahoo Blogs

Yahoo has a cool blog reader in MyYahoo. It allows you to add ANY feed to your personal page. This will allow you to receive current blog feeds everyday.

Here's our RSS feed: http://www.feeds.feedreader.com/Lifeskills411

Try it out!


Lifeskills 411 Website







All-Blogs.net directory

Do You Want to Taste The Best Chocolate Fudge Ever?

A new line of exotic chocolates is now available at a lifeskills 411 supporting business Stalaros located at 137 Plaza Drive in Vallejo. This confection is absolutely fabulous. My Grandma's fudge claw on my is over... and I am hooked on Stalaros and Cacao Anasa Chocolates.

The Cacao Anasa fudge has an amazing mixture of taste, texture and appeal that surpasses any and all fudge I have ever tasted. It is just perfect with out being to sweet, to sugary or to full of walnuts.

The Coconut Milk-Espresso Fudge Deluxe will leave grandma's fudge plate untouched. The Coconut Milk-Espresso Fudge Deluxe is rich with tiny bits of roasted walnut blended in a rich chocolate fudge coated with dark chocolate coating and then sprinkled with just a dash of Hawaiian Red Sea Salt. The Hawaiian Red Sea Salt gives you the effect of adding salt to French Bread and Butter... It makes it pop!

To purchase these chocolates contact Stalaros designer shoes, accessories and apparel at 137 Plaza Drive Suite 321 Vallejo Ca 94591. www.stalaros.com

What Kind of Man Wants a Dog as His Best Friend?

If you are a discriminating young man and you want something other than a DOG as your best friend make sure you come to Jovance Beauty and Wellness on Saturday December 8th from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm where you will make new friends and enjoy an evening especially designed for you at a Day Spa and Salon. We will definitely give you more attention than "Rover" and we have much better breath! Ha ha ha.

Yes, this Saturday 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm Men are invited to Jovance Beauty and Wellness who is partnering with Stalaros Fine Clothing to bring you an evening of gifts, products and services designed just for men - but all ladies are welcome.

Our semi-custom designed body and bath products are from Aveda which is a natural line developed by famous skin care founders at Este Lauder. The full line offers products for hair, face and body.

The clothing store focuses on designer shoes, ties, accessories and will feature a special exotic Dark Chocolate Tasting sponsored by Cacao Anasa, based in San Francisco.

If you are a man with great taste and want to enjoy an evening just for you make sure you come out Saturday night to Jovance which is located at 137 Plaza Drive Suite 321 in Vallejo in between Ross and Marshall's in the Gateway Plaza Shopping Center.

What Are Your Favorite Things?

Ah, its Monday, I feel like I should be on vacation from Thanksgiving until At Least a week after New Years. I guess is just the cold and all the eating that make me so lazy.

Anyway, I saw some commercials for Oprah's show where she shares her favorite things and I thought well, I have favorite things too and we might as well share.

My favorite things are everything Aveda... shampoo, skincare, body care. I especially love the Clove Shampoo which keep my hair color dark and rich even in between colors and the Smooth Infusion Shampoo which I alternate with because it makes my hair so shiny.

I love my Blackberry which my co workers lovingly call my "CrackBerry" because I am addicted to it. I know I am bad. It is the first think I do in the morning and the last thing at night, if I don't check it every so often I get a weird feeling in my stomach, like oh my God what am I missing? Who called, text or emailed me? Geeze and who know what kind of spam I may have that I need to act fast on... ha ha ha.

I love everything Chocolate especially "Cacao Anasa". . The everything chocolate experience... this is as wild as chocolate can get folks... and it is exclusively at Stalaros. Imagine: Cardamon, Rose Petals, Hawaiian Red Sea Salt and Pistachio... yes with chocolate... Its Crazy... Its love... Its an Obsession! And Please don't try the cookies...They are INsanity! Dark chocolate, walnuts, espresso and fudge...

I love the Lifeskills 411 students, people who care about our youth and people who get up early to go to the Gym.

I love "clean" little kids dressed up on Sunday for Church.

I love flowers, white orchids, pink roses and blue pansy's.

I love colorful birds, playful kittens and the smell of puppy breath.

I love the teal blue water in Tahiti, white soft sand and the paintings of Eyvind Earle. He is a magical artist who worked for Disney before going out on his own.

You can see some of what he does at:

http://www.palettecontemporary.com/gallery/show.php?page=2&artist=143

If you like landscapes and to daydream... he is your man be sure to Google him too.



So tell me "What Are Your Favorite Things"? What makes you laugh, smile or feel special?

Who Wants To Be in Public Relations?

If you are going to be an entrepreneur, writer or work in advertising or public relations you will need to know what a "Press Release" is and how to write one.

A Press Release is a written release that goes to the media and tells them information such as what you are about to do or just did.

Music professionals use Press Releases to announce records, concerts, sales or other interesting facts.

When you are in business you may do a Press Release when you have a new product launch or when you do something you want the public to know about, like a promotion, or other success.

I have made friends with Heather Fuller from E Release and she sent me some tips on how to write a press release you may find interesting.

Public Relations reps make big money. Some will charge $3500-$4500 per month and have 8-20 clients... That's big money.

Large companies may have in house PR reps and some will outsource to large companies like Carol H. Williams who wrote the McDonald's tag line "I'm Loving It".

Writing advertising and getting attention can be a great career and also be alot of fun. You can start by working for someone, or work from home on contract or even start your own firm.

Anyway... Let me know if this was interesting...

Here are Heather's tips and contact info:

When writing your press release, it should be:


Concise - editors receive hundreds of press releases a week (perhaps more) and appreciate releases that are brief and to the point.
Well-written - a good way to ensure your press release ends up in the waste basket is: bad spelling, poor grammar, and illogical or unsubstantiated claims.
Factual - stick to logical and substantiated claims, avoiding statements of belief: we're the best, the cheapest, etc.
Honest - avoid the padded quotes by company officers; even if they are experts, they come across as biased. If used, stick to the facts.
Timely - if your press release isn't topical, consider incorporating it with a recent news event -- but don't stretch it.

Questions to consider before you write a press release:


Who is the preferred audience of your press release?
What do you want readers to take away from your press release?
What does your press release provide: invaluable information or just another offer?
What is the support or justification for the information in your press release?
What is the tone of your press release?
Are you aware of possible pitfalls or areas to avoid?
What do you want to accomplish with your press release: increase business, disseminate information, or both?

Does the press release's lead (opening) address or answer the basic tenets of journalism:


who
what
when
where
why
how
Heather Fuller

Associate Editor

eReleases Press Release Writing

and Distribution Services

http://www.ereleases.com

hfuller@ereleases.com

Toll-free: 800.710.5535

Tel.: 410.679.1792

If You Want To Be Your Own Boss

You will need a business license: In Vallejo go down to City Hall and pay $30 dollars and you can easily get a business license. 555 Santa Clara Street 1st Floor or call Armi Navarro at 707 648 4310.

If you will be using a name you made up or a fictitious name you need to file a statement with the County. You can look up Solano County online and do a search for fictitious name statements which will be filling out a form, paying a fee and posting your name in the news paper. Pretty Easy.

So What Will You Name Your Business?

We want to hear your ideas here:

You Don't Have To Get a Job to Get Paid!

You can become an entrepreneur. This means you are the boss... Our founder and CEO Michael E. Parker is an entrepreneur and business owner. He created his own company and hires others to do work for him. These businesses create income and the larger he grows them the more money he makes.

There are risks that you will not make money and have a loss and that is one draw back of not having a job but we want the youth to know that you don't have to have a job to get paid. You can become an entrepreneur and be the BOSS!

The great thing about being an entrepreneur is you make the rules. It is a good idea to work for a company to gain experience before starting your own venture but feel free to dream.

So what do you like to do? What can you make money at with out getting a job?

How about making jewelery? You can work at your own pace and design what you like and consign your work to local stores.

Tell us about your ideas:::: by posting a comment on this blog::::

Have a Great Day!

Learn About Other Cultures With Foregin Films

I suggest:

The Way Home... this is set in Korea and it is about a very spoiled little Korean boy who goes to stay with his mute grandmother while his mother deals with a financial crisis. He is horrible to her calling he retard and in the end learns to value her and love her very much. He learns many lessons and this movie made me cry and laugh. It has some very funny scenes. You can order all of these on Net Flicks if you cant find them else where.


I also love:

Color of Paradise... this move is from Iran and is about a blind boy who's widowed father fears his son will hinder his chances of remarrying. His son is amazing and you will learn to appreciate your sight and life so much more after watching this very moving picture.

Children of Heaven:

This one is also from Iran and I just loved it. It is about a young boy Ali who loses is Sister Zahara's shoes and they have to share a pair of sneakers... The brother does so much for his sister despite their poverty. You will learn to appreciate what you have after watching this movie.

Enjoy

Broadcasting Careers

Have you ever wondered about a career in Broadcasting?

Lifeskills 411 works with StellarVision.TV to provide high quality media so you can learn and listen to all the latest news about lifeskills 411. We produce music videos, promotional and informational videos to spread our messages but did you know that there are actually a very small number of people trained in this field?

Here is some of what one of my friends from a public TV Station shared with me about a career in broadcast TV, radio and Internet.


...In the US professional broadcasting industry, we suffer from a lack of trained people to shoot and prepare the audio/video for distribution. Our corporation has partnered with a new private school to train future broadcast technicians and talent people. I believe the tuition starts at around $12,000 for a 2 year program and the waiting list is growing!

...those interested in broadcasting careers [can get] a BIG head start on many of the basic disciplines [through this school]. We ...have a tremendous resource at our disposal.



Some links:



http://www.dailybreeze.com/news/articles/11782566.html - article on the new school



http://www.centrotvandradio.com - the school



http://www.nmtv.com - our corporation

"It Takes You" Luncheon December 9th 11:30 am

Hello Everyone.

I wanted to announce that the "It Takes You" luncheon hosted by lifeskills 411 will be on December 9th at 11:30 am - 1:00 pm at the Emeryville Hilton. Donations are $50for adults and $40 for youth 17 and under and seniors 65 and older.

We are having this luncheon to bring awareness to what lifeskills is doing to teach youth and their parents the skills they need for life.

We are attempting to build an army of concerned people who can promote unity in working on solutions for our youth and their families.

Please help us spread the word about the event. We are seeking sponsors who may want to underwrite (support it financially) this critical event.

Please register on line at www.lifeskills411.org or contact us at (510) 741-2045.

How Much Does Parental Involvement Affect a Students Success?

I personally believe that a students success in school can be greatly affected by the involvement of the parent(s) and or guardians. Getting help in school and learning that school is a high priority is important. When a student lacks support from their parents and or guardians what can be done? We of course suggest lifeskills 411 which steps in and provides role models and mentorship to youth as they learn the skills critical to life's success.

Lifeskills 411 offers information for both youth and their parents and or guardians and by teaching at the "root" level with a results driven program we are able to change the direction for troubled students and enhance even the brightest students by teaching them additional skill sets such as goal setting and time management.

I have attached a recent email I received that has a link to a very interesting report regarding Parental Involvement that I hope you will enjoy.



As schools endeavor to enhance parent and home involvement in schools, it is clear that a broader perspective and new directions are needed. The tasks ahead include expanding the focus beyond thinking only in terms of parents and expanding the range of ways in which schools connect with those in the home.

Just as students vary in their motivation and ability to participate at school so do their caretakers. And, as with students, new directions are needed to outreach in effective ways and provide a continuum of supports for those caretakers who are not able or motivated to positively support a child’s success at school.

Because this is an essential arena in efforts to develop a comprehensive system of
learning supports, the Center has revised its introductory packet on the topic and has updated its online Quick Find. The packet is designed to provide a brief overview of this arena to promote new directions for student support; the Quick Find provides direct links to a range of resources.

See:
Parent and Home Involvement in Schools (an introductory packet)
at – http://smhp.psych.ucla.edu/pdfdocs/parenthome/parent1.pdf


Quick Find on Parent and Home Involvement
at – http://smhp.psych.ucla.edu/qf/homework.htm
#############################
Also, for the latest information on Center resources and activities, go to
http://smhp.psych.ucla.edu and click on What’s New.
#############################


School Mental Health Project/
Center for Mental Health in Schools
UCLA Dept. of Psychology
Los Angeles, CA 90095-1563
(310) 825-3634 / Toll Free: (866) 846-4843 / Fax: (310) 206-8716
Email: smhp@ucla.edu
Web: http://smhp.psych.ucla.edu

Anyone Can Get a Map To Your House Using Your Phone Number On Google!

Did you realize that when you give our your phone number anyone can find your house by going to Google and entering the phone number? They will then get your address and a map to your house.

Talk about scary.

It is very important that you do not give our your home phone number. Most cell phones are not linked to this service.

Please read this email sent to me to protect yourself and remove unwanted maps to your house from the Internet.

Google has implemented a new feature that enables you to type a telephone number into the search bar and hit enter and you will be given the person's name and address. If you then hit MapQuest, you will get a map to the person's house. Everyone should be aware of this! It's a nationwide reverse telephone book.

If a child gives out his/her phone number, someone can now look it up to find out where he/she lives. The safety issues are obvious, and alarming.l

Note that you can have your phone number removed or blocked. I tried my number and it came up along with the mapquest and directions straight to our house. I did fill out the removal form for my self, and encourage all of you to do the same. Quite scary.

Please look up your own number.

In order to test whether your phone number is mapped, go to: Google (http://www.google.com/) Type your phone number in the search bar (i.e. 555-555-1212) and hit enter. If you want to BLOCK Google from divulging your private information, simply click on your telephone number and then click on the Removal Form. Removal takes 48-hours.

Check your own number and although this may not apply to you if you have an unlisted number or cell phone as primary contact, but you may know someone who needs to know this.

Corporate Giving Program

Most Corporations as well as business owners have some sort of budget to give back to the community. Lifeskills 411 does have a corporate giving program where businesses are encouraged to donate money to our annual operating expenses with either a monthly or annual donation.

There are many benefits to corporate giving in addition to supporting a cause that is worthy. The youth and families you impact become aware of your company and what products and or services you offer. The public is given positive information about you and being a corporate donor bring excellent public relations to your firm.

If you are unable to support on a monthly basis or to our annual operating budget a company can also get their name out to the public by sponsoring or supporting events such as our December 8th Luncheon at the Emeryville Hilton or the Grand Gala Dinner in February 16th, 2008.

Corporate giving is necessary for most non profits to operate in light of cut backs with state and federal budgets and businesses more than anyone benefits from a strong community.

Please make sure you include lifeskills 411 in your Corporate Giving Program as we care for our most precious asset, Our Youth!

Do You Want To Be A Fashion Designer?

Here is something you should be prepared for:

Becoming a famous fashion designer does not come easy nor over night. There is must one must learn about design, colors and fabrics before you can even start to work in a big name fashion house.

Check out highlights from and article I found on line called "Today’s Most Glamorous Jobs" By Mary Lorenz, CareerBuilder.com writer

... Some professions just seem inherently glamorous, whether they involve perks like free world travel and exclusive party invites or the nature of the work simply commands esteem. A recent Salary.com survey of more than 800 people found that these five professions are perceived to be the most glamorous jobs today:


Fashion Designer
The allure: Traveling to Paris and Milan where you can dress up models as if they were your very own real-life Barbie dolls and network with the likes of Tom Ford, Donna Karan and Karl Lagerfeld wouldn’t suck. And if one day you could say that you dressed George Clooney for the Academy Awards, well, that’s just the antique lace trim on the vintage couture gown.



The reality: Before you can become big enough to have your people call Lagerfeld’s people, you need a degree in fashion design and extensive knowledge about textiles and fashion trends. Competition for jobs is extremely high, and breaking into the industry can be difficult for even the most talented newbies.



The pay: $39,649/year*

read the full article at http://msn.careerbuilder.com/custom/msn/careeradvice/viewarticle.aspx?articleid=1189&SiteId=cbmsnhp41189&sc_extcmp=JS_1189_home1>1=10563&cbRecursionCnt=1&cbsid=66d6062c7c714f01bb9ae0e6ba540d16-248206784-TP-4

Wow

Who would have figured that one. You can make more money as a secretary but don't let that detour you but be sure you are aware that you may need supplemental income. So start saving now and be sure to invest in things that bring income such as rental real estate.

Does Your Child Have a My Space Page?

You can do a search at : http://search.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=find and use their nick names to find out.

Parents: your child's safety can be at risk if you don't know who they are talking to and why. Children are being killed and abducted by people the meet on the Internet.

Please sit down with them and explain this to them and check out who they are talking to online.

MySpace can be a fun place for children and adults to meet and socialize if used correctly.

Be informed and be responsible.

Do You Drink Drink Rockstars?

Did you know that the founder of this company is a young man who's father is Radio Talk Show Host Michael Savage?

Yep and here is what Wikipdia says:

Russell Goldencloud Weiner (born 1970) is the creator of the Rockstar energy drink. Weiner is also the founder and CEO of the company, which is based in Las Vegas, Nevada. Weiner is the son of Michael Weiner, Ph.D., better known as conservative radio talk show host Michael Savage, and Janet Weiner. Both of Weiner's parents are herbalists. His mother, Janet, serves as CFO of his company.

Before creating Rockstar, he co-founded the Paul Revere Society in 1996 with his father.[1][2] According to the Society's mission statement, its purpose is to bring "together Americans who actively seek to take back our borders, our language, and our traditional culture from the liberal left corroding our great nation."[3]

In 1998, Weiner ran for a seat in the California State Assembly, District 6 on the platform of being a card-carrying Paul Revere Society member. Footage of the televised debate shows him pulling out the membership card, holding it up high, and speaking at length about his membership in the society.[4] His candidacy was endorsed by his father, mother, and Shannon Reeves, President of the Oakland NAACP[2]. Weiner's campaign was unsuccessful.

What Matters To YOU?

lifeskills 411 is asking the question "What Matters To YOU". We want to know what you really care about in life, what are your priorities and dreams?

Tell us about yourself and what matters to you. We are preparing for our December 8th Event and this is important to our planning.

On a Scale From 1-10 Least to Best Rate These Items:

School:
Family:
Community:
Career:
College Planning:
Friends:
Relationships:
Spirituality:
Fun:
Travel:
Food:
Learning:
Cooking:
Entertainment:

Misc:
Misc:

Statement:

Criminal Defense Attorney Jason Clay

Recently our founder and CEO Michael E. Parker was honored as Business of the Year for his work with Stellar Enterprise and companies by the Oakland African American Chamber of Commerce. Here we had the honor of meeting Jason Clay a criminal defense attorney who has the passion and wit to defend people who are innocent of crimes and face long prison sentences.

After interviewing Jason, we knew we needed for him to share on our blog with youth who may want to take up his field for a career.

This is what Jason shared with us and we hope you enjoy it:
Being a criminal defense attorney has been a very rewarding experience for me because it has enabled me to fight for individuals who too often are forced to face the injustices of a racist and oftentimes corrupt criminal justice system without adequate legal representation. Whether it’s the result of an overzealous prosecutor who decides to hide exonerating evidence from the defense, or a corrupt police officer who has planted incriminating evidence, everyday innocent people find themselves convicted of crimes they didn’t commit. I’m sure we have all heard stories of people who have been locked up in prison for 10 or 20 years, only to find out later through DNA testing or some other newly discovered evidence that they were actually innocent of any wrongdoing.

It is the desire to combat this type of injustice which motivates me to work as a criminal defense attorney. Too often I have seen people get used up by the system simply because they weren’t aware of their basic Constitutional rights. Part of my job is to prevent the government from infringing on these rights. When I agree to take on a case I know that a person’s freedom is at stake, often times their future is at stake, and in some instances their very lives are at stake. In essence they are placing their lives in my hands. At times, this responsibility can seem overwhelming, but it’s all worth it if, at the end of the day, I know that I’ve been able to help someone.

I’ve been fortunate in a sense that I’ve been able to use my skills to help quite a few people over the course of my career. Just a few months ago I represented an 18 year old kid who had been identified by the victim of a robbery as being the perpetrator of the crime. Because of the charges, my client was facing up to six years in prison. Fortunately through cell phone records and other witnesses I was able to show that he could not have been present at the time of the robbery because he was at a different location. The district attorney eventually dismissed all charges and the court made a finding that my client was factually innocent. The feeling that I get in knowing that I helped this kid, who had no prior criminal history, from having his life ruined by a serious felony conviction is what makes my job so rewarding.

In order to become an attorney, one typically obtains a bachelor’s degree from a university and then a JD from a law school. While in law school most students take the Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam which, as the name suggests, is a multiple choice exam designed to test an applicant’s knowledge of the rules of professional responsibility. A person must pass this exam before he or she can become eligible to be admitted to the bar. The state bar also conducts moral character background check of each applicant before a person can become eligible to be admitted to practice law in the state. The final step is the bar exam itself. This is a three day exam held in July and February of each year. Once a person has passed the bar and satisfied the other requirements, it is simply a matter of being sworn in as a member of the bar, and then the person is eligible to begin practicing as an attorney.

My initial job after becoming an attorney was with the Alameda County Public Defender’s Office. In 2006, after 11 years with the Public Defender’s Office, I decided to venture out on my own and open my own law practice. To cover the initial start up expenses, I loaned myself a sufficient amount of money from my savings account to cover the anticipated costs. I then settled upon a location in Berkeley for my office, and once this was done everything else quickly fell into place. I set up a telephone and fax line at the office, I purchased furniture and equipment, I had business cards printed and created stationary on my computer, and obtained a business license from the city. Once all of these steps were completed, I was ready to open my doors to prospective clients.

My office recently celebrated its one year anniversary. My office currently handles all adult and juvenile criminal matters including all misdemeanors such as theft and driving under the influence, as well as serious felonies such as murder, robbery, sexual assault and other violent felonies. My office also handles contempt allegations in family court proceedings.

I can be contacted at my office at 1010 Grayson St., Suite Two, Berkeley, CA or by telephone at 510-704-1773.

Cops, Robbers and Lawyers

Hey Good News For Those of You Interested In Cops, Robbers and Lawyers.

My Friends Jason the criminal defense lawyer in Berkeley California has a big huge blog to share with us.

Here is the first paragraph... Jason will post the rest shortly...

Enjoy:

Being a criminal defense attorney has been a very rewarding experience for me because it has enabled me to fight for individuals who too often are forced to face the injustices of a racist and oftentimes corrupt criminal justice system without adequate legal representation. Whether it’s the result of an overzealous prosecutor who decides to hide exonerating evidence from the defense, or a corrupt police officer who has planted incriminating evidence, everyday innocent people find themselves convicted of crimes they didn’t commit. I’m sure we have all heard stories of people who have been locked up in prison for 10 or 20 years, only to find out later through DNA testing or some other newly discovered evidence that they were actually innocent of any wrongdoing.

Use The Internet Right

Fire can cook food and be a good tool if used right. When used wrong fire can burn, destroy and even kill. The same goes for the Internet. We encourage you to use the Internet to learn, grow and improve your social skills in the right way and I think you know what we mean.

One young lady who used the Internet the right way was Holland's Esmee who loved singing and about 3 million views saw her sing online which helped her career and landed Esmee Denters a Recording Contract With JT's (Justin Timberlake's New Label Tennman Records.

StellarVision.TV sees the power of the Internet for business owners and also for youth who want to learn more about how the Internet can improve your career and teach you valuable information about various careers.

You can learn more about StellarVision and their online television station at www.stellarvision.tv and more about Esmee at her at her website, www.esmeeworld.com.

Anyone can be a star but it takes a vehicle to get you in the sky.

Why Women Must Learn To Invest!

I learned a very important lesson about investing and about saving money:

I was married at 25 for about 9 years. My husband was not a saver nor very good at handling our finances. I did manage to secretly save and invest 4-10k in various mutual funds at various time during our marriage but by the time we were divorced I was just about penniless.

Starting over at 35 was a challenge but once I started healing emotionally I knew I needed to invest because I now had just one income – mine. I decided to again invest in mutual funds because I felt safe there and when I got up the nerve real estate because as a loan officer for years and saw many of my clients achieve financial freedom with rental property.

My first home as a divorced woman was a foreclosure in Stockton California I bought for about 215k which I later sold for $275,000. After that I purchased 2 more homes which both doubled earning me over $600,000 in equity. The wealth I made came in very handy when I was laid off from my job and needed to find a way to survive.

With out this equity I would have been in financial ruin because the real estate market I had worked in for over 20 years crumbled before my eyes and I no longer could work in that field.

With no other skills getting a new job with a paycheck was a challenge and I was faced with living over 14 months with no income and I had plenty to live on- thank God!

I share this story to show the public that many women will face divorces, job challenges or just unforeseen circumstances and if you don't have any savings or investment vehicles you can be in dire straits.

I support Lifeskills 411 because they teach our youth the necessary things they need to know in life such as financial literacy, budgeting, positive relationships and so forth. I wish I would have had lifeskills 411 growing up I probably would never have made all the mistakes I did.

I urge you to attend our upcoming gala on December 8th from 6pm- 8pm at the Emeryville Hilton so you can learn how you can help our youth... It Takes YOU!
Please care, be counted and be there on Saturday December 8th from 6pm - 8 pm.
I believe women need to learn about finances and investing earlier in life and it starts at home but when home fail, school or program such as lifeskills 411 can give youth the information to lead better adult lives.

The Association of California School Administrators Recognizes Michael E. Parker

Hello Everyone, I am not sure If you had a chance to read this article so I re posted it because we have our Gala pending on December 8th and it is important we remember that educators are in support and recognizing what Michael E. Parker is doing:

Posted: December 7, 2006
Author: Elizabeth Bucceri
Source: EdCal




The achievement gap is one of the greatest challenges facing public education today. While there is much debate over exactly how to close it, one team of young entrepreneurs believes the key is providing at-risk students with basic life skills.

Developed by Michael Parker, a former at-risk student himself, lifeskills 411 works directly with schools to provide courses in a number of essential skills needed to succeed in school and life. Classes, which are aimed at junior high through college-age students, cover such key skills as positive thinking, discipline, decision making, time management, communication, goal setting and many more.

Growing up in inner city Rich?mond, Parker was surrounded by drugs and crime and faced many obstacles to success. He managed to overcome the challenges, earning a bachelor’s degree in purchasing and operations and a master’s in management science. He has since worked for Toyota Motor Corporation and as an instructor at California State University, East Bay. Recently, he received the East Bay Business Times “40 Under 40” award.

Now, Parker said, he wants to give students just like him the opportunities he never had.

“I could have been another statistic,” Parker said. “I consider myself blessed to have risen above that. Now I try to give back and help the kid that was just like me.”

Thus, lifeskills 411 was born. The program has three components: school partnerships, customized on-campus seminars delivered by trained lifeskills 411 faculty; academies, community-based seminars, on-site counseling and career placement; and events, informational presentations featuring testimonials and motivational speeches.

There are many enrichment programs out there. What sets lifeskills 411 apart is that rather than a quick shot in the arm, it provides follow-through, including ongoing communication and partnerships with school administrators, teachers and parents, Parker said.

Part of the program’s success is due to the fact that Parker can relate to at-risk students. He knows how they think and is familiar with the challenges that hold them back, and knows exactly what they need to start out on the path to change.

“I wanted to build a program that would have benefited me when I was in school and didn’t have a lot of opportunities,” he said. “I want to show them what they can do. Things they can see and feel and touch today.”

Like many students today, Parker himself was a victim of his own negative mindset, created by an environment of violence and hopelessness. The key is to expose this and teach young people they have the power to change the way they think, and therefore the way they achieve.

“Your mindset keeps you in your own boundaries to achievement,” Parker said. “If you teach a mindset to achieve, you can change the way you think and you won’t be a ‘victim’ anymore.”

Parker’s youth is no doubt an asset to the program as well. Having been out of high school less than 15 years, he is still closely connected to the high school experience, calling himself more of a “big brother” than a “father figure.”

“I have not forgotten who I am or where I came from,” Parker said.

The benefit of lifeskills 411 is twofold. Not only do students learn the practical skills they need, they see mentors – people just like them who are successful entrepreneurs. Parker is also president and CEO of the lifeskills 411 mother company, Stellar Enterprises, a professional services firm that also comprises real estate, financial services, business management, clothing and other businesses.

“It’s a strong network of businesses,” Parker said. “It’s not just ‘here’s what you can do one day’ but ‘here’s what we’ve already done. Look at what can happen. We were just like you.’”

Lifeskills 411 executive director Cory Haynes – a former student of ACSA Assistant Executive Director Joe Jones – also has a background to which many struggling students can relate. The son of immigrant parents, he quickly learned that education was the pathway to realizing the American dream. Haynes earned a bachelor’s degree in political economies of industrial societies from UC Berkeley and worked as a successful consultant before realizing there were more meaningful pursuits out there.

“You achieve a certain level of success and begin to look around and ask, ‘who did I impact? Did I just impact my own bank account?’”

Haynes, who is also executive project manager and business development officer for Stellar Enterprises, said the bottom line is lifeskills 411 teaches young people the skills they need to tear down the barriers that hold them back, which will ultimately lead to the closing of the achievement gap.

“The state recognizes there’s a gap. The federal government recognizes there’s a gap. The question is, how do you provide the resources to fill that gap?” he said.

For more information on lifeskills 411, visit the Web at www.lifeskills411.org.




Association of California School Administrators 1029 J Street, Suite 500 Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: 916.444.3216 | Toll-Free: 800.890.0325 | Fax: 916.444.3739 | contact us

What Do You Think About Tyler Perry?

Hey Everyone,

Just wanted to know what you think about Tyler Perry and his works. We are looking for a host for our Gala and some up coming events and I just wanted to know who you feel would be the best host for our events.

For those of you who don't know who Tyler Perry is here is a clip about him from his website:

Tyler Perry – writer, producer, director, and actor extraordinaire – went from the poverty-stricken streets of New Orleans to a multimillion-dollar mansion outside Atlanta. But the real story is that of his journey from homelessness to bliss. Perry's rags-to-riches tale is astonishing and inspirational. His younger days were troubled, and he suffered from endless abuse growing up. The dejection and rejection caused Perry to do some soul-searching as an adult. In 1992, in an effort to find catharsis for his own childhood pain, and inspired by Oprah Winfrey to put it down on paper, he wrote a series of letters to himself. Those letters would be transformed into his first hit musical, "I Know I've Been Changed." Perry's humble spirit and his faith in God kept him focused. He believed that God was calling him to share his story with as many people as possible so that he might help others. Perry learned real forgiveness, deep down inside--a forgiveness that leads to success in the soul. He chose the stage life as a vehicle, and this new life has been a learning process, full of hard work. But now Perry has reached out to millions across the country and in doing so has tremendously altered how people perceive and attend urban theater.

Did You See The Founders of You Tube on Oprah?

I want to hear what you think. I saw clips on Oprah's website and I thought it was very interesting that a young girl from Holland was discovered by Justin Timberlake singing on You Tube.

Michael E. Parker the CEO and Founder of Lifeskills 411 has created a more focused version of You Tube specifically for business owners and entrepreneurs who don't really want to see home videos but videos that can educate, inform and help them boost sales with very little costs.

So if you want to see videos of a singing cat lip syncing in the bathroom of a New York apartment window go to You Tube but if you want serious tips for small business owners and entrepreneurs who want to be successful check out CEO Michael E. Parker and StellarVision.TV. ; seriously both are great resources.

Now speaking of successful we have to give a "Lifeskills 411" Shout Out to Chad Hurley and Steve Chen, founders of You Tube who were recently achieved the pinnacle of success by being on Oprah. They say that they were inspired during a dinner party at Steve's San Francisco home to share videos online.

For those of you who are not Internet savvy You Tube is a video-sharing website where anyone can post a video and become world-famous overnight. From science experiments and music videos to adorable animals and laughing babies, more than 200 million videos are watched on YouTube every single day.