M MOCK ISSUE OCT/NOV 2008
AUTISM How The Family Copes With It How She Went From Abuse to 450 Pounds
PEER PRESSURE & The Teenager
Reverend Run on taking back your family
INTO A THE STARS
DONDRIA
EMBRACE Offers Somthing For The Entire Family To Hold On To
The Editor On
EMBRACE LIFE
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Written by Twana Lawler
EMBRACE | 2
e all have issues at some point and time in our lives that may appear. When we are faced with such issues all we want to do is crawl up under a rock and hide until the darkness is over. We can’t let the worst of life take us down. Going forward is the key. Life is lovely and we only get one, so why not make the best of it. Some people can’t handle the hustle and bustle of life and the challenges that follow, therefore loosing themselves into a world of depression and seeking acceptance in undesirable areas. Some just dwell on the negative because they are miserable. Don’t allow those type of people to pull you into their same slump. You know the saying, misery loves company. Always remember to embrace life and all the positive that it has to offer.
Activities on page 44 & 45
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Parenting AUTISM Getting Past The Sadness
t’s very common for a parent of an autistic child to sometimes feel quite sad about his or her child’s autism. After all, every parent wants his or her child to be accepted, to live a happy life, and to make all of their dreams a reality. In fact, you may have experienced an overwhelming feeling of sadness upon hearing of your child’s autism, as our society has long held the idea that your child’s condition is tragic and incurable. But I invite you to look at things in a different way. Perhaps you can look at your child as not tragic or incurable, but rather, as unique and remarkable. In our society, people who are different are often seen as unfortunate, sad cases. But if you think about it, your child is probably a pretty amazing person. His autism is actually a part of who he is, and he’s probably not sad about it at all, unless society has convinced him otherwise. Imagine if our society held autism up as an incredibly marvelous thing. In that case, most of us would be pretty happy about our child’s autism, right? Our child would still be autistic, but our perception of what that means
would be different, and so would our resulting emotional response. In either case, society is telling us how we should feel- happy or unhappy. But in reality, no one else can dictate your feelings, unless you allow it. You truly decide how you feel from moment to moment. You decide if you’re going to buy someone else’s idea about how you should feel. And yes, you can decide to be happy or unhappy, despite what everyone has told you. You can decide to be happy now, without waiting till your child is recovered. I’m not talking about denial, where you’re pushing down feelings and pretending they’re not there. I’m actually talking about making the decision to be truly happy. Sandra Sinclair is a parent of a child with PDD-NOS. She is author of “Newly Diagnosed Autism Spectrum”- A free minicourse with 7 clear steps you can
To submit your real story send all inquiries to info@embracenews.com
EVIE’S STORY
EMBRACE | 4
REAL WOMEN
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ere I lay once again, I can’t tell what time it is. Darkness fills the room and I don’t have my glasses on. This mask is so tight and hot, that’s why I hate this bi-pap machine! Oh how I wish I never had sleep apnea; so much air is being forced into my nose, it makes it so hard for me to breath or fall asleep. I can’t stay on my side very long before I feel the pressure and pain of my weight bearing down on me. How long has this been going on? How did I let myself get this way? I’m four hundred and fifty two pounds depressed and lonely. I feel that no one ever realizes or even cares about the battles, the hatred, and the pain of being obese. Most people assume that you just eat too much, but that is not always the case. Obesity stems deeper than that, it’s all in the heart of the person. In my case this stems back to my childhood, where it all began, to that picture I saw of myself as a baby. I had the most beautiful big brown eyes; my hair was done with one afro puff on top and the side of my head was unevenly braided. I wore a white puffy dress with white shoes that was slightly worn. I sat in an old fashion stroller. My oldest brother and sister stood
REAL STORIES EVIE’S STORY on each side of me. Neither of us smiled, we looked so sad. I saw this image of us in and old frayed photo. I often wondered what was on our minds and why we looked so sad. I believe my problem started when my biological father died at the tender age of twenty eight. At least that’s what I was told by my mother. He died of cirrhosis of the liver. She told me that blood came out of every hole in his body. I was also told that I loved my dad so much, that I wouldn’t even allow him to go to work. The only memory I have of him, is a few photos and a small knot on my forehead, from when my father pushed me on the merry go round. He pushed me so fast until I fell off and hit my head. My mother told me why my father changed. She said he started hanging with the wrong crowd and he got involved with drinking heavily and doing drugs, until it damaged his body. When I was young the only stories I heard about my father was, he took the refrigerator, sold it and placed my baby bottles on the floor. He told my mother he sold the refrigerator because of a gambling debt. I also heard he was a very gifted artist. TO READ ARTICLE IN IT’S ENTIRETY YOU MUST SUBSCRIBE 5 | EMBRACE
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EMBRACE BOOK CLUB We would like to invite YOU our reader to join our book club. It is going to be something to remember. COMING SOON to EMBRACE Magazine EMBRACE BOOK CLUB www.embracenews.com If your are interested please send email with your name and email. We will send information on how to join. INFO@EMBRACENEWS.COM
THERE WILL BE BI-MONTHLY DRAWINGS, PRIZES, GIFT CARDS AND YEARLY RETREATS. EMBRACE | 6
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SOME OF THE BOOKS THAT WE WILL
EMBRACE
EMBRACE | 8
EMBRACE Music She Came From YouTube To JD’s label. Meet Dondria, she was a YouTube phenomenon and now she is on her way to being a beautiful star. With her silky voice and bubbly personality many on YouTube fell in love with her including myself. You can find more about her music and listen to a few tracks at her myspace page. www.myspace.com/dondrianicolemusic
DONDRIA REGIONAL SPOTLIGHT TO LISTEN TO “IN THE STAR’S” MUSIC YOU CAN GO TO http://www.myspace.com/inthestarrs Breakfast radio, two TV shows a weSONGS BY IN THE STARS: LULLUBYE OVER YOU AGAIN JAMES DEAN MOVIN ON BITTER TASTE LANTERNes the persona is a bit of ainslacker, a bitinformation of a guy Send your bands that, and youwe know, just takesititinas will showcase theit Regional Spotlight
“IN THE STARS”
In The Stars currently consist of Talon, Maurice, Eric, and Manny. In The Stars met while working at Starbucks in Sherman Oaks, Ca. Talon and Mauirce are both from the south. Talon is from Cartersville, Georgia and Maurice is from Cookeville, Tennessee. Eric and Manny are both from Southern California 7 | ChapelStreet
JUST WHAT IS FANTASY FOOTBALL? written by Karen Larsen
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ntrigued by the idea of fantasy football, it’s not too late to get involved. A lot of people have heard of the term fantasy football, but aren’t sure what it is. A search on fantasy football brings back thousands of sites such as http://footballpdq.com/, most of which are offering to allow you to become a commissioner or sign up to create a team, all at low cost or no cost. So... what is fantasy football? Here’s the lowdown. First, there’s a fantasy football commissioner, who’s in charge of the league, much the same as in real-life. The commissioner puts in the most amount of money to be the biggest cheese. This person is the final arbiter of disputes, makes decisions and, in general, gets to have the most leeway - and the most headaches - in the league. Then there are the team owners. These individuals pay a lesser fee than the fantasy football commissioner, and manage their own teams. The owners choose who will be on the teams, what players will start, and so on. So, the owners need teams. The next step is to pool all the real-world pro football players, rank them and then have a draft. Each team owner takes turns picking players for his or her team - hence the name fantasy football. Depending on how the draft goes, your team could be a true fantasy. Of course, some leagues have salary caps just as in real life, which prohibits one team from having all the best players. Trades are usually allowed, though depending on the league, they may be limited. So once the fantasy football commissioner has a full roster of teams and the teams have a full roster of players... what happens? This is where things get interesting.
EMBRACE | 10
Team owner Alpha has players X, Y and Z on the team. In real life, player X is on one team, player Y on another and player Z on yet another. Before the game, Alpha has to decide who is starting, who isn’t, and what’s going on. Alpha then gives this information (by whatever means the fantasy football league has) to the commissioner. This information must be set in stone prior to the actual Sunday and Monday football games that NFL teams such as the Patriots and the Raiders play. The real AFC & NFC teams play. Let’s say player X is on the Eagles in real life and is a quarterback. This Sunday, he throws three touchdown passes and the Eagles win. Fantasy football team owner Alpha has X on the team and, very smartly, started X for the football fantasy league games. How this translates in fantasy football depends on the league. The usual standard is that for every possible situation, a team can earn points. For example, the real life touchdowns of player X may earn fantasy football owner Alpha four hundred points each. Alpha may come out of the weekend as the biggest point earner, thanks to player X, which then sets Alpha up for contention as the fantasy football league winner. Of course, this assumes that player X wasn’t benched at the last minute, depriving Alpha of earning any points and ending last in the fantasy football league. The ultimate prize at the season’s end may be a statue or possibly money, depending on which fantasy football league you join. Or it may just be the prestige of knowing that you outwitted all the other team owners and came out as top dog. While this fantasy may come with a price tag for participation, if you enjoy the game and avidly watch the players anyway, fantasy football can be a harmless way to spend some time.
Karen Larsen is a writer and contributor to http://www.finefootball.com and http://www.footballhwy.com | EMBRACE
NFL.COM ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL?
Find home repair articles and how to articles at doityourself. www.doityourself.com Visit the website to find out more information about the National Suit Drive. Help the less fortunate look their best on that job interview. www.menswearhouse.com MOCK ADVERSTISEMENT
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2009 AUTOMOBILE 2009 FORD F-250
2009 Lincoln MKX
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MOCK ADVERTISEMENT | EMBRACE
THE FAMILY THAT PREYS
M O V I E
Wealthy socialite Charlotte Cartwright and her dear friend Alice Pratt, a working class woman of high ideals, have enjoyed a lasting friendship throughout many years. Suddenly, their lives become mired in turmoil as their adult children’s extramarital affairs, unethical business practices and a dark paternity secret threaten to derail family fortunes and unravel the lives of all involved. Alice’s self-centered newlywed daughter Andrea is betraying her trusting husband Chris by engaging in a torrid affair with her boss and mother’s best friend’s son William. While cheating on his wife Jillian with a string of ongoing dalliances with his mistress Andrea, William’s true focus is to replace the COO of his mother’s lucrative construction corporation. Meanwhile, Alice’s other daughter Pam, a kind but no nonsense woman married to a hard working construction worker, tries to steer the family in a more positive direction. While paternity secrets, marital infidelity, greed and unsavory business dealings threaten to derail both families, Charlotte and Alice decide to take a breather from
it all by making a cross-country road trip in which they rediscover themselves and possibly find a way to save their families from ruin.
IN THEATERS SEPTEMBER 12, 2008 EMBRACE | 14
S P O T L I G H T
www.walmart.com
MOCK ADVERTISEMENT 15 | EMBRACE
Exercise Bikes: Easy Option for Being Healthy
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t present, every fitness and workout center provide exercising bikes, which has wide range of designs. Exercise Bicycles are special-purpose exercise machines that look like a bicycle but are used for exercising and not transportation, so exercise bike should not be taken out on rocks or mountains. The most popular exercise bike designs that are used by people include stationary bikes, cardio bikes, recumbent bikes and spinner bikes. Different exercise bikes have various methods of resistance like magnetic, air or flywheel. Some people change their ordinary bicycle into stationary exercise bicycle by placing it on rollers or on a trainer. Different exercise bikes Stationary exercise bikes help in slimming down by burning extra fats during exercises. There are three styles of stationary exercise bikes that include upright, semi-recumbent, and recumbent which are available on different prices. The user can sit comfortably on these bikes while reading, watching TV or having a conversation. The recumbent bike is designed in ergonomic way, which increases the pedaling efficiency as well as comfort for extended riding. In recumbent bikes the user can sit in a chair-shaped seat and do pedaling on the pedals out in front. These bikes help in increasing stamina and also strengthen the muscles in legs, arms and improve the overall functions of heart. The people suffering from lower back pain and joint pain can do workout on this bike easily. As the name suggest, Cardio bikes work on the cardiovascular system of the body. One can do both hard and easy training on Cardio Bikes just with the flick of a wrist. Cardio bikes strengthen the muscles of legs; improve the core stability and increase blood flow. Features of exercise bikes Exercise bikes are safe as there are minimal chances of falling from it. This bike produces no stress on body parts like knees and ankles so it is really beneficial for people suffering from arthritis. If the stress is less, then the probability of sustaining an injury during workout is less. EMBRACE | 16
, n d e o
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EMBRACE YOUR HEALTH
There are Exercise bikes that are programmed according to various biking routines so now you don’t have to keep pressing the buttons to change different training level, as it will automatically switch over to the next level. Even some exercise bikes can be plugged into televisions and one can pedal while watching visual courses. Before Buying a Bike Before buying an exercise bike one should look out for the options depending on the needs like budget, room space and type of bike. One can check out different exercise bikes offered at discount rates on various websites. There are options of old bikes in good condition, which can be appropriate for moderate user. One should also take some suggestions from the gym trainer and friends who are already using a bike to get a good one for you. With the inception of spinner bike people have become more curious to use the exercise bikes as it not only burns calorie but also gives you an easy option of doing intense workout. Written by Apisri Sukpo
17 | EMBRACE
CAREGIVER’S CORNER
B
eing a caregiver is not an easy task. For almost five years I have put my dreams and desires behind me. I had to rearrange my life and everything that I had planned to do. Three of my children were grown and the youngest was on her way to college. I was about to live alone for the first time in many years. “Yea, I thought to myself, it’s time to celebrate!” At least that is what I thought. I had to open my heart and my door to four of my grandchildren that were being abused and neglected. Everyday there was some type of trouble coming from their mother who is the third out of four daughter’s. I had paternal families coming at me from every direction, lies being told on me and threats, but my concern was for the children and their well being. With the realization that taking care of four young children who had been through what they just came out of was not going to be easy. This made me hold on more to the desire of keeping them together. A year later came the baby, which took the total up to five. That is when I made the final decision to pursue my dream of writing so we packed up and moved to Southern California. This relocation included myself, the five children, one of my second to the oldest daughter and her daughter. A year later my younger daughter decided to continue her education in California, ChaEpelStreet | 14
therefore she followed. She found out that she was pregnant with her first child and delivered in Pasadena. My older daughter and her daughter moved to California a couple of months following my younger daughter. Of course this made me happy, because family is very important to me. The only thing that was missing was the mother of the children. I could not allow this to hinder me from pursuing the career that I had always dreamed of, nor could I allow this to take my mind off of the most important people in my life and that is my grandchildren. Three of my daughter’s and all of my grandchildren became resident’s of Southern California. Because of issues that the nine year old carried due to the abuse I had to send her back to Louisville, KY. I had to sacrifice one to save many. You will be able to read more about this as well as my entire journey from Kentucky to California . The smiles, the tears, the joy and the pain will all be included in the book that I am working on, “Sacrificing One to Save Many” I will let you all know when it will be available. It is sure to encourage any and all caregiver’s. If you or someone you know would like to share a family story or pictures for the Family Tree section please send email to info@embracenews.com
FAMILY TREEFF FAMILY TREE
î Photos by Dayn’l î Article by Twana
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15 | ChapelStreet
FOCUS ON FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT
EMBRACE
We will write your screenplay for you
with
SERVICES WE OFFER: EMBRACE Magazine Photography by Dayn’l Any questions contact Twana Lawler
info@embracenews.com
New! “Brown Little Babies” by: Evelyn Laurine Gresham Make sure this new photo-poetry book is part of your collection, it’s enchanting, it’s charming, and there’s a collectible doll too! Start your collection today! VISIT www.elgbooksanddolls.com WE CAN PERSONALIZE YOUR OWN PHOTO-POETRY BOOK TOO! Find out how to contact Evelyn at info@embracenews.com EMBRACE | 20
EMBRACE Family with
REVEREND RUN An icon of hip-hop, a father of six, and an ordained minister, Rev Run has developed a parenting style that is in a class by itself. With his wife, Justine, he launched the blockbuster reality series ‘Run’s House’ on MTV, now filming its fifth season. The show has proven wildly popular in large part due to the way the Simmons family responds to very twenty-firstcentury issues. Emphasizing firm boundaries, noble values, discipline, and faith in an age marked by shallow materialism and fragmented families, Rev Run now shares the proven principles that have given his children a firm foundation.
You can view “Run’s House” weeknights on MTV. See your TV Guide for day and time. Visit your local bookstore to find out where or how to purchase the book “Take Back Your Family.
21 | EMBRACE
EMBRACE the CAREGIVER
Twana Lawler Raisng her four grandchildren Los Angeles, CA Joyce Lawler Taking care of her terminally ill sister Louisville, KY
EMBRACE | 22
Mary Thomas Assist her ill brother Louisville, KY
Cathy Kaiser Raising her two grandson’s
We want to take out time to let all caregiver’s know that they are appreciated. If you know of someone who is taking care of grandchildren, niece’s nephews, cousin, friend, mother, father etc. share their name with us so that we can EMBRACE them. Send all inquiries to: info@embracenews.com
EMBRACE & CELEBRATE October/November HAPPY BIRTHDAY Knesha Lightsy Louisville, KY HAPPY BIRTHDAY Konita Lawler Louisville, KY
HAPPY 7th BIRTHDAY Chytez Shivers Los Angeles, CA
HAPPY 4th BIRTHDAY C’Zariah Thompson Los Angeles, CA
HAPPY 8th BIRTHDAY Destiny Lawler Los Angeles, CA
HAPPY BIRTHDAY James Mitchell Louisville, KY
HAPPY 7th BIRTHDAY Atalya Lawler New Albany, IN
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Emma Hudson Louisville, KY
HAPPY 12th BIRTHDAY Oshae Lawler Louisville, KY
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Reneta Graves Louisville, KY
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Demitrionna Louisville, KY
EMBRACE | 24
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Gary Lawler Louisiville, KY HAPPY BIRTHDAY Donesha Beeler Louisville, KY
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Sonja Beeler Louisiville, KY HAPPY BIRTHDAY Ronald Beeler Louisville, KY HAPPY BIRTHDAY Rondrell Beeler Louisville, KY
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Juan Bingham Louisville, KY HAPPY BIRTHDAY Joe Mitchell Louisville
Breakfast radio, HAPPY two TV BIRTHDAY shows a Nel’Viyah Pollock week, Dave Hughes the persona Louisville, is a bit of a slacker, a bit of KY a guy that, you know, just takes it as it comes. How ambitious are you? HAPPY BIRTHDAY I...initially I just wanted to make a liv-Gladys Braxton ing as a comedian and, you know, ILouisville, Do you KY feel good about yourself dreamt of being on radio and being now? on TV, and now that it’s happened, I Absolutely. I’m so...yeah. And I think don’t really dream of anything any- once...well, I’ve worked hard but more. I try not to even think about also I think once you relax into life Send about in your Birthday, Weddings, Announcements it, you know. I just...all I think more, it gives you more. Where you Graduation or Anniversary. We will post forworthe is, you know, sport. (Laughs) I re- go, hang on, I’m not goingitto world to celebrate along with you and your loved ally don’t. I should probably more ry... I am going to laugh at it. And ones. Send inquiries to a sudden, things start focus more on what goals I want to all then, all of achieve, but I just don’t. info@embracenews.com going your way. 7 | ChapelStreet
EMBRACE PHOTOGRAPHY Isn’t She Lovely
Quack - Quack
Photography by DAYN’L nel3687@yahoo.com
Photographs cannot be used without permission of the photographer EMBRACE | 26
Photography by Cathy Kaiser kaiser.cathy@yahoo.com
EMBRACE Green
Send your photos or art to be showcased in EMBRACE Photography. Anyone or any agecan send in photos. Illicit photos will not be accepted. Send inquiries to info@embracenews.com
Photographs cannot be used without the permission of the artist. 27 | EMBRACE
NATIONAL BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH Get involved! October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. http://www.thebreastcancersite.com www.cancer.org http://www.breastcancerawareness.com http://www.pinkribbonshop.com http://www.nbcam.org/
Great her something pink for Christmas. http://www.pinksuperstore.com EMBRACE | 28
www.operationlookout.org “Every Missing Child Deserves to be Found” Since 1984, thousands of missing children and their victim families have received aid through OPERATION LOOKOUT®. Help is always free of charge and as close as the nearest phone or Online. OPERATION LOOKOUT® works on a national and international level by giving practical and technical help to victim families when children are missing before age 18. We are supported entirely by donations
If you notice or suspect that a child is being abused please contact your local child abuse hotline.
Lets STOP Child Abuse NOW!
29 | EMBRACE
Where Are The Children?
National Center for Missing & Exploited Children Charles B. Wang International Children’s Building 699 Prince Street Alexandria, Virginia 22314-3175 The United States of America Phone: 703-274-3900 Fax: 703-274-2200 Hotline:1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678) PLEASE VISIT THE WEBSITE at http://www.missingkids.com VIEW THE PICTURES OF THE MISSING CHILDREN AND IF YOU NOTICE SOMEONE PLEASE CALL YOUR LOCAL AUTHORITIES OR 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678) EMBRACE Magazine will share posters of missing children on our website. You can visit us on a coninual basis at www.embracenews.com
ChapelStreet | 28
E
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ADOPT A MISSING CHILD
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n National Missing Children’s Day, families, law enforcement officials, and child advocates join together to highlight their commitment to stopping the abduction and exploitation of children.
May 25 is National Missing Children’s Day. Each May this date has been memorialized since it was proclaimed by President Reagan in 1983 after a series of high-profile missing-children cases in the late 1970s and early 1980s, shocking the nation’s consciousness with a jolt of reality about the seriousness of child victimization. EMBRACE Magazine is seeking partners to join us in sending love to an abducted child by releasing balloons every anniversary date of that child’s abduction until they have been found. Although, May has come and gone we at EMBRACE would like to educate those that are not aware of NMCD. Next year be sure to participate.
EMBRACE Magazine will be choosing a child that has been abducted and release balloons for that particular child on the anniversary date, whether it is monthly, or yearly we will do this until they are returned home. We ask you to join us as well. Let us know if you will participate by sending us an email. We will post your name, City and State .
Send inquiries to info@embracenews. com
31 | EMBRACE
FOR THE SINGLE PARENTS
Dating For The Over Forties
will become child’s play for you. There are many online dating services that caBy: Antony Zimmer ter for your generation and they’re easily accessible for someone like yourself. here are many reasons why datThese services give you the opportunity ing for the over forties can be a challenge. The good thing is they to meet thousands of singles for friendship and romance. There’s a whole new needn’t be. With the internet available social circle for you to join, and anyto anybody, no matter what age group body is welcome. you fall into, it’s easy to meet other Joining an online dating service is easy. singles born in your generation. It can be hard to get back into the dating You just fill in a few details about scene after you have been in a relation- yourself, and then you’re away. Every service will offer you a free trial for you ship for many years to suddenly find to give them a good try out first. If one yourself single. With so many things dating web site doesn’t give you what changing as well as yourself you may you’re after you can move onto another need a little guidance on which way to one. The beauty of these services is turn next. Getting over the relationship can be hard enough, but to start another everyone is there to meet other singles. You have no need to feel out of place, one is a completely different challenge and everybody there wants to be conall together. tacted. If you’re used to sending e-mails In the offline world what the over foralready you will have no trouble using ties will be accustomed too there are an online dating service. not very many places to go to where Once you have found a service that you you can meet up with other singles. like there’s no telling what the future The clubs and bars that you’re used to holds for you. There are plenty of recater for younger generations now so views you can read online to help you you haven’t got much chance of meetchoose what service to go for. Dating ing someone in them now. Even if you wanted to go somewhere like a tearoom for the over forties will never be a challenge for you again. There’s no reason they don’t really become a gathering point for singles. You need somewhere why it can’t be as enjoyable this time to meet other over forties who are there around as it was before Article Source: http://www.parentingarto meet singles such as yourself. This will turn your challenge into something ticlelibrary.com Each issue there will be an article for enjoyable. the single parent. If you have any If you have access to the internet then ideas please feel free to contact us at you have the whole world at your keyinfo@embracenews.com board. Now dating for the over forties
T
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EMBRACE FAMILY FUN FAMILY OLYMPICS
W
e all have heard the saying that the family that prays together stays together. How about the family that prays and plays together stays together? Here is a weekend activity for you and your family. How about having family olympics. You can also call over other family members to participate and the winning family gets a prepared meal of their choice by the losing family or you can choose to just have your immediate family participate. Children against the parents, mother and daughter against father and son. It is your choice. This activity will promote physical fitness while bringing the family closer together with tons of fun.
Some of the things that you can do is as follows: • • • • • • • • •
TENNIS JUMP ROPE BASKETBALL HULA HOOP SOFTBALL KICKBALL RACING POTATOE BAG RACING BOWLING
Each issue we will share something that the entire family can do together to have fun. If you have any ideas feel free to submit and we will share with our families. Send all inquiries to info@embracenews.com
34 | EMBRACE| 28 ChapelStreet
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Pastry Fab Cookie Chocolate Cherry Hitop
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Men Diadora Top Spin Men Adidas
Converse Jack Purcell
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HOT MUSIC FOR THE TEEN Do You Know Jessica Simpson
A Little Bit Longer Jonas Brothers
Breakout Miley Cyrus
Jordin Sparks
One World Cheetah Girls
37 | EMBRACE
Helping Your Teens to Cope With Peer Pressure
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s parents we are very protective of our children and spend a lot of time trying to keep them from getting themselves into trouble. Amongst other things this means teaching them what we believe to be right so that they do not find themselves giving in to negative peer pressure. But, at the end of the day, kids will be kids and when they get to be teenagers in particular there are going to be times when, despite your best efforts, they are going to get into trouble. So, what can we do to get them back on the rails? The first thing you need to do is to understand the environment in which your teens are operating and that often means thinking back to your own days as a teenager. One common practice for example is to put the blame onto someone else. We are all familiar with the “it’s not my fault I only did what John told me to do and he said it was okay� routine. I do not know of many teenagers who will not use this type of excuse and the moment it appears for the first time is the moment to step in and begin teaching your teens the meaning of responsibility because, the sooner they learn that they must take responsibility for there own actions, and that they will be held accountable for their actions, the better. This is sometimes an easy concept for teenagers to understand, but it is not always easy for them to see how to avoid getting into trouble in these circumstances and one good way around this is to sit down and role play with them. Come up with various different situations and then help them by providing ways in which they can get themselves out of a corner that they are being backed into. Perhaps most important at this stage is also to teach them that, if their friends simply will not listen to them and insist that they join in, then they can always simply walk away and, if necessary, call you to come and pick them up. You will also be surprised how often the simple act of calling a parent ostensibly to ask if something is okay will cause a friend, or group of friends, to change their mind. EMBRACE | 38
Your child also needs to understand that your responsibility extends to him and not to his friends and that, regardless of what his friends do, or are allowed to do by their parents, your role in bringing him up means setting rules which you consider to be appropriate to him and which are set out of your concern for him and for his protection. Having laid this framework, you then need to set specific rules and draw boundaries within which he must operate. Finally, remember that not all peer pressure is bad and that interacting with other teenagers is an important part of growing up and that your own teenager can learn a great deal from talking with his friends and watching the actions of those around him. Of course it does help if they have friends who follow the rules, but you cannot choose your teenagers’ friends for them and will have to be prepared to cope with whatever they throw at you. Written by Donald Saunders
KASTLE HILL GANG
R
osa approaches her four friend’s with her dog Fisgon in arm. “Hola my mejores amigos?” Rosa sings out. “Hola Rosa.” The group replies in unison.” Why all the sad faces?” Rosa asks. The group all point at one another. “We have to introduce ourselves to the readers and all they want to do is argue.” Tay explains. “What do you mean all that we want to do is argue? “It was you and Jen who started it!” Dusty yells out. Rosa interrupts. “Let’s put our heads together and figure out an easy way to introduce ourselves to the readers.” Rosa shares. Fisgon agrees by his barking. “I know what we can do, we can introduce ourselves by rapping.” Jen shouts out. “We can come up with something better than that.” Tay replies. Chad interrupts. “Tay, I don’t think it’s bad idea.” Tay glances at the group. “Guys I don’t know how to rap.” Chee walks up to Tay. “I don’t either, but we can do it.” Chee reassures. “I guess I can give it a try.” Tay replies. The group all look at one another. “Who’s first?” Chad asks. Jen speaks out. “I guess I’ll go first.” Jen steps closer toward the group. “I can’t wait to hear this one.” Tay laughs. Jen rolls her eyes. “My name is Jen the beautiful one of the group. We are all friend’s you can even call us a troop. EMBRACE | 40
We can solve any mystery. All eyes are on me when I enter a room because it’s beauty you see and the rest you can sweep up with a broom. Tay interrupts. “It’s my turn.” Jen glances at Tay with a not so nice look upon her face. “Hey, my name is Tay and I want to say, come with us we’ll make your day. I’m the clothing designer of this mob and making cute clothes is my true job, we are here to guide you in the right direction. We’re here to share our true affection.” Chad claps his hands as Tay takes a bow. “I guess it is my turn.” Rosa sings out. “My name is Rosa and it’s nice to meet ya. I’m the fiery and feisty one of this fiesta. I love all animals and I treat them right, I’ll stand up for them and for them I’ll fight. These are my friend’s forever and for life.” Fisgon lets out a few barks in agreement. The group clap as Chad steps up. “What’s up dude my name is Chad, riding this skateboard is my true fad. We’ll teach you how to treat other’s right, we’ll let you know it’s not right to fight. We’re all for one and one for all, we’ll help you up when you fall.” The group claps. Everyone turn to look at Chee who is trying to tip away. “Oh no you don’t, get back here!” Chad yells at Chee as he grabs him by his shirt. Get back here and introduce yourself.” “Look at me, name is Chee. I’m the smart one of this groupie, from music to Chemistry you can just ask me, I’ll help you out with any mystery.
Chee is dancing a goofy dance as he is all into his rapping, which he was reluctant to do in the beginning. “Alright Professor, that’s enough.” Chad interrupts. Chee still excited and into his rapping as he blurts out. Look at us we are one big happy family. Yeah boyyyy. The group laughs as they all embrace one another. Check us out every other month as we solve mysteries, give out advice and be there for you. We are the Kastle Hill Gang. If you solve the mystery each issue we will send you a gift. Created by and written by Twana Lawler CHEE
ROSA and her dog FISGON
JEN
TAY
Illustrations of the Kastle Hill Gang by Cathy Kaiser www.kaisercreations.com
DUSTY
41 | EMBRACE
show her by shopping at
EMBRACE | 42
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ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN WITH
AUTISM ACTIVITIES Autistic children love to play and have fun just like any other child. They also enjoy playing with children that are non-autistic and interacting with other children helps them to become stronger socially; so let them play; as they play they will learn a thing or two. You can try activities that include songs or sing-along; you can also add instruments as well. If you want your child to be more creative by trying their hand at art, make sure you have a smog and rubber gloves. Most autistic children don’t like to get there hands messy. You can also use a truck or a car, just coat the wheels with paint and let the child roll it all over the drawing paper, forming any design that there heart desires. Children also love cameras take them out and let them take pictures, afterwards get a big poster board and let them tape the pictures on it. Hang it up so the whole family can see how creative they really are. Be creative in finding different ways to get your child to have fun; not only will the child have fun, but, it will bring you and your child closer together.
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GAMES AND WEBSITES Here are some more games and a few website to help you bond and have fun with your child. Ages 3 & up “The secret door” is a board game for autistic children. This game teaches them how to communicate and brainstorm. Ages 7 & up “Let’s go sailing” is another board game for autistic children. This game involves lots of cooperation. Both games teach them to become more social.
WEBSITES www.specialneedstoys.com/autism Special games and toys for autistic children. Free catalog! www.babybumblebee.com/autism The baby bumblebee store created a wonderful video series. This series was designed to help the growth of spoken and receptive language for your infant and toddler. If you would like to know more about this series as well as other products visit our website.
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Share Your Child’s Accomplishment Just Put Your Mind To It
H
ey, I know that there are many kids who think they can’t do anything. But, that’s not true at all. I once thought that same way. I thought that I could not do anything right. I decided to turn those negative thoughts into positive thoughts. When you are feeling down just do some of your favorite things. Such as painting, drawing, writing, singing, dancing etc. Just let it all out! If you’re upset let all of that agreession go by doing something positive. If you are sad as some of us pre-teens tend to get do something that will cheer you up. My point is that you can do anything once you put your mind to it. Turn that negative into a positive. It only takes you and your imagination. Written by Shanquelle Bibb 12 year Los Angeles, CA
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Send your child’s accomplishment to us and we will share with our readers. You can send poetry, writings, pictures and their grades. We will send them a certificate for their great accomplishiments. Send all inquiries to info@embracenews.com
FRIENDSHIP
I gave you love, yeah love love I gave you hate, yeah hate hate This feeling I have is not so great, not so great great The one thing I didn’t give you was friendship, yeah friendship Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ah, ah, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ah, ah, yeah yeah The one thing I didn’t give you was friendship, yeah friendship So now you’re gone, gone, gone I’m all alone, alone, alone Don’t say it’s over, no no Please come back Don’t go go The one thing I didn’t give you is friendship, yeah friendship Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ah, ah, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ah, ah, yeah, yeah The one thing I didn’t give you was friendship, yeah friendship Written by LA4 Charity, Destiny, Chytez & Bryneisha 8 12 9
7 LA4 is a new group consisting of three siblings and one cousin. Their dream and desire is to become recording artists.
COMING SOON!!! EMBRACE THE YOUNG AUTHOR SECTION If your child has a pen of a ready writer then send his or her writings in so that others can read their work. It can be poetry, songs, or articles. This section is to help the children that have the desire to share their gift, but have no avenue to share their spectacular gift. Does your child have the desire to see their writing in a magazine? EMBRACE is here to help!
If your child love to draw or sketch send in their artwork and we will publish it. All copyrights belong to your child.
If interested please submit all inquiries to info@embracenews.com and we will send details.
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ALSO COMING SOON... DEAR RONI section Children ages 6 to 14 years old can send in questions and we will answer them. You will see your child’s name and question in the next issue as well as the answer. These questions will be answered by their peer. SAMPLE QUESTION: Q: Hi Roni, my name is Candance...What do I say to a friend who tries to get me to smoke cigarettes? A: Hi Candance. Smoking is very unhealthy and it is not attractive. If your “so-called friend” as k you to do something wrong then they are not your true friend and you should stopping hanging around this person.
Purchase your Mother one of these nice T-Shirts from chasescloset.com
T-Shirts can be ordered at www.chasescloset.com ChasesClosetTara@aol.com
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FEATURED CHILDREN’S AUTHOR AUTHOR:
Evelyn Gresham
TITLE: “Brown Little Babies In the Brown little babies’ book, you will enjoy faces filled with wander and poems filled with joy! This book is a tribute to all African American babies through poetry and baby pictures. This is a perfect book to share with your child or any mother to be. The pictures, the poetry, the softly illustrated pages makes this book a perfect addition for anyone who loves babies--and who doesn’t! To learn more about the author and Brown little babies, visit her website at: www.elgbooksanddolls.com
BOOK FOR CHILDREN WITH AUTISM Different Like Me introduces children aged 8 to 12 years to famous, inspirational figures from the world of science, art, math, literature, philosophy and comedy. Eight-year-old Quinn, a young boy with Asperger’s Syndrome, tells young readers about the achievements and characteristics of his autism heroes, from Albert Einstein, Dian Fossey and Wassily Kandinsky to Lewis Carroll, Benjamin Banneker and Julia Bowman Robinson, among others. All excel in different fields, but are united by the fact that they often found it difficult to fit in-just like Quinn. Fully illustrated in color and written in childfriendly language, this book will be a wonderful resource for children, particularly children with autism, their parents, teachers, carers and siblings. EMBRACE | 50
THINGS FOR THE KIDS
PEDIPED FOOTWEAR www.pediped.com
Chuck E. Cheese www.childrenspalace.com
SWING WORKS www.swingworks.com
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ADORABLE BABY GIFTS www.adorablebabygifts.com
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COLOR ME
EMBRACE | 52
A MOVIE FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY How, why and when did it start? Popolice started in 1997 as a result of me not being good enough at sports and too good at computer games. Biggest influences? My influences are extremely varied…common reference points are lots of bands from New Zealand’s Flying Nun record label and My Bloody Valentine, Sonic Youth, Pavement—obvious indie-pop influences to be honest—although Sydney’s Gerling might well be one of my biggest influences, particularly their album When Young Terrorists Chase The Sun (2001)…mixing samples, pop, noise, techno, acoustic, rock, whatever….
IN
THEATERS 11-07-08
Where to from here? Experimenting more with electronic music but still keep the noisy guitar element there. Um se nondactus furecta vivirimis, accit, me 53 | EMBRACE
A HALLOWEEN TREAT for the KIDS SPIDER P0PS
Have a party for the kids at home and allow them to make this tasty treat. Materials Needed: 4 black pipe cleaners Lollipop Googly eyes Glue Holding all four pipe cleaners, center them at the base of the pop and wrap them around the stick once so there are four legs on each side. Bend the legs. Glue on googly eyes. The kids will love this!
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THANKSGIVING IDEAS to PROMOTE FAMILY UNITY Arrange the children/players in a circle. Pass around a “thankerchief” (handkerchief) around as everyone recites this poem: Thankerchief, thankerchief, around you go -Where you’ll stop, nobody knows. But when you do, someone must say, What they are thankful for this day. The player holding the “thankerchief” when the poem ends, must say aloud, one thing for which they are thankful. This continues until everyone has had a turn.
Quick Edible Thanksgiving Turkeys What You Need: 2 Double stuffed Oreos (Halloween or regular white) Candy corn Raisinets Plate What to Do: 1. Open one Oreo. The half that has the filling will be the base for your turkey to stand on. Eat the other piece, if desired. 2. Place the other Oreo on the filling standing upright. This is your turkey body. 3. Carefully place 5 candy corns into the filling on the upright Oreo. These are the feathers. 4. Place a Raisinet in front of the turkey body. This is the head. 7 | ChapelStreet
PLAY & READ, YOU & ME WHISPERS IN THE WIND On a cool summers night Close your eyes and hear the wind Feel the breeze upon your skin On a cool summers night Lift your nose and smell the air With all the scents the wind may bare Barbecues, freshly cut grass Oh what a smell As it passes by your nose On a cool summers night Children playing and laughter reigning Chimes ringing and church bells singing If you want to feel the breeze And smell the scents flowing through the air Come outside one day And sit upon your porch On a cool summers night
EMBRACE ChapelStreet | 56| 26
by Evelyn Gresham
Submitted by Evelyn Gresham
KIDS EASY RECIPE
BANANA FLOAT 1 BANANA RAISINS SHREDDED COCONUT PEANUT BUTTER (OR ALMOND BUTTER IF YOU’RE ALLERGIC) DESSERT BOWL COOL WHIP CUT THE BANANA INTO CUBES. SPRINKLE RAISINS AND COCONUT ON TOP OF THE BANANA. ASK YOUR MOM TO PLACE THE PEANUT BUTTER INTO THE MICROWAVE AND STIR. MAKE SURE YOU USE OVEN MITTS BECAUSE THE PEANUT BUTTER WILL BE HOT OR GET YOUR MOTHER TO ASSIST YOU. MAKE SURE THE PEANUT BUTTER IS SOFT AND EASY TO POUR. DRIZZLE AS MUCH AS YOU LIKE OVER TOP OF THE BANANA. THEN TOP IT WITH COOL WHIP. EAT AND ENJOY!
THE BI-MONTHLY QUESTION
SOMETHING TO PONDER ON
A different question will be presented in every issue. It will be something for you to ponder on. We will ask the question and you send in your answers. Your answer will be featured in the following issue of EMBRACE.
QUESTION: Do You make your children sit at the dinner table until they clean their plate?
My answer: I don’t agree with a child sitting at the table until they clean their plate. Send in yours!
Send all answers to info@embracenews.com
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I have five grandchildren in the K12 Program and they love it! Shanquelle Bibb...It is fun! Charity Webster...I love K12 Destiny Lawler...K12 is the best! Chytez Shivers...It’s cool Bryneisha Crayton...I really do like it
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classifieds Do you need someone to write your stageplay or screenplay? Then contact Focus On Family Entertaiment. We will write it for you!
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î YOUR î CLASSIFIED î HERE info@embracenews.com Do you have something to sell? Then send in your classified we will post it for you for a little to nothing. To find out about our low low prices, please contact us at info@embracenews.com
î COMING SOON EMBRACENEWS.TV î You will be able to watch family reality show î You will be able to watch Public Announcements of missing children î Reading to the children segment Order your EMBRAC T-Shirt at http://233302.spreadshirt.com/us/US/Shop/ 15 | ChapelStreet
MORE TO COME IN THE FOLLOWING ISSUES!!! MEN Section: • Fast & Furious Cars • Hair care for Men of various ethnicity • Fashion For Men • Sports Brackets • The Buisnessman, Father & Husband WOMEN Section: • Women Fashion • Hair care for women of various ethnicity • The Professional Woman, Mother & Wife FAMILY Section: • Great family spots • Things for the family to do Much more to come EMBRACE | 62
ChapelStreet | 28
GENERAL Section: • Home and Garden • Home Decorating Tips • Arts & Crafts • Celeberity Interviews on family • Contest & Giveaways • Family of the Year Award • Recognition for children that excel
EMBRACE Magazine will be the one stop shop magazine for the entire family. Our mission is to bring families closer together so that they can build on a strong foundation. Families of today have geared away from unity and togetherness and we here at EMBRACE want to change that.