Senior Pictures Becoming Big Business
- Statesman
"Our average sale for a senior is $1,200 to $1,500, but some parents have spent up to $5,000," Meyer said.

Study Claims Moms Mimic Daughters in Fashion
- CNN
"We live in a society that one of the main values is to look younger," Ruvio said. "Most of these women have kids, work and they don't have time to monitor the market and see what is cool and hip, so they basically take a shortcut. Through their teenage daughters, they know they're safe."

New York: Sex Ed Becomes Mandatory
- Fox News
It’s the first time in nearly two decades that middle and high school students will be forced to take the mandatory classes, according to a report first published in The New York Times.

A nation in mourning for Navy SEAL Team 6
- Washington Examiner
As the nation mourns its loss, just as it has the losses of 10 years of a war it did not choose and which it cannot avoid, the greatest thing that civilians can do is remember that their lives and the lives of their children and grandchildren are what they are because of warriors flying through mountain passes half a world away

10 Hidden Benefits of Having Children
- Fox News
Come along as we explore the top 10 hidden benefits of having children. Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/health/2011/08/05/10-hidden-benefits-having-children/#ixzz1USLudd6r

“Heroes” Sue Rescued Woman
- AP
Two Ohio men honored as heroes for their actions after a 2009 car crash are now suing the woman they rescued from a burning vehicle.

last updated October 6, 2011
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May. 04, 2011

Wrestling Issues
- CBS News

Guys, when you were 12 or 14, were you ever forced to dance with a girl that you didn't know – maybe at school, or at a wedding?  When you are young it can be awkward and uncomfortable holding hands or putting your arm around someone of the opposite sex - especially when you don't know them.  Your personal space is violated, you feel like everyone is looking, and you have no idea what is going through her head.  Now, imagine you're expected to wrestle your dance partner to the ground, pinning her for a three-count.

Joel Northrup isn't twelve - he's sixteen - but when faced with task of wrestling a female competitor  in the Iowa State Wrestling Tournament - he said "no" to the idea. In a state where wrestling is a passion, Northrup sacrificed a chance to win the tournament, citing conscience and faith as reasons why: "wrestling is a combat sport and it can get violent at times," said Northrup. "As a matter of conscience and my faith I do not believe that it is appropriate for a boy to engage a girl in this manner." With a 35-4 record entering the tournament, he was a favorite to win it. He must have felt strongly to sacrifice so much.

• Joel describes wrestling as a "combat sport." Do you agree that wrestling is too violent or physical for boys and girls to compete against each other?
• What about other physical sports?  Football?  Hockey? Lacrosse?
• What about less physical sports like Basketball or Baseball?  Where do you draw the line?
• Joel's opponent, Cassy Herkelman, earned her way to the tournament by winning 20 matches herself, most against male opponents.  Don't you think that she deserved the same opportunity to compete?
• Should the fact that Cassy, and other girls, are willing to accept the challenge of battle factor into the equation?

The reaction to Joel's decision from his competitors and their parents was nearly universally positive. Megan Black, another female wrestler, whom Joel refused to compete against earlier in the season, said "He, at least, is true to his beliefs and you have to respect that."  Most seem to agree that whether or not you agree with the decision, because it is based on a sincere conviction, it is highly regarded.  That strength of character; the willingness to do what you think is right, no matter the consequences, is recognized as an admirable trait.

Even though many agreed with his decision, Joel still sacrificed in order to make his stand. Wrestling involves difficult training, and a lot of it to achieve the level that Joel had risen to. College scouts surely would have been impressed by sucess at the state level. Joel Northrup sacrified the pain of training, the countless hours of work and the accolades of victory.

• Was it worth it?

The Old Testament gives us several examples of men and women who were willing to do what was right, regardless of the consequences. Daniel's friends were willing to die in the furnace, rather than bow to a man-made idol (Daniel 3). Later, Daniel himself prayed obediently, despite the punishment of being thrown into the lions den (Daniel 6). While Daniel and his friends had much more on the line than Joel Northrup, but each showed a willingness to "walk-the-walk" when it comes to their convictions.  And besides, if we're not willing to sacrifice a sports title for our beliefs, how will we hold firm when much more is at risk?

• What kinds of things do you and your family see as values worth standing up for?
• What kind of price are you willing to pay for your strongest convictions?
• How much, do you think, is God willing to ask of you during your life on earth?

[photo "Wrestling redux" courtesy of Available_Light on flicker]

Thursday, December 16, 2010
Most prefer "Merry Christmas" to "Happy Holidays"

Wednesday - June 23, 2010
Looking for work? Unemployed need not apply

Friday - June 18, 2010
Woman Follows Google Maps “Walking” Directions, Gets Hit, Sues

Thursday - June 10, 2010
'Returnaholics' cost retailers billions of dollars a year

Thursday - May 20, 2010
Where's the sportsmanship? Girl disqualified for wearing bracelet

Tuesday - May 11, 2010
Fans would give up food, jobs for World Cup glory?

Raising Kids For True Greatness

You want only the best for your kids. And you want them to be successful. Sure, there's nothing wrong with that. But what if there was something more? Could your definition of success be leaving out the most important part?

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How do you define success for your child? "Graduates from a prestigious college." "Nabs a high-paying job." "Settles down with a nice family." Sounds good. But what if you got it all wrong?

What about greatness? Where does it fit in? "If you aim your children at anything less than greatness, you'll set them up to miss the whole point of their lives," says author Tim Kimmel. In Raising Kids for True Greatness, Kimmel turns the definition of success on its head and guides you in preparing your child for a life that will easily eclipse the goals of those who are merely successful. More Info.