MICHIGAN CITY Calling the congregation of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church pioneers, Dion Campbell, director of Worldgate Christian Center, drafted Pastor Anthony Getter and his congregation into becoming advocates to change the future of Michigan City's youth.

"What we are doing was birthed from the heart of God," Campbell said during the introduction of the educational empowerment seminar Sunday. "We want to make sure every person in Michigan City is empowered to understand the educational system."

Campbell's church hosted the first seminar in August, with principals from Michigan City Area Schools taking part. Peggy Thomas, Edgewood Elementary, Mohamed Mroueh, Barker Middle School and Lee Dabagia, Michigan City High School, attended Sunday to explain how parents can help their children excel, how to become involved in their children's education and how to understand the assessment process.

While parent involvement is key, parents also have to be role models, open doors of communication with their children's teachers and create a home culture that values education beyond high school, the principals said.

The goal of talking about the education process is to "empower parents to become educators in their own home," Mroueh said. "The earlier in the educational process that parental involvement begins, the more powerful the effects."

Creating a climate that encourages and expects success is a key element, Thomas told the crowd that filled the New Hope sanctuary for the seminar. When parents set high standards, "children know that is what you expect of them," she said.

Parents should establish a routine at home, know their children's social network and email passwords and know who their friends are. This applies even to high school age students.

"There is no reason they should have a password you don't know," Dabagia said.

"We are blessed to have had the opportunity to host this event on this day," Getter said. "Thank and praise God for this educational seminar."

Campbell said the seminars are offered to churches, with the hope that the church will embrace the message and reach out into the community. Recruiting mentors or tutors, establishing public access computers and helping set the standards for high achievement can make a difference.

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Finding success: Principals ask for parental involvement, higher expectations

Friday, October 5 marks the one year anniversary of the death of Apple CEO Steve Jobs. How did Jobs, whose death was mourned around the world, achieve such remarkable success during his relatively short life? What lessons can we learn from him? Let me share what I witnessed up close.

I had a ringside seat during the ramp-up of the personal computer industry in America -- serving as public relations counsel to CEOs and entrepreneurs who were re-inventing the way we would do business in the modern world. It was a pretty heady experience for a young, non-engineering female, not to mention an amazing learning laboratory.

A key barometer of industry clout was Esther Dyson's PC Forum, where the elite players would convene, preen and be seen.

You could see early on that Steve Jobs was a different kind of cat. He had an aura of cool amid a sea of self-professed tech geeks. He was a marketing impresario, not a programmer. A liberal arts major, not an engineer or MBA. He even dressed differently. (For example he wore a blazer and a bow tie, forerunner of the black turtleneck, at one of the PC Forum events in 1984, the year of Macintosh launch.)

Jobs didn't play nice with the other kids. When the industry moved toward standards and compatibility, Apple stood alone with a proprietary system. When the IBM "clones" (Compaq, Dell, HP, DEC et. al.) dominated the high-volume Enterprise sector, the Mac was beloved by students, graphic designers and creatives -- a much smaller niche.

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Today, Apple reigns as the world's market cap leader and most valuable brand -- with Greenlight Capital's David Einhorn predicting that the stock could eventually reach a valuation in excess of $1 trillion.

Competing in the ultimate center of brains and brilliance, how did Jobs accomplish this feat? Here are some clues:

1. FOCUS!

Instead of letting product lines proliferate or permitting a thousand ideas to bloom, Steve Jobs insisted that Apple focus on just two or three priorities at a time, according to the best-selling biography by Walter Isaacson.

Originally posted here:
Be a Success Like Steve Jobs

Sudy Bharadwaj is a co-founder and the CEO of Jackalope Jobs, a web-based platform that combines search, social networking, and the overall users experience to provide relevant job openings. Learn how Sudy and Jackalope Jobs obsess over job seekers by connecting with them on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter.

[More from Mashable: Tips for Updating Your Companys Social Media Policy]

Call it self-marketing, personal branding, professional development, or any other buzzword you'd like. In any case, both finding a job and climbing the career ladder are all about investing in the business of you.

As a professional, you are a brand unto yourself. The target market for the unique value you provide are employers who are constantly bombarded with messages from your competitors (read: other industry professionals) and also always on the lookout for innovation. Develop and market your personal brand effectively by using traditional marketing techniques.

[More from Mashable: The Beatles Long and Winding Road to Digital]

Though the boundaries of traditional marketing no longer exist due to online media and new digital technologies, its core tactics can be reworked to guide your self-marketing strategy online.

The four Ps of marketing are product, price, promotion and place. In the realm of self-marketing, you are the product that's up for sale, which means you must successfully apply the traditional marketing model to you: the person, the professional and the brand.

To develop an online self-marketing strategy, you must determine who you are as a professional and build a personal brand around your core strengths, skills and experience. What do you bring to the table that others in your industry do not? Know your strengths and play to them by creating a consistent brand around yourself that's complete with mission, objectives and recognizable visual brand elements. Today's hiring managers are social consumers who are more apt to hire you based on the experience you're selling rather than your ability to carry out a few specific tasks.

Just as you instantly know a can of Coca-Cola when you see one (and know what to expect once it's open), your audience should know exactly what you bring to the table and what they're getting by working with you. Whether you've branded yourself as a no-nonsense people mover who's apt at managing staff, or an industry expert and consultant who provides fresh insights and innovates the way a company operates, be consistent. Decide on your core messages and stick to one brand name.

The importance of this element in online self-marketing is twofold. In addition to accounting for the value you add to an organization, you must decide what you, the hard-working professional, are worth and what your bottom line is -- particularly if you ever decide to freelance or become an independent contractor.

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How to Create a Killer Personal Branding Campaign

Police in Ho Chi Minh City have arrested two Thai citizensduring the bust ofa ring that allegedly trafficked 2.06 kilograms of cocaine from Brazil into Vietnam, Tuoi Tre reported Friday.

One of the suspects, Chaimongkol Suracha, 30, was caught carrying the drugs hidden in two photo albums when he arrived at Tan Son Nhat International Airport on a flight from Brazil on October 1.

Later that same day, police set up a sting operation and arrested Pakaporn Thatchun, while she was receiving the drugs from Suracha at a hotel in District 1, the newspaper said.

Suracha told police that he got to know two Brazilians, known as Fosta and Mieare, on the Internet and was promised a job at a car export company in Vietnam.

On August 12, Mieare took Suracha to Vietnam, but then said that there was a job vacancy in Brazil, so they took a flight to that country that night, according to the news report.

When they arrived in Brazil, Mieare introduced the Thai man to an African man and left, according to the article, adding that on September 28, Suracha was taken to a supermarket for shopping and given a suitcase.

Later, another African man gave him an air ticket to Vietnam, claiming that he needed to return to Vietnam to meet the employer of the car company to getthe jobpromised earlier by Mieare.

Suracha also said the man gave him the two photo albums as a gift to his friend.

Vietnam has some of the worlds toughest drug laws. Those convicted of smuggling more than 600 grams of heroin or more than 2.5 kilograms of methamphetamine face the death penalty.

Earlier this week an appeals court in HCMC upheld a death sentence against a 23-year-old Thai student who was caught with more than three kilograms of meth, when she arrived at Tan Son Nhat airport on October 29 last year.

The rest is here:
Thais arrested in Vietnam drug bust

Vietnam's Supreme Court has refused to commute the death sentence of a 24-year-old Thai woman who smuggled narcotics into the country, according to the Saigon Daily.

The Supreme People's Court in Ho Chi Minh City has upheld the lower court's death sentence against Preeyanooch Phuttharaksa, the newspaper said on its website.

Preeyanuch was arrested in October of last year after customs officials at Tan Son Nhut Airport found more than three kilogrammes of methamphetamine hidden inside her luggage. Before her arrest, Preeyanuch had sneaked drugs into Vietnam twice, according to the indictment.

She was handed the death penalty on June 26 by the People's Court and she later appealed to a higher court.

Preeyanuch, a student, had confessed to having been paid 50,000 baht by a Nigerian drug gang to bring the drugs into Vietnam from the west African country of Benin. She had met her Nigerian contact originally at a mall in Bangkok.

Thai officials have said that even if the Supreme Court upheld the death sentence, she could still petition the Vietnamese president for mercy. Vietnam executes criminals with lethal injections, which replaced the firing squad last year.

Statistics from the Thai Foreign Ministry show that about 100 Thai women are currently being detained for drug trafficking in several countries, including China, India, United Arab Emirates, Spain, Brazil and South Africa.

Some of them had married citizens of African countries and were forced to become involved in the trans-national drug trade, officials say.

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Vietnam court upholds drug smuggler's death sentence

An appeals court in Ho Chi Minh City Wednesday upheld a death sentence against a 23-year-old Thai student who was convicted of trafficking drugs into Vietnam in June.

At a hearing held by the Peoples Supreme Court in HCMC, the board of judges said they turned down Preeyanooch Phuttharaksas appeal for a sentence reduction because she hadtransported a huge amount of drugs into Vietnam, which was an extremely serious act.

The woman, a university student in Bangkok, was caught with more than three kilograms of methamphetamine when she arrived at HCMC's Tan Son Nhat International Airport on October 29 last year.

She was transporting the drugs for a person of unknown identity and referred to as Jom from Doha, Qatar, to Vietnam for 50,000 baht (US$1,600). The drugs were given to Phuttharaksa in Benin, before she flew to Moroccos Casablanca city, and then Doha.

According to the student, she also transported drugs for Jom on two different occasions in February and March that same year, for 4,000 baht ($130) and $300, respectively.

Vietnam has some of the worlds toughest drug laws. Those convicted of smuggling more than 600 grams of heroin or more than 2.5 kilograms of meth face the death penalty.

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Vietnam court upholds death sentance against Thai girl

Vietnam's Supreme Court has refused to commute the death sentence of a 24-year-old Thai woman who had smuggled narcotics into the country, according to the Saigon Daily.

The Supreme People's Court in Ho Chi Minh City has upheld the lower court's death sentence against Preeyanooch Phuttharaksa, the newspaper said on its website.

Preeyanuch was arrested in October 2011 after customs officials at Tan Son Nhat Airport found more than three kilogrammes of methamphetamine hidden inside her luggage.

Before her arrest, Preeyanuch had sneaked drugs into Vietnam twice, according to the indictment.

She was handed the death penalty on June 26 by the People's Court and she later appealed to a higher court.

Preeyanuch, a student, had confessed to having been paid 50,000 baht by a Nigerian drug gang to bring the drugs into Vietnam from the west African country of Benin. She had met her Nigerian contact originally at a mall in Bangkok.

Thai officials have said that even if the Supreme Court upheld the death sentence, she could still petition the Vietnamese president for mercy.

Vietnam executes criminals with lethal injections, which replaced the firing squad last year.

Statistics from the Thai Foreign Ministry show that about 100 Thai women are currently being detained for drug trafficking in several countries, including China, India, United Arab Emirates, Spain, Brazil and South Africa.

Some of them had married citizens of African countries and were forced to become involved in the trans-national drug trade, while others were willing to act as drug couriers due to the high pay, officials say.

See the rest here:
VN upholds death penalty for Thai

Do you know what the word yoga means? I don't. I'm guessing that other parents (and children) don't know either. Though, like me, they've probably heard many a celebrity rave about yoga's numerous benefits, and have a good enough idea of what goes on in a typical class.

Well, according to educator and yogini Michelle Ressa Aventajado, yoga means to "yoke," and to yoke means to bring together. But how do you make youngsters understand that concept and make them appreciate a yoga class? Aventajado, a U.S. certified YogaKids and Grounded Yoga instructor who's been teaching for almost six years now, relates, "When I explain it to the kids, it goes something like this: We practice yoga to bring our three selves together - our hearts, our minds, and our bodies. The heart in this statement can also mean their emotions. Basically, I just want the little ones to understand that how we feel emotionally can affect how we feel physically. I want them to make the mind-body connection and become more aware of themselves. That way, they can become more aware of others and eventually, become more aware of their environment. So in essence you can [almost] say that I want to facilitate awareness through their practice and play of yoga." Obviously, a yoga class for kids entails a lot more than just breathing in and out, and striking a pose.

Kids on the floor

A fun and sweeping kind of learning blend seamlessly in children's yoga class. "For the younger kids, we sing, dance, run, create, invent, balance, count, color, exercise, meditate, empower, and engage the child in every way. Yoga Kids learn through multiple intelligences. This addresses the whole child and addresses him in every way he learns. It's fun! It's super active. We play yoga games, take turns, and care for the environment. We talk a little, laugh a lot, and play. The bigger concepts of yoga are fed to the kids in smaller bites - little nibbles that they could understand. For instance, we talk to them about caring for the environment and putting "good" food in our bodies," Aventajado shares.

Class time is usually 45 minutes to one hour. Because younger yogis cannot stay still too long, their sessions are fast-paced and on the shorter side. Older students who have a greater understanding of things and don't need as much of a release, however, can last one hour; sometimes even longer if they choose. Nevertheless, all of her kiddie yoga classes stick to the same format: an introduction of the theme first, followed by a time to journal, a warm up, the middle of the class where most of the action occurs, and finally, the cool down or meditation.

To help her students lower their energy level and relax, Aventajado gives them a light massage, walk them through visual imagery, or play classical music. She's had kids as young as two-and-a-half and three years old join her class, and she believes that the earlier a child practices yoga, the better. "If children were given the tools to cope with life in a healthy way, with perspective, and make healthy choices, then they would certainly live a healthier lifestyle overall. With the childhood obesity rates and all the distractions that children are subjected to, introducing the concepts of yoga at an early age can be nothing but beneficial."

Benefits galore

Like yoga for grown-ups, kids' yoga has several advantages such as strengthening muscles and posture, increasing flexibility and balance, and enhancing concentration. Aventajado mentions that practicing yoga can likewise lead to a sense of well being inside and out, can boost self-esteem, and can help children sleep more soundly.

Marsha Wenig, YogaKids video and educational curriculum creator, attests that yoga can help offset the stress and pressure that today's kids face. "When children learn techniques for self-health, relaxation, and inner fulfillment, they can navigate life's challenges with a little more ease," she says.

And isn't that what we all wish for, to have happy, healthy and well-adjusted kids?

Excerpt from:
Yippee for YOGA!

While summer boasts some of the biggest yoga events around the globe, this season offers a slew of luxurious boutique-style yoga retreat packages catering to varied interests, from Bosnian sightseeing to paddleboarding off Turks and Caicos to downward dogs with yoga rockstar Rodney Yee. Here is a selection of a few to consider.

Miraval Journeys: Bosnia and Croatia October 15-24

The famed Miraval Spa in Arizona is leading a 10-day adventure vacation in historic sites in Bosnia and Croatia, with early morning yoga and meditation sessions on the daily menu. $6,740 (most meals included). http://www.miravalresorts.com/journeys

Paddleboard/Core Fusion in Turks and Caicos Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands October 24-28

NYC-based Exhale and Core Fusion cofounders Elisabeth Halfpapp and Fred DeVito are hosting this five-day retreat at their off-shore at the Hotel Gansevoort Turks + Caicos. Offerings include paddleboarding, barre classes, their signature Core Fusion yoga sessions, and 50-minute massages. $2,050-$2,900. http://www.exhalespa.com

Ojai Yoga Crib Ojai Valley, California, USA October 25-28

One of the few big yoga events happening this season, this event in Southern California draws thousands of yogis and elite teachers such as Erich Schiffman, Patricia Sullivan, Cyndi Lee, Scott Blossom, and Jason Crandell. Expect morning meditations, daytime workshops, and evening kirtan sessions. Tickets range from $200 to $575. http://www.lulubandhas.com/yoga/crib

Yoga Tango Retreat with Ashley Turner Buenos Aires, Argentina October 28-November 3

American yogi Ashley Turner is leading a group to Argentina to mix her sensual vinyasa yoga with wine tasting and tango lessons, with accommodations in the chic VAIN boutique hotel. $2,095-$2,595. http://www.ashleyturner.org or http://www.solyogatrips.com

Escape to Shape Lake Atitlan, Guatemala November 3-9

Excerpt from:
Top October-November yoga retreats around the globe

Larrissa Beckenbaugh and PJ Heffernan from PJ's Yoga Shala. Shayne Broadwell from Core Essence.

Published Oct. 6, 2012 at 3:22 p.m.

September was the official National Yoga Month, celebrating the Eastern tradition that the West and the rest of the world has enthusiastically embraced for its fitness, health and spiritual benefits.

Yoga "teachers" do not need to be certified, credentialed or attend any special "training" to instruct yoga. This may come as a surprise even to yoga teachers, who, when looking for a job, may be faced with the stipulation of "must be an RYT (Registered Yoga Teacher) through the Yoga Alliance." Often, these studios looking for teachers are "RYS Registered Yoga Schools" through the Yoga Alliance.

So, eager yoga students passionate about their practice and wanting to progress to teaching are almost forced to take (expensive) "teacher trainings" to qualify to be "certified" as a yoga teacher. They then have to register with the Yoga Alliance, paying a fee to maintain their "RYT" teacher status.

And the Yoga Alliance (a non-profit organization) is doing pretty well because of it, as their website financials state: "Yoga Alliance and YA+ have released their 2011 financials by posting them on this website. The combined organizations reported revenue of approximately $3.25 million in 2011, which represents a 37-percent increase over the $2.37 million generated in 2010. They also ended the year with a surplus of $78,806, which was down from $364,188 in 2010."

Wow. Looks like yoga is one of the only businesses thriving in this economy. (Yoga as a business. This, in and of itself, gets some yogis' mats all up in a bunch.)

On the other hand, how many yoga teachers do you know whose "revenue is up in the last year"? Yoga teachers are typically paid per class, from my experience, starting around $25 per class. This fluctuates where you are in the country, at gyms versus yoga studios and by the teacher's experience. Some studios pay per student in class (again, from my experience) around $5 per student.

Private yoga sessions can be anywhere from $35-$150 per session again depending on so many variables. Yoga teacher celebrities, of course, command much more. But, let's face it your average yogi taking a teacher training has a long way to go before they are "ommming" Sting and Madonna for hundreds of bucks per session.

There's money being made, but it may not be by your favorite yoga teacher unless that teacher owns a studio and is offering these "teacher trainings."

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Yoga "teacher training" is big business