Mothers Day Is Every Day

Don’t Get It Twisted
Mother’s Day Is Every Day
Especially When Mothers Day is Gone

Quote
"Honor your father and mother, which is the first
commandment with promise: that it may be well with
you and you may live long on the earth."
[Ephesians 6:2, 3 NKJV]


Celebration of you “Mothers.”
The meaning of Mother’s Day cannot really be clarified by fancy articulated words organized in a card, nor a floral arrangement of flowers to display love, appreciation, thanks and Blessings. The gestures given in the form of gifts, meals, hugs, kisses, money, and other representations of affection by family and friends only shows an emotional feeling for that day and a few beyond.
Mother’s Day is celebrated annually in May, but
Don’t Get It Twisted - Mother’s Day Is Every Day

It began as a well-established tradition going back to Philadelphia in 1907,
and continues on into the 21st century. Rarely in this day and age of high tech,
fast paced and instant gratification do things this meaningful last.

Quote
“We are in a culture that holds mothers to a maddening
standard of mythological perfection”. (Unknown)

All mothers have the unique Blessings of God because he knew that children needed to be nurtured, loved, and taught how to be respectful and how to pray. Mothers are a child’s first teacher of life. A mother has the responsibility to teach their child how to be caring for family and friends, the importance of education and notably their first introduction to God. Mother’s wisdom is that when they are not with their children God is the one who is watching over them, keeping their babies out of danger and steering them clear of harm and hurt. Mothers know they are the foundation of humanity. Humanity exists and prospers because Mothers are still in control. Human beings by our very nature need to be loved, recognized and from time to time provided hugs, and affection, what better person than the mother who carried you for 9 months or the mother who may not have carried you and given birth to you,
but who has taken on that role as a mother.

Quote
"A mother is not a person to lean on but person to make leaning unnecessary." (Dorothy Fisher)

Even biblically it is written in the Bible mothers play a key role in the development of generations, not just in the bearing of children, but in the reinforcement of family traditions, passing down of family history, helping children to understand their key roles and direction in life,
and teaching young girls how to be good mothers.

In Solomon, 8:2 (KJ Version), it is written that, “I would lead thee,
and bring thee into my mother's house, who would instruct me”.
Solomon, purported to be the wisest man in the world honors his mother
and recognizes her instruction to him.
Jesus respected his mother when she asked him to turn
water to wine at a wedding, John 2:3 (KJ Version).
Moses mother loved him so much that she sacrificed him to live and
was blessed to get him back, Exodus 1:1-8 (KJ Version).
Hagar in Genesis 16 was blessed with a son who would be the father
of many nations. Genesis 16 (KJ Version)

Quote
"If you want your children to turn out well, spend twice as much time with them, and half as much money." (Abigail Van Buren)

We come to celebrate you as women of stature, women of honor and praise your involvement in your child’s life or the children that you support. Be aware that you are building tomorrow’s leaders, world leaders in commerce, education, politics, industry, medicine, science and other disciplines around the world.
Please continue to do what you are doing by giving children love and
teaching them to strive for success, helping your child to gain the confidence in their abilities that they can conquer the world. Children need to know that they can control their lives with the choices that they make, and with your guidance, love, advice and prayers have the freedom to make good and beneficial choices and decisions.

Quote
“The real religion of the world comes from women much more than from men from mothers most of all, who carry the key of our souls in their bosoms”.
(Oliver Wendell Holmes)

Men may think they run things, but they should not get it twisted, when a mother speaks and gets to praying we all stop and listen.
Mothers, grandmothers, aunts, mentors, surrogate mothers, and those in your respective roles deserve respect, praise and love on your day and beyond.
Don’t Get It Twisted – Mothers Day Is Everyday

"Blessed is the Mother...
Who can hold onto her children while letting them go;
Who puts a tranquil home ahead of an immaculate house;
Who knows a kind act will be remembered longer than an easy word;
Who really believes that prayer changes things;
Whose faith in the future sweetens the present;
Whose Bible never needs dusting; and
Whose sense of humor is alive and well." (The Promoter)

Social Networking in Jacksonville, Florida

“Growing Trends to Business and Social Networking”

Social Stigmas of the Past
When people talked about being in a social network there was this reaction of someone searching for a physical connection, talking about the social scene at one time brought a stigma that someone was looking for sex, potential mates, drugs or other socially challenging designs. When searching through magazines and newspapers, located in the back there are ads for “meeting new and exciting people through networks”, “exploring your other social side” or “daring to get out and open up to hidden pleasures ”, just a few examples of a social side, an underground not spoken openly about. These were the ideas applied in some cases to the social scene.
Pervasiveness of the Internet:
The digital and interactive social networking scene of Jacksonville, Florida has been growing over the past 3 years. The explosion of the diversity and interactiveness of what is being called the Web 2.0 environment has allowed Jacksonville’s diverse communities to connect, work in partnerships and allow for peer collaboration on projects ranging in community development, political activism, ethics, minority affairs, religious activities and of course hobbies and interests. There is no limit to what a person can participate in according to their curiosity and desires. There is still a “dark side to social networking”. The Internet is so pervasive in our lives that we can no longer just think of it as a passing fad or luxury for the well to do, those in academia, military or middle class. In a social and cultural context, in order to be productive in a digital world we must understand this area of communication and collaboration. From research such as, “Collaboration, Literacy, Authorship: Using Social Networking Tools to Engage the Wisdom of Teachers”, it has been stated that, “the pervasiveness of social networking represents the broader culture’s commitment to collaboration, community, and a shared, conscious cocreation of knowledge”.
Defining Social Networks:
The social network “is a social structure made of groups that are tied by one or more specific types of interdependency, such as values, visions, ideas, financial exchange, friendship, sexual relationships, kinship, dislike, conflict or trade” (http://www.wikipedia.org/). There are hundreds of social networks online that are specifically for Jacksonville, Florida. Many groups can be found online at
Meetup Group (http://www.meetup.com/cities/us/fl/jacksonville/). There are discussions in an electronic format of more than just “what is your sign” or” what restaurant to eat at” or “what club is the best to meet people”? These allow for people of like interests and ideologies to express themselves without fear of verbal and physical attack. Arrange to meet offline in group discussion formats, or individually to gauge the status of a developing relationship. It is not uncommon today to hear about couples stating that they met online and “connected” mentally, have similar ideologies about marriage, children and other social concerns. Sharing similar morals, ethics, political, cultural and religious convictions are what brings people together.
Dangers Can Follow:
Even in an electronic format there still remains dangers, the opportunities to meet people may place one or both to unknown dangers and hazards. In the article,
“Dangers of Social Networking, by Tony Bradley (2007), these sites allow the user to post pictures, video, text, and music. A person can learn your likes, dislikes, places you like to travel to and daily routines”. Predators and stalkers follow their potential prey first, looking for opportunities to attack either to do immediate harm, or snatching/kidnapping. The other option is to attack a person by stealing another person’s account. Bill Brenner who writes in,” Not Among Friends: The Dangers of Social Networks”, tells “one aspect that given enough time and information about a person, attackers can hijack a person's social network account to use as a launching pad for additional attacks against other users. These users are a person’s friends and those tied to other friend lists”. Keeping usernames and passwords secrete is very important, if you think your account has been compromised contact the appropriate network parties to help with reestablishing your network identify and security.
Entrepreneurial Spirit:
Establishing a connection on the Internet in the Web 2.0 environment allows for the entrepreneurial spirit is not just on law abiding individuals, but those involved in questionable actions of all ages. In Megan Higgens report in, “Police investigate dark side of social networks”. She found information about underage prostitution rings. “Police are actively looking into a possible prostitution case on the social network site, Twitter. Police say sites like Myspace, Facebook and Craigslist don't make the search for criminals harder, but it is a challenge. Officers must switch up tactics as people try harder not to get caught. But many prostitutes, pimps, conmen and hustlers are turning to the Internet. Because there are so many websites to patrol, detectives are focusing on underage prostitution rings”. Crimes against children take the immediate concerns because children are very trusting and vulnerable to manipulative adults. A parent’s role as a protector is critical in this day and age of digital communication. Parents cannot be closed minded and in denial of their children’s technology understanding and manipulation or them being manipulated.
Parents Must Be Diligent:
Parents must take responsibility, be diligent and firm with their rules for Internet access and who their children communicate with and how. If your instincts tell you something is wrong then more often than not there are problems and needs your immediate attention. Parents should set a time limit on using the Internet and have a firm rule that there are no passwords that are secrete. The adults are the keyholders and gatekeepers in the household. In the article, “Kids vs Creeps: Concerns Mount Over Online Predators” by J. Nicholas Hoover of InformationWeek,
“MySpace and social networking sites like it offer thriving communities where young people engage in countless hours of banal chatter and photo sharing. Not coincidentally, social sites also have become hangouts for child predators, child pornographers, and other lowlifes”. A child may think that they are chatting with another child of similar age, but are not sure who they are communicating with. Adults run the risk also of communicating with who they think are adults, but may be children, “11-year-old who sneaked by MySpace's age controls by claiming to be 18”. This happens more often than people think, even though there are safeguards kids will work until they get past the safeguards.
Conclusion:
Since 2003 MySpace has deleted 250,000 underage profiles, this tells them that children are determined to get online even if it means getting caught. Facebook users in order to participate must have a college or high school e-mail address, but some outside email companies have been allowed to join. BlackPlanet, Xanga, and others have their regulations. Parents must be firm and unmoving in their protection of their children from online predators. The African Proverb still applies, and has further reaching implications and inclusiveness to this city in the South. “It takes a village to raise a child. But in our world of online social networking, Web 2.0, instant messaging, decentralized networks, multiple email accounts and increasingly tech-savvy child predators; it's going to take a united effort among government, industry, and families to keep our children safe”.

William Jackson, M.Edu.
Duval County Schools
William.jackson@ewc.edu
http://myquesttoteach.blogspot.com/

Social Networks Beware - MySpace, Facebook, BlackPlanet

What has happened to the Digital Divide?
Many people are no longer confined to using other family member’s computers or sacrificing to purchase one. Computers are readily available at affordable prices
with many models to choose from and the competition between AMD (Advanced
Micro Devices) and Intel has lowered the cost of the microprocessor or brain of the computer to help make them cheaper. This has opened up a new capability for virtual traveling, online purchasing and selling, along with socializing on a global scale, literally. No longer are people confined to the “hood” (neighborhood) or mall, now there are “digital hoods”, “digital malls” and “digital playground” BUT BEWARE potential employers are looking at your job qualifications and social activities on these digital sites that you connect to and socialize on.
Digital Divide Defined
The presence of the Digital Divide as defined by Wikipedia is “the gap between people with effective access to digital and information technology and those with very limited or no access at all”. During the 80’s and 90’s many minorities were limited to the use of technology because of its high cost and lack of user friendliness. This presented a challenge to many because employers are using computer kiosks and online applications for applying to entry level jobs (Wal-Mart, Sears, Target, Lowes, Home Depot, etc.). Because many minorities did not have access or lacked the basic skills to effectively use technology they were slowly loosing out on employment opportunities. The declining cost of technology, the miniaturization of the microprocessor, access to computers through schools, churches and public libraries has allowed minorities to enter into the digital age and compete. Access has allowed learning skills to expand and encouraged; enlightenment and empowerment to compete with others digitally. The ability to virtually apply/compete for jobs and educational opportunities by taking online or hybrid classes has allowed minorities to be present at the “table” again, not to be left behind or scrambling to keep up.
Age of Social Networking
Social networking a more recent tool as defined by Wikipedia is, “a social network service focuses on building online communities of people who share interests and/or activities”, has allowed people of color to communicate globally; this capability is not restricted by national or international borders or time zones. The Web 2.0 has allowed anyone with access to the Internet either through a computer, cell phone, blackberry and even gaming systems to participate in “mass communication and peer collaboration” (Wikipedia 2.0, 2008).
New Meeting Tools
Networking is not just about exchanging numbers, astronomic signs, restaurant preferences or even places to shop, it includes all that and more. When joining a social network you pick the network that caters to your likes and future aspirations for business and education; (Facebook, Brightfuse, LinkedIn, MySpace, Ning’s, Blogspot, BlogTalk Radio or Passion4Christ and Twitter. These socials allow you to adjust the kind of preferences, businesses goals, political affiliations, religious associations and even personal lifestyles you want to interact with. Once you join you invite people as friends that you feel “connected to” on some level. The intricacies of participation in a Web 2.0 environment, is managing the technology and your contacts as you add friends. The beauties of networking are making friends from all over the world who mostly share your interests and ideologies. Communicating is performed initially by a web site that you personalize or in some cases use web tools to “Crunk your page”. These “Crunking” tools add pictures (static) in a slideshow format, embedded videos from personal camera’s or links to YouTube (another Web 2.0 application) where videos can be accessed. Music from any genre and the capability to share music by those testing the waters to see how popular their work can be. Communication can be conducted around the clock at any location; since many digital devices now are portable you can take your access to your network with you and share photos, conversations, videos and music.
Employers are getting Wise to Social Networks
Employers are getting involved in the social networking scene as well, looking to see if potential employees have questionable social patterns and lifestyles. According to Mike Hargis of CareerBuilder.com “Twenty-two percent of employers say they use social networking sites when evaluating job candidates”, this says a lot to the youth of today that allow or put pictures that attract attention to them as being “sexy, down, gangsta, thugs, straight, gay, etc.”, but in the long run may hurt their chances of employment, military service or admission to higher education institutions. The danger of networking sites for those employed run the risk of being “let go” because of questionable behavior online and the content on their sites. M. Hargis states, “16 percent of workers with social networking profiles have modified their pages with potential employers in mind” (CareerBuilder.com 2009). The site can be a hindrance or a help when seeking employment or advancement in your career. Your social site can be used as a resume to highlight your knowledge with technology, the ability to navigate web sites that build professionalism and connectivity to the business world or your site can show immaturity, lack of responsible behavior when interacting with alcohol, drugs and relationships with the same or opposite sex.
Cultural Implications
Judgment on ones culture and character may seem invasive by those seeking employment, but from a business perspective many businesses are worried about their “reputations” in the business and social community. Their employees outside activities may reflect back on their work performance or a businesses stance on certain behaviors or lifestyles, stated by Kelly Vergara, Exe. Dir of Resource Interactive, "We can learn a little about the candidate's culture fit and professionalism, we screen for culture above all else, so this is important”. In some cases the results of inappropriate behavior has caused the firing of people. Controversial information, such as information about the candidate drinking or using drugs and inappropriate photographs, were the top reasons for dismissal (Careerbuilder.com 2008).
Friends and Associates
One of the unique things about social networks are the “linking” capabilities online. When you post something your friends and associates are sometimes notified when you have made changes to your profile, upload pictures, or music. Through your friends others can see you as well. The ability to “hide” is negated and you are still exposed unless you set your self up as “private”. Using your site as a networking device means checking out who you are linked to. You can’t wait to get to an interview to “clean up” your site, by that time your site has already been viewed and evaluated. Many employers know how to 'Google' potential candidates to see what they can find out about them -- both the good and the bad. Consistently you need to remember that social networking profiles can mean potential employers are evaluating you before you even apply for the job. When you interview you wear your best clothes, so polish your profile with the same care and tell Jaja or Mookie to stop adding those club pictures to your site if both of you are job searching or trying to get in to college. You both may end up missing the best job you could ever have or be denied entrance to a college.
Digital Age of the 21st Century
The age of digital information is an age of moving information quickly and with the speed of thought. In the book “Business At The Speed of Thought” (Bill Gates); Gates discusses that the life blood of business and networking is information. The use of technology allows us to grow, mature, and expand into other markets and learning opportunities. With social networks, IT (information technology) creates a new business and social resource where we will have virtual partnerships that potentially can enhance communication and collaboration. These formed properly can build wealth and expansion of ideas or speed up the demise of a business or individual just starting out in life.

Sean Jackson, 11th Grade Student – Palatka High School
William Jackson, M.Ed. Duval County Public Schools and Florida State College