March, 2009

A new way to look at the world

Tuesday, March 17th, 2009

Show-Mapping Worlds, a new way to look at the U.S. and the world. Rick Hodges, Content Manager, says, “Our site (actually two in one) presents hundreds of data sets about the 50 US states and world countries in animated map form, and allows downloads of data and images.
“It’s a free resource for research, teaching, presentations [...]

Members of Congress who Twitter

Tuesday, March 17th, 2009

Have you visited the OpenCongress site? It’s an editable guide to Congress for the people, by the people. It’s a wiki. Kind of like Wikipedia.
There’s even a page called “Members of Congress who Twitter.”
OpenCongress is one of many sites for U.S. citizens who want a say in government.

Chandler Flowers and Yanni, one of 4 Paws first service dogs

Monday, March 16th, 2009

Years ago, Yanni, when we first became partners, I had my doubts. Not in you, but in myself. Together we put all of those doubts to rest. Thank you for helping me believe in myself and helping me take the first step in knowing that with enough time, effort, and cooperation, we can do anything!

Sometimes a picture is worth 1000 words!

Saturday, March 14th, 2009

Karen Shirk, of 4 Paws for Ability, forwarded this photo of one of the first people to get a service dog from 4 Paws, Chandler Flowers, and his service dog, Yanni. I hope to get an interview.

How Grizwald the service dog saves the day and the night! Update.

Saturday, March 14th, 2009

By Bekah’s mother
2008. Do you have a child who might benefit from owning a service dog, yet you are skeptical? Perhaps I can shed some light on this critical issue. My daughter, Bekah just turned eight, and we received her dog from 4 Paws for Ability just before she turned six.
While Bekah doesn’t have autism, [...]

Tot with 4 disorders needs service dog

Thursday, March 12th, 2009

Written by Crystal Emmons. What led me down the path to applying for a Multipurpose Service Dog for my beautiful son, Devyn? It all started years ago when I was pregnant and visited my doctor to get my first ultrasound. It was supposed to be a day of excitement and joy, but it ended with [...]

World Glaucoma Day

Thursday, March 12th, 2009

I have glaucoma. It came out of nowhere and hit me right between the eyes…sort of. One of my sisters had glaucoma, but I’d never had a hint of excess pressure. I procrastinated six months regarding my annual eye exam, and at the end of the exam, I was stunned to learn I had glaucoma, [...]

Mashable covers SM rule breaker Becky Blanton

Tuesday, March 10th, 2009

From the moment I met Becky Blanton online last August, I always suspected her claim to fame would be unique. “Ordinary” is not in her vocabulary.
Becky has become a dear friend and mentor. She is remarkable. She helps me help others start and sustain small businesses and nonprofits. She sees me advocating for 4 [...]

JTrek Announces Crime-deterring Software for Smartphone Users

Tuesday, March 10th, 2009

JTrek LLC, a division of Xtel Communications Inc, just announced openings for beta testers to check out its personal security surveillance software.
Ever since I learned about JTrek, I’ve wondered about the many ways people can use their Smartphones to record situations that appear dangerous. Or situations where there’s been an accident or other incident. And [...]

Learning Challenges? Try Music Therapy

Monday, March 9th, 2009

Guest post by Bette Miles-Holleman
As a parent of two children on the Autistic Spectrum, I am always looking for ways to help them achieve their full potential. During my research, I read about Music Therapy and its applications for children (and adults) with learning challenges.
Music, with its powerful effect to stimulate the brain by triggering [...]