COLORADO SPRINGS, CO-The Third Annual National Security Innovation Competition (NSIC) for college students will be presented by the National Homeland Defense Foundation and sponsored by the Colorado Homeland Defense Alliance and the Colorado Springs Technology Incubator in Colorado Springs, Colorado May 1.
The competitors include some of the nation's most prestigious schools including University of Notre Dame,Virginia Tech, Pennsylvania State University, University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, Air Force Institute of Technology, Arizona State University, Colorado State University, Colorado School of Mines, Georgia Institute of Technology, Michigan Technological University, Rice University, University of Arizona, University of Buffalo, University of Colorado at Boulder, University of Denver, University of Washington and Washington State University.
This one-of-a kind nationwide university competition is designed to stimulate interest by college students in national security-related innovations and expose novel technologies to a broad audience including industry, academic, and government organizations involved in aerospace, defense, security, and first responder activities.
The competition is open to full-time undergraduate or graduate students at any college or university, including students who have graduated in the last six months. The entries must be the original idea and work product of the student/advisor team. Teams submit written papers describing their technical innovation. These preliminary round papers are judged by a team of government and industry subject matter experts who select up to 10 top teams to compete in Colorado Springs in May. Final oral presentations will be presented to a group of judges representing sponsors, end users and potential funding sources for further development of these outstanding innovative concepts.
Cash scholarship awards will be made to the top three teams. NSIC 2009 will be judged by a panel of industry officials including the Science & Technology Division of the Department of Homeland Security, U. S. Northern Command, U.S. Strategic Command and Boeing. The event is hosted at MITRE Corporation's Colorado Springs office.
The official blog of SouthSideBusiness.com
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Dates announced for 2d annual Indie Spirit Film Festival
The 2nd Annual Indie Spirit Film Festival, put on by the Independent Film Society of Colorado, will take place April 24-26, 2009 in downtown Colorado Springs, CO.
COLORADO SPRINGS, CO - The 2008 Indie Spirit Film Festival showcased over 80 films with a mix of shorts, feature, documentaries, animation, student, foreign, horror, and Native American films. For the 2009 festival, the IFSOC has added a Colorado Spotlight program, filmmaker panels, a hospitality center and a filmmaker lounge.
Kimball’s Twin Peak Theater will serve as the upcoming festival’s main venue, utilizing both auditoriums for screenings all weekend. Festival goers will also be able to see films at Studio Bee in the Pikes Peak Center, the Antlers Hilton Learning Center, and the Lon Chaney Theatre, all located in downtown Colorado Springs.
Film titles and the schedule of events will be released in late March.
The 2009 Indie Spirit Festival passes are $100 for an all access VIP pass, $50 for a 3-Day pass, $20 for a 2-Day pass and $30 for a 1-Day pass. Individual tickets will be sold for $10 prior to film screenings depending on seat availability. Festival passes are now available online at www.indiespiritfilmfestival.org.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Real Estate Auctions Seminar
Brokers Guild Press Release
With the housing market in its worst slump in decades, and more properties heading to the auction block, consumers and investors alike are going to the auctions looking for bargains. Unfortunately, being unaware of auction procedures, contracts, and so much more, the good deal can become a disaster instantaneously.
For example: a couple purchases a home at auction and is thrilled to get the property for such a reasonable bid. They admired the home in the brochure, but not until they actually see the house do they realize how much major repair work will be necessary to make it habitable, to pass inspection, or to obtain a mortgage. They may feel cheated until they are shown a copy of the contract they were agreeing to when they signed the paperwork at the auction. The contract clearly states it is the buyer’s responsibility to have the property inspected prior to the sales. Although the contract was available well in advance on the auction house web site (with reference to it in the newspaper ad), no one actually read it. The dream house became a nightmare instantaneously and cost much more than ever anticipated.
Another example is when the opening bid is based on the “previous market value” and without checking the current market value, the property is overbid. The property is sold to the highest bidder who has now entered into a binding contract to purchase for the amount of the bid. Unfortunately, the current market value is far below the previous market value and the bid. While no lender will mortgage the property for the overpriced amount, the bidder is still responsible for the full balance.
Even licensed agents and realtors are not always aware of the auction house contract components and are often surprised and embarrassed when attending an auction with a client.
“I’ve been to auctions where as many as 50 people attended with licensed agents and over half the agents didn’t pre-register with their clients as required by that auction house. Consequently, the agent is not paid. “The agent just didn’t do his or her homework and they weren’t aware,” says Shay Lowe of Brokers Guild – Cherry Creek Ltd.
Lowe believes in the value of the auction process: “Auctions can definitely be a way of purchasing property at a great price, but it’s the bidder’s responsibility to take the time and effort and due diligence, whether on their own or through a realtor, and these issues are only the tip of the iceberg.”
Lowe has devised a solution. She will be conducting a seminar on Real Estate Auction Basics every third Wednesday of the month. The seminars will be open to the public as well as other realtors and will cover a variety of topics: pre-auction due diligence, hiring an agent, property evaluation and inspections, title work, financing options and much more.
The first scheduled seminars will be held this Wednesday, February 25, at 7995 E. Hampden Ave., Suite 100 (Bank of the West Building ). Doors open at 5:00 p.m. for registration and the seminar begins at 6:00 p.m. Registration at the door is $30.00, cash or check. Early registration is only $20.00 and is accepted by phone until 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 24. Call for more information or to register at 303-795-7009. Cherry Creek Mortgage and American Family Insurance are co-sponsors of the event and will have representatives available at the seminar to answer questions.
With the housing market in its worst slump in decades, and more properties heading to the auction block, consumers and investors alike are going to the auctions looking for bargains. Unfortunately, being unaware of auction procedures, contracts, and so much more, the good deal can become a disaster instantaneously.
For example: a couple purchases a home at auction and is thrilled to get the property for such a reasonable bid. They admired the home in the brochure, but not until they actually see the house do they realize how much major repair work will be necessary to make it habitable, to pass inspection, or to obtain a mortgage. They may feel cheated until they are shown a copy of the contract they were agreeing to when they signed the paperwork at the auction. The contract clearly states it is the buyer’s responsibility to have the property inspected prior to the sales. Although the contract was available well in advance on the auction house web site (with reference to it in the newspaper ad), no one actually read it. The dream house became a nightmare instantaneously and cost much more than ever anticipated.
Another example is when the opening bid is based on the “previous market value” and without checking the current market value, the property is overbid. The property is sold to the highest bidder who has now entered into a binding contract to purchase for the amount of the bid. Unfortunately, the current market value is far below the previous market value and the bid. While no lender will mortgage the property for the overpriced amount, the bidder is still responsible for the full balance.
Even licensed agents and realtors are not always aware of the auction house contract components and are often surprised and embarrassed when attending an auction with a client.
“I’ve been to auctions where as many as 50 people attended with licensed agents and over half the agents didn’t pre-register with their clients as required by that auction house. Consequently, the agent is not paid. “The agent just didn’t do his or her homework and they weren’t aware,” says Shay Lowe of Brokers Guild – Cherry Creek Ltd.
Lowe believes in the value of the auction process: “Auctions can definitely be a way of purchasing property at a great price, but it’s the bidder’s responsibility to take the time and effort and due diligence, whether on their own or through a realtor, and these issues are only the tip of the iceberg.”
Lowe has devised a solution. She will be conducting a seminar on Real Estate Auction Basics every third Wednesday of the month. The seminars will be open to the public as well as other realtors and will cover a variety of topics: pre-auction due diligence, hiring an agent, property evaluation and inspections, title work, financing options and much more.
The first scheduled seminars will be held this Wednesday, February 25, at 7995 E. Hampden Ave., Suite 100 (Bank of the West Building ). Doors open at 5:00 p.m. for registration and the seminar begins at 6:00 p.m. Registration at the door is $30.00, cash or check. Early registration is only $20.00 and is accepted by phone until 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 24. Call for more information or to register at 303-795-7009. Cherry Creek Mortgage and American Family Insurance are co-sponsors of the event and will have representatives available at the seminar to answer questions.
Kinderdance expands again in Colorado Springs
Company Press Release
Children’s Education, Movement & Fitness Franchise Expands in City of Colorado Springs in El Paso County
Local Franchisee Ardesia Parr announces additional location
Fountain, CO – February 23, 2009 – Continuing in its fight against childhood obesity, Kinderdance ® and its five movement programs are now available at Bright Horizons – 1855 Telstar Drive – Colorado, Co
Ongoing classes are also available at these existing locations:
Kingdom Kids Academy – 6575 Oakwood Blvd – Colorado Springs , CO
R.P. Lee Youth Center – 675 Suffolk St Bldg 880 – Peterson AFB, CO
St Lukes Daycare Center – 5265 N Union Blvd – Colorado Springs , CO
SKIES Unlimited – Fort Carson Bldg 5510 Harr St – Fountain, CO
“It is exciting to be in this community to educate children who learn how to learn while they learn how to dance,” said Parr, Franchisee of Kinderdance ® for City of Colorado Springs . “For young children, movement, music and dance are natural tools for fitness, learning and communicating while expressing their feelings.”
Kinderdance®, with 111 Franchisees in 36 states and 5 countries, places emphasis on building self-confidence and self-esteem in children through learning to share, lead, interact and respond to others needs as well as their own. Children learn through a professionally researched and proven curriculum of “hands on” dance, motor development, and fitness instruction combined with educational tutoring taught by fully trained Kinderdance® instructors.
“I look forward to the opportunity to offer all five Kinderdance ® programs to the families of the City of Colorado Springs , “said Parr. Kinderdance ® is the finest physical fitness orientated program that is taught on site at daycare centers, fitness centers, YMCA’s and other viable locations, giving families an easy, affordable way to sign their children up for an exciting and healthy enrichment program.”
For more information about the Kinderdance ® Franchise, please call 1-800-554-2334 or visit us at www.kinderdance.com
Children’s Education, Movement & Fitness Franchise Expands in City of Colorado Springs in El Paso County
Local Franchisee Ardesia Parr announces additional location
Fountain, CO – February 23, 2009 – Continuing in its fight against childhood obesity, Kinderdance ® and its five movement programs are now available at Bright Horizons – 1855 Telstar Drive – Colorado, Co
Ongoing classes are also available at these existing locations:
Kingdom Kids Academy – 6575 Oakwood Blvd – Colorado Springs , CO
R.P. Lee Youth Center – 675 Suffolk St Bldg 880 – Peterson AFB, CO
St Lukes Daycare Center – 5265 N Union Blvd – Colorado Springs , CO
SKIES Unlimited – Fort Carson Bldg 5510 Harr St – Fountain, CO
“It is exciting to be in this community to educate children who learn how to learn while they learn how to dance,” said Parr, Franchisee of Kinderdance ® for City of Colorado Springs . “For young children, movement, music and dance are natural tools for fitness, learning and communicating while expressing their feelings.”
Kinderdance®, with 111 Franchisees in 36 states and 5 countries, places emphasis on building self-confidence and self-esteem in children through learning to share, lead, interact and respond to others needs as well as their own. Children learn through a professionally researched and proven curriculum of “hands on” dance, motor development, and fitness instruction combined with educational tutoring taught by fully trained Kinderdance® instructors.
“I look forward to the opportunity to offer all five Kinderdance ® programs to the families of the City of Colorado Springs , “said Parr. Kinderdance ® is the finest physical fitness orientated program that is taught on site at daycare centers, fitness centers, YMCA’s and other viable locations, giving families an easy, affordable way to sign their children up for an exciting and healthy enrichment program.”
For more information about the Kinderdance ® Franchise, please call 1-800-554-2334 or visit us at www.kinderdance.com
COMING SOON: MORE EMT JOBS
Senate Majority Office Press Release
SB 09-002 passes the Senate
DENVER— Monday morning, the Senate passed SB 002 which will create more EMT jobs, while at the same time increasing EMT readiness in rural parts of the state. The bill passed by a vote of 23-12.
“I am thrilled the Senate voted to pass this bill,” said Senator John Morse (D-Colorado Springs). “This is a very important bill which will create more than 100 jobs in much needed areas of the state and will cut down response time for people in emergencies. We need to get people to work and we need to make sure every single Coloradan is safe and protected. SB 2 will help do just that.”
Senator John Morse (D-Colorado Springs) sponsored SB-2 which will create 125 jobs in rural areas in Colorado in the area of emergency medical and trauma services. Not only will this bill create jobs, it will also cut down on emergency response time and increase availability of emergency services to rural communities. The nominal $1 addition to vehicle registration will expand financial and technical support to rural and underdeveloped EMS systems, doubling grant funding for EMS systems focusing on hiring people.
This bill will now be head to the House.
SB 09-002 passes the Senate
DENVER— Monday morning, the Senate passed SB 002 which will create more EMT jobs, while at the same time increasing EMT readiness in rural parts of the state. The bill passed by a vote of 23-12.
“I am thrilled the Senate voted to pass this bill,” said Senator John Morse (D-Colorado Springs). “This is a very important bill which will create more than 100 jobs in much needed areas of the state and will cut down response time for people in emergencies. We need to get people to work and we need to make sure every single Coloradan is safe and protected. SB 2 will help do just that.”
Senator John Morse (D-Colorado Springs) sponsored SB-2 which will create 125 jobs in rural areas in Colorado in the area of emergency medical and trauma services. Not only will this bill create jobs, it will also cut down on emergency response time and increase availability of emergency services to rural communities. The nominal $1 addition to vehicle registration will expand financial and technical support to rural and underdeveloped EMS systems, doubling grant funding for EMS systems focusing on hiring people.
This bill will now be head to the House.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Youth Summer Job Fair in Colorado Springs
GOVERNOR’S SUMMER JOB HUNT KICKS OFF
WITH YOUTH JOB FAIR ON MARCH 12
February 18, 2009, Colorado Springs, CO – It’s that time of year again… time for the Governor’s Summer Job Hunt! The Governor’s Summer Job Hunt connects youth, ages 16 through 21, with local businesses to help them find short-term, summer employment.
Due to current economic conditions, youth will be encouraged to seek volunteer opportunities to gain experience and build their resumes for future job openings.
In El Paso and Teller Counties, the Summer Job Hunt will start with a youth job fair on Friday, March 12, 2009 hosted by the Youth Zone at the Pikes Peak Workforce Center. There is no charge to attend but registration is recommended and youth are highly encouraged to attend a Career Planning workshop prior to the job fair. Register at www.ppwfc.org. Youth must be at least 16 years old to participate.
WHO: Youth between the ages of 16 and 21 who are looking for full-time or part-time employment or volunteer opportunities.
WHAT: Youth Job Fair for young adults, 16 through 21 years old.
WHEN: Friday, March 12, 2008 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
WHERE: The Crowne Plaza Hotel, 2886 S. Circle Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80906.
WHY: To connect youth with local employers looking to hire for summer and year-round positions.
Employers and organizations planning to attend include: Aramark Pikes Peak, the Broadmoor, City of Colorado Springs, Parks and Recreation Department, Colorado Lions Camp, Colorado Legends and Legacies Youth Corp, Electrical Apprenticeship JATC, Home Depot, King Soopers, Regis University, Safeway, Sonic Drive-in, U.S. Army and U.S. Army Reserve, Wildwood Casino, IntelliTec College, University of Phoenix, U.S navy, the Colorado Springs Police Department Cadet Program.
WORKSHOPS: In addition to the Governor’s Summer Job Hunt Job Fair, the Youth Zone will sponsor Career Planning workshops prior to the job fair. The workshop will be held Monday, February 23 and Wednesday, February 25 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Pikes Peak Workforce Center. The workshop will prepare youth to meet employers; show how to write a resume; practice interview skills; and learn dress for success tips. The Career Planning workshop and is offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Seating is limited; register online at www.ppwfc.org.
Job fair attendees should dress appropriately; bring multiple copies of their resumes and application information to help them fill out applications.
About the Youth Work Zone
The Youth Work Zone supports education and promotes employment for youth in El Paso and Teller counties by providing youth opportunities. More information about the Youth Work Zone can be found online at www.ppwfc.org.
WITH YOUTH JOB FAIR ON MARCH 12
February 18, 2009, Colorado Springs, CO – It’s that time of year again… time for the Governor’s Summer Job Hunt! The Governor’s Summer Job Hunt connects youth, ages 16 through 21, with local businesses to help them find short-term, summer employment.
Due to current economic conditions, youth will be encouraged to seek volunteer opportunities to gain experience and build their resumes for future job openings.
In El Paso and Teller Counties, the Summer Job Hunt will start with a youth job fair on Friday, March 12, 2009 hosted by the Youth Zone at the Pikes Peak Workforce Center. There is no charge to attend but registration is recommended and youth are highly encouraged to attend a Career Planning workshop prior to the job fair. Register at www.ppwfc.org. Youth must be at least 16 years old to participate.
WHO: Youth between the ages of 16 and 21 who are looking for full-time or part-time employment or volunteer opportunities.
WHAT: Youth Job Fair for young adults, 16 through 21 years old.
WHEN: Friday, March 12, 2008 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
WHERE: The Crowne Plaza Hotel, 2886 S. Circle Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80906.
WHY: To connect youth with local employers looking to hire for summer and year-round positions.
Employers and organizations planning to attend include: Aramark Pikes Peak, the Broadmoor, City of Colorado Springs, Parks and Recreation Department, Colorado Lions Camp, Colorado Legends and Legacies Youth Corp, Electrical Apprenticeship JATC, Home Depot, King Soopers, Regis University, Safeway, Sonic Drive-in, U.S. Army and U.S. Army Reserve, Wildwood Casino, IntelliTec College, University of Phoenix, U.S navy, the Colorado Springs Police Department Cadet Program.
WORKSHOPS: In addition to the Governor’s Summer Job Hunt Job Fair, the Youth Zone will sponsor Career Planning workshops prior to the job fair. The workshop will be held Monday, February 23 and Wednesday, February 25 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Pikes Peak Workforce Center. The workshop will prepare youth to meet employers; show how to write a resume; practice interview skills; and learn dress for success tips. The Career Planning workshop and is offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Seating is limited; register online at www.ppwfc.org.
Job fair attendees should dress appropriately; bring multiple copies of their resumes and application information to help them fill out applications.
About the Youth Work Zone
The Youth Work Zone supports education and promotes employment for youth in El Paso and Teller counties by providing youth opportunities. More information about the Youth Work Zone can be found online at www.ppwfc.org.
Peak Vista Opens Cripple Creek/Victor Center
February 18, 2009-Colorado Springs, CO--Peak Vista Community Health Centers is pleased to announce the opening of its thirteenth center. Medical care is now available at the Cripple Creek Victor-Mountain Health Center , 412 N. “C” Street in Cripple Creek . The new school-based center is located at Cresson Elementary and is available to all 500 students and their siblings within the school district. The medical provider at the Health Center will be Jessica Newton, PA-C who will be on site Mondays and Thursdays, 8:00 AM-4:00 PM. The health center space will also allow other community agencies to serve children in the area on other days. Cripple Creek children identified with dental needs will be referred to Peak Vista’s Family Health Center in Divide which has an extensive dental component.
This important initiative was also in partnership with Aspen Mine Center , Cripple Creek Counseling Center , Teller County Health Department and Pikes Peak Mental Health.
According to Susan Holmes, Superintendent of the Cripple Creek School District ,"The opening of the Cripple Creek-Victor Mountain Health Center will certainly be worth the wait! Having qualified health care available on campus to all of our students will allow for healthier students, fewer missed days of school, and greater classroom achievement. The Cripple Creek-Victor School Board and I heartily applaud the opening of this center and the beginning of a great partnership with Peak Vista.
BJ Scott, Peak Vista’s President and CEO, adds that “We are thrilled to be in partnership with the Cripple Creek School District and know that accessible and affordable healthcare for their students will certainly enhance their learning capabilities as well.” Dr. Christine Fox will supervise the center. “It is wonderful that Peak Vista is able to once again serve the residents of Cripple Creek . We look forward to this new association,” according to Dr. Fox, a long time Teller resident and Medical Director of Peak Vista’s Divide and Cripple Creek healthcare facilities.
About Peak Vista
Peak Vista Community Health Centers is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide exceptional healthcare for people facing access barriers. Established in 1971, Peak Vista annually offers primary medical, dental, and behavioral health services to more than 53,000 El Paso and Teller residents…most from working families without health insurance. Accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, Inc, Peak Vista has 13 centers at ten sites. To learn more about Peak Vista, visit www.peakvista.org.
This important initiative was also in partnership with Aspen Mine Center , Cripple Creek Counseling Center , Teller County Health Department and Pikes Peak Mental Health.
According to Susan Holmes, Superintendent of the Cripple Creek School District ,"The opening of the Cripple Creek-Victor Mountain Health Center will certainly be worth the wait! Having qualified health care available on campus to all of our students will allow for healthier students, fewer missed days of school, and greater classroom achievement. The Cripple Creek-Victor School Board and I heartily applaud the opening of this center and the beginning of a great partnership with Peak Vista.
BJ Scott, Peak Vista’s President and CEO, adds that “We are thrilled to be in partnership with the Cripple Creek School District and know that accessible and affordable healthcare for their students will certainly enhance their learning capabilities as well.” Dr. Christine Fox will supervise the center. “It is wonderful that Peak Vista is able to once again serve the residents of Cripple Creek . We look forward to this new association,” according to Dr. Fox, a long time Teller resident and Medical Director of Peak Vista’s Divide and Cripple Creek healthcare facilities.
About Peak Vista
Peak Vista Community Health Centers is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide exceptional healthcare for people facing access barriers. Established in 1971, Peak Vista annually offers primary medical, dental, and behavioral health services to more than 53,000 El Paso and Teller residents…most from working families without health insurance. Accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, Inc, Peak Vista has 13 centers at ten sites. To learn more about Peak Vista, visit www.peakvista.org.
Dee Low joins Rusinak
Photo - Vince Rusinak (left), owner, and Dee Low, Chief, Military Housing Solutions
COLORADO SPRINGS, CO. Dee Low has joined the Rusinak companies as Chief, Military Housing Solutions. In this capacity, Low will lead the development of this outreach program to aid active military members and their families in achieving their housing needs.
Low, who holds a degree in business administration from Regis University, is well connected to the needs of military members, having completed a military career of more than 30 years, many of which were in the Colorado Springs area.
Vince Rusinak, owner of Rusinak Real Estate, Inc., created Military Housing Solutions, which resides at 7180 N. Academy Blvd., to honor those who are defending our way of life. The program provides education and referral services at no cost or obligation, whether the individual needs housing on or off the military installation, an apartment to rent, or a home to rent or buy.
“Nothing will be sold at our education and resource center,” Rusinak said. “Military Housing Solutions is geared to equipping every military member to make housing decisions in their own best interests. When requested by the military member, we will refer them to people or organizations able to satisfy their housing needs.”
Rusinak, himself retired military, served a career in civil engineering, which encompassed responsibility for providing military housing and serving the needs of the military living on the installation. His responsibilities also included oversight of housing referral offices.
“I’m thrilled to be a part of the Rusinak organization,” Low said. “I have spent much of my military career helping military members , and look forward to continuing my service to soldiers, sailors, airmen and their families.”
Springs Conservative Coalition meeting
The Colorado Springs chapter of the Coalition for a Conservative Majority will hold its next meeting at the 3 Margaritas Restaurant, 3956 N. Academy (Academy and Austin Bluffs), at 6:00pm, Tuesday, March 3rd.
The Coalition for a Conservative Majority (CCM) was founded specifically as a voice for Conservative Ideals, ideals such as individual liberty, sanctity of life, personal responsibility, limited government, free markets, and individual right to keep and bear arms. All Conservatives and those who think they might be a Conservative are welcome to join us. CCM is a nonpartisan 501 (c) (4) issues-oriented organization.
The Coalition for a Conservative Majority (CCM) was founded specifically as a voice for Conservative Ideals, ideals such as individual liberty, sanctity of life, personal responsibility, limited government, free markets, and individual right to keep and bear arms. All Conservatives and those who think they might be a Conservative are welcome to join us. CCM is a nonpartisan 501 (c) (4) issues-oriented organization.
CELEBRATING LIFE PORTRAITURE SENDS LOVE TO SOLDIERS
Press Release
Celebrating Life Portraiture sponsors Mother's Day Portrait Contest for Female Solders in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Pueblo, CO, March 12 – 26, 2009: Celebrating Life Portraiture is sponsoring a Mother's Day Portrait contest for mommy soldiers who will not be able to be home with their children for Mother's Day.
Christina Mascarenas, owner and photographer, will accept letters from family member and friend's explaining why they should receive a complimentary portrait session and session album to send to their mother's who will be in Iraq or Afghanistan for Mother's Day. Letters will be accepted Thursday, March 12 through Thursday, March 26. Two winners will be selected to have their children photographed in the studio and a care package containing the session album and other items from home to be delivered to them in Iraq or Afghanistan by Mother's Day.
Letters should be mailed to Celebrating Life Portraiture, Christina Mascarenas, 1908 W. Mesa Ave, Pueblo, CO 81004 or emailed to christinaphotos@gmail.com. Entrants should include entrant name, phone number, address, email, soldier's name and rank, mailing information, number of children and ages along with a story or explanation of why they think their mother should win a care package from Christina.
Children of winners must be over 18 or have a legal guardian present during the portrait session. The entrants must be able to schedule their portrait session on Tuesday, April 7, or Thursday, April 9 or Friday, April 10, 2009.
Celebrating Life Portraiture sponsors Mother's Day Portrait Contest for Female Solders in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Pueblo, CO, March 12 – 26, 2009: Celebrating Life Portraiture is sponsoring a Mother's Day Portrait contest for mommy soldiers who will not be able to be home with their children for Mother's Day.
Christina Mascarenas, owner and photographer, will accept letters from family member and friend's explaining why they should receive a complimentary portrait session and session album to send to their mother's who will be in Iraq or Afghanistan for Mother's Day. Letters will be accepted Thursday, March 12 through Thursday, March 26. Two winners will be selected to have their children photographed in the studio and a care package containing the session album and other items from home to be delivered to them in Iraq or Afghanistan by Mother's Day.
Letters should be mailed to Celebrating Life Portraiture, Christina Mascarenas, 1908 W. Mesa Ave, Pueblo, CO 81004 or emailed to christinaphotos@gmail.com. Entrants should include entrant name, phone number, address, email, soldier's name and rank, mailing information, number of children and ages along with a story or explanation of why they think their mother should win a care package from Christina.
Children of winners must be over 18 or have a legal guardian present during the portrait session. The entrants must be able to schedule their portrait session on Tuesday, April 7, or Thursday, April 9 or Friday, April 10, 2009.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Save the Taxpayer, Save the World!
Hard working people are the life blood of the economy. From the small business owner to the waitress at the local truck stop, these people are the most important component to a successful and free America. Too bad our own government doesn't seem to understand that. As municipalities across the country raise income taxes, raise fees, and increase regulation, more and more taxpayers are being irrepribly harmed. If we want to continue to live in a prosperous, free nation, we need to act now to save the taxpayer. Stay tuned for information on how to fight the increasing burden on the American taxpayer.
Save the Taxpayer...Save the World!
create & buy custom products at Zazzle
Save the Taxpayer...Save the World!
create & buy custom products at Zazzle
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
BBB Scam Alert, Facebook/MySpace Traps
BBB Warns: Your Facebook Friends Could Actually be Hackers, Scam Artists and ID Thieves
Social networking Web sites are a great way to find old classmates, stay connected with friends, or make new friends. Unfortunately, hackers are using Web sites like Facebook to infect computers and steal identities.
Your Better Business Bureau is urging you to protect yourself against hackers, scammers and ID thieves on social networking Web sites by becoming familiar with popular scams.
Some common social networking schemes include the following:
Friend in Distress Scam
One scam that has made the transition from phone and e-mail into Facebook is the “friend in distress” scam. Facebook users may receive a message in their inbox from a friend saying that they are in a dire situation – such as stranded in a foreign country – and need money wired to them. The recipient of the message doesn’t realize that their friend’s account has been hacked and that the message was actually sent by scammers. If the Facebook user does wire money to the scammers, they have no way of recovering the money after they learn that their friend is actually safe and sound.
Phishing Friends
One particularly destructive computer virus, called Koobface, has made the social networking site rounds via MySpace and most recently on Facebook in December. In Faceback, the victim receives a message from their friend saying “You look awesome in this video” or “You look funny in this video” and includes a link to an outside Web site to view the video. Clicking on the link will open a window that claims the victim needs to download an updated version of Flash. Agreeing to the update actually installs the virus onto the victim’s computer. The virus is designed to monitor the user’s Internet activity and potentially steal personal information. Victims of Koobface have had a particularly difficult time removing the virus and in some cases just decided to scrap their computers completely.
Viral Wall Post
Another recent Facebook scam takes advantage of a social networker’s fears that the pictures and information they post on Facebook could be made very public. The user receives a post on his or her wall from a friend saying something like, “hey do u realize your face book picture is all over (link to Web site). The wall posts vary, but all invariably link to an outside Web site that supposedly has the user’s photos. Facebook warns that clicking on the link will allow hackers to gain access to the user’s personal account and post the same message – seemingly coming from the victim – on their friend’s walls.
Your BBB offers the following advice for staying safe on social networking sites:
• Be extremely wary of messages from friends or strangers that direct the user to another Web site via a hyperlink.
• Before wiring money to a friend in a jam, users should attempt to contact their friend outside of the social networking site, such as over the phone or via e-mail to confirm the situation. If that’s not possible, BBB recommends asking them a question to which only they would know the answer.
• Users should always make sure their computer’s operating system’s antivirus and firewall software are up to date.
• Social networking sites are about sharing information, but BBB recommends that users take steps to keep important information private. While some social networking Web sites do allow for the user to share phone numbers and addresses, it’s best to keep such information private.
• Be selective when choosing friends. While a user might not want to be rude, BBB recommends that it’s best to decline a request for friendship if the user doesn’t actually know the person.
For more advice on staying safe online go to www.bbb.org.
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