IKOR OPENS PENNSYLVANIA/NEW JERSEY BRANCH TO HELP ENSURE PROPER CARE OF SENIORS AND THE DISABLED IN BUCKS AND MERCER

Latest Location of Growing Healthcare Advocacy and Guardianship Network Brings Expert Case Analysis and Management, Robust Monitoring and Recordkeeping Solutions and a Dedicated, Authoritative Voice to Those Needing Care and Others Concerned for their Well-Being

NEWTOWN, PA and PRINCETON, N.J. – IKOR USA, a growing network of healthcare and financial advocacy and guardianship offices that help ensure the proper care of seniors and the disabled, today opened its first dual-state branch, serving individuals needing care, their families and any appointed legal and financial officials in parts of Southeastern Pennsylvania and Southwestern New Jersey.

IKOR of Bucks & Mercer Counties is under the direction of Larry Enright, a 30-year veteran of the management accounting field who has served on the Board of Directors for several non-profit child advocacy organizations. The new office will work with bankers, other fiduciaries and those shouldering the care of senior or disabled family members, to help determine and secure the best living situations for such individuals based on mental, emotional, physical, financial, familial, geographic and other factors.

From determining whether remaining at home is viable and what provisions may be necessary, to coordinating, attending and tracking the outcome of medical appointments, to securing a space in the most appropriate facilities when home care is no longer an option, to confirming prescribed medicines and therapies are administered properly wherever they are provided, IKOR ensures that those needing assistance are treated in a manner best-suited to their needs, most conducive to preserving their dignity and as closely matching their stated quality-of-life desires as possible. IKOR advocates also provide support in cases of elder financial abuse and other situations where an individual’s physical, mental, emotional or financial security is at risk or has been compromised. Each office also provides trained financial advocates who can handle Power of Attorney authorizations, routine financial management and other non-medical services.

“Caring for an aging parent, a disabled individual or someone with special needs presents many tough decisions and demands time and energy that can bring considerable strife or require great personal sacrifice,” says Patricia A. Maisano, CEO/Founder of IKOR and operator of its original office in Kennett Square, Pa. “Fiduciaries may feel unable or unqualified to manage matters appropriately, while family members may be physically, logistically or emotionally unable to ensure that their loved one is being treated in the manner and location that best matches their wants and needs and lets them retain their dignity. IKOR’s trained professionals are experienced in dealing with such challenges, and can bring welcome relief to those needing care and those concerned for their well-being.”

IKOR’s services are divided into three core areas:

• Professional, experienced dedicated personnel – Every IKOR office includes Registered Nurse Patient Advocates, available all day, every day to address healthcare management, environmental or psychosocial crises. In addition, specially trained staff are on call in each office to provide financial advocacy such as handling routine bill-pay and ensuring that clients receive all public-program assistance to which they are entitled.
• “The IKOR Approach” – A sophisticated system incorporating a needs assessment, on-site quality assurance, care services coordination and development of short-term and long-term strategic plans. The IKOR Approach addresses every medical, environmental, psychosocial and educational issue that affects an individual, offering the best choices to address his or her specific needs. 
• Sophisticated technology – Datikor®, a proprietary database-driven system at the heart of The IKOR Approach, ensures that no matter how near or far or what time of day, everyone officially involved in an IKOR client’s case management has secure access to the updated information they need for peace of mind and seamless, accurate care.

An Honor and an Ideal Role for an Individual Committed to Quality of Life

Larry Enright brings an entrepreneurial spirit and extensive personal and professional experience working to make life better for others to his role as Managing Director of the new IKOR office. A Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary International, he has been president and founder of both EOC Office Solutions, Inc., a management accounting business, and Green Shield Mortgage, a retail mortgage company, and was vice president and founder of the Heatherhaugh Farms Nursery. He also has personally confronted the stresses of moving an aging parent to an assisted care facility.

“My 80-year-old mother is in a continuing care retirement center. Helping her maintain the quality of life she desires and deserves has taught me how important it is to choose the best eldercare service firms,” Enright says. “What intrigues me the most about IKOR is being an individual’s personal advocate, a defender of their rights, a champion seeing to it that they enjoy all the privileges of decent humanity. It is an honor and an ideal role for my personal enrichment.” 

IKOR of Bucks & Mercer Counties maintains offices at 12 Penns Trail in Newtown, Pa., and 103 Carnegie Center, Suite 300, in Princeton, N.J. To inquire about specific IKOR services, contact Larry Enright at lenright@ikorusa.com or call (855) 367-4567 extension 701. General information on IKOR, including the company’s approach to healthcare and financial advocacy and guardianship, a complete list of services, client testimonials and more, may be found online at www.ikorusa.com.

Autism Awareness for Me and Mine - 2012

Today (April 2nd) is Autism Awareness Day and it's something that's been on my mind and in my work rotation for several months now. Truthfully, autism has been in my life a lot longer than that. You see, my (almost 13-year-old) son has a form of autism called PDD-NOS. What the initials stand for doesn't really matter, what it means for him is that he has trouble understanding social cues, both verbal and visual and thinks in very literal, black & white terms. His brain is literally wired differently than most people's and this makes the way he sees things, understands things and learns things different from most of us. He has to study how to interpret facial expressions, body language and secondary meanings of words. He has to learn social language like taking a class in a foreign language would be for most of us. Sights, sounds and smells can often overwhelm him and he might have a meltdown.

This does not change how he feels about things. He is extremely sensitive in fact and most of the time wants nothing more than to help other people. He gets such self-satisfaction from doing good. (I wish I could be more like him in that way) But, just like everyone else, kids making fun of him and excluding him hurts him, adults ignoring him hurts him, he's not unintelligent (in fact, he's smarter on scale than about 65% of us in the general population) but he's slow on the sarcasm side and doesn't quite "get it" like most young teens. He does "get" when others are being mean, however.

I love him with all of my heart and realizing that this is a permanent, life-long condition that same heart aches for him knowing the pain he'll endure as he faces the challenges life has ahead for him. The more people know about Autism Spectrum Disorders, the more they will accept his differences and appreciate his unique view of the world, what he has to offer all of us. If you don't already know someone with, or affected by autism - the CDC released new figures last week that 1 of every 88 children in the U.S. has some form of the disorder. You will know someone soon. It's statistically impossible not to.

I created a local resource page on Facebook for this event and hope to keep it updated with information and opportunities that people with autism and their families and friends can use. We've encouraged people to wear blue today, light a blue bulb in their home or business, but most importantly to talk to their friends, co-workers and kids about autism and what it means for the people who have these conditions. They're really very cool people with perspectives on society and life that could benefit all of us in the rat-race.

In case you're interested: www.facebook.com/AutismAwarenessAberdeen

Conspire! Expands into Texas with First Location to open in Fort Worth

FORT WORTH, Texas – Conspire!, a national provider of affordable, convenient and reliable drug and alcohol testing services, announced today it has inked its first franchise agreement to open a new location in Fort Worth with local entrepreneur Dave Thomas. The new Conspire! location will open within the next 90 days and is the first of 80 locations to open in Texas.

“Having worked in various commercial jobs for nearly 15 years, I am very familiar with the testing process and have witnessed firsthand the positive impact it can have on an employees’ safety as well as a company’s bottom line,” said Thomas. “It has always been a passion of mine to become an owner of a small business that helps others. Conspire! affords me the opportunity to take control of my financial future while educating and supporting the local community with effective drug and alcohol testing services.”

During the past 12 months, the Metroplex region topped the nation’s job growth with more than 134,000 added,* demonstrating a powerful need for drug and alcohol testing services and compliance polices. A survey conducted by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) stated that drug-using employees are 2.2 times more likely to request early dismissal or time off, 2.5 times more likely to have absences of eight days or more, three times more likely to be late for work, 3.6 times more likely to be involved in a workplace accident and five times more likely to file a workers’ compensation claim.
“We go beyond the average drug test,” added Thomas. “We are truly committed to making a difference by using testing to deter substance abuse, identify opportunities for intervention and encourage overall health and safety for all.”

Conspire! combines cutting-edge screening technology with the latest in compliance, education and enforcement in the drug screening industry that offers a total testing solution for its clients across the nation. Services include pre-employment testing, background checks, random drug screening, drug and alcohol awareness training, compliance manuals and support, as well as onsite drug testing available 24/7, certified collectors, DHHS/SAMHSA Laboratory Service, certified MRO services and much more.

The Fort Worth development announcement stems from a larger national growth plan that calls for more than 200 locations to open throughout the United States during the next 24-36 months. Areas of growth include Fort Worth, San Antonio, Austin, Dallas, Houston, and other prime markets across the nation.

For more information on Conspire!, visit www.conspire2hire.com.

About Conspire!
Lynette Crow founded Conspire! in 2003 to meet the testing needs of local businesses, which eventually inspired her to expand the business in a way that would impact an entire society. Crow has established herself as an expert in the industry and is routinely called upon as a resource for her community. Recognized as an expert in matters related to business ethics and corporate compliance, Crow maintains certification in OSHA, HIPPA and is a member of the National Association of Drug Court Professionals, the Drug and Alcohol Testing Industry Association and is a board member for the Third Party Administration Consortium. Currently, Conspire! operates two locations in Colorado with two planned for Fort Worth, Texas and New Orleans, LA. Company plans call for more than 200 locations to open during the next two to three years across the nation. For more information, please visit www.conspire2hire.com.

###

* U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Guiding You through the Maze of Online Advertising

As the Online Franchise Advertising Industry has continued to evolve, it's become clear there's a need for an advertising company that truly knows the "in's" and "out's" of each advertising portal and how to craft an effective and efficient advertising campaign using the sales goals of each concept, not one-size-fits-all.

Franchise In-Sites is here to help you get through the maze of providers and packages with plans customized for each client that are based upon their specific needs.

Our Strength is in our Experience and our Relationships; Our team is comprised of people who have been involved in the franchise industry in a variety of capacities including franchise advertising portal operation, franchise lead purchasing, and franchise sales. We have great relationships with our clients because we understand them and how to bring their goals to fruition. We have great relationships with the portals because we have done their job and understand what they need to do to get things done for you.

We Can:

- Create a Customized Advertising Campaign Based on Your Sales Goals
- Place You on the Right Sites in the Right Packages
- Garner Discounts on Your Exposure
- Gather Your Agreements
- Handle Content Creation
- Coordinate the Campaign Launch including Lead Testing
- Manage the Campaign in Real-tme
- Provide Monthly Analytics on Lead Source Performance
- Conduct Monthly Conference Calls to Discuss Results
- Make Quarterly Adjustments to the Campaign as Needed
- Provide Quality Resources for just about Anything you need in the Industry

Whether you choose to engage our placement services only or you decide to utilize our full campaign management services, your money is best spent when it is used to its fullest potential by people who know how to achieve the results.

Contact us today to make your advertising efforts as efficient and effective as possible. inquiries@franchiseinsites.com 800-467-8980

Inside the Maid Brigade Franchise Opportunity

Maid Brigade has decades of experience in franchising and continue to successfully grow their franchise concept. This video lays out the nuts and bolts behind that success. Check it out for yourself. http://youtu.be/8VGYToK6jYs

Franchise In-Sites Adds another All-Star

Franchise In-Sites recently added another all-star to their group of professionals. In late February, they brought Matt Walker onboard as the Director of Sales. "Matt is one of the few people left in this industry who was on the portal side from a site's inception through to the current environment," says David Gollahon, Founder & CEO. "He brings an understanding of the evolution of both franchise portal mechanics and customer support in this industry and we are lucky to have him onboard."

Walker was formerly employed with Landmark Communications, having been the Senior Account Representative for FranchiseAdvantage.com and BusinessBroker.net during the creation of the site, through Landmark’s acquisition and for four years following that transition. He joins Gollahon and Beth Schmitz-Biegler, Director of Client & Media Relations, whose previous experience includes roles as Director of Marketing at both FranNet and Kitchen Tune-Up.

Walker can be reached at matt@franchiseinsites.com or (800) 467-8980.

About Franchise In-Sites – The company provides online advertising placement, campaign management and sales analytics for a wide-range of smart franchise clients including The Entrepreneur's Source, Always Best Care Senior Services, Maid Brigade, IKOR USA, Grout Doctor, and others. More information can be found at www.franchiseinsites.com.

Down Economy Leaves The Grout Doctor® Positioned for Success

Disclosure: Grout Doctor is one of my clients through Franchise In-Sites

Grout Doctor Ranked in Franchise Business Review’s Top Low Cost Franchise Opportunities for 2011

SALT LAKE CITY, UT – (February 3, 2011) – The Grout Doctor®, the most experienced, respected and recognized brand in the tile and grout maintenance business, was recently named one of Franchise Business Review’s Top Low Cost Franchise Opportunities for 2011. In the down economy hundreds of franchises went out of business, weeding out the unproven business models, leaving only the strongest franchises positioned for growth as the economy recovers. The Grout Doctor® continues to stand strong, positioned for success.

The Grout Doctor® renews existing grout, tile and natural stone to its original beauty. Founded in 1992, The Grout Doctor® is the longest established national franchise in the industry with an unmatched support system. Not only are they setting the standards for the industry, but The Grout Doctor® founder created it. An experienced, well established franchisor saves its franchisees time and money. Without the overhead of real estate, pricey retail locations, or large product inventories, The Grout Doctor® provides a strong, low cost franchise opportunity for 2011.

The Grout Doctor® is built upon real consumer demand: anywhere there is tile, there’s a need for dedicated grout care. Grout Doctor’s niche of exclusively providing grout, tile and stone care by highly qualified specialists is expected to stay in high demand, according to the Floor Covering Weekly, 2010 Statistical Report. Additionally, the report shows that, residential replacement and repair of ceramic tile made up 30.2% of ceramic tile’s end use of the 2.28 billion dollar market. It is expected to lead the tile industry’s growth in 2011, proving The Grout Doctor business opportunity to be a solid opportunity for 2011.

“If you are anything like me at the stage of life I was at when I found The Grout Doctor®, know that it is a perfect opportunity with a huge customer base, low overhead, flexible hours, home-based, employees are optional and it meets all your needs,” said Wayne Gregson, Franchisee.
According to Franchise Business Review’s 2011 Top Low Cost Franchise Opportunities, the turn in the economy has left a stronger, more stable franchise space. They answer the big question, is now a good time to start a business? Their answer is a resounding “Yes!” They based their answer on the 2011 Top Low Cost Franchise Opportunity list and what their report shows in the franchise space.

The Grout Doctor® is expanding nationwide and currently has excellent territories available. For more information on obtaining a Top Low Cost Franchise, visit the web site at www.groutdoctor.com or call toll free 1-877-GROUT-00.

Franchise In-Sites Guides New Care Concept through Online Lead and Sales Maze

Online lead generation is considered a necessary evil by some in the franchising community. However, by working with experts, a company can alter their overall experience and final sales results, even as a new franchise concept. No other company exists that offers the industry experience of Franchise In-Sites, founded by former portal insider David Gollahon in 2008. In addition to that inside perspective and knowledge, key company personnel have diverse franchise backgrounds that include third-party broker networks and franchise concepts as well. That mix is what makes Franchise In-Sites such a powerful tool in franchisee acquisition.

The company fills a unique role by carefully assessing the needs of each concept; including their individual growth goals and concerns, then utilizing lead projections from the online portals themselves to develop the best advertising map for each client. By working with Franchise In-Sites, IKOR USA is achieving their growth goals and even increasing them, based on their initial success.

According to Cynthia Gartman, CFE and president of IKOR, the decision to work with Franchise In-Sites has been crucial to their early success. “Franchise In-Sites’ process for portal selection and management are second to none. They make the lead generation seamless and we couldn’t be more pleased with our lead flow. We are a fairly new system and with the Franchise In-Sites team, we are well on our way to reaching 10 franchises sold in the first 6 months of franchising.”

Franchise In-Sites is proving that even start-up or early-stage franchise systems, given the right mix of ingredients in their development philosophy and processes, can succeed in the online world of lead generation. In IKOR’s case, Franchise In-Sites is providing them with their full-range of services; supplying a dedicated salesperson, who works directly with the franchise, in addition to placing the online ads and analyzing the results. This allows IKOR to operate as if they have an inside sales force, without the added expenses normally associated with that development structure.

About Franchise In-Sites – Offering three distinct options for all stages of smart franchise system growth, Franchise In-Sites places online lead generation advertising, provides analytic services and full sales outsourcing solutions for select franchise systems. Their client, IKOR, is a medical advocacy and guardianship firm serving the needs of seniors and the disabled, reachable at www.ikorusa.com/. More information can be found at www.franchiseinsites.com.

Steam, Oil, Dust and History in the Blood

I grew up in Rollag, MN, actually a mile outside of it, and if you blinked more than once driving through (on the one road) you would miss the town entirely. Once a year it balloons to a population in the tens of thousands, thanks to the Western Minnesota Steam Threshers Reunion, held annually over Labor Day Weekend. It was the highlight of the first eighteen years of my life growing up there and as the weekend fast approaches, I think I can nearly hear the faint calls of steam whistles and the distinct smell of oil caught in steam droplets, both wafting through the air like the history that runs so deep in the agricultural Midwest. Magical times at Rollag that I hope to share with my four kids one day. We just might need to take a day trip to "The Hill".

Threshers reunite at Rollag DL-Online Detroit Lakes, Minnesota


By Vicki Gerdes -

The first official Western Minnesota Steam Threshers Reunion opened its doors to the public in 1954.

But it’s actually been 70 years since the tradition started. According to the archives of the WMSTR, it all began in 1940, “with a little idea sparked from the soul of some local threshermen over supper. The Nelson boys fired up the old Garr-Scott engine to thresh with steam again for old times’ sake with family and friends.”

The reunion has become a Labor Day weekend tradition in the tiny town of Rollag. And as the name implies, the event is an opportunity for old friends and family to reunite and reminisce.

“You develop long lasting relationships,” said Kathy Hamre, who has been coming to the WMSTR with her husband for about 20 years. “It really is like a reunion. You get together and you work together and you put on a great show.”

“We’ve got friends up here that we don’t get to see all the time — it’s as great time to visit,” said Twin Cities resident Tim Dachtera, who has been coming to the reunion for about 15 years. “My grandparents got me involved in the show, and I’ve been coming every year since then.”

Dachtera, who spends most of his days working with computers and technology, said the WMSTR is “a nice change of pace.”

Though he is not on the WMSTR board, Dachtera does run the organization’s website (www.rollag.com). He also takes photographs of each year’s event and shoots video footage for the annual commemorative DVD, “Memories On the Hill.”

There are plenty of sights and sounds to record, Dachtera noted.

“You can’t see the entire show grounds in a single day,” he said.

In fact, said WMSTR President Ellis Aakre, you might not even be able to see everything if you stay for the entire weekend. (This year’s show runs Sept. 3-6.)

“We have about 200 acres of show grounds,” Aakre said. “You can come out for a single day, but most people say they can’t see it all if they come for all four days.”

Hamre, who des publicity and marketing for the WMSTR, said there are steam and gas-powered engines of all types, from antique cars and tractors to steam shovels and even a full-size steam train, which will take visitors on a trip around the grounds.

“We have a little farmstead where everything is done by horses,” Hamre added. “They do demonstrations throughout the show.”

There’s even a steam-powered foundry, Dachtera added, where they do a variety of metal work.

“And there’s lots of stuff for kids,” said Hamre, from a miniature steam-powered barrel train to a merry go round (also steam powered).

There’s even a closed-circuit tractor course where kids can try driving a tractor — with adult supervision. In the wooded area, there is a blacksmith’s shop, a log cabin museum and “miniature land,” Aakre added.

Pioneer ladies’ activities include live demonstrations of soap making, sewing and weaving, to name just a few.

“And of course, there’s lots of good food,” said Dachtera.

Area churches serve up threshermen’s style meals throughout the day, and there are a variety of food booths set up on the grounds as well.

Live music is always going on throughout the day — and well into the evening.

“If people want to hang out after the show is over they can find music in various areas,” Hamre said.

Nelson Hall has music going on throughout the day, and the Thresherman’s Memorial Building also has music at various times. But you can also find musicians interspersed throughout the grounds.

“There will be a lot of musicians out there — very talented people,” Hamre added.

This year’s featured event is the Allis Chalmers Expo, which will include Allis Chalmers tractors, construction equipment and more.

Parades are held twice a day at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., and there is a vintage style show each day at 3 p.m. There’s also square dancing, prony brake demonstrations, church services on Saturday and Sunday, and even a Steam Queen coronation.

And the grounds themselves are “really looking great,” said Aakre. “Our volunteers have been working all summer getting the show grounds ready. We’re ready to entertain.”

A day pass to the show grounds is $12; a season pass (all four days) is $20; and a camping season pass (the campgrounds open Thursday) is $35. Children age 12 and under are admitted free of charge — but there are no dogs allowed on the grounds except for medical reasons.

“All the rides are free,” said Aakre. “Once you get inside the show grounds the only thing you have to pay for is the food — and any souvenirs you want to buy.”

KidzArt Offers Free Franchises in National Giveaway

KidzArt is my client through Franchise In-Sites. They're a very cool franchise concept and this franchise giveaway offer is the first I've seen of it's kind. Good luck!

New Braunfels, TX, August 1, 2010 -- KidzArt, an international children's art education franchise company, announced that in November 2010, five lucky people will win a complete KidzArt/Art Innovators franchise for free. Business-savvy individuals who want to own a business with complete training and support have a chance to win and become a part of this world-wide creative franchise .

There are three ways to enter and three ways to win:
• Submit an online application at www.franchise-giveaway.com
• Stop by the KidzArt/Art Innovators booth #720 at the West Coast Franchise Expo located at the West Los Angeles Conference Center from November 5th to November 7th or complete an application at https://secure.events-registration.com/wcfe2010/?source=GPART
• Submit a 90 second video commercial highlighting the KidzArt/Art Innovators program to YouTube.com along with a written application at www.franchise-giveaway.com.

“Being your own boss and playing an important role in your local community is a dream for many people. The KidzArt organization offers you professional guidance and customized business tools to help you succeed!" says Sue Bartman, CEO of KidzArt. "We look forward to reviewing hundreds of applications and video submissions for this exciting free giveaway"

For qualification details, please visit http://www.franchise-giveaway.com/qualifications.php. Of the five winners, KidzArt will announce two southern California winners on Saturday November 6, 2010 at 5 pm at Dick Blick in West Los Angeles and three at the West Coast Franchise Expo on Sunday, November 7th at 1 pm (two online applicants and one video applicant). Winners need not be present to win.

About KidzArt
Founded in 1998, KidzArt is an international art enrichment franchise company that helps students of all ages explore their inner artistic potential. Through afterschool classes, camps, workshops and birthday parties, KidzArt offers a diverse, multi-cultural, multi-media drawing and fine arts curriculum designed to inspire students throughout the world. KidzArt's "no mistakes" philosophy encourages children to try new things, explore their creativity and overcome their inhibitions or obstacles in order to grow and learn. Franchising since July 2002, KidzArt has franchised units throughout the US, China, the Middle East, Singapore, Indonesia, India and South Korea. To find out more about KidzArt visit www.kidzart.com or call 888-813-2287.

Happy 2nd Birthday, HARO!!!

Get Sourced, Get Quoted, Get Famous! http://www.helpareporter.com/

I Needed Your Help and You Weren't There

Ever have one of those days, weeks or years? You actually needed something and then no one was there to help? If you're like me, you have plenty of people in your life who love you, maybe even admire and respect you, but you don't really like needing them. It's not comfortable, awkward at best, when they offer their help to you. It doesn't feel like help, it feels like pity. It seems weak to accept; there's pride and dignity and independence to think about. So, you soldier on, laughing off the offers, maybe a little tempted at times to accept but then even more resolute in your mission to go it alone.

OK, so maybe this isn't about you, maybe it's really about me. Did you catch on to that already?

I'm a builder. I've built emotional islands for myself in multiple states, through at least three decades and a dozen life stages. There were friends at work who got a little too close and people from college classes that seemed a bit too interested in my personal life. The ladies at church who asked probing questions and the extended family who seemed to want to know things that I didn't want to share. There's even been repeat business in this phenomenon for me; the people I grew up with and went to school with but still viewed suspiciously until I moved apart from them (both figuratively and literally). I'd put them away, shelved until twenty years later when they ended up back in my life. I think these were the first of the building blocks to fall for me. Specifically, there were several who despite my best efforts to keep distant pecked away at my defenses until tiny cracks started to split wider and finally some light peeked through. Also significantly, there was the child, my child, who in his own pre-adolescent struggles to self-define and understand the confusing array of personalities around him, made me look anew at myself.

Naturally, a part of this becomes not only "Who am I?" but "Who was I?" and even more simply "Why?". Does it matter? Maybe. Maybe it matters because the things we do, the ways in which we act and the people we are don't have to be the same forever. Just like the people I shut out over the years and didn't allow to help me, some of me is gone now, too. Some of it, though, just needed that sliver of light to get through. Parts of myself long hidden, people who cared long pushed aside, now visible and growing next to new sprouts of myself.

That's where I am today. I had a brief moment of need, one of the many that we face in our everyday lives, and my first self-pitying, bottom-lip-stuck-out thought was there was no one there to help me. But that's not true and I don't think it ever will be. Pride, stubborness, resilience, fortitude, tenacity... however you term it, can get you far (and for me, it has). Eventually, though, you have to admit that vulnerabilities keep coming back and having these vulnerabilities isn't a weakness. Being vulnerable, the flaws themselves, are the very things that make others love us. You just have to let them. I just have to let them.

One of Every 110 US Kids Diagnosed with Autism but Don't Blame Vaccines

Having a pre-adolescent son with a (debatable) form of autism, this news made a big impact on me; Vaccines do not cause autism. Now, I really never believed they did, but the "easy out" was tempting to take. It's typical that kids either develop or start to exhibit symptoms of autism right around the same time they're receiving standard childhood vaccinations, notably the MMR (Measles, Mumps & Rubella) vaccine. At one time, thimerisol, which contains mercury, was a standard substance used to help stabilize vaccines and we all know that's bad for us, right? There could be a reaction to one or more of the viruses in the vaccine. Lots of things associated with the vaccine could cause autism, we don't really know, right? Wrong. We do know.

The one major study that linked the MMR vaccine with a higher incidence of autism was published in The Lancet, a major British medical journal in February of 1998, little more than a year before my son was born. This was well-known news as he was going through the initial testing and educational interventions (that are still part of his life to some degree) that occurred once it had became obvious his development was drastically delayed. Unfortunately, the study never should have been published and today was finally retracted by the journal. It was flawed ethically and dozens of other studies have not been able to duplicate it's results. The main author is now having his medical license reviewed as well and may have it revoked.

I can't say that I'm actually happy these steps have been taken. It feels much better to think you have an answer to a problem than to not have one. Vaccines were an answer for many parents of children on the autism spectrum and now that is gone from us. We're left with not knowing why our kids struggle as they do and without that 'why' it's even more difficult to come up with the 'hows' or the 'whens' like "How can my son compensate for his disabilities?" or "When will he have friends?". I do wish, however, that this pat answer hadn't been given in the first place. It provided an easy place to set our fears, our hopes, our anger, but it gave it to us falsely.

Here we are, nearly twelve years later with no answers, only statistics. My son is one of every 110 kids to be diagnosed with a form of autism in the US and I don't know why, but it wasn't caused by a vaccine.

More can be found about autism in the US at Autism Speaks http://www.autismspeaks.org/.

Stem Cell Debate May Not Be Relevant Any Longer

Could philosophical and religious arguments over stem cell research be a thing of the past? According to Reuters, a new study out of Stanford University in California has shown mice skin cells can be made into neurons (nerve cells) using only three genes. The uses for this seem endless; Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, not to mention spinal cord or traumatic brain injury.

Next step will be attempting to turn the cells into completely different types of cells for use in organs like the liver, pancreas and heart. This could treat cancer or diabetes, common ailments that plague the United States.

Think of all the time that's already been lost for patients with reduced quality of life and even death while we continue to debate the ethics of stem cell use. If this works in mice, the odds are it can be tweaked to work in humans as well and they're already trying. Will there be an outcry that we're playing God by changing the type of cell even if it's the person's own? I certainly hope not. I'm fairly certain many patients and their loved ones will see it my way, too.

Earthquake Devastation - Poorest People in Western Hemisphere Need Aid, But How?

The Center for International Disaster Information (CIDI) encourages Americans to respond appropriately and responsibly to today's earthquake in Haiti. Those who wish to best help the victims in Haiti are asked to donate cash as an alternative to in-kind donations such as clothing and canned goods. Cash donations are widely recognized as the most efficient and effective means of relief, a policy supported by CIDI's funding partner, the United States Agency for International Development's Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance, and those in the established international disaster response community.

The earthquake registered 7.0 on the Richter scale and was centered approximately 14 miles west of the capital city, Port-au-Prince. Early news stories report widespread devastation as severe aftershocks continue through the evening.

Haiti is the western hemisphere's poorest nation and 80 percent of the population lives below the poverty line. This disaster will increase the already difficult situation for the people of Haiti. Many aid organizations are already on the ground in Haiti and will be able to put Americans' generosity to use to best help the victims of the earthquake. Cash donations can be used to buy the supplies, clothing and emergency items needed on the ground, without the delay of collecting, packing, shipping and distributing in-kind items, which may be inappropriate for the victims.

"Americans can help the most by donating cash to an established relief agency," says Suzanne H. Brooks, Director of CIDI. "Haitians have suffered greatly in recent years and desperately need Americans to respond appropriately. Helping the efforts of professional humanitarian relief agencies is the absolute best way to aid the victims in Haiti."

Those interested in making contributions to help the victims in Haiti can get more information by visiting CIDI's Web site at www.cidi.org. Additionally, interested donors can visit http://www.interaction.org/ to obtain a list of credible responding agencies for international emergencies and www.give.org to get valuable information on making informed decisions when supporting charities. In addition, donors can visit www.globalgiving.org.

Technology & Gay Marriage - Both on Trial

The trial challenging California's Proposition 8 begins today in San Francisco, which has been big news across the country. Equally on trial, though, is how technology will play into our legal system and especially in matters of major interest over a broad geographic and demographic spectrum.

Delayed broadcast of the trial was tentatively approved to be aired on YouTube, giving time to block any subject matter deemed inappropriate or potentially influential to jurors. However, a temporary block was established just two hours before the scheduled start time, giving the judges three days to further debate the issue and decide if broadcast should occur.

YouTube has become a medium of more than just entertainment and it's only natural it should morph into one of a more newsworthy nature. Use in our legal system, with appropriate censorship as necessary, seems only logical from my perspective. It gives equal access in near-real-time to any interested parties, no matter their location. I will be following both the trial and the secondary YouTube trial with great interest.

Ed Schultz, progressive radio and talk show host from Fargo, ND, has been "officially" asked to run for senate. The seat will be vacated by current democratic senator Byron Dorgan. Ed appeared on MSNBC this morning and gave the surprise announcement.

Not sure how I feel about this one. I think Ed can be polarizing, based on his talk show persona, but that same persona may not come with him into a traditional political role. If the people of North Dakota voted him into office based on the person they see in the media, would they even like him as a senator? Yet to be seen, since Ed hasn't even decided whether he will entertain the request.

We'll be watching!

Welcome to Beth's Take! Musings will vary, but you can be sure I'll always give you my true point of view.

• Marketing & Advertising
• Franchise Industry
• Politics
• World Perspectives

Questions are always welcome and I will respond. I have many friends in franchising, so if you need to know anything, I can probably track it down for you, direct from the source (or a source close to the source - you get it).