On November 6, California will vote to decide whether genetically modified food will require new labeling. Proposition 37 would require that all food sold to consumers made from plant or animal material that has had its genetic properties changed in certain ways must have labeling stating it has been “Partially Produced with Genetic Engineering.” As well as ensuring genetically modified foods must contain this statement on its packaging, Proposition 37 also prohibits genetically modified (GM) foods from being labeled as “natural.”

The main argument for Proposition 37 is the public has the right to know exactly what they are putting into their bodies. The campaigners for the proposition believe that it is one of the fundamental American values to have the right to know, and choose what to eat. They are also pointing to the fact that fifty countries already currently require labeling for genetically modified food as proof that California should have similar laws.

The argument against Proposition 37, however, is comprised of two parts. Firstly, they believe that the introduction of labeling for GM foods would drive up foods costs. One site, “NoProp37.com,” is claiming that should proposition 37 go ahead, then the average family would end up paying up to $400 more a year on food.

Families would only see a rise in their food bill of this size if food producers were to replace every single genetically modified ingredient with organic or non-GM ingredients. While it is likely that some products will have all genetically modified ingredients removed so consumers are not put off by their lack of natural ingredients, it is unlikely that this will happen to all but a few products.

The second point those against the proposition are making is that the labeling system is deeply flawed. With the current system 66% of food expenditures would be exempt from being labeled as containing GM ingredients. For instance, food that does contain genetically modified ingredients is excluded if it will be eaten away from home. All meat, fish and poultry are excluded regardless of whether they have been given natural feed or genetically modified feed. Alcohol is also exempt from the labeling system, but non-alcoholic drinks must be labeled if they contain genetically modified ingredients.

NoProp37.com also points out that Prop 37 was written by a trial lawyer who also helped write Prop 65, and has made a fortune suing businesses.

But what actually is genetically modified food, and why do people want to know whether they eat it or not?

Genetically modified foods differ from normal foods in that they have had changes made to their DNA, either by removing certain genes or by adding other genes, often from viruses and bacteria. This modifies the food slightly, allowing it to grow faster or be resistant to certain pesticides, depending on what genes are added to the plant’s DNA.

There are possible health risks in eating these ingredients. So far, there have been hundreds of reports about the dangers, or lack of, of GM foods, but none of them have managed to prove conclusively that GM foods are bad for one’s health, or pose no health risk at all.

The latest study released on the subject showed that genetically modified food gave rats cancer. However, these results have to be taken with a grain of salt, considering the researchers of this study are well-known to be against GM foods and the lead author has previously been told off by the EU for his statistical techniques in a study of GM corn (being fed to rats, no less).

Genetically modified foods have been grown commercially in America since 1996. Since then, global production of GM foods has grown for fifteen consecutive years, reaching 160 million hectares in 2011.

If Prop 37 is voted in, then California would become the first US state to require GM foods to be labeled as so. This could well cause other states to follow California’s example, and result in the whole of America requiring the labeling of genetically modified foods.

Considering the fact that in 2011 80% of all corn and 94% of soybeans in the US were grown from GM seeds, its clear this is a momentous time for America and could have far reaching consequences for the agricultural industry.

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Reno, U.S.A - Every year, thousands of people who were reported missing are saved by specialized search and rescue (SAR) teams. With high-tech navigation tools readily available, many people are able to self-evacuate from remote areas. But the critical skills of SAR are still essential to saving lives. That’s why the BSA is announcing its first Search and Rescue merit badge at the 2012 National Search and Rescue Conference hosted by the National Association for Search and Rescue (NASAR) and the Mountain Rescue Association (MRA) in Lake Tahoe, Nevada.

Scouts aiming to earn the Search and Rescue merit badge will first learn the important differences between a search and rescue. A search is an emergency situation requiring a team of trained searchers to locate, access, stabilize, and transport a lost person to safety. A rescue is an emergency situation where the person’s location is known but he or she must be removed from danger and returned to safety. The term SAR is used together because rescues are often required after the person is found. Scouts will learn the fundamentals of SAR, but the badge will not qualify a young person as a trained searcher. While the BSA seeks to equip young people with relevant and useful skills, the organization stresses that Scouts should never attempt a search or rescue on their own.

“The Boy Scouts of America’s motto is ‘Be Prepared’—which sometimes translates to knowing how to respond in an emergency,” said Bob Mazzuca, Chief Scout Executive of the Boy Scouts of America. “While we are not encouraging our Scouts to practice these new skills independently, we do want them to be ready to lend a hand to the community, and to each other.”

To meet the requirements of the Search and Rescue merit badge, Scouts must complete a series of nine requirements relating to SAR fundamentals such as:

• The process and safety methods of working around specialized teams such as aircraft, canine, and aquatic rescue teams
• Identifying differences between search and rescue environments, such as coastal, wilderness, rural, and urban landscapes
• Determining when Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) and latitude and longitude (Lat/Lon) should be used

As an active SAR volunteer and former associate director of program (once responsible for backcountry operations) at Philmont Scout Ranch, one of the BSA’s four high-adventure bases, Doug Palmer fully understands the importance of learning these skills. “One of the main missions of Scouting is to introduce the thrill of the outdoors to young people,” Palmer said. “However, we recognize that outdoor adventure comes with some element of risk. Our job is to make sure young people are able to enjoy the environment safely.”

One of the most significant lessons Scouts can learn by working toward the Search and Rescue merit badge is how to “stay found” if they lose their way and keep themselves from becoming the subjects of an SAR. “Staying found” is both a simple and easily learned concept … and it can be a lifesaving one,” said Dan Hourihan, NASAR president.

Image Courtesy of  daveblume

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The economic crisis batters a great part of the world. Countries that used to live the “American dream” now witness how the extensive wave of revelry and happiness has come to an end. Spain is one of the many countries that lived above their possibilities. The Spanish downturn has given rise to an excessive increase of unemployment and has been the perfect excuse for politicians to pull out their scissors and begin cutting public spending from their welfare state.

The Spanish people, who watch how the youth unemployment is more than 50 percent, have not taken long to point their fingers at the politicians. Spanish citizens accuse politicians of being responsible for the country’s irreversible state, which they believe is inevitable as a result of the electoral system, where only two teams play.

It is quite the opposite in the United States. Criticisms about the political ‘duel’ have not yet arrived. As a matter of fact, some citizens are proud of it. They say that in the United States, presidential elections gather the many political and social aspects that characterize this country. However, critics against the electoral system, such as Occupy Wall Street, have indeed begun to be heard and could amplify if the situation worsens.

Since George Washington set the foundations, the United States has visibly favored a two-party system, made up of two blocks in Congress. Supporters of this system see it as a way to preserve the democratic health of the country. Perhaps they may be right, but it is also true that reducing the possibilities to solely black and white might not be the best example of a democracy.

It is inarguable that in the elections more than two candidates are represented. However, these dissidents are hardly given any voice in comparison to the two giants. As if that were not enough, their campaigns seem ridiculous when judged against the big parties’ greatly funded campaigns.

In previous elections, most of the media hardly had any say about third party candidates, such as McKinney, who was parliamentary of the United States for many years, or Nader, the activist who presented himself as independent and who ended up being attacked about his credibility and pride.

The media should try to balance the budgetary instability of the current plutocratic regime and avoid instructing anyone with phrases like, “Voting for a candidate that is not a Democrat or Republican is a waste of your vote.” Let us remember that democracy is not a political calculation, but simply a way of expressing one’s support for a leader. Journalists, who are guarantors of freedom, should attempt to treat all parties fairly.

Image Courtesy of  Pete Souza (Source; Story) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

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Niagara Falls is more than majestic naturally made waterfalls; Niagara also hosts as a tourist attraction where people from all over the world come to see just what is so amazing about this waterfall compared to countless others around the world.

The falls are approximated to be about 12,000 years old and were formed after the last ice age known as the Wisconsin glaciation. The falls “were formed when melting glaciers formed massive fresh-water lakes (the Great Lakes) one of which (Lake Erie) ran downhill toward another (Lake Ontario).

The rushing waters carved out a river in their descent and at one point passed over a steep cliff like formation (the Niagara escarpment). From the original falls going over the Niagara Escarpment, the water began to wear its way back up the river. The path that it left is known today as the Niagara Gorge (a deeply-cut and very scenic river path,” according to www.niagarafalls.ca.

Many people misinterpret that the Horseshoe Falls is the Niagara Falls however, there are actually two falls that are considered to make up Niagara Falls and are divided by a small island commonly known as ‘Goat Island.’ One is referred to as the “American Falls,” which is on the American side while the one that receives the most attention is the one on the Canadian side called the “Canadian Horseshoe Falls.”

The Canadian Horseshoe Falls is approximately 57 meters high and the water running through the Niagara River goes at a speed of roughly 35 miles per hour. And, every single minute, approximately 6 million cubic feet fall over the crestline, which is equivalent to one million bathtubs full of water. In addition to the breathtaking view of Niagara Falls, it also serves as the main source of hydroelectric power for the city of Ontario, Canada.

Niagara Falls is much more than just a natural wonderland and the city itself has evolved into a man-made attraction arena including parks, museums, dining, nightlife, casinos and adventures for any and every type of tourist. This serves to make the trip to the Niagara a real journey and an unforgettable one.

In fact, Niagara Falls welcomes approximately 12 million tourists annually. The falls feature several man-made tunnels which a tour guide will lead you through as several water lies both above and below you. The end of the tunnel features an opening directly behind the falls where you will find your eyes gazing out in amazement as water pours down just inches in front of you. And if you are interested in seeing more natural beauty, then you can visit Niagara Falls State Park which features hiking trails, cross-country skiing, boating and biking.

For a trip to the museums, some of the most popular in Niagara include the Niagara Wax Museum of History, Niagara Aerospace Museum, or the Castellani Art Museum. For nightlife adventure, the Seneca Casino is a hot spot for traveling tourists who like to dabble in some gambling.

And the Skylon Tower, a must-see dining restaurant, is the most popular man-made place that tourists like to go to while visiting the enchanting Niagara. The Skylon Tower offers fine dining while slowly revolving in a complete circle 775 feet above the ground, giving guests the opportunity to overlook the falls as well as the cities of Buffalo, New York and Ontario.

While Niagara Falls is first known for its beautiful waterfalls, it has proven itself that it is a must visit for anyone and everyone. Whether a newlywed couple, a business convention or a family vacation, Niagara offers both a whimsical and entertaining adventure to every tourist.

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The descendant of a survivor of the Titanic will travel from England to America to share letters and photographs of her great-grandmother, who was a women’s rights advocate and journalist and wrote an account of her rescue.

As part of the centennial observance of the sinking of the Titanic, Rosemary Gillham of Hertfordshire, will visit Norwalk for an exhibit at Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum titled Epic Voyage: The Extraordinary Life of Titanic Survivor Helen Churchill Candee, and will bring her great-grandmother’s papers. The exhibit runs from April 25 to October 14,2012.

“My great-grandmother has always been an inspiration for me,” said Gillham. “She was 53 when she traveled on the Titanic, and that tragic evening was just one night in a long and very full life. She had already achieved a huge amount and went on to travel and write extensively.”

Candee was in Europe when a family crisis forced her to return to America aboard the Titanic on its inaugural voyage to New York, when it struck an iceberg on April 14, 1912, and sank, resulting in the death of 1,517 people.

She fractured her ankle as she boarded Lifeboat 6 with the ‘Unsinkable’ Molly Brown. Afterwards, she recuperated at Lockwood-Mathews Mansion, where she received get-well letters from friends, including First Lady Helen Taft. She was interviewed by the Washington Herald and wrote an account of her rescue for Collier’s Weekly.

Candee, who attended school in Norwalk and published her first book, How Women May Earn a Living, in 1900, wrote for National Geographic, Atlantic Monthly and the Ladies’ Home Journal. She was an organizer in the “Votes for Women” rally in Washington. She became one of the first interior decorators and worked for President Theodore Roosevelt.

During World War I, she volunteered with the Red Cross in Italy and continued to write. Her work, Angkor the Magnificent, is considered the first study of the Khmer temple.

To kick off the exhibit April 21, Dr. Stephen Coan, President and CEO of Sea Research Foundation, will talk about the legacy of the Titanic and be joined on video by ocean explorer Dr. Robert Ballard, who discovered the Titanic in 1985. Portions of Mystic Aquarium’s new exhibit, “Titanic – 12,450 Feet Below,” will be displayed at the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum.

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The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (AJC) reveals the results of an unprecedented investigation exposing more questionable test results in schools across America. Questioning whether the 2011 cheating scandal was unique to Atlanta Public Schools, the AJC found drastic swings in test scores that were considered virtually impossible in Baltimore, Dallas, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles and St. Louis.

Suspect test score changes were also identified in many other cities, which will appear in the report. This story is set to spark a national debate over the policy and integrity of standardized testing.

Evidence that suggests possible cheating – the same kind that led AJC reporters and state investigators to uncover widespread and systematic test score manipulation in Georgia – exists across America. In an unprecedented effort, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution spent months gathering and analyzing data and conducting dozens of interviews.

“The implications of our findings are profound, and it’s hard to find a more important story to tell,” AJC Editor Kevin Riley said. “This is about America’s future, and the integrity of standardized testing is central to the policy direction of American schools. Policies require states to test all students in grades 3 through 8 to measure performance in reading and math. Success in America’s schools is now defined by showing improvement in test scores. These results raise troubling questions about the reliability of these tests.”

To reach this conclusion, the AJC’s investigative team gathered data from all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The AJC analyzed test scores in more than 14,000 school districts — and verified the information through four separate independent academic experts.

In addition to Atlanta, the AJC found drastic swings in test scores that were considered virtually impossible in Baltimore, Dallas, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles and St. Louis. More than 100 school districts with highly improbable swings in test scores, a finding that strongly points to tampering.

Changes in test scores that were statistically improbable in nearly 20 cities, with swings in scores that were virtually impossible in about a half dozen. According to experts consulted by the AJC, human intervention is the most likely explanation.

In some cities, the AJC found so many dramatic shifts in scores that the odds of that happening by chance are virtually zero. In cities such as Houston, the results for entire grades of students jumped two, three or more times the amount expected in one year. The next year, when children moved to a new grade, their scores plummeted. Suspect scores were found in a few districts that have been hailed as cutting edge reformers.

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The dream of home ownership will become a reality for retired U.S. Air Force Captain Jason Vest when he and his family receive the keys to a brand new, mortgage free home today in the Centex community of West Fork Ranch located in North Fort Worth. Through the Operation Finally Home program and donations from PulteGroup, Captain Vest will now own a house in which he and his family can feel secure as they return home to Fort Worth.

PulteGroup donated the lot and the cost of construction for the new home through its Centex brand. The local building community also chipped in by hosting a golf tournament to raise funds to furnish the home.  Thanks to the generosity and participation of Pulte’s contractors, vendors and housing partners, more than$35,000 was raised for the family.

“We are honored to participate with Operation Finally Home to help put this brave veteran and his family in a better place. That is what the Centex brand is all about,” said Steven Langridge, vice president of sales for the Dallas operations of Centex. “We hope this home will help improve the quality of life for Captain Vest and provide him and his family with enjoyment and security for years to come.”

Vest enlisted in the Air Force in 2000 as an airborne radio operator and in 2006 was commissioned to serve as a pilot. He has served in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom and has been recognized with multiple awards, including expert marksman, AF Outstanding Unit Award with Valor and the Meritorious Unit Award.

Vest recently retired from the Air Force after being diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease, which has limited him in is daily life. The new home will help him readjust to civilian life as he and his family return to his native hometown of Fort Worth.

“PulteGroup and the Bay Area Builder’s Operation Finally Home are perfect examples of the great American spirit. They are providing my family with an incredibly positive return home in the aftermath and midst of very difficult times,” Vest said.

Image Courtesy of   http://www.flickr.com/photos/usairforce/

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Juhl Wind Inc., the Leader in Community Wind Power, has announced the official commercial start-up and operation of the two turbine project for Gundersen Health System in Winona County, MN. The 4.95 megawatt project (the “GL Wind project”) is the first-of-its-kind in North America to be constructed specifically to address the energy concerns of a large regional health organization, in this case, Gundersen Health System.

“This unique wind project represents the continued activity by Juhl over the past two years and highlights our strength and diversity in the community wind energy market,” stated Corey Juhl, Vice President of Development for Juhl Wind Inc.  “We are seeing an increased demand for large commercial and industrial organization projects such as Gundersen’s as they fit extremely well within Juhl Wind’s area of expertise. This community-based project will provide significant economic benefits to the region. As one piece of their Envision program, the wind farm project will help Gundersen Health System achieve their goal of becoming 100% energy independent by 2014.”

“This is an exciting time for Gundersen and our Envision program. This community wind project we have done with Juhl Wind was about two years in the making, and we’re happy to report that the turbines are now creating energy,” said Jeff Rich, executive director, GL Envision.

Rich added, “As a healthcare organization, it is important for us to lead by example. Creating renewable energy through programs, like the GL Wind project in Lewiston makes good business sense, creates local jobs during construction and ties directly to our mission of improving the health of the communities we serve. The money we generate from renewable energy projects, like the wind farm, and the money we save through energy conservation can be passed on to patients in the form of lower healthcare costs. The renewable energy projects are also allowing us to improve our environmental footprint in the communities we serve.”

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TLC’s groundbreaking series, “All-American Muslim”, explores the lasting impact the tragedy of 9/11 has had on the cast and their community, as they also experience a backlash by some of their fellow Americans because of their faith. This revealing installment is arguably the most nuanced and complex view about the terror attacks from the American Muslim perspective ever seen on television.

The episode, The Day the World Changed, centers on the 10th anniversary of 9/11. Whether it is Deputy Chief Mike Jaafar focusing on the safety of his officers, while reflecting on the loss of first responders a decade ago; or Lila Amen participating in a city-wide public memorial service, but without her children who refuse to go; or Bilal and Shadia Amen making a visit to Ground Zero to see “the place that changed his life” – there is a wide array of reactions and responses to the tragic events brought on by Osama bin Laden.

“When I first heard it was a Muslim extremist that had done this, immediately, my thought like every other Muslim’s thought was these people are not Muslim. Who are these people? Where did they come from? I’ve never heard of the Taliban. I’ve never heard of Osama bin Laden,” says Nina Bazzy in the episode. “They’ve labeled themselves as Muslim. But they are not Muslim. A real Muslim would never do anything like that.”

This powerhouse installment of the series is receiving advance praise from a diverse range of influential voices.

“All-American Muslim” offers us a unique opportunity to step into the shoes of our Muslim neighbors and experience the pain and suffering they have endured, not just once, but twice, ” said Reverend Dr. Katharine Henderson , President of Auburn Seminary in New York. “The first time because terrorists attacked their country on 9/11, and the second time because some fellow Americans turned on them, simply because of their religion, which is absolutely unacceptable.”

“At a time when perceptions of Muslims are at an all-time low, “All-American Muslim” has managed to flip the switch and help many Americans see the commonalities we share with one another,” said Eboo Patel, president of Interfaith Youth Core and a member of the White House Office of Faith Based and Neighborhood Partnerships advisory council.  ”By showing the gray areas, not just the black and the white, the series has laid bare the complex and valid range of emotions that these families have experienced over the past ten years. And, instead of sound bites, this nuance adds value by showing very real, very human responses to the events that changed our world.”

Another hot-button subject is touched upon as Bilal and Shadia go to NYC to visit tattoo artist Ami James, of NY Ink fame. Bilal worries that Ami’s past in the Israeli military may become a source of friction between them.

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The anniversary of 9/11 reminded many of the tragic events that occurred 10 years ago but also reminds the country that terrorism has yet to see its end. The country realized that it still faces threats after the chatter of an “unconfirmed but credible” attack on the 10^th anniversary by Al Qaeda.

Sunday, September 11^th brought thousands of families and public figures together to commemorate those who lost their lives with the opening of the official memorial in New York City. The same weekend the city was put on heightened alert over suspicion that three men were brought into the country sometime in February and were planning an attack using bombs in vehicles.

Despite the rumors, everyone continued with the commemorating and remembrance. The weekend came and went without any attack by terrorists, leaving the country relieved, but the disturbing message from Al Qaeda still resonates. Ayman al-Zawahiri who is the newest leader of Al Qaeda after the assassination of Osama Bin Laden, had a message to America regarding the attacks on September 11^th 2001.

Three weeks before the anniversary a 12-minute video was released of al-Zawahiri, praising the attacks of 9/11 as a “devastating blow” to the United States. Al- Zawahiri continued that the attack, “destroyed the symbol of American economy in New York and the symbol of American military might in the Pentagon.”

The jihadist websites that contained this footage showed videos of Osama Bin Laden as well. Al-Zawahiri also addressed what the attack meant for the group — being an event that “liberated thousands of the members of the Islamic movement’s prisoners, who were imprisoned by direct orders from America.”

Al-Zawahiri pushed for extremist leaders throughout the world to continue targeting the United States. “America today is staggering,” said Zawahiri. “Hunt her down wherever you may encounter her. Hunt her down to cut what is left of her corruption’s tail.” He also wanted to avenge the death of Osama Bin Laden and said the “time to attack is now.”

He continued by referring to the United States as a “murderous country.” Despite these threats by al-Qaeda, U.S counter-terrorism unit believes that the group is far from its strength under Osama Bin Laden. An official said, “Al-Zawahiri has not demonstrated strong leadership skills in the past and he is much less charismatic than bin Laden.”

David Patraeus, the director of the CIA also weighed in on Al- Zawahrir’s influence compared to Bin Laden’s saying, “Bin Laden’s demise might weaken Al Qaeda from within, because bin Laden’s personality and aura were a key for raising money for the world jihad group, and without him, the group’s worldwide network might fall apart under his successor, Ayman al-Zawahiri.” He also included, “Ayman al-Zawahiri is no Osama bin Laden.”

It is reassuring to know that Osama Bin Laden is no longer running Al Qeada, but it is disturbing to see that hate and evil continues on even after his death and terror remains in America’s thoughts.

Anthony Correia / Shutterstock.com

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A new study shows that nearly 9% of the American population use illegal drugs, including abuse of prescription drugs and regular use of marijuana, cocaine, heroin, hallucinogens or inhalants. According to the 2010 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, marijuana was the most popular drug.

There are 17.4 million regular users — amounting to 6.9 percent of the population compared to 5.8 percent in 2007. USNews.com reported that nearly half of kids between 12 and 17 claimed it would be “fairly easy” or “very easy” to acquire marijuana, according to the survey.

In a statement, the US director of national drug control policy, Gil Kerlikowske, called the survey result a sign of “unacceptable levels” in the US. Around 7 million people abused psychotherapeutic drugs (including painkillers and sedatives) last year while 1.2 million used hallucinogens. These levels have been steady in the last few years.

The study was not all bad news. As in previous years, 1.5 million use cocaine but it’s a drop of nearly a million since 2006. Other hard drugs such as Methamphetamine have also  seen a drop in regular users.

What is worrying researcher is the growth in young users — the number of 18 to 25-year-olds who use drug have risen from 19.6% in 2008 to 21.5% in the 2010 survey. The hike is considered to be linked to increased marijuana use and Kerlikowske says to CNN that states who allow medical marijuana could be fueling this development.

“Emerging research reveals potential links between state laws permitting access to smoked medical marijuana and higher rates of marijuana use,” reports CNN. Kerlikowske continues: “I urge every family – but particularly those in states targeted by pro-drug political campaigns – to redouble their efforts to shield young people from serious harm by educating them about the real health and safety consequences caused by illegal drug use.”

Parental control could however prove difficult, as USNews.com reveals how surveyed parents fared pretty bad when it came to guessing their children’s use of drugs or alcohol. In the anonymous survey, 9.5% of parents said their teenagers smoked marijuana while 17% of the teens admitted to their use.

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Have you ever looked in your closet and realized that you had so many clothes that you didn’t even wear? A former Harvard Business School student, James Reinhart, looked into his closet and tried to solve that problem. By launching a web-based company to make swapping adult clothes easy called ThredUp, Reinhart also realized that adult clothing was not the right market to enter.

According to Bloomberg Businessweek, Reinhart realized that right market to tap into was kids’ clothing. Reinhart stated, “Once you start dipping into the data, it turns out to be a $6 billion-a-year market.” According to U.S. Agriculture Department data and a survey of 412 mothers conducted by ThredUp, the average American spends approximately $14,300 on clothes and grows out of about 1,300 items by the age 17.

As a kid-to-kid clothing swap service, San Francisco based ThredUp was re-launched in April 2010 and has tapped into a secondhand market. As a member on the ThredUp site, sellers follow a two set process: package 15 “new to you” items in a box and input the items by brand, gender, size, and style on the site.

The purchaser or “thredders” can easily purchase the 15-item package for only $5, not including the cost of shipping, and contribute to the “thredding” processing by selling their own items one day. To gain access to newly posted boxes, shoppers can become premium members for only $30 a year. Instead of buying secondhand, Reinhart estimates shoppers can save $50 per box using ThredUp swapping clothing.

As of July 2010, ThredUp has signed up nearly 200,000 members across the U.S. with a growing rate of 1,000 members per week. ThredUp members not only spend a total of over $8,000 per day on shipping but also have given the company a chance to recycle more than 50,000 pounds of clothes.

Expanding into toy sway last December, ThredUp members begin trading children’s books just last month. With millions in investment led by Red Ventures and the former EBay Chief Executive Officer Brian Swette as advisor, ThredUp may enter at least one European or Asian market before the end of 2012 says Reinhart.

SwapBabyGoods.com and Zwaggle.com are other sites that encourage the swapping of kids clothing. The three competitive advantages ThredUp exercise are the opportunity for their members to have access to thousands of boxes of goods instead of goods just from one use; prepaid mailing labels and empty boxes directly to users’ homes; and the reduction of postage due to packaging several items together.

According to Neal Gordenflo, publisher of the online magazine Shareable, ThredUp has “cracked the nut and proven their model works…and that the swap business can be scaled up.”

Eventually ThredUp will enter different markets beyond swaps, Reinhart says, “The American mom is the most powerful consumer in the world. In a world where we have a lot of moms who are just an e-mail away for us, there are a lot of opportunities.”

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Who can forget the goal heard around the world that introduced us to the most famous sports bra ever? Brandi Chastain became an instant celebrity and so did her bra when she ripped off her jersey in dramatic fashion after clinching the World cup title in 1999. Chastain’s stripping goal act did not only win the United States the World Cup, but she brought attention to Women’s sports; an improbable task. 40 million Americans tuned in to watch Chastain and the US girls step into world soccer immortality that day; more viewers than the NBA finals. That was twelve years and three world cups ago. Today, the United States is the world’s number one team and has a good shot at winning this year’s World Cup; who knew?

The sixth ever, Women’s World Cup kicked off last week in Germany on June 26^th. An astronomical 18 million viewers in Germany tuned in to watch their beloved German women take on Canada in the Cups opening game. With all the success in host country Germany; maybe there would be improved interest in the United States right? Wrong. The US viewership of the opening game came in at just under one million viewers; pathetic. Women’s soccer has been unable to catch the eyes of American viewers since 1999. Clearly, we need more sports bra cameos.

Where is the allure of the Women’s World Cup? Where’s the American pride? It doesn’t make sense that that 15^th and average at best, men’s squad receives nationwide support. Yet, the US women, the world’s number one team, are treated as if they’re irrelevant. Something’s not right here.

Maybe it’s the slower speed of play from the Men’s game. Or maybe it’s the myth that women soccer players are less aggressive and intense. Either way, the last two World Cups (2003 and 2007) have been rating nightmares causing ESPN to swallow some pride. In search of a change (miracle), ESPN hired popular former US stars, Brandi Chastain, Mia Hamm, Julie Foudy and Brianna Scurry to commentate the cup. Every cup game will be aired on ESPN and broadcasted live on ESPN3.com. 2011 is supposed to be the year US women’s soccer relives its glory days of 1999; we’ll see about that.

Why you should watch:

• America.
  • It’s a world-wide phenomenon displaying if our country is better than theirs. If you’re a true American you’ll throw on the red, white and blue, eat some wings, and watch some soccer babes win one for the US of A. Go America

• The United States is the world’s number one team.
  • Listen, we actually have a shot at winning this thing. We’re number one because we’re really good and we have come in at least third the last three world cups. We can do this.

• The girls
  • Guys, in what men’s sport can you commentate on who has the nicer butt? Well in the World Cup you can do that in every single game. Did I mention US goalie, Hope Solo, is single?

• Women’s soccer is on the rise
  • This world cup is going to be extremely competitive. Hosting the tournament is reining back to back World Cup champions, Germany. The US is looking promising to win it all, while England has its deepest squad ever. Don’t look past Brazil, who has the world’s best player in Marta.

• What else is on TV?
  • Nothing interest is going on in sports right now besides the World Cup. The NFL and NBA are in a lockout, baseball is in its boring mid-season stage, and tennis, well who really watches tennis?

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