WEAR RED ON FRIDAYS IN SUPPORT AND HONOR OF OUR MILITARY

WEAR RED ON FRIDAYS IN SUPPORT AND HONOR OF OUR MILITARY

If the red shirt thing is new to you, read below how it went for a man...

Last week, while traveling to Chicago on business, I noticed a Marine sergeant traveling with a folded flag, but did not put two and two
together...

After we boarded our flight, I turned to the sergeant, who'd been invited to sit in First Class (across from me), and inquired if he was heading home.

No, he responded.Heading out I asked?

No. I'm escorting a soldier home.

Going to pick him up?

No. He is with me right now. He was killed in Iraq , I'm taking him home to his family.

The realization of what he had been asked to do hit me like a punch to the gut. It was an honor for him. He told me that, although he didn't know the soldier, he had delivered the news of his passing to the soldier's family and felt as if he knew them after many conversations in so few days.

I turned back to him, extended my hand, and said, Thank you, Thank you for doing what you do so my family and I can do what we do.

Upon landing in Chicago the pilot stopped short of the gate and made the following announcement over the intercom.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to note that we have had the honor of having Sergeant Steeley of the United States Marine Corps join us on this flight He is escorting a fallen comrade back home to his family. I ask that you please remain in your seats when we open the forward door to allow Sergeant Steeley to deplane and receive his fellow soldier. We will then
turn off the seat belt sign."

Without a sound, all went as requested. I noticed the sergeant saluting the casket as it was brought off the plane, and his action made me realize that I am proud to be an American.

So here's a public Thank You to our military Men and Women for what you do so we can live the way we do.

Red Fridays.

Very soon, you will see a great many people wearing Red every Friday. The reason? Americans who support our troops used to be called the "silent majority." We are no longer silent, and are voicing our love for God, country and home in record breaking numbers. We are not organized, boisterous or overbearing.

Many Americans, like you, me and all our friends, simply want to recognize that the vast majority of America supports our troops. Our idea of showing solidarity and support for our troops with dignity and respect and continues each and every Friday until the troops all come home, sending a deafening message that ... Every red-blooded American who supports our men and women a far, will wear something red.

By word of mouth, press, & TV let's make the United States on every Friday a sea of red much like a homecoming football game in the bleachers. If every one of us who loves this country will share this with acquaintances, coworkers, friends, and family, it will not be long before the USA is covered in RED and it will let our troops know the once "silent" majority is on their side more than ever, certainly more than the media lets on.

The first thing a soldier says when asked "What can we do to make things better for you?" is. "We need your support and your prayers." Let's get the word out and lead with class and dignity, by example, and wear something red every Friday.

Take care and STAY SAFE!
Anny Jacoby
A Success Survivor
"Raising female awareness and skills to reduce susceptibility in response to violence."
www.annyjacoby.com
www.realisticfemaleselfdefense.com

Verizon Program To Provide Free Legal Services to Low-Income Victims of Domestic Violence

Verizon Program To Provide Free Legal Services to Low-Income Victims of Domestic Violence

09/30/2009 by Claudine Dombrowski

Verizon Public Interest Fellowship Programhttp://media-newswire.com/release_1100763.html

Created with a $90,000 grant from the Verizon Foundation, the Verizon Public Interest Fellowship Program is a collaborative effort to provide free legal services to low-income victims of domestic violence and create a cadre of knowledgeable and experienced lawyers dedicated to helping those affected by domestic abuse.

(Media-Newswire.com) – Created with a $90,000 grant from the Verizon Foundation, the Verizon Public Interest Fellowship Program is a collaborative effort to provide free legal services to low-income victims of domestic violence and create a cadre of knowledgeable and experienced lawyers dedicated to helping those affected by domestic abuse.

The program supports a Postgraduate Fellow and six Summer Fellows working in five agencies serving Newark and six New Jersey counties. Participating in the program along with Seton Hall Law School’s Center for Social Justice are:

Essex-Newark Legal Services

Partners for Women and Justice

Legal Services of New Jersey

Northeast New Jersey Legal Services

The Rachel Coalition

Manavi Inc.

WISE Women’s Center of Essex County College

For the victim of domestic violence, virtually every encounter with an attorney is a victory. They receive the safety and security that comes from knowing and pursuing their legal rights and the empowerment of moving forward as they start a new journey free from abuse. Thanks to funding provided by the Verizon Foundation, Seton Hall Law School students also have the opportunity to have a life-changing experience assisting others in need by receiving specialized training in family law with an emphasis on domestic violence representation as they work under the guidance of experienced lawyers in a paid Summer Fellowship position.

THE FACTS

According to the most recent State of New Jersey Domestic Violence Offense Report ( 2007 ), there were a total of 71,901 domestic violence cases reported in New Jersey in 2007; 26,192 of those occurred in Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Middlesex, Passaic and Union counties, the areas served by the Verizon Public Interest Fellowship Program.

Many victims of domestic violence are trapped in abusive relationships because they are financially dependent upon their abuser and lack the resources to seek independence.

Poverty leaves many women unable to obtain legal representation to gain protection from their abuser, leaving them at risk.

THE NEED

The demand for free or subsidized legal assistance to gain protection from an abuser far exceeds the availability of those services.

To attain safety and empowerment, domestic violence victims typically need legal services that fall under the rubric of family law, including restraining orders, divorce, child custody, and child and spousal support matters.

While many domestic violence victims are employed, many also lack the knowledge to effectively manage their finances.

THE MISSION

To meet the need for free legal services to assist low-income victims of domestic violence.

To provide Seton Hall Law students with training and experience in the practice of family law, with an emphasis on domestic violence representation.

To offer financial literacy and employment resources to assist with the rebuilding of lives.

To create a pipeline of pro bono attorneys and form a network of lawyers committed to a common goal.

——————————————————————————–

For further information, please contact Madeleine Kurtz, Associate Director of Public Interest at 973- 642-8242 / madeleine.kurtz@shu.edu.

YELL, DO WHATEVER YOU NEED TO DO! JUST DO IT!

Man attacks woman near NC State

Monday, September 28, 2009

Eddie Harris

RALEIGH (WTVD) -- A 44-year-old man was arrested Sunday after a woman said he attacked her.

Police said a 49-year-old woman was sitting on a bench in the 100 block of Chamberlain Street behind shops on Hillsborough Street near NC State's campus, when she said she was attacked.

She told officers she yelled for help as another person was walking by and then called police.

Authorities arrested Eddie Harris and charged him with kidnapping and attempted second degree rape.

Assertive verbal self-defense effectively changes
the dynamics of an attempted assault in a female's favor. This woman took the power away from her assailant by standing up for herself.

The last thing that an assailant expects is for a female to FIGHT BACK and DEFEND herself. Mess him up mentally and he has no clue what to do - catch him off guard. NEVER EVER GIVE UP!

Obviously he got the surprise of his life and let's pray that he is kept off of the streets so that no other woman will ever experience the wrath of this predator.



Take care and STAY SAFE!
Anny Jacoby
A Success Survivor
"Raising female awareness and skills to reduce susceptibility in response to violence."
www.annyjacoby.com
www.realisticfemaleselfdefense.com

If you are in an abusive relationship, you need a plan.
Moving Out, Moving On; authored by Susan Murphy-Milano will guide you through the necessary steps of ending a relationship safely.
You can purchase your copy HERE.

For scheduling training, appearances or speaking engagements for Anny, please contact ImaginePublicity.

contact@ImaginePublicity.com

Time's Up! SOS for Victims, Their Families and Communities

Time's Up! SOS for Victims, Their Families and Communities



Everyday news media outlets shout the headlines of the latest horrendous crime. Whether it be a murder, suicide, missing person, or just a spree of evil laid out upon the world, the news and the court systems are full of crime of every kind.

The general public sits on their comfy sofas and recliners in the living rooms of America taking it all in, sometimes shedding a tear for that poor family that has endured a newsworthy tragedy. Then, the lights go dim, the televisions and computers of America are turned off, and the sleepy public goes to bed comforted by the thoughts that there is no evil pervading their lives. No other thought is given to what they saw today because tomorrow brings a whole new barrage of crime and along with it people and families that have been devastated.

Whether a victim of assault, domestic violence, burglary, murder, or any myriad of crimes that affect the whole core of your life, you will be shocked at how little rights a victims of crime has compared to the rights of the criminals who perpetrated the crime against them.

So a victim and their surviving family members have survived the crime, have gone through the tedious process of the court system for justice, there is someone convicted and behind bars, and life goes on.......nothing could be so far from the truth.

As you will see through this group of writers, activists, advocates, legal entities and people who care, there is a lot lacking in victim's services. When a crime occurs a victim's life is forever changed and we as a society must realize that at any time it could be us.

Time's Up! is a collection of bloggers who are champions for victims of crime. Through this group we hope to bring awareness to the injustices to victims and to search out solutions with an SOS to those in the capacity to make changes happen.

Our writers are from all backgrounds including domestic violence, advocates and survivors, personal safety, murder, missing persons and cold cases.

We also include those who are an inspiration to us through coaching, pastoring and uplifting.

Time's Up! for victims and their rights to be ignored.

I am honored to be part of this stellar group and looking forward the October 5th launch.

http://timesupblog.blogspot.com

Take care and STAY SAFE!
Anny Jacoby
A Success Survivor
"Raising female awareness and skills to reduce susceptibility in response to violence."
www.annyjacoby.com
www.realisticfemaleselfdefense.com

Woman Fights Off Attacker in New York!

In New York City at the Atlantic Terminal public housing residence a would-be rapist got the surprise of his life!

Approximately at 3:35 a.m. on Thursday, September 3rd a 36-year-old woman was leaving a friend's in the high-rise building at 483 Carton Avenue and was waiting for an elevator when a stranger put her in a choke hold and threatened her with a piece of glass.

The man dragged her to the stairway and ordered her "take off your clothes". The woman refused and fought back. Her assailant punched her in the face and cut her ear but this didn't stop this woman. The man ran down the stairwell with his intended victim chasing him into an opened elevator.

The victim found a security guard on-duty just outside of the building but he refused to stop the fleeing would-be rapist. So she took matters into her own hands and continued to chase her assailant. He got away but this assailant got the surprise of his life!

This woman was determined and a hero; she was determined that he should be caught and not ever allowed to harm another woman. He disappeared into the night of New York City but the bravery and courage that this woman exhibited during her assault is beyond words. She handled herself and escaped a potentially deadly assault.

She protected herself and she was determined to take him out. "Oh Hell No" she thought, turned the tables and had him running scared to death for HIS SORRY LIFE! God help this jerk if he tries to attack another woman WHO IS READY TO FIGHT BACK. The victim refused medical treatment at the scene but was able to give a vivid description of her assailant.

This woman embraced her fear and automatically switched into warrior mode and FOUGHT BACK! There is nothing worse or more dangerous than a pissed off woman.

And, here's hoping that the security guard that wouldn't help her and do his job - that he doesn't have a job now.



Take care and STAY SAFE!
Anny Jacoby
A Success Survivor
"Raising female awareness and skills to reduce susceptibility in response to violence."
www.annyjacoby.com
www.realisticfemaleselfdefense.com

If you are in an abusive relationship, you need a plan.
Moving Out, Moving On; authored by Susan Murphy-Milano will guide you through the necessary steps of ending a relationship safely.
You can purchase your copy HERE.

For scheduling training, appearances or speaking engagements for Anny, please contact ImaginePublicity.

contact@ImaginePublicity.com

ALABAMA GIRL ESCAPES FROM ATTACKER BY FIGHTING BACK!

ALABAMA GIRL ESCAPES FROM ATTACKER BY FIGHTING BACK!

Jordan Ward, 13 years old was sexually assaulted in BROAD DAYLIGHT in the middle of an amusement park. Jordan was able to get away and credits a special class at school for teaching her how to FIGHT BACK!

A trip in late July a Georgia amusement park should have produced many happy memories for almost a dozen young people from a Cullman church youth group. But what happened that day was a nightmare for one 13-year-old girl.

Eighth-grader Jordan Ward says that she was sitting on a park bench waiting for her friends to finish a ride when a stranger walked directly up to her and assaulted her. She explained what happened, "All of the sudden a man just ran up to me and started touching me in inappropriate places. I was just like "oh my gosh, what is happening?" And right then I just slapped him! I just REACTED!"

According to the police, what Jordan did next may have saved her life and prevented the attack from being even more traumatic. "I just slapped him across the face as hard as I could to get him off of me. And he let go of me and I ran as fast as I could. I don't think I've ever run that hard."

Jordan's experience has reminded all of us who teach women/female Personal Safety/Self-Defense why we do what we do. And, why so many instructor's in our industry remain steadfast with the mission and commitment to stay focused.

We all might have different systems/styles that we teach but most importantly we all teach gals how to defend themselves effectively, be safe, get away, break away and flee to get help. The warrior mentality of stun and run/fight and flight. It's not about going ten rounds with an attacker. Hand-to-hand combat (S.P.E.A.R. system) is taught how to attack an attacker's weaknesses and to take advantage of them. Many things are taught in classes even ground fighting.

Empowering a female of any age to say "NO" is a critical step in preventing sexual assault and abuse. 90% of escaping an attacker is mental. All of us empower females to let them know that, this is her body; her temple. She has one body, mind and spirit and ultimately it is up to her to defend and protect herself at all times.

Hearing Jordan's story and knowing what she learned was effective and knowing that we do make a difference - well, that's what it's all about.

Jordan said, "You don't really think something like this will ever happen to you because I didn't, but it did." And, Jordan was prepared and thank God for her P.E. Coach LeeAnn Evans who worked at bringing personal safety/self-defense to Cullman County.

We commend you Coach Evans, Officer Cindy Rohrscheib and Cullman County Deputy Jennifer Chaffin for bringing self-defense to the girls of Cullman Middle School. Training that they will have for the rest of their lives.



Take care and STAY SAFE!
Anny Jacoby
A Success Survivor
"Raising female awareness and skills to reduce susceptibility in response to violence."
www.annyjacoby.com
www.realisticfemaleselfdefense.com

If you are in an abusive relationship, you need a plan.
Moving Out, Moving On; authored by Susan Murphy-Milano will guide you through the necessary steps of ending a relationship safely.
You can purchase your copy HERE.

For scheduling training, appearances or speaking engagements for Anny, please contact ImaginePublicity.

contact@ImaginePublicity.com

TOSS UP, WIFE VS. MISTRESS; MURDER THE WIFE........

Pa. man gets life for wife's murder in swimming pool

The Associated Press, September 25, 2009

LANCASTER, Pa. - A central Pennsylvania funeral director has been sentenced to life in prison for murdering his wife.

Michael Roseboro was sentenced Friday in Lancaster County Court for killing his wife in the swimming pool behind their Reinholds home in July 2008.

The 42-year-old Roseboro had been director of his family's funeral business. He was convicted of first-degree murder two months ago.

Authorities say he wanted to be with his mistress without a messy divorce.

Before Judge James Cullen imposed the mandatory life sentence, Roseboro said he disagreed with the jury's verdict.

District Attorney Craig Stedman described the murder of Jan Roseboro, a 45-year-old mother of four children, as "selfish and senseless."



Michael Roseboro met his mistress, Angela Funk on May 29, 2008 with more than 200 emails exchanged back and forth between them up until Funk's computer from work was seized and emails were retrieved from the hard drive. Angela attempted to remove/delete the emails (more than 200) - about 100 of the emails were distributed to the jury during the trial, the last email dated June 30, 2008 read, (Funk to Roseboro); "I promise to love you and your children for the rest of my life, I have so much love to give." The emails between Funk and Roseboro indicated specific wedding plans and some were very graphic and one may find them offensive.

On the night of July 22, 2008, Roseboro murdered his wife Jan. The number one aggravating factor being - "The murder was especially heinous, atrocious, cruel or depraved (or involved torture)." Roseboro killed his wife and mother of his children in a cruel, brutal fashion while three of the children were in the house less than 25 feet away. Roseboro beat and drown Jan, his greed ruled. The final neighbor testified that she was home the night of the murder. Around 10:30 p.m. she "heard a female scream from the back pool area of the Roseboro's." Another neighbor testified that Michael Roseboro was "cleaning the pool early the morning after the murder." Other neighbors testified that they couldn't have seen anything happening at the rear of the Roseboro house, in the pool area, which is where Jan Roseboro was found, face down in the pool. The evidence just kept piling up and adding up - enough for the jury to convict this poor excuse for a man to be convicted of first-degree murder.

Roseboro earned about $400,000 a year at his funeral home and he wanted to keep his income, his four children and his girlfriend. The only way Roseboro could do all of this was to "get rid of his wife". Evidence and testimony revealed that there was an affair and that Roseboro and Funk had sex for several hours the day Jan Roseboro was killed. The affair also resulted in Funk having Roseboro's baby.

Roseboro has no remorse. He is greedy and a coward. He had a huge secret, assets and a lot of money at stake to be lost in a divorce. Roseboro flipped a coin and did what every cowardly man does - kills his wife. ROSEBORO CHOSE MURDER OVER DIVORCE.

The only thing Roseboro is sorry for is that he got caught. He doesn't care that his children no longer have their Mother. These innocent children suffered and will continue to suffer because of two vain and selfish people (Roseboro and Funk). Roseboro will never apologize as that would be an admission of guilt.

Regarding the sentence......Why didn't DA Stedman go for the death penalty with 18 agrravating factors? Sentence handed down........."LIFE WITH NO PAROLE"

Roseboro was obsessed with another married woman - Angela Funk. He called Funk 57 times in one day. Roseboro wasn't just obsessed with another woman that drove him to kill his wife. The autopsy report revealed that Jan was strangled, beat severely, kicked, punched and then thrown into the family pool.

In my opinion and experience, Jan's death wasn't the first time that she was on the receiving end of Roseboro's temper and/or fist - it is not common for domestic violence to begin with death. Jan was an upscale woman, perhaps she kept silent of any type of abuse for the sake of her husband's community reputation, her family or threats by Roseboro. We will never know. We do know that Roseboro simply wanted it all, at the expense of his wife's life.



Take care and STAY SAFE!
Anny Jacoby
A Success Survivor
"Raising female awareness and skills to reduce susceptibility in response to violence."
www.annyjacoby.com
www.realisticfemaleselfdefense.com

If you are in an abusive relationship, you need a plan.
Moving Out, Moving On; authored by Susan Murphy-Milano will guide you through the necessary steps of ending a relationship safely.
You can purchase your copy HERE.

For scheduling training, appearances or speaking engagements for Anny, please contact ImaginePublicity.

contact@ImaginePublicity.com

Erin Weed-Women's Safety Manifesto......Thank You Erin!

Women’s Safety Manifesto – Part 1-September 23, 2009

Filed Under Erin Weed's Blog, Safety & Self-Defense

According to Wikipedia, a manifesto is a public declaration of principles and intentions. I intend to do just that, as well as make suggestions on how to fix our damaged state of women’s safety education in the United States today.

My name is Erin Weed, and I’m the founder of Girls Fight Back and CEO of Fight Back Productions. We are a personal safety education company that teaches ordinary people they are capable of extraordinary things in the face of violence. I plunged unexpectedly into the anti-violence movement in the aftermath of my life’s greatest tragedy, the murder of Shannon McNamara, in 2001. For the past 8 years, I’ve been researching, training, writing, speaking, fighting and educating myself and others to become our own best protectors. While that may sound noble, I’m actually writing this manifesto because I’d like to apologize. Because we, the personal safety and self-defense community, have failed you.

• To every woman who ever walked down a city street and looked over her shoulder with fear, and had no action plan if someone was to emerge from the shadows…
• To every teen girl who experienced unwanted or forced sex because she didn’t understand the word “NO” is her right (and also a complete sentence)…
• To every man who has loved a survivor of violence, and awakens in the night to her crying softly, hoping he doesn’t hear…
• To the woman I saw on Oprah today who was the recipient of our country’s first ever face transplant because her husband blew off her face with a shotgun…
• To that woman’s daughter, who had to explain to Mom that falling back into the arms of the man who permanently disfigured and nearly killed her probably wasn’t such a good idea…
• To the women who will never bother to read this because violent things don’t happen in your neighborhood…

To all of you, I’m sorry on behalf of the movement. We don’t offer enough personal safety education, at an early enough age. I’m sorry no one ever taught you how to set boundaries as a pre-teen. There are still child safety ‘experts’ preaching concepts like stranger danger, despite the fact the most likely person to molest a child is someone they know. There aren’t enough reputable self-defense classes available, and virtually no network by which you can find the good ones. Or sometimes you find a great class, but are forced to choose between paying your rent or learning to fight that month. (Rent usually wins.) I apologize we haven’t integrated life saving self-defense education in schools yet, despite useful classes like algebra (sarcasm) being mandatory to graduate. Most self-defense instructors don’t market safety training in a way you can stomach, because we’re so hung up on visual martial arts symbolism like dragons and tigers. (Both of which can eat people, by the way - scary.) I’m sorry you aren’t validated more often that your intuition is correct, without needing to prove it. I wish you were told just how powerful you really are when basic physical techniques merge with an adrenaline dump, instead of being told you’re doing the step-by-step of a pinning situation escape incorrectly.

In Spring 2009 I conducted an anonymous, online survey asking everyday women of all ages, races and geographic locations about their personal safety and self-defense education. It was their responses that spawned this manifesto, after months of their honest and sometimes haunting answers marinating in my brain. I feel it is time to make some declarations about the state of female safety education in this country, or lack thereof. Because of the 136 women who filled out my survey, 64 responded YES to the following question:

Have you ever experienced any sort of crime or assault?

Did you do the math? That’s nearly HALF the respondents who said yes, admitting they have endured a violent act in their lifetime. And given that 86% of the respondents are under age 40, this is not a long lifetime we’re talking about. HALF. Actually, let’s assume it’s more than half since experts say many survivors cannot (or will not) label certain painful life experiences as the crimes they are. It just hurts too much. HALF. I’m sorry, but I can’t get out of my head that every party I’ve ever walked into, half the women sipping martinis in their little black dresses know this pain. Half of the 500,000 people I’ve spoken to in my seminars over the past 8 years understood the violence I spoke of all too well. Sometimes I could see it in their eyes, but many hide their suffering expertly.

So let’s hypothesize, based on my un-scientific survey, that half our female population has endured violence in some form or another. After the blood is gone and the wounds are physically healed, does it still leave a mark in other ways? According to the World Health Organization (2002), victims of sexual assault are:

• 3 times more likely to suffer from depression.
• 6 times more likely to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder.
• 13 times more likely to abuse alcohol.
• 26 times more likely to abuse drugs.
• 4 times more likely to contemplate suicide.

These shocking statistics beg the question: What greatness have we missed out on from these women? What precious gems of contribution to our society have we been deprived of, all stemming from violence? I suppose we will never know. What I do know is more must be done to eradicate this culture of violence and victimization. Because seriously…HALF? Something is very broken here.

I will admit, there are days when I wish I was the CEO of a company more simple in nature. There’s a great soap store in Boulder that I covet to own, because it seems like a pretty carefree operation to run. What’s a tough decision for that store manager? Lavender or Patchouli? But then I think of this quotation by Hillary Rodham Clinton:

“I’ve often thought that when something is hard for you, whether it’s going to law school or anything else that challenges you, that’s probably what you should do.”

Women’s Safety Manifesto, Part 2 – Coming soon…

Thank you Erin for your major contribution, for taking a stance, being a true voice in Advocacy and all that you do to educate our females. I commend you.



Take care and STAY SAFE!
Anny Jacoby
A Success Survivor
"Raising female awareness and skills to reduce susceptibility in response to violence."
www.annyjacoby.com
www.realisticfemaleselfdefense.com

If you are in an abusive relationship, you need a plan.
Moving Out, Moving On; authored by Susan Murphy-Milano will guide you through the necessary steps of ending a relationship safely.
You can purchase your copy HERE.

For scheduling training, appearances or speaking engagements for Anny, please contact ImaginePublicity.

contact@ImaginePublicity.com

Charlotte NC Pregnant Teen Fatally Shot At Bus Stop

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A pregnant 15-year-old was shot in the head and killed Monday as she waited at a North Carolina school bus stop, and her baby was in critical condition.

The shooting followed a domestic dispute and authorities had identified a suspect, said police spokesman Rob Tufano, who declined to elaborate.

Tiffany Wright, who was eight months pregnant, was shot before dawn at a stop in north Charlotte. She attended Hawthorne High School, a school with a special program for pregnant teens.

Wright was found by her foster mother, who had just walked Wright to the bus stop and returned home, Tufano said. She heard at least three gunshots and went outside to find Wright in the street.

Wright was rushed to Carolinas Medical Center, where she later died. Hospital spokeswoman Katie Ratchford said the baby was in critical condition.

Wright was described as a smart, focused student.

"It was clear that Tiffany was academically strong and off to a good start," Hawthorne Principal Travey Pickard told The Charlotte Observer.

Pickard didn't return a telephone message from The Associated Press, but Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools spokeswoman Cynthia Robbins said grief counselors were available for students.

Students said Wright always had a smile on her face.

"She loved to joke. I'm like, devastated, like a lot of people," Cameron Blakeney, a sophomore, told the newspaper. "We're all pretty torn up on the inside."

Copyright © 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Asking everyone to keep Tiffany's baby, her family and friends in our thoughts and prayers as they begin their healing process. This is another senseless loss suffered at the hands of domestic violence, we must be steadfast in our Advocacy and missions.

Take care and STAY SAFE!
Anny Jacoby
A Success Survivor
"Raising female awareness and skills to reduce susceptibility in response to violence."
www.annyjacoby.com
www.realisticfemaleselfdefense.com

If you are in an abusive relationship, you need a plan.
Moving Out, Moving On; authored by Susan Murphy-Milano will guide you through the necessary steps of ending a relationship safely.
You can purchase your copy HERE.

For scheduling training, appearances or speaking engagements for Anny, please contact ImaginePublicity.

contact@ImaginePublicity.com

And Who Says That Insurance Companies Do Not NEED Regulation?????????

Domestic violence victims have a "pre-existing condition"?

Insurance companies have used the excuse of "pre-existing conditions" to deny coverage to countless Americans. From cancer patients to the elderly suffering from arthritis, these organizations have padded their profit margins by limiting coverage to patients deemed "high risk" because of their medical condition.

But, in DC and nine other states, including Arkansas, Idaho, Mississippi, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, and Wyoming, insurance companies have gone too far, claiming that "domestic violence victim" is also a pre-existing condition.

Words cannot describe the sheer inhumanity of this claim. It serves as yet further proof that our insurance system is broken, destroyed by the profit-mongering of the very companies who's sole purpose should be to provide Americans with access to care when they need it most. In 1994, an informal survey conducted by the Subcommittee on Crime and Criminal Justice of the United States Senate Judiciary Committee revealed that 8 of the 16 largest insurers in the country used domestic violence as a factor when decided whether to extend coverage and how much to charge if coverage was extended.

It is clear that insurance companies refuse to police themselves. It's up to us to call on Congress to take action now to pass health care reform and end discrimination against patients with pre-existing conditions.

Take care and STAY SAFE!

Anny Jacoby

A Success Survivor

"Raising female awareness and skills to reduce susceptibility in response to violence."

www.annyjacoby.com

www.realisticfemaleselfdefense.com

If you are in an abusive relationship, you need a plan.
Moving Out, Moving On; authored by Susan Murphy-Milano will guide you through the necessary steps of ending a relationship safely.
You can purchase your copy HERE.

For scheduling training, appearances or speaking engagements for Anny, please contact ImaginePublicity.

contact@ImaginePublicity.com

"MEET ME IN THE STAIRWELL" - In Remembrance of 9/11

‘MEET ME IN THE STAIRWELL’

You say you will never forget where you were when
you heard the news On September 11, 2001.
Neither will I.

I was on the 110th floor in a smoke filled room
with a man who called his wife to say ‘Good-Bye.’ I
held his fingers steady as he dialed. I gave him the
peace to say, ‘Honey, I am not going to make it, but it
is OK..I am ready to go.’

I was with his wife when he called as she fed
breakfast to their children. I held her up as she
tried to understand his words and as she realized
he wasn’t coming home that night.

I was in the stairwell of the 23rd floor when a
woman cried out to Me for help. ‘I have been
knocking on the door of your heart for 50 years!’ I said.
‘Of course I will show you the way home – only
believe in Me now.’

I was at the base of the building with the Priest
ministering to the injured and devastated souls.
I took him home to tend to his Flock in Heaven. He
heard my voice and answered.

I was on all four of those planes, in every seat,
with every prayer. I was with the crew as they
were overtaken. I was in the very hearts of the
believers there, comforting and assuring them that their
faith has saved them.

I was in Texas , Virginia , California , Michigan , Afghanistan .
I was standing next to you when you heard the terrible news.
Did you sense Me?

I want you to know that I saw every face. I knew
every name – though not all know Me. Some met Me
for the first time on the 86th floor.

Some sought Me with their last breath.
Some couldn’t hear Me calling to them through the
smoke and flames; ‘Come to Me… this way… take
my hand.’ Some chose, for the final time, to ignore Me.
But, I was there.

I did not place you in the Tower that day. You
may not know why, but I do. However, if you were
there in that explosive moment in time, would you have
reached for Me?

Sept. 11, 2001, was not the end of the journey
for you. But someday your journey will end. And I
will be there for you as well. Seek Me now while I may
be found. Then, at any moment, you know you are
‘ready to go.’

I will be in the stairwell of your final moments.

God

Real Estate Agent Afraid To Contact Police After Attack........Cary, North Carolina

Cary, N.C. — A Raleigh man has been charged with raping a real estate agent on Sunday while she was showing him a house in Cary, police said.

Michael Edward Sleeman, 33, of 5912 Holland Farms Way, is charged with one count each of first-degree sexual offense and first-degree kidnapping. He was being held Monday in the Wake County jail under a $2 million. bond.

Lt. John Szymeczek of the Cary Police Department said Sleeman asked the woman to see homes in the West Lake community, which is under development off West Lake Road. After she showed him one home, he asked to see something smaller, and she took him to another home in the development, police said.

Once inside the home on Blue Thorn Drive, he pulled out a knife and attacked the woman, Szymeczek said. She told investigators that her attacker restrained her and threatened her, and she said he also told her he was a convicted sex offender.

"He did use restraints during the course of the assault – bound her so that she was unable to move about freely – and displayed a weapon and threatened to harm her with it," Szymeczek said. "All sex offenders have a predatory nature, but this was pretty calculated."

The woman said she was allowed to leave in her car, and she called a friend, who called police.

Residents on an adjacent cul-de-sac said they didn't see or hear anything Sunday afternoon. Several who have lived in the neighborhood for only a few weeks said they were concerned that such a violent crime occurred in the area.

"I was actually shocked. It's a pretty quiet, low-key neighborhood," resident Debbie Danner said.

West Lake, which is located across the street from Middle Creek Elementary School, is being developed by D.R. Horton. There are about 100 single-family lots and a townhouse complex in the development, with homes starting at $240,000.

When Sleeman registered in West Lake's model home, he gave some accurate details of his identity, and Sgt. Marcus Pearson was able to piece that information together with information from North Carolina's sex offender registry to track Sleeman to his home, Szymeczek said.

"Officers went to talk with him, and I'm not sure I would call it an outright confession, but he certainly gave enough information to make probable cause for an arrest," he said.

Sleeman pleaded guilty in 2002 to aggravated sexual battery in Virginia and was placed on probation. In North Carolina, he was arrested in 1998 on a charge of assault on a female and again in 2003 on a charge of soliciting for prostitution. Both of those charges were dismissed.

He has lived in Raleigh for several years with his wife and mother. Susan Sleeman declined to comment Monday on her husband's arrest.

Neighbors said someone put fliers in their mailboxes shortly after he moved in noting that he was a registered sex offender.

"It's very disappointing that someone so close by could be capable of such a thing," neighbor Thomas Guettler said.



Take care and STAY SAFE!
Anny Jacoby
A Success Survivor
"Raising female awareness and skills to reduce susceptibility in response to violence."
www.annyjacoby.com
www.realisticfemaleselfdefense.com

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