The last days of high school for the graduating class of 2011 is near, the time is now.   Seniors bidding their last goodbyes and creating what could be their last moment together -- besides graduation that is.  Disneyland GRAD NITE!   Grad night is a full night event offered to all high school seniors, for one night Disneyland closes its doors to the public and invites seniors county wide to celebrate their last days as high school students.

There are perks to ensure the safety of students. Disneyland have set out some ground rules for seniors participating in Grad Nite, which prohibits:

• Clothing of any kind that is affiliated with schools, sports teams, gangs, etc.
• Clothing not in good shape or repair.
• Revealing clothing.
• No backpacks or large purses (except for small bags and waist bags).
• No hats, bandannas or head coverings other than for religious purposes.
• Alcohol, tobacco products and drugs are not allowed.
• Weapons, knifes, laser pointers or chemical irritants are not allowed.

Visit Disney World - Grad Night 2011 for more information.

As we all know, graduation is almost here and deadlines are quickly approaching.  One of which is the deadline for community service hours -- required for graduation.   Many of my friends struggle with this task, the main reason being, they could not find a location for their community service hours.   My theory? Procrastination.  But no worries, waiting to the last minute while not promoted is the least of your worries. 

Places that would be best for volunteering and obtaining community service hours are non-profit organizations or libraries -- there are long term volunteer opportunities or one-time volunteer event. You can look for community service in areas such as:  assisting the elderly, helping sick children, community clean-ups and more.  You can also look for community service at your church and other recreational places in your neighborhood.

Here are a couple links to help you with your search:

The Future Leaders Institute
Kid Activities
Volunteer Guide

Teenage suicide is a life changing event.   People always talk about the factor that can lead to teenage suicide, such as depression, bullying or severe harassment.   But there are ways to prevent teenage suicide, it takes very little from parents, teachers and peers to be more attentive towards their child, student or friend.   Some indicators are: changes in mood, isolation from friends, level of involvement in activities (i.e. sports and clubs), irritability and the increase of arguments -- which could be forms of outcry.

1. Its importance to provide your support and talk to your child, student or friend if you notice these changes.  If you're not sure how to help or what route to take, ask a counselor, speak to a professional or bring it up with the individual and ask them: have they been feeling different lately -- remember that its not about you its about your child, student or friend, don't offer advises or solutions to their problems but help them find their own solution. 

"Offer a man a fish and he eats for a day, teach him how to fish he eats for a lifetime".

2. Establishing Relationship for Mutual Communication

Most teens and parents lack the ability to have a conversation without judgment, restrictions or fear of punishment.  It can be an intimidating situation when information such as birth control, STD's, drugs, bullying etc. are affecting many teens -- having these talks where the parent and child is able to openly ask questions and receive answers is a great method, the conversation does not have to be about these more sensitive subjects.  Start with cooking together, eating together, subjects such as your child's interest, school, clubs, etc.  Parents should know that teens are scared to talk about those kinds of things with their parents, they don't want them to know or they're not sure how their parents are going to react.  Parents: take the lead in bringing up the topic, it may be awkward or new to you but at least you can begin to build mutual relationship -- fear and stress can lead to dangerous outcomes.

Communication between family members can prevent and overcome problems like drug abuse, alcohol abuse, teenage pregnancy, suicides and more. Overall communication is a great way to prevent mis-communication and build family bonds.

3. Socially Active, Participate

Most teens who find themselves socially isolated or "outcast" will find themselves alone and without support.  This can become stressful and fearful.  In some cases where the child isn't accepted by other teenagers, it can lead to bullying, harassment and violence that can create low self-worth.  Teachers and parents should actively portray  the importance of being involved -- in sports, clubs, community involvement and be open to their circle of friends.

I hope these three ways to  prevent teen suicide is helpful, they are not at all the only ways to prevent teen suicide -- in addition these methods are more to prevent the idea from occurring.  If you know someone who is debating suicide let someone know.

Some people just by no explanation of their own marks a place in peoples hearts and mind. These singers have shown that nothing is impossible, if you truly believe in what you do and work hard you may find yourself to become one of the best.

"15 Minutes of Fame"

What movies has caused sleepless nights and midnight frights for you?  Not necessarily about Dracula or Frankenstein it could be movies that have marked their place in time with their horrifying scenes and more than real characters varying from aliens, ghosts, demons and unknown creatures.  Certainly there are  people out there that love to watch scary movies, however, they will have to think twice before watching at least the trailers of the following:

If you are frightened easily or do not like scary movies don't go any further.
Reader's discretion is advised.

1-The Exorcist (1973)-Young girl gets possessed by a demon, strong shocking scenes.  Rumors say that weird things started happening to the crew working in the movie leading up to death of a few members.  Its your decision to believe in it or not, but do be warned, this movie is not for the faint hearted.

2-Ju-on (2000)-Passing on to the other world with a grudge can become a curse to other people.  Driven by his jealousy, he murdered his wife.  

3-The Thing-It may be old, but the images shown in the video are particularly gruesome, it will turn your stomach inside out.  A group of men in a deserted place came upon a metal object beneath the snow -- the thing -- the object hunts the men one by one. 

4-Grudge (2004)- The following movie to Ju-on, the grudge shows a grudge-full side against anybody that enters in her house.

5-The Descent (2005)- Ever thought about taking the climb down a cave?  You'll think about it twice after seeing how the starving descent finish off a group of friends one by one.

6-Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)-You will think twice before you go to sleep, Freddy Krueger, the main character in the horror movie starts to kill adolescents in their sleep while they start to have dreadful nightmares that end their lives.

7-The Brood (1979)- Crazy woman raises children with deformities to become cold blooded assassins.

8-Infection (2004)- An unknown mysterious infection array in a hospital an awkward things start to happen.

9-Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)-Serial killer murders every person that stops by their local community, based on a true story.

10-It (1990)- A clown possessed by a demon starts murdering kids, coming back years later after his first viewing, now the survivors need to find a way too stop him.