Many witnesses of Saturday night's fatal accident at the monster truck show in Madison said it's the worst thing they've ever seen. And for many parents, the worst thing might be the emotional and mental toll on the youngest fans who were a witness to the tragedy.
On Saturday, a night of family fun was going off without a hitch at the Monster Truck Nationals at the Alliant Energy Center. Many young children were on hand to see a spectacular show of strength and size.
During the show, announcer George Eisenhart Jr., 41, of Chardon, Ohio, died when he stepped into the path of one of the huge trucks. Eisenhart died on Sunday from his injuries. Coroner John Stanley said preliminary investigation shows neither the victim nor the driver saw each other before the collision.
Sarah Killerlain, of Sun Prairie, spoke with WISC-TV moments after seeing a tragedy unfold.
"We got my boyfriend's 7-year-old son and my 3-year-old son and they're just, 'What happened? Is he OK?' We're trying to cover their eyes and 'Everything is OK, buddy. It's going to be OK.' They're just devastated," she said.
Many parents said that they wondered how in the world they would explain such a horrific scene.
Dr. Tom Murwin of Stoughton Clinic suggested parents level with their children.
"Keep your answers short but truthful," he said.
Murwin said in these traumatic events, some parents wait for kids to bring it up or just start a conversation appropriate for the child’s age.
"So, if they bring it up and they want to talk, go ahead and be able to take five minutes and talk because 8- and 10-year-olds aren't going to want to talk for 20minutes. They just want a couple short answers then there," he said. "I think the best way to do it is to either make a statement that reflects what they've just said back to you so that you understand what their question is or ask a few leading questions to figure out if what you think they asked is really what they asked."
He said that a 5-minute talk will suffice, but other times, the traumatic event can lead to anxiety problems. He said that if a child has trouble sleeping or is having trouble in school, it might be best to talk to a psychologist in order to approach the situation the best way for his/her age.
Killerlain said she's grateful her 3-year-old son is young enough. He might soon forget what he saw.
"I've never seen something so horrific and terrifying in my entire life, and it just breaks my heart that my kid had to see it," she said.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Superstars of Dance
Superstars of Dance is a reality television show that debuted on January 4, 2009 on the NBC Network. The show features dance routines from eight different countries from six continents. It is hosted by Michael Flatley, co-creator of Riverdance and creator of Lord of the Dance, and is co-hosted by former Miss USA title holder Susie Castillo. It was created by executive producers Nigel Lythgoe and Simon Fuller, co-producers of So You Think You Can Dance and American Idol.
On November 17, 2008 NBC announced it had ordered a new reality program titled Superstar Dancers of the World, which would feature competitors from eight international teams and would be produced by Simon Fuller and Nigel Lythgoe of American Idol fame.[1] NBC billed the show as "equal parts sporting event, rock concert, and artistic exhibition" and Lythgoe called it "the most challenging and exhilarating project I've ever done."[1] By mid-December, the show was renamed Superstars of Dance and the debut was set for January 4, 2009. Michael Flatley was chosen to host, and Susie Castillo was given a co-hosting position.
Superstars of Dance differs from similar TV dance competitions in a number of ways. It features professionals instead of amateurs, including several world champions. Additionally, the contestants were chosen by their respective countries, rather than by the show's producers. Flatley has said Superstars is a lot like a sporting competition, even comparing it the Olympic Games.[2]
The winners are not decided by audience votes, but rather by a panel of eight judges. The producers felt that it would be unfair to decide the winner by phone-in votes, assuming the American public would probably just vote for the American team.[3] Furthermore, unlike most reality-based competition shows, Superstars does not have a live component.
On November 17, 2008 NBC announced it had ordered a new reality program titled Superstar Dancers of the World, which would feature competitors from eight international teams and would be produced by Simon Fuller and Nigel Lythgoe of American Idol fame.[1] NBC billed the show as "equal parts sporting event, rock concert, and artistic exhibition" and Lythgoe called it "the most challenging and exhilarating project I've ever done."[1] By mid-December, the show was renamed Superstars of Dance and the debut was set for January 4, 2009. Michael Flatley was chosen to host, and Susie Castillo was given a co-hosting position.
Superstars of Dance differs from similar TV dance competitions in a number of ways. It features professionals instead of amateurs, including several world champions. Additionally, the contestants were chosen by their respective countries, rather than by the show's producers. Flatley has said Superstars is a lot like a sporting competition, even comparing it the Olympic Games.[2]
The winners are not decided by audience votes, but rather by a panel of eight judges. The producers felt that it would be unfair to decide the winner by phone-in votes, assuming the American public would probably just vote for the American team.[3] Furthermore, unlike most reality-based competition shows, Superstars does not have a live component.
8 babies born at the same time
Paying for one baby's tough enough these days, but one California woman won't let that worry her. The mother in question just gave birth to eight babies -- only the second time in history live octuplets have been born, according to doctors. No one's saying whether the mom took fertility drugs, but she did get one big surprise on delivery day: baby No. 8. Doctors had only seen seven on the sonogram. What a pleasant surprise!
The six boys and two girls, who weigh between 1.8 pounds and 3.4 pounds, were delivered by cesarean section in just five minutes by a team of 46 doctors and nurses in four delivery rooms. So far, all of the babies are doing well and are said to be breathing on their own. They were nine weeks premature and will likely remain in the hospital for two months. Doctors say the mother is resting comfortably and will be out of the hospital in a week.
Now she and the father are probably trying to figure out how they're going to pay for all those diapers.
The six boys and two girls, who weigh between 1.8 pounds and 3.4 pounds, were delivered by cesarean section in just five minutes by a team of 46 doctors and nurses in four delivery rooms. So far, all of the babies are doing well and are said to be breathing on their own. They were nine weeks premature and will likely remain in the hospital for two months. Doctors say the mother is resting comfortably and will be out of the hospital in a week.
Now she and the father are probably trying to figure out how they're going to pay for all those diapers.
petals paws calendar
When the Petals & Paws calendar debuted last May, 1,000 of the 3,000 copies were snapped up immediately. At press time the WCHS had grossed $25,500, with sales ongoing both locally and online at www.goldsboro-wchs.org. Along with other fund-raising efforts, the calendar has helped the humane society get three-quarters of the way to its $150,000 goal. The all-volunteer staff is still working to raise the rest of the money, but that didn't stop the new shelter from opening on August 16. Landscaped with crape myrtle trees and outfitted with spacious pens and brightly lit visiting rooms where potential owners can bond with pets, the new Wayne County Animal Adoption and Education Center is a far cry from the depressing pound it once was.
Though it's unlikely they'd ever have to pose half-nude again, you get the sense that the women of Goldsboro would do whatever is necessary to protect their four-legged friends. Said Barkley, who agreed to the project despite worries that her recent heart-surgery scar would show, "I'd have run naked in the streets to give a shelter animal one more day of life so someone could adopt him."
As a plus, most of the models were happy with their photos, and their husbands found the whole thing a hoot. "We probably sold 30 or 40 calendars to friends and relatives," says Bob Crenshaw, co-owner of the local health-food store, whose wife, Susan, is Miss October '09. "When people see the opening shot, where the girls are topless, they all say, 'I wish I'd been there!'"
Though it's unlikely they'd ever have to pose half-nude again, you get the sense that the women of Goldsboro would do whatever is necessary to protect their four-legged friends. Said Barkley, who agreed to the project despite worries that her recent heart-surgery scar would show, "I'd have run naked in the streets to give a shelter animal one more day of life so someone could adopt him."
As a plus, most of the models were happy with their photos, and their husbands found the whole thing a hoot. "We probably sold 30 or 40 calendars to friends and relatives," says Bob Crenshaw, co-owner of the local health-food store, whose wife, Susan, is Miss October '09. "When people see the opening shot, where the girls are topless, they all say, 'I wish I'd been there!'"
baltimore city public schools
"Instability and poor performance have been hallmarks of Homeland Security since its inception," reads a press release from the school system, released on Jan. 22. "There have been four changes in school leadership in four years, and the school's original partners have left, leaving its thematic program nonexistent. Against this backdrop, student achievement at the school has consistently lagged, with state assessment scores significantly below the City Schools average. The climate at the school has created an unsafe environment for students and staff, making the ability of students to learn and grow impossible. And given its unwieldy physical structure, the school currently is extremely difficult to secure, making it impossible to transform Homeland Security's climate."
Today the Baltimore City Public School System announced that it will seek permission from the Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners to permanently shutter Homeland Security High School, an underperforming city school that has been plagued by violence.
The school, which is located in the Walbrook High School campus, opened in the 2005-06 school year.
Today the Baltimore City Public School System announced that it will seek permission from the Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners to permanently shutter Homeland Security High School, an underperforming city school that has been plagued by violence.
The school, which is located in the Walbrook High School campus, opened in the 2005-06 school year.
calvert county public schools
On Tuesday evening, while some were attending inaugural balls, advocates for Relay for Life praised past accomplishments and rallied troops for a new year of fundraising.
This year's Calvert County Relay for Life fundraiser has some big shoes to fill to meet last year's record number of participants, donations and awards.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of Relay for Life and it is the 12th event held in Calvert. Relay for Life is a national fundraising campaign for the American Cancer Society, with funds going to research, treatment, advocacy and services.
Calvert High School's drum line set a celebratory tone as it drummed at the back of the school's auditorium when people arrived and made its way to the stage performing a few selections before the ceremonies began.
Paula Rosnage, this year's co-chair, announced that the relay will move this year to Hallowing Point Park, increasing available space.
"The biggest event in Calvert County has now gotten bigger," she said.
Calvert's goal this year is $475,000, and if the goal is reached, it will be the most raised ever for relay, she said.
"We plan to attack it in little pieces, from all angles," Rosnage said.
Co-chair Kristin Batson said, "We always have high hopes and expectations because the community seems to support this cause like none other." The relay is reinforcing that small donations are just as important as large donations because they can work together to make a larger piece of the pie, Batson said. "We'll focus on that this year," she said.
At Calvert's relay last year, 130 teams with 2,160 participants raised $461,000 and netted $457,000 for the American Cancer Society.
This year, the relay is asking all participants to raise $100 each, and created the slogan, "Be a hero, don't be a zero."
Calvert won a Region Award for largest online donations last year, raising $162,000 with online donations making it fifth in the nation.
Calvert also won the Region Award last year for the largest per-capita money raised, with $5.02 raised per person. At the rally, Calvert County Board of County Commissioners member Susan Shaw (R) accepted last year's national per-capita relay award on behalf of the commissioners, and it will be on display in the commissioners' hearing room, Rosnage said.
Judi Coyle, who co-chaired the event last year, received a citation of recognition from state Sen. Roy P. Dyson (D-Calvert, St. Mary's Charles) for her many years of contributions to Relay for Life.
Superintendent of Calvert County Schools Jack Smith was honored as superintendent of the year for 2008 and was presented with the award at the kickoff rally. Calvert County public schools also received an award for 100 percent participation last year. The awards will be displayed at the Calvert County public schools Board of Education building.
"It's a privilege to work with Relay for Life, both as an individual and as a representative of the school system," Smith said. Every person in the community has been touched by cancer, whether it's a family member, friend or co-worker, he said.
There is a "no pressure approach" in the schools in regards to fundraising, but the school system allows relay fundraisers to use the schools to support fundraising efforts off school time, Smith said. "We try to find the right balance," he said.
Already businesses and teams are fundraising, but Batson said she understands that this year may be tougher for some businesses to become corporate sponsors and donate because of the economy. Both Sneade's Ace Home Center and PNC Bank have already agreed to sponsor the 2009 relay, and Batson said she hopes many more businesses will follow.
The schools have also begun fundraising efforts, with Barstow Elementary hosting a fundraiser on Jan. 20. Relay participants took advantage of the school's in-service day and provided breakfast and lunch for teachers, earning more than $300, Rosnage said.
This year's Calvert County Relay for Life fundraiser has some big shoes to fill to meet last year's record number of participants, donations and awards.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of Relay for Life and it is the 12th event held in Calvert. Relay for Life is a national fundraising campaign for the American Cancer Society, with funds going to research, treatment, advocacy and services.
Calvert High School's drum line set a celebratory tone as it drummed at the back of the school's auditorium when people arrived and made its way to the stage performing a few selections before the ceremonies began.
Paula Rosnage, this year's co-chair, announced that the relay will move this year to Hallowing Point Park, increasing available space.
"The biggest event in Calvert County has now gotten bigger," she said.
Calvert's goal this year is $475,000, and if the goal is reached, it will be the most raised ever for relay, she said.
"We plan to attack it in little pieces, from all angles," Rosnage said.
Co-chair Kristin Batson said, "We always have high hopes and expectations because the community seems to support this cause like none other." The relay is reinforcing that small donations are just as important as large donations because they can work together to make a larger piece of the pie, Batson said. "We'll focus on that this year," she said.
At Calvert's relay last year, 130 teams with 2,160 participants raised $461,000 and netted $457,000 for the American Cancer Society.
This year, the relay is asking all participants to raise $100 each, and created the slogan, "Be a hero, don't be a zero."
Calvert won a Region Award for largest online donations last year, raising $162,000 with online donations making it fifth in the nation.
Calvert also won the Region Award last year for the largest per-capita money raised, with $5.02 raised per person. At the rally, Calvert County Board of County Commissioners member Susan Shaw (R) accepted last year's national per-capita relay award on behalf of the commissioners, and it will be on display in the commissioners' hearing room, Rosnage said.
Judi Coyle, who co-chaired the event last year, received a citation of recognition from state Sen. Roy P. Dyson (D-Calvert, St. Mary's Charles) for her many years of contributions to Relay for Life.
Superintendent of Calvert County Schools Jack Smith was honored as superintendent of the year for 2008 and was presented with the award at the kickoff rally. Calvert County public schools also received an award for 100 percent participation last year. The awards will be displayed at the Calvert County public schools Board of Education building.
"It's a privilege to work with Relay for Life, both as an individual and as a representative of the school system," Smith said. Every person in the community has been touched by cancer, whether it's a family member, friend or co-worker, he said.
There is a "no pressure approach" in the schools in regards to fundraising, but the school system allows relay fundraisers to use the schools to support fundraising efforts off school time, Smith said. "We try to find the right balance," he said.
Already businesses and teams are fundraising, but Batson said she understands that this year may be tougher for some businesses to become corporate sponsors and donate because of the economy. Both Sneade's Ace Home Center and PNC Bank have already agreed to sponsor the 2009 relay, and Batson said she hopes many more businesses will follow.
The schools have also begun fundraising efforts, with Barstow Elementary hosting a fundraiser on Jan. 20. Relay participants took advantage of the school's in-service day and provided breakfast and lunch for teachers, earning more than $300, Rosnage said.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Arsenic and Old Lace
ow calling all sweet, homicidal spinsters (or at least those who have dreamed of being one on stage): The Town Hall Players of Stockbridge are having auditions for their production of the classic black comedy "Arsenic and Old Lace." No experience making elderberry wine required.
You won't want to dawdle, though. Auditions are 6 to 8 p.m. today and tomorrow at the historic Stockbridge Town Hall at the corner of Clinton and Main streets in downtown Stockbridge.
Those auditioning will be asked to read from the script. They are looking for a total of 14 adults — 11 men and three women. Performance dates are February 28 and 29 and March 1, 6, 7 and 8
A synopsis (just in case you have somehow avoided this community theater staple and the classic 1944 film) is after the jump.
The play is a farcical black comedy revolving around Mortimer Brewster, a theatre-hating drama critic who must deal with his crazy, homicidal family and local police in Brooklyn, New York, as he debates whether to go through with his recent promise to marry the woman he loves. His family includes two spinster aunts who have taken to murdering lonely old men by poisoning them with a glass of home-made elderberry wine laced with arsenic, strychnine, and "just a pinch" of cyanide; a brother who believes he is Teddy Roosevelt and digs locks for the Panama Canal in the cellar of the Brewster home (which then serve as graves for the aunts' victims); and a murderous brother who has received plastic surgery performed by an alcoholic accomplice, Dr. Einstein (a character based on real-life gangland surgeon Joseph Moran) to conceal his identity and now looks like horror-film actor Boris Karloff (a self-referential joke, as the part was originally played by Karloff). The film adaptation follows the same basic plot, with a few minor changes. It is customary, after the cast takes several curtain calls, for the final one to finish with the "murder victims" (often well-known local personalities) entering from the basement and joining the cast for the final bow.
You won't want to dawdle, though. Auditions are 6 to 8 p.m. today and tomorrow at the historic Stockbridge Town Hall at the corner of Clinton and Main streets in downtown Stockbridge.
Those auditioning will be asked to read from the script. They are looking for a total of 14 adults — 11 men and three women. Performance dates are February 28 and 29 and March 1, 6, 7 and 8
A synopsis (just in case you have somehow avoided this community theater staple and the classic 1944 film) is after the jump.
The play is a farcical black comedy revolving around Mortimer Brewster, a theatre-hating drama critic who must deal with his crazy, homicidal family and local police in Brooklyn, New York, as he debates whether to go through with his recent promise to marry the woman he loves. His family includes two spinster aunts who have taken to murdering lonely old men by poisoning them with a glass of home-made elderberry wine laced with arsenic, strychnine, and "just a pinch" of cyanide; a brother who believes he is Teddy Roosevelt and digs locks for the Panama Canal in the cellar of the Brewster home (which then serve as graves for the aunts' victims); and a murderous brother who has received plastic surgery performed by an alcoholic accomplice, Dr. Einstein (a character based on real-life gangland surgeon Joseph Moran) to conceal his identity and now looks like horror-film actor Boris Karloff (a self-referential joke, as the part was originally played by Karloff). The film adaptation follows the same basic plot, with a few minor changes. It is customary, after the cast takes several curtain calls, for the final one to finish with the "murder victims" (often well-known local personalities) entering from the basement and joining the cast for the final bow.
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