Month: April 2018

  • 04/26/18 RTIR Newsletter: Racial Bias Training, Sports Survival for Parents, Midlife Job Security

    April 26, 2018

    01. Trade Doesn’t Kill Jobs
    02. Georgia May Elect 1st Black Woman Governor
    03. RIP Schoolhouse Rock’s Bob Dorough
    04. Creepy: NYC’s Insane Asylums and Prisons
    05. Etsy Trend Expert: Mother’s Day Gifts
    06. When Mother’s Day Makes You Cry
    07. Free Gifts Every Mom Will Love
    08. What is Racial Bias Training?
    09. Never Make a Wrong Decision Again
    10. Create Your Own Midlife Job Security
    11. John Boehner Sees Pot’s Benefits
    12. The Cure for NFL Concussion Crisis
    13. Sexism in Sports: The Worst Offenders
    14. Sports Season Survival Tips for Parents
    15. Today’s Most Mysterious Health Crisis
    16. ‘I Love You Just the Way You Are’
    17. Why We Can’t Stay Happy
    18. The Secret to Eating Just One Chip
    19. Are Excuses Holding You Back?
    20. She Lost Everything in an Instant
    =======================================

    1. ==> Trade Doesn’t Kill Jobs

    Many Americans now cheering President Trump’s
    willingness to fight a trade war with China no doubt
    believe that trade in recent years with that Asian
    nation has destroyed too many American jobs. But Donald
    Boudreaux says relative to overall routine job
    destruction and creation — “job churn” — the number of
    American jobs destroyed by trade is minuscule. He
    argues that the major source of job destruction and
    creation is technological innovation. “President
    Trump’s protectionism will simply not create the
    multitude of jobs that its champions predict. Far
    worse, however, is the fact that the longer we tolerate
    this hostility to one particular source of economic
    change and growth, the more likely we are to grow
    hostile to technological innovation and other more
    significant sources of economic change and growth. And
    it would then become impossible to make America great
    again.” Donald Boudreaux is a professor of economics
    and a senior fellow at the Mercatus Center at George
    Mason University. Contact him at (703) 993-1157;
    dboudrea@gmu.edu.

    2. ==> Georgia May Elect 1st Black Woman Governor

    Stacey Abrams is vying to become Georgia’s next
    governor, and the first black female governor in the
    history of the United States. You might be surprised—an
    African American woman governor of a red Southern
    state—but political expert Christina Greer says her
    credentials are solid and she could very well make
    history.” The Democratic primary is May 22nd and it
    remains to be seen whether Georgians are ready to elect
    a black woman to lead. I do know that if her race and
    gender were white and male, there would be no question
    that Abrams would be handpicked and anointed as the
    future of the Democratic Party.” She notes that If
    Abrams is victorious in the primary she’ll likely face
    an opponent with a near perfect grade from the NRA as
    compared to her proud F-rating. Christina Greer is an
    assistant professor of political science at Fordham
    University Lincoln Center campus. Contact her at (212)
    636-6391; posc@fordham.edu

    3. ==> RIP Schoolhouse Rock’s Bob Dorough

    Cultural critic Gene Seymour says, “Millions of
    Americans, and many more throughout the world, just
    lost their favorite civics teacher.” In an Op-Ed for
    CNN Seymour remembers Schoolhouse Rock creator Bob
    Dorough, who died this week at the age of 94. “Although
    nobody who watched Schoolhouse Rock animated shorts on
    Saturday mornings beginning in 1973 knew his name, they
    knew their times tables, their American history and
    their grammar because of the songs he wrote.” Dorough,
    a jazz pianist and vocalist, was approached in 1971 by
    a New York advertising executive whose sons couldn’t
    multiply. He asked him to set the multiplication tables
    to music and the rest is history. Gene Seymour writes
    about music, movies and culture for The New York Times,
    Newsday, Entertainment Weekly and The Washington Post.
    Contact him at @GeneSeymour

    4. ==> Creepy History – NYC’s Insane Asylums and
    Prisons

    Roosevelt Island a place you might go for a quiet,
    residential escape from nearby Queens and Manhattan.
    But in the 19th-century, it was a place to which you
    were sentenced—a place for the criminal, insane, and
    deathly ill. Then called Blackwell’s Island, it housed
    a lunatic asylum, two prisons, a poor house, and a
    number of public hospitals. It was conceived as the
    most modern, humane facility the world had ever seen,
    but quickly became, in the words of a visiting Charles
    Dickens, “a lounging, listless madhouse in all its
    naked ugliness and horror.” Invite Stacy Horn, author
    of “Damnation Island: Poor, Sick, Mad, & Criminal in
    19th-Century New York,” to share the first contemporary
    investigative account of Blackwell’s Island. Horn is
    the author of five nonfiction books and the founder of
    the social network Echo: the virtual salon of NYC.
    Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137;
    johanna@jrbcomm.com or Erin Bolden at (703) 646-5188.

    5. ==> Etsy Trend Expert – Creative Mother’s Day Gifts

    Help! Mother’s Day is coming up and you’ve got…
    nothing. We’d all love to give Mom the best-ever gift,
    but it’s tough coming up with ideas year after year.
    Get some inspiration and advice from someone who knows
    how to get creative. Dayna Isom Johnson is Etsy’s Trend
    Expert and a judge on the upcoming NBC craft
    competition series ‘Making It’ hosted by Amy Poehler
    and Nick Offerman. She’ll offer tips to pick uniquely
    personalized gifts that will perfectly suit your mom,
    share popular Mother’s Day trends on Etsy, and suggest
    fun gift ideas for new moms, single moms, grandmothers,
    and even pet and plant moms! Contact John Angelo at
    john@premieretv.com.

    6. ==> When Mother’s Day Makes You Cry

    Here it comes, the annual reminder of what may be
    unpleasant realities. Whether your mother is recently
    deceased and you miss her dreadfully, or she’s very
    ill, or you’ve been caring for her these last few years
    and she no longer knows who you are, Mother’s Day isn’t
    necessarily a happy day for everyone. Sheila Collins,
    PhD, an expert on grief, loss, and self-care for
    caregivers, has practical advice for those whose
    Mother’s Day won’t look like a Hallmark ad. An author,
    improv comedian, and dancing social worker, Dr. Collins
    will bring a playful humorous touch to the conversation
    and offer ways to take care of yourself, no matter what
    your ‘mother challenge’ may be—your own mother or being
    a mom yourself. Sheila Collins’ upcoming book with co-
    author Christine Gautreaux is “Stillpoint: A Self-care
    Playbook for Caregivers to Find Ease, Time to Breathe,
    and Reclaim Joy.” Contact Dr. Collins at (817)
    706-4967.

    7. ==> Free Gifts Every Mom Will Love

    Americans spend on average $124 dollars on Mother’s Day
    gifts, for a total of over $30 billion. Flowers are
    lovely and spa certificates are appreciated, but
    sometimes you just don’t have the cash. Luckily for
    you, Suzanne Wexler says what tired and overworked moms
    often need most are gestures that come free of charge.
    “Mothers want to know their family values their hard
    work and considers their feelings. A few heartfelt
    tokens of gratitude may be just as meaningful as a
    gift, if not more. Especially moms with younger
    children and babies!” Wexler has great no-cost ideas
    for honoring all the moms in your life, and if you must
    splurge, she’s also got advice on what will—and
    won’t—be appreciated by Mom. Suzanne Wexler is a
    Montreal-based culture and lifestyle expert who has
    written over a hundred features and trend reports for
    major Canadian newspapers. Her upcoming book of humor
    memoir stories is “How to Swing Like a Southern Belle,
    Even if you’re Frozen in the North.” Contact her at
    (514) 704-0029

    8. ==> What is Racial Bias Training?

    The Internet went wild when a video was posted of two
    black men being escorted out of a Starbucks by police
    in Philadelphia after the men asked to use the restroom
    and refused to leave. Nita Wiggins, author of “Civil
    Rights Baby,” says discrimination based on skin color
    happens daily, but this time it was caught on video.
    Wiggins applauds Starbucks’ decision to close its
    corporate stores for racial bias training and says most
    of us could use a course on racial and cultural
    sensitivity. She’ll discuss the need for racial
    relations reconstruction, the importance of listening,
    and how to speak to people of all colors. She says, “We
    need to teach and train people on how to avoid
    situations like the Starbucks incident. Once people
    learn to understand one another, listen, and accept
    cultural differences, we can start to make the world a
    better place.” Nita Wiggins is a former sports
    broadcaster who fought for her dream job as an African
    American woman. Contact her at Nitadallas@yahoo.com?

    9. ==> Never Make a Wrong Decision Again

    Whether it’s what college to choose, whether to start a
    new business or move across the country, we all face
    big decisions in our lives. It’s common to put off
    making tough choices because you don’t want to be wrong
    or cause yourself or others unnecessary pain and
    expense–financial, emotional, or any other kind of
    toll. Invite Michael Angelo Costa to explain the secret
    to mastering big decisions and making the right choice.
    You’ll learn the four key factors to consider before
    making any important decision and become less-stressed
    and more confident in your decision-making ability! A
    lawyer, investment banker, and advisor, Michael Angelo
    Costa has more than 33 years of international business
    experience. The author of “Never Be Wrong Again – Four
    Steps to Making Better Decisions in Work and in Life”
    frequently appears on radio and TV as an expert in
    decision-making. Contact him at (760) 238-5087;
    Info@michaelangelocosta.com

    10. ==> Create Your Own Midlife Job Security

    What happens when you’re too young to retire, but too
    old to hire? A sudden job loss could throw your current
    lifestyle a curve unless you’re prepared. Hovey Smith
    says the only job security that anyone holds is what
    they can control. The author of “Create Your Own Job
    Security by Starting Your Own Business at Midlife,” can
    discuss how to examine short, medium and long-term
    business opportunities that you can have ready to
    launch when you need it most. From E-Bay sales to new
    products, providing services and even the arts, Smith
    says just about anything you can imagine can be turned
    into a moneymaking opportunity and it’s a myth that a
    person can do only one business in his lifetime. Hovey
    Smith is the author of 15 books and has produced
    hundreds of YouTube videos. With multiple academic
    degrees, he has spoken at business forums in China and
    Austria. Contact him at (478) 552-7455;
    hoveysmith@bellsouth.net

    11. ==> John Boehner Sees Pot’s Benefits

    Former House speaker John Boehner has dropped his long-
    held opposition to marijuana and has joined the board
    of a rapidly expanding cannabis company! Dr. Regina
    Nelson and Michael Browning can discuss everything from
    why grandmas are now smoking pot to the considerable
    medicinal benefits of cannabis to the stoner myths
    people still believe. These media-savvy marijuana
    educators can also talk about the latest states to
    legalize medical marijuana and issues facing people
    trying to access it. Dr. Regina Nelson and Michael
    Browning coauthored “Time for the Talk: Talking to Your
    Doctor or Patient About Medical Cannabis.” Regina has
    done Ph.D. level research on marijuana. Regina and
    Michael can also share tales from their national
    educational tour—including their bust in Oklahoma.
    Regina was the keynote speaker at this month’s World
    Medical Cannabis Conference. Contact them at (303)
    505-0591; ecstherapyco@gmail.com

    12. ==> Talking NFL: Doc Has Cure for Concussion Crisis

    Everyone’s talking football with this week’s NFL draft.
    Meantime, former QB Brett Favre has finally opened up
    about the “thousands” of concussions he’s likely had
    and is advocating that kids shouldn’t play tackle
    football. Meantime, the league’s new helmet-to-helmet
    rule designed to make the game safer (by taking head-
    first collisions out of the game) has many players and
    fans worried that calls on the field will be
    inconsistent and costly. But what if there was a way to
    make concussions a thing of the past? A helmet that
    could be designed to PREVENT traumatic brain injury? A
    protocol for earlier diagnosis and immediate treatment?
    Interview Dr. Paul Wand to hear about all this and
    more. He, along with other private practitioners, have
    created ways to diagnose, treat, and REVERSE the
    symptoms of concussions. This, in effect, could save
    the NFL, as well as other sports where concussions
    happen on a regular basis. Paul H. Wand, MD has been a
    medical doctor for 35 years specializing in the field
    of Neurology. Contact him at (954) 344-9772;
    paulwandmd@gmail.com

    13. ==> Sexism in Sports: Who Are the Worst Offenders?

    Can you imagine a sport in which the mere presence of
    women in the ring—and we’re talking women who were
    trying to save a man’s life—sparked outrage? Earlier
    this month, two women, one of them a nurse, entered a
    summo ring in Japan to provide aid to a stricken public
    official making a speech. Immediately, a referee
    stepped in and demanded that the women leave and salt
    was sprinkled in the ring to cleanse it. Lynn Matsuoka,
    an expert on Sumo who through her artwork managed to
    penetrate the male world of Sumo, will discuss the
    centuries-old traditions that keep women out of the
    Sumo ring and make the sport perhaps the most sexist of
    all. What she has to say about Sumo is fascinating and
    she can answer any question you have about the sport,
    the way wrestlers train for it and even the recent
    scandals that have plagued it. Lynn was once married
    to a top Sumo wrestler and is the author of “The Secret
    World of Sumo.” Reach her at (808) 479-5966;
    artist@aloha.net

    14. ==> It’s Sports Season – Survival Tips for Parents

    With nice weather popping up, kids’ sports are in high
    gear as little league, soccer, softball and lacrosse
    fields fill with young players and their parents. Of
    course, that also means that tempers will flare, adults
    will behave badly, kids will get less field time than
    they would like and there will be injuries to egos and
    bodies. It’s perfect timing for professional athlete
    and coach Sharkie Zartman and sports doctor Robert A.
    Weil to share ways to ensure kids get the most from
    sports with fewer injuries and the right support from
    Mom and Dad. Sharkie Zartman, B.S., M.S, is a
    professor, certified holistic health coach, radio host
    and author. She was a member of the USA national
    volleyball team and a champion competitor at UCLA. Dr.
    Robert A. Weil is a sports podiatrist who has treated
    many of the world’s premier athletes in a variety of
    sports. He hosts The Sports Doctor™ Radio Show and
    writes on sports parenting. The pair are the authors of
    “#Hey Sports Parents!” Contact Sharkie Zartman, (310)
    379-1869 or (310) 415-0190; Sharkiezartman@yahoo.com

    15. ==> Today’s Most Mysterious Health Crisis

    International wellness speaker Leah McCullough is now
    the picture of health, upbeat mood and boundless
    energy. But like millions of other people today, she
    once suffered from debilitating pain and fatigue caused
    by fibromyalgia. That’s until Leah, known worldwide as
    The Fibro Lady, learned how to conquer the effects of
    that mysterious disease. Chances are you know someone
    (maybe yourself!) who needs Leah’s advice on the new
    and unique approach of nutrition, supplements, and
    lifestyle changes for newfound relief and recovery.
    Watch ratings climb when Leah, author of “Freedom from
    Fibromyalgia: 7 Steps to Complete Recovery” and “Eat to
    Energize,” discusses initial symptoms of fibromyalgia,
    parts of the body most affected and how the disease can
    render people (including celebrities) unable to work,
    travel, or experience normal everyday activities even
    in the prime of life. You’ll also learn why the medical
    community is largely perplexed and why women seem more
    prone to developing the condition. Contact Leah
    McCullough at (859) 380-9737; Leah@TheFibroLady.com.

    16. ==> Do the ‘I Love You Just the Way You Are’ Show

    Just in time for Billy Joel’s 68th birthday, May 9, why
    not do a show that celebrates the unconditional love
    described in his classic 1977 song “I Love You Just the
    Way You Are”? Dr. Jeanne Sanner, the author of “Finding
    Unconditional Love a Little Peace at a Time,” will
    discuss what it really means to love someone “just the
    way they are” – and offer tips on loving ourselves
    despite our perceived imperfections. An abused child
    who grew up believing she was not “good enough,” Jeanne
    has extraordinary empathy and a bubbly personality that
    puts audiences at ease. She also has a simple life-
    changing formula that can lead to greater love for
    ourselves and others. Jeanne has a doctorate in
    spiritual studies, a master’s in education and a
    bachelor’s in psychology. Reach her at (949) 460-9450;
    jeannesanner@yahoo.com

    17. ==> Why We Can’t Stay Happy (and What to Do about
    it)

    Did you know that more people than ever are chronically
    unhappy? Maybe you’re one of them! Study after study
    proves that unhappiness reigns supreme in America and
    the world. But did you know that you can control how
    happy you feel? Ed Kuiper, author of “Ride the
    Happiness Wave,” can show your audience how to simply
    and easily activate your own happiness and relieve the
    heaviness and fatigue that have become a standard
    default. Ed will share specific actions you can do
    every day to quickly create a happy spirit within while
    also giving fun, short, supportive suggestions to
    trigger a “happy” feeling that lasts! Ed Kuiper is an
    author, speaker and seminar leader on cultivating
    happiness and healing – both physical and emotional. As
    an officer of two major life insurance companies and
    founder and CEO of several national companies, Ed spent
    over 40 years in the business world before becoming the
    “Master of Happiness.” Contact Ed Kuiper at (207)
    592-2032; edkuiperreports@gmail.com

    18. ==> The Secret to Eating Just One Chip

    Salty, crispy, crunchy, yummy. Nothing beats the
    comforting taste of potato chips. Yet most of us can’t
    stop at just one. In fact, many of us can’t stop until
    the whole bag is empty. Enter Sora Vernikoff. She can
    teach your audience how to use her simple Green
    Technique to satisfyingly eat just one potato chip and
    stop or, in fact, to eat whatever you want, stop when
    you want and become thin. Turning conventional wisdom
    on its ear, she’ll explain why thinking about food
    makes you fat—not eating it—and bad-for-you foods are a
    myth. Sora, a former elementary school teacher who lost
    25 pounds and has kept them off for decades, has helped
    hundreds of people discover the secret for knowing when
    to stop eating. She is the author of the Amazon
    bestseller “Eat Want You Want! Stop When You Want!: A
    No-Diet, Weight-Loss Program.” This experienced talk
    show guest spent more than a decade teaching her
    program while working under the auspices of a leading
    New York City endocrinologist. She has also taught the
    program at the Learning Annex and lectured at Lennox
    Hill Hospital. Contact her at (212) 464-8590;
    soravernikofff@gmail.com

    19. ==> Are Excuses Holding You Back?

    What’s one thing that wildly successful people do that
    average ones don’t? They neither make nor accept
    excuses. Business psychologist Margaret Bradley, Ph.D.
    says, “Often people get caught in an excuse trap and
    don’t even realize it. They give up on accomplishing
    important goals or fall behind the competition without
    knowing about simple steps that get rid of the excuses
    that hold them back.” She’ll explain how to recognize
    your own excuse-making style, the reason people make
    excuses, and when an excuse can be a gift. You’ll also
    learn how business leaders can create an excuse-free
    culture and when it’s actually ok to make an excuse.
    Dr. Bradley has decades of experience as a department
    head in Fortune 500 companies, an entrepreneur, and a
    consultant. She’s the author of “Wouldacouldashoulda:
    Rapid Results. No Excuses.” Contact her at (804)
    405-1731; mbradley@RapidResultsNoExcuses.com

    20. ==> What’s It Like to Instantly Lose Everything?
    Ask This Woman

    Most of us will never have the experience of losing
    nearly everything dear to them in an instant. Sana
    Bauner was not so lucky. In 2004, Sana, her ex-husband,
    son, mother and some friends were on holiday in
    Thailand when a tsunami hit. Out of nowhere with no
    warning. Sana nearly drowned despite being inside her
    room, her mother died and her two-year-old daughter
    disappeared never to be found. Sana fought hard to live
    and ended up being carried by the water a half-mile
    away from her hotel. But what happened that day led to
    a battle that was just as big as she struggled to
    understand what happened and to go on with her life.
    Today, Sana says all of us face tsunamis—divorce, job
    loss, deaths, betrayal—and she can help people find
    hope and resilience with lessons she learned from
    surviving a tsunami. She is the author of “The Borrowed
    Daughter,” a memoir containing lessons to help anyone
    going through a life crisis, and is based in Vienna.
    Contact her at s.brauner@ihr-einkauf.at or through
    Skype: sanabr

  • 04/24/18 RTIR Newsletter: Kids Sports, Autism Cures, NFL Concussion Crisis

    April 24, 2018

    01. George and Charlotte’s New Brother
    02. Envisioning Madam President
    03. Trump, North Korea & Iran Deal
    04. Bill Cosby Trial Heads to Jury
    05. How to Make a Great Big Decision
    06. What is Racial Bias Training?
    07. Mom’s Day When Mom is Mommie Dearest
    08. Parents Living in Kids’ Basements?
    09. The Secret to Making a Profit
    10. Cure for NFL Concussion Crisis
    11. Kids’ Sports Season Survival Tips
    12. Community College & Single Parents
    13. Early-Onset Alzheimer’s Skyrockets
    14. Autism – Could this Be a Cure?
    15. 95 Secrets to Live Well into Your 90s
    16. The Poet for People Who Hate Poetry
    17. So You Want to Write a Kid’s Book?
    18. Why We Can’t Stay Happy
    19. Eric Stogner Wants to Talk Death
    20. After Earth Day
    =======================================
    1. ==> Naming the Newest Royal

    William and Kate, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor,
    welcomed a baby boy on Monday, but what will his name
    be? Arthur, Albert and Philip are among the current
    bookies’ favorites for the youngest prince but experts
    say there’s a chance the ultimate name choice might
    also reflect Kate’s side of the family. Invite Pam
    Satran and Linda Rosenkrantz to talk about naming
    Prince George and Princess Charlotte’s new brother, and
    how parents today choose names for their kids. Pam and
    Linda are experts on name style, image and trends.
    Together they have written ten books on names including
    “Beyond Jennifer & Jason,” “Cool Names for Babies,” and
    “The Baby Name Bible.” They contribute baby name
    articles regularly to such publications as Parents, The
    Daily Beast, Huffington Post, and TODAYMoms, and have
    been interviewed extensively on names by everyone from
    The New York Times to The Wall Street Journal to The
    Today Show, the BBC, and Oprah. Contact them at
    pam@nameberry.com or linda@nameberry.com.

    2. ==> After Clinton: Envisioning Madam President

    As a country, we haven’t wrapped our heads around what
    it should look like for a woman to be in the job of
    President. Our only models are men. This, of course,
    was seen during Hillary Clinton’s campaign, and no one
    knows this better than Jennifer Palmieri, who served as
    head of communications for Clinton’s 2016 presidential
    campaign. Palmieri believes Clinton’s candidacy
    revealed how, despite all the gains women have made, we
    still struggle to envision a woman as president.
    Jennifer Palmieri is the author of “Dear Madam
    President,” an empowering letter to the first woman
    president. She served as White House communications
    director under President Barack Obama and was White
    House deputy press secretary for President Bill
    Clinton. Palmieri is currently president of the Center
    for American Progress Action Fund and has been a
    frequent contributor to the Washington Post. Contact
    Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137 or Erin Bolden at
    (703) 646-5188.

    3. ==> Trump, North Korea & Iran Deal

    A U.S. push to change the Iran nuclear deal is sending
    a “very dangerous message” that countries should never
    negotiate with Washington, Iran’s foreign minister
    warned as U.S. and North Korean leaders prepare to meet
    for denuclearization talks. Foreign relations expert
    Dr. Harlan Ullman says, “The US needs a broader
    strategy and breaking the Iran nuclear deal will be a
    disaster as the U.S. will be isolated. As far as the
    North Korea meeting goes, we need more preparation and
    clear-cut objectives.” Harlan Ullman has served on the
    Senior Advisory Group for Supreme Allied Commander
    Europe (2004-16) and is senior adviser at Washington
    D.C.’s Atlantic Council, chairman of two private
    companies and principal author of the doctrine of shock
    and awe. His latest book is “Anatomy of Failure: Why
    America Has Lost Every War It Starts.” Contact Ryan
    McCormick at (516) 901-1103 or
    Ryan@GoldmanMcCormick.com

    4. ==> Bill Cosby Trial Heads to Jury

    After two weeks of testimony, Bill Cosby’s fate will
    soon be in the hands of jurors – again. His first
    sexual assault trial ended in a mistrial last year and
    while Cosby has maintained his innocence throughout,
    Joyce Short says it is the real meaning of consent that
    could get him locked up. “His prior trial failed to
    drive home Cosby’s admission. Simply put, when you
    don’t know if you have consent, you don’t. Cosby
    admitted under oath that he didn’t know.” Joyce Short
    is the author of “Carnal Abuse by Deceit” and
    “Combating Romance Scams, Why Lying to Get Laid Is a
    Crime.” A sexual assault survivor, she advocates for
    sexual assault victims around the world. She’s been
    awarded a “Woman of Distinction” honor by the NY State
    Assembly and is fighting for new laws on consent across
    the US. Contact her at (917) 517-8572; short.jm@aol.com

    5. ==> How to Make a Great Big Decision

    Whether it’s what college to choose, whether to start a
    new business or move across the country, we all face
    big decisions in our lives. It’s common to put off
    making tough choices because you don’t want to be wrong
    or cause yourself or others unnecessary pain and
    expense–financial, emotional, or any other kind of
    toll. Invite Michael Angelo Costa to explain the secret
    to mastering big decisions and making the right choice.
    You’ll learn the four key factors to consider before
    making any important decision and become less-stressed
    and more confident in your decision-making ability! A
    lawyer, investment banker, and advisor, Michael Angelo
    Costa has more than 33 years of international business
    experience. The author of “Never Be Wrong Again – Four
    Steps to Making Better Decisions in Work and in Life”
    frequently appears on radio and TV as an expert in
    decision-making. Contact him at (760) 238-5087;
    Info@michaelangelocosta.com

    6. ==> Do We All Need Racial Bias Training?

    The Internet went wild when a video was posted of two
    black men being escorted out of a Starbucks by police
    in Philadelphia after the men asked to use the restroom
    and refused to leave. Nita Wiggins, author of “Civil
    Rights Baby,” says discrimination based on skin color
    happens daily, but this time it was caught on video.
    Wiggins applauds Starbucks’ decision to close its
    corporate stores for racial bias training and says most
    of us could use a course on racial and cultural
    sensitivity. She’ll discuss the need for racial
    relations reconstruction, the importance of listening,
    and how to speak to people of all colors. She says, “We
    need to teach and train people on how to avoid
    situations like the Starbucks incident. Once people
    learn to understand one another, listen, and accept
    cultural differences, we can start to make the world a
    better place.” Nita Wiggins is a former sports
    broadcaster who fought for her dream job as an African
    American woman. Contact her at Nitadallas@yahoo.com

    7. ==> Mother’s Day When Mom is Mommie Dearest

    Mother’s Day is coming and for some people,
    particularly women, the holiday is fraught with
    landmines. How do you even pick out a card let alone a
    gift for a mother who has been hard to please,
    belittles you or makes you feel bad about yourself? For
    many women (and men) Mother’s Day is something to
    ignore or get over with as quickly as possible. Carol-
    Ann Hamilton can relate because she grew up with a
    mother who was paranoid and schizophrenic. Bring Carol-
    Ann on your show to hear how Mother’s Day can be a time
    to heal yourself from the aftereffects of less-than-
    perfect parenting. She’ll share tips for putting the
    past behind you including how she was able to give her
    mother’s eulogy truthfully without sugarcoating her
    problem behaviors. Carol-Ann is a delightful media
    guest whose new radio program, The Conscious Caregiver,
    debuts April 24. She is the author of “Coping with Un-
    cope-able Parents.” Contact her at (905) 822-2503;
    carolann@carolannhamilton.com

    8. ==> Parents in Kids’ Basements? The Reverse
    Boomerang Effect

    We’re accustomed to millennials living in their
    parents’ basements as they struggle to save enough
    money to have a place of their own. But according to
    Rodger Friedman, it won’t be long until baby boomers
    begin living in their children’s basements because they
    failed to save enough money to fund their retirement
    years. Friedman calls this trend The Reverse Boomerang
    Effect and says baby boomers’ out-of-control spending
    habits will come back to bite their children. A
    chartered retirement planning counselor and former
    senior vice president of Morgan Stanley, Friedman will
    reveal the questions millennials should be asking their
    parents today to make sure that they don’t have to
    share their homes with them after they run of money
    tomorrow. He’ll also discuss the worst reasons people
    give for not saving for retirement, and what people can
    do who are late to the game and provide listeners with
    access to a free list of 21 Mistakes That Can
    Annihilate Your Retirement. The author of “The Mindset
    of Retirement Success” and two other books on the
    topic, this experienced talk-show guest who has been
    featured in Time, U.S. News and numerous radio programs
    will definitely not be living his children’s basement.
    Contact him at (844) 3MY-PLAN (NY);
    Rodger@RodgeronRetirement.com

    9. ==> The Secret to Building a Profitable Business

    The #1 reason to go into business is to make money.
    Yet, many small businesses aren’t very profitable. In
    fact, many business owners work harder and earn less
    than their counterparts in the workforce. But it
    doesn’t have to be that way. Patricia Stallworth, a
    business and money coach, takes clients through the
    process of building a profitable business and a secure
    financial future at the same time. She blends the
    skills she learned in working with Fortune 100
    companies and small businesses with money strategies to
    create custom solutions for her clients. Invite her to
    share some of the basic strategies she uses in areas
    like planning and cash flow to help the entrepreneurs
    in your audience build better businesses and lives. Her
    upcoming book,” BAM!: A Simple Business and Money
    System for Entrepreneurs to Build Profits and
    Prosperity,” is an essential tool for anyone in
    business or who is thinking about starting one.
    Stallworth has been featured by NPR and magazines and
    radio stations nationwide. Contact her at (404)
    454-9106 (GA); ps@psworth.com

    10. ==> Cure for NFL Concussion Crisis

    Former QB Brett Favre is finally opening up about the
    “thousands” of concussions he’s likely had and is
    advocating that kids shouldn’t play tackle football.
    Meantime, the league’s new helmet-to-helmet rule
    designed to make the game safer (by taking head-first
    collisions out of the game) has many players and fans
    worried that calls on the field will be inconsistent
    and costly. But what if there was a way to make
    concussions a thing of the past? A helmet that could be
    designed to PREVENT traumatic brain injury? A protocol
    for earlier diagnosis and immediate treatment?
    Interview Dr. Paul Wand to hear about all this and
    more. He, along with other private practitioners, have
    created ways to diagnose, treat, and REVERSE the
    symptoms of concussions. This, in effect, could save
    the NFL, as well as other sports where concussions
    happen on a regular basis. Paul H. Wand, MD has been a
    medical doctor for 35 years specializing in the field
    of Neurology. Contact him at (954) 344-9772;
    paulwandmd@gmail.com

    11. ==> Kids’ Sports Season Survival Tips

    With nice weather popping up, kids’ sports are in high
    gear as little league, soccer, softball and lacrosse
    fields fill with young players and their parents. Of
    course, that also means that tempers will flare, adults
    will behave badly, kids will get less field time than
    they would like and there will be injuries to egos and
    bodies. It’s perfect timing for professional athlete
    and coach Sharkie Zartman and sports doctor Robert A.
    Weil to share ways to ensure kids get the most from
    sports with fewer injuries and the right support from
    Mom and Dad. Sharkie Zartman, B.S., M.S, is a
    professor, certified holistic health coach, radio host
    and author. She was a member of the USA national
    volleyball team and a champion competitor at UCLA. Dr.
    Robert A. Weil is a sports podiatrist who has treated
    many of the world’s premier athletes in a variety of
    sports. He hosts The Sports Doctor™ Radio Show and
    writes on sports parenting. The pair are the authors of
    “#Hey Sports Parents!” Contact Sharkie Zartman, (310)
    379-1869 or (310) 415-0190;
    Sharkiezartman@yahoo.com

    12. ==> It’s Community College Awareness Month

    Community colleges are gaining popularity nationwide.
    But did you know that more and more college students
    are single moms? And that the school of choice for
    those single moms is community college? In fact, almost
    2.1 million students are single parenting and going
    back to school! While this trend seems to be a happy
    one, many challenges still exist for single moms and
    dads who decide to head back to school – including a
    four-out-of-ten drop-out rate. Sara Sherman, BA, MS,
    author of “The Single Mom’s Guide to Getting a Degree”
    will explain how single parents can head back to school
    with confidence. Sara can discuss everything from
    choosing the right school and selecting a major to
    maximizing study time while managing kids and
    household. As a speaker, blogger, coach and creator of
    the Kick Ass Single Mom Life movement, Sara can speak
    to almost any topic relating to single parenting. As a
    single parent for most of her adult life, Sara has
    successfully raised her children AND earned two degrees
    all while working full-time! Contact her at (614)
    432-2717; sara@singlemomsasksara.com

    13. ==> Early-Onset Alzheimer’s is Skyrocketing

    As a medical diagnosis, Alzheimer’s Disease is one of
    the most frightening. Families fear the years ahead,
    considering the worrisome health intervention, physical
    and mental decline expected for the afflicted, and the
    myriad issues related to caregiving. Learn from Carlen
    Maddux his advice for navigating the journey of early-
    onset Alzheimer’s (a noted epidemic nationwide), as his
    wife Martha was diagnosed at only age 50. Their odyssey
    lasted 17 years. Carlen will discuss on-air: altering
    one’s home life for the caregiving effort,
    telling/involving the kids, and whether movies like
    “Still Alice” get it right. Plus, hear Carlen’s 12 tips
    on family-wide care, keeping marriages strong,
    navigating holidays, maintaining memory and safety,
    avoiding caregiver fatigue, balancing personal and
    professional life, myths and truths about late stage
    Alzheimer’s care … and much more. Carlen is a speaker
    and the author of “A Path Revealed: How Hope, Love, and
    Joy Found Us Deep in a Maze Called Alzheimer’s.”
    Contact him at (727) 504-8201; cmaddux@maddux.com

    14. ==> World Autism Awareness Month: Is there a Cure?

    According to alarming MIT research, one in two children
    in the U.S. will be diagnosed with autism by the year
    2025. Physician and author Dr. Rajalakshmi Kandaswamy
    attributes this to increased environmental energy
    disturbances. “This not only includes environmental
    stress from increased noise pollution, chemicals in
    food and so on, this also includes stress from parent’s
    and caregivers’ energy,” she says. “Energy disturbances
    have sky-rocketed throughout the world as a result of
    people defining and accepting stress and pollution to
    be a normal part of daily living.” After exploring the
    power of holistic energy healing in her own medical
    practice and life, Dr. Raja spent more than 25 years
    developing the Autism Cure, which shows results from
    day one! She recently was recognized by Buzzfeed as one
    of five professionals in the world to watch out for in
    the autism arena. She is the author of the book “How to
    Heal Autism and ADHD in 30 Days: The Phenomenally
    Powerful Breakthrough of Intent Healing,” and a
    graduate of India’s premier medical college C.M.C
    Vellore. Contact her at
    healautismnowfoundation@gmail.com.

    15. ==> 95 Secrets to Live Well into Your 90s

    Victoria Schmidt sounds like she’s 40 or 50. She looks
    like she’s 60 or 70. She has the wisdom of a 96-year
    old because she has the experience and knowledge of a
    96-year young woman! Most longevity experts are in
    their 40’s and 50’s and maybe a little older. She says,
    “You have far more control on the length of your life
    than the stereotypical perception and the negative
    misconceptions of aging.” Victoria’s mantra: You must
    want to live a long life and view living with grace and
    acceptance. Invite this vibrant nonagenarian and author
    of “Victoria’s 95 Secrets on Living a Happy, Healthy,
    Sexy Long Life” to share what’s kept her young and how
    anyone can age well, even into their 90s. “Genetics
    have far less influence on life expectancy than you
    would expect. How long you live is determined by your
    health and how you live your life.” Contact Victoria
    Schmidt at (908) 840-4084; ottomisti@aol.com

    16. ==> The Poet You Ought to Know… If You Hate
    Poetry

    Many of us snoozed our way through high school English
    class—especially when it was time to read and respond
    to poetry. So maybe you’re thinking that the last thing
    you’d want to do is a show for National Poetry Month in
    April. But not so fast. Consider Sylvia Plath. She
    wasn’t some rhyme-y poet putting down pretty words.
    According to Plath expert Julia Gordon-Bramer, she was
    never sentimental, always smart and sometimes even
    aggressive. In addition, an exploration of Plath
    touches on surprising mysticism while her poems are
    like puzzles waiting to be unlocked. Do your audience
    and yourself a favor by exposing them to this thought-
    provoking poet who was the subject of the movie
    “Sylvia,” starring Gwyneth Paltrow and Daniel Craig.
    Gordon-Bramer teaches at Lindenwood University where
    she is a Sylvia Plath scholar. She is the author of the
    “Decoding Sylvia Plath” series. Reach her at (314)
    517-0158;

    17. ==> Discover 5 Steps to Becoming a Children’s
    Author

    So many people dream of writing children’s books but
    don’t know how to get started. Invite children’s author
    and mother of three Rosie J. Pova to reveal what it
    takes to stay motivated, complete your book, and
    finally get a publishing deal. She can explain whether
    you should submit your manuscript to agents or directly
    to publishers, how to deal with rejection, and why
    today’s kids don’t want to read their parents’
    childhood books. She can also share insider industry
    information such as why publishers don’t want rhyming
    text, what kind of agent you need, whether you should
    find your own illustrator, and what to realistically
    expect from a publisher when it comes to book
    promotion. Pova has been featured on radio and in
    print and is the author of several children’s books
    including “Sarah’s Song.” Contact her at (214) 563-1633
    (TX); rosie.pova@yahoo.com

    18. ==> Why We Can’t Stay Happy (and What to Do about
    It)

    Did you know that more people than ever are chronically
    unhappy? Maybe you’re one of them! Study after study
    proves that unhappiness reigns supreme in America and
    the world. But did you know that you can control how
    happy you feel? Ed Kuiper, author of “Ride the
    Happiness Wave,” can show your audience how to simply
    and easily activate your own happiness and relieve the
    heaviness and fatigue that have become a standard
    default. Ed will share specific actions you can do
    every day to quickly create a happy spirit within while
    also giving fun, short, supportive suggestions to
    trigger a “happy” feeling that lasts! Ed Kuiper is an
    author, speaker and seminar leader on cultivating
    happiness and healing – both physical and emotional. As
    an officer of two major life insurance companies and
    founder and CEO of several national companies, Ed spent
    over 40 years in the business world before becoming the
    “Master of Happiness.” Contact Ed at (207) 592-2032;
    edkuiperreports@gmail.com?

    19. ==> Eric Stogner Would Rather Talk about Death than
    Taxes

    While his wife Katie was dying from cancer, Eric
    Stogner had a vivid dream where an angel showed him the
    preparations being made for her in Heaven – God’s
    Country. Then five people told him of THEIR visions
    involving his wife. Immediately, any dread Eric
    previously had about death vanished and his concept of
    God did an about-face. “I’d thought of God as a genius
    clockmaker who’d set the world in place then put it on
    the shelf to wind down by itself, but I suddenly saw
    how God is active in the details of life.” Hear about
    Eric’s surreal dream as well as those of a friend who
    had a vision of Katie dancing with Jesus, and a 10-
    year-old girl who saw her the night of her death and
    received a surprise, unexplainable gift the next
    morning. Eric Stogner’s now on a mission to tell people
    they don’t have to fear death. His book is “Into God’s
    Country.” Contact Jim Dobkins at (928) 277-1268;
    ucspress@aol.com.?

    20. ==> Earth Day is Over but Planet Still Needs Saving

    Earth Day may be over, but the need to save the planet
    remains.
    The general focus each Earth Day is on saving the
    planet on a broad, global level. However, the small
    things we all do daily have the greatest impact. “We
    all tend to waste food and other resources,” says
    author and environmental engineer Yasmin Davar. “For
    example, we throw out one third of the food we buy. We
    buy hardwood furniture that has been illegally logged
    from Cambodian national parks. We need to really
    examine our consumerism.” Yasmin can discuss small but
    powerful ways we can change our daily habits that can
    have a dramatically positive impact on the world as a
    whole. In addition to being an environmental engineer,
    Yasmin holds a Master of International Studies degree
    in Peace and Conflict Resolution and is the author of
    the book “Our Peaceful Planet: Healing Ourselves and
    the World for a Sustainable Future.” Contact her at
    yasmin@yasmindavar.com.

  • 04/17/18 RTIR Newsletter: Earth Day, Sexism and Sports, Living Without Regrets

    April 17, 2018

    01. Will Russia Retaliate Over Syria Strikes?
    02. The Inspirational Barbara Bush
    03. It’s Prince Week in Minneapolis!
    04. Light ‘em Up: 420 Day is Friday
    05. Simple Tips to Make Every Day Earth Day
    06. 71-year-old Makes History at Boston Marathon
    07. Uh Oh! You Didn’t File Your Taxes
    08. What’s Happening to Your Facebook Data?
    09. Foreign Aid to Africa Is Not the Solution
    10. World Autism Awareness Month – Is there a Cure?
    11. Sexism and Sport: Who Are the Worst Offenders?
    12. Natural Alternative to Allergy Shots and Pills
    13. Will CA Survive Upcoming Wildfire Season?
    14. You Bought Bitcoin. It Tanked. Now What?
    15. It’s Community College Awareness Month
    16. Honoring Women Civilians during Vietnam War
    17. She Lost Everything in an Instant
    18. Look Younger in 15 Minutes a Day
    19. How to Live without Regret and Anxiety
    20. Purge Your Hate for Trump
    =======================================

    1. ==> Will Russia Retaliate Over US Strikes in Syria?

    The attack on Syria by Western powers has fueled fears
    that Russia will retaliate. The British are being
    warned of possible cyber warfare in the next few weeks
    but should Americans be worried too? Invite military
    strategist Harlan Ullman to discuss the likelihood of a
    physical – or cyber – attack. Ullman has served on the
    Senior Advisory Group for Supreme Allied Commander
    Europe (2004-16) and is senior adviser at Washington
    D.C.’s Atlantic Council, chairman of two private
    companies and principal author of the doctrine of shock
    and awe. A former naval person, he commanded a
    destroyer in the Persian Gulf and led over 150 missions
    and operations in Vietnam as a Swift Boat skipper. His
    newest book is “Anatomy of Failure: Why America Has
    Lost Every War It Starts.” Contact Ryan McCormick at
    (516) 901-1103.

    2. ==> Barbara Bush is Inspiration to Many

    Former first lady Barbara Bush is reportedly in failing
    health and refusing further medical treatment, instead
    focusing on comfort care at home with her family.
    Meredith Iler says Mrs. Bush has been an inspiration to
    many. “Growing up in Houston, I met her at a young age
    and I have had many opportunities to be with Mrs. Bush
    and see her in many different settings over the past 40
    years. She is always gracious, always by her husband’s
    side and always has time for serving others. She
    serves as an inspiration to me as a wife, a mom, a
    patriot and a woman of impact.” Iler can talk about
    being a guest at the Bush homes in Kennebunkport and
    Houston, and being a long-time supporter of the Barbara
    Bush Foundation for literacy. Iler says there’s no way
    to discuss George Bush’s accomplishments without
    focusing on their public service as a couple, their
    marriage and their impact on the nation and world.
    Meredith Iler’s upcoming book, “Parenting Patriots,”
    includes lessons learned from George and Barbara Bush
    and the legacy of patriotism instilled in their
    children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
    Contact her at (832) 647.8683; Meredithiler@aol.com

    3. ==> It’s Prince Week in Minneapolis!

    It was two years ago this Saturday that music icon
    Prince was found dead in his Paisley Park mansion and
    thousands of fans are converging in Minneapolis this
    week for Celebration 2018 to remember the flamboyant
    ‘Purple One’ who many call a genius. Documentary
    filmmaker and author Duane Tudahl is there. Invite him
    on your show to discuss the man behind the music, his
    obsessive drive and demand for total control, how
    Purple Rain catapulted him from a cult-favorite to a
    superstar and what’s in his mysterious and legendary
    vault. Tudahl spent 20 years interviewing over 40 band
    members, singers, and engineers for his acclaimed book
    “Prince and the Purple Rain Era Studio Sessions: 1983
    and 1984.” He’ll share their personal, never-before-
    heard stories from inside the studio recording Purple
    Rain, as well as music for a half-dozen artists and
    bands. You’ll hear why Prince decided to turn his back
    on almost everything involving Purple Rain, and what it
    was like to spend 17 hours a day alone with Prince in
    the studio, for weeks at a time, producing 2-3 songs in
    a single day. Duane Tudahl is a long-time TV and
    documentary producer. Contact him at (818) 726-8638
    (CA);duane@duanetudahl.com

    4. ==> Light ‘em Up: Celebrate 420 Day this Friday

    This Friday, April 20th at 4:20 p.m. people all over
    the world will gather to smoke or consume marijuana in
    celebration of 420 Day (National Weed Day). Invite Dr.
    Regina Nelson and Michael Browning on your show to find
    out why you too should consider smoking pot that day in
    celebration of the holiday that reportedly began with a
    gathering of high school students in California in the
    mid-1970s. These media-savvy marijuana educators can
    discuss everything from why grandma may be smoking pot
    to the considerable medicinal benefits of cannabis to
    the stoner myths people still believe. The pair fully
    support former Speaker of the House Boehner’s recent
    cannabis industry arrival and leadership of
    #RepublicansToDescheduleMJ campaign and can talk about
    the latest states to legalize medical marijuana and
    issues facing people trying to access it. Dr. Regina
    Nelson and Michael Browning coauthored “Time for the
    Talk: Talking to Your Doctor or Patient About Medical
    Cannabis.” Regina has done Ph.D. level research on
    marijuana. Regina and Michael can also share tales from
    their national educational tour—including their bust in
    Oklahoma. Regina will be the keynote speaker for this
    month’s World Medical Cannabis Conference. Contact them
    at (303) 505-0591; ecstherapyco@gmail.com

    5. ==> Simple Tips to Make Every Day Earth Day

    Our environmental problems can seem so enormous and
    intractable that people often don’t know where to begin
    in helping to solve them. But Ellen Moyer, Ph.D. says
    “There are small practical actions we can take in our
    daily lives that add up to real help for our
    environment and can often save us money and help our
    own health at the same time.” She adds, “We all have
    power. Our purchases make up two-thirds of the US
    economy, and we can use our dollars, our votes, and our
    lifestyle decisions to steer things in a healthy
    direction.” Moyer is a registered professional engineer
    with a B.A. in anthropology, an M.S. in environmental
    engineering, a Ph.D. in civil engineering, and 30 years
    of environmental engineering experience. “Our Earth,
    Our Species, Our Selves: How to Thrive While Creating a
    Sustainable World” is her third book, and she is a TEDx
    speaker and contributor to “The Huffington Post.”
    Contact her at (413) 862-3452; ellenmoyer@em-green.com

    6. ==> 71-year-old Makes History at Boston Marathon

    Growing up, Steven Wightman dreamed of running the
    Boston Marathon with his older brother. Though his
    brother died in a tragic accident many years ago,
    Steven did run the Marathon yesterday and made history.
    At 71-years-old, he was one of sixteen men and women
    veterans representing all five branches of the services
    to run the Centennial Military Relay which was last
    done in 1918 by veterans of World War One. Steven and
    teammate Laura Piscopo (both U.S. Army Veterans) ran
    the most difficult of the eight legs, across Newton,
    MA, up and down hills to end their leg of 3.5 miles a
    stone’s throw west of the famous “Heartbreak Hill.”
    Contact Steven Wightman at (781) 861-0348; (339)
    927-6187 (cell)

    7. ==> Uh Oh! You Didn’t File Your Taxes

    Whether you’re a procrastinator, forgetful, or just
    unaware, today is the deadline to file your taxes but
    many folks still haven’t done the paperwork. What do
    you do now? Martha O’Gorman of Liberty Tax Service can
    explain how to file an extension, what to do if you owe
    money but can’t pay, and what to do now to make sure
    you won’t owe taxes again next year. Martha O’Gorman
    worked for Jackson Hewitt Tax Service before co-
    founding Liberty Tax, the brand with the iconic Statue
    of Liberty wavers. An experienced media guest, she is
    the chief marketing officer of the company, with more
    than 4,000 locations in the U.S. and Canada, and she
    knows taxes. Contact Martha O’Gorman at (888) 848-5344
    or martha@libtax.com.

    8. ==> What’s Happening to Your Facebook Data?

    What does Facebook really know about you? How is your
    data being used and what can you do about it? Dr. Robin
    Burk is the managing director of Analytic Decisions²
    and consults on data analysis, machine learning/AI and
    their uses. She says Facebook has betrayed the naive
    expectations of its users by exploiting social
    relationships for profit. It’s not just your own data
    that you have exposed if you’re a Facebook user, it’s
    also the data of anyone you’ve tagged and more. But
    Facebook isn’t the only company harvesting and
    exploiting your data. The problem is much bigger. She’s
    the author of “Check Your Connections: How to Thrive in
    an Uncertain World” and is giving her first TEDx talk
    in late April. Contact her at (703) 346 4448 or
    robin.kowalchuk.burk@gmail.com

    9. ==> Foreign Aid to Africa Is Not the Solution

    Sending aid seems like the right thing to do when
    people in the Western and developed world see Sub-
    Saharan Africa struggling economically and want to
    help. Retired neurosurgeon Sylvanus Ayeni was born and
    raised in Nigeria and says there are many negative
    unintended consequences of open-ended foreign aid.
    Invite him to discuss these negative consequences,
    including creating a culture of dependency, undermining
    self-actualization in the next generation, and the
    development of an unspoken culture of lower
    expectations. His new book, “Rescue Thyself: Change in
    Sub-Saharan Africa Must Come from Within,” reveals what
    many in the West don’t understand about the root causes
    of Sub-Saharan Africa’s plight and the necessary steps
    to improve the situation. Dr. Ayeni is the president
    and founder of Pan Africa Children Advocacy Watch
    (PACAW) Inc. and has spoken to local and international
    audiences. Contact him at (301) 910-1020 (MD);
    stoksayeni777@gmail.com

    10. ==> World Autism Awareness Month – Is there a Cure?

    According to alarming MIT research, one in two children
    in the U.S. will be diagnosed with autism by the year
    2025. Physician and author Dr. Rajalakshmi Kandaswamy
    attributes this to increased environmental energy
    disturbances. “This not only includes environmental
    stress from increased noise pollution, chemicals in
    food and so on, this also includes stress from parent’s
    and caregivers’ energy,” she says. “Energy disturbances
    have sky-rocketed throughout the world as a result of
    people defining and accepting stress and pollution to
    be a normal part of daily living.” Dr. Raja spent more
    than 25 years developing the Autism Cure and was
    recognized by Buzzfeed as one of five professionals in
    the world to watch out for in the autism arena. She’s
    the author of “How to Heal Autism and ADHD in 30 Days:
    The Phenomenally Powerful Breakthrough of Intent
    Healing,” and a graduate of India’s premier medical
    college C.M.C Vellore. Contact her at
    healautismnowfoundation@gmail.com.

    11. ==> Sexism and Sport: Who Are the Worst Offenders?

    Can you imagine a sport in which the mere presence of
    women in the ring—and we’re talking women who were
    trying to save a man’s life—sparked outrage? Last week,
    two women, one of them a nurse, entered a summo ring in
    Japan to provide aid to a stricken public official
    making a speech. Immediately, a referee stepped in and
    demanded that the women leave and salt was sprinkled in
    the ring to cleanse it. Lynn Matsuoka, an expert on
    Sumo who through her artwork managed to penetrate the
    male world of Sumo, will discuss the centuries-old
    traditions that keep women out of the Sumo ring and
    make the sport perhaps the most sexist of all. What she
    has to say about Sumo is fascinating and she can answer
    any question you have about the sport, the way
    wrestlers train for it and even the recent scandals
    that have plagued it. Lynn was once married to a top
    Sumo wrestler and is the author of “The Secret World of
    Sumo.” Reach her at (808) 479-5966; artist@aloha.net

    12. ==> Natural Alternative to Allergy Shots and Pills

    Spring has sprung across much of the country and the
    trees are budding, the flowers are blooming and the
    birds are singing. While it’s beautiful to behold, it
    can be agony for people with seasonal allergies. Many
    sufferers spend a small fortune in doctor visits,
    allergy shots and prescription drugs that make them
    drowsy, but Dr. Kathleen Fry says there is an
    alternative to the allergy treadmill that’s safe,
    effective, inexpensive and readily available in most
    health food stores for less than $10.00. Invite her on
    your show to share proven allergy relief your
    listeners’ will appreciate. Dr. Fry is a medical doctor
    and homeopathic physician with over 30 years of
    clinical experience. Her new book is “What’s the Remedy
    for That? The Definitive Homeopathy Guide to Mastering
    Everyday Self-Care Without Drugs.” Contact her at (480)
    695-1383; drkathi@drkathifry.com

    13. ==> Will California Survive Another Wildfire
    Season?

    Summer and fall months in California are wildfire
    season, when dry weather, high temperatures, and rogue
    winds set the Golden State aglow in deadly fires. In
    the past decade, California’s wildfires have been more
    destructive than ever, and 2017 was the worst year on
    record, with upwards of 10 million acres and 22,000
    structures burned to the ground. Californian
    entrepreneur Jim Moseley has seen firsthand how the
    fires affect the state, and has repurposed a fire-
    proofing material used by NASA into a powerful line of
    defense against the conflagration. Has he found a fool-
    proof way to fireproof our property and our natural
    resources? Jim Moseley will talk about the wildfires of
    2017, discuss preparations for the season ahead, and
    how solutions to the problem may be found in existing
    technology. Moseley, a Grammy-nominated trombonist
    (Google “Moseley Trombone” and enjoy!) can be reached
    at (818) 486-4662.

    14. ==> You Bought Bitcoin and It Tanked, Now What?

    Bitcoin was the hottest thing in the investment world
    and just as everyone rushed to get in on the
    cryptocurrency gold rush, the price crashed. As many
    people now look at their sharply devalued Bitcoin
    investment, they’re left wondering what to do next.
    John Miller, a financial advisor for 25 years, has seen
    all sorts of market ups and downs and can share his
    professional insights on the Bitcoin crash. Invite him
    to reveal what the professionals consider when trying
    to strategize their next move in the market. His new
    book, “The Coming Gold, Silver, and Block-Chain Share
    Explosion!” reveals how Americans can protect and build
    their life savings. Your audience can get a free Kindle
    download of his book by visiting his website. Miller
    has been featured by the Mancow Morning Show, the Joe
    Bartlett Show, Late Night in the Midland, the Financial
    Survival Network, and other radio shows nationwide.
    Contact him at (727) 564-9416 (FL);
    wallst101@hotmail.com

    15. ==> It’s Community College Awareness Month

    Community colleges are gaining popularity nationwide.
    But did you know that more and more college students
    are single moms? And that the school of choice for
    those single moms is community college? In fact, almost
    2.1 million students are single parenting and going
    back to school! While this trend seems to be a happy
    one, many challenges still exist for single moms and
    dads who decide to head back to school – including a
    four-out-of-ten drop-out rate. Sara Sherman, BA, MS,
    author of “The Single Mom’s Guide to Getting a Degree”
    will explain how single parents can head back to school
    with confidence. Sara can discuss everything from
    choosing the right school and selecting a major to
    maximizing study time while managing kids and
    household. As a speaker, blogger, coach and creator of
    the Kick Ass Single Mom Life movement, Sara can speak
    to almost any topic relating to single parenting. As a
    single parent for most of her adult life, Sara has
    successfully raised her children AND earned two degrees
    all while working full-time! Contact her at (614)
    432-2717; sara@singlemomsasksara.com

    16. ==> Honoring Women Civilians during Vietnam War

    Thousands of American women served in Vietnam – some
    estimating as many as 265,000 women working as nurses,
    journalists, intelligent officers, clerks, and more.
    From every conceivable background, nearly all of them
    were volunteers. An estimated half were to suffer from
    PTSD. The exact numbers and names were never recorded
    and their service has been forgotten. Joe Rosato’s book
    “Dog Tags & Wedding Bands” honors these women’s
    dedication and service. Inspired by his own service in
    Vietnam, this gripping novel unravels the mystery of
    two nurses who went missing in Vietnam. Contact Joe
    Rosato at (732) 859-2089; westenthst@aol.com.

    17. ==> What’s It Like to Instantly Lose Everything?
    Ask This Woman

    Most of us will never have the experience of losing
    nearly everything dear to them in an instant. Sana
    Bauner was not so lucky. In 2004, Sana, her ex-husband,
    son, mother and some friends were on holiday in
    Thailand when a tsunami hit. Out of nowhere with no
    warning. Sana nearly drowned despite being inside her
    room, her mother died and her two-year-old daughter
    disappeared never to be found. Sana fought hard to live
    and ended up being carried by the water a half-mile
    away from her hotel. But what happened that day led to
    a battle that was just as big as she struggled to
    understand what happened and to go on with her life.
    Today, Sana says all of us face tsunamis—divorce, job
    loss, deaths, betrayal—and she can help people find
    hope and resilience with lessons she learned from
    surviving a tsunami. She is the author of “The Borrowed
    Daughter,” a memoir containing lessons to help anyone
    going through a life crisis, and is based in Vienna.
    Contact her at s.brauner@ihr-einkauf.at or through
    Skype: sanabr

    18. ==> Look Younger in 15 Minutes a Day

    Two years ago, José de la Torre began practicing an
    ancient stretching and breathing technique called the
    Five Tibetans. Practiced by Tibetan monks in the Himalayas
    for over 2,500 years, the five simple exercises rejuvenate the
    body, increase your energy, boost your immune system,
    and make you look and feel younger. Jose says it takes
    just 15 minutes a day, and just about anyone can do it
    and reap the benefits including the reversal of gray
    hair, fewer wrinkles, weight loss, more muscles, less
    fatigue, greater flexibility and better memory! Jose
    says the changes can occur within six months to a year
    of starting the program. Jose holds a degree in
    mathematics from Arizona State University, and a
    master’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin.
    He is also the author of “Spiritual Living for Busy
    People: How to Nourish Your Soul in Today’s Hectic
    World.” Contact him at (817) 304-6148;
    jose@the5tibetans.com

    19. ==> How to Live without Regret and Anxiety

    Many people live in a state of high anxiety, constantly
    worrying about what will happen next. Yet, while there
    are some things we cannot change, such as what happens
    in Russia or Washington, there are ways to reduce our
    own anxiety and fear, according to author, teacher, and
    interfaith minister Marcia Grace. “Most people think
    that love makes the world go round. But it’s really
    guilt that does so and it drives our fear and anxiety.”
    Marcia Grace will help listeners develop a new
    understanding of the hidden motivators beneath their
    conscious awareness which may be keeping them feeling
    guilty and regretful and triggering feelings of stress,
    depression and anger. Grace’s new book, “Calm,
    Creative, Joyful! Lessons in Transforming Your Life,”
    is based on lessons she learned from teaching A Course
    in Miracles for nearly 40 years. Contact her at (631)
    924-0038; mg@MarciaGrace.com

    20. ==> Purge Your Hate for Trump

    Have you noticed that thousands of Americans are
    voicing their displeasure at Donald Trump’s drama-
    filled presidency? Even people who voted for Trump are
    questioning his outspoken and not-so-diplomatic style,
    his propensity for turning supporters into enemies, his
    controversial initiatives such as immigration
    regulations, and the hectic way his White House is
    (dis)functioning. But none of that should be cause to
    “hate” the man – says social/spiritual lecturer Patric
    Rutherford, Ph.D., author of “God and President Trump
    Plus the Rest of Us.” Dr. Rutherford says respectfully
    disagreeing with President Trump (or anyone in power,
    including your own boss) is a way to solidify your
    strength and make change happen. Conversely, you are
    dis-empowered by loathing a leader or attacking his/her
    character. With an extensive background in Christian
    principles, political research and health care
    administration, Dr. Rutherford (himself an immigrant
    from Jamaica) will reveal how to navigate the Trump Era
    and use one’s vote wisely. Contact him at (786)
    201-6638; patricrutherford@gmail.com.

  • 04/05/18 RTIR Newsletter: World Autism Month, Workplace Theft, Tsunami Lady

    April 5, 2018

    01. What We Can Learn from YouTube Shooting
    02. Journalist on Wave of Teacher Strikes
    03. Why Everyone Should Celebrate 420 Day
    04. Dumb Teens – Condom Snorting Challenge
    05. Millennials Will Get Stuck with Broke Parents
    06. What’s Wrong with America’s Health System?
    07. The Real Reason People Steal at Work
    08. Why You Shouldn’t Be a Trump Hater
    09. She Healed Herself from Mysterious Health Crisis
    10. Swept Away: Interview the Tsunami Lady
    11. Would You Quit Work to Watch Your Grandkid?
    12. April is Poetry Month: Contest Inspires Kids to Write
    13. Suicide Averted: ‘Why I’m Glad the Gun Jammed’
    14. World Autism Month – Free Resource for Parents
    15. Take the Hope Challenge

    =============================
    1. ==> What We Can Learn from YouTube Shooting

    Juliette Kayyem says in many respects, the California
    YouTube shooting is just another case of gun violence.
    Though technically not a mass shooting, it can tell us
    what we — a school, a business, a community — can do
    better given that the system was tested. “In the coming
    days, YouTube must assess how it performed when the
    emergency was unfolding. Did employees get notified?
    Have they been trained in active shooter protocols? Did
    police know the campus-like facility and what to do?
    What sorts of communications were coming from
    headquarters to notify the public and employee family
    members? In other words, did the system work?” Juliette
    Kayyem is the author of “Security Mom: My Life
    Protecting the Home and Homeland.” She is a professor
    at Harvard’s Kennedy School, a former assistant
    secretary of the Department of Homeland Security in the
    Obama administration and CEO of Zemcar. Contact her at
    (617) 496-2454; Juliette_kayyem@hks.harvard.edu or
    @juliettekayyem

    2. ==> Journalist on Wave of Teacher Strikes

    Mike Elk is senior labor reporter at Payday Report and
    just wrote the piece “Wave of teachers’ wildcat strikes
    spreads to Oklahoma and Kentucky” for the Guardian. He
    says, “The strikers have been buoyed by a successful
    strike by their peers in West Virginia, their first
    statewide work stoppage since 1990, which ended with
    them winning a 5 percent pay rise and other
    concessions. On Friday, teachers in Kentucky went out
    on illegal wildcat strikes in more than 25 counties
    against the wishes of union leaders to protest against
    draconian changes to the state’s … pension plans.” The
    Oklahoma walkout this week is about overhauling a
    broken system that has been plagued by budget cuts that
    leave some schools operating just four days a week. He
    adds, “While Oklahoma has the country’s lowest tax on
    oil and natural gas production, teachers’ salaries
    remain stubbornly low, at 49th in the nation.” Elk is
    currently in Oklahoma. Contact him at
    mike.elk@gmail.com; @MikeElk

    3. ==> Why Everyone Should Celebrate 420 Day

    On April 20th at 4:20 p.m. people all over the world
    will gather to smoke marijuana in celebration of 420
    Day (National Weed Day). Invite Dr. Regina Nelson and
    Michael Browning on your show to find out why you too
    should consider smoking pot that day in celebration of
    the holiday that reportedly began with a gathering of
    high school students in California in the mid-1970s.
    These media-savvy marijuana educators can discuss
    everything from why grandma may be smoking pot to the
    considerable medicinal benefits of cannabis to the
    stoner myths people still believe. They can also talk
    about the latest states to legalize medical marijuana
    and issues facing people trying to access it. Dr.
    Regina Nelson and Michael Browning coauthored “Time for
    the Talk: Talking to Your Doctor or Patient About
    Medical Cannabis.” Regina has done Ph.D. level research
    on marijuana. Regina and Michael can also share tales
    from their national educational tour—including their
    bust in Oklahoma. Regina will be the keynote speaker
    for this month’s World Medical Cannabis Conference.
    Contact them at (303) 505-0591; ecstherapyco@gmail.com

    4. ==> Dumb Teens – Condom Snorting Challenge

    There’s a new and dangerous challenge sweeping social
    media. Viral videos show teens snorting condoms as part
    of a so-called “condom snorting challenge.” In the
    videos, teens put an unwrapped condom up one of their
    nostrils and inhale until the condom comes out of their
    mouth. Dr. John Huber can discuss why teens (or anyone
    for that matter) would think this is a good idea, other
    disturbing trends like the cinnamon challenge and the
    Tide Pod challenge, and how parents should talk to
    their teens if they discover they are taking any of
    these challenges. A mental health professional for over
    twenty years, Dr. Huber is a clinical forensic
    psychologist and chairman of Mainstream Mental Health,
    a non-profit organization. Contact Ryan McCormick at
    (516) 901-1103; (919) 377-1200

    5. ==> Millennials Will Get Stuck with Broke Parents

    We’re accustomed to millennials living in their
    parents’ basements as they struggle to save enough
    money to have a place of their own. But according to
    Rodger Friedman, it won’t be long until baby boomers
    begin living in their children’s basements because they
    failed to save enough money to fund their retirement
    years. Friedman calls this trend The Reverse Boomerang
    Effect and says baby boomers’ out-of-control spending
    habits will come back to bite their children. A
    chartered retirement planning counselor and former
    senior vice president of Morgan Stanley, Friedman will
    reveal the questions millennials should be asking their
    parents today to make sure that they don’t have to
    share their homes with them after they run of money
    tomorrow. He’ll also discuss the worst reasons people
    give for not saving for retirement, and what people can
    do who are late to the game and provide listeners with
    access to a free list of 21 Mistakes That Can
    Annihilate Your Retirement. The author of “The Mindset
    of Retirement Success” and two other books on the
    topic, this experienced talk-show guest who has been
    featured in Time, U.S. News and numerous radio programs
    will definitely not be living his children’s basement.
    Contact him at (301) 922-17732; RF179203@gmail.com

    6. ==> What’s Wrong with America’s Health Delivery
    System?

    The industry of medicine, including insurance
    companies, Big Pharma, and a medical corporate
    structure that appears driven more by profits than
    patient consideration, represent a significant problem
    in our health care delivery. Doctors are growing
    frustrated to the point of leaving the profession.
    Nurses and ancillary teams are drowning in over-
    documentation and have less time for patient care.
    Invite Michael J. Young, M.D., to discuss his
    experience with the challenges to our health care
    delivery system gone awry. A practicing physician
    (surgeon and specialist in urology) for three decades,
    and author of “The Illness of Medicine,” Dr. Young will
    offer insights for both patients and health care
    professionals, explore how America’s health delivery
    process is in need of repair, and share his own story
    and been-there experiences other doctors rarely
    discuss. Contact William Dorich at (310) 923-2157,
    gmbooks@icloud.com

    7. ==> The Real Reason People Steal at Work

    Companies would never think of deliberately offering
    jobs or contracts to thieves. Yet studies show that 95
    percent of employees and vendors admit to stealing at
    the workplace! Learn more from sought-after
    profitability specialist and entrepreneur Ruth King,
    whose book series “The Ugly Truth about Cash” includes
    “50 Ways Employees and Vendors Steal from You and What
    You Can Do About It.” While warning businesses of all
    sizes, King will also reveal what motivates seemingly
    honest professionals to “help themselves” to employer
    products, raw materials, financial resources and office
    supplies — or to exaggerate hours on time
    cards/reports. Do they think the goodies are owed to
    them? Are they making up for their own financial snags
    or personal needs? Regardless, King says this costs
    businesses millions annually, and YOU ultimately pay
    for such crimes. Hear King’s cost-saving strategies for
    discovering, preventing and recovering from workplace
    theft and embezzlement. Callers can also share shocking
    stories of what gets stolen from their work-sites.
    Contact Ruth King at (770) 729-8000;
    rking@ontheribbon.com.

    8. ==> Even If You Don’t Agree with Donald Trump… You
    Shouldn’t Hate Him

    Have you noticed that thousands of Americans are
    voicing their displeasure at Donald Trump’s drama-
    filled presidency? Even those people who voted for
    Trump are questioning his outspoken and not-so-
    diplomatic style, his propensity for turning supporters
    into enemies, his controversial initiatives such as
    immigration regulations, and the hectic way his White
    House is (dis)functioning. But none of that should be
    cause to “hate” the man – says social/spiritual
    lecturer Patric Rutherford, Ph.D., author of “God and
    President Trump Plus the Rest of Us.” Dr. Rutherford
    says respectfully disagreeing with President Trump (or
    anyone in power, including your own boss) is a way to
    solidify your strength and make change happen.
    Conversely, you are dis-empowered by loathing a leader
    or attacking his/her character. With an extensive
    background in Christian principles, political research
    and health care administration, Dr. Rutherford (himself
    an immigrant from Jamaica) will reveal how to navigate
    the Trump Era and use one’s vote wisely. Contact him at
    (786) 201-6638; patricrutherford@gmail.com.

    9. ==> She Healed Herself from Today’s Most Mysterious
    Health Crisis

    International wellness speaker Leah McCullough is the
    picture of health, upbeat mood and boundless energy.
    But like millions of other people, she once suffered
    from debilitating pain and fatigue caused by
    fibromyalgia. That’s until Leah, known worldwide as The
    Fibro Lady, learned how to conquer the effects of that
    mysterious disease. Chances are you know someone (maybe
    yourself!) who needs Leah’s advice on a unique approach
    of nutrition, supplements, and lifestyle changes for
    newfound relief and recovery. Leah, author of “Freedom
    from Fibromyalgia: 7 Steps to Complete Recovery” and
    “Eat to Energize,” can discuss initial symptoms of
    fibromyalgia, parts of the body most affected hand how
    the disease can render people (including celebrities)
    unable to work, travel, or experience normal everyday
    activities even in the prime of life. You’ll also learn
    why the medical community is largely perplexed and why
    women seem more prone to developing the condition.
    Contact Leah McCullough at (859) 380-9737;
    Leah@TheFibroLady.com.

    10. ==> Swept Away: Interview the Tsunami Lady

    Imagine a wall of water rising out of nowhere, crashing
    through your ground floor room in a resort in paradise.
    Disoriented and fighting for breath, you have no idea
    why you are suddenly submerged in a nightmare, pinned
    against familiar objects turned deadly and unsure what
    has happened to the other people you love. For most of
    us, a tsunami is something we might see in a movie. But
    for Sana Brauner, it was life or death when a beautiful
    holiday in Thailand with family and friends turned
    deadly. Sana survived as did her son and ex-husband but
    her mother did not and her two-year-old daughter has
    never been found. Sana can talk about what it was like
    to lose everything you hold dear in an instant, and the
    steps she’s taken to recover from the 2004 ordeal.
    Brauner is the author of “The Borrowed Daughter,” a
    memoir containing lessons to help anyone going through
    a life crisis. She is based in Vienna. Contact her at
    s.brauner@ihr-einkauf.at or through Skype: sanabr

    11. ==> Would You Interrupt Your Career to Care for a
    Grandchild?

    When Dr. Oliver Akamnonu and his wife learned their
    daughter, Nena, was having her first child while
    finishing medical school, they were inspired to go from
    busy professionals to busy babysitters. Unlike many
    grandparents, they were willing to interrupt their
    careers and empty-nest lifestyle to be Nena’s support
    system, by caring for baby Lydia. Oliver will explain
    why it was the best move his family ever made and why
    other active grandparents may want to consider such a
    commitment. He’ll offer insights on re-configuring life
    so grandparenting and babysitting become the priority
    and explain why launching a grown child (successfully!)
    often involves the family’s newest generation. Oliver
    can also discuss childcare refresher tips, how to get
    enough rest, nutrition and recreation when your
    calendar seems ultra-packed, and decisions beyond
    returning to work, once your grandchild enters primary
    school. Contact Oliver at (413) 693-8428;
    ooakams@yahoo.com.

    12. ==> April Is Poetry Month: Children’s Author
    Inspires Kids to Write

    Poetry is a wonderful form of expression but can be a
    bit intimidating to young writers. Sometimes all it
    takes to get kids involved in poetry is a little
    encouragement and a fun contest! Children’s author and
    mother of three Rosie J. Pova uses writing contests to
    inspire new writers to get involved and has received
    enthusiastic feedback from teachers. In addition to the
    thrill of being recognized for their talent, cool
    prizes, like a Kindle for kids, offer some extra
    incentive. Invite Pova to share her stories about how
    she gets young minds writing and why teachers fully
    support her efforts. During Poetry Month, her Haiku
    Hype contest is open to students in grades 3 to 5 and
    teachers and librarians can send in student haikus for
    consideration from 4/9 – 4/27. Pova is the author of
    several children’s books including her latest, “Sarah’s
    Song.” She has been featured on radio and in print.
    Contact her at (214) 563-1633 (TX);
    rosie.pova@yahoo.com

    13. ==> Suicide Averted: ‘Why I’m Glad the Gun Jammed’

    When Dr. Jeanne Sanner was in her early 20s she was so
    despondent she put her then-husband’s Air Force-issued
    pistol to her head and pulled the trigger. Unhappy with
    her marriage, unsure of her sexual orientation, afraid
    of hurting her family and everyone else she loved, she
    decided that her best option was to kill herself.
    Luckily, the gun jammed. Jeanne has gone on to live a
    rich, full life she would have missed out on. She has
    also come to realize that “there is no problem that
    cannot be solved if we seek the right resources.”
    Jeanne can share a simple formula she created that has
    already helped hundreds of people change their beliefs
    to lead happier lives. She is the author of “Finding
    Unconditional Love a Little Peace at a Time.” She has a
    doctorate in spiritual studies, a master’s in education
    and a bachelor’s in psychology. Reach her at (949)
    460-9450; jeannesanner@yahoo.com

    14. ==> World Autism Month – Free Resource for Parents

    Parenting a child is a difficult job but parenting a
    child on the autism spectrum is even more so. April is
    World Autism Month and the National Autism Academy is
    making its pioneering, seven-part series “The 7
    Emotional Secrets of Parents with Autistic Children”
    available for free to those interested in understanding
    life with autism. Jeanne Beard, the academy’s founder
    and the parent of a 21-year-old autistic son, says the
    10- to 12-minute videos explore the emotional
    challenges parents of special needs children (and
    others) face, including dealing with compassion
    fatigue, burnout, and living with loss. The series
    deals with the practical (Steps you can take if you
    feel like the school is failing your child) and
    personal (How your emotions drive your child’s behavior
    and what successful parents do to feel better). Jeanne
    Beard was a writer on the book “Finding the Gray:
    Understanding and Thriving in the Black and White World
    of Autism and Asperger’s.” “Autism and the Rest of Us:
    How to Sustain a Healthy and Functional Relationship
    with a Person on the Autism Spectrum” is her first book
    written under her own name. Contact her at (630)
    542-1191; jeanne@nationalautismacademy.com

    15. ==> Take the Hope Challenge

    Research studies have found people who are hopeful
    excel in life, live longer and live well. But sometimes
    hope needs a little assist, notes Rosalind Tompkins,
    creator of the first National Month of Hope, in April.
    Through her organization Mothers in Crisis, Tompkins is
    issuing a Hope Challenge to ordinary people to reach
    out to folks they know at work or in their community
    who are feeling hopeless perhaps due to job loss,
    marital troubles or struggles with addiction. Tompkins
    has set an impressive goal—fostering at least 10,000
    “hope chats” this year. Mothers in Crisis is a
    nonprofit comprised of women and men in recovery from
    drug and alcohol addiction. Rosalind’s humanitarian
    work has taken her around the world to help widows,
    orphans, and refugees. The founder of Turning Point
    International Church and its school of ministry,
    Rosalind has written four books including “As Long as
    There Is Breath in Your Body, There Is Hope.” Contact
    her at (850) 933-2412; ryt2@aol.com