Video games used to take on the face of "one size fits all". Everyone could play tennis or space invaders. There was nothing sinister there. Today, as the graphics have gotten more complex, so have the subject of the games themselves. Parents often find themselves asking, "What video games are good for my kids?

To make the choices easier for parents (especially those who know nothing at all about video games) the gaming industry has come up with a rating system for their games which can be found on the outside of every game that is sold. This system is called the ESRB or the Entertainment Software Ratings Board rating system. It rates games from those appropriate for children to those that are only appropriate for adults. This helps parents know what games are appropriate for their children.

The difference between video games is distinct so it is important for parents to be involved in the process and not let their kids purchase any game that they want. This rating system is similar to how movies are rated. If a kid goes to a theater and asks for a ticket to see an R-rated movie, he is going to get carded unless he is with an adult. Game stores can do the same. If a kid comes in and tries to buy a game that is not appropriate for his age level, they can ask for identification as proof of age. If you've ever seen a mature game or a game that is rated for adults only, you will know why this system is in place. The rating levels are as follows:

EC (Early Childhood)
E (Everyone)
E 10+ (Everyone over 10 years of age)
T (Teens)
M (Mature, anyone over 17 years of age)
AO (Adults only)
RP (not yet rated)

Most games fall between the E and the M. The usual area that changes is the violence and the language. In an E-rated game, you'll see things like you see in Donkey Kong, Super Mario Bros and Duck Hunt (classics:). Teen games involve more crashed and fighting like Mortal Combat and Street Fighter. There will be blood as well. Mature games are the ones your kids may try to sneak past you in the house. Profanity, possible nudity, sexual references and violent killings are all evident in mature games. Most of the war games, some fantasy and assassination games fall into this category (Assassin's Creed, Call of Duty, and Crysis). As a parent, you want to limit bad influences on your children as much as possible. If you have to, offer to play video games with your kids to find out what their friends are bringing over. To keep you out of their room and away from their friends, they may agree.

About the Author: MyJobChart.com was created as an online tool to help teach kids to work. It is an online chore chart system that enables parents and their children the flexibility of managing chores on the internet where children are becoming more and more proficient.

Mt. Pleasant SC’s, Pinckney Elementary School, was turned into a highly competitive racing arena this weekend. It was the Cub Scouts annual Pinewood Derby race. One of the Scouts largest events every year. Moms and Dads, mostly Dads lets face it, work very hard along side their scout every year to build the fasted derby car with the best design or paint job.
This event was started in 1953 by Don Murphy. Murphy’s son was to young to participate in the Soap Box Derby, so he came up with the idea of racing miniature wood cars. The cars had the same gravity-powered concept as the Box cars, but were smaller and were not raced by the scout. By 1955 the pinewood derby was part of the official Cub Scouting program and, while always optional, has become a key part of many Cub Scout packs’ annual programs.

It is easy to see why the event has become so popular.
Flash ahead fifty-seven years to Charleston, SC and you will see the same principles and excitement of yesteryears. The Cub Scouts in pack 505 range from six to ten years old and are categorized by Tiger, Wolf, Bear, and Weblo Scouts. Each group races against each other and then the winners advance to the final round. It is a lot harder done than said. Each scout receives the same block of wood, axel, and four wheels. The most difficult challenge after the actual car design, which takes some intense carving and shaving, is to find the exact balance of weight without butchering the cars. Cars can’t weigh over 5.0 ounces and those weighing under that don’t have much of a chance. The scouts have to be very creative as well with securing axels and gloss finishes, sticker placement, and unique names. Some of the favorites this year were Blue Thunder, Orange Crush, The dragon Claw, & Shake and Bake.

A casual observer might pick up on a few details in the all day event. One is the camaraderie among the scouts. They genuinely encourage each other and have fun no matter who is winning. Also, the scouts seem to always use their events to serve the community or those in need. This year a bake sale was added to the Derby to raise money for the victims of the Haiti earthquake. Publix manager, James Bongalis, the 1971 winner of Pinewood Derby, was there serving ice cream to help in those efforts, along with donations from Joey Bag of Donuts and Pizza Hut.

Many parents have their children in sporting events year round and as that is a great advantage for children to build self esteem and even achieve scholarships, there is something very pure about the Cub Scouts. The purpose of the Pinewood Derby event is to help the Cub Scout build a team relationship with their parent or helper, experience the sense of accomplishment and the excitement of competition, learn good sportsmanship, and to have fun

One of the 3 top goals set for the Derby race is “Family Understanding.”
Building a pinewood derby car puts the boy and his mom, dad, or other adult partner into a close and sometimes intense learning experience over, potentially, many hours.
Second, “Personal Achievement,” which comes to any boy who picks up a woodworking tool and shapes raw wood into a sleek design. 
And of course “Sportsmanship and good citizenship” is high priority and is taught by following the derby rules and cheering on friends and den partners as they race against others in the pack.
Congratulations to this years winners. Evan Myers, a Tiger Scout, took home first place. Daniel Reinhart, a wolf Scout placed second. Remington Hough, a Webelo, received third place. Riely turcotte, another Wolf Scout, placed fourth.


To find out more about the Scouts in Charleston, SC visit the Coastal Carolina Council http://www.coastalcarolinabsa.org/openrosters/view_homepage.asp?orgkey=1991

Voted Best use of weight. The middle coin is a Homeland Security coin.

Video Wrap up of the Day's Events.

Hello again my fans, here is another one of my opinions that I have formed over the years of watching our government in action. Frankly, it scares me to think that there is a very good possibility that this is taking place in the United States of America.

Watch the video above and think about what you have seen in this country called the United States of America. What if the U.S. government released an "educational video" to teach today's Americans how to be good citizens?

Our country is known as the country of "Freedom"! Do we want this to change?

If we don't make some serious changes in our government this could very well happen.

Please take time to think long and hard about the video after you have watched it. This could be our last chance to rise and STOP the Tyranny.

Thank you for taking time to watch the video. Leave your comments below and discuss it among yuor friends and family. I know Americans will do the right thing and Stop Tyranny Today!

(ARA) - Children can add so much to a wedding day - from the ring bearer toddling down the aisle carrying a pillow with precious cargo, to the flower girl who sweetly perfumes your path to the altar by dropping tender petals in her wake. As special as you feel on your wedding day, you'll want even your littlest helpers to share in the feeling and know that you appreciate them.

To ensure that your young attendants are happy campers on the big day, you'll want to help them look their best and make them feel that they have an important role. Here are some helpful hints that you can put in practice, whether the child is your own or the child of a loved one. Follow these tips, and you'll help ensure the youngest members of your wedding party have a positive experience that they - and you - will remember for a lifetime.

Make her feel special

Chances are you're not the only female in your wedding party who's doing something special, exciting - and intimidating - for the first time. Your flower girl or young bridesmaid is also experiencing a once-in-a-lifetime, princess-like moment, and may feel understandably nervous at the prospect of having all eyes on her as she precedes you down the aisle. Making her feel special, as if she is a little princess, will help boost her self-confidence.

Brides spend lots of time and energy picking out dresses for their flower girls and junior bridesmaids, taking into account not only how the dress will fit in with the look of the wedding, but how it will complement the wearer. Accessories are just as important, and the youngest members of the wedding party should have some small items to highlight their attire, just as every bride should.

Not only will jewelry enhance the look, it will be a keepsake of the day - look for pieces that are high quality (so that they will last a lifetime), but reflective of the wearer's age. Disney Precious Collections offers fine children's jewelry for girls that will be perfect for any wedding. The pieces are understated and elegant, but also feature the youthful spirit of beloved Disney characters - they make ideal flower girl gifts.

Keep her involved

Children love being involved in life's big moments and decisions as much as possible. Keep your flower girl or young bridesmaid part of the decision-making process as much as possible leading up to your wedding day.

In addition to involving them in fun things like wedding showers, putting stamps on invitations and hair and make-up trials, give your young attendants some options that they can choose from. Will she wear her hair up or down? With flowers, ribbons or feathers?

You can also give her options about what kind of flower girl jewelry she might wear. For a special surprise, you could show her examples of earrings, necklaces and bracelets from Disney Precious Collections well ahead of time, and then surprise her on the day of the wedding with the one she liked best. To look through the jewelry options that can become treasured wedding memories for your junior bridesmaids and flower girls, visit www.PreciousJewelryCollections.com.

Make your day child-friendly

Though you'll feel like your wedding day is flying by, it can be a long day for the littlest members of your wedding party. Even the best-mannered kids get tired and out of sorts after hours of activity, so it's good to take that into consideration. You'll be in a whirlwind of excitement, so make sure that you have a trusted attendant who can help accommodate children's needs.

Think about scheduling your photos so that pictures with children will be taken first and quickly. They'll be energetic and happy, and if you can have the photos taken soon after hair and make-up are done, everyone will look picture-perfect.

Plan to have something special for youngsters - both wedding party members and young guests - at the reception. Consider offering kid-friendly menu items, or have separate entertainment like balloon animals, a toy box or a coloring station with crayons and a paper easel to keep kids happy and occupied while adults enjoy the grown-up activities at the reception.

Keeping the youngest members of your wedding party happy on your wedding day will help ensure the day is special, memorable and enjoyable for everyone.

Courtesy of ARAcontent