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10-year-old involved in shootout with police
Colombian police were surprised Friday when they discovered that a thief that was shooting at police officers was a 10-year-old boy who engaged in crime alongside his father.
The incident happened in the city of Cucuta, capital of the Norte de Santander province, near the border with Venezuela, when police were called in to intervene over a burglary at a condominium building.
Colonel Carlos Villadiego, police commander in the province, said a patrol was deployed and found two suspects who were holding hostage a private watchman.
'The person who was pointing a gun at the watchman was a 10-year- old boy, and the person who was at the time stealing property was that child's father,' said Villadiego.
When they were discovered, the thieves attacked police and tried to escape, but they were eventually caught.
'The perfect synchronization that father and son had so that one ran while the other covered him shooting at police was striking - a pretty difficult situation for officers, in the knowledge that they were facing a boy,' Villadiego explained.
The child was handed over to a state agency that takes care of minors, while his father was arrested. Colombian police were surprised Friday when they discovered that a thief that was shooting at police officers was a 10-year-old boy wh... more -
Man confronts Fathers 4 Justice protesters because of "Lesbo Dads" banne...
A man who fathered a child for a lesbian couple angrily confronted a group of Fathers 4 Justice protesters as they demonstrated with a banner against "Lesbo Dads".
The break-away New Fathers 4 Justice group held their first protest march in a quiet residential street in Bristol, outside the constituency office for Health Minister Dawn Primarolo.
Last week F4J was closed down by its founder Matt O'Connor, but days later, the New F4J was set up by Nigel Ace and Mark Harris, who made a rooftop protest on the house of Deputy Labour Leader Harriet Harman in June.
But their first stunt under "new management" has attracted criticism for being homophobic.
Dressed in their usual superhero attire, the members shouted slogans and played a loud siren while carrying a 10 foot banner which read "Kids need real Dads not Dawn's Lesbo Dads".
Unfortunately for the 10-strong group, Mrs Primarolo had left her office in Chessel Street 20 minutes earlier.
They claim Mrs Primarolo's backing for the Human Embryology and IVF bill signalled a dismissal of the need for a male role model in a family by making it easier for single females or lesbian couples to use sperm donors.
The disturbance attracted residents out of their houses, several of which angrily confronted the group. One man, who did not want to be named, questioned the F4J's attitude and revealed he had been a sperm donor for two lesbian friends whose baby was born six months ago.
He said: "I came out to confront them because of what I saw as blatant homophobia. I don't think they have intentionally come out to rile against homosexual rights or feminism but they are not doing themselves any favours. "The core of what they want is equality and that is what feminism and homosexual rights is about." A man who fathered a child for a lesbian couple angrily confronted a group of Fathers 4 Justice protesters as they demonstrated with a... more -
Would you ask a friend to be the father of your child?
A new survey has revealed that more than half of women would think about asking a friend to have children with them if the right person doesn't come along. The study found that 56% of women would consider it if they hadn't found someone by a certain age - with 28 to 31 year-olds being the most likely.
The survey shows that many single men and women are worried about meeting a true love as well as fertility issues. About half of the women who answered the Vitabiotics survey admitted that they think about finding the right partner either frequently or on a daily basis. Many also said they would settle for second-best if they didn't meet the right person.
Psychologist Linda Papadopoulos said: "Interestingly, social norms of parenting and of the conventional family structure are being challenged - no longer do we see the mum, dad and 2.4 children as the only ideal. Reconstituted families, same sex families and single parents are much more prevalent these days. And rather than ascribing to the 'norm' it seems that women and men are more flexible with their definition of 'family'." A new survey has revealed that more than half of women would think about asking a friend to have children with them if the right perso... more -
Mysterious cot deaths can be caused by infections
Specific cases of cot death may be caused by a bacterial infection, researchers say.
The Archives of Disease in Childhood study found samples from babies who had died for no apparent reason often carried potentially-harmful bacteria. Some experts believe toxins produced by these bacteria could trigger a chemical storm, which overwhelms the baby, resulting in sudden death.
There are around 250 sudden infant deaths a year in the UK. The majority are never fully explained.
Professor George Haycock, scientific advisor to the Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths, said: "The suggestion that infectious organisms such as S. aureus and E. coli play a part in a proportion of sudden infant deaths provides us with another important piece of the SIDS puzzle. It is important to recognise that both S. aureus and E coli are ubiquitous organisms carried by most, if not all, of the healthy adult population and that colonisation of infants does not imply lack of hygiene or normal care, but is bound to happen in a proportion of individuals." Specific cases of cot death may be caused by a bacterial infection, researchers say. ... more -
Who's the daddy? DNA shows fifth of fathers not the real dad in Child Support...
Nearly one in five paternity claims handled by the Child Support Agency end up showing the mother has deliberately or inadvertently misidentified the father, figures show.
Since DNA paternity testing figures began to be collected in 1998-99, 4,854 paternity claims have turned out to be false after DNA testing.
Under child support legislation it is a criminal offence to make a false statement or representation, and to provide false documents or information.
But according to the CSA, there has not been a single prosecution of a woman for making a false claim.
Government-approved paternity tests, based on samples in multiple parts of the body, are deemed to be 99.99% accurate.
CSA rules state that if the DNA test establishes that the named father is the actual father, then he must pay for the cost of the test. If the DNA establishes he is not the father then the taxpayer pays, so there is no consquence for the mother in making a false claim.
The latest figures for 2007-08 show that out of 3,474 tests ordered, 661 or 19% named the wrong man. The negative results for tests taken in 2004-05 were 10.6%, in 2005-06 were 16.4%, and 13.6% in 2006-07.
Are the women claiming for Child Surport just uncertain of who their baby's father is? Or is this deliberate scamming? Should these wrongful claimants be prosecuted? What impact will this have on the children whose fathers are wrongly identified? And who should foot the cost of these investgations - the taxpayer? Nearly one in five paternity claims handled by the Child Support Agency end up showing the mother has deliberately or inadvertently mi... more -
"No limit" to number of parents a child can have, says judge
The Evening Standard reports that a boy has been 'given' two fathers in a landmark Court of Appeal ruling which declares there is "no limit" to the number of parents a child can have.
The country's most senior family court judge, Sir Mark Potter, decided that a man who brought up the boy believing him to be his own child was entitled to parental rights - even though he has turned out not be the father.
The ruling means that the child now effectively has two fathers and that the person who raised him, referred to only as Mr A, has the same rights as the boy's biological parent.
In addition to granting Mr A parental rights, the judge added that it was possible for a child to have any number of parents and that parental rights should be determined both by the role a person played in a child's life and by biology.
What do you think? How many parents should a child have? How can more than two parents juggle all the decision-making for their child? And who would have the casting vote!? The Evening Standard reports that a boy has been 'given' two fathers in a landmark Court of Appeal ruling which declares the... more -
Fatherhood Rules
Rory Stamp, the new and slightly confused father of baby Lucie, decides to gives Current viewers his own, unique 10 point guide to fatherhood. Rory Stamp, the new and slightly confused father of baby Lucie, decides to gives Current viewers his own, unique 10 point guide to fat... more
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One Million Fathers Asked to Lead the Nation Back to School This Fall
"Education has become a matter of national security. Because we cannot control our schools, we cannot control our economy. And because we cannot control our economy, we cannot control and protect our quality of life in America," says Phillip Jackson, Executive Director of The Black Star Project, U.S.A. The Black Star Project is sponsoring the Million Father March 2008 on the first day of school in nearly 300 cities across America. The Million Father March has become a special day that fathers and men use to make a commitment to their children, their families, their communities and their country with their dynamic presence at a school. This is the real fathers' day!
The Million Father March 2008 will play-out at thousands of schools across America and in other parts of the world. About 300,000 men from 127 cities participated in the Million Father March in 2006. An estimated 400,000 men in 238 cities participated in 2007. This year, an estimated 500,000 men from 300 cities are expected to participate. The Million Father March also provides an escort of safety, support, and encouragement to children of all ages on their first day of school. Jackson says, "Gang recruitment, bullying and random violence goes way down on any day that a group of men are at a school."
Research shows that children whose fathers take an active role in their educational lives earn better grades, get better test scores, enjoy school more and are more likely to graduate from high school and attend college. Additionally, children have fewer behavior problems when fathers listen to and talk with them regularly and are active in their lives. A good father is part of a good parent team and is critical to creating a strong family structure. Strong family structures produce children who are more academically proficient, socially developed and self-assured. Such children become adults who are valuable assets to their communities. "Better parents produce better communities, better schools, and better students with higher academic achievements," says Jackson.
Participants in the event include fathers, grandfathers, foster fathers, stepfathers, uncles, cousins, big brothers, significant male caregivers and friends of the family. Although this event is created by Black men, women and men of all races are also encouraged to take their children to school on their first day. Businesses are asked to give fathers and men 2 hours off that morning to take their children to school. Men will also be encouraged to volunteer at schools throughout the year. A special effort will be made to coordinate Latino Fathers in La Marcha de Padres.
Since schools across America and the world start the new school year on different days and months, the March will be a rolling event that takes place on the first day of this school year in cities, villages, and towns between August 7, 2008, and October 13, 2008. The 2008 Million Father March is managed by The Black Star Project, U.S.A. in partnership with the National PTA and the National Fatherhood Initiative. Please visit our website for complete information at www.blackstarproject.org. You may also email blackstar1000@ameritech.net or call 773-285-9600 for more information. "Education has become a matter of national security. Because we cannot control our schools, we cannot control our economy. And be... more -
More rights for fathers? Australia wants to protect dads
Australia's sex discrimination commissioner has gone in to fight for the country's men who complain that their careers suffer if they take time out to be dads.
Sex Discrimination Commissioner Elizabeth Broderick said Australia needed to change laws to better protect men who choose the "daddy track" and to ensure men and women have equal access to flexible work arrangements and time-off for family duties.
Many Australian companies were reluctant to allow men to work part-time so they could take a bigger role in looking after their children, she added. "Men told of the pressure that they felt to be the primary breadwinner and the long work hours that prevented them from sharing time with their partners, children and other family members," Broderick said on Tuesday. "Men can only bring a complaint if they are sacked."
Broderick released a report on key areas needed to improve gender equity which found women were still paid less than men, had less retirement savings, did more unpaid work and child caring, and were subjected to more sexual harassment.
But she said that although both men and women complained about trying to juggle work and home responsibilities, Australia's laws offered more protection to mothers than fathers.
Appointed to the position last September, Broderick said reducing the incidence of sexual harassment, and helping Australians balance work and family commitments, would be key areas for time in the job.
(Reuters) Australia's sex discrimination commissioner has gone in to fight for the country's men who complain that their careers suffe... more -
Angst, Lies & Audio Tape
The Antagonist Movement hosts weekly events in NYC's East Village. It showcases local artists such as Brother Mike Cohen who shares his family's dysfunction through live readings and 'zines. Brother Mike incorporates a boombox into his readings and plays old, secretly-recorded tapes of teenage fights with his father. His booklet, "Somewhere Between a Punch and a Hand Shake," published by the antagonist press, is a highly-regarded example of antagonist art.
http://antagonistmovement.com The Antagonist Movement hosts weekly events in NYC's East Village. It showcases local artists such as Brother Mike Cohen who shar... more -
Barack Obama at NAACP Annual Conference
On Monday Barack Obama spoke at the NAACP Annual Conference
Another great great speech that will still fall on def ears and be summed up as just words and soundbites from a typical politician.
Fortunately for Obama supporters, I think hes going to win in November. On Monday Barack Obama spoke at the NAACP Annual Conference ... more -
Father kills daughter over divorce
25 year old Sandeela Kanwal was strangled by her father Chaundry Rashid in Jonesboro, Georgia after having an argument.
It is suspected that Kanwal, who was forced into an arranged marriage while in Pakistan, had a fight with her father about divorcing her husband.
Kanwal's husband now lives in Chicago, and Rashid has been arrested and will appear in court. 25 year old Sandeela Kanwal was strangled by her father Chaundry Rashid in Jonesboro, Georgia after having an argument. ... more -
The perfect husband...is there one?
I think every woman has an idea what a perfect husband is......
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Should Children HaveThe Right To Divorce Their Non Biological Parent ?
The 2 biological-parent family is slowly being dismantled by the spread of no fault divorces and now the imposition of same sex marriage
By separating the parental biological relationships from marriage, it will become over time more like another legal contract.
Non biological "parents" (Party A and Party B) will become more like glorified legal guardians.
Children, now unrelated by blood to one or both of these "parents" and that feel robbed for not having a father or a mother can demand and be given the right to divorce them.
Don't children have the same rights as children of natural marriage ? The right to their own father and mother. The 2 biological-parent family is slowly being dismantled by the spread of no fault divorces and now the imposition of same sex marria... more -
Pip Squeak A-Go-Go
A wave of rock 'n' roll toddlers are being raised by a new generation of parents.The Devil-Ettes, San Francisco's premier 60s style go-go dance group, Host "Pip Squeak A-Go-Go," a kiddie go-go party with entertainment for the kids and cocktails for the parents. A wave of rock 'n' roll toddlers are being raised by a new generation of parents.The Devil-Ettes, San Francisco's premi... more
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A Father’s Day Moment: Only a Dad, But the Best of Men
"A Father's Day Moment: Only a Dad, But the Best of Men." This composition is a salute to fathers everywhere. The tributary arrangement is a Father's Day gift, which is composed of amazing photographs, a Father's Day poem, an emotionally touching video/photo-gallery and a heartwarming music video. "A Father's Day Moment: Only a Dad, But the Best of Men." This composition is a salute to fathers everywhere. The tri... more
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The Purest Thing In Life
Record producer and hip hop mogul, Jermaine Dupri, talks about the most important thing in his life: his daugher. JermaineDupri.com
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Sacrifice For My Sons
John from Secondhand Serenade has been deeply impacted by the love and sacrifice of his father. MySpace.com/SecondhandSerenade
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"Lesbian Fathers ! " and "Homosexual Mothers !" Does America H...
Based on the May 15th decision of 4 judges in California, if you do not like same sex 'marriages', you are a bigot and a racist. Same sex attraction has the same status as race in the law.according to them.
The vote of millions of Californians (61%) was made unconstitutional.
They will need Re-education, starting from kindergarten.
Sound familiar ?
Keep your homophobic hate-thoughts to yourself !!! Please.
Or you will be in trouble.
The link above is an example of a debate on the issue at the House of Commons in England.
This is a test of what is coming to America. Based on the May 15th decision of 4 judges in California, if you do not like same sex 'marriages', you are a bigot and a rac... more -
Adventures in Equal Parenting
Excerpts:
That message was one the Vachons had agreed on from the evening they met, though they were clearly still tinkering with the details. They would not be the kind of parents their parents had been — the mother-knows-best mold. Nor the kind their friends were — the “involved” dad married to the stressed-out working mom. Nor even, as Marc put it, “the stay-at-home dad, who is cooed at for his sensitivity but who is as isolated and financially vulnerable as the stay-at-home-mom.”
Instead, they would create their own model, one in which they were parenting partners. Equals and peers. They would work equal hours, spend equal time with their children, take equal responsibility for their home. Neither would be the keeper of the mental to-do lists; neither of their careers would take precedence. Both would be equally likely to plan a birthday party or know that the car needs oil or miss work for a sick child or remember (without prompting) to stop at the store for diapers and milk. They understood that this would mean recalibrating their career ambitions, and probably their income, but what they gained, they believed, would be more valuable than what they lost.
Other couples might have resigned themselves to inequity, redefining it as choice, but Marc and Amy fought back. If they were to avoid skirmishes over their parenting standards and if they were to avoid defaulting to Amy as the expert, they would have to decide what those parenting standards were. Marc explains: “Did we want to work toward a set nap schedule? Yes. Did our daughter’s outfits have to match perfectly? No. Did we need to take the diaper bag when our daughter came with us to the grocery store? Not necessarily.”
There is one pocket of American parenting in which equality is the norm or, at least, the mutually-agreed-upon goal. Same-sex couples cannot default to gender when deciding who does what at home. How these parents make their decisions, therefore, sheds some light on why married men and women act the way they do. They are the exceptions that both prove and challenge the rules.
“Heterosexual couples can learn from gay couples about sharing housework and child care,” says Esther D. Rothblum, a professor in the women’s studies department of San Diego State University whose comparative study of the relationships of 342 couples — lesbian, gay, heterosexual — was published in the journal Developmental Psychology in January. “They are good role models." Excerpts: ... more
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