Junior Achievement of Central Florida (JA) recently kicked off its annual Bowl-A-Thon fundraiser where local companies recruit teams, find sponsors and then come together at local bowling centers to bowl and raise money for JA. This year your company can support JA by participating in the 2012 Bowl-A-Thon. Teams consist of at least 10 bowlers – and there’s no limit on team size.

The event will take place throughout the first half of the year at bowling centers across Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Volusia andLakecounties. In 2011, nearly 10,000 bowlers inCentral Floridaraised enough money to help JA provide practical economic programs to 77,000 students in local schools.

“For the past 20 years, hundreds of local companies and thousands of volunteers have participated in JA’s Bowl-A-Thon,” said Craig Polejes, president of Junior Achievement of Central Florida.  “It also serves as a fun team builder for companies. As one of our primary sources of funding along with corporate gifts, Bowl-A-Thon helps us raise the dollars necessary to deliver JA’s curriculum toCentral Floridaclassrooms. The programs we provide focus on financial literacy, workforce readiness and entrepreneurship.”

To receive more information about how your company can participate, contact Lauren Arndt (407) 898-2121, ext. 18 or larndt@jacentralfl.org.

The global economy remains in flux, and investors across the globe continue to witness a roller coaster ride with respect to their investments. Substantial gains one day are followed by a precipitous decline the next, and many investors are simply along for the ride and struggling to make sense of it all.

Though veteran investors are more familiar with such fluctuations, young investors might be more confused. Some might even delay getting started on their portfolios, which is one of the many mistakes young investors commonly make. As unpredictable as the market may be, investors are often much more predictable, often repeating the behaviors of those who came before them. The following are some of the more common mistakes young investors tend to make, each of which should be avoided no matter how difficult the market becomes.

Delaying the inevitable

Young people, particularly those who are just beginning their professional careers, often procrastinate when it comes to investing. This could be thanks to a host of factors, including inexperience, fear or simply wanting extra money in their pockets while they’re young. Each of these factors makes sense, but none of them should keep young people from investing. Most young people have seen the projections that show the staggering differences in money earned when a person begins investing at 25 as opposed to 35 (or even 30). Even something as simple as investing through a company’s 401(k) is a good place to start, and young investors should take advantage of the opportunity to do so as soon as they’re eligible.

When young investors put off investing, the results later on are not often pretty. That’s because of the tendency to overcompensate down the road. For instance, an investor who had the chance to invest in a particular asset but passed, only to see that asset grow significantly, might overcompensate the next time an opportunity presents itself. This is especially dangerous when it comes to investing, as fruitful investment ideas certainly don’t grow on trees. An investor who begins young and starts learning how to invest will feel more comfortable with his or her portfolio, and won’t feel the need to make up for lost years down the road.

Being an ill-informed investor

Young investors know about the need to invest, but many simply don’t ask enough questions about their investments. A young investor is in a great position for a number of reasons. Young investors are typically decades away from retirement and, as a result, can take on the most risk. The older an investor gets, the more risk averse he or she should become. Young investors commonly understand this principle, but that does not mean they should simply sit back and accept it when a risky investment does not pan out. While it’s good for young investors to take risks, if the risk doesn’t pay off, learn the reasons behind its failures. Doing so will lay a solid foundation for future investments.

Another thing young investors must learn is to avoid taking a risk for the purpose of taking a risk. While it’s true young investors can afford risks more than their parents or grandparents, that doesn’t mean they should simply invest in any and all risky opportunities with the hopes of one of those opportunities eventually paying off in a big way. Learn what makes some risks better than others, and don’t necessarily get married to a certain investment strategy. The markets are constantly evolving, and investors need to evolve along with them to be successful over the long haul.

Only investing “extra” money

Another common mistake young people make is the way they perceive investing. Many young people approach investing as something they will do when they get some “extra” money. Unfortunately, the day young people get this extra money rarely, if ever, arrives. Additional expenses, including vacations with friends or nights out on the town tend to take precedence, and young people find themselves approaching or even in their 30s without an investment portfolio to speak of. Treat investments as a monthly expense like rent or a car payment. Then, if there is any extra money at the end of the month, add that to the amount already invested. Tomorrow never comes in the world of investing, and young investors in particular need to realize that and get started as soon as possible.

In 2011, Apple founder Steve Jobs lost his battle with pancreatic cancer. Reports indicate that Jobs, a devout Buddhist, delayed surgery and other traditional treatments for almost a year while he participated in holistic treatments for the cancer. Some of these included juice fasts, bowel cleansings, acupuncture, herbal supplements, and even a vegan diet. Eventually, Jobs had surgery, but some experts feel he waited too long.

Although conventional care is often an effective means to treating illnesses and other conditions, there are many doctors who agree that implementing natural remedies at times can be safe and effective.

Furthermore, not all natural remedies are without merit, and some traditional medicines are actually derived from natural, plant-based ingredients themselves.

According to surgeon and author, Dr. Walter C. Thompson, “Herbal medicine is safe because it’s natural. After researching the literature, one can truly say that, at the very least, herbal medicine is safer than conventional drugs.”

Those thinking about incorporating natural remedies into their health regimen can consider the following options.
* Nervousness and anxiety: Try lettuce, chamomile, valerian, and rose petals.
* Pain relief: Use omega-3 fatty acids, green tea, ginger root, and tumeric.
* Itchiness: Witch hazel, jewelweed and aloe vera are effective.
* Feminine issues: Parsley, basil and goldenseal can alleviate symptoms associated with menstruation.
* Antibiotics: Oregano and garlic are purported to have antibiotic qualities and can fend off harmful bacteria.
* Infections: Honey has long been used to heal and as an antibacterial and antifungal remedy.

Many natural foods are effective in preventing and fighting cancer as well.

Although natural remedies can be effective, it’s important for pregnant women to avoid any herbs and plant supplements until discussing the risks/benefits with their doctors. Also, some natural remedies can interact with prescription drugs or increase their potency, so it’s important to talk to a doctor about any plans.

Though great strides have been made with regards to diagnosing and treating HIV/AIDS, many feel there is still a significant way to go before this deadly disease can be defeated once and for all. One of best assets in the fight against HIV/AIDS is understanding the disease, which can lead to more effective prevention and a greater appreciation of what those battling the disease are facing every day.

What is HIV?
HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. It is a virus that infects cells of the immune system, destroying or impairing their function. Once a person is infected, the virus works to progressively deteriorate the body’s immune system, making it difficult for the body to fight infection and disease. The infections that result are known as “opportunistic infections,” as they take advantage of an infected person’s weakened immune system.

What is AIDS?
AIDS, or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, is used to describe the most advanced stages of HIV infection. When a person has AIDS, he or she is fighting any of more than 20 opportunistic infections or HIV-related cancers.

How is HIV transmitted?
The WHO notes that HIV can be transmitted in a number of ways. At the onset of the epidemic, HIV was thought to be transmitted only through sexual intercourse. While HIV can be transmitted through sexual intercourse, including oral sex, there are a number of additional ways the disease can be transmitted, including:
* transfusion of contaminated blood
* sharing of contaminated needles, syringes or other sharp instruments
* between a mother and her infant during pregnancy
* childbirth
* breastfeeding

Who is most at risk of getting HIV?
Though no one is immune to HIV, there are some people who are at greater risk of HIV than others. These people include:
* injection drug users who share needles
* infants born to mothers with HIV who did not receive HIV therapy during the pregnancy
* sexually active people who engage in unprotected sex, especially with partners who have additional high-risk behaviors, are HIV-positive or have AIDS
* people who received blood transfusions or clotting products between 1977 and 1985, before screening for the HIV virus became standard practice

How long does it take before AIDS develops?
Once infected with HIV, those infected often want to know how quickly AIDS will develop. That varies depending on the individual. If untreated, those infected with HIV will develop symptoms of HIV-related illness within 5 to 10 years. But the time between an HIV infection and an AIDS diagnosis can be more than a decade.

Are there symptoms of HIV?
There are symptoms of HIV, but many people do not develop any symptoms upon being infected. However, within several days or weeks of exposure to HIV, some people do experience a flu-like illness characterized by fever, headache, fatigue and enlarged lymph glands in the neck.

Upon infection, symptoms might not appear or be very slow to develop, a period that can last as long as a decade. Though no symptoms appear, the virus will continue to actively multiply and infect and kill cells of the immune system. The virus can gradually kill CD4+ or T4 cells, which are the immune system’s primary infection fighters.

Once the immune system has been weakened, then the following symptoms might develop:
* lack of energy
* weight loss
* frequent fevers and sweats
* persistent or frequent yeast infections
* persistent skin rashes or flaky skin
* short-term memory loss
* mouth, genital or anal sores resulting from herpes infections

If AIDS has developed, the affected might begin to experience cough and shortness of breath, seizures and lack of coordination, difficulty swallowing, forgetfulness, fever, vision loss, weight loss, and extreme fatigue.

More information about HIV/AIDS is available at www.who.int.

• Jimmy Hewitt, founder of the Orlando Magic
• Linda Chapin, former Orange County mayor
• The late Hy Lake, a real estate mogul in Central Florida for more than 50 years

Jacob Stuart, president of the Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce for nearly 25 years, was also presented with JA’s “Spirit of Achievement” award, the nonprofit’s most prestigious service honor.

“These honorees have long laid the groundwork for our area to thrive through both their corporate leadership and their commitment to the community,” said Craig Polejes, president of Junior Achievement of Central Florida. “It’s an honor to look back and be able to recognize those who helped to positively shape our region.”

In order to be considered for induction, laureates must have reached normal retirement age and exemplify extraordinary leadership contributions to both the business world and the local community.

For more information about becoming involved with Junior Achievement, visit www.jacentralfl.org.

“Fashion lovers have great taste, so Pinkberry and The Mall at Millenia are a natural fit,” said Bill Harmening II, Pinkberry area developer for Orlando. “Whether greeting shoppers with the cool taste of tart frozen yogurt or refreshing them as they leave the mall, Pinkberry is proud to offer our international sensation to visitors and locals alike.”

Similar to the first two Orlando store openings, Pinkberry will host a pre-opening party serving up free Pinkberry with all of the toppings at the new store location on Thursday, Nov. 3 from 5-9 pm. The event is open to the general public. The store is also now hiring for 25 hourly positions. Applicants may send resumes to orlandojobs@pinkberry.com.

Frozen yogurt for “caviar tastes and Cavalli waistlines,” Pinkberry is made with real nonfat yogurt and nonfat milk that is rBST hormone free. Pinkberry is heralded as the company that launched the current tart frozen yogurt craze when it opened its first store in West Hollywood, Calif. in 2005. The premium taste of Pinkberry soon became a celebrity and trendsetter favorite, with Swirly Goodness spreading to now more than 100 locations worldwide.

The Mall at Millenia store will offer Pinkberry’s six distinctive flavors and thirty premium toppings, including daily fresh cut seasonal fruits, organic fruity bears and shaved Belgian milk chocolate, as well as Pinkberry Smoothies, Fresh Fruit Bowls and Parfaits and Take Home packs. The fresh, tart taste of Pinkberry served by friendly Swirly Artists will be complemented by the store’s clean, contemporary furnishings in hues of orange, blue and green, offering an inviting social environment for the Pinkberry Promise of “20 minutes of fun.”

“We are pleased to add this exciting concept to our retail mix,” said Brenda Lounsberry, Marketing Director, The Mall at Millenia. “This concept is a perfect match for The Mall at Millenia trend-conscious shopper.”

The Mall at Millenia Pinkberry store will be open Monday – Saturday 10 am – 9 pm and Sunday 11 am – 7 pm. The store’s phone number is 407-351-9852. Pinkberry will now have three stores in Orlando, including its original location at The Marketplace at Dr. Phillips, 7600 Dr. Phillips Blvd. at the corner of Dr. Phillips Blvd. and Sandlake Rd. The original store opened Aug. 20, 2010. A second location at Orlando Premium Outlets — International Dr. at 4951 International Drive opened on April 1, 2011.

Local fans who want up-to-the minute news and discount offers can visit www.pinkberry.com/groupie to become a Pinkberry Groupie. The brand also can be found on Facebook at Orlando Loves Pinkberry and on Twitter at PinkberryFla.

Following the Click It or Ticket cam¬paign, an observational survey of Florida vehicles was conducted in June 2011. The survey’s results show an all-time high safety belt usage rate. Only four of the 12 survey counties went down. Increases in the other counties surveyed led Florida to an overall use rate of 88.1 percent compared to 87.4 percent in 2010. Pickup truck drivers and their pas¬sengers continue to be among the lowest users. The full 2011 safety belt usage final report is available on the FDOT website at http://www.dot.state.fl.us/safety/.

WHITE OUT TEEN CRASHES: Traffic crashes are the #1 killer of teens in Florida and in the United States. To keep more teens safe in the driver and passenger seats, the Department encouraged all Floridians to participate in a statewide White Out on Oct. 18. Teens joined the Department by wearing a white shirt to school to help symbolize the white out of teen crashes. The Department observed National Teen Driver Safety Week Oct. 16 – 22, and used the opportunity to educate teens and their par¬ents about staying safe behind the wheel.

Teens (ages 15 – 19) have the highest crash rate of any age group in Florida. Below are statistics from the Florida Traffic Crash Statistics Report 2010 that provide some ad¬ditional insight.

• 737,645 teens are licensed to drive in the Sunshine State.
• 26,848 crashes involved teens last year.
o 144 teens died.
o 18,543 teens were injured.
• Florida’s teen drivers are twice as likely to crash as their parents and three times as likely to crash as their grandparents.

The Department created www.TakeTheWheel.net, an interactive website by teens for teens, as well as Drive with CARE (Courtesy, Attention, Responsibility, Experi¬ence) to educate teens and their parents about Florida’s graduated licensing law and the importance of parental involvement in teaching teens to drive.

FLORIDA HIGHWAY PATROL ANNOUNCED NEW DEPUTY DIRECTOR: The Florida Highway Patrol achieved a historic mile¬stone as the first female lieutenant colonel assumed her new position and duties. FHP Director, Col. David Brierton, announced that Kelly Hildreth is the new deputy director of field operations. Hildreth was selected from a pool of more than 50 ap¬plicants from a nationwide search. Her previous assign-ment was at FHP headquarters in Tallahassee, where she was the coordinator of the office of professional compliance and emergency operations.

She began her career in Troop L in Palm Beach County as a trooper after graduating from the 89th Recruit Class. Since then, she has moved up through the ranks, spending most of her career in Tallahassee. Hildreth is a graduate of the Uni¬versity of Central Florida and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice.

REGISTER YOUR EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION: If you are in an emergency situation, would law enforce¬ment officers be able to contact your loved ones? The Department worked with lawmakers and citizens to create the Emergency Contact Information system to help make sure law enforcement CAN find your loved ones if you are unable to make that call yourself. The sys¬tem allows licensed drivers and identification card holders to register up to two contacts to notify in the event of an emergency, such as a vehicle crash. The information can then be accessed only by law enforcement officers to find designated contacts in the case of an emergency.

More than 5 million Floridians have registered their contacts, and DHSMV wants to encourage all of Florida’s licensed drivers and ID cardholders to register their contacts.

Gov. Rick Scott signed a proclamation to name Oct. 2 – 8, 2011, Register Your Emergency Contact Information Week in Florida. The week marked the five-year anniversary since ECI’s inception, and the Department used the opportunity to Increase the number of registrants.

Registration is simple and can be done at any computer by logging onto www.flhsmv.gov/eci. Floridians can register in any driver license office in the state, too, which includes those operated by county tax collectors.

The Department encourages you to make sure your own information is registered and to tell your friends and family members about ECI.

GET AN APPOINTMENT!: When visiting one of our offices to renew, replace or file a change of address to their driver license or identification card, we urge all customers to secure an appointment prior to their visit. Connect via Internet at www.flhsmv.gov/oasis for an appointment to visit one of our offices.

Then link to the on-line pre-application and complete it before coming to one of our offices.

BRING THE RIGHT DOCUMENTS: Florida residents seeking a new driver license or identification card, legally change their name prior to their renewal date, or to immediately replace a lost or stolen license or ID card, must prepare to show proper documentation. Your ability to complete your transaction in one visit is directly related to coming prepared with proper documentation. The complete list of acceptable documents is available online at www.GatherGoGet.com. The three basic primary requirements are:

1) Identification (Bring one) – A certified U.S. birth certificate; a valid U.S. passport; a certificate of Naturalization; a consular Report of Birth Abroad; an alien registration card. Name Change (if applicable) – Original or certified copy of all marriage certificates or court orders that show your name change(s). (Uncertified photocopies are not valid.

2) Social Security Number (Bring one) – Social Security Card, W-2 form, any 1099 form or paycheck showing number.

3) Residential Address (not post office box) – Bring two (2) items mailed to you that contain your current address. Acceptable is a deed, mortgage statement, voter ID card, a recent utility bill, a car insurance policy, a statement from a person you live with along with two documents addressed in that person’s name.

U.S. citizens, permanent residents, immigrants and non-immigrants can secure a complete list of documents to bring to one of our offices by visiting www.GatherGoGet.com, www.ReunaVengaObtenga.com in Spanish, or www.RasanbleAlePran.com in Creole.

DRIVER LICENSES AND IDENTIFICATION CARD FEES

Class E (original and renewal) $48 Commercial Driver License $75
ID Card (original and renewal) $25 Endorsements $ 7 Driver License Services at Tax Collector office Service Fee $ 6.25
Buckle up your seatbelt, Always!

Aquí también surgió el fascismo por esa misma época y de esa misma terrible combinación entre los grandes capitales y el fundamentalismo cristiano. De esa unión de los políticos de la derecha pagados por el gran capital y secundados por los predicadores que desde sus púlpitos buscaron respuestas escritas en la Biblia, convencieron rápidamente a los votantes de los desastres apocalípticos por venir: grandes desastres económicos, un gobierno centralizado que cada vez se hacía más fuerte, y un flujo incesante de inmigrantes no deseados que desestabilizaban la situación económica. Pero el gran capital no pudo producir más empleos y llevó al país a la gran caída financiera del año 29, tanto aquí como en Europa.

Para salir de la depresión, en la siguiente década, Europa buscó líderes fascistas; aquí, en cambio, eligieron a Franklin D. Roosevelt que adoptó políticas económicas liberales de empleo masivo. Al final de la década del 30, ambos terrenos se enfrentaron militarmente, por suerte, en Europa y Asia, y el resultado, ya lo sabemos, aunque mucha gente todavía no sabe por qué.

Mucha gente cree que Estados Unidos participó en la Segunda Guerra Mundial para acabar con el nazismo alemán y la expansión japonesa, pero no fue así. Fue una guerra contra el fascismo que amenazaba con hacerse un mal mundial. Si no hubiera sido así, no se habría luchado contra tantos países fascistas como Japón, Italia, Rumania, Hungría, Finlandia, Turquía y otros que después de ser invadidos, se plegaron a la Alemania nazi, como Francia y Holanda. También participó la España franquista que contribuyó militarmente al lado de las tropas fascistas en el frente ruso.

Después que los Aliados ganaron la guerra en 1945, solo la URSS y los EE.UU. sobrevivieron militarmente, y por eso se convirtieron en las dos superpotencias. Los demás países concluyeron, unos primero y otros después, que el secreto hacia una paz mundial estaba en organizar las economías y mercados internacionales, y establecer prioridades de desarrollo para todo el mundo.

Pero el mundo de la postguerra, a pesar de haber creado una nueva estrategia económica nunca antes vista en la humanidad, ha tenido una gran falla: no pudo erradicar al fascismo. La paz que surgió luego de la guerra, de la cual surgieron el Mercado Común Europeo y otros grupos económicos y sociales regionales, no ha podido contra el fenómeno sociopolítico del neofascismo, y peor aún, lo vemos funcionando a través de partidos políticos legales en Italia, Francia, Holanda, en los países escandinavos y hasta en Rusia, donde participan en todas las elecciones, donde si bien no hay partidos abiertamente fascistas, están infiltrados por grupos de mentalidad fascista y partidos de la derecha que ofrecer restaurar la “grandeza y la seguridad”, tanto económica, como cultural, llevando su cruzada de odio contra las minorías extranjeras, abogando por leyes racistas, oponiéndose a la globalización y la transculturización. Los fascistas reaccionan así porque se ven amenazados por lo que ellos denominan su “identidad”: una Europa y una América del Norte blanca, cristiana y culturalmente occidental, y ahora, obtienen el apoyo de las grandes transnacionales que utilizan la globalización para encontrar formas de evadir impuestos y reducir las ganancias laborales de los trabajadores para aumentar las de ellas.

Estos partidos, hoy en Europa y Japón, al igual que los fascistas de los años 20 del siglo pasado, están predicando nuevamente el aislamiento internacional, el encerramiento cultural basándose en valores religiosos cristianos que solo ellos pueden descifrar porque quieren interpretarlos a su antojo y beneficio. Ellos son los que critican el crecimiento del Gobierno alegando que cada vez se entromete más en la vida de los ciudadanos; del gasto fuera de control causado por políticas sociales a grupos minoritarios, y abogan por la necesidad de liberar a las grandes corporaciones de los impuestos para que éstas puedan crear más empleos. En otras palabras, están repitiendo el mismo discurso de los años veinte.

Ellos son los que desean que la economía corra sobre las ruedas de los ciudadanos más ricos porque ellos son los que salvarán la situación económica del país. Dicen que el mal está en el tamaño del Gobierno, y su plan para reducirlo ya está en ejecución en los gobiernos estatales y regionales al entregar las tareas propias del Gobierno a las corporaciones privadas para que hagan ese trabajo. Han entregado, desde la educación hasta la seguridad pública dentro y fuera del país, creando ejércitos paralelos; así como a las cárceles, la educación, la administración de las oficinas gubernamentales, los hospitales, y los servicios sociales y públicos a las compañías que contribuyeron a sus campañas electorales. Eso ya lo estamos viviendo.

Los fascistas creen que porque algo es legal, es bueno. Que ellos pueden y deben cambiar los textos escolares para que enseñen la Historia que ellos quieren que se lea, como hacen en Texas y muchos otros estados, incluyendo Florida. Se aferran a las verdades religiosas que aprendieron de sus padres y se viva bajo un gobierno que dependa de la Biblia. En eso consiste el ser fundamentalista. Lo suyo es la doctrina básica contra el conocimiento científico. Su verdad es creer que el universo se hizo en siete días, que no hubo evolución y que los recursos naturales son para usarse ahora en toda su extensión. Pero en realidad, lo que ellos temen es al Apocalipsis que se les acerca, porque sus valores están llegando al final de su milenio. Hoy ven a su mundo como el de hace un siglo: desplome económico, nuevas religiones a sus puertas, conflictos ultramarinos, pero es que ven el fin de su cultura, y eso es lo que hablan desde la derecha con la voz del fundamentalismo del Tea Party.

Y ellos son tan fascistas como los que interpretaban que la raza aria era superior porque podían comprobarlo con teorías científicas y leyes fabricadas para calzar su imaginación y deseos. Esas eran las “Leyes Arias”. Hoy quieren imponerlas aquí. No entienden la diferencia entre la legalidad y la justicia.

Los fascistas existen aquí en este país, en este estado y en esta ciudad, y caminan entre nosotros y hablan con nosotros. Ellos están temblando porque cada vez ellos se están convirtiendo en la minoría. Pero falta mucho para que se acaben. Mientras tanto, seguirán en su lucha, esperando que los demás se descuiden, para retomar el poder. Esto es lo que está en juego en este país ahora. Esta es la esencia de la próxima elección presidencial.

Luis S. Barrios, Ph.D.

Family Features