BLACK WOMEN AND FITNESS

EVERYONE KNOWS THAT I'M A WORKOUT MANIAC. IT'S A LIFESTYLE FOR ME AND I FEEL ILL WHEN I DON'T WORKOUT. I EXPECT MY SIGNIFICANT OTHER TO AT LEAST BE SOMEWHAT ACTIVE AND CONSCIENTIOUS ABOUT THEIR WELL-BEING. AT TIMES, I CAN MAKE BLACK WOMEN IN MY FAMILY UNCOMFORTABLE BECAUSE I'M ALWAYS STRESSING THE IMPORTANCE OF NUTRITION AND EXERCISE. BUT WATCH I'LL BE THE FIRST TO GO. ANYHOW, THERE ARE MANY REASONS OR JUST PLAIN LAZINESS TO WHY BLACK WOMEN DON'T DEDICATE THEMSELVES TO THE GYM. PERSONALLY, I THINK IT'S THE MEN FAULT, DUE TO THEIR LACK OF STANDARDS AND NOT HOLDING THESE WOMEN ACCOUNTABLE FOR THEIR SLOPPINESS, BUT THAT'S ANOTHER TOPIC. I CAME ACROSS THIS THREAD ON NT WHICH DISCUSSED REASONS WHY BLACK WOMEN DON'T WORK OUT AS MUCH AS THEIR COUNTERPARTS. SOMEONE POSTED THIS ARTICLE, AND I THOUGHT IT WAS AN EXCUSE, BUT MAYBE NOT FAR FROM THE TRUTH. READ ON!


EVERYBODY OUGHT to know by now that African-Americans tend to appreciate a fuller, curvier body.
In fact, I would say it's rare to find a black woman who aspires to be the next super-thin supermodel, a la Kate Moss.
Generous hips and a bootylicious derriere are cause for much celebration in black culture. Ironically, this also has become a trend in mainstream culture, with many non-blacks heading to the plastic surgeon to acquire a "Brazilian butt."
But when the question crops up - what is keeping black women out of the gym? - I don't think it's fear of losing their curves.
I believe the primary reason so many African-American women shy away from the gym is simple: fear of losing their hairstyle.
That's right. Maintaining their fly hairstyles keeps many sisters out of the gym and sadly keeps many black girls and teens from pursuing fitness, too.

When I was growing up, a press and curl was the customary style for young black girls. I would sit in a kitchen chair, trying to stay quiet and still while my mother patiently pressed my coarse, thick hair section by section.
It was not the most pleasant experience. I can remember burning my hand when I would impatiently touch my fried hair. After she was done with the last curl and had styled my straight 'do, my mother would caution, "Now don't sweat out your hair."
But as soon as I began to play or dance with any gusto I would start to sweat, and my cute little do would shrivel up and revert back to its natural state.

I never had swimming lessons as a child, and I'm sure that, too, was all about the hair.
Seemingly insignificant hair drama can be a potentially big problem for black women. If you spend several hours and $75 or more on your hair every week, you want that style to last at least a few days. But one spinning or step class could wipe out that $75 do in less than 20 minutes.

Time and time again, African-American woman will say to me, "Girl, I want to work out, but what can I do about my hair?"
Well, hair styles are an individual choice, but the good news is there are a variety of styles to choose from these days, including such natural styles as braids, sister locks, Afros, twists and wraps. For those who don't want to go natural, perms, wigs and weaves may offer some alternatives.

One thing's for sure: The press and curl is the least resilient style, and hot curling every day can cause some serious damage to your hair.
Ultimately, you and your stylist will have to decide what works best for you and your lifestyle. What I do know is this: We can no longer afford to put our hair above our fitness. Here's why:

_ Nearly 80 percent of black women in the United States are overweight or obese, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

_ Black women have higher percentages of diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, cancer and premature death, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

_ The average American woman is 5-foot-4 and wears a size 16, but a 2000 report by Ebony magazine found that the average African-American woman is a size 20.

Now, I'm not saying you can't enjoy an occasional soul-food platter. Sure you can. Just eat half of what you normally would and don't go back for seconds. Eating half portions is a good strategy for managing weight, but physical fitness is just as important.
Don't let your hairstyle prevent you from getting your workout and from living the vibrant, healthy, fit life you were meant to live. *

Kimberly Garrison is a certified personal trainer and owner of One on One Ultimate Fitness in Philadelphia (www.1on1ultimatefitness.com).

YOU'RE A DUMBASS

I CANT BE MAD AT PUFFY

THIS POST WILL PROBABLY GET ME INTO SLIGHT TROUBLE, BUT I SEE YOU PUFFY! HEY IF YOU ARE PUSHING 40-YEARS OLD WITH XX KIDS AND CAN STILL PULL THIS, MORE POWER TO YOU. WE ALL KNOW $$$$ TALKS.!

FOXNEWS LEAST DANGEROUS CITIES

The Most, Least Dangerous U.S. Cities


Only cities that reported crime rates were included in the list. For example, New Orleans was not included this year because its police department did not report figures.

1. Brick, N.J.

2. Amherst, N.Y.

3. Mission Viejo, Calif. Another place, I could see myself living.

4. Newton, Mass.

5. Troy, Mich.

6. Colonie, N.Y.

7. Irvine, Calif. I could see myself living there. *cough*

8. Cary, N.C.

9. Greece, N.Y.

10. Coral Springs, Fla.

NEW CALI LAWS

Food ApartheidBanning fast food in poor neighborhoods.

By William Saletan
Posted Thursday, July 31, 2008, at 8:21 AM ET
The war on fat has just crossed a major red line. The Los Angeles City Council has passed an ordinance prohibiting construction of new fast-food restaurants in a 32-square-mile area inhabited by 500,000 low-income people.


SF Supervisors Ban Cigarette Sales in Pharmacies

SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) -- In the city's latest effort to promote healthy living, San Francisco Supervisors have voted to ban the sale of cigarettes in pharmacies.

San Francisco has been on a long campaign to eradicate smoking. This measure would stop businesses that market themselves as pharmacies from selling tobacco. The law would not apply to supermarkets, such as Safeway or Costco. Health Director Mitch Katz told the supervisors he had no trouble making the distinction.

EARLY CELL PHONE TERMINATION
one of the most significant legal rulings in the tech industry this year, a Superior Court judge in California has ruled that the practice of charging consumers a fee for ending their cell phone contract early is illegal and violates state law.
The preliminary, tentative judgment orders Sprint Nextel to pay customers $18.2 million in reimbursements and, more importantly, orders Sprint to stop trying to collect another $54.7 million from California customers (some 2 million customers total) who have canceled their contracts but refused or failed to pay the termination fee.

While an appeal is inevitable, the ruling could have massive fallout throughout the industry. Without the threat of levying early termination fees, the cellular carriers lose the power that's enabled them to lock customers into contracts for multiple years at a time. And while those contracts can be heinously long, they also let the carriers offer cell phone hardware at reduced (subsidized) prices. AT&T's two-year contract is the only reason the iPhone 3G costs $199. If subsidies vanish, what happens to hardware lock-in? Could an era of expensive, but unlocked, hardware be just around the corner? It's highly probable.

Of course, the carriers aren't going to take this lying down. Early termination fees are seen as critical to business, so carriers are expected to look for ways to reclassify the fees (such as by calling them "rates," part of the arcane set of laws that covers the telecommunications industry). The industry is also pushing for the federal government to step in and claim oversight over the early termination fee issue, which would invalidate any state ruling. The FCC is generally more tolerant of such fees, though Chairman Kevin Martin has proposed a plan whereby the fees are decreased the closer you are to the end of your contract.

The FCC may also buy the argument that, since carriers are nationally based (and consumers can use their phones anywhere in the country), that a single policy should apply across the nation, rather than creating a patchwork of legislation that could lead to confusion and chaos caused by having 50 different policies.

Is the early termination fee dead? Not yet, but it's looking a little haggard.

ARNOLD LOOK WHAT YOU DID!

My heart goes out to these people, especially the ones with families to care for.

Schwarzenegger orders cuts amid fiscal crisis
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has signed an executive order that eliminates 22,000 government jobs and ordered that 200,000 state workers receive the federal minimum wage until a state budget is approved.
The governor says the moves are necessary to avoid a "full-blown" fiscal crisis in California.
Lawmakers have yet to agree on a spending plan a month after the state's fiscal year began, leaving California without the ability to pay contractors, the higher education system and legislative employees.
Democratic and Republican lawmakers remain far apart over how to close a $15.2 billion deficit.
Schwarzenegger's order on the minimum wage is likely to be challenged by employee unions and the state controller.

WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF BOBBY BROWN CALLED YOU, BY ACCIDENT?

I got a phone call from (617) area code.. And when I answered my sk, and the guy on the other end said "Yo Rich this is bobby brown, and I can't make the appointment"... I said Bobby Brown the singer?.. and he was like "yea, do I have the wrong number?"..then I just hung up on Duke.



1-617-293-3659

Apparently he called this NT'r and his phone has been blown up all day from numerous members on the talk. Made for a funny thread, and the responses people got from him (Bobby) when they called.

I've heard everything from 'Bobby can be in my New Edition top five now' to 'Where can I find some crack?'
Let that man live!

SONG I FEEL LIKE HEARING, RIGHT THIS MOMENT

NIKE AIR PIPPEN RETRO

Has released on the East Coast, because they always get things before the Best Coast, in most cases. Anyhow, this was the first pair of shoes I paid full price for from my own paycheck.. While working for Coca-Cola, I had to work a month or so to scrap up enough money to cop these back in '97. And, I had to put these bad boys on lay away, because even then, I couldn't justify spending that much for a shoe that wasn't the signature or endorsed model by some guy name Michael. I still have my OG white pair, although the air bubble has become really flimsy in the past year. I will keep my eye on these, and monitor how fast they are moving. Hopefully, I'll be able to snatch a pair on sale. Yea, sales are good.

PSYCHOTIC VIDEO

I'm still caught up in the Batman aftermath, so here's a cool video!

PUT ON REMIX feat- Jay.Z

http://www.zshare.net/audio/16209136677e8fe6/

JAW-DROPPING MOVIE EXPERIENCE AND PERFORMANCE

I'm not one for the comic book Super Heroes, maybe except for the Incredible Hulk or the lovely Wonder Woman. After seeing the Incredible Hulk, I was utterly disappointed with the exceptions of a few actions scenes. It almost came across as corny believe it or not. The fact that I was somewhat of a fan before the movies is what kept me in my seat.

Now this Batman: Dark Knight is a whole another story/film. I want to start off by mentioning it was my first IMAX experience and I couldn't have picked a better movie. From the moment the movie started, I was on the edge of my seat waiting for the next action scene. Admittedly, I was caught up in the Heath Ledger Oscar hype and his 'final' full performance, but dammitt it's well deserving. He absolutely perfected the joker character. He was brilliant, dark, witty, and engaging. They spread his appearances throughout the movie, perfectly. I wished he would had two more scenes of torturing the poor Gotham citizens, but even then, I would've still been begging for more. My favorite part of the movie was when the Joker escaped from jail and while sitting in the back of the police car, he stuck his head out the window with his hair wafting in the air. There was no dialogue but the picture and five seconds of silence said a thousands words. You have to be borderline sick and ingenuous to write a script for a movie like this.

Everything from Batman's corny voice, his vehicles, the Joker's 'crimes', etc exceeded my expectations. I really believe that the Batman enthusiasts came away from this movie satisfied. Ray asked me "What did you like more Transformers or Batman?" I paused for a couple of seconds and not giving an answer he says "I'm going see it". If you know me then you know how important Transformers is to me. I must admit, I'm dying to catch the movie one more time before it leaves the movie theatre.

I give the movie a B+/A-

Go see it!

IS IT DOE, IS IT DOE?

Virgo persons tend to be sharp, responsible individuals, usually quite willing to give a helping hand. They have an eye for details, but can easily "miss the forest for the trees". This sign is rather orderly and in control, and usually values stability, rationality and logic. It has a more calm and collected demeanor, making others feel they can depend on it.

Best of all, it can usually do these things without being boring. It can be rather intellectually sophisticated, especially when both the Sun and Mercury are in this sign, although Mars can make the native more technically oriented, or if Neptune is strong it can make him somewhat more inclined to fancy. Even then, they are still interesting to talk to. Whatever the case may be, they do like to know stuff, and often share their knowledge with others.

This sign has a great technical sense, and everything worth doing here, is worth doing perfectly. They usually don't do things in a half-hearted fashion, but then may become a bit too fussy about things. In this light, they can be considered passionate. There's a strong critical approach here, and a certain tendency for skepticism. It usually has a professional demeanor and a quick wit, a cool and snazzy appearance.

This sign has a way of combining a petty and niggling disposition with a more genial and benevolent character ever ready to lend a helping hand. It tends to be conscientious about many things, although the earthy-neurotic element does not spare this sign which can, with other negative indications, give it a brutal twist. This sign can become quite resentful when it feels it is not shown proper respect.

Its unemotional appearance and strongly logical demeanor may be a bit disconcerting to some. In its approach, Virgo can sometimes make people feel inferior. Nevertheless, Virgo tends to be rather humble at its core. This sign prefers truthfulness and usually says what's on its mind, "tell it like it is", unless it is in a deep resentful mode. They love to be right and deeply dislike mistakes, always wanting to fix things. This sign is usually dignified and respectful, however may sometimes seem a bit stuck-up.

They love to be active and do things, where other signs may be more lazy. They usually cannot stay passive for long. They need to do something with value, or they'd go nuts. They have a bit of the child in them, although it is difficult to say that they are child-ish, as they are mostly responsible and calculated. They are usually quite approachable as well. Virgo's apparent unsentimental and somewhat reserved character can sometimes make more sentimental people feel it is not "open" enough.

Virgo people are usually rather tidy and well-groomed, however in more pathological charts they may become too obsessed about cleanliness and order.

MORE...

Virgo’s Child

Virgo children are usually quite easy to raise. They are neat, organized, and have a gentle sense of humor that you will enjoy. They are rarely hateful and mean. They are so well behaved that I think most parents just sort of leave them to themselves since they are like miniature adults. One of the hardest things about being a really good kid is that you melt into the woodwork and nobody notices you anymore. Virgo children are seldom the in your face types, demanding that Mommy and Daddy ‘look at me, look at me!’ They are often the ‘goodly child’ hidden behind the more dynamic and boisterous children. We are so relieved to have the low maintenance Virgo child, that we often ignore their deeper emotional needs while we focus on our other children. Many adult Virgos have a quiet loneliness in their eyes that they pretend is not really there. However, it is there, and it effects many of their decisions and choices as adults. They will give and give of themselves without really allowing anyone else into their inner world, because they really do not know how to connect on a deeper level. They just know how to be the ‘good kid’ and from their perspective that means not needing anything from anyone.

Your Virgo child is the one to call into the kitchen when the Tupperware drawer is overflowing and everything is all catawampus. They will be more then happy to restack and reorganize it for you and it will only take them a quick minute to do so. They are so very helpful and almost always happy to help you with your various chores around the house. The problem is that they begin to think that the only way to get love or to show love is through hands on work. They grow up to have wonderful work ethics, but really are emotionally crippled. They know what they feel in their heart of hearts, but do not have any idea how to show or express love in any other manner. Make a special effort to show your Virgo child that they mean more to you then just good little workers. Teach them other ways to share their hearts besides just their natural willingness to roll up their sleeves and get to work.

Virgos also seem to pick up the idea that in order to be lovable, they need to be perfect. As adults, they can easily become extreme perfectionists. They become quite meticulous and it is a great asset in an employee, but not always the best thing for someone’s self-esteem. Let your Virgo child know that if they fail once in awhile or if they are not the best of the best, that you still love them for who they are on the inside, not for how well they perform their jobs. Do not downplay their natural talents and their wonderful eye for detail, just make sure that they know that you would love them even if they were not so detail-oriented.

Some Virgos have a tendency towards becoming hypochondriacs. This is probably a result of their desire to be physically perfect and it also gives them an excuse not to have to always be at peak performance levels. If you teach your Virgo child at a young age about the mind-body-spirit connection to mental and physical health, and that they can find love without having to be so flawless, they probably won’t feel a need to resort to the medicine cabinet to find their escape from the perfectionist’s treadmill.

One of the greatest gifts you can give to your Virgo child is the freedom to laugh. They have a naturally playful spirit and by teaching them to laugh at how overly serious life can seem, you can free them from a lot of their stress. Get them to loosen up and laugh at themselves once in awhile. Make a special effort to point out to your little Virgo how much you love to see them happy and laughing. Let them know how funny they are and that they should take more time to play and tell silly jokes. Once you unlock the humor within their hearts, you will have given them one of the most precious gifts. Laughter really is the best medicine and if they can whistle while they work, they will relax and have fun with it. By encouraging your Virgo child to touch that childlike spirit of playfulness within, you are giving them permission to be themselves and to find joyful expressions of what is inside their hearts. Give them permission to sing and dance and play, and you give them permission to be less than perfectly mature grown ups. Tell your Virgo again and again how much you love them for simply existing just as they are.

IT WAS-N'T MEANT TO BE?

Not necessarily. I always ponder how much "faith" do people put in a statement like "It was or wasn't meant to be." I'm a firm believer in a higher creator, but I also believe that humans possess 'free will' to choose. You always hear people putting so much hope on what is meant to be will be, but what ever happen to trying to create your own path? I believe that the 'All Mighty' has given us options in life. Two paths specifically. I don't necessarily think the paths are better than one another, although in some cases this could hold true. I think the point I'm getting at because I'm tired, and don't feel like typing anymore is: People dwell on the saying too much, because I think the 'reality' or consequence of their choices are too much for them to accept. In order to free themselves from feeling like damn "I *ucked up", it's easier to medicate themselves and say "it was-n't meant to be that way." Makes you sleep better at night or NOT!


To be continued!

NEW UPDATES COMING SOON

I've been slacking lately updating my blog. There has been so much going on in my life and decisions to be made that the blog has been the last thing on my mind. With that being said, hopefully all these thoughts will translate to text within the next few days which will provide great reading material. In the meantime, stay positive. I'm going too.! Today's song of the day goes to Floetry.

Air Max BW

Courtesy of Hypebeast

Nike’s Air Max is arguably the brands greatest sneaker and undoubtedly always a grand slam with retro enthusiasts and Nike connoisseurs alike. LimitEditions has recently unveiled these samples of the Nike Classic in one of the models most popular colorways. The shoe starts off with a white base and accented with black and splashes of Persian violet. The shoe is completed with the Air Max branding across the back and the all important air bubble. While we can all admire the shoe now, the drop date is January 1st 2009.

New Clipse. ' Fast Life'

Fonzworth Bentley feat. Andre 3000 & Kanye

Future of Mikes!

According to ajordanxi over at Sole Collector, with all the speculation surrounding the future of the flagship Air Jordan, some confirmed sources have revealed what’s upcoming for the world’s most famous signature. Starting in 2009, the Air Jordan will no longer follow a numerical installment like the past (I - XX3) but rather be named after the release year. This means look for the Air Jordan 2009 (not to be confused with Jumpman 2009) later this year.

Cupcaking!

I mean, after my spew below, this video is only fitting, right?
Hahahaha

Paying homage to "Her"

First, I would like to send my utmost and genuine thank you for all you have shown me throughout the years. All the mutual memories we shared, will forever be embedded in my brain. The holidays, parties, games, school dances, passing letters in between breaks, lunch time memories, shoot arounds at the rec, and the late nights talking on the phone, couldn’t' t been possible without you. I can’t forget the nights driving around with no destination. Every song and video we shared will always remind me of you. I can hear that tune now, with an image of you appearing before my face. It's like the gift and the curse. Without you playing a vital role in my pubescent and early adult years, I wouldn’t be half the man that I am. And, believe it or not, there’s no remorse.

Next, I would like to show my appreciation for every petty argument we had. All the times we were unable to see eye to eye on the iota of situations. Every time you pointed the finger, belittled me and threatened to leave, thank you. All the times you “suggested” what I needed to work on, thank you. When you burned pictures, and threw the remains in the trash, thanks again. Words cannot begin to express the guilt I felt, because I thought I was the one making things worse. Come to find out, you were the ill one, not me. Admittedly, I am not perfect, either. With that being said, I can take accountability for overlooking your critical faults, because like many homosapien men, your pulchritude had me seeing sideways. Even more fulfilling is, you knew exactly what you were doing, but I know you had to sleep with that on you head. That was just a testament to your ingratitude towards what we built. I can vividly see you vaunting about your new guy and life, beautiful. I had convinced myself that the scrutiny I was subjected to, was warranted by my actions. Often times, I lapsed in rational and became bemused by my thoughts. Most times, I forgot that there's always two sides to each story. See, I never was the one to lose my identity in a person, but I had bent over backwards, more so than any man with a backbone should. I almost gave up my future to be with you. Why? Because I wanted it to work, badly. I was trying to placate you with my affection, although not often shown, words and gifts. But sometimes, that’s still never enough. A wise person once said, “You can’t make a person stay”.

With that being said, I've come to the realization that you were teaching me and I didn't know it. What did you teach me, you ask? You taught me how to recognize true unconditional love and what reciprocation is all about. You have shown me that beauty truly goes deeper than the flesh and how important intellect is, even more so now that I'm wiser. Now, I know what it actually feels like to be a King in her eyes. The confidence she instills in me (not that I need it, but reinforcement is always good), the support, and her steadfast to me speaks volumes. Going the extra mile is never an issue nor does she remind me of her benevolent gestures. I don't know how to act because it's foreign but it invokes a great jollity, without having to CHANGE. Now, staring into my future but never too far, I know what qualities to look for and it’s because of you. She’s cultured, haughty and has shown me that there's more to what I have already experienced in life. I look forward to what the future may hold with whomever that may be with. To be continued...

Paying homage to “Her”

Video of the Day

Don't know about you, but I laughed out loud!

BET Awards; After Party

After the BET Awards, Me, Ray, Kai, Banner, and some others attended T-Pain's party in Beverly Hills. It was a long wait for the driver to come pick Ray and I up. Banner and Kai were already at the party. So, Ray comes up with one of his brilliant, spontaneous ideas again. Since there's hardly any parking in B.H., he (Ray) drove into the B.H. Hotel and said he was meeting a guest. He valet parked his truck and we waited for the chauffeur. I had no idea what I was about to embark on, but I left the place, officially feeling poorer than dirt. Not that good enriched dirt, though. Instead of typing, because my hands are getting tired, I'll post the video. You can clearly see Ray posted up against the wall, while Banner is talking. This was the first house which by far was the flyest. The second one has no video, but lets say, it was more to look at in regards to people.

Decisions

I've been slippin like a bad transmision (word to Vince) on this blog. It's consuming to constantly keep this thing updated, but I promise to do my best, for the three people who read it. The Hyperdunk comes out Saturday, which is a shoe by Nike, for those of you who aren't familiar with the name. There has been a buzz going on about the quantity of the shoe. Some suspect 500, others say 2400, including Kobe Bryant. I was thinking about driving to L.A., big city of dreams, to take a strike at my chances. But then, I started to think about the cost of gas, the shoes, and time. Looks like I'm going to hope that Ebay becomes inaudated with them and I can snatch a pair for close to retail. Is this an important post on the blog? No! But it's mine and I can add what I want. Holler!

Old Skool Video of the day

I'm sitting here on the morning after July 4th, and I start singing, "Yeah Yeah Yeah" out of the blue. So, I decided to put the video up for your viewing pleasure!

Back when dancing was dancing and not 'F*cking on the dancefloor', word to Chris Brown.

Nike HyperDunk

On Wednesday, Undefeated in Santa Monica released the anticipated 'Marty McFlys' and I was unable to camp out.

After having a chance to test out the Hyperdunk, the shoe has definitely lived up to its billing as a great ball shoe. Of course, the selling point revolving around the weight of the shoe, other factors work in nicely like great cushioning, good ankle support and a solid overall design with the Flywire tech.

However… enter the McFlys… truly a grail on the list of many as a shoe that really has never been legitimately released through Nike and really impossible to acquire (as it doesn’t release for another 7 years haha), making this Hyperdunk the closet thing. The glow-in-the-dark is a nice touch as well and an accurate representation overall.

Irresponsible babysitters

A Johnstown girl is scheduled to be sentenced today in the death of her 7-year-old half-sister earlier this year.
The girl, 16, told police her sister became unresponsive after she and her boyfriend body-slammed, karate chopped and kicked the child, imitating a Mortal Kombat video game.

According to reports, the girl pleaded guilty to child abuse resulting in death, and will testify against her 17-year-old boyfriend.

And across the country today, a 16-year-old Georgia boy is behind bars on suspicion of child abuse. Investigators in Lee County received a tip that he'd posted a video on the Internet of himself launching an 8-month old baby into the air by throwing his weight onto an inflatable pillow where the baby lay.

Video shows the baby bouncing into the air, landing feet away, hard, on the floor.

Though it's difficult to believe, reports indicated the baby was not seriously hurt, though its cries are gut-wrenchingly audible in the video aired on the web today.

(Note: the video below�is quite disturbing. I sort of wish I hadn't watched it.)

My heart breaks for the parents of the victimized children in these cases. To think that they went about their lives believing their children were being cared for and monitored, only to learn that they were treated in such a manner - or as in the Johnstown girl's case, effectively killed for sport by a sibling.

The report on the "bounced" baby said the baby had been left in the care of the boy who filmed the incident.

But I want to know, where the adults were when this incident was taking place? There is no way any adult in his or her right mind, wouldn't come running upon hearing a baby scream like that.

It's just truly sickening.

Obviously, all teenagers are not irresponsible like the kids implicated in these cases, so therefore it would be ridiculous for me to urge parents to refrain from leaving their young children in teens' care.

For example, I began babysitting when I was 12 years old, and never raised a hand to a child I was watching. (And I put up with some hellions, believe you me.)

But I urge parents to be selective about who minds their offspring. Ask for references. Ask questions. Keep tabs on them. Show up unexpectedly.

Be suspicious, EVEN IF the babysitter is another one of your own children.

Don't worry about offending or putting-out any would-be child care provider. Those with nothing to hide have no cause to be defensive.