Local & State - The New Citizens Press

News Spotlight: E! Investigates: Stalkers and MSU is Talking About It!

Rina Risper14 years ago02 mins

E! Investigates: Stalkers

Video Presentation and Discussion

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Time: 7pm

Location: MSU Union Parlors A, B and C

Stalking affects 3.4 million people each year. Harvette Williams, Michigan resident and mother of two, was one of those people. She couldn’t have imagined that Kevin Gary, a man she met at a networking event, would end up obsessively stalking her for years.

Shaken Baby Syndrome Shatters Lives

Rina Risper14 years ago08 mins

Austin Thelen-Olins is now 12- years-old. This photo was taken in 2009, while accompanying his mother to a wedding.

Down: Taken in 1999, less then a week after Austin was born. Now he suffers from the impact of Shaken Baby Syndrome.

“Shaken Baby Syndrome” usually happens when a caregiver is angry and loses control.

How to sooth a crying baby

Feed or burp the baby

Change the diaper

Make sure clothing isn’t too tight

Make sure baby isn’t too hot, or too cold

Next, try these techniques

– Take the baby for a walk outside in a stroller or for a ride in the car seat

Hold the baby against your chest and gently massage the baby

– Rock, walk, or dance with the baby

Be patient; take a deep breath and count to ten

– Call a friend or relative that you can trust to take over for a while, then get away, get some rest, take care of yourself

– Offer a pacifier

– Lower any surrounding noise and lights

– Offer the baby a noisy toy; shake or rattle it

– Hold the baby and breathe slowly and calmly; the baby may feel your calmness and become quiet

– Sing or talk to the baby using soothing tones

– Record and playback a sound, like a vacuum cleaner, or hair dryer

As I See It: Violence is Tarnishing Our Town

Rina Risper14 years ago08 mins

By LaMar Brown

I have been a resident of Lansing my whole life. I am starting to see that some of the people who also live in my city have forgotten the value of life. There has been a tremendous increase of violence in a short period of time. I think we need to start effectively communicating with our youth, in a positive manner. Get more involved in youths lives by giving them activities to participate in other than watching adults make bad decisions. Give youth chores to teach them the art of work and appreciation. Maybe if they knew how to work for what they wanted they will appreciate what they receive. Giving youth responsibilities can play a major part in decreasing the violence.

New Non-Profit has partnered with a Large National Event to Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day –Turn the Volume Up on Peace

Rina Risper14 years ago04 mins

Martin Luther King Jr.

Life’s Connections is a new non-profit organization located in Grand Rapids which opened its doors with a splash on 1.1.12, announcing our city’s participation in a national event to raise awareness about youth violence.

We want to make sure that our city is recognized on a national level with an event to raise awareness about this important issue.” says Executive Director, Danielle Muncey-Key.

Best Flicks of 2011

Rina Risper14 years ago07 mins

By Samantha Ofole-Prince

From fascinating franchises to thrilling new installments, film critic Samantha Ofole-Prince reviews the best 11 movies of 2011.

Like any other year, 2011 has had its fair share of turds and treats.

This was a year in which sequels had a huge presence on the big screen with two of the biggest successes at the movie box office being the final installment of the “Harry Potter” franchise and the “Twilight” sequel.

There were also unnecessary sequels to “Mission Impossible,” “Alvin and the Chipmunks,” “Sherlock Holmes,” numerous book adaptations, and a grand total of 40 3-D flicks released.

The Reason Why I Smile

Rina Risper14 years ago015 mins

By Soltreu

Life is a fascinating journey filled with lessons to be learned, love to be had, and wisdom to be gained. One thing I am learning from my journey of life is my experiences can be my triumph or downfall. My life’s story could have easily caused a negative turning point or an early end. I have had some embarrassing moments, but I choose to share them in hopes of helping others. I wrote a poem entitled, The Reason Why I Smile. It is my most personal piece where I share many tragedies I have been through and overcome. I am pretty open about things I have been through because I hope to be an inspiration. I desire for people to see there is a wonderful life even after a tragic moment.

Red Flag Raised About Customer Loyalty Card for Alcohol

Rina Risper14 years ago06 mins

LANSING, MI — A diverse group recently called on Michigan’s policymakers to reject a plan that would give free alcohol to people.

“This wrong-headed proposal that will encourage more binge drinking and drunken driving at a time when we must be doing more to keep our families and communities safe from excessive consumption,” said Mike Tobias, Executive Director of Michigan Alcohol Policy Promoting Health and Safety. “The only responsible thing to do with this dangerous proposal is to reject it. Michigan’s policymakers have the opportunity to either stand on the side of public health and safety, or open the floodgates to more alcohol related problems that will put lives at risk.”

Urban Housecalls: Dental First Aid

Rina Risper14 years ago07 mins

By Karla Robinson, MD

Dental Emergencies

Do you know what to do when facing a dental emergency? Whether you are a parent and witness your child falling on the playground and knocking out a tooth or if you happen to be enjoying some peanut brittle and find yourself left with remnants of a broken tooth, it’s important to know what steps to take when there is dental trauma.

Fast Facts: Barking Up the Right (Family) Tree

Rina Risper14 years ago04 mins

By Anne R., Reference Librarian

Researching family history is a popular pastime, and one that people feel passionate about. In response to many requests for help with this specialized research, the Downtown Lansing branch of the Capital Area District Library is offering several classes on the topic.

Your Other 8 Hours: 5 Failures of Financial Planning and How to Fix Them

Rina Risper14 years ago08 mins

By Robert Pagliarini, Tribune Media Services

If you’re wondering how you are supposed save for a distant retirement when you’re struggling to pay off debt and make ends meet right now, you’re not alone. I think financial planning has failed a lot of people. The promise that if you work hard, save 10 percent of your income, invest in your 401(k), have a diversified investment allocation and have an emergency fund everything will be fine has left a lot of people frustrated, discouraged and even a little angry.