BERNARD HARRIS/ FIRST AFRICAN AMERICAN ASTRONAUT TO WALK IN SPACE

Dr. Bernard Harris, Jr. was born on June 26, 1956, the son of Mrs. Gussie H. Burgess, and Mr. Bernard A. Harris, Sr. A native of Temple, Texas, he graduated from Sam Houston High School, San Antonio in 1974. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from University of Houston in 1978 before following that up with a doctorate in medicine from Texas Tech University School of Medicine in 1982.

After medical school, Dr. Harris completed a residency in internal medicine at the Mayo Clinic in 1985. While working on a National Research Council Fellowship at NASA Ames Research Center in 1986, he conducted research in the field of musculoskeletal physiology and disuse osteoporosis. He finished his fellowship in 1987, then trained as a flight surgeon at the Aerospace School of Medicine, Brooks AFB, San Antonio, Texas, in 1988. His duties included clinical investigations of space adaptation and the development of countermeasures for extended duration space flight. Assigned to the Medical Science Division, he held the title of Project Manager, Exercise Countermeasure Project.

Selected by NASA in January 1990, Dr. Harris became an astronaut in July 1991. He was assigned as a mission specialist on STS-55, Spacelab D-2, in August 1991, and later flew on board Columbia for ten days, (April 26 to May 6, 1993), marking the Shuttle's one year of total flight time. Dr. Harris was part of the payload crew of Spacelab D-2, conducting a variety of research in physical and life sciences. During this flight, Dr. Harris logged over 239 hours and 4,164,183 miles in space.

Later, Dr. Bernard Harris, Jr. was the Payload Commander on STS-63 (February 2-11, 1995), the first flight of a new joint Russian-American Space Program. Mission highlights included the rendezvous with the Russian Space Station, Mir, operation of a variety of investigations in the Spacehab module, and the deployment and retrieval of Spartan 204. During the flight, Dr. Harris became the first African-American to walk in space. He logged 198 hours, 29 minutes in space, completed 129 orbits, and traveled over 2.9 million miles. He also accomplished his childhood dream by completing his first walk in space, becoming the first African-American to do so.

In 1996, the year of his departure from NASA, Dr. Harris also received a master's degree in biomedical science from the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. He later served as Chief Scientist and Vice-President of Science and Health Services, and then as Vice President, SPACEHAB, Inc., where he was involved in business development and marketing of the company's space-based products and services. Later, he was Vice President of Business Development for Space Media, Inc., establishing an international space education program for students.

Dr. Bernard Harris, Jr. is a member of the American College of Physicians, American Society for Bone and Mineral Research, Aerospace Medical Association, National Medical Association, American Medical Association, Minnesota Medical Association, Texas Medical Association, Harris County Medical Society, Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Texas Tech University Alumni Association, and Mayo Clinic Alumni Association. Aircraft Owners and Pilot Association. Association of Space Explorers. American Astronautical Society. Member, Board of Directors, Boys and Girls Club of Houston. Committee Member, Greater Houston Area Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. Member, Board of Directors, Manned Space Flight Education Foundation Inc.

He has also received a number of honors, including 1996 Honorary Doctorate of Science, Morehouse School of Medicine. Medal of Excellence, Golden State Minority Foundation 1996. NASA Award of Merit 1996. NASA Equal Opportunity Medal 1996. NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal 1996. The Challenger Award, The Ronald E. McNair Foundation 1996. Award of Achievement, The Association of Black Cardiologists 1996. Space Act Tech Brief Award 1995. Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society, Zeta of Texas Chapter 1995. Election of Fellowship in the American College of Physicians 1994. Distinguished Alumnus, The University of Houston Alumni Organization 1994. Distinguished Scientist of the Year, ARCS Foundation, Inc., 1994. Life Membership, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity. NASA Space Flight Medals 1993, 1995. NASA Outstanding Performance Rating 1993. JSC Group Achievement Award 1993. Physician of the Year, National Technical Association, 1993. And many others.

Dr. Harris is married to the former Sandra Fay Lewis of Sunnyvale, California. They have one child. He enjoys flying, sailing, skiing, running, scuba diving, art and music. He is also a licensed private pilot. Most recently, Dr. Harris is President and Founder of the www.TheHarrisFoundation.org , which supports math/science education and crime prevention programs for America's youth.

He describes himself as a “dreamer who believes nothing is impossible.” I believe he has proven himself correct.

RUEANN ADAMSON/ FUNJET VACATIONS

www.funjet.com

For more information about Funjet Vacations call 1-800-FUNJET1 … you can reach a travel agent at this number who can book your trip".  You can also log onto www.funjet.com/gmt and email your questions.

Sheraton Kauai

2440 Hoonani Road

Koloa, Poipu Beach, HI 96756

808-742-1661

www.Sheraton-Kauai.com

MORGAN MCCORVEY/ TEEN WHO LOST 100 POUNDS

www.wellspringweightloss.com

Morgan McCorvey, a local teen has an incredible and inspirational story to share. Morgan lost 95 lbs. and completely changed her lifestyle at Wellspring Academy, the world’s first and only boarding school for overweight children and teens. Morgan, a 17-year-old from Southlake, Texas, recently graduated from Wellspring Academy after an 11-month stay at the Reedley, Calif. campus.

With nearly 20 percent of Texas children and teens overweight or at risk of being overweight, this topic is timely and important.

Wellspring Academy (Reedley, Calif.)

The first year-round boarding school for weight loss in the world and the flagship Wellspring Academy program, the California school has transformed hundreds of lives since opening in September 2004. It is located on the edge of the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, about 30 minutes southeast of Fresno on a beautiful 68-acre campus.

About Wellspring Weight Loss Programs

Wellspring is the leading organization of weight loss camps and residential treatment programs for overweight children, adolescents and young adults. Founded in 2004 as Healthy Living Academies, the organization recently re-branded all of its programs under the Wellspring name.

Wellspring programs include: Wellspring Academies, boarding schools in California and North Carolina; Wellspring Camps in New York, North Carolina, California, Texas, Wisconsin, Hawaii, England and Australia; Wellspring Retreats for adults; and Wellspring Community Programs, after-school programs for weight loss and behavioral change.

The Sierras Weight-Loss Solution for Teens and Kids was written by the founders and program leaders of Wellspring. The book offers parents a 12-week proven program based on the school's curriculum focusing on healthy eating and making exercise a priority.

To learn more about Wellspring weight loss programs, visit www.wellspringweightloss.com or call 866-364-0808.Wellspring is a division of CRC Health.

FREEDOMDEBT.COM

www.Freedomdebt.com

Debt and financial difficulties are leading causes of personal anxiety, depression, and stress. Our goals at Freedom Debt Relief are to alleviate the pressures of financial strain and to get our clients back on solid financial footing and personal happiness. We offer one-stop-shop services to get clients out of debt and on their way to permanent financial freedom. Whether our clients are trying to reduce their actual debts, cut their monthly payments, avoid and protect their credit rating from bankruptcy or consumer credit counseling, stop creditor harassment, or prepare for home ownership, we are here to help them today!

The Founders of Freedom Financial first met many years ago while in Business School at Stanford University. Recognizing the overwhelming burden that personal debt had placed on Americans and the usurious rates and fees consumers were struggling with, the team decided to leverage their decade of financial advisory experience to create a truly unique company and build a leading company to help consumers in debt. Instead of simply lowering interest rates (like credit counseling), or shifting unsecured debt to secured debt (like credit consolidation), Freedom is a pioneer with an innovative process for actually cutting the total amount of unsecured debt that consumers owe. We succeed by using our relationships and scale with creditors to negotiate down each individual consumer's debt balance and payments. However, not everyone qualifies for our "Debt Reduction Program". We stringently qualify and underwrite our customers, and only accept consumers that meet our guidelines.

Our friendly and experienced representatives will work with each consumer, first to assess your eligibility for the "Debt Reduction Program," then to set up affordable payments that fit within their budget, and ultimately get them out of debt while protecting their credit rating from the affects of bankruptcy and consumer credit counseling. This is the fastest and best way for many people to be debt free.

Richard Martin and Jeremiah Martin manage Freedom Debt Relief offices in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, Houston and San Antonio while their parents operate an office in the Austin area. We are active in our communities including various Chambers and supporting multiple charities. Both the Freedom Debt Relief headquarters and our main Texas office are Members of the Better Business Bureau in good standing. Our goal is to give clients the option to meet with companionate and knowledgeable debt consultants face to face in a more traditional fashion rather than just dealing with a computer or someone in a call center from across the country. Our number one goal is to help clients find the best option for them to get out of debt with their situation, whether it is our program or another option. We always provide a consultation and analysis completely free of charge with absolutely no obligations.

While we hope to have our client's friendship for life, our goal is to have no repeat customers. We want everyone who we help in any way, including graduates from our program to be debt free for life.

Toll Free: 888-530-DEBT

Address: 3401 West Airport Frwy.

Irving, TX 75062

Email: info@freedomdebt.net

Website: www.freedomdebt.net

LISA GARZA/ “THE NEXT FOOD NETWORK STAR”

www.Hautehostess.com

If you have to slave away in the kitchen to create fabulous meals or to prepare for highfalutin soirees, you might as well do so while looking smashing. Lisa Garza, chef, co-owner and special event planner for Suze Restaurant & Catering, has created Haute Hostess, a new line of vintage-inspired couture aprons using silk dupioni, silk organza and dotted Swiss fabrics. Inspired by the women in her life, Garza has joined award-winning designer Abi Ferrin to create custom couture designs. Price: $70 to $350 retail, available at the Abi Ferrin Design Studio, 1409 S. Lamar St., Ste. 103, Dallas, custom aprons by appointment, 214-282-0165 or www.hautehostess.com

BRAZILIAN HAIR STRAIGHTENING

www.JeanPhillipeSalon.com

Jean-Philippe Salon offering women beautifully straight hair with new procedure.

Sure, we’re talking about “south of the border,” but only in terms of geography. The newest trend in straight hair is straight out of Brazil, and is offering the look of South American-straight hair with no harsh chemical treatments. Specialists at Jean-Philippe Salon are now trained in the Brazilian Keratin Hair Straightening technique, which is new to Dallas and being offered at Jean-Philippe Salon.

“Straight hair will always be a mark of the ‘beautiful,’” said Jean-Philippe Moreau. “Now we will be able to offer that look to men and women with kinky, curly hair – and to those who are just tired of flat-ironing every day to achieve that luxurious look. It’s not 1972 anymore – so put away your ironing boards!”

Setting the new standard for straight hair, the Brazilian hair straightening uses keratin, a protein that is a vital component of healthy hair, skin, and nails. The keratin formula is applied, then sealed to the hair via an ironing process performed by a trained stylist. The process traps in moisture, giving it a glossy, straight finish. The keratin repairs damage the hair may have already had and coats it to help prevent further splits.

Curly, kinky, wavy, unmanageable, brittle hair can be straight, soft, and sleek for months at a time. Unwanted crimps disappear, and hair is straight with little to no maintenance. The process eliminates the need for drawers full of hair products, and hours spent trying to get that one little piece to lay right.

“Many of my clients are turning to this process to simplify their lives,” said Jean-Philippe. “These are successful working women, moms, and people-on-the-go who simply don’t have the time or skill to spend hours on their hair at home – but they need to have the look, so they turn to a process like this. It’s liberating for them.”

The process takes two-and-a-half to four hours in the salon, varying with the length and thickness of hair, and can last up to four months, depending on how much the hair is washed and treated. When the product is gone, hair returns to its undamaged, natural form. Unlike the Japanese process of thermal reconditioning, which uses caustic chemicals that alter the composition of the hair, the Brazilian treatment does not change the chemical bonds that make hair what it is; instead, the keratin coats it and straightens naturally. The process costs anywhere from $400 to $800, depending on the hair.

No worries, Dallas blondes! It’s recommended for all types of hair – highlighted, colored, bleached, kinky, wavy, and even hair that’s been previously straightened. And, in case there is anyone left whose hair is untouched – the Brazilian process works on virgin hair, too. However, results last even longer over colored or chemically treated hair – meaning most of Dallas is the perfect candidate.

Four-days post-treatment, you can even go into the pool or ocean

Jean-Philippe Salon is located at 5600 W Lovers Lane in Dallas. Appointments can be made by calling 214.350.7897.

LAKEWOOD ORTHOPAEDICS & SPORTS MEDICINE

www.lakewoodorthoandsportsmed.com

Terry K. Gemas, MD

Lakewood Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine

9219 Garland Road  #2107

Dallas, TX  75218

(469)341-5676

DR. PETE STAVINOHA/ SIBLING RIVALRY

www.dfwdrpete.com

 Peter L. Stavinoha, Ph.D., is a Clinical Neuropsychologist in the Center for Pediatric Psychiatry at Children's Medical Center of Dallas and Associate Professor in Psychiatry at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center.  He received a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Notre Dame and a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from the University of Texas at Austin.  Dr. Stavinoha completed a residency in Clinical Neuropsychology at the Medical College of Wisconsin.  Dr. Stavinoha was named a University of Notre Dame Scholar and was awarded a University of Texas Fellowship.  He was named Distinguished Psychologist for 2005 by the Dallas Psychological Association.  Dr. Stavinoha specializes in the cognitive, behavioral, and emotional aspects of developmental disabilities and acquired brain injury in children.  He is also an expert in general parenting, and is a regular guest on WFAA-TV's Good Morning Texas where he gives parenting advice about common issues facing children and families.  Dr. Stavinoha has particular expertise in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and he has presented research findings as well as practical workshops on children with ADHD at the state, national, and international level.  Dr. Stavinoha has lectured extensively on topics including ADHD, dyslexia, learning disabilities, autism and pervasive developmental disorder, traumatic brain injury, the effects of childhood cancer on learning and behavior, the effects of epilepsy on learning and behavior, brain development in children, and general parenting.  Dr. Stavinoha is a member of the American Psychological Association, the International Neuropsychological Society, and the National Academy of Neuropsychology. 

Dr Pete is also the co-author of "Stress Free Potty Training".  Find out more at www.stressfreepottytraining.com.

You can also check out, www.dfwdrpete.com

Sibling rivalry

Sibling rivalry is a normal part of growing up in a family with more than one child.  Most children will not resort to extreme violence to resolve differences, but it is still a good idea for parents to make sure siblings get along most of the time.

First, it is essential to make sure each sibling’s emotional needs are met.  Characteristics such as inner anger, insensitivity, and deep-rooted jealousy are all signs that a child may not have all their emotional needs met.  These are also characteristics that tend to quickly inflame sibling relationships.  By having secure children who feel loved, accepted, and attached to their parents, a certain amount of sibling rivalry and fighting can simply be prevented.  The following are some tips for those inevitable conflicts that will occur even with the best of sibling relationships:

Do not play favorites and reward one child over the other—this could be perceived as favoritism. In the case of a sibling fight, consequences for this behavior should affect both children, not just one or the other.  The goal is for the children to reach a proper resolution on their own. When a parent interferes and appears to favor one child, the other sibling harbors resentment especially if this happens often.  This resentment can go on to affect future interactions between the siblings.  Children must be treated equitably, but this does not always mean that they will be treated equally.

 Parents should keep an eye out for escalating situations – it is normal for kids to fight over toys, who gets to sit in the front seat and who should go first on a ride. It is important to ensure that siblings have the opportunity to negotiate and that appropriate consequences be put in place if the situation is not resolved in a civilized manner.  For example, the toy can be taken away, no one can sit in the front seat or no one gets on the ride.  Too often, parents step into a minor sibling squabble too early so that the siblings never have a chance to resolve the conflict in a positive way by themselves.  However, if the situation escalates to physical harm, the parent needs to step in and protect both children from getting hurt.  Appropriate action should be taken if the arguments get physical. At no time should a child feel that it is allowable to harm his or her sibling in an effort to get what they want.  Consequences for physical aggression should be immediate and consistent with family values.

Focus on the unique talents of each child – if kids are involved in all the same activities, competition is natural.  However, if one child is involved in art, another in soccer, and another in piano, the comparisons and resulting competition will be reduced.  There will not be as much opportunity for the siblings to directly compare themselves to each other.  Also, parents should not feel compelled to include every child in every activity.  It is perfectly acceptable to have some activities that are reserved only for one of the siblings, as long as each child in the family has the opportunity to participate in a wide range of activities. 

 Acknowledge siblings’ sometimes ambivalent feelings toward one another, and be ready to discuss their frustrations with each other (sometimes it is natural for us to simply say – you love your brother, how can you say such mean things about him!!).  Instead, listen carefully to your child and his or her frustrations.  Sometimes, the simple act of venting and being heard has a healing effect.  This also lets you hear the root of their frustrations, part of which may stem from the child not having his or her emotional needs met. 

 Be sure there is a balance of individual time with parents, one-to one sibling time, and whole family time – this offers a testing ground for conflict resolution at every social level.  Even in large families, it is essential for each sibling to establish and maintain an individual relationship with each parent.  In larger families, this requires creativity on the parents’ part. 

 Be careful if you are making one sibling responsible for another – if one sibling has “power” over another, there can be resentment that builds from both siblings.  The one who is responsible for the other child may feel imposed upon, and the child being cared for may feel that their sibling is simply taking advantage of their power or abusing it in some way.