An Inspiring NFL Football Player at a Time When So Many Are Not Inspiring

In a time when so many professional athletes are lousy role models for our children, many thanks to Mark Herzlich for showing up.  New York Giants linebacker Mark Herzlich, who beat a deadly form of bone cancer to achieve his dream of playing in the NFL, has been traveling around the country meeting with young atheletes and children who have been diagnosed with cancer.  His story and attitude is inspirational to them and to all of us.  He overcame incredible odds and never gave up the hope of achieving his dreams.  Herzlich's focus in life has changed dramaticly since his battle with cancer.  He believes that the most important thing that he can do with his life suprisingly does not involve making a touchdown.  His mission is to give hope to children struggling with cancer.  He has even inspired some of his teammates to do the same.  Job well done, Mark.

Whether your child is an athelete, struggling with a disease or just an average child share Herzlich's story with them.  It may just inspire greatness in them.

Tattoo Barbie...Really?

Mattel has recently released the Tokidoki Barbie Doll as it's latest and greatest. Barbie has been a trend setter for girls all over the globe for the last fifty years. Mattel needs to take this into consideration when developing new dolls. I see nothing wrong with tattoos, in fact I have one myself. I do think that when we are looking at someone who has them head to toe, we are viewing someone with a body image problem. I think that having a Barbie with tattoos head to toe sends the message to girls that their bodies are not alright the way they are.

Mattel's response to the negative reaction this doll is getting from parents everywhere is that this doll was made with the adult collector in mind. Mattel you are either trying to fool us into believing that, or you are vastly underestimating the importance of the Barbie Doll among young girls. In a society riddled with bad role models, Barbie has always been there to show girls that they can be anything that they strive to be. That they can be successful without relying on a man. Mattel needs to hold itself to a higher standard than other doll manufacturers. If they want mothers to continue buying these dolls for their daughters, they will do just that.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of "Alcohol"

Kudos to Daniel Radcliffe, not for his most recent movie or his stint on Broadway, but for his admission of his battle with alcohol abuse. Too often celebrities achieve notoriety for the outrageous things that they do in the public eye, sending the message to our teens that alcohol use, drug use and promiscuous sex are cool. Thank you Daniel for sending a different message to our young people and being a good role model.