When I Learned I Had Breast Cancer

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Time stood still for a moment when I learned last month that I had breast cancer.

I thought that today is the day that I learn how to beat the odds by watching everything that I put in my body. Only the best from here on out for me. And it wasn’t going to change just my life; it was going to change my entire family’s life. More vitamins, more organic food, more green leafy veggies, and more water.

I have found that the old saying is true, “you get to know your real friends and family when things like this happen”. People that I’ve know for years shied away, while complete strangers wanted to listen and help me. Distant family members that I haven’t talked to in years have reached out to extend support, which I so appreciate.

I’m not sure what the next few weeks and months will be like, but I do know that so far cancer has taught me how much my husband truly loves me. He has stuck by me no matter if I felt good or bad that day.

Everyday I need to remind myself that I can do this. I can beat cancer just like the millions before me.

Deterrence From Gangs Starts Young

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Last month’s report on “Why Young Children Join Gangs” brought new attention over the last few weeks.  One reader wanted to know how do you keep your children from considering gangs all together?  A different reader wanted to know at what age should you start talking to your children about gangs?  Honestly, both deterrence and prevention starts at a young age.

You might recall police officer David Nieves, who was interviewed in the original publication, “Why Kids Join Gangs.”  It just so happens that several years ago, Nieves started up a community football program where the children as young as six and as old as 18 can stay active and off the streets. The program is called T.U.F.F. – “The Ultimate Family Football – a youth group that focuses on instilling life skills and teaching values.  “We use football as a metaphor for life,” said Nieves, a master police officer with the Virginia Beach Police Department. “We work on self-respect and teamwork.”

Nieves says, “you’ve got to get the children when they are young, 6,8,10, 12 and even 18, to keep them from the gangs. You do that by “getting them involved in something.  Get them out on the football field or involved in whatever they are interested in.  You’ve got to keep them busy.  If kids are looking for a gang, they have one right here. If they want colors, we have colors.  If they want a fight, we have one every Friday night on our football team.”  The program overall has a positive influence not only on the kids, but the entire community.

Teaching your children about thugs and criminals should start at an early age.  Salt Lake Area Gang Project  says, “that while five-year-old kids may not understand about the effects of joining a gang, they can learn how to say “no” to negative behavior.”

The T.U.F.F. Football Team is currently looking for volunteers. If you are interested and would like to receive more information or if you would like to sign your child up, please contact Nayla at 757-427-2600 or 757-202-4811

If you have further questions about this story or my original story, “Why Children Join Gangs,” please feel free to send me an email @ Megturco01@yahoo.com

 

 

Why Children Join Gangs

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The percentage of school age kids who join gangs is regrettably on the rise.  According to the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse, which conducts the annual back-to-school survey, about one in four teens attending public schools reported the presence of both gangs and drugs at their schools, and 32 percent of 12 and 13 year old middle school children said drugs were used, kept, or sold on school grounds.   The total findings suggest that as many as 5.7 million public school children in the U.S. attend schools with both drugs and gangs.  The FBI reported that there are now 1.4 million gang members involved in some 33,000 different gangs that are active inside the United States.  That number has increased by 40 percent since 2009.  The types of crimes gang members commit are not limited to such crimes as assault; drug trafficking, firearms offenses, robberies, and homicide. Needless to say, the issue of children in gangs and gang violence is a real problem not only here in Virginia, but in other parts of the United States.

Tag on utility box. Photo taken in Norfolk, Va. by Meg Turco

Sidewalk tag. Taken in Norfolk, Va. by Meg Turco

 

Gang tag on utility box. Photo taken in Virginia Beach,Va. by Meg Turco

“One reason kids gravitate toward gangs,” says Charlottesville, Va. Gang Reduction Steering Committee, “is that they are not getting enough love and attention at home, a deeply rooted dysfunction that may be tough to correct. But another problem may be that parents simply are not aware of the dangers facing their children; parents may be uninvolved not because they do not care, but because they do not know.” The Violence Prevention Institute further reports  that “If young people cannot communicate their concerns and problems to someone significant at home or at school, they could make a negative decision to join a gang, which would affect them for the rest of their lives.”

Gang tag. Photo taken in Virginia Beach, Va. by Meg Turco

Children in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and Portsmouth, Va. are not immune to the problem of gang violence especially if their parents abdicate the responsibility to educate them about this danger. Police Officer Leta Kreiger, a 16-year veteran of the Virginia Beach Crime Prevention Unit, states, “It is the low-income areas, single-family homes, and inaccessible parents or caregivers that contribute to the gang problem.” Experienced in leading gang awareness presentations and self-defense workshops as well as at-home security assessments in relation to crime prevention, Kreiger confirms that gangs have established roots in Hampton Roads, both in the schools and in the community.  “We have neighborhood grass roots gangs and we have national level.”

In fact, just nearby in Portsmouth,Va. Bloods leader Dearnta Thomas now 24, nicknamed “Bloody Razor,” was charged last year with committing crimes such as shootings and robberies that occurred when he was between the ages of 12 and 18 years old. He faces a maximum of life in prison if convicted of the most serious racketeering counts.

In the following video, Officer David Nieves of The Virginia Beach Police Department, talks about gang activity in Hampton Roads Virginia.  He explains “If parents are not going to take care of their babies, then the gangs will do it for them.“

Why Young People Join Gangs from Meg Turco on Vimeo. Use Password: Charlie1234

Even though gang activity is often prevalent in low income areas, middle and upper class neighborhoods are not gang free.  A rich child whose parents are never home may be attracted to a gang. FOX News contributor and psychiatrist Dr. Keith Ablow agrees that gangs can be found in wealthy areas too.  “Look, the why is not just because gangs are deciding to leave the cities and settle in suburbia, though that’s part of the problem. It’s that the very kids themselves who grew up in these affluent suburbs are starting gangs of their own. And the reason for that relates to the disintegration in some areas of the American family, the fact that these kids don’t feel safe or a sense of belonging to anything, no matter how much money is in the bank. And therefore, they’re looking for family elsewhere, just like the gangs that recruited in urban centers.”

Infograph by CampaignforYouthJustice.Org

 

Unfortunately, minors who join gangs typically do so to fill a void created by something they are not receiving from their home life.  As stated by the sources here, it could be a need to be a part of something or the camaraderie of being with other gang members. The truth is that kids often turn to gangs for the attention lacking at home. Gangs are not selective; they take anyone willing to adhere to their rules. Parents, however, can counter the attraction and influence of gangs on their children by taking an active role in their children’s lives and by listening to their children’s needs and issues as they mature. In this way, parents can serve their social responsibility to guide their children into making productive, moral choices that help keep them safe from harm.

Find Your Next Dream Home at East Beach Homearama

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Come out this weekend to East Beach Homearama in Norfolk, Virginia and see exquisite custom homes built by none other than ABT Custom Homes, Stephen Alexander Homes and Richardson Homes.

Homearama 2012 Photo taken by Meg Turco

 

From October 13-28th you can rock out to local entertainment, sample food from the best restaurants in the area and get design ideas for your own home. This exciting, sixteen day event will showcase designer construction in a whole new light. Beach living never seemed this enticing.

In years past, thousands of locals from all over Hampton Roads attend Homearama so they can see the latest in home design and construction. This year, the homes will be even more tempting due to the location.

This year, the show will feature 10 beach access homes in an up and coming neighborhood in Norfolk for sale ranging from $600,000 to $1.6 million.

Video Courtesy of ABT Custom Homes

How much does the event cost? General admission is $10 for a one-day pass and $17 for a two-day pass. Active duty and retired military guests and seniors (62 or better) get a $1 discount Monday-Thursday. Children 12 and under are free.

Where: East Beach in Norfolk, Va.
When: October 13-28, 2012
Open daily noon to 9 p.m.

October 28 noon to 6 p.m.

Phone: 757-420-2434

See a full schedule of events at www.homearama.tv

By Meg Turco

About Me

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Hello!  My name is Meg Turco and I am a freelance writer and multimedia publisher. I live in Virginia Beach, Va. with my husband, my two children,  and two dogs, Charlie and Taylor.

Photo taken by Charlene Turco

I specialize in writing short stories and creating content including multimedia publications. My passion is writing about the community, health and fitness, our education system and the environment.

Some examples of reports that I found particularly fulfilling to produce were my stories on social media in Virginia and my interview with runner/athlete Abby Jenkins.  The story on social media was really interesting because I found that not every country uses social media the way we do in the U.S.  My interview with Abby was inspiring; Not just for me, but for anyone who thinks they don’t have it in them to follow a regimented health and fitness plan.

Photo by Meg Turco

Although I use multiple media elements in the production and publication of my reports, my favorite medium is videography.  The story I am most proud of is my capstone project because I worked so hard to capture those interviews with the police officers and had to search the back alleyways of less than desirable neighborhoods for pictures for that project.

I am in the process of completing my capstone multimedia project about gang awareness in Virginia. My goal for this project is to educate parents and the community that gangs are a real problem in society.  There are plenty of resources to help steer kids in the right direction so that they can become productive members in society. Parents need to know they are not alone.

Photo taken by Newcastle School Photographer

With a degree in New Media Journalism, I now have the flexibility to create and execute visual presentations such as short films, brochures or new articles and to market those publications around the world.

I am currently applying for positions as a multimedia designer, a creative writer, or an editor.

I invite you to checkout my website.  Let me know what you think of if you have any story ideas. You can reach me through email@ megturco01@yahoo.com

I welcome suggestions, feedback, and constructive criticism.

Meg

 

Knuckles ‘N’ Knots Massage

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The idea behind massage is to relax and allow all the worries and stress in life leave the body for 1 full hour. This one hour is often crucial to rejuvenate yourself in order to press on through life. Without a break in your busy schedule, tension builds up causing more serious health issues such as migraines, back aches, and other ailments that can be detrimental to your health.

Dermalogica and Biofreeze sold at Knuckles ‘N’ Knots
Chesapeake and Virginia Beach Locations
Photo by Meg Turco

According to WebMD, “more and more people — especially baby boomers — recognize the health benefits of massage. They choose from among many massage styles to get relief from symptoms or to heal injuries, to help with certain health conditions, and to promote overall wellness.”

Here in Virginia Beach, Va., Knuckles ‘N’ KnotsMassage provides a high-end therapeutic massage, a full-service nail salon, and aesthetician services in a caring, upscale, and professional environment. Their licensed aestheticians offer the latest in skin treatments, body treatments and anti-aging therapies. Knuckles ‘N’ Knots sets themselves apart from other massage businesses in the area by offering a full hour massage for $40.00 dollars and conveniently scheduled hours 7 days a week.

Chesapeake Location of Knuckles ‘N’Knots
Photo by Meg Turco

Don’t let stress take control of your life. Make your appointment today by calling 757-965-2930 or visit their website at Knuckles ‘N’ Knots at www.knucklesnknots.com

Knuckles ‘N’ Knots Massage from Meg Turco on Vimeo.

Protecting Your Photos in the Digital Age

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Let’s say you love taking photos and you’re pretty darn good at it.  You have the knack for taking beautiful pictures and then posting them on Facebook or your personal website so that all of your friends can check them out. One day, you happen to notice that a friend of friend has posted one of your pictures on her Facebook taking full credit for it!  What would you do?

There are several courses of action you can take.  You could opt not post future photos, or you can study the Digital Millennium Copyright Act for your state and learn how to protect yourself from copyright infringement.  “The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) is a United States copyright law that criminalizes production and dissemination of technology, devices, or services intended to circumvent measures (commonly known as digital rights management or DRM) that control access to copyrighted works.  In addition, the DMCA heightens the penalties for copyright infringement on the Internet.” Essentially, researching the law for your state involves some research at the front end, but in the long run, your photos and artwork are protected.

Next, you could send a Cease and Desist/Demand Letter. This letter is typically drawn up by an attorney stating that they have evidence that the person using your work has done so without your consent. The letter will request the person to remove all content from the Internet, to stop copying, and to pay all fees including fines and attorney fees charged by the hired firm.

Another action you can take to avoid future copyright issues is to register your visual arts through the Library of Congress.  The fees will vary depending on what type of art you want to protect. For example, the cost for a standard digital photograph is roughly $45. An example of the form can be found here: http://www.copyright.gov/forms/formvas.pdf

Photo by Lorra Marcelo Freelance Artist

Finally, some artists will add a watermark their work. “According to About.com, placing an overlay watermark on images that you plan to post on the Web will identify them as your own work and discourage people from copying them or claiming them as their own.”

Just this month, there was a news article that mentioned Mega site Twitter being accused of ignoring a series of DMCA removal requests lodged by an artist named Christopher Boffoli.  The artist is known for his photographs that feature tiny models of people in funny positions doing random things to food.  “Some of his draft images were stolen off a server and distributed without his consent.”

Freelance artist, Lorra Marcelo, has been a landscape and portrait photographer for years.  Just recently, she decided to start a website showcasing her work. When I asked her if anyone had taken her work and tried to pass it off as her own, she stated, “ I have not encountered anyone taking my photos without asking, but I do have a couple of friends that have asked permission to re-post some of my photos on their Facebook page. While her website is under construction, she uses watermarks to protect her work.

Photo by Lorra Marcelo Freelance Artist

The Internet provides a real time way for you to share your photos and artwork with friends and potential clients. Unfortunately, there are people out there will try and copy those and pass them off as their own. Knowing the laws and methods you can take to protect your work is key to preventing infringement from happening.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trespass Law in Virginia

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While working as a journalist, one must understand privacy issues. One privacy issue you might encounter is trespassing.   Getting the story is important, but not as important as risking you being thrown in jail for trespassing on private property.  Here are the Virginia state laws concerning trespassing and the specifics in legal action for these cases.

After speaking with a Virginia Attorney, I am told that “if there is no sign, Virginia law requires a verbal or written warning before prosecution can occur.  If the person has not been warned previously to stay off the property or premises they cannot be prosecuted.  If there is no warning, the charge would end up getting dismissed.”   Seldom is there jail time for a criminal trespass.  In most cases it would be a fine, community service, or a very short time on probation.  That said, “if there are repeated arrests, the likelihood of some length of jail time certainly goes up.”

According to the Commonwealth of Virginia, trespassing on private property in our state is a criminal offense that carries a variety of penalties. The level of the offense and the penalty that can be imposed varies depending on the nature of the premises and the intent of the person trespassing.

 

Photo taken outside of Dragas Office Park Virginia Beach, Va. By Meg Turco

 

Simple Trespass

For simple trespass upon the private property of another, a verbal or written warning is required before a criminal penalty can be imposed. If such a warning has been given, or if the person is trespassing for the purpose of hunting, fishing or trapping (regardless of any previous warning), the perpetrator would be guilty of a Class One Misdemeanor, which carries a maximum penalty of one year in jail or a fine of $2500 or both.

Other Types of Trespass

The Virginia code defines a number of different types of trespass upon private property. Many of these are Class One Misdemeanors like trespass after a verbal or written warning or for the purpose of hunting, fishing or trapping. Trespassing on agricultural property with a spotlight is a Class Three Misdemeanor punishable by a maximum $500 fine. Trespassing in a cemetery at night is a Class Four Misdemeanor and carries a maximum penalty of a $250 fine. Trespassing on school or church property is a Class One Misdemeanor, unless it is done for the purpose of abducting a student, which makes the offense a Class Six Felony, punishable by 1 to 5 years of imprisonment and/or a $2500 fine.

Photo taken at Wendy’s in Virginia Beach, Va. By Meg Turco

 

The bottom line is not to disregard the law in efforts to get a story.  Instead, use your resources and ask for referrals if you need help.  Sometimes the story you end up writing is better than the first.

Gang Violence in Hampton Roads- What People Want To Know

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I recently took a survey asking what people wanted to know about gangs?  Did they think gang awareness needed to be taught in middle school or elementary school? Do they know anyone who has ever been a victim of gang related activity? How would they address the problem of gangs in our community? I’d like to share an overall consensus for each question. I think you’ll find some of the comments interesting.

In my first question, what do people want to know about gangs; most folks said that they wanted to know where they hung out.  In other words, what neighborhoods have gangs and in what community do they reside?  Others said they wanted to know how to spot a gang member so they can avoid them. One person posted an interesting comment about what their legal rights are when their property is damaged by a gang member and when to notify police about suspected activity?  Please listen to Officer Leta Krieger talk about the types of gangs found here in Hampton Roads.

Question number two was, did they think gang awareness needed to be taught in middle school or in elementary school? Seventy percent said middle school, and only twenty-five percent said elementary school.  A mere five percent thought that gang awareness should be taught in both middle and elementary school.

Question number three asked if they knew anyone who has been a victim of gang violence? Disturbing results here. Fifty percent had either been a victim or knew someone who had been a victim of gang violence. The crimes consisted of robbery, assault, or car jacking.

My last question related to how we address gang behavior in our community. An astounding number of people said it starts with the parents and continues through community and youth programs, which I whole-heartedly agree with.  Someone made a suggestion that we need more free after school activities for children. That way, if the parents have to work two jobs, the kids have a safe place to go where there is adult supervision. This is an excellent idea and one that deserves to be explored. As far as I know, there are before and after school programs provided by the city of Virginia Beach. This program is not free and in fact can be rather expensive to someone who makes below 40,000 dollars a year. There are a few “heroes” in the community that open their door to provide a safe place for kids to hang out and do homework before and after school, but they have to rely heavily on donations from the community in order to run and feed the kids that go there.  According to my research with the Virginia Beach Police Department, a lot of children are left to fend for themselves for hours until the parent gets home.  Unfortunately, this is how a lot of kids get into trouble.

The truth is, gangs will not go away without a combined effort by everyone, and primarily the parents to let them know their organizations will not be tolerated. While the survey showed that gang activity overall is perceived as negative, people do agree that awareness and educating our youth is where we need to focus.  I want to thank those of you who participated in my survey.

Meg

 

 

 

 

 

Social Media in Manila

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Social Media in Manila is just as popular as it is here in the U.S. or one would think. Previously it hasn’t always been so easy for society to communicate there.  The Philippines has had major challenges with cells phones and reception.  Not until recently could everyone afford one, and those who could afford one, found it difficult to find a signal. Today, communication is great. In fact, so good that the Philippines remains the SMS (short message service) capital of the world, according to Ipsos Media Atlas Philippines. Today, phones are affordable and the service plans, like here is the U.S, are tailor made to the individual’s lifestyle.

Photo Courtesy of Wikipedia

Simone Ngo, a systems manager in the Philippines, says “here in PI, we usually use our phones and gadgets for surfing, playing and texting compared to phone calls.”  Some of the apps we use for communication, updates, news, and connection, are Facebook and Twitter. I have a lot of games as well as music to keep me upbeat when I’m running around. The phones here are similar to yours in the states. The phones that I see the most of are Nokia, Blackberry, iPhone, and Samsung.”
Our favorite games are Bingo Bash, Zombie Swipe out, Subway Surfer, Smurfs and a lot, lot more. The gaming apps change almost daily as we get bored. Music apps are popular. I find that 4shared is good if I don’t have a way to sync and want to download the song, but typically I’ll just listen from the app installed on my iPhone. Jango is a great app to listen to music via the Internet. I have both Yahoo and Gmail programmed since I’m using an iPhone and have alerts set up for games, and Facebook and LinkedIn.  I don’t want to miss a thing.”

Photo Courtesy of Simone Ngo

Social media is so popular now; we are definitely seeing a paradigm shift in communication. If we are using it all day, and our colleagues overseas are using it, then perhaps our clients and customers are using it? Could texting replace email? Will rss feeds and alerts replace newspapers? Could the iPhone replace computers? Maybe so.  With things changing so fast it wouldn’t surprise me if we woke up tomorrow and Apple announced that the Mac has been replaced with the MacPhone. Crazier things have happened.