Identity Theft Stories

I'm sure your parents have warned you about posting too much personal information on the Internet. The reason almost everyone gives? Sexual predators. While there are definitely sexual predators online who are looking for kids and teens to chat with, the reality is that most of you guys are pretty smart about ignoring these creeps or telling them to buzz off. If you encounter anyone sending you sexually-explicit messages online, you should always report their profile to the site's administrators. The chances that a predator will just see your blog or profile and show up at your school without ever having interacted with you online are very slim.

There is another reason you shouldn't put too much personal information online—it's called identity theft and there are many identity theft stories out there. This is what happens when a criminal can pull together enough of your personal information to use for their own financial gain. Identity thieves have been very attracted to social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook because there are lots of teens on them with NO credit history. That's right, because you aren't applying for credit or jobs or renting an apartment until you're older, most likely nobody is checking your credit reports. Identity thieves need just enough of your personal information to apply for credit cards and make a mess of your financial life. Identity theft can ruin your credit score for years, making it really hard for you to get credit cards, rent apartments, or buy a car. It can take you (or your parents) hundreds of hours to clean it up.

Here are some simple tips to make sure you're not posting for identity thieves:

Limit the amount of personal information you post on your blog or profile.

While you're under 18, don't post your full first and last name on your blog or social networking profile—make up a fun nickname or pseudonym to use instead. Never post your social security number, driver's license number (if you have one), cell phone number, or home address.Be careful what you blog.

If your blog is public, don't post stuff like when your family will be away from your house for vacation or other long trips—a clever criminal can try to figure out where you live and take advantage of your family being gone, raid your mailbox, and find all sorts of personal information.Watch out for email scams or "phishing." 

If you still check your old-fashioned Web email account, be very careful of spammers who send emails asking you for money or any other personal information. Don't click on any email attachments unless you know who sent them. Just hit delete.Be wary of quizzes or other online surveys that ask you to enter lots of personal information.

Make sure any site you have to register to join is secure and legit.

Be weary of contest sites advertised through pop-ups or associated with any brand or company you are not familiar with. If you're shopping online, most likely you have to use your parent's credit card, so make sure they check out the site before you enter in their information.

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what is a period

What is a period and why do we have them? 

It’s normal female biology! And, it’s a major sign of physical maturity of becoming a woman.

VERY simply, a period is when a woman’s body releases tissue it no longer needs. This tissue comes from the uterus, which is where a baby (fetus) develops in the female body. Every month or so, the uterus lining gets thicker. This is to prepare for a fertilized egg if the woman becomes pregnant. If the egg doesn’t get fertilized, that lining is released from the body through the vagina. This is called menstruation.

So when a girl has her period, she is not "bleeding," her body is just getting rid of a small amount of blood and some unneeded tissue. It is a natural, normal body process.

What does menstruation feel like? 

The actual flow of your period doesn’t feel like much; you can’t feel it coming out. When you actually get a period, you may feel some dampness in the crotch area—this is probably a few spots of blood on your underwear.

Does having your period smell?

It shouldn’t! Menstrual odour happens when menstrual fluid comes in contact with air. When menstrual fluid is absorbed within the vagina, it is not exposed to the air, so there shouldn’t be an odour. Using tampons or changing pads frequently usually takes care of the problem.

Does having your period hurt? 

The period itself doesn’t hurt, but some girls and women get cramps or other symptoms during their periods that may be uncomfortable.

Do people/boys know when you are menstruating? 

If you use menstrual protection and are careful about personal cleanliness, people won’t know you are menstruating unless you tell them.

Do boys menstruate? 

Menstruation is a part of the female reproductive function. Boys have a different reproductive system from women, so they don’t get periods. But they do go through physical changes at puberty including voice changes, the beginnings of facial, underarm and pubic hair, and the ability to produce sperm.

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All About Hair Products

Tired of the same old look everyday? Learn all about hair products for a new look every day of the week. Go wavy one day, simply straight the next. Get some va-va-volume, do an up-do, or just add some sparkle.

All About Hair Products: Mousse

Get fuller and bouncier hair without making it sticky or heavy. Some mousses help de-frizz, too. Mousse usually comes as a foam, like whipped cream, but can be a gel, too. Use on clean, towel-dried hair. Mousse works best on fine and normal hair; not as great on very curly or very thick hair.

To use: Spray a small bit into your palm. Run your hands through your hair starting at the scalp in the areas where you're looking for lift. Best place to start: the hair around your face. To make your hair extra-springy and soft-looking, turn your head upside down and scrunch the rest of your hair, starting at the roots. Using a hairdryer or towel, dry your hair as best you can in this position. Flip your head up when you're done, being careful not to hit any furniture! The result: Va-va voom!

Watch out: Too much mousse can leave your hair crunchy and flaky. Good for cereal; bad for hair.

All About Hair Products: Gel

Get strong hold and control. Add shine and de-frizz, too. Gel can play up or smooth down curly hair, depending on how you use it. It works well on most hair types, and you can find a gel that's best for you. Use it only when your hair is wet.

To use: Place a dime-sized amount of gel in your hand. Rub palms together and wet them a little to make it easier to apply. For curly or natural-looking hair, scrunch the gel into wet hair and comb through with your fingers. To keep hair straight, smooth it on instead of scrunching, comb through with your fingers, and smooth down any frizzies. Avoid getting gel on your scalp or roots, which can make your hair heavier and flatter. You'll look stylin'!

Watch out: Too much gel can leave your hair wet looking and sticky all day. Can you say, "Wash me?"

All About Hair Products: Hair Wax

Get a slick look like a tight bun, slicked-back short hair, or a really defined style that won't move. Hair wax is good for hard-to-control hair, and gives you shine and serious control.

To use: Start with a pea-sized drop on a small section of hair to see how it works. Use the smallest amount necessary to get the look you want. You can always add more on stray hairs after you're done styling. You'll look seriously slick—and maybe even a little dangerous!

Watch out: Too much wax can look goopy, greasy, and over-styled, and may be hard to wash out.

All together now: "Ewww!"

All About Hair Products: Hairspray

Set your hair after styling or use it to create pin curls or waves.

For a finishing touch, apply hairspray to dry hair after you finish styling. Hold hairspray a few inches from your head. Lightly spray your picture-perfect do all over. For extra bounce and lift, flip your hair upside down and lightly spray your hair at the roots. Shake head out to let it settle and dry, then flip it up, avoiding any hazards like furniture or mirrors. (Ouch!)

To create a pin curl or ringlet, wind a small section of hair around your finger. Spray it lightly with hairspray and wait a moment for it to dry or aim a cool hairdryer at the curl for a few seconds. Gently let go and let the curl spring out. Spray the curl lightly again to help it set. You'll look all-day fabulous.

Watch out: Most hairsprays contain some alcohol, and alcohol is flammable. If you use styling tools like a flat iron, crimper, curling iron or even a hot hairdryer, wait until you're done styling your hair before you spray it on.

All About Hair Products: Leave-in Conditioner

If your hair is more stressed out than you are, leave-in conditioner could become your hair's new best friend. After swimming, tanning, or sweating, or too much blow-drying, hair product use, or chemical treatments, your hair is THIRSTY! Give it a refreshing moisture treatment with a dollop of leave-in conditioner after shampooing. Your hair will thank you for it!

All About Hair Products: Flyaway Smoother

Can you say fried? If you're cursed with a case of the frizzies or if you have a few stray hairs that just don't want to follow the rest of the crowd, don't learn to love it or live with it. Smooth on a touch of anti-frizz serum to make your hair shine and smooth down flyaways.

All About Hair Products: Shimmer

When you're looking to glam-up, finish your look with a little shimmer spray. Who says only the stars can shine in the spotlight?

A note about product use: Too much of any product can make your hair look greasy or dry and flaky instead of fabulous. When getting to know your hair products, less is definitely better, and healthier, than more.

Now that you've learned all about hair products go out, and try a few to see how many great looks you can get out of one haircut.

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This Girl...

This Girl

There’s a girl who has no friends.
There’s a girl who hates the world.
There’s a girl who hates herself.
There’s a girl who wants to die.
There’s a girl who you know.
There’s a girl who cuts herself.
There’s a girl who’s so lost.
There’s this girl who goes your school.
There’s this girl who sits next to you.
There’s this girl who tries to kill herself.
There’s this girl who is sad inside.
There’s this girl who has no tomorrow.
There’s this girl who cries herself to sleep.
There’s this girl who came up to you: you ignored her.
Now this poor girl is dead and it’s all your fault!
This little girl was me………………….

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