PhotoFunia: One of the hottest site with tons of creative backgrounds to play around with. Now comes in 9 different languages.

Fun Photo Box: If you don't get what you want from PhotoFunia, check out this site.

Picartia: Create a photo mosaic of your choice for free online.

Hairmixer: Choose a photo for the left and right side and start mixing their hairs up.

Photo505: Between Photo505, Photofunia and Fun Photo Box, you'll be busy for days.

Yearbook Yourself: Turn your face photo into yearbook alike black & white old school photo. The service is paused and will be back this summer.

Loonapic: Make funny photos by embedding your face from the photo to the various templates.

Magmypic: Create different fake magazine covers from your photos.

Your own Wired Cover: Powered by Xerox, this service allows you to create your own Wired magazine cover. Customize everything from titles, colors to photos.

Write On It: Easily create your fake pictures, captions and fake magazines and other funny jokes for you and your friends.

Dumpr: Create multiple interesting effects from your normal photos.

Anymaking: Allows you to upload any photo and create "old photo", "wanted" and "puzzle" effects out of it.

Montagraph: With its image editing tools you can create your own templates or use someone else's templates.

Letter James: Letter James has nothing to do with photo effects, but instead it allows you to blend texts and words of your choice into their existing templates.

Imagechef: Lots of cool ways for you to customize your photos and express them wherever you want.

Funny Photos: Similar to Fun Photo Box and Photofunia.com, just different effects.

Frontpage: Make yourself into a FrontPage in 136 different magazine covers.

Fake Magazine Cover: Here you can personalize magazine covers online.

Personalized money: Get your head into that dollar bill.

Create HDR: One of the simplest ways to create HDR photos online.

Faceinhole:  Now you can create FACEinHOLE's within videos and if this one doesn't make you laugh check out your heartbeat!

Blingee: Add Glitter, Graphics, and Comments to personalize your images and then share with your friends!

Hollywood Hair Makeover: Love those celebrities' hair? Wear them instantly and see how you look.

For more photography articles and news see: All the top Photography News.

As a child I grew up in a small backwoods town. If you drove through it you wouldn't even believe that we considered it a "town" and might even chuckle at the thought. We had, I think maybe about 300 people in our little town. My family lived on about a hundred acres, so our neighbors needless to say were not "just next door."

However, everyone seemed to know each other, or at least the adults did ~aka~ the "elders" - when you were twelve years old didn't everyone over forty or so seem old? Anyways, being a child, I didn't know it yet but we were a community not just a little town tucked away in the backwoods.

In our little community, as it pertained to anything that happened outside of one's home, there was none of the "that's not my kid nor my brother, so I'm not intervening" type attitudes that we often see today. Everyone made it their business to be mindful of all the other community members, especially the younger ones; even when a new kid popped up on occasion [probably visiting, but hey they might stay] they'd keep "one good eye" on him or her too. And if one of those "young-ones" looked to be "up to something" and it didn't seem to be settling quite right with them [the elders/wise ones] they didn't care whose young-one it was they'd intervene in some manner or the other.

Yep, we young folks were not so fond of our noisy "elders" [at least back then that is] they always seemed to ruin our grandest of plans! They "bossed" us, even when we didn't exactly know who they really were, they knew us often by name but when not, by parents name i.e. "That's Jimmy Barnes kid over there throwing them there rocks." I use Mr. Barnes kid as an example cause I'd of never been guilty of throwing rocks mind you; I might have missed my target via that method! ;-)

They were a real pain, or so we thought, with their meddling, minding our business, giving long lectures, unwanted [now known to be pearly] advice and even ratted us out to our parents sometimes! I mean really we had a most difficult time getting ourselves into much mischief in that one cart town!

Not to mention they were always picking on, I mean keeping an eye on me because I was pretty adept at mischief, usually the harmless type which they loved to laugh about, but sometimes -- you know like if Mary Jane pulled her puppy's tail, or one of the larger kids was picking on a smaller one -- I was prone to get involved and had no fear calling a cease your fire command or it's a dual with me you mean bully!

Nonetheless, if I only called for one well that might have been Okay, but those nosy elders had come to learn that I rarely backed down from my stance in defending those considered to be our weaker community citizens. Yep, I'd be ready to battle it out for sure [all seventy-five spit-fire pounds of me that is – did I mention I was also a tiny little elf looking child]. Hey, in all fairness, I did give them an option to stop being a bully; by nature I do not like strife. I've always strongly preferred getting along with all, peace and love over war, both - then and now. I was a determined one when it came to "justice" for the underdog though – then and still now.

Any whom - Getting on to the point – How many of us did not moan and groan earlier on that we'd never be like Mom, or Dad, or Sally Sue's parents or so-in-so…in moments of resentment at their all knowing ways?

Nonetheless, over the years I have come to realize most every young person's worst fear "Oh my goodness, I've become just like them!" Well golly, I'm more often than not, so glad that I did! :-)

Most of the time this resemblance, to my former community elders, it's a good thing......but sometimes -- you know like when an all grown-up Mary Jane is still pulling the puppy's tail, or when it appears that bigger people are just being outright mean bullies to little people -- I can become like that twelve year old spit-fire of a girl from yesteryear; desiring to help save or defend the weak and hence find myself wanting to call the cease fire command or it's a dual.

And thankfully, although the community has changed, even the new community has community elders around that notice when the [all be them well intending] younger folks are up to something that "doesn't settle quite right" with them. I'm also thankful that I've learned from many of them that I'm much better off seeking their experienced counsel, before I go grabbing tigers by the tail or challenging the bullies to a dual at dawn...... And am even more thankful that there are still many that have not adopted the new and growing attitude of this world - "that's not my kid nor my brother, so I'm not getting involved or intervening" in any manner – that is as it pertains to me and my family anyways.

Yep, who'd of ever thought it - That we'd someday be grateful for the eyes, ears and even the [unmerited] advice of our concerned community, both – Then and Now.

    Teach Them to Care (TTTC)  is a faith-based 501(c) 3) nonprofit organization, serving the secular community, focused on teaching individuals to explore and expand the potential which lies within them. TTTC programs, which assist constituents in moving from dependence to independence, are based on rewarding those who set goals and work diligently towards accomplishments - not entitlement.

We achieve this through faith-based initiatives, advanced coaching and mentoring, community programs and projects, with emphasis placed on financial education, literacy, advanced career skill development, promoting stronger community citizenship, and (independent) fulfillment of vacancies in their own community support systems, as well as how to embrace these proven strategies for a more secure future.

TTTC has adopted a strong commitment to partnering with other organizations when it is fiscally appropriate, reasonable, and or complimentary to do so; as well as a commitment to the "exclusive" use of program materials, curricula and concepts which have already been "proven" in our program offerings.

TTTC is a Christian organization located and serving in the Greater Nashville Tennessee area. We are in need of operational funding, Donors, Corporate Sponsors, skilled Volunteers for our Board of Directors, Volunteer Business Coaches and Mentors, Sponsored Charity Events and Fundraisers as well as Donations of office equipment and supplies.

TTTC is also looking for a donated office space in Nashville, Antioch, or Brentwood, Tennessee area. This type donation would be an excellent tax write off for a company that has un-leased space costing it money. We would not expect the company to provide long term use, should they not desire to, and would only ask for a two week of notice to vacate.

There are many other ways that you may be of assistance to Teach Them to Care, please contact us today to learn more.

CURRENTLY 6:31 - AM CST It Doesn’t Matter... “The invitation”
Current mood: calm
Category: Writing and Poetry

It doesn't interest me what you do for a living. I want to know what you ache for and if you dare to dream of your heart's longing.

It doesn't interest me how old you are. I want to know if you will risk looking like a fool for love, for your dreams, for the adventure of being alive.

It doesn't matter to me what planets are squaring your moon. I want to know if you have touched the center of your own sorrow, if you have been opened by life's betrayals or have become shriveled and closed from fear of further pain. I want to know if you can sit with pain, mine or your own, without moving to hide, fade or fix it.

I want to know if you can be with joy, mine or your own, if you can dance with wildness and let the ecstasy fill you to the tips of your fingers and toes without cautioning us to be careful, to be realistic, to remember the limitations of being human.

It doesn't interest me if the story you are telling me is true. I want to know if you can hear the accusation of betrayal and not betray your own soul; if you can be faithless and therefore trust worthy.

I want to know if you can see beauty, even when it's not pretty, everyday, and if you can source your own life from its presence.

It doesn't interest me to know where you live or how much money you have. It doesn't matter to me who you know and how you come to be here. I want to know if you will stand in the center of the fire with me and not shrink back.

I want to know you can be alone with yourself and you truly like the company you keep in empty moments...

..."The invitation" - I found this one day... and thought it was beautiful.. best ~mm

http://teachthemtocare.org/Documents/FLLA4ColorPoster.pdf
FATHERS LOVE LETTER

Who am i?
http://tttcare.ning.com/video/video/show?id=2032111:Video:625

Public Charitable Benefit (nonprofit) Jazz Concert on October 11th, 2008

Quote:

Jazz for Peace - Concert for Public, Non-profit Benefit

Hosts:  JAZZ FOR PEACE For:  www.TeachThemToCare.org Date and Time: Saturday, October 11th 2008 at 6:00 PM Location Sponsor: Bethel World Outreach Center View this event on Windows Live

WHO: Rick DellaRatta, founder of Jazz For Peace Concert to Benefit Teach Them to Care
WHEN: Saturday, October 11, 2008 6:00 PM
WHERE: Bethel World Outreach Center, 5670 Granny White Pike, Brentwood, TN 37027
WHAT: Legendary Jazz Artist Rick DellaRatta will be coming to the Nashville area to donate his time and talents (through his Jazz for Peace EasyGrant Program) to raise funds for Teach Them to Care an outstanding local organization, which offers vital services to the community. This benefit will take place at a convenient location at Bethel World Outreach Center located at 5670 Granny White Pike in Brentwood, TN on Saturday, October 11th, 2008 at 6:00PM.

A Very Special Thank You to our Venue Sponsors!!! Visit Them Online At:
Bethel World Outreach Center and Festival of the Nations

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS ONLINE

"DellaRatta is fast becoming the Bono of Jazz!"
                                   ---The Salt Lake City Weekly - Aug. 16, 2008

   See Hi-Lights and Publicity from their latest event for Habitat for Humanity!

Hello Friends, I need help with ticket sales for this event... Please pass it a long to those who may be able to assist with sales or maybe a purchase of tickets?

Contact TTTC: (615) 656-4540    fax: (615) 781-1998
Email: BTC @ TeachThemToCare.org
MAILING ADDRESS: Teach Them To Care, PO BOX 110651, NASHVILLE, TN 37222-0651

Quote

Middle Tennessee Idealist Network & Nashville Nonprofit Organizations Meetup

Hosted by: Daniel Bercu & Marilyn Magallanes Date and time: Saturday, May 10, 2008 at 2:30 PM Location name: 103 Eastpark Drive, Brentwood, TN 37027 View this event on Windows Live

I have to Believe that He sees my darkness, I have to believe He knows my pain, I have to lift up my hands to worship, worship His name!

I have to Declare that He is my Refugee, I have to Deny that I am alone, I have to lift up my eyes to the mountains, That's where My Help it Comes from.

He Said that He Is FOREVER Faithful, He said that He is FOREVER TRUE. He Says that He CAN Move Mountains, If He can move Mountains, He can move My Mountains, He can Move Your Mountain Too.

I have to stand tall when the wind blows me over, I have to stand strong when I am weak and afraid, I have to Grab Hold, a Hold of The Garments, The Garments of Praise.

He Said that He Is FOREVER Faithful, He said that he is FOREVER TRUE. He Said that He CAN Move Mountains, If He can move Mountains, He can move My Mountain, He can Move Your Mountain Too.

I have to sing Praise when the Hour Is Midnight, He unlocks these chains that Bind-up my Soul, My sin and my shame He Has FORGIVEN and made me whole.

He Said that He Is FOREVER Faithful, He said that He is FOREVER TRUE. He Said that He CAN Move Mountains, If He can move Mountains, He can move My Mountains, He can Move Your Mountain Too.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This song is used in a video at a web site called Safe Hugs.

I've no idea who sings the song or who wrote it, but I have found that it can apply to many, many challenges that we might be dealing with in life...

Love in Christ,
Marilyn
-----------------
Marilyn A. Magallanes
MTIN & TTTC Founding CEO
www.TeachThemToCare.org
www.MySpace.com/tttCare
www.Marilyn-Magallanes.us
www.TTTC.GiveStream.com/toolbar.php
www.TTTC.GiveStream.com/aboutus.php
http://www.LinkedIn.com/in/mamm1
http://www.tttcare.ning.com

www.jazzforpeace.org

 
                                         www.rickdellaratta.com

 
***** Jazz For Peace reaches out to individuals and organizations on both sides of conflicting issues, believing that if we as a species embrace qualities such as creativity, artistry, intellectuality, humanity, individuality, etc. we will all have a better chance at avoiding the behavior that leads to destruction.***** 

                    

Video: Rep. Ed Markey talks about his new bill

Take Action Now

Last night, a bill was introduced in the U.S. House that would stop Comcast, Verizon and AT&T from controlling the free flow on information on the Internet.

The only way we can stop these gatekeepers is if we all take action to support this crucial legislation:

Tell Rep. Jim Cooper to Support Internet Freedom

In 2006, your voice helped stop mighty phone and cable companies from gutting Net Neutrality. In 2007, you pried open their cell phone networks and gave users a choice.

This year, we're going to stop Internet blocking and censorship once and for all.

Why This is Important: Reps. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) and Chip Pickering (R-Miss.) introduced the "Internet Freedom Preservation Act" (HR 5353) to stop relentless corporate attempts to set up roadblocks on the information superhighway.

It guarantees Net Neutrality by restoring it in the foundation of communications law. This bold move promises that the public -- not phone and cable companies -- will control the fate of the Internet.

The legislation also calls for a nationwide series of public hearings before anyone in Washington hands these gatekeepers and their lobbyists more power. (Read more about the bill here)

Take Action Now: Save the Internet

How Far We've Come: In 2006, more than 1.5 million Americans called on Congress to keep gatekeepers off our Internet. Last year, more than a quarter-million people sent comments to the FCC and opened up cell-phone networks to user choice and innovation.

This new bill was made possible by our amazing grassroots movement. SavetheInternet.com has brought together Democrats and Republicans, consumer groups and small businesses, bloggers and video gamers, in a new bottom-up majority that's shaking up the status quo.

What You Can Do: For too long, communications policymaking has been rigged against us. But by taking action to support this bill, you're telling Congress that high-priced lobbyists will no longer set the agenda.

Tell Rep. Jim Cooper : 'Support the Internet Freedom Preservation Act'

The purpose of the Internet is to give power over information to everyone. The role of our elected leaders is to protect our basic right to communicate from those who want to take it away from us.

We've started a new chapter in the fight for an open Internet. We realize that it takes more than one piece of legislation to reverse decades of corrosive telecom policies.

But with this bill -- and your help -- we are on our way.

Thank you,

Timothy Karr
Campaign Director
SavetheInternet.com

P.S. Bloggers, activists and Internet experts are logging on to the Free Press Action Network to discuss Net Neutrality, an open Internet and people-powered broadband policy. Join the discussion at http://www.freepress.net/action/

---

Take action on this important campaign at: http://free.convio.net/site/Advocacy?pagename=homepage&id=241

Tell your friends about this campaign at: http://free.convio.net/site/Ecard?ecard_id=1161 

Reminder from:
http://TeachThemToCare.org/aboutus.aspx

Founding Director Marilyn A. Magallanes

Title:
$300 OFF-GrantStation's online fundraising tools

Date:
Wednesday January 30, 2008

Time:
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Next reminder: N/A

Location: http://www.techsoup.org/stock/promo

Notes:
Here's a friendly reminder about our special offer this
Wednesday on a one-year membership to GrantStation, which will
connect you to thousands of funding opportunities. Learn how
your organization can save $300 on GrantStation's powerful
online fundraising tools at TechSoup Stock by clicking this
link: http://www.techsoup.org/stock/promo

On Wednesday only, eligible nonprofit's and public libraries will
be able to place orders for specially discounted one-year
GrantStation memberships for only $99 (a savings of $300).

After the special offer ends, our usual discounted
administrative fee of $399 will apply.

This limited-time offer is available thanks to the extra-generous

discount offered by GrantStation.

Organizations May Renew their Existing Memberships

With This Special Offer.

This offer will be available through TechSoup Stock this
Wednesday, January 30, for 10 hours ONLY: from 7 AM to 5 PM
Pacific time (10 AM to 8 PM Eastern time / 9AM to 7 PM).

ELIGIBILITY
U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofit's and Canadian Registered Charities;
U.S. and Canadian public libraries. View eligibility
restrictions:
http://www.techsoup.org/stock/restrictions.aspx

• BENEFITS OF A GRANTSTATION MEMBERSHIP
  * Access to online resources that will help you identify
  potential grantmakers for any given program or project at your
  nonprofit or public library.
  * Easy online access: you do not need to download or install any
  software to use GrantStation.
  * Online tutorials on how to write compelling letters of inquiry
  and grant requests.
  * An informative weekly bulletin, The GrantStation Insider.

HOW TO PLACE YOUR PRODUCT REQUEST
Visit http://www.techsoup.org/stock/promo and place your product
request at TechSoup Stock on January 30 for 10 hours only, from
7 AM to 5 PM Pacific time (10 AM to 8 PM Eastern time).

The Other Side of War

This is a Must read absolutely incredible "trading" success journey! 

In this article you will read of how one amazing young man trades

his way from red paper clip to house in only a year's time! 

Kyle, You Are Truly an Inspiration to others...

Link to one red paperclip

Happy reading & God Bless,

Marilyn

http://Can-We-Talk-About-It.blogspot.com

http://www.Marilyn-Magallanes.us

http://www.TeachThemToCare.org

By Gene J. Koprowski

When Neil Cohen lost his marketing and sales role in 2001 with Campsix Inc., a San Francisco-based professional-services firm, finding a new job took over a year. It was "a disappointing time for me and for lots of people, especially here in Northern California," he says.

But Mr. Cohen didn't let his skills lapse. He plunged into volunteer work, serving as a member of the board of the Big Brothers/Big Sisters chapter in San Francisco, while job hunting.

"I've been with nonprofit boards for the past 15 years of my life," he says. "It's important to give back to the community in some way, shape or form."

The board role helped Mr. Cohen sustain his network of contacts, which in turn led to his new position as vice president at Tranvia Inc., a transaction-processor based in New York City. His contacts, developed over years of volunteering on the board, helped lead to the new job. "If there's some good karma that comes back to you as a result [of volunteering], so be it," he says.

Other unemployed executives find a similar strategy works for them, according to Brooke Mahoney, executive director of New York City-based Volunteer Consulting Group and founder of boardnetusa.org, a service that links executive volunteers and nonprofits in need. There are about 1.2 million nonprofit board seats that become available every year, notes Ms. Mahoney, and about 1 million executives who want to serve as a volunteer board member.

Serving on a nonprofit board offers several advantages for executives. It can help them to keep their skills sharp and spirits up and to develop new contacts and job leads.

"There are a lot of senior executives who are what I call 'atrophied thoroughbreds,' '' says Ms. Mahoney. "They may be brilliant in their own framework. But getting out of their hierarchical world may be a real growth experience."

Serving on a nonprofit board can help them develop additional skills, such as setting strategy and vision for an organization, which they may not do on a day-to-day basis in their professional roles.

"From a management point of view, many executives' skills have withered [while unemployed] because they haven't used them," says Gary P. Steuer, president and chief executive officer of the Arts and Business Council Inc., a New York-based nonprofit which connects executives with boards of nonprofit arts organizations. John D. Rockefeller III and the Board of Trade in New York City founded the group about 30 years ago.

"By volunteering for a nonprofit, they can work on big-picture issues," says Mr. Steuer.

Join Before You Need To

Executives bring to the table a variety of attributes -- time, wealth, skills or connections are just a few. By using these to aid a group's mission -- whether it's funding homeless shelters, AIDs research or a university-endowment program -- executives are expected to influence others, particularly their well-heeled peers.

It's wise to get involved while you're still working, particularly if you're interested in working with a large, prestigious organization.

"We counsel [nonprofits] to build a board based on the skills, interests and contacts that are needed," says David King, vice president of Alexander, Haas, Martin & Partners, an Atlanta consulting firm to nonprofit founders.

Mr. Steuer puts it bluntly: Major "organizations want you for your skills and your company." He adds, "Don't have unrealistic expectations. If you're currently unemployed, you're less valuable."

Smaller organizations -- the bulk of nonprofits -- may be more amenable to a pitch from an unemployed executive, however. There are about 820,000 nonprofits in the U.S., but more than half have budgets of $25,000 or less. "That's a great place for a young person to be," says Ms. Mahoney.

She says executives should view serving on boards as their "board career" and develop strategies that will help them enhance their professional career and make a contribution to the nonprofit's mission.

Where Do You Fit?

Finding the right organization to assist is key. Before volunteering your services, consider what you want to do. Don't choose something that will become a chore. Instead, narrow your choice to a cause you can commit to, says Mr. King.

"Being employed or unemployed isn't the main point," says Maryanne Peabody, founder of Boston-based nonprofit consultancy Stybel Peabody Lincolnshire, and founder of boardoptions.com, an online service for executives interested in nonprofit-volunteer services. "You must choose the organization whose mission you agree with."

Many executives join the Arts and Business Council because they want to reconnect creatively with themselves and the arts, says Mr. Steuer, a former theatrical producer. His group runs Business Volunteers for the Arts, which recruits business executives with a passion for the arts and puts them through a 10-hour training program to orient them to the nonprofit arts world. Scores of volunteers filter through the program every year in its offices across the country.

Executives who complete the course start as pro bono consultants to arts groups. "Eventually, they end up joining the board of directors," says Mr. Steuer. "It serves as an organic boards program, and it gives us insight into what individual businesspeople get out of involvement."

In turn, the volunteers feel as though they're making a difference and rekindle their former passions, such as a love for art or music, he says.

Some executives volunteer for reasons Mr. Steuer describes as "enlightened self-interest" -- meaning that their volunteer work helps further a personal goal as well as helps others. For instance, as a volunteer for babybuggy.org, Tina Sharkey, a former executive at Children's Television Workshop Online and other dot-coms, feels she's contributing to a good cause while maintaining her connections in the entertainment industry.

Babybuggy.org, based in New York, provides "gently used" and new baby clothes and accessories to impoverished new mothers who can't afford them because they live below the poverty line. Jessica Seinfeld, wife of comic Jerry Seinfeld and mother of toddler, Sascha, founded the group. Ms. Sharkey is currently working with Majestic Partners, a New York City new-media firm, and connects with other entertainment executives through her volunteer work.

"These kinds of engagements can hone business skills, in addition to benefiting [you] in other, intangible ways," says Mr. Steuer. "Often business is highly specialized. If you're in marketing, you're responsible for sales of a brand. It's rare to get a chance to step back and look strategically, rather than tactically, at problems. This is a chance to apply the skills one has."

Helping With Hiring Decisions

Parker McDonell recently left his position as a senior vice president at Bank One in Columbus, Ohio, and formed an investment company in the music business in Nashville, Tenn. He serves on an array of boards, including Schools and Communities, a national organization with local branches, which helps students in troubled inner-city schools. "This has helped more broadly establish my networking contacts," says Mr. McDonell.

Unemployed executives who serve on nonprofit boards often find their volunteer work is invaluable in landing a new job. Potential employers who meet you through the board will already be familiar with your work, says Mr. King.

"Serving on a board is networking with people who may be able to hire you directly or recommend you to someone else," he says. "Hiring is often a risk. You see [someone] on paper and check references, but you're going on faith. If you've served on a board with someone, you have actual and direct experience with how they get things done. That can be beneficial."

In the long run, becoming a nonprofit-board member or consultant can boost your career.

"If someone has been a good board member, fulfilling the expectations of the organization, it can be a real advantage," says Mr. King. "Especially if you're surrounded by other people who have influence -- CEOs and owners of companies, people high up on the corporate food chain. If you do what they expect, you have credibility."

Executives caution that once you are unemployed -- you may be inundated with requests from smaller boards of directors to serve. "My advice to other executives would be that when you leave your job, be prepared," says Mr. McDonell. "Others will assume that you have all the free time in the world to serve, and the requests to serve may be increased. But be careful to not jump into too many things. Searching for a job itself can be a full-time job. You have to manage your time."

-- Mr. Koprowski is a writer in Chicago.

Link to CareerJournal | Nonprofit-Board Work Can Boost Your Career