MLK Day: What does it mean to me?

Martin Luther King Day is not just another day of in the month of January. Martin Luther King Day, in my opinion, is not just a day to support MLK but also, all of the Civil Rights Workers that came before, during, and after the Civil Rights Movement. While at the University of Florida (www.ufl.edu) one of the best classes I took was the Civil Rights Movement with Dr. Brian Ward. This was an eye opening and insightful class in terms of learning about the Civil Rights Movement from 1954-1964. There were many individuals of many different colors, races, and religions that participated in and assisted in the Civil Rights Movement.

As a result of my education and life experience, Martin Luther King Day is a day for us to take time and remember all of the individuals who aided and supported the Civil Rights for African Americans and one of those individuals was Martin Luther King, Jr.

What is Parenting Coordination?

According to Florida Statute 61.125: “The purpose of parenting coordination is to provide a child-focused alternative dispute resolution process whereby a parenting coordinator assists the parents in creating or implementing a parenting plan by facilitating the resolution of disputes between the parents by providing education, making recommendations, and, with the prior approval of the parents and the court, making limited decisions within the scope of the court’s order of referral.”

A Parenting Coordinator’s goal is to assist parents in developing their initial Parenting Plan and/or implementing their existing Parenting Plan. A Parenting Coordinator can only go as far as the scope of the court’s orders or appointment contract. There are many arguments for the use of a Parenting Coordinator and there are many arguments against the use of a Parenting Coordinator.

Ultimately, no matter what your position is on Parenting Coordination, at the heart of every custody situation is the best interests of the child. The best interests of the child can be determined by the parents or the judge.

Should Teachers be Armed in School?

After the horrific events that took place last month at Sandy Hook Elementary local Central Florida school districts are debating whether or not teachers should be armed. (http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=8954780) Lake County is debating whether or not their teachers should have guns in the classroom. (http://www.clickorlando.com/news/Lake-County-School-Board-debates-arming-teachers/-/1637132/18121518/-/seo2tfz/-/index.html) As a former teacher, I understand the goal of protecting students and educating students, however, is arming teachers with guns really the way to make schools safer? As of now the Lake County School district WILL NOT equip their teachers with guns.( http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/os-school-teachers-guns-20130114,0,2831868.story)

I think this is the right decision reached by the Lake County School Board Members because guns in the classroom will do more harm than good. Furthermore, other avenues to protect students and school employees should be examined along with the cost and harm of each option(s).

A Man, A Dog, and An Oppossum... Which One is a Human?

A Volusia County man is being charged with felony animal cruelty. According to new reports, Alan McCarty tried to have his dog and an opossum fight in a cage. (http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/breakingnews/os-opossum-beaten-decapitated-20130110,0,4407016.story) However, since the two creatures did not engage in fighting one another, Mr. McCarty decided to take the opossum out of the cage and brutalize the animal (this proves my theory that animals are smarter than many people). Mr. McCarty allegedly stomped on the opossum and than decapitated the animal with an ax. As if the brutality of the living life was not enough, Mr. McCarty allegedly did not even take responsibility for his actions, but instead he allegedly tried to blame his girlfriend. (http://www.wesh.com/news/central-florida/volusia-county/Man-lured-opossum-to-fight-with-dog-deputies-say/-/12983450/18079692/-/wjd0a7z/-/index.html?absolute=true) Ultimately, if these facts are proven to be true, I believe this is a situation where the defendant should face the maximum penalty allowed with felony animal cruelty and he should not be allowed to own an animal for the rest his life.( http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0800-0899/0828/Sections/0828.12.html) Owning an animal should be a privilege and not a right that should be given to every person.

Hope Springs: A Good Movie for Couples? ( A Must See)

The basic premise of this movie centers around a couple who has been married for 25+ years and the subtle issues that arise during their marriage. Essentially, the wife wants her husband and herself to go to therapy so they can work on their marriage, but he does not feel there is anything to work on in their marriage.

Marriage is just like any relationship, except a marriage entails a contractual relationship where a “break up” is called a divorce or a separation. Marriage is also unique because there is a physical, emotional, mental, and friendship connection, and when one of the elements are missing the relationship will have issues; sometimes those issues will manifest into bigger problems.

The bottom line is if you are married BOTH parties have to WORK on the relationship and if BOTH parties do not WORK on the marriage it will go down a dark and sad road that may or may not lead to divorce.

Motion to Continue: “Because Alabama is playing Notre Dame in the BCS Game”

Yes, Birmingham lawyer Marcus Jones III has filed a Motion to Continue for a trial that is scheduled for January 7, 2013. (http://blog.al.com/spotnews/2012/12/alabama_fan-lawyer_gets_wish_t.html) The underlying basis of his Motion for Continuance is that he is a dedicated fan and an “Alabama Football Fanatic.” With Alabama playing on January 7, 2013 for Championship, his motion was granted. (you can read the motion: http://media.al.com/spotnews/other/Motion.pdf) As an avid Florida Gator Fan and Alumni, I can appreciate Mr. Jones’s feeling towards his team. The Florida Gators would have had a shot to play in the National Championship except for that pesky Florida/Georgia game. (Still love my Gators!) As an avid fan of college football, I know the SEC has produced the last 6 Champions of College Football (the Gators won 2 of those 6). As much as I dislike Bama, I predict they will beat Notre Dame with the final score being 42-21.

Roll tide (Just for January 7, 2013)

Where to go and file for Divorce in Orlando?

So you are thinking about filing for divorce and live in Orange County, Florida. Well, if you meet the requirements to file for divorce in Orange County, Florida (you should speak to a local attorney before you plan on filing) you would to the 3rd Floor of the Orange County Courthouse at 425 N. Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32801. The 3rd floor of the Orange County Courthouse houses the Family Law/ Domestic Relations division. There are several requirements that must be meet before a party files in Orange County but if you meet the necessary requirements you would open and file your case at the Orange County Courthouse. Also, you may want to check out the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida (http://www.ninthcircuit.org/index.asp)

If you find yourself where divorce is the only option you should speak to a local attorney and you may need to see the Orange County Courthouse.

China: Parents Taking Kids to Court !!!

Yes. An amendment to the law in China would allow parents to take their child to court if they do not visit them. (http://news.msn.com/world/china-requiring-people-to-visit-their-aged-parents) There is no set amount of time a child must visit a parent but give it some time and the courts may interpret and carve out the law. In reality this law may sound great on paper but how is it practical? What would be the consequence of not visiting your parent(s)? Would a child being placed in jail be an appropriate consequence, or what about a fine? What about situations where the parent-child relationship is damaged because of inappropriate actions of a parent? Should these children be required to visit someone that may have abused them as children?

It seems nice in an ideal world, but I do not believe there should be a law that requires a child to visit his/her parent. Although in my life I have had an amazing relationship with my parents and with my mother-in-law, I do recognize that not everyone has that relationship with their parents. I understand the public policy behind the law is but question how such a law can be enforced.

“Damini” Dies as a Result of Gang Rape.

The name of the victim of a brutal gang rape in India has not been disclosed but the public is calling her “Damini,” which means "lightning" in Hindi. (http://www.cnn.com/2012/12/28/world/asia/india-rape-victim/index.html) Unfortunately, the 23-year-old student passed away due to a horrific gang rape that took place on a bus in New Delhi. There have been six arrests so far in the investigation, but what is going to happen now that the victim has died? (http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/damini-case-accused-will-get-maximum-punishment-says-antony/1/240469.html) One of the questions that remains is what changes will occur as a result of this tragedy? Will this change how rapes are reported in India? Will this change the actions of police in India? Ideally, the country and world will take notice so that changes may occur and this 23 year old, being referred to as “Damini,” will not have died in vain. Hopefully the media and public outrage will bring awareness and a system of accountability to the citizens of India.

India and Violence

For a 23 year old student who is hanging on for life after a brutal gang rape in Delhi, India there are still no answers. (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-20848722) According to the BBC there has been a 5th arrest in this particular incident; what will ultimately happen to the victim and the accusers? (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-20807526) As students continue to protest and clash with local police what will be the end result of all of this? (http://www.cnn.com/2012/12/27/world/asia/india-rape-protests/index.html) Anytime in society where there is a class of citizens that feel that they are not protected or treated equally, there will be unrest until equality prevails. There have been over 600 rapes in Delhi alone, and these are only those that have been reported. The government needs to make sure that all of their citizens are safe or you will continue to have these horrific acts and the people will only tolerate this behavior for so long.