Shopping Security

Before heading to the mall this shopping season or turning on the computer to do some online shopping make sure to arm yourself to be as safe as you can be. With the Holiday season upon us predators of crimes of opportunities are out in full force. Preying on shoppers can be done in parking lots as well as in cyberspace.

You have heard the saying "shopping in numbers" is the first step to being safe. Always try to shop with a friend or family member. Remember, two set of eyes is better to look at your surroundings and be alert. Also being in numbers may deter a lone suspect from seeing you as a victim.

Most important, don't be a victim of a car burglary. When parking, pay attention to who is around you. Take the time before parking to hide from sight the GPS, laptops, cell phones or any other valuables in the car that may grab the attention of a thief. What they "see" of yours can become theirs.

Sugar Land Police have beefed up their security efforts. They have policemen in both marked and unmarked cars patrolling the shopping areas including the First Colony Mall. They have policemen in uniform and plain clothes walking the Mall and the parking lot.

Online shopping is a new world of crime. Scams, ID theft and phishing schemes are a new frontier for criminals to seek victims. Fake ads for hot items or "deals to good to be true" may catch you off your guard and leave you vulnerable to a would be robber. Spam emails are full of scams and schemes. The FBI warns citizens not to open unsolicited emails or click on unknown links. Make sure when purchasing online, to be on the actual business website. Do not be "fooled" surfing the net and end up on a fraudulent site.

Let the shopping begin. Have fun but be safe. Let me hear from you if you know or hear about crimes or scams. Link to FBI Holiday Shopping Tips.

Shopping Tips & Social Media

Buy one get one free, 50 % off, and door buster sales are just some of the bargains that shoppers will be seeing this Holiday season. For many of us shopping on a budget is a must this year. So before you start out the door with your shopping list, here’s a quick check list for you.

Black Friday! The day after Thanksgiving is a typical huge day for shopping. Stores open early and stay open late. Special deals are offered to the first 50 to 100 in line waiting to go into the store. One store gave huge discounts on the popular video game Guitar Hero. However you had to be in line the night before. Many determined parents chose to fight the cold temps and get that special gift.

One friend of mine was determined to get her daughter a laptop. One specialty store had laptops for sale for fewer than 300 dollars. So her plan, early to bed and early to rise, there she was in line this morning. Only to find that her effort was going to cost more than what she intended. The specialty store had only a “limited” amount of those laptops in stock. However for one hundred dollars more she could have this other laptop. She strolled out of the store with a new laptop minus 400 dollars.

Any financial advisor will give you the same advice. Pay with cash only and stay away from the credit cards. These two rules to follow will keep you out of cash flow trouble. Houston financial advisor, Richard Rosso, suggest you make a shopping list with who you are buying for but also what gift you are buying for each person. Rosso also suggest you put your budget on your cell phone. Have a constant reminder and track your money on your iphone or blackberry.

Cyber Monday is only days away. Here’s a new way to look for deals. Use facebook and twitter as your online shopping tools. Look up your favorite stores and "friend" or "follow" them. Stores have vested more into their Social Media platform. This will give you a position to be the first to know about sales or deals that are being offered.

Web sites are the place to get online coupons. Shoppers, make sure to look for those specialty items that will be hard to find in a store. For example, that pink colored digital camera, that camo color bed comforter or that size jacket will be easy to find first on a Web site rather than walking miles of a shopping mall.

So be sure to check your list twice once online and then with your budget. Here’s to a safe holiday and a healthy checkbook.

Brianna's Story

Brianna Salazar died when she was only three years old. Her life and now death become the light that is now being shed to bring awareness to Pulmonary Hypertension. Brianna died this past August from Pulmonary Hypertension. November is Pulmonary Hypertension month and Brianna's family is on a mission to help save others from this deadly disease.

Pulmonary Hypertension is described as a silent disease. It is a rare condition where severe blood pressure develops in the arteries of the lungs. In children the disease may be treated with some medication. However a lung transplant is the only real cure.In adults the disease tends to progress slowly.

Brianna's story begins being born as a premature baby. Her first 5-months she spent at Texas Children's Hospital. Just before her 3rd birthday, Brianna suffered lost of appetite. She also experience episodes where she would pass out and sometimes turn blue. Doctors tested her and treated for several different breathing disorders. Finally, after a heart echo-gram test, it revealed she suffered from Pulmonary Hypertension.

Brianna is not alone is the fight against PH. 1000 Americans are diagnosed with Pulmonary Hypertension each year and most of them are misdiagnosed several times before their actual illness is discovered. The symptoms are vague, but shortness of breath is a common sign.

KPRC's anchor Rachel McNeill and Texas Children's Hospital are doing there part and getting the word out on Pulmonary Hypertension. Rachel featured Brianna's mother Sandra Aponte Salazar and Dr George Mallory on today's news. While I may have never met Brianna, I am proud to spread her message of awareness. Awareness that may save another child's life.

Thank YOU!

It was a perfect night. All the volunteers showed up, the food was good and all the politics were left at the door. The "Best in The West" BBQ and dance benefiting the Arc of Fort Bend County was a brilliant success.

Final count on money raised is still being determine, however a preliminary estimate is 250,000 dollars for the Arc. The Arc of Fort Bend County helps supports families who have members with intellectual or physical disabilities. The monies raised help provide a better way of life for their clients. Special Olympics, field trips and sporting events are just a few of the programs that are financially supported.

The timeless trio at the helm of the fundraiser are Co-Event Chairs, Commissioner James Patterson, Ann Smith and Jo Ann Stevens. Their commitment and leadership make the entire experience a fun filled and whole hearted venture.

There are so many families who volunteer and dedicate themselves to this event. It is a year long commitment to finding items for the Silent and Live auction. The businesses, families and people who volunteer are absolutely priceless in their time of giving.

Rowdy Yates of KILT again served as Master of Ceremonies. He is a remarkable human being who breathes the spirit of the event into the air. His job performance and keeping the crowd updated on auction items is on target with Super Hero status.

The who's who of Fort Bend County came out to support the event. The legendary BBQ of the Swinging Door was on the menu. Of course, the music of the iconic band The Triumphs had people of all ages singing and dancing.
It was my first year to volunteer for the event. I was proud to be part of such a great organization and the people who make it up. Go ahead, sign me up for next year!

The Arc of Fort Bend County 31st Annual "Best in the West" fund raiser

Dust off your boots and head to the George Ranch for a good time and a great cause. The Arc of Fort Bend County is holding their annual fundraiser. Monies raised will go to assist families who have members with mental and physical disabilities.

Your financial support makes it possible for the Arc clients to enjoy simple treasures that some people may take for granted. Special Olympic events, sporting trips and other entertainment ventures are made possible due to the continuous support from sponsors and donors.

A Texas style BBQ is being served from the iconic Swinging Door. And be ready to dance to the legendary music provided by The Triumphs. Most important, be ready to have a good time and mingle with all the supporters of this brilliant event.

If you want to get some early Christmas shopping done, you will be at the right place. The silent and live auction will have something for everyone on your list. Items include an international trip to Bali, an exotic game hunt on the King Ranch, and several delightful weekend getaways.

Tickets may be purchased at the door or visit our web site at http://www.arcoffortbend.org/

• When: November 21, 2009
• Where: George Ranch Historical Park Arena in Richmond, Texas
• Dinner: 630 pm to 9pm
• Activities: Live Band 730 pm to Midnight - (The Triumphs)
  Silent Auction & Live Auction

Christmas Has Arrived

Tonight, I arrived home to find that my neighbor has put up his outdoor Christmas lights. I must say they look great. Furthermore, the white light display gives me a little feeling of excitement knowing that Christmas is just over a month away.

So, my question is, what is the appropriate time to make the Holiday transition?
A month ago several areas around town put their holiday decor up. Wreaths, Christmas tree cutouts, dancing Santa Claus fixtures now can be spotted hanging from traffic lights and street lamps. Ribbons, bows and garland are now wrapped, tied and strung along doorways and staircases.

And don't think that a little TV will let you escape the reality of the arrival of the Holiday Season. Commercials are now filled with advertising promoting shopping, gifts ideas and the Holiday spirit. Some of the commercials are little dramas that end with a slogan such as... "Every kiss begins with Kay".

Now, if you abide by my mother's rule she believes the decorating, including the Christmas tree, needs to be done by Thanksgiving. This is the rule I learned as a child, that now as an adult I follow. I like to think of it as a family tradition. Depending on who you asked, the timing of the decorating revolves around personal preferences.

Decking the halls seems to come earlier and earlier every year. Fa, lah, lah, lah, lah, lah,- lah, lah, lah, lah....to a long season.

Fort Hood Massacre

As the tragedy of today's Fort Hood mass shooting unraveled, one common bond was the search for information. People turned to traditional network news coverage, news websites and other online resources. Concerned people and the curious are wanted to know more about the shootings. A huge source for information was Social Media.

As of tonight 12 people are dead and more than 30 have been wounded. The gunman is alive and under guard. Most shocking, the gunman has been identified as Major Nadal Hasan. Hasan is a mental health professional with the Army.

Twitter and Facebook were both used by those on Fort Hood to reconnect and check on each others whereabouts. Facebook users shared status updates on what was going on during their lock downs. Journalists used their Facebook profiles to update their followers with the latest information. Many reporters, producers and news personnel updated the situation in "real" time.

Twitter played a huge role disseminating information. Twitter had several profiles that were generating the latest information as it became available. Even the US Army sent tweets out in regards to the shootings.

It was amazing how the real time information was shared via Social media platforms. Most important was the ability for love ones to reconnect with each other. Others were able to get information about the mass shootings as it occurred.

Army officials at one point suggested that people on base to communicate by text messages. Cell phone usage was crippled during the height of the incident. This type of jammed communication took place after the mass shooting on the Virgina Tech campus.

There were countless other ways that Social Media was used. The first look at the shooter was through a picture that was found of him on the internet. Also, the Department of Defense released video showing the scene as first responders arrived. The video was able to be linked on facebook profiles and on twitter profiles.

Tonight, as details still are being sorted out, people are still using a variety of Social Media tools to get the latest information. It is comforting to know that in a time of crisis we can depend on each other through the web.

How's your Holiday Budget?

Tis the season of holiday cheer and decor. This festive time of the year can be filled with financial burdens and rising debt for some. As an early holiday gift, Houston financial guru Richard Rosso, will be giving out a daily tip on how to fight off debt and survive this holiday shopping season.

Rosso is using both social media and traditional media to get his tips to the people. He will be giving out a tip a day on twitter. He will also use his facebook account as a way to deliver his debt fighting tips. Throughout the month of November to the day after Thanksgiving he will tweet, update and send out his Holiday help guide.

While making your Christmas list, Rosso hopes to utilize his tips to direct you through these challenging times. With unemployment and economy being a factor this Holiday season, shopping on a budget will be more than just an effort, it will be a must do. Rosso will use common sense tips, technology and creative consulting to get you through the season.

Some tips you may have used or heard before. The key to being successful is sticking to the tips. Rosso is a mastermind of giving you a tip with the light at the end of the tunnel outlook. Richard can be found on twitter at @rr0710, connect with him on facebook under Richard Rosso or tune in to see him featured on KPRC later this month.

Tune In to Social Media

Social media is so popular. What is it? Simply said it is the internet and the glorious tools we utilize daily to help us communicate with each other and be kept informed. Emails, social networking sites and applications for your cell phones are all a part of a growing trend.

Yesterday, I taught a entire course on Social Media trends to a group of law enforcement officers representing agencies from all over the State of Texas. We discussed facebook, twitter, you tube and many other online tools that help communicate a message to a targeted audience.

With law enforcement agencies joining the trend of this type of mass communication, who benefits? You and your family benefit. No longer do you have to wait to find out about crime in your area. Safety tips and crime alerts can be obtain through these resources. There is a large amount of information you may be looking for to better serve your family and your community.

Most cities or police departments have websites, some have facebook fan pages, and others have twitter accounts. All these online resources help you stay "in the know" about what is going on. Swine flu stats, holiday shopping tips and predator alerts are posted.

Most of these tools can be used with applications for your cell phones or desk tops to help you be in the know at your fingertips. It is no longer necessary to wait by the tv for the latest information. You have control to search and find the information you need and want on your own.

The first step you need to take is to find your local police on line. Become a fan of their facebook fan page or begin following them on twitter. While you may be on the go, you still can be in the know.