Drinking Hot Water, more Benefits than We Know | Purifying your body

Recently my boyfriend returned back to NYC from a trip to China, where as we all know, the culture, religion and food are drastically different from our Americanized way of life.  During our brief phone calls via Skype (yes, Skype works there), he went on to tell me all of the differences he had discovered and experienced while visiting China.  Being a self-proclaimed world traveler, he has been all over the world and has had the opportunity to prevail and live within other cultures of people.  I have heard his heart-felt stories of the paths he has walked during his travels to small towns in Macedonia, Israel and Morocco.  Now it was China’s turn.

I was surprised and taken aback when he told me (without disgust, I must say), that in China they do not refrigerate their meat.  I automatically resented the country upon hearing this news (yes, I know - shallow).  However, he kept talking.  He was traveling around parts of China, beginning in Beijing, and was changing hotels every two to three days during his three-week stay.  With excitement always in his voice, his hotel accommodations were more than he could hope for.  He was blown away by the cleanliness of the hotel grounds and room, and loved the marble and granite shower.  Food is always a mystery when visiting other countries, China being no different; he ate with open-mindedness but was surprised when he began to feel mildly comfortable with the 5-star dining experience (although he did incur food poisoning within hours of devouring a Subway sandwich).

I believe it was during dinner one of his first nights where he caught glimpse of another China-culture extra – hot water, and even more so, the lack of cold water.  He noticed the locals and some of the tourists with cups of steaming hot water, during all times of day; no ice cubes in sight.  During this particular conversation, I was a little embarrassed I had not heard of this hot water trend before.  I wondered why on earth would they drink hot water in the afternoon when it was so hot outside?  Don’t they feel the heat?  He went on to explain to me what knowledge he had gained from the others: it purifies your body and helps with digestion.  Just like that, I wanted to follow in the Chinese culture (at least, in the hot water sense).

After researching on this topic, it somewhat revealed to me that I am not as experienced as I thought.  This hot water practice has been in use since the beginning of time, and China was not the only place where people indulged in this practice.  One can learn a lot about life through experiences and this is just one more reason to always have your ears and eyes open.  Having an open mind is much like having an open heart: you let everything in, but always take it with fair and realistic measure.

The benefits of Drinking Hot Water:

1. Purification – drinking hot water creates perspiration which is key to releasing toxins from your body.  The average body heat is 98.6 degrees, imagine how a cup of boiling hot water can help raise your body temperature momentarily.  We have six quarts of blood in our body, and it travels nearly 12,000 miles each day, so try to keep it clean and purified when it’s working hard for you.  Drinking hot water also is known to remove deposits in the nervous system; those deposits are believed to have a negative effect on thoughts and emotional responses.
2. Great for Diet – Some people believe that drinking hot water helps with weight loss.  Hey, can’t hurt to try.
3. Congested?  Clear it Up! – If you are feeling ill and congested, or just need to open those nasal passages, then try water instead of coffee or hot tea, which only dehydrates you due to the caffeine.  If you can’t stand the taste of plain water, add a slice of lemon!

http://www.healthydrinkingwaterblog.com/final-tips-on-drinking-water/benefits-of-drinking-hot-water-36/

Float on Baby, Float on | What will keep your baby afloat and looking cute as a button

While you’re diving and doing cannon balls this summer, your baby can be maxin’ and relaxin’ on the shallow end of the pool, with a drop-top float device.  This summer, childrens’ water brands are getting cooler and really stepping up their game with a selection that will bring a smile to your baby’s face and a peace of mind to yours.

Life is made for living and it’s great to expose your baby to new experiences, such as their first interaction to the pool.  It can be a hurdle introducing a child into the water environment, but will be an easy task once they catch a glimpse of their water-borne vessel.  With floating devices ranging from a simple tubed shape, to whale and duck shaped devices, it will be hard to keep your baby in your arms once they lay eyes on their new transportation.  Lather your baby with some great sunblock and grab a floatie with a detachable canopy.  Floaties with the canopy attachment offer extra protection from the sun and also keep your baby cool while in the water.  Boredom rarely happens with babies, especially in a pool setting, but if this did occur, most of these floaties have toys attached; such as rattles, noisemakers, and steering wheels.  With cool shapes of their favorite water animals, you won’t hear any cries or fusses from your little one.

Money is not an issue with these floatation options because you can find them priced from $5.99 to $59.99; keep them for years to come, or even regift when your baby grows!  Assembly is easy and most of the floaties just require to be inflated; so easy, a baby can do it!  Availability is crucial, which makes these a convenient buy since they can be found at nearly every super store and online.

Although there are many floaties that are kid-safe, don’t forget to bundle the little one in a vest - sure to keep them above water at all times.  When it comes to life vests, selecting the right one for your child is very important.  It is crucial to determine the best type and make sure, depending on your baby’s age, that they fit correctly and that the vest is safe for them to wear.

When choosing a life vest, make sure that the U.S. Coast Guard approved label is present.  This signifies that the vest has been through several safety tests and has passed requirements, therefore ensuring the safety of the vest.  Next, buy a size that fits your child appropriately.  You want the vest to fit snug, not allowing the chin and ears to slip through.  If they do slip through, then the vest is not safe for your child.  Kids grow at surprising rates, so do not opt to save money and buy a larger vest they will grow in to.  Invest in your child’s safety and get the appropriate size.  

There are several vests that give head support for younger children, which is very important; if your baby is younger, make sure the vest has this functionality.  Lastly, make sure the vest has a strap at the bottom to clip them into.  This prevents the vest from rising above the child’s head which adds further protection.

Due to babies’ proportions when they are younger, it is not completely safe and effective to have a child under 6 months old or 16 pounds to be in a life vest, and therefore, be in the water.  Wait until your child is age/weight appropriate to be on the safe side.

Tips!

Never cut or alter a floatation device!

Check the vest and floatation device prior to any water interaction for cuts, rust, mildew, etc.  If it doesn’t look safe, it probably isn’t.

Be an example! Children often mimic their parent’s actions, therefore, wear your own life vest so they feel like you are cautious as well.

Do not think that your child does not need a life vest if they have a floatation device or tube.  They need to wear a vest at all times until they are fully comfortable in the water and their skills have been tested.

http://www.toysrus.com/family/index.jsp?categoryId=2257631

http://www.swimways.com/baby-floats-c-446.aspx

http://www.squidoo.com/the-best-baby-pool-floats

http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/safety/boatwater/pfd_selecting.html

Drama Unfolds in the Trayvon Martin Case | Will Justice Prevail?

Based on recent reports, medical records have been released showing that George Zimmerman, the man who murdered 17-year old Trayvon Martin, was treated for a broken nose and other injuries.  I have problems with this new evidence and do not think Zimmerman’s case should be thrown out by the judge due to his self-defense claim, before it is seen in front of a jury.  It is said that a person cannot claim self-defense if they were the initial aggressor, thus, started the fight.  However, that is what Zimmerman is claiming.  It seems as if the courts have forgotten that Trayvon Martin was the person being stalked in this situation, thus making him the victim and George Zimmerman, the aggressor.

When someone suffers a broken nose and feels like their life is in danger, enough to take someone else’s life, than why in the world would they - or could they, wait an entire day before seeking medical attention?  On that same point, why would Zimmerman wait to see his family doctor instead of going to the emergency room since his life was in such extreme danger?  And to further my point, he went to the police station after the shooting and was standing and speaking.  Police officers were in close proximity to him and obviously felt no need for emergency medical assistance.  I know that if I was an officer and I was looking at someone who had just been assaulted with a broken nose, two black eyes, and head injuries, I would have him/her escorted immediately to the hospital for an examination and further my investigation pending their health condition.

In addition, there are recent reports that maybe Zimmerman was defending himself against Martin, because in Martin’s autopsy there are said to be lacerations on his knuckles.  When someone is stalking and following you and they present a gun, ready to kill you, then what do you do?  You protect yourself and since you are a 17-year old boy and have no weapon, then you are going to put up your fists and try to protect YOUR life.  Not the other way around.  How much danger can an unarmed, teenage boy cause - to an armed, decade-older man?

One thing people love is drama and this case has every bit of suspense in it.  However, the only reason this case was brought forward to the public, with national rallies and speeches by athletes, musicians, public figures, and even the President, is because America saw something wrong.  We cannot let a killer get away with murder and prohibit justice to prevail.

The bottom line is in George Zimmerman’s case, it’s not a matter of life and death, but in Trayvon Martin’s case, it is.  The self-defense claim does not apply to an assailant and a stalker, but to a boy whose family and friends will never see him alive again.  RIP Trayvon

Surf’s Up, with your iPhone!! | How underwater exploring just got better :)

Snorkel?  Check.  Swimming fins?  Check.  Underwater camera?  Checkmate!  With summer around the corner, your vacation plans confirmed, and all of the tourist attractions mapped out, the only thing missing is that underwater camera you have been meaning to buy.  This summer, instead of shelling out the cash for an expensive and bulky underwater camera, opt for the more modern approach: an underwater iPhone case.

Since nearly 130 million iPhones have been sold to date, it’s not a surprise that a surplus of different cases have surfaced within recent years, making the iPhone more durable and sought after than ever.  Many offer the promise to protect, while others are meant to simply bring on the bling.  Nonetheless, if you are looking for a protective shell that literally protects from all damage (sun, water, shock, etc…), then there are plenty on the market to choose from.  The most popular brands on the market right now that allow you to dive and snorkel, iPhone in hand, are LifeProof and OtterBox.  You can even watch videos of actual customers performing dives and snorkeling all while capturing the footage on their iPhone.

If you rather listen to your favorite band while doing the backstroke, then there are underwater headphones as well that will keep your ears in tune and your voice afloat.  And if you don’t like holding your phone, buy a clip, attach to your clothing/swimsuit, and problem solved!  The different variations of what helpful and handy accessories you can purchase are limitless and the inventory continues to grow.

For those of us who are more convenience over quality, opt for the underwater case.  The case is convenient and can also be easily removed if you want your phone to go bare after your fun-filled day.  Not only does the iPhone have great capability, the quality of pictures isn’t too bad either; it’s also much easier to upload the pictures to FaceBook and Instagram.  So go ahead, get your underwater mermaid on with peace of mind.  After all, Instagram is slacking in the underwater pictures department.

Get some bang for your buck!  For under one-hundred dollars, you can snag one of these top-of-the-line protectors.  Most of the more reliable brands also offer a complete, one year warranty, so make sure you do your research.  Usually the warranties are completely free and all you need to do is register your product.  Hey, money can’t buy everything but it sure can buy a phone that stays intact and in good condition.  So with the smoldering heat, stay cool in the water with a protective iPhone case that is dunk-proof.

http://www.pronto.com/shop/lifeproof

http://www.lifeproof.com/shop/cases/iphone-4-4s

The slow move towards same-sex marriage, it’s about time

On Wednesday, May 9^th, President Obama made an announcement that changed America forever.  He became the first president to say in front of cameras and the country that he supports same-sex marriage; but he will leave it up for states to decide their future.  While some 39 states have banned same-sex marriage, this announcement has given hopes to the people who wish to someday walk down the aisle, hand-in-hand; to be married in a union that is recognized by our democratic government and its people. 

It’s a monumental step to take for Obama since his judgment day of the presidential election is right around the corner.  With republican opponent Mitt Romney his likely competitor in the race, some speculate why Obama came to face the cameras yesterday, stating his position on the touchy issue.

Some people believe that he has hurt his candidacy with making national news on this debate, since he counts on the swing states, such as North Carolina, which have banned same-sex marriage as unconstitutional and against religion.  Others believe that this will help Obama win voters and hopefully supporters of the issue show their support by voting for Obama in the upcoming election.  I guess we will all wait to see if Mitt Romney focuses the rest of the election race on opposing same-sex marriage or if he will focus on bigger, more crucial issues, such as the economic downturn of society.  My guess is he will try to disparage Obama’s stance to rally up the conservative votes, but we will see.

What do I think?  This issue is long overdue in our modern, diverse society and should have been discussed and addressed as such, years ago.  If a transgendered couple, woman and woman, or man and man decide that they want to take their bond of love to the next step, i.e. marriage, than who are we as a nation to stop them?  If you lose sleep over this topic because you believe that a civil union should be between that of a woman and man, then take sleeping pills.  If you are on the religious side, that’s great.   I love God too.  But I highly doubt that God will send a gay man to hell, condemned for eternity and a serial killer to heaven because he asked for forgiveness.

The same people who are against same-sex marriage are the people watching Will and Grace, the Ellen Degeneres Show, and Modern Family.  All of these popular shows have gay characters and they have been airing for years.  No one seems to care or be against the issue when they are sitting back on their couch laughing at these shows, but as soon as two happy people want to be married, they turn to religion and other ridiculous excuses.  I would love nothing more than someone to tell me why same-sex marriage should be banned without saying the cliché phrase: a union should be between that of a man and woman.

If you are against same-sex marriages, than its simple, don’t be gay or transgendered.  But why on God’s green earth would you try to ban a sacred union between two people that love each other enough to show it to the world, because they are the same gender?  Homosexuals have been discriminated against since the beginning of time.  We all know someone who is gay.  So how could we be against something that doesn’t hurt us?  Let’s fight for equality of ALL and treat everyone equally.  This country could use a boost of equality, and that’s not just my opinion, ask around.

Can you say Partay? How to throw a Memorial Day BBQ in your backyard (or on your roof)

Kickoff the grilling season with the best BBQ!  Not only will you put those neighbors you can’t stand to shame, but also shut down all of the rumors that you don’t know how to operate a grill.  From backyards, to rooftops, to in-home NYCish barbeques, you can put it all on the table without tapping into your savings account…and still have your guests feel the love.  Read on for the inside scoop on how to host a disaster-free Memorial Day BBQ and have your guests vibin’ all day and all night long.

We have all been perpetrators and culprits of talking about a friend’s party and how it went so wrong; what he or she didn’t do right and what we could do better.   Now it’s time to prove it.  Follow these guidelines to keep your guests happy and the food finger-lickin’ good.

#1 – Get it Together!!  - The single most important thing about hosting a party or event of any sort, is planning.  First things first, know your limit.  If you are hosting the party in your home, be sure to put a limit on the number of people invited.  You don’t want a line forming outside of your house and you don’t want all of the food and drinks gone by the time you sit down.   Yes, the saying goes, the more the merrier, but not exactly in this case.

#2 – Your Evited!! – Sending out invites is very important if you want your party to turn out amazing.  It goes hand in hand with planning because this is the number you base your menu from.  Also, going green has never been easier.  Sending out carbon-free invites should be your way to go and all it takes is finding a free evite service.  Design away and make people feel like you took some time with the invite.  You can also create an event on FaceBook and have people RSVP that way.  Remember to always reconfirm attendance a couple of days before the event, since last-minute changes usually occur.

#3 – Mmmm…BBQ never tasted so good!! – Once you have an estimate on the number of guests attending, you can start planning your menu.  This is the best part because you should always go for the foods you like and of course have a variety for those vegan and picky-food eaters.  It’s easier to plan the menu in the order in which people typically eat (eg. Appetizers, entrees, desserts), which assures you will not miss anything.  In addition, always buy more than you need and if you are really nice, you can even give your guests takeaway boxes!  Here are some ideas for what menu items to go for.

• Drinks – alcohol-friendly? Make sure to have beer, sangria, wine and a specialty cocktail (maybe frozen margaritas?!).  If it’s a party sparing the alcohol, go for the Arnold Palmer (½ iced tea, ½ lemonade), gingerale, and plenty of water.
• Appetizers and finger foods – Everyone loves chips and salsa, fruit salad, veggies and hummus, and the traditional bbq smokies.  Serve a few of your favorites on platters and they will go fast!
• Main Course – The beauty of a BBQ is nothing is ever on time, and no one seems to care.  So go all in, skip the pre-formed hamburger patties, and make your own!  There are great recipes for marinade and if you shape them the night before, you will skip all that prep time.  Include hotdogs, boneless chicken breasts, kebabs and baby back ribs.  Also have some veggie burgers just in case someone prefers those.
• Dessert – This should be the easiest part.  Just grab some Italian ice or gelato and bring it out after everyone has finished eating.  Try pairing with fresh berries and home-made whip cream.  You can also go the traditional route and bake a home-made apple pie and cherry cheesecake as well.

#4 – Nothing says a party like over-the-top decorations!! – Put everyone into great sprits as soon as they walk into your house.  Have streamers, banners and even balloons to signify the holiday and the arrival of summer, while also cherishing and remembering those people we have lost.  To stay mosquito-proof, spray the area the morning of the party and light tiki torches and citronella candles during the party to keep your guests bug-free.

#5 – Have Fun!! – BBQs are meant to be gatherings where friends and family can get together and have a great time.  Have activities for your guests to embark on such as Frisbee, croquet, card games and dominoes.  Crank up the music (but not too loud that guests cannot hear one another), with a portable ipod player so guests can play their favorite songs and dance ‘til they drop.

Tips!

Don’t forget the condiments!  You would be surprised how quick a bottle of ketchup goes.  Get plenty!

Ditch the straws.  No one uses straws at their own house, and neither should you.  Save the earth!

Prepare dishes ahead of time that don’t require a grill!  The night before is perfect for making potato salad and baked beans.

Don’t drink and drive!  If your BBQ is an alcohol environment, make sure there are sober drivers or have guests take cabs home.  Better safe than sorry.

It’s all good if you have the three “F’s”:  Friends.  Family.  Food. 

http://www.missionrs.com/blog/resources/how-to-throw-a-memorial-day-bbq-facebook-giveaway/

http://www.examiner.com/article/how-to-throw-a-memorial-day-barbecue-featuring-hamburgers

http://bbq.about.com/od/seasonal/a/aa051901a.htm

http://www.charmingchick.com/blog/2011/05/14/memorial-day-throw-great-bbq/

http://www.ehow.com/how_2126097_host-memorial-day-barbecue.html

The top of the top for Mother’s Day | What Mom’s REALLY want

Mom’s are like babies: they crave attention, love to be held, and love to be told how cute and young

they look, at all times.  So, for the mom that cradled you until you fell asleep, sang to you until her vocal cords were shot, and cleaned your face with her own saliva, baby her by getting something she really deserves.

 Every year mothers are asked what they want for Mother’s Day, and every year a majority of them answer with, I don’t want anything.  If you believe that, then you are one of those people who also believe that women don’t like to be sent flowers, which is a total lie.  Not only will she resent you for the entire year, think that you love your dad more than her, but she will expect something amazing the following Mother’s Day for your prior year’s ungiftedness, so please, don’t walk down that dark alley.

Here are the top 5 Mother’s Day Gifts that will surely keep you on her good side.  Don’t share these with your other siblings; you wouldn’t want them to steal your light!

#1 - Spa, Spa and more Spa! – Anything that has the word “spa” in it is a sure winner.  Moms love to be pampered, and what better way than to check her in to an all-day or weekend spa retreat.  The services range from manicures and pedicures, to hot stone massages, to a deep cleansing facial.  If it’s a top-notch spa (which it should be), mama will be sipping on Moet and thinking about how great of a gift you gave her.  This is the type of gift that if you ever need her help and she is reluctant, you say, “Remember that one Mother’s Day when…?”

#2 - Flowers are pretty, so is your Mom! – Every woman loves flowers, mothers included.  So this Mother’s Day, spring for a beautiful bouquet that accents her beauty.  Please don’t go to the online flower dealers and opt for the “super saver bouquet,” there is a reason these are on sale.  Buy a more elegant, expensive bouquet so your mother doesn’t investigate exactly where and how much the flowers were, which will leave you looking like the cheap son/daughter.

#3 - Yum…Sweets! – You can never go wrong with ordering mom’s favorite sweet dessert.  Whether it’s miniature cupcakes, specialty chocolates, or those fruit and chocolate covered edible arrangements, one thing is for sure: her sweet tooth will be satisfied.

#4 - Light it up! – One candle, two candle, three candle, more!  The more sweet smelling candles you get for mom, the better.  Smell goods are mom’s favorites, but usually, she doesn’t have the time to go shopping for them and when she does, she opts for extra toilet paper and detergent.  Surprise her this Mother’s Day with a gift that will light up and last for hours!  If you’re stuck on what color and smell, just go with what you like and she is sure to love it!  No one has ever heard of a candle that didn’t get used.

#5 - Ding, ding! At your service! – The house always needs cleaning and your mom could always use the help.  For one day, week, month or year, surprise mom with a gift she’ll be sure to use…a cleaning service!  From laundry, to dishes, to vacuuming, a cleaning service is the perfect gift to get mom away from the household chores, and time for her to have some fun!

Tips!

Don’t wait until the last minute to get mom a gift.  Everyone in this world is busy, so if you find time to log on Facebook fifteen times a day and show up to your virtual, fantasy baseball meeting, then you have time to get a thoughtful, timely gift for the person who brought you in to this world. Trust me, moms can tell if the gift is rushed.

Strapped for cash but want mom to know you are still honoring her on her special day?  Make a date night for you and her.  Invite her over to your place or drive over to hers, make her favorite dish, put on a movie, and actually talk to her about what is going on in your life.  Nothing says love to a mother like some good ‘ole QT and gossip.

There you have it, one perfect list of gift ideas for one perfect Mom!  You will be sure to have mom all smiles (and maybe some tears) this year, and that’s what it’s all about.

http://www.askmen.com/top_10/entertainment/top-10-mothers-day-gift-ideas_2.html

http://www.gifts.com/mothers-day/top-picks/IMXRpa?featuredId=495611

http://www.multiplemayhemmamma.com/2011/04/top-5-mothers-day-gift-ideas-what-mom-really-wants.html

Oh Girl, Where Did You Get Your Hair? | DIY: Coconut Oil Mask

Summer is coming, your body is beach-ready, and your toes match your fingers to perfection.  Sadly, none of this prepping and pampering matters.  If you have shaggy, worn out hair, then it’s time for a hair REDO.  Instead of spending countless hours at the salon to get a deep conditioning treatment, look within and around, at all the beauty that you can obtain, naturally.  Who knows, the products in your kitchen fridge and cabinets, could end up being your best friends this summer!

After many hair color changes, times that I thought I could pull off that Beyonce blonde hair, I was a hot mess with a pile of straw on my head. I was on the mission to find the perfect deep conditioner, to wake my hair up and give it life.  After taking early morning and late night trips to the nearest beauty supply store, my search would always end up in disaster; either empty-handed or settling with a hair mask packed with unhealthy, synthetic ingredients, sure to do more harm than good.

Hours of searching left me with the most popular haircare regimens: at-home hair treatments from the most natural ingredients.  With so many treatments to choose from, I had my hand in picking the few I thought would work best for my unruly mane.

My favorite solution to fight overall dry and brittle hair:  Coconut oil!  This oil fortifies and moisturizes each strand to give your hair a natural glow and contains key components those salon brands lack.  One of them, Lauric acid, is present in coconut oil and is used for the prevention of hair loss.  It works against the roots and scalp and acts an antimicrobial agent.  Coconut oil also has vitamin E, which we all know is the go to vitamin for hair, skin and nails.  Got dandruff but too embarrassed to walk up to the counter with a Head & Shoulders bottle?  Coconut oil to the rescue!  It acts as an anti-dandruff agent as well, because of the various fatty acids it contains.

Start by going to a nearby organic market, such as Whole Foods, and purchasing a jar of extra virgin coconut oil.  There are many brands out there, but the most popular and sought after are Nutiva, Spectrum, Nature’s Way and Tropical Traditions.  Grab some honey as well, as it helps with attracting and locking in moisture and is a natural hair lightener.

DIY Coconut Oil Hair Mask

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Shower cap
• Hair clips
• Hair brush (optional)
• Gloves (optional)

Directions

Mix the coconut oil and honey is small bowl.  Part hair into four parts for easy application.  If you choose, use gloves, grab your brush (or use fingers), and start applying on hair.  Once your hair is completely covered, place shower cap on.  The longer you leave on, the better.  I recommend leaving it on overnight.  In the morning, lather up with your favorite shampoo and start styling your beautiful tresses.

Tips!

• Conditioner works great when applied to damp hair.
• Try air-drying instead of a scorching hot hair dryer.
• You may need to try several hair treatments before you finding a moisturizing routine that works for you.

When Social Work Doesn’t Work

Outrage is a word not often used, due to the impact of its strong definition: To arouse fierce, anger, shock or indignation.  Upon reading and watching the horrific account of what happened to a young boy, Khalil Wimes, one will start to see why this is the word associated with this tragic story.  If you haven’t heard about this case, keep reading; maybe this insight will help shed some light on little Khalil’s story.

Khalil Wimes was taken away from his biological parents within weeks of being born and was placed with a foster family, where he flourished as a happy, little boy.  In 2009, after bidding for his adoption, his foster family lost custody to him and he was returned to his abusive and neglectful home with his biological parents in Philadelphia.  A child with seven other siblings, Khalil was not the only abused victim in the household.  All seven of the children had previously been removed from the household due to allegations of sexual abuse and neglect, and then returned with no clear reason as to why.  In what world do we live in where a child is in a perfectly good, progressive environment and then lawfully placed back into a violent, negative environment?

Although child protective services did not have an open case for Khalil, they certainly did for two of the other children, in which the social workervisited the home on several occasions, somehow missing the signs of malnourishment, torturing, and regular beatings.  Khalil was locked in his bedroom with no furniture besides a soiled, plastic mattress.  He also had a health problem where he would vomit daily, sometimes multiple times per day, in which his parents would beat him after, saying he was trying to do it.  They also confessed that they beat him with books and cords on a regular basis.  He never attended school and the claim that he was being homeschooled was never supported with any evidence.

On March 19^th, Tina Cuffie and Floyd Wimes, the biological parents of Khalil, brought him into a Philadelphia hospital where he was pronounced dead upon entry.  The six-year old boy showed signs of abuse; he was severely beaten and tortured throughout his short life.  The medical examiner took an entire hour to log all of Khalil’s scars on his miniature body; he was a six-year old who weighed only 29lbs. (avg. weight is 46lbs.), 7lbs. lighter than when he was three-years old (under his foster family’s control).  

Upon arrival to the hospital, he was pronounced dead and the police were brought in to arrest his parents.  A medical examiner looked over his badly beaten body and testified that he had bruises literally on each segment of his body and hemorrhaging.As for how Khalil was killed, according to his mother’s confession, he was preparing to take a bath and she got angry at him so she hit him in the back of the head, in which is fragile body fell to the ground.  After realizing that he was unconscious, his parents did the opposite of what loving, ethical and moral people would do: the mother went to Popeye’s and the father made himself a steak and played video games.  It took a ridiculous 13 hours before they decided to take Khalil to the hospital; his cold body, already deceased.

I’m not sure what to say, or write, when I read about these surprising and horrible stories that surface in our country and world.  I am not placing blame on anyone but the parents because I do not know all of the details and circumstances of the case.  However, I do know this: Social workers are placed in homes where there may be a danger for the safety of a child.  They are required by law to: assess the safety of the child for present or impending danger.  If the child is to return home to their biological parents, certain conditions must be made: Children are returned when no safety threats exist or an in-home safety plan can be implemented and sustained.  Also, there is indication that the parents are moving towards change to control and manage child safety. 

That was not fulfilled in Khalil’s case.  That is why you need to be passionate about what job you are doing and the career path you choose.  If it involves someone’s safety, protection, and even their life in this case, then you must be passionate and take no shortcuts when it comes to investigating a home.  At this point, Khalil’s parents are standing trial and the case worker has been removed from active case work until further investigation.

I am aware of all of the debates regarding Child Protective Services and how in some cases, families being investigated think they go too far or are unjustified in their actions.  As I stated above, I am in no position to make a decision on how I personally feel about the debate.  But I do know that Khalil was improperly placed back with his biological parents, which in the end, led to his death at only six years of age.   In this particular case, I am comfortable in saying that social work failed.

Links where I found my content:
http://www.lipstickalley.com/f50/too-many-scars-count-death-6-year-old-khalil-wimes-393016/
http://www.disabled-world.com/artman/publish/height-weight-teens.shtml
http://www.metro.us/philadelphia/local/article/1141397--parents-held-in-beating-death-of-khalil-wimes
http://articles.philly.com/2012-04-24/news/31393170_1_dhs-social-workers-parents