Sexting Scandal Hits High School - "Hummer Mom" Caught

I was totally horrified to hear about the Hummer driving, 42-year-old married mom who faces 67 counts of sexual assault for having sex with two 15-year-old boys! 

How could it get any worse than that?  Christine Hubbs' charges include having sex with two different boys; which has been reported that the encounters started when they were only 13 years old.

How did "Hummer mom" get caught?

Hubbs allegedly sent text messages and nude pictures of herself to the boys from her cell phone... also known as "Sexting".  She was arrested after one of the victim's parents found a nude text of Hubbs on his cell phone. 

Thank God this parent was paying attention!

After police seized Hubb's personal computer and phones, they were able to reveal the ongoing relationship with the two teens.

Sexting 101

"Not my child!" is what most parents think when the topic of sexting is brought up in conversation.  According to The National Campaign, 33% of teenagers have admitted to sexting.  The number increases to 36% when it comes to young adult women.  I know what you're thinking... age 42 is not a "young adult woman!"

What can you do to prevent sexting? 

• Eliminate the MMS feature from your teens' cell phone plan.  MMS = pictures/videos that can be sent/received by cell phone.
• Keep the lines of communication open between you and your teen
• Understand there are predators everywhere, and your children need to be protected from them
• Take an occasional look at stored photos on your child's cell phone
• Read Between the Lines, keep your eyes open for any strange behavior surrounding their cell phone usage

Unfortunately, sexting is a reality and it's becoming more common than we'd like to believe. 

To be pro-active around the subject of sexting, it's best to sit down with your kids to set texting boundaries.  Be sure to explain the potentially serious consequence to ANY kind of sex texting, including what to do if and when they ever receive any naked or obscene photo. 

You should also include "what not to do" in your sexting discussion... which is to NEVER forward these types of texts out to their friends. 

 

Men vs. Women in the Workplace

I'm in the process of getting some seriously juicy information from personal interviews and by surveying how women and men work together - and boy am I learning more every day!

You would think by the time we get to our 40's and have been working with boys since the age of 15, we would know all there is to know. 

Guess what?  I was wrong!

If you have a few minutes, I would appreciate getting your feedback about your personal experiences from working with the opposite sex by taking this survey for my upcoming book - "It's NOT Complicated:  What Men Want in the Workplace" and how to use it to get ahead.

Click here:  http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/MSFMWFD

I know, it sounds devious - but we're just trying to help women get a leg up in the workplace.  And you men out there... Don't worry!  You're feedback will help women learn how to improve their performance, which means it's a win/win for everyone.

If your story is extra fabulous - it just might get published!

Thanks for your time, I really appreciate it!


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Mehserle Trial Causes Oakland Riots - Tonight's Event Cancelled

Hi All,


Thanks to Kathy Babcock who works in downtown Oakland and called to provide breaking news and excellent advice; "I HIGHLY recommend you stay out of Oakland due to the Judges recent ruling on the Mehserle trial".  

She also said the streets are dangerous and many of the buildings have closed and sent their staff home for the day.

Due to the location of The Ellington, and that the ongoing riots are only blocks away from the building, we've rescheduled tonight's event - date TBD.

Celebrate Summer At The Ellington!

Take a break from your same old routine, and join me Wednesday night in downtown Jack London Square for a glass of champagne (or two) and some wonderful appetizers!

The gracious owners of The Ellington, (the newest and most prestigious high-end condo project in downtown) are hosting me and my book; "Read Between the Lines" to help get the word out about their beautiful project.  If you get a chance, stop by and come say hi!

Where:  The Ellington - 222 Broadway, Oakland - Free Parking is Available

When:  Wednesday, June 30th, 2010

Time:  5:00 to 7:00 (Stop by for 15 minutes or 2 hours - whatever works for you)

I'm looking forward to checking out the roof-top pool, meeting new friends and seeing my old (but young) friends, while enjoying the beautiful views of San Francisco and Jack London Square.

Hope you can make it!

Attention Californians: Claim Your Lost Cash!

If you live in California (I'm sure it's the same in every other state) you should periodically check out your home state's website to see if you have any long lost cash you need to claim.

I make a point to check annually, and I always find some missing money that I never knew was missing.  It's like Christmas!

Last year I hit pay dirt.  I found $5,200.00 and was ecstatic.  In 2004, I found a check for $9000!  I checked today, and found $937.00, a refund that was apparently sent by Hewlett-Packard, but I never received it. 

I also checked my husbands name (found him a $50 rebate), my moms (found her $354.00) and my kids (they had $0), but my point is, you never know. 

It's simple!  In about two minutes, you could be rich.  Here's what you do:

1. If you live in California, go to http://www.ca.gov/
2. In the search box, put "Unclaimed Property" and hit search
3. Then click on the 3rd bullet down "UCP Inquiry System"
4. Insert first name, last name and last known city the person lived in.
5. Click search

That's all there is to it.  Go ahead, do your search, and be sure to let me know if your wallet is a little heavier.  :)

Happy Treasure Hunting!!!

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Tips and Tricks for Appearing on View From the Bay

Just in case you've been invited to appear on The View From the Bay, I thought I would provide you some "Need to know" tips and tricks on what to do (and what not to do) during your next appearance on View From the Bay.

I'm far from an expert, but I wish someone would have told me what I'm telling you.  All of these tips are either things I screwed up on, was told the day of, or they're things I noticed while I was on the set.

1. VFTB is filmed in High Definition, so be prepared for every single detail from your waist up to show.  UGGGGG, it sucks getting old!!!!!
2. There's a fabulous makeup artist available on most days, so by all means, let her work her magic on you.  She mentioned "they go for the natural and casual look" so leave your false extra long eye-lashes and bright red "Gwen" lipstick at home.
3. Spencer and Janelle are totally and perfectly wonderful, and make it really easy to have a conversation with them.  Wear an extra layer of protection, don't drink too much caffeine, and you'll be good.
4. Don't eat the snacks in the green room.  Why risk all that stuff getting stuck in your teeth under HD scrutiny?
5. If your interview occurs while sitting in the tall red stool, remember this.  It's tall and red, so dress accordingly. 
6. I don't know why I spent so much time worrying about the shoes I was going to wear.  I'm pretty sure if I had my Asics on, you wouldn't have noticed. (You start your interview seated in the tall red stool, not walking out as if you're on Oprah).
7. You'll be wearing a mic that gets clipped on in the front of your shirt, and you'll have a big box (the wireless device) in your back.  Hence, you'll have to sit up straight in your stool, no matter how much it hurts.  I got a "miss" on this point.  
8. Ditch the too short skirts.
9. Your top should have sleeves.  I missed on this point too.  
10. The hosts are the stars, and Jess the producer of the show is the rock-star.  He's responsible for making sure everything goes smoothly with your segment.  He's involved and responsible for all the fine details, including the questions the hosts plan to ask you.  Take good care of Jess.
11. When you're being interviewed, you'll just look at the Spencer and Janelle, not at the camera's.  
12. There's a small studio audience.  I was lucky enough to have 35 first graders as part of my audience.  My topic...Textual Harassment.  YIKES!  I guess it could have been worse - I could have been discussing the sexiest body part to get your tattoo on or where baby's come from!
13. It's best to wear jewel tones or black, but remember not to pick a color that clashes with the tall red stool!
14. Don't wear white... but I don't have to tell you that.
15. Take the time and spend the money to have your hair done by your favorite stylist.  You won't regret it.  I didn't do this, and boy am I sorry!
16. Back to the stool.  (Yes, I had issues with the stool)  I made the mistake of resting my arms on both arm rests.  Just rest on one side, preferably on the side next to your closest host.
17. Did I mention the stool was red?
18. Be prepared and watch several segments just before your segment is scheduled to air.  This way you know what's going on that week.  I record and watch this show regularly, so I felt good about this part.

Let my learning curve be to your benefit.  Good luck, you'll be fabulous!

RBTL Has Exciting News 4 U!

Upcoming News Worth Mentioning:

Shawn's been invited to speak on The View From the Bay next week!  She'll be discussing the dangers of textual harassment, cyber bullying and sexting and most importantly what parents can do to help.  Want to come along?  Just let me know!

Monday, May 17th, ABC 7 from 3:00 to 4:00.


To further shawn's advocacy for Saving Lives, Don't Text and Drive, she'll be signing books and taking signed pledges for RBTL's No Phone Zone. 

Barnes & Noble Dublin– Sunday, May 23rd from 1-3
Hacienda Crossings (Next to Regal Theaters)
4972 Dublin Boulevard
Dublin, CA 94568

We've got a new iPhone App you'll want to check out!  LOL is the name, and abbreviations are it's game.

Available in the App Store on May 14th, 2010
Search:  LOL Text Lingo
This App provides novice texters and confused parents the ability to look
up thousands of abbreviations in the snap of a finger.

Make Your Car A No Phone Zone

Today's the first annual "No Phone Zone", and it's time for you to take the pledge.

If you need a reason why, here's the only one you need:

1. You could kill innocent people

Go to www.oprah.com and take the pledge.

Take a moment, and take the pledge - you won't regret it!

Top 10 Forbidden Text Zones Revealed

We all know how great texting can be most of the time, but what about the times and places texting isn't so great?

Research on this subject was a bit sketchy, but here's the top 10 forbidden text zones I was able to locate:

10.  After you've been pulled over by your neighborhood cop - because you're just going to piss him off
9.    While your pole dancing - because a cell phone just isn't very sexy
8.    During prayer - because your pastor might get jealous (It happened)
7.    At your local "Swingers" get together - well... the "because" is too disgusting to mention so RBTL
6.    While you're catching a wave in San Diego - because water and cell phones don't mix
5.    During your HR meeting while you're getting your ass chewed for cell phone abuse - because you        need the money
4.    When you're visiting the Porcelain God - because it's just too disgusting to do both at the same time
3.    While you're at the batting cages with balls flying at 90 mpg - because you can't afford more plastic surgery! 
2.    When riding a mechanical bull - because cowboys can't multi task, so neither should you
1.    While you're getting busy in the bedroom - you do the math

That's the newest unofficial lineup of forbidden text zones... but I need your input to make it official!  Please, list your personal place or space where you've banned all text messages.

Common, it's your turn to share.

Get Instant Fashion Advice

Have you ever found yourself in a position where you've needed last-minute fashion advice?

I have to say; I was in need of some serious fashion do's (and don'ts) last Saturday when I was being interviewed live on KRON 4 Weekend News by Henry Tenenbaum.

I'm sitting in the hot seat, hoping my jacket is buttoned correctly, that my legs were crossed in the right direction, that my blouse wasn't showing too much cleavage, amongst the 99 other worries running through my head.  It was right then when I was saved by the "ding".

Lucky for me, my BFF Wendy had seen the 15 second promo of Henry and I pretending to text each other two minutes before we were going live with the interview.  This is exactly when she made the mad dash to find her cell phone.  It was a fashion emergency!

Just in the nick of time, she sent me a text that said "Love the jacket - center your necklace and pull up your cammy!" And then I got a "Go get em, you look great".  I responded back with an "OMG" and then a "Thx, YTB". Adding to the benefit of badly needed advice I would have never gotten from the men standing in the room, the entire text exchange made me laugh which really calmed my nerves.

Thanks to the power of a few texts and a great friend that's concerned with the potential of her gal pal looking like a complete idiot, I was able to get some desperately needed fashion advice, and just in time!

My point is that you too can get fashion advice on the DL!  Any time you're thinking you need some true blue honesty, but you don't want everyone to hear about your fashion faux pas... just ask your BFF to send some text advice.  To be honest, one of the most important jobs of being a great friend is to make sure your BFF's don't wear too-short skirts, don't pile on too much makeup, and to strongly suggest they ditch the go-go boots and the floral moo moo's because they've gone out of style.  

I'm definitely going to make fashion advice by text my new SOP, but next time I go on TV, I'm going to need to get me some tips on how NOT to look larger than life!  It's true - the camera adds 10 pounds right to your bottom line, and I have the picture to prove it!