Sheriff’s office says man may have killed woman, then himself

APEX – The Wake County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an apparent murder-suicide discovered Sunday.

Authorities were called to 4404 Green Level Road West about 11:20 a.m. where they found Jessica Leigh Johnson, 20, and Jason Daniel Sehulster, 34, both of Apex, dead outside Johnson’s mobile home, said Phyllis Stephens, spokeswoman for the sheriff’s department.

“The victims were acquainted with each other,” Stephens said. The shooting was the result of “a domestic situation.”

Sehulster lived at 132 Evening Star Drive with Alice Ann Sehulster, according to Wake County property records. Messages left for Alice Ann Sehulster were not immediately returned.

Stephens said evidence at the scene indicated Jason Sehulster might have shot Johnson, then turned the gun on himself.

The scene where the shooting took place isn’t visible from the street because it is blocked by another mobile home and a ranch-style house.

Read More: News & Observer

(ARA) – Over the last few years, affordable DVD and CD recording technology has given us all the power to produce and distribute digital content. Like millions of other Americans, you may have created CDs filled with digital photos to share with family and friends, or perhaps you’ve even created DVDs containing your camcorder footage. If you haven’t gotten in on the personal content revolution yet, now’s the time to take the leap. New technologies are making it easier than ever before to create professional quality productions without any special training or skills.

Recording DVDs and CDs at home is easy. Most of today’s computers include a pre-installed DVD and CD recording drive, and recording software. After firing up the software, selecting the files you want to record, and loading a blank disc into the drive, you simply click the software’s record button. A few minutes later, out slides your fully recorded disc, ready to share with the world.

But wait. As great as the content you’ve recorded on the disc might be, there’s one final piece missing. You need to label the disc. You don’t want to just scribble some notes on the surface with a marker — that wouldn’t impress anyone. You need a labeling solution that looks more professional.

Fortunately, there’s a new technology called LightScribe that solves the problem without requiring the purchase of a disc printer or labeling system. With LightScribe, the same laser that records the disc information also laser-etches a professional quality label on it. You simply record the data onto the disc, take it out of the recording drive, flip it over, put it back into the drive, and wait while the label is created. The process is truly as simple as “burn, flip, burn.”

All you need to take advantage of this is a LightScribe enabled DVD/CD recording drive, labeling software and DVD or CD media. If you’re in the market for a new computer, select one that includes a LightScribe drive. Or you can purchase a LightScribe drive, complete with labeling software, to use with your current computer.

Your labels can be whatever you want them to be. Create one-of-a-kind designs with your own photos, text and artwork using your label-making software. Or choose from the many free backgrounds the software provides.

“LightScribe is an exciting advancement for home recording enthusiasts and anyone who wants to easily give their creations a professionally produced appearance,” comments Bruce Youmans, vice president of marketing at TDK, a leading supplier of LightScribe DVD and CD media. “In the past, expensive equipment was required to create labels directly on discs. It’s remarkable that users can now achieve this with low-cost, readily available LightScribe technology.”

Because LightScribe discs serve as both the recording media and labeling solution, you’ll want to use the best media you can get. Widely respected as a high-quality brand, TDK offers a full-range of LightScribe DVD and CD media. “Our customers know they can count on TDK LightScribe DVD and CD media to get the job done right,” concludes Youmans.

From sharing digital photos and videos, to creating powerful work and school reports, LightScribe media is a compelling all-in-one recording and labeling solution for today’s home recordists.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Parents, Talk With Your Students about Not Drinking When Underage

(ARA) – At the start of a new school year, students fret about things like who their lab partner will be, will they make honor roll and if they will have a date for the homecoming dance. While parents can’t control every variable of their child’s life, they can help them excel at responsible decision-making and dealing with peer pressure.

This is especially important when it comes to the subject of underage drinking. According to the 2007 GfK Roper Youth Report, 71 percent of 8- to 17- year olds say their parents are the No.1 influence on their decision whether or not to drink alcohol. Some parents may find it difficult to talk with their children about drinking, but there are many ways to effectively address this issue that make a lasting impact.

“Creating an atmosphere of open communication where no subject is off limits and where parents actively listen to their child will make it easier to talk about more sensitive issues like alcohol,” advises Lonnie Carton, Ph.D., director of teen and family resources for the Web-based “Warm2Kids” program and an advisory panel member of the “Family Talk About Drinking” program. “I encourage parents to start talking with children about underage drinking early, ideally between ages 9 and 11, and then continue the dialog throughout the teen years.”

Carton offers parents these tips to help them be a positive influence on their children and teens:

* Be a Good Role Model — The example parents set as a responsible adult is one of the most important ways they can communicate with their children about drinking. Parents who drink should demonstrate that they do so responsibly and in moderation. In families that don’t drink, parents should still talk with their children about alcohol and why the adults in the family don’t drink.

* Be Factual — Parents should give children the facts about drinking in an unemotional, straightforward manner.

* Have Clearly Stated Rules — Parents should share opinions and beliefs about drinking, and then make clearly understood rules and consequences if those rules are broken.

* Practice Good Parenting — Build self-esteem, communicate openly about all things, be an active family together and teach responsible decision-making skills.

* Know Their Children’s Friends and Their Parents — Parents should be aware of the power of friends to influence their children. Also, learning about other families’ values and rules will help parents monitor their own children.

* Get Help If They Need It — If a parent thinks a sudden change in their child’s behavior may be related to drinking, they should seek professional advice immediately.

Carton continues, “There are many right moments for parents to broach the topic of drinking with their children, for example during a family dinner, while watching a Sunday football game or before a teen heads off to a party with friends. Explain to them that the majority of their peers don’t drink, that underage drinking is illegal, and that if they ever find themselves in a situation where alcohol is present to never be afraid to call home for help. Remind them they will only hear praise if they make that call.”

For more tips on positive parenting and preventing underage drinking, visit www.myspace.com/positiveparenting.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) – More than 50 percent of Americans use some sort of dietary supplement daily, including multivitamins, mineral supplements such as calcium or iron, and herbal supplements like Echinacea or garlic, according to the American Dietetic Association. As this multi-billion dollar dietary supplement industry grows, so do the number of choices available, so it is increasingly important that savvy shoppers understand exactly what is in the bottles lining store shelves and their own medicine cabinets.

With so much information listed, a dietary supplement label can be difficult to decipher. Here are five important parts of the label the smart shopper should understand.

1. USP Verified Mark — This mark, located on the front of the bottles of qualifying dietary supplements, assures that the product is “USP Verified.” This verification means that:

* The product contains the ingredients stated on the label and in the declared amounts;
* The product does not contain harmful levels of contaminants;
* The product’s ingredients will release and dissolve properly into your body so you can receive the full benefits of the dietary supplement; and
* The product was made under Good Manufacturing Practices.

The USP Verified program is operated by the United States Pharmacopeia (USP), an independent organization that both sets federally recognized standards for prescription and over-the-counter medicines and dietary supplements, and operates a full-service verification program. Remember to look for the USP Verified Mark next time you choose a vitamin or other supplement.

2. Percentage Daily Value (% DV) — This indicates the percentage of the recommended daily value of each nutrient that a supplement serving provides. The recommended daily value is determined by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) based on a 2,000 calorie diet. However, the nutrient needs and number of calories one should consume can vary based on age, gender and other factors like pregnancy. More specific information about nutrient needs based on individual factors can be found from the Institute of Medicine at www.iom.edu.

It is generally recommended to find products that provide 100 percent of the DV. However, products with higher than 100 percent of a DV should be avoided because too much of some substances, such as vitamins A or K, can cause side effects or complications (and many people already consume many vitamins and nutrients from the foods they eat). Note that most multivitamins do not provide 100 percent of calcium and a separate supplement for this may be necessary.

Consumers should check with their doctors to ensure that the dietary supplement does not include something that could negatively affect their health because of a specific medical condition or other factor. An asterisk (*) indicates no DV has been established for that nutrient.

3. Other Ingredients — This list shows the consumer all the ingredients that are not listed in the percentage daily value. These ingredients may include inactive components like binders, fillers, colors and flavors. They are listed in decreasing order by weight. Shoppers should always check this section for anything that might cause an allergic reaction.

4. Additives Statement — This statement indicates whether the product is free of common allergens. However, it is not required, so consumers should examine carefully the “other ingredients” list if a product does not display this statement on the label.

5. DSHEA Disclaimer — A disclaimer is required if the manufacturer claims that the product has an effect on the structure or function of the body, e.g., “promotes healthy bone density.” If such a claim is made, U.S. law requires it to be followed by a statement that the claim has not been evaluated by FDA. It is illegal for a manufacturer to claim that a dietary supplement can cure, treat, prevent, mitigate or diagnose specific diseases.

Remember, in addition to thoroughly reading the label, consumers should always ask a doctor for advice about taking dietary supplements. Shoppers should also research a supplement and its brand via reputable, unbiased sources such as Consumer Reports Medical Guide (www.consumerreports.org), Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database for consumers (www.naturaldatabaseconsumer.com), and PogoHealth (www.pogohealth.com). To learn more about dietary supplement labels and to watch a video on choosing the right supplement for you, visit www.uspverified.org.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) – It’s back to school season, and college students everywhere are packing their bags. But regardless of whether you are choosing a major or about to graduate, it’s important to know what to expect once you are out.

College graduates remain in great demand. In fact, a recent Job Outlook study by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) finds that employers plan to hire 17.4 percent more 2007 college graduates than they did in 2006. But today’s job market is not your parents’ job market. Huge demographic and employment trends are changing the way America works.

Here are some tips to help you stay on top of the career market:

First, expect to change jobs. In today’s career world, job stability does not always equal job security. The U.S. Department of Labor Statistics reports that over the past 25 years, baby boomers have held an average of 10.5 jobs, and the average American now holds nine jobs between the ages of 18 and 34.

“Instead of working their way up the company ladder, today’s employees are changing jobs more than ever before, and they are taking their skills and experiences with them to their next job,” says John Andrews, campus president at Everest College-City of Industry. “We find our students come to us with a range of skills they’ve developed in the real world and those experiences help them out when they are looking for new positions.”

Second, know what the hot job sectors are. “Our nation is experiencing huge demographic changes, which are creating major shifts in the types of jobs available today,” says Dr. Janette Ducut, director of education at Everest College-City of Industry. “Students should prepare themselves for a changing job market.”

With a wave of baby-boomers scheduled to retire in the next decade, and a large youth population, there is a growing need for work in a variety of service-related fields, from teaching to tourism, and job training to elder care. According to the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics, half of salary and employment growth will come from just two industry categories: education and health services and professional and business services.

“We know that the fastest growing employment sectors throughout the next decade will be service sector, technology and health care,” notes Andrews. “In fact, we specifically target our programs to help our graduates prepare for careers in those sectors.”

Third, be flexible. Today’s job market requires that employees keep their skills up-to-date and as a result, more and more adults are going back to school. “Students come to us to keep their skills up-to-date or get the credentials they need to advance in their careers,” says Dr. Ducut. “They find that it is increasingly necessary in today’s changing job market.”

The NACE Job Outlook 2007 also finds that employers often prefer to hire students with professional education because they know they often have more work experience than four-year graduates, which has helped them develop a strong work ethic.

“There used to be more of a stigma attached to changing jobs. And completely changing career fields was rare,” Andrews notes. “Now we find that it is perfectly acceptable; employers understand that a one- or two-year program can give new employees exactly the credentials they need. For example, our students can prepare for an entry level healthcare career in less than a year. It’s really quite liberating for many of our students.”

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Sources of statistics found in this article:

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

http://www.bls.gov/news.release/ooh.t01.htm

http://www.bls.gov/oco/cg/

National Association of Colleges and Employers Job Outlook Survey 2007

http://www.jobweb.com/joboutlook/2007/default.htm

Easy Ways to Personalize Your Home

(ARA) – When juggling the demands of work and family, busy homeowners often reach for the ease and convenience of mass-produced décor to create an atmosphere that reflects their own personal style. However, this “one-size-fits-all” approach to home decorating can often lead to lifeless rooms that weren’t created so much to be lived in as they were to be looked at. Experts agree that avoiding a cookie cutter motif is easier than you may think.

During his recent turn on Bravo’s “Top Design” reality television series, Chicago interior designer, Erik Kolacz repeatedly demonstrated the importance of infusing personal tastes into the design of your home. “Regardless of whether you’re reworking a family heirloom to fit your décor or browsing the aisles at Target, in the end you have to live in your home,” says Kolacz. “Be patient, and stick to what appeals to you, and you can’t go wrong.”

Kolacz suggested that one of the easiest ways to work personal style into home décor is through thoughtful choices in artwork. “Utilizing the skill and expertise of a custom framer makes a huge difference in how well a piece will fit into your space,” says Kolacz. “When choosing a custom framing professional to assist you, look for a framer that asks questions about where the piece will be and not just the piece itself.”

As the owner of The Designer’s Wall Gallery in Birmingham, Mich., Bonnie Palizzi concurs. “There are so many things a professional custom framer can offer to enhance your art as well as complement your interior design,” says Palizzi. “A custom framer should be thinking about several things before they even suggest a design, including the art, the space where it will hang and the personality of the room.” Palizzi even goes so far as to offer home visits to her customers, but acknowledges that this is not always a possibility. She suggested that one good way to ensure that the framing size will fit is to request a paper template that can be used to “test-out” the space. “There’s no better way to make sure that what you and your framer have designed will really work than to have a visual to hang on the wall that you can step back and take a look at,” says Palizzi.

Consider a few of these additional tips from Palizzi for creating a unique home environment that matches your distinctive style:

1. Remember that the frame and mat should complement the art, not compete with it for attention. “You want to pull the eye to the art, not the framing,” says Palizzi. “The frame and the matting should never be the focus.”
2. Size your piece to balance with the architecture in the room. “In a room with high ceilings, a solitary piece should be large enough not to get lost in the extra space,” says Palizzi. You can create a larger look by using a larger mat design. “Crescent offers matboards in a variety of textures and colors that make it very easy to achieve this without sacrificing the integrity of the art,” says Palizzi.
3. When framing, consider the room color and the particular space where the piece will be hung. “The eye will naturally go to the darkest spot if the room is light, and vice versa,” says Palizzi. “Your framing should create a balance with the room’s decor.”
4. Don’t make the mistake of limiting framing to canvas or paper artwork only. Palizzi has framed everything from silverware to fishing lures to musical instruments. “You might be surprised at how many things a custom framer can work with,” says Palizzi. “And, often, these kinds of pieces make the most beautiful statements.”

Finally, Palizzi recommends choosing a custom framing professional that guarantees your satisfaction with the finished piece. “If for some reason you find that the piece doesn’t fit with your space, the advantage of working with a custom framer is that most are willing to do whatever it takes to make sure you’re happy,” says Palizzi. “They’ve also got the advantage of having high quality materials that come with their own guarantee available to them. For example, Crescent’s 100 percent cotton RagMat matboards are guaranteed safe next to any artwork for life. You can’t beat that!”

For more information about custom framing, visit www.crescentcardboard.com or contact a professional framer in your area.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) – Undoubtedly, being confident affects every aspect of a person’s life. While women have made many strides in nearly every profession, sport and industry in recent decades, even the most accomplished women can lack self-confidence in certain areas. According to a national YWCA online survey, women cite not feeling attractive or good about their appearance as their top confidence shaker (62 percent), followed by not excelling in their career/not doing a good job (46 percent) and not feeling accepted/feeling like an outcast (40 percent).

To address this issue, the YWCA USA and Curvation recently launched the Project Confidence Outreach Program, a multi-faceted women’s confidence-building program designed to give women the tools and information they need to build their confidence, achieve their dreams and enrich their communities. The program, which was unveiled on National Women’s Confidence Day, includes online confidence tips, as well as a free, nine-month confidence curriculum to be piloted in select cities nationwide.

“While there are a few existing programs that address confidence-building for young girls, there seemed to be a lack of such programs for women. I am extremely proud to be taking on this challenge along with the YWCA and Curvation,” says Queen Latifah, the Curvation brand spokesperson and creative advisor. Whether it means dressing for success, taking control of your finances or stepping up to the challenge of community change, our goal is to educate, inspire and hopefully influence the lives of countless women.”

To get a jump start on ways to build your confidence in a variety of areas, ranging from style and health to career, personal finance and diversity, here are a few helpful tips and resources:

* Confidence Style: Dress for Success — When we feel confident about our outward appearance, we’re able to focus more on the task at hand — whether it’s landing a new job or speaking at a community meeting. Dressing the part can help win attention and gain respect from a peer or potential employee, so it is important to look pulled together. If it’s not in your budget to buy something new, seek help from services in your community. In addition, don’t forget that looking good starts from the inside, and we’re not just talking about your personality. A solid foundation will make your clothing fit better and can help with posture and back health. Yet, almost 80 percent of women wear the wrong bra size! Take advantage of free services of fit experts to make sure you’re wearing the right size. For more information on how to determine your correct bra size, log onto www.curvation.com/fitting_room.php.

* Career Confidence: Be Your Own Advocate — Asking for a salary increase or negotiating a salary offer for a new job can be intimidating. Being prepared will help — know what the market salary is for the job and identify your desired range, including the minimum you need to comfortably pay your bills and your ideal salary that will allow you to enjoy a little more freedom. For more helpful tips on how to negotiate your salary, log onto www.womenwork.org. Another good tip: try networking with other women. Strong relationships in your field can help you advance and provide you with a place to turn when you’re seeking career input.

* Financial Confidence: Seek an Expert for Help — Nothing can shake your confidence more than financial instability. Getting control of your finances can decrease the stress in your life and make you feel more in control. The first step is to determine what you spend your money on — from bills to entertainment. Set a monthly budget and stick to it. There are also free or low-cost services for financial counseling available to help you get control of your debt and manage creditors, so use them! One resource to contact is the Consumer Credit Counseling Service at (800) 388-2227 or www.cccs.org. Have trouble saving? Try stashing money in a bank account that’s not easy to access and pay it as an extra bill to yourself.

With a few easy steps, you’ll be on the path to your most confident self in no time. For more information on the Project Confidence Outreach Program or additional confidence-building tips, log onto www.YWCA.org or www.curvation.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

RALEIGH – The Durham man who is accused of plowing his car into two men standing at a bus stop Friday was driving drunk and will be charged with second-degree murder as early as today, Raleigh police said Saturday.Jason Daniel Oliver, 28, has a history of drug-related offenses and other crimes dating back to the mid-1990s, according to state criminal records.

Oliver was traveling north on Buck Jones Road near Bashford Road at 66 mph in a 35 mph zone when he lost control of his car, according to a police report. He ran off the right side of the road and struck a utility pole, Raleigh police said.

Next to the pole were Jesus Gonzales Garcia, 33, and Walter Rodriguez Garcia, 23, at a bus stop. Both men “went airborne and landed in the roadway,” the report said.

A spare tire from Oliver’s Chevrolet flew into an oncoming Saturn, which then spun off the road into a ditch.

Police said Jesus Gonzales Garcia died at WakeMed Raleigh Campus. Oliver, Walter Rodriguez Garcia and the driver of the Saturn, Rasul Magomedovich Abduguev, 23, of Raleigh were taken to the hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening.

Oliver remained at the hospital Saturday under police guard. Investigators expect him to be released this afternoon, which is when he’ll be charged with driving while intoxicated, driving while license revoked, felony aggravated assault, having an open alcohol container in a vehicle and consuming an alcoholic beverage while driving, said Raleigh police Lt. Timothy Tomczak.

Records show that Oliver has a long criminal record with charges from six counties. His convictions include being intoxicated and disruptive, not having an operator’s license, driving while license revoked, driving while impaired, drug dealing and assault.

Oliver frequently visited the Little Sue Mini-Mart across the street from the bus stop, said store owner Mark Samour, 35.

“Regular guy, didn’t buy too much stuff, just a couple of Philly blunts,” Samour said.

The two Garcias were also regulars. Both are from Honduras and visited the store at week’s end to cash their work checks before boarding a city bus to visit friends and relatives, Samour said.

Speeding is a problem

Friday’s accident highlights the need for anti-speeding measures in the area, Samour said. He and other neighbors have complained to city officials that people often speed through the area. But adding a traffic light or speed bumps will mean getting through red tape because the road is maintained by the state, he said.

“Mothers, children, be waiting for the bus,” Samour said. “Why can’t they speed things up to save lives?”

But speed bumps, signs and traffic lights will not stop a drunken driver, said City Councilman Thomas Crowder, who represents the area.

Read More: News & Observer

APEX — Wake County investigators are on the scene today of an apparent murder-suicide.Wake County Sheriff Donnie Harrison said authorities were called to a mobile home at 4404 Green Level Road West in Apex about 11:22 a.m. today.

They found a woman in her 20′s and a man in his 30′s dead outside the home. The deaths were an apparent murder-suicide, Harrison said. Authorities were not releasing the victims’ names.

Investigators were interviewing witnesses, Harrison said.

News & Observer

Raleigh police are asking for help finding a woman with Alzheimer’s disease.Mildred Early Rogers, 76, was last seen at her home on Dennis Avenue, according to a news release from the Raleigh Police Department. She was wearing a cream-colored shirt and Nike tennis shoes. She may be wearing either light blue or beige shorts. Rogers is 5 feet tall and weighs about 110 pounds.

She has been known to walk in the following areas: Yonkers Road; Raleigh Boulevard; Brentwood Shopping Center and Cameron Village. Anyone who believes they might have seen Rogers is asked to call 911 immediately.

News & Observer