Kids being bullied via calls and text messages? There’s an app for that

As you know, bullying and the prevention of it has become a major focus in our schools. But bullies are no longer limited to just verbal or physical bullying. Text bullying has become a serious problem among adolescents and teens.

Almost 9 out of 10 teens have a cell phone and about 1 in 5 will be victims of a text bully. About 1 in 10 teens engage in text bullying. Many of you have emailed me or called our office asking how you can control what happens with your child’s phone. So to make it easier for you I turned to one of our partners, Kelly Starling from AT&T for the types of apps that are available. Now there is a charge for some of these apps, but some are free but at least the below information gives you an idea as to what to ask for and how they work.

•  BullyBlock (Apple iOS, Android) This app captures and block bullies that are causing you and your family harm. The Bully Block app allows users to blocks bullies that utilize private or unknown numbers to engage in cyberbullying. Bully Block also has instant reporting features that allow the user to email or text abusive behavior to parents, teachers, and law enforcement. All audio, messages, and calls are stored on the phone memory card.

•  TipSubmitMobile (Apple iOS, Android) TipSubmit Mobile allows tipsters to submit secure and anonymous tips to Crime Stoppers, law enforcement agencies or school safety officers and administrators. Thousands of communities, schools and government agencies are covered by this application since it connects directly with TipSoft, an anonymous tip reporting system. Tipsters could receive rewards of up to $1,000 for information submitted to Crime Stoppers and nobody will know your identity.

•  Bully Stop (Android) This app helps protect your children from bully calls, texts and picture messages. The app gives your children the ability to block calls and messages from people they don’t want to hear from. Bully Stop uses a Block List to block unwanted callers and texters. The app maintains a password-protected call log of all attempted contact with your child so you can approach the relevant people, parents, teachers or police and show proof of the bullying communication.

Now here is a unique campaign to stop bullying: It’s called Pink Shirt Day, it’s an international event focused on stopping bullying, and it’s – coming up on Feb. 27, asking kids to wear something pink to school that day. This event started in Canada but it has rolled into the United States so I thought of sharing it with you. For more on the inspiring story of how Pink Shirt Day came about see http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/story/2007/09/18/pink-tshirts-students.html

In closing I want to offer our condolences to the Hialeah Police Department and family of Joe Caragol Jr a detective who passed recently due to cancer. I have known Joe for many years and he truly was an exemplary person and he will be extremely missed.

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Josh Brolin Praises Diane Lane Before Split

News of Josh Brolin and Diane Lane's split after eight years of marriage came as a surprise to many in Hollywood, especially since Josh just recently sang the praises of his spouse while ruminating about how to maintain a successful relationship in the Hollywood spotlight during his recent Gangster Squad junket. Watch the video…

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Diane stars in the upcoming summer blockbuster-to-be Man of Steel as Martha Kent, and Brooke shared a laugh with Josh during the junket that she's a "Woman of Steel."

"She's a very strong woman, extremely strong," the 45-year-old star acknowledged before steering the conversation towards how he hadn't yet seen the new trailer from the Superman film, adding that he's "always excited to see" Diane's performances.

Brooke then more directly asked how the couple manages "a successful relationship in Hollywood in the spotlight," and he replied gamely, "Because we're not really in the spotlight. I mean, we are in times like this [junket interview], but, you know, there's one light. We just do our own thing, and we always have. And we're not in L.A. all the time, we're up north a lot of the time where I grew up, so, you know, you just do what you do. You don't play up into the hype so much."

Video: Diane Lane After Husband Josh Brolin's Arrest

Stay tuned to ET for more news on Josh Brolin and Diane Lane's split.

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Former NY governor David Paterson to teach at Harlem medical school

Former New York governor David Paterson has a new post: teaching medical students about health care policy.

Touro College says Paterson is joining the faculty at its College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dean Dr. Robert Goldberg said Thursday that Paterson's insight on the health care system and public policy will help students "be prepared to advocate for their patients."

Plans also call for Paterson to help the institution with community relations, advocacy and pursuing grants.

Paterson spoke at the school's opening in 2007. It's in Harlem, where he lives.

WireImage

David Paterson

A longtime state senator, the Democrat was elected lieutenant governor in 2006. He became governor after Eliot Spitzer's resignation in 2008 and left office when the term ended in 2010.

Paterson later hosted a radio show for a time on WOR-AM.

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Broward’s existing home sales, prices rose again in January

The median price of an existing single-family home in Broward County jumped 24.5 percent to $224,088 in January from a year earlier, according to the Greater Fort Lauderdale Realtors.

The median price of a condominium or townhouse in Broward increased 26.5 percent to $94,900 in January from a year earlier.

Sales of single-family-home in Broward increased 15.3 percent in January to 1,033 from a year earlier, while closings on townhouses and condos increased 10.7 percent year over year, the Realtors group said.

Extremely tight inventory continues to shape the market. The number of single family homes available for sale on the multi-listings service plunged 26.5 percent in January to 4,510 from a year earlier. The number of available listings of condos and townhouses on the market was down 11.2 percent year over year to 6,407 units in Broward in January, the group said.

The months of supply of existing single-family homes fell to 3.8 months, while the inventory of condos and townhouses shrank to 4.7 months. A six-month to nine-month supply is considered a balanced market between buyers and sellers, while a lower level favors sellers, helping fuel price increases, Realtors say.

Broward homes are selling more quickly and for levels closer to their asking prices in Broward. In January, existing single-family homes fetched 93.4 percent of their listing price, up from 90.9 percent a year earlier. Condos and townhouses went for 93.8 perenct of their asking price, an increase of 1.4 percent from a year earlier.

The median days on the market was 48 for a single-family home, down from 53 a year earlier, and 42 days for a condo or townhouse, down from 43 in January 2012.

“I’m seeing strength right across the board,’’ said Charles Bonfiglio, president of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Realtors and head of AAA Realty Group. Many Broward residences are fetching multiple offers, frequently above the asking price, he said.

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Health Foundation gives $1.8 million

Health Foundation of South Florida announced Tuesday the awarding of grants worth a total of $1.8 million to 21 organizations.

Among the awards in Miami-Dade were $197,000 to the Miami-Dade County Health Department, $200,000 to Open Door Health Center, and $107,000 to the University of Miami. Other Dade grants included $20,000 to the Banyan Community Health Center, $45,000 to Centro Mater Child Care Services, $230,000 to the Chapman Partnership, $51,000 to CHARLEE of Dade County, $75,000 to Farm Share and $60,000 to the Miami Dade College Foundation.

In Broward County, grants included $96,300 to Archways, $120,000 to Boys & Girls Club of Broward County and $150,000 to the Broward County Health Department.

In Monroe County: Rural Health Network of Monroe County received $130,000.

The foundation has awarded more than $98 million in grants and support since 1993.

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Julianne Moore Wears Elizabeth Taylor's Famous Emerald Necklace

Julianne Moore stole the show at Bulgari's pre-Oscars party celebrating Elizabeth Taylor's jewels Tuesday night in Los Angeles, when she arrived in one of Taylor's most prized possessions -- the show-stopping emerald-and-diamond necklace which was given to Taylor by Richard Burton as a wedding gift while they were on location for Cleopatra in Rome.

The stunning necklace, which the Bulgari jewelry house purchased at her 2011 Christie's auction for more than $6 million, obviously had a special place in Taylor's heart -- she even wore it to accept her Best Actress Oscar for Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? in 1967.

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"It's very touching, and it's so lovely to be able to wear something like this," a humble Julianne says. "It has so much sentimental value and is obviously such a beautiful, exquisite piece. It's really a work of art. "

The necklace is also very much in style today -- emeralds have been making a comeback all over the red carpet recently.

"I mean, c'mon, emeralds. It's hard not to like emeralds," she smiles.

Related: Elizabeth Taylor's Jewels Fetch Record $115 Million

Julianne's fellow A-listers came out to the event, including Drew Barrymore, who reflected on Taylor's incredible talent.

"Anybody who has to grow up in the world in front of everybody is a very interesting thing to watch, and a very interesting thing to live through, " Drew says, reflecting on her own childhood in the spotlight,. "But I think when you can transcend that, and create these incredible characters and so many iconic roles such as she did ... someone that could be so out there personally, but somehow transcend and become these characters and become devoid of the woman you think you know -- that's an incredible actress."

Check out the video to see Naomi Watts show off her own incredible jewelry that night, as well as Drew's favorite piece from Elizabeth Taylor's jewelry collection.

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Postal Service to launch 'Rain Heat & Snow' clothing line

On the heels of announcing the end of Saturday mail delivery, the US Postal Service said Tuesday it plans to launch a new line of clothing and accessories next year.

The cash-strapped agency has signed a license agreement with Wahconah Group, a Cleveland-based fashion apparel company, to support its new "Rain Heat & Snow" brand, Postal Service corporate licensing manager Steven Mills said in a news release.

“This agreement will put the Postal Service on the cutting edge of functional fashion,” Mills said. “The main focus will be to produce Rain Heat & Snow apparel and accessories using technology to create ‘smart apparel’ — also known as wearable electronics.”

The Postal Service plans to establish a showroom in New York City's garment district to showcase its new products, which will be available initially only for men, the news release states.

The goal of the new product line, according to Mills, is to eventually sell Rain Heat & Snow products "in premier department and specialty stores."

To read more, go to Fox News

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Health Foundation gives $1.8 million

Health Foundation of South Florida announced Tuesday the awarding of grants worth a total of $1.8 million to 21 organizations.

Among the awards in Miami-Dade were $197,000 to the Miami-Dade County Health Department, $200,000 to Open Door Health Center, and $107,000 to the University of Miami. Other Dade grants included $20,000 to the Banyan Community Health Center, $45,000 to Centro Mater Child Care Services, $230,000 to the Chapman Partnership, $51,000 to CHARLEE of Dade County, $75,000 to Farm Share and $60,000 to the Miami Dade College Foundation.

In Broward County, grants included $96,300 to Archways, $120,000 to Boys & Girls Club of Broward County and $150,000 to the Broward County Health Department.

In Monroe County: Rural Health Network of Monroe County received $130,000.

The foundation has awarded more than $98 million in grants and support since 1993.

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Tough gals: Roller derby players enjoy contact sport

For Danielle Shaffner, 33, raising three children with another on the way and having her husband patrol the streets on his police vehicle could be stressful.

That’s why she counts on a sport on wheels for relief: women’s roller derby.

“I let loose and become a little maniac on the rink,” said Shaffner, who is four month pregnant and goes by the name of Pree-T-Manik.

Shaffner, who lives near Palmetto Bay, is one of many professional women competing in Miami’s Vice City Rollers roller derby team. The team was formed back in 2011 and practices at the Palmetto Golf Course hockey rink, 9300 SW 152nd St. in South Miami-Dade.

“It just comes a little naturally,” said Shaffner, who works as a dental assistant and has skated since she was a child. “I love the adrenaline rush. I use it as anger management. It is a great way to make friends and socialize.”

Her pregnancy doesn’t allow her to have contact, so for now, she is taking advantage of the exercising the sport provides.

The team has started their second season on a high note defeating their fist opponent in January.

The game is played on a rink wearing quad roller skates. There are five players to a team. Games consist of a series of short match-ups where a designated player known as a jammer scores points by lapping members of the opposing team, who in turn try to stop the jammer from scoring.

Team president and skater Kristen De La Rua, 30, was instrumental in putting together the team. She and other teammates practiced for Broward’s team, the Gold Coast Derby Grrls. They felt it was only appropriate Miami had a roller derby team.

“Miami needed it’s own team,” she said. “We got a huge response.”

At first, she worried playing because her profession is of a massage therapist, so an injury to the wrist or hands could be costly.

“I was always getting scared because of my career, but I got over it,” she said. “Once I started playing it, it was not that bad.”

Players were recruited using Facebook. Each player pays $40 a month to cover the team’s cost such as paying for the practice location and travel fees.

The Women’s Flat Track Derby Association sanctions the games.

Currently, they are playing Florida teams, but plans are to travel and play teams outside of the state and overseas. There are about 30 members. Each player has a nickname that fits their character, but names are earned. The team is still considered amateur.

Edley Duclos is one of few males who practice with the girls. He is a referee and acknowledges the women’s hard work.

“I do it for the exercise, “he said. “Keeping up with these girls is hard.”

Wearing a pink helmet, elbow and knee pads, Marcy Mock skated around with teammates at the outdoor hockey rink, at Coral Reef Drive and U.S. 1.

She goes by the name of Pinky Gomez, 41. She is a graphic designer who travels from North Miami to practice. She says the game could lead to injuries, but the sport’s rush keeps her motivated. She suffered two broken ribs during a game and still came back to finish.

“You get this adrenaline rush that you don’t feel anything,” said Mock, who also teaches spinning classes.

Aside from the competition, Mock said their bond built between teammates and opponents is a great feeling.

“It doesn’t matter who wins,” she said. “You are playing this game and it’s a women’s driven game.”

Their next game is scheduled for March 2. All of their home games are held at the Palmetto Golf Course hockey rink.

For information visit facebook.com/miamirollerderby.

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Scott Foley Scandal Interview

While anyone who attempts to come in between Olivia and Fitz is bad news, fans had no idea just how shady Scott Foley's character, Jake Ballard, was until the closing minutes of last week's Scandal when it was revealed he'd been tracking Olivia's every move thanks to the most impressive array of hidden cameras since Sliver!

And given his job with the Joint Chiefs of Staff, you can be assured Ballard isn't simply interested in watching Olivia sleep.

But just to make sure, I chatted with Scott Foley this afternoon about joining TV's hottest show, what lies ahead for Olivia Pope and who he'd like to sneak a peek of in real life.

ETonline: You had a very memorable arc on Grey's Anatomy, is that how this gig came about; Shonda called you up?

Scott Foley: That's exactly right. I had such a good time working on Grey's and Shonda was so kind to me. I really appreciated what she did with the character and the stories -- they're heartbreaking and honest and really romantic. She sent me an email over the New Year, while we were on break, telling me they were coming up with a new love interest for Olivia and was curious if I was available. I had just found out Fox wasn't sure what they were going to do with the show I shot last year, The Goodwin Games, so I was free. I asked about the character and all she wrote back was, "It's a love interest for Liv." I put my trust in Shonda, having a history with her and knowing her so well. When the first episode aired last week, my Twitter account blew up! People were calling me, I was getting Facebook messages from high school friends I hadn't talked to in years and the fact I get to be a part of a big moment like that is awesome.

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ETonline: Finding out he was pulling a Sliver was unreal. What was your reaction when you found out?

Foley: It was crazy! You always assume there's another twist coming with Scandal. So I saw their sweet scene at the coffee shop and thought, "What an interesting coincidence because she's working on a case about this woman who died in David's bed and it happened that she was doing work for Jake." I honestly thought that might be the twist. And then I saw he'd been watching her ... let me just tell you, when we did that scene at the table read, everyone on the cast and crew began to shout, "oooooooh!" It was amazing and I was excited to be part of one of those great "What the hell was that?" moments. And there are a bunch of those "Oh my God" moments coming up in the next two episodes I've filmed. It's so cool, man.

ETonline: And I would imagine now that we know this big secret, it makes his courtship of Olivia all the more unsettling.

Foley: I think it does. If you remember a few episodes ago when Olivia told Edison she didn't want to marry him because she wanted a different kind of relationship. So you either want her to find that with Jake or you think Jake's a total snake and she shouldn't be with him. There's a really divided audience there and I think that makes it all the more interesting.

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ETonline: What can you tell us about this week's episode, Boom Goes The Dynamite? All ABC has released is that Jake is persistent in trying to date Olivia.

Foley: That's all they gave you? [laughs] Well, the last thing we saw was that great moment where you saw the cameras in his apartment -- but you have to remember, she called Jake to say, "Ok, I'll go on a date with you." We'll see them on that date, which Jake is very excited about. You know, he's made this interesting transition, and I'm not sure if he's allowed to do it. Someone has definitely hired him to keep an eye on Olivia, he's not choosing to do that on his own, and I'm sure when they hired him, they did not say it was OK to take her on a date. So he's definitely breaking some sort of code. And we see Olivia still fighting against having a relationship and that's a great thing they've done with the character: she wants love but is always fighting against it, so even though she agreed to go on this date, she won't call it a date. In the episodes I've shot, there's always going to be that tension of him looking for more and her pulling back.

ETonline: As you see Jake going deeper and deeper into this lie, as a Scandal fan, do you think about all the ways Olivia is going to ruin his life eventually?

Foley: Yeah. Totally. Although I don't even say Olivia, I say Shonda is going to kill my character [laughs]. I do know that she Olivia has a way, with Huck and Harrison and everyone at Pope & Associates, of getting the upper hand. You can never pull one over on Olivia, she always knows what's going on. At the end of the day, Olivia is Olivia's best client -- and that's terrifying for me, as an actor, to know my character is doing something that kind of has to blow up. If there's going to be any progress in the story, she's got to find out about this at some point, right? It can't just be the audience. She'll eventually put Huck on his ass, and once you've been waterboarded, nothing can hurt you.

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ETonline: Lastly, in the creepiest way imaginable, I'd like to know whose apartment you'd bug given the chance.

Foley: I immediately go to political figures because we're talking about a political show, so I have to say The Oval Office. I'd love to be a fly on the wall in Obama's Oval Office. For me, that would be amazing. This is sort of childish, but I'd love to hear how they actually speak. I remember a few years ago, President Bush was at a big banquet dinner with Sarkozy, and he walked up behind him and said, "We gotta get this sh*t in order." He used a word I assumed two presidents wouldn't use with each other. There's an interesting thing about a media persona versus a real life, and I want to know about the real life of The White House.

Scandal airs Thursdays at 10 p.m. on ABC.

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