How do you learn how to take care of a kid when you are one?

News broke this week about Erie's teen pregnany rates. Teenagers are getting pregnant across Erie County at higher rates than in years past, and those numbers are even higher in the city of Erie.
The amount of pregnant teens in the city is up 34% within the last few years.

Since 2003, 20 babies were born to teenage parents in Harborcreek, 45 in Millcreek, and 541 in the city of Erie.

For every one thousand female students in the United States, close to 25 are pregnant - the city's numbers are more than double that.

What can be done?

Executive Director of the Women’s Care Center Brenda Newport believes teens need preventative care and education.

Erie Schools' Superintendent Dr. Jim Barker wants to begin to expand programs at an earlier age and educate more young people about the consequence of teen pregnancy.

While Dr. Barker wants to expand sex education, he doesn't think it’s the only catalyst for teen pregnancy. The city of Erie has different problems than the county, and the kids face different challenges than those faced elsewhere in the county. Single parent household are higher and poverty is much higher.

Something needs to be done or the trend of teenage pregnancies will continue to rise.


Read WJET's story about Tika Montgomery who became pregnant at age 16.

Fame - I'm Going to Learn How to Fly

Fame opens this weekend...I'm so excited!

A reinvention of the original Oscar-winning hit film, Fame follows a talented group of dancers, singers, actors, and artists over four years at the New York City High School of Performing Arts, a diverse, creative powerhouse where students from all walks of life are given a chance to live out their dreams and achieve real and lasting fame…the kind that comes only from talent, dedication, and hard work.

In an incredibly competitive atmosphere, plagued by self-doubt, each student’s passion will be put to the test. In addition to their artistic goals, they have to deal with everything else that goes along with high school, a tumultuous time full of schoolwork, deep friendships, budding romances, and self-discovery.

As each student strives for his or her moment in the spotlight, they’ll discover who among them has the innate talent and necessary discipline to succeed. With the love and support of their friends and fellow artists, they’ll find out who amongst them will achieve fame.

Project Runway - Episode 5

Project Runway is finally making headlines. Well, the designers used newspaper to create the fashion seen on last week's episode.

I love when the show asks the designer to create fashion with non-traditional materials. It's my favorite part of the show. I hope there is much more of this to come.

The winner last week was Irina Shabayeva. It was debated that the trench coat wasn't well made (some said you could see the tape holding it together). But it was nice Irina went against the grain and didn't make a dress. Filling in for Michael Kors, Judge Tommy Hilfiger said the trench coat was "Coco Chanel meets Yves Saint Laurent meets Givenchy in the ’60s and ’70s."

I like it. But I am obsessed with coats and trenches. If it were in fabric, I would definitely want it.

Althea Harper, who won episode 4's challenge, was again in the top 3 with this patterned, form-fitting dress. Tommy thought "the execution was well done, considering what [she] had to work with." Guest Judge Eva Longoria Parker like how the dress excentuated the model's bottom. The neckline of this dress is great and I love the geometric print created with the strips of paper.

Nicolas (aka God's gift to design - but only in his mind) was almost kicked off for this odd 'punk' dress. The picture below doesn't show it well, but there were spikes on the straps that, as the judge Zoe said, "looks like an insect...like cochroaches." It was just tacky and tasteless and ugly.

Johnny created two hideous looks. The first one Tim Gunn criticized as looking like it was attacked by origami birds. So Johnny tossed it. Then he began telling everyone (models, designers, and the judges) that a steamer sputtered on it and ruined it. Both looks were awful and the only sputtering will be out of Johnny's eyes. Auf Wiedersehen.

What are your thoughts? How can we make sure that Project Runway challenges these models with more off-the-wall materials?

Small Screen, Big Fashion

The stars at the 2009 Emmy Awards rocked the red carpet this year. While some may argue they played it safe (which many did), there were some stars who shined.

Here are my Top 10 Females:

10) Not only did Toni Collette pick up the Best Actress in a Comedy Series Emmy Award (for United States of Tara), but she also wore this Monique Lhuillier gown. I loved the detail on the chest, but wasn't crazy about the candy-pink color and thought it clashed with the red carpet.

9) Law & Order: SVU's Mariska Hargitay was no victim in this silver dress by Carolina Herrera. This is a great example of a metallic done right and it fit her perfectly to show off her beautiful curves. Plus I loved her long hair (not too crazy about the necklace - but sometimes you can't win everything).

8) Grey's Anatomy star Chandra Wilson looked elegant in this flattering black silk-faille dress with playful crystal floral detail by Pamella Roland. My favorite part of the dress was the necklace which elongated this short actress.

7) 8 Month Pregnant Heidi Klum rocked her baby bump (can you still call it a bump when you are about to pop?) in this black Marchesa gown. The mermaid hemline really accentuated her baby belly, but the black color kept it simple. I also loved the sparkly details over the bust and bottom.

6) Here's second Grey's Anatomy star and the second Marchesa dress on my top 10. Sandra Oh hit the gold in this embroidered metallic dress. Ditch the rope belt, but keep the pop of pink in the shoes.

5) House's Olivia Wilde finished out the Marchesa trifecta on my top 10 with this embroidered tulle gown. The gown created the illusion of being a one-shoulder number but it was just one of several strategically placed sheer panels.

4) Mad Men's January Jones wore a risky, fashion-forward, art-deco inspired Versace with an embroidered glass beaded bustier. Versace's sweetheart dress with metallic cut-out detail is a real designer's dress and pleased many in the fashion world for not playing it safe.

3) Drew Barrymore glistened in this princess ball gown by Monique Lhuillier with the simple, strapless top and chiffon bottom perfect for this fair-tale actress. The soft blush color accented her complexion beautiful and her hair and minimal jewelry was beautiful. The clutch was made especially for her by Raven Kauffman Couture (although I am not crazy about the color matching exactly).

2) Big Love to Ginnifer Goodwin for this gorgeous, raspberry chiffon design from Yves Saint Laurent. I loved the gown's sweetheart plunging neckline and an uneven hemline. The vibrant purple tone was a great choice for her porcelain skin, and the giant necklace kept the look fresh and unique. P.S. The pixie hair cut is just too cute!

1) Who else but Vera Wang would be at number 1 on my list? And what other color but teal? New Adventures with Old Christine star Julia Louis-Dreyfus looked vibrant in a peacock blue Vera Wang gown. But the reason why this is my number one is not because it's the most fashion-forward or unique, but rather because it is the most wearable and would look good on so many differently shaped women. The crisscrossed bodice and belted, cinched waist will forgive and flatter. Beautiful. Classy. Timeless.

What do you think? What were your favs?

Erroneous Emmy Fashion

This year's Emmy's did not have too many tragic fashions for the TV stairs. But like every year, there are a select group who just don't get it. Here's my top 7 worst dressed for Emmy's 2009


7) 'Ghost Whisper' medium Jennifer Love Hewitt should have predicted the red carpet fashion better. She missed this mark in her plain-jane yellow bridesmaid dress.
6) Elizabeth Moss from 'Mad Men' may know advertising on the show, but doesn't know how to present herself on the red carpet. This wrinkled dress with awkward necklace washes her out.

5) Kate Walsh from 'Private Practice' might need to find a plastic surgeon to take off the 10 pounds this dress adds to her figure. While the neckline is nice, the back and poor drapping of the dress does not do her body good.

4) Reality did not set in on Kim Kardashian. Unless of course she was going for the Selena, circa 1994, look with this one-sleeve, white dress, hoop earrings, and slick back hair.

3) 'The Closer's' Kyra Sedwick obviously is not a fashion police officer on her TV show. This awful pink dress was more than 6 degrees off the fashion mark with way too much going on. It had beading, ruching, and leg slit. And don't even get me started on the shoes.

2) The joke was definitely on Sarah Silverman with this hideous dress. If Kate Walsh's dress added 10 pounds, this comdian's dress added at least 30 lbs and it was no laughing matter. Maybe her taste was hiden in the oversized pockets drapping down below her knees.

1) 'Top Chef' host Padma Lakshmi was not cooking anything hot in this dress. From the chest up this dress looked like a bathing suit cover-up with miliary cords. But the real disaster was the red flowers on her hips - it almost looked like her organs were pouring out. Ugh. Terrible.

What are your thoughts? Did any other TV stars miss the mark on the red carpet this year?

EmMANy's

The top three worst dressed men at the Emmy's were:

Justin Timberlake wearing a poorly fitted tux, awkward hair, white tie, and washed out look.

Charlie Sheen sporting I-just-rolled-out-of-bed suit and hair.

And Chevy Chase with his I'm-so-old-I-forgot-my-tux-shirt-and-tie look.

In terms of good looks for men, no one scored well.

Black bow ties and black tuxes were all around, but no male won any awards in fashion this year on the Emmy red carpet.

Monster Monday: 13 Networking Mistakes

Networking isn't just for job hunters; it is also so important when creating contacts for work or play. Monster has some great tips in this following article. Everyone should try to remember these as you hit up a happy hour event, art reception, alumni gathering, and more. There are many opportunities to network and it is important to keep these tips in mind.

Thirteen Networking Mistakes
By Dan Woog, Monster Contributing Writer 

You wouldn't wear jeans to a job interview, but do you pay as much attention to job-hunting etiquette when networking? If you're approaching potential contacts in an offhand way, you may be putting them off entirely. Learn what the most common networking mistakes are so you don't have to make them.Waiting

Many people start networking only after they've lost their jobs. Effective networking means creating contacts and relationships while you're still employed.

Being Clueless
If you're heading to a networking event, make sure you know why you're going. Do you want a job? If so, are you seeking something specific, or will anything do? Are you looking for contacts or a mentor to provide guidance? As soon as someone starts talking with you, you have to hold up your end of the conversation. If you don't know what you want, you can't do that.

Being Unprepared
Thinking you know what you want is not the same as knowing it. Treat networking the same way you would an appearance at Carnegie Hall. Practice your pitch as well as your answers to questions about your career goals that might arise.

Forgetting Business Cards
There is nothing more embarrassing than establishing a good relationship with someone, extracting a pledge of help and then searching around for a cocktail napkin to write on. Spend a few extra bucks to print professional-looking cards on good-quality paper.

Using a Silly-Sounding Email Name
Sure, your friends know you as "SexyMama4U" or "TimeForHemp," but when looking for work, stick to a serious email address, such as your real name.

Being Pompous
While you're networking, you need to listen to what everyone else is saying. People help by offering advice. They are not interested in hearing how much you already know.

Monopolizing Someone's Time
At a networking event, everyone wants to mingle. And if you're networking over the phone or by email, understand that the person you're speaking with has a life that extends beyond you.

Dressing Down
Look sharp at networking events. Mind your manners, shake hands firmly, stand up straight, make eye contact and show respect in any way you can. A networking event can be a dress rehearsal for a job interview, but no one will help you get your foot in the door if you give the impression that you'll slouch through it once it's open.

Being a Wallflower
Men and women with contacts and power meet many people; they remember only those who stand out from the crowd. Be assertive, and act like a leader. But don't go overboard. You want to convey self-assurance, not obnoxiousness.

Being Passive
If someone says, "Sorry, we don't have anything right now," take a minute or two to ask follow-up questions: "Well, what's the outlook for future possibilities? Do you know anyone else in the industry who might have something? Any thoughts on what my next step should be?" Persistence shows true interest on your part and may help the person you're networking with come up with ideas he might otherwise overlook.

Lying
It's tempting to say, "So-and-So gave me your name and told me to call." It might even get you a meeting. But eventually Such-and-Such will learn that So-and-So did not tell you to call. And you'll have burned not one, but two bridges.

Treating Your Networking Relationships as Short-Term Flings
No one likes to be used. Follow up every conversation with a thank-you note, email or call. Let your contact know whether his suggestions panned out or not. When your job search ends -- for whatever reason -- inform the person who has helped you. You may think your networking is over, but your paths may cross again.

Forgetting Where You Came From
Anyone who has ever networked, whether successfully or not, owes an obligation to all those who will network in the future. Return the favor and help someone else.

Here's the article on Monster.

Do you have any Dos and Don'ts while networking?
Have you had any experience speaking with a bad networker?

Who's My Apple Dumpling?

Happy National Apple Dumpling Day!

You may not be overcome with excitement, but today is National Apple Dumpling Day.

What's an apple dumpling? An apple dumpling a traditional dessert native to the Pennsylvanian Amish and is a pastry filled with an apple and cinnamon. Apples are peeled and cored, placed on a portion of dough, then filled with cinnamon and sugar. Then the dough is folded over the apples and the dumplings are baked until tender.

The Amish eat the apple dumplings for breakfast, but I prefer mine as a dessert with ice cream (others like theirs covered in milk).

The Apple Dumpling is not the only dessert that has originated from Pennsylvania. As a matter of fact, Savvy Grouse is hosting a poll for your favorite PA dessert, including Whoopie pie, Moravian spice cookies, Italian Water Ice, Shoofly pie, Apple dumplings, Banana split, and Funnel cake. Get on over to Savvy Grouse and let you sweet tooth have a voice.

In Memoriam

Yesterday, Kt and Mike's cat, Weezer, passed away.

He was a very sweet cat (and young - only 4 years old).

Here are some cute pics of him:

Kt and Weezie (the two blonds in Mike's life).

He loved his jewelry.

Like his owners, he was a bit of a computer geek.

Now and then he had an identity crisis.

But Weezer never forgot how to be cute and cuddly.

Rest peacefully, Weeze. Sorry for your loss Kt and Mike.

Don't FUEL Our Oil Addiction

"Fuel," winner of the best documentary at the Sundance Film Festival, was shown yesterday at the Warner Theatre at a Pre-Screening event hosted by Hero BX (formerly Lake Erie Biofuels).

Watch the 2 minute trailer here:

FUEL looks at energy in America: a history of where we have been, our present predicament, and a solution to our dependence on foreign oil.

We are addicted to oil (an non-renewable resource) and FUEL offers up several biodiesal fuel options and examines the consequences of abusing our oil resources.

I can't wait for biodiesel to catch on, especially when we have the country's largest biodiesel plant right here in Erie, Pa., Hero BX (which currently produces 45 million gallons of biodiesel per year).

Project Runway - Episode 3

The first time in Project Runway history, the winner and the loser were on the same design team.

The winner was Ra'mon-Lawrence Coleman who designed both the avant garde and beachwear looks for he and his teammate, Mitchell.

We finally said Auf Wiedersehen to Mitchell because it turns out - HE CAN'T SEW or won't sew or has an attention problem.

The second runner up were the looks of Irina and Johnny. Their beachwear design has a macrame back.

And their avant garde had a macrame bodice.

Again in the bottom was Qristyl based on her poorly fitting avant garde swimsuit.

And her partner Epperson for their MC Hammer-like beachwear.

So far, I have been pretty bored with the challenges. Come on, PR, wear the garbage challenges and the riping fabric from each others hands in the park episodes? I hope they are coming or else I might be falling asleep early from now on.

Tragic Up-Dos

Nikkie, my friend since 2nd grade, is getting married on Saturday. She has only one requirement for the bridesmaids' hair styles: our hair must be up.

Maybe she should have been more specific, because some of the up-dos I found on the internet were truly hideous. Do you think I should go with one of these styles?

The Oops:

The Weapon 1:

The Weapon 2:

The Nest:

The Medusa:

The Marge:

The Loops:

The Frizz:

The Dairy Queen Swirl:

The Top Bun:

The Bride of Frankenstein:

The Bow:

The Boho Braid:

Taking Votes until Friday. Please weigh in via comments.