child in the classroom, the teacher is demonstrating that she respects everyone and that she will fight for anyone who is being treated unfairly.

Children love justice and they're very uneasy in a world of injustice and abuse. Therefore, when we teach children kindness and respect for others by insisting on civility in our classrooms and in our homes, we're laying a foundation for human kindness in the world of adulthood to come. Sadly, the opposite philosophy is evident in many schools today. It needs to change. Don't tell me that we as adults can't put a stop to bullying. Of course we can. We know who the defenseless kids are. We can rescue them. We just need the determination to intervene when a child shows signs of distress. It is our profound obligation to get this job done.

I hope this excerpt provides a look at how Dobson delivers a powerful, Christian-based message that will provide guidance to all who are trying to shape the next generation of men. I definitely came away with specific changes that I have and am making to improve the life and well-being of my son.

For Managers: The Video U571

On the surface, this is simply "a war movie." World War II. Submarines. Matthew McConaughey. I figured that I would fall asleep. Amazingly, I found it to be incredibly applicable to real-world situations I encounter every day.

I joke that I learned as much about leadership and management as I did in two years at the Harvard Business School! (It was certainly less expensive!)

For Anyone who Needs to Relax: Massage by Lisa Aspy

Who doesn't need to relax?! And relax they will in the capable hands of Lisa Aspy. Lisa operates The Sundance Center out of Towne Lake Fitness. She can be reached at 678-591-5066.

For Animal Lovers: Anything from Animal Empawrium

Over the last few months, some of my fellow animal lovers and I have been searching far and wide to bring you some wonderful and unique animal gifts for the home. Frustrated at the lack of "animal stuff" in most stores, we wanted to put together a store where everywhere you look, you see something animal. Art, collectibles, pillows, knick-knacks. Great things for those places in your home or office where you want something special that tells the world "I love animals!"

Animal Empawrium is hosted by CENTURY 21 Advantage during the month of December.

Great
Gift
Ideas

by Gina Carr

Are you driving yourself crazy trying to come up with something a little different for that special someone in your life? For what it's worth, I offer the following as my suggestions for great gifts for this holiday season.

For Parents (or Teachers) of Boys: Bringing Up Boys - by James Dobson

If I could remember who first recommended this book to me, I would give him or her a hearty "Thank you!" This book is awesome! It is a beacon of light to those who struggle with wondering if they are on the right track with the way they are parenting (or teaching) boys.

It explains, for the first time in history, how many elements of our culture actually work against those who desire to teach their boys to be moral, considerate, God-fearing men. Men who could one day become good husbands, fathers, and sons.

One of my favorite chapters was Wounded Spirits. In it, Dobson explains in simple terms why bullying should not be tolerated by parents, teachers, counselors, etc.

Let me offer some advice now to mothers and fathers of wounded spirits about what you can do to prevent them. As I said earlier, I have been urging parents and teachers for the past thirty years to intervene on behalf of hurting children. One of your most important assignments as a parent is to preserve the mental and physical health of your kids. You wouldn't think of letting someone injure them physically if you could prevent it. Why, then, would you stand by and watch the spirit of your boy or girl being warped and twisted? The damage to the self-concept that occurs during adolescence can haunt an individual for the rest of his life.

As a teacher, I made it clear to my students that I wouldn't put up with teasing. If anyone insisted on ridiculing another of my students, he was going to have to deal with me. I wish every adult would do the same. When a strong, loving teacher comes to the aid of the least-respected child in the class, something dramatic occurs in the emotional climate of the room. Every child seems to utter an audible sigh of relief. The same thought bounces around in many little heads: If that kid is safe from ridicule, then I must be safe too. By defending the least-popular