Unintentional Strangulation Deaths from the "Choking Game"

Unintentional Strangulation Deaths from the "Choking Game" Among Youths Aged 6--19 Years --- United States, 1995--2007

An excerpt: 'The "choking game" is defined as self-strangulation or strangulation by another person with the hands or a noose to achieve a brief euphoric state caused by cerebral hypoxia. Participants in this activity typically are youths (1). Serious neurologic injury or death can result if strangulation is prolonged. In recent years, news media reports have described numerous deaths among youths attributed to the choking game. Because no traditional public health dataset collects mortality data on this practice, CDC used news media reports to estimate the incidence of deaths from the choking game. This report describes the results of that analysis, which identified 82 probable choking-game deaths among youths aged 6--19 years, during 1995--2007. Seventy-one (86.6%) of the decedents were male, and the mean age was 13.3 years. Parents, educators, and health-care providers should become familiar with warning signs that youths are playing the choking game (2).'

Yes, I know that there are a lot of things out there we all need to protect our children from. This story actually caught my attention a little more than a year ago and like a great many strange things children do for amusement - this one is among the scariest. It is popping up again on news outlets all over the internet. So, I use this strange "game" to toss out a public service announcement, not just on this topic, but any issue. Make sure you stay tuned-in to your children's activities, friends, where they are - what they're doing. Encourage them to share with you these types of strange things under the guise of staying "hip" or "in" and just keep your pulse on the goings-on with today's youth.

Sometimes, the most difficult thing to do is keep a straight face, stifle outrage, and go on about a normal discussion in the face of some of things they may share with you - but doing so will only encourage future information sharing. I've already has a few of those moments with my own youngsters.

I was a youth once, some long-time ago. I did dumb, stupid, foolish, [insert label here] from time to time. It's inevitable. Thankfully, my parents stayed tuned-in enough (and sometimes scary enough) to make me think twice about a great many things. Do the same and best wishes.

I know this may seem like a strange example to use for keeping an eye on the kids, but sometimes, old themes seem to get stale like, "just say no to drugs." So, I guess you can consider this, Just say no to strangling and choking your friends or yourself.

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Like the New Banner? We Do!

It captures the essence of The Psycho Ex-Wife. From the hair color, the fangs, to psychotic eyes, and the raging flailing arms.

Thanks to the talented efforts of a "secret" friend and her scraggy, out-of-control hair day which provided the inspiration to so effectively capture what I had envisioned.

I like it so much, for a fleeting moment I thought it tattoo-worthy. Yikes!

Like it? Hate it? Let us know!

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Documentary Exposes Family Court Corruption & Court Sponsored Child Abuse

Support? System Down
























Filmmaker Angelo Lobo along with Angela & Robert Pederson

ACTION ALERT
Their Dirty Little Secret Is Over!

We are throwing our support for potential nationwide distribution in 2008 for the documentary movie "Support? System Down."

The quality of this documentary is reportedly top notch. The movie trailers alone are a wake-up-call introduction into the content. We believe that those not currently affected by a family court system will be shocked when watching this movie. Don't think these things can happen in the United States? Think again.

The Trailers - Click on Image to View

Corruption

"It's Billions of Dollars - It's Far Beyond What The Mafia Ever Did"


A flavor of what people have experienced, both fathers and mothers, at the hands of the machine that we often refer to as "The Divorce Cartel."



Its About The Kids

"Parental Suicide Does Go Up Five Times For Fit Parents That Are Removed From Their Children"


More than 25,000 men and fathers commit suicide every year. The likelihood of suicide goes up 500% for men with children involved in divorce. I've been through the ringer and many have experienced much worse than I did. I know the level of frustration I've felt from time to time. It's not hard to imagine how hopeless some may finally get.



Divorce Is Ugly Business

"Every County in America and Every State in America is Financially Incentivized to Ruin Families"


A business owner I know has an employee who pays child support. The business can be affected by the weather (construction). The man fell slightly behind in his support payments to the tune of about $1,100. He was hauled into court. The owner fronted him $750 to help get him out of his bind. Despite collecting this money, the court still threw him in jail for a week, preventing him from working so that he could continue to make up the difference and support his child. The decision defied explanation and yet, this happens all the time in America. Not only did it affect this man and his child, it affected the business owner, too. This is not an uncommon occurrence.



War Is Hell - Child Support Doesn't Have To Be!

"They (Military Reservists) go off to war and they have been paying child support based on an income they are no longer making"


Men and women go off to war and have to deal with unimaginable stress, pressure - essentially the loss of their lives at any time. On the home front, these soldiers face divorce and the loss of their children, homes, jobs, and freedom. As if they need further distractions under such conditions. Men are returning home to steep arrearages because when they were deployed, there was no time for an adjustment in support and so their arrearages pile up without any consideration whatsoever to the circumstances. Many return home to face JAIL after serving our country.



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This movie will make waves all across the country and will expose voters all across the country, to what we already know:

1) There is corruption in America's family court systems fueled by their addiction to Title IV-D federal funds and incentives.

2) Judicial discretion and the "best interest factors" have failed our families, parents and children.

3) The typical time non-custodial parents receive (4-6 days a month) is court sponsored child abuse.

4) The largest opposition to "equal parenting" legislation, such as Michigan House Bill 4564, is the family law section of each states Bar, i.e. Family Law Section of the Michigan Bar. Common sense will tell you why they oppose such legislation.

5) Children have a God-given, fundamental right to be loved, guided, educated and nurtured equally by both fit and willing parents.

6) Family Courts in Michigan and all across America rip children away from one of their fit and willing parents after a divorce every day by the thousands.

...and so much more!

You can expect that there will be significant opposition to this documentary and the opposition will try very hard to suppress the release of this film. The filmmaker needs your help now!

What can we do to help see this movie get to release and exposure?


Please buy just one T-shirt from the filmmaker. These shirts are very high quality and the design is fantastic. Just $13 plus s/h. This documentary is a powerful tool that we can use to educate America on the failed system parents and children are exposed to.

If you are an individual buy just one!

If you are a small equal parenting organization buy several!

National organization supporting equal parenting rights?

Consider making a donation to the film or buy numerous high quality T-shirts.

Need a fund raising opportunity? Buy 20 shirts and mark up the price.

A Child's Right is an official sponsor of this documentary. Make your organization a sponsor now! The filmmaker will probably never see a dime by releasing this high quality documentary. Angelo Lobo, based on the true stories he heard while filming, feels a tremendous obligation to releasing this movie for nationwide distribution. You can help.

We are asking everyone to please spread the word on this documentary. If you blog or have a website please post the You Tube trailers of this documentary so that we can spread this to the masses. Thank you.

Here's hoping this documentary will garner enough support to hit the mainstream. We have not seen the movie ourselves but are hoping to see it the moment it is released. I'm sure it will give everyone a hardcore view of what really happens in a small part of the country, which will undoubtedly represent what happens everywhere.

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Broke Ultralow-Contact on the WWE Issue

Quick recent history:

1st-Contact from PEW.

Our "Fantasy Email Reply."

Now it's time for the real deal. Late Sunday night, I couldn't help myself. I turned to DW and said, "Would you agree that there are some issues that warrant a response? I mean, I know how it will be received, but shouldn't I, as a concerned parent, express my concern in a short way just so that she's aware of my position on this particular issue?"

DW said, "No." I knew she would. She knew I'd persist, too. I told her I had to. A truly concerned parent would express their position on the issue and nothing more given what we're dealing with. We talked it over and came up with something short and to the point, which I then tossed in a few things that DW disagreed with, but it's a compulsion I have.

My email:

PEW,

Keeping this simple - WWE is highly inappropriate for children ages 6 and 9. It matters not to me what you tell me about other parents who allow their children to watch this stuff. The language, the actions, the names of the moves - are all highly inappropriate for children. It's unfortunate that you would allow them to watch this stuff, which is intended for adult consumption. While I disagree with the corporate website, even they don't recommend it for children under 12 and most of their fanbase is 18 and older.

Nevermind that it STARTS well past their bedtime, let alone when it finishes.

If you are truly interested in cultivating [the boys'] interests, I urge you to try something that is less trashy and more educational. WWE is a disgrace. I am alarmed to know that they could be walking around school repeated the garbage that goes on during those telecasts.

Instead of telling them why "DAD" doesn't like it - you should be telling them why YOU shouldn't like it. They shouldn't be watching it. Period.

~LM

PEW's email reply:

LM,

Spare me ok. It's no more inappropriate than them watching the programs they see when they are with you. It's a control thing for you. If most of the fanbase is over 18, why are the action figures flying off the shelves? When was the last time you saw and 18 year old playing with a toy wrestling ring? You're unbelieveable. This is not the only reason, but it's one of the reasons they cry every sunday when they have to go back to you. You and your brothers watched wrestling...you even told me how [your brother] used to suplex you and your brothers on the couch...beds, etc,etc...who are you trying to impress here? You and your brothers played video games......does it make you feel like a better parent to make your kids so unhappy?? They hate the weeks they are with you....do you realize that? And the reason they don't talk to you about it is because they're afraid....to hurt your feelings, they'll be punished. I know you took S1's snack away after he was on the phone with me telling me he wanted to come home. You are a total DRAG for them to be around....it's ALL about you ALL the time. It's sad. You do what you want....I'll tape the show for them. S1 is starting to realize what your all about, I hope you realize that.

~PEW

---------------

Projection. Lies. A scary justification. This is the consequence of my decision to break the ultra-low contact. Yes, I said my peace and won't reply. Most people would read that and be able to easily prepare a reply that addresses all of those things she mentions. I used to be one of them. However, that's what she wants - the prolonged dance of dysfunction. Reality is, my choice to respond at all encourages it.

- The reason the action figures are flying off of the shelves is because the marketers know that there are parents out there willing to allow their children to watch that crap and shell out the (lots of) money as a result. This especially true of those parents, like PEW, who live to buy the love and adoration of their children.

- Using inappropriate past behavior to justify ongoing inappropriate behavior is pure PEW genius. The reasons are right there in front of her face (yes, we practiced dangerous wrestling moves on one another and we were older when we were watching it) and she completely fails to make the connection. Completely. She gives one of the top reasons why they shouldn't be watching it as a reason for them to be watching it.

- The kids don't cry when they have to come with me.

- I've never punished the children for anything of the sort (but it makes her feel good to fabricate such things).

- Then, of course, the usual and customary guilting and tear-down efforts.

- She would be surprised at the frank discussions the boys and I periodically have. Sort of "check-ups" on how things are going with the arrangement. I assure you, they aren't afraid to let me know how they feel.

Yep, this is who parents the children half of the time. Lucky me. Lucky them. She's such a freak.

My choice to break ULC on this issue was not necessarily a popular one in the groups I frequent due to the reality that "parallel parenting" effectively means what goes on at each other's house isn't the business of the other. You parent how you parent, I parent how I parent.

I agree with that for the most part and, on this issue which has existed for some considerable length of time, I've never made mention of it. I just decided that her making a plea on behalf of the children (and encouraging the children to join in same) crossed the line and needed to be addressed, even if in vain.

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Fantasy E-mail Reply - 2/11/2008

As we sat around the other night, exasperated, we discussed how we would possibly respond to an email such as we received the other night regarding the children getting to watch WWE's Monday Night Raw. While I won't respond to it because it doesn't rise to the level of an urgent matter pertaining to the children, it doesn't stop me from wondering how I could if I wanted to. Seriously, the first question out of my mouth was, "How in the hell do you even begin to respond to something like that?"

Well, there exists "Fantasy Games" - like Fantasy Football, Baseball, Hockey, Basketball, Golf, etc. From the emails-never-sent file comes Fantasy Email Replies. Invariably, we try to find our sense of humor and it will sometimes result in a "Fantasy Email" such as this...

---------------

Dear Psycho,

Thank you for your pearls of wisdom on being a parent. I had no idea it was bad for my kids to be mad at me! What was I thinking? I sat and thought about all the lessons they can learn from watching WWE on Monday night and you are right, this can definitely be an educational experience!

For instance, our son's next book report could be:

The Subtle Differences Between the FU and the STFU, and he could even provide a visual demonstration on a classmate for bonus points.

Discussions on the Origin of the Term "The Money Shot." Maybe he can bring in a video example for further clarification, I hear Jenna Jameson is an excellent actress and has extensive knowledge of "The Money Shot."

What better way to instill healthy exercise habits! I'm sure our son is building muscle mass just watching Triple H drop a flying elbow on his opponent from the top rope, not to mention the sportsmanlike conduct he is witnessing. I'm sure it will have a positive impact on his current inability to treat his classmates with respect when they win a game they are playing.

I completely understand your desire to have our children do whatever it is their friends are doing. It's extremely important to feel like they are part of the group, like the time S1 ganged up with his friends to beat-on the new kid in school. It was important for them to stand as a united front so the kid would never come back to school and it made S1 feel like "one of the guys." They were teaching the new classmate "teamwork." I understand ganging up and spitting on opposing wrestlers is frequent in the WWE, so I know they'll learn other techniques to enhance welcoming others to school.

I will profusely apologize to our children for the egregious error of my parenting and let them know that from now on - their every wish is my command. Thanks so much for pointing out my shortcomings as a parent in this regard and I will do my best to never let it happen again.

Sincerely,
LM

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We tentatively have plans to DVR Monday Night Raw and are considering a review of it next week along with the lessons a child can learn from it. Stay tuned...

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This is Age Appropriate Television Viewing?

Last night, I get an email from The Psycho Ex-Wife which is a follow-up to a voice mail my oldest son (9-years old) left me the previous night begging me to watch WWE's Monday Night Raw.

Now, when I was a youngster, some 25-years ago, my brothers and I were sometimes watchers of the then World Wrestling Federation. The WWF was just coming-of-age then, and the basic premise was classic "good vs. evil" without all of today's over-the-top storylines, which are far more advanced in age-appropriateness than professional wrestling was when I was a pre-teen and teen. Back then it was Saturday morning fodder. There is a reason why it's often on at 9:00PM or later and pay-per-view. Today's WWE is for ADULTS (despite all of the kids you see in the stands at events). Further, while I don't agree with the low-end of the age group - even WWE's corporate site specifies that it is "tailored to ages 12-34" and that nearly 80% of their fans are 18-years of age or older.

I've explained to the children why I don't like it. I've explained to the children why they're too young to be watching the show. I've explained to them that the moves are orchestrated, very dangerous, take a lot of athleticism - and that they should never, ever try doing any of those moves ever. I told them stories of kids getting seriously injured and even dying from screwing around trying to emulate the wrestlers' moves. They know my position without question.
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Hi LM,

I assume you got S1's message about how he wants to watch Monday Night Raw. I respect your position on the wrestling, but I just want to let you know a couple things. I think that if you watch it with them you can censor it. S2 ALWAYS falls asleep by 9 anyway. You could tape it too if you don't want them to stay up late.

This has been a huge upsetment every week when it's time for them to go to your house. I want them to enjoy their time with both of us. It would be good for your relationship with them if you could explain that these are trained athletes and actors (which is what I always tell them) and tell them when you feel certain parts of the show are not appropriate. I don't see that it's more violent than football or hockey, so if they are so interested in the wrestling, I don't see why we shouldn't educate them on the subject. They would probably appreciate their father's view on this subject more than mine. I don't want them to be upset with you over this, but they keep telling me that they feel it's unfair and that their upset with you over it. I don't feel like I should make them stop watching it when they are here because I watch it with them every minute and I tell them explictly the parts that I think YOU and I do not like about it. And I always say "This is WHY DAD does not want you watching this".

I think you should test drive it. Think about it. Watch it. See what you think. It has become such a huge thing for them. Particularly with S1 it brings up the whole subject of athleticism and the "being in shape" He idolizes these guys. Unfortunatly its so huge with all the kids at school so depriving them of it is only going to make them angry with you.

Think about it. I don't want them to resent you over something that you could easily handle in your diplomatic way.

~PEW
---------------

I did handle it in my diplomatic way: Kids, you're not watching WWE. Discussion over.

Keeping in mind that my children are currently ages 6 and 9, allow me to share with you a "highlight" from the USA Network's website regarding one of the many current storylines...

Mr. McMahon wanted his bastard son Hornswoggle to join the Kiss My Ass Club. When it came time for the little guy to pucker up, though, Finlay interrupted. After much yelling from Mr. McMahon, Hornswoggle finally leaned in … and bit his freshly buffed buttocks.

This is just a drop in the bucket. This isn't the WWF of days gone by. It's a "sport" that is rife with illegal drug abuse (primarily steroids and human growth hormones), the foulest language, promotion of excessive alcohol use (Stone Cold Steve Austin, a spouse-batterer would enter the ring and chug beer before matches), over-the-top violence (however fake it may be), objectifying and sexualization of women (the WWE Divas) - just to name a few.

The following are the names of some of the "signature moves" of the characters that my sons "idolize:" The Money Shot. The F-U. The S-T-F-U. The Backstabber. The "Cracker." The Hollycaust. The Clothesline from Hell. I cringe when I hear them talk about these moves. I'm horrified that they are probably discussing this at school. Yes, I tell them that it's inappropriate without telling them what some of those acronyms stand for. Yes, they know I don't like WWE (for their ages) and will not allow them to watch it while they are in our home.

The PEW is insisting that I allow the children to watch this shit every week as she does. This, on a school night, when their bedtime is 8:00PM, a two-hour event which starts at 9:00PM. Mother of the Year.

Now despite everything I've written here, what burns me up more is the email. I've spoken about Parental Alienation Syndrome before. Now, it isn't glaring in this email, but it's barely subtle. I'll break down some of the specifics.

What is written: This has been a huge upsetment every week when it's time for them to go to your house.

What is implied: They don't like that you won't let them watch it when I do and I do nothing to explain to them the reality that it's inappropriate for them to watch. I'm the good parent. Dad is the bad parent.

What is written: It would be good for your relationship with them if you could explain...

What is implied: You don't know how to foster a good relationship with your children. I do. I'm going to tell you how...

What is written: I don't want them to be upset with you over this, but they keep telling me that they feel it's unfair and that their upset with you over it.

What is implied: I don't want them to be upset with you over this, but I'm not going to lift a finger to stop it. I have no concept that it's past their bedtime and that it's inappropriate programming for children. However, that makes me the cool parent. You're the bad parent. Pretty much whatever they demand, I will give them. It keeps me from ever being the bad parent.

What is written: And I always say "This is WHY DAD does not want you watching this".

What is implied: Do I really need to explain this one to you readers? The all-caps isn't by me, the emphasis is hers. Dad = bad. Mom = good.

What is written: I don't want them to resent you over something that you could easily handle in your diplomatic way.

What is implied: Watching it is appropriate because I said so. You should do what I say because I have no control over their being mad at you because you won't let them watch this crap.
---------------
Unfortunately, from experience, nothing I could say in reply to this email is going to make a damn bit of difference. It's the unfortunate byproduct of parallel parenting with a borderline. I simply cannot control what she does as a parent when they are in her "care." I assure you, I've tried. It doesn't matter. It only serves to escalate into a war, many of which you've already read here.

The big irony here is that she opens her email claiming to "respect" my position regarding the children watching this show and then proceeds to do everything in her email power to bend to the children's desires. Worse - she does nothing to reinforce the position I have on the issue with the children of which, the children are well-aware.

She truly lives in abject fear that if her children are upset in any way at her - she will lose them to me. It's why they get toys every single time they go shopping for anything. It's why she allows them to watch this kind of tripe despite the fact that it is completely inappropriate for children their age. She even trots out the sad "everyone else's kid is watching it" as justification. It's why they are confused by the normal parenting that takes place when they are with me 50% of the time, and the "Disney parenting" takes place when they are with her 50% of the time. Even when they have had disciplinary issues at school - she sloughs it off suggesting that someone at the school take care of it. I tell the school I will continue to address those issues at home.

It's why they appreciate nothing that they receive. If they don't get everything that they wanted at Christmas - they express displeasure for the things that they didn't get, not appreciation for the things that they did get. Of course, mom rushes right out to satiate their every whim in the aftermath of their complaints.

It's why they don't often like the regular foods that I prepare for them for dinner. They get the easy, fast, junkie garbage that mom feeds them nearly every single night.

It's why she would historically call me anytime there was some trouble to perform what I call "phone discipline" until I put a stop to that. I walked right into that "dad = bad, mom = good" set-up a few times before I wised up.

Rather than work in the same way that most normal parents do, she will almost always take the path of least resistance. Give them everything that they want to avoid upset because if they are upset, she must not be parenting properly.

I pray that when they come home and say, "well, everyone at school is doing drugs!" that she doesn't encourage that, too.

~LM
---------------
DW'S COMMENTARY:

Other than what LM said, here is what stands out to me. PEW cannot fathom having her children mad at her. She certainly can't imagine that LM would be okay with his children being mad that he won't let them watch a TV program. What the hell is she going to do when one of them comes home and wants to do drugs or drive while drinking? I know it seems like a stretch to normal people, but understand that this is the woman who does nothing when her son punches, chokes, spits on other kids at school. She doesn't know what to do when there is a problem, and so she either gives in or ignores it. Sadly, it's obvious that she believes all other parents should do the same, mostly because it's causing problems for her at home. If LM gives in, then she won't have to hear about it and have to solve a problem, which she clearly doesn't know how to do, and so it's going in a big circle.

Let's just hope the circle chokes her at some point.


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