Blood, Guts and Gore = Merry Christmas?

Since we will be traveling to my parents for Christmas I decided to give Fiance his gift early.  I got him a PS3 and the new Modern Warfare game.  I know there is a warning on the game but, until he started playing, I had no idea how violent this game truly is.  The most disturbing thing is that when I asked several of my students in grades 7-9 which game I should get him they all answered with Modern Warfare II.  Clearly, this game is highly inappropriate for kids that age and stores are not allowed to sell to anyone under 17, so who exactly is purchasing it for them?  Do parents not consider these ratings or do any research into the types of games that their children are playing?  I have witnessed students become increasingly violent and apathetic when it comes to others' suffering.  That is not to say that games like this are solely to blame, but they are certainly not helping!  It makes one wonder what kind of society we are creating where kids and adults alike play games of this violent nature to the point where they are no longer shocked and appalled by horribly violent imagery. 

Stone of the Week: Emerald

Emerald is known as the "stone of successful love".  It increases loving vibrations and helps bring about a happy home.  It enhances joy, faith and loyalty.  Emerald can strengthen both friendships and romantic relationships.  It also promotes truthfulness and calms the emotions while bringing inspiration and patience.  I am hoping that carrying a piece of emerald will be particularly helpful in dealing with the last week of school before the holiday break and in communicating with a demanding parent as it can bring mutual understanding and promote cooperation.
Emerald is known to help with memory and to enhance mental clarity.  It is known as a detoxifyer and can aid with diabetes and problems with the liver and pancreas.  Emerald is also associated with the eyes and can aid vision problems while it promotes clarity.