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Home » Family Articles » The Meaning Of Family

The Meaning of Family

It has been many years since we have experienced the true meaning of family in the media. Years ago there were television programs that offered however so gently, honest, home grown values, beliefs and characters so true you felt like they were family. What happen to the days of watching sincere people, portray honorable characters and live humble lives? Is it old fashion to still enjoy the Andy Griffith Show, the Waltons, and the Cosby Show?

Deep inside most people there is a profound desire to hold on to the safe security that accompanies knowing nice, sweet, caring, none threatening people, even if they are only on television. This may be why Oprah remains cherished in the hearts and minds of her viewers after twenty years. She is as Dr. Phil would say, "a soft place to fall" despite that fact we must experience her via the "idiot box" as my dad once called it.

What we see most in those television programs is that innocent sense of togetherness, dare I say that sense of family. Dictionary.com first defines family as "a fundamental social group in society typically consisting of one or two parents and their children." It is the second definition that is perhaps more accurate however, defining a family as "two or more people who share goals and values, have long-term commitments to one another, and reside usually in the same dwelling place."

Is a grandmother living with her adult son and her drug addicted daughter's three children a family? Definition number one would say no, but definition number two would agree unequivocally. In fact we can take the definition one step further and say a family is "two or more people who share goals and values, have long-term commitments to one another, may reside usually in the same dwelling place and believe that the spirit and meaning of family exist through good times and bad."

A real family fights and makes up, argues and agrees to disagree and loves unconditionally. As we step into 2006 remember that you define your family every day by your actions, your words, your belief and your unconditional love or lack of. The Chinese called the year 2006 the Year of the Dog, I propose to call it the year of the family and ask that we begin to invest, build and commit to developing loving caring families. Nothing beats a failure but a try. Let's try.

And here is another random article you might be interested in...

ATM Security

ATM cash machines have been incorporated in our way of life. They offer a real convenience to those on the run but at the same time offer an element of risk. Using an ATM machine safely requires awareness and a little planning. Just because an ATM machine is open and available 24-hours a day doesn't mean it is safe to use it. Most ATM robberies occur at night between 8:00 PM and midnight. ATM robbers are usually males under 25 years of age and most work alone. ATM robbers usually position themselves nearby waiting for a victim to approach and withdraw cash. Most ATM robbery victims are women and were alone when robbed. Most claim that they neversaw the robber coming. Most ATM robbers used a gun or claimed to have a concealed weapon when confronting the victim and demanding their cash.

If you or your family members use ATM cash machines on a regular basis, here are some tips that can make the process a little safer:

- Use only ATM machines in well-lighted, high traffic areas. Don't use ATM machines that are remote or hidden, such as being located behind buildings, behind pillars, walls, or away from public view. Beware of obvious hiding places like shrubbery or overgrown trees. ATM robbers like to have the element of surprise and no witnesses. Robbers like good escape routes like nearby freeway on-ramps or high-speed thoroughfares.

- Choose an ATM that looks and 'feels' safer, even if it is a couple of miles out of the way. Try and limit your use to daylight hours. Take someone with you after hours, if you can. When you drive up to an ATM location, scan the area for any suspicious persons. If you see anyone suspicious standing nearby or sitting in a car, drive away. When you approach and ATM on foot, be prepared and have your access card ready. Memorize your personal PIN number to prevent loss and speed the transaction. After inserting your card and your PIN number, keep an eye out behind you. Never accept an offer to help or request for help from a suspicious male ahead of you at the machine. If anyone suspicious or seemingly dangerous approaches, terminate your transaction and leave immediately, evin if it means running away and leaving your ATM card in the machine. First, tell the suspicious male in a loud, firm voice to "back-off" and leave you alone. This is designed to startle the per! son and give you time to flee, if appropriate. When you receive cash from the machine, put it away immediately, extract your card, and walk away.

- If you use your car at a drive-thru ATM machine, the same rules apply. Keep the car in gear, with your foot firmly on the brake, while using the ATM machine. Keep a close eye on your rear and side view mirrors during the transaction. Robbers almost always approach from the rear on the driver's side. If you see anyone approaching, drive off even if it means leaving your ATM card behind. If an armed robber confronts you, just give up your money without argument. The cash is not worth serious injury or death. Get to a safe place and call the police immediately.

- If lights are around the ATM are not working, don't use that machine.

- Avoid ATM machines adjacent to obvious hiding places.

- Have your card ready and leave quickly, not counting your cash in public.

- Beware of offers for help from strangers during an ATM transaction.

- Don't fight with or attempt to follow the robber.

- Drive or walk to a safe place and immediately call the police.

Stay safe! Visit www.UrbanSafetySupplies.com and www.HiTechHiddenCameras.com for all of your self defense and security item needs.