violence

Robot Job Diversification Allows For Radiation Testing, Rating Video Games For Sex And Gore

In an era when cars drive themselves and algorithms predict traffic, the robot as a guardian figure is rising: 'Bots are being used in Japan to measure radiation from crippled nuclear reactors, and the video games rating board is using automated systems to decide what rating a game gets. READ»

Skateistan Launches Product Line, Abandons Foreign Aid

Afghanistan's only skateboarding NGO, Skateistan, is launching products in more than 70 countries, with all proceeds going back to the NGO.READ»

• Skateistan Skate Park NGO, Kabul, Afghanistan

Learning from Our Fascination with Real and Fake

Our society's focus on what's "real" and what's "fake" helps explain the vast popularity of magic shows, of visual effects, of "Unsolved Mysteries," of tabloid magazines, and especially of professional wrestling. It's called the willing suspension of disbelief, the moment in which people can forget what they are watching "isn't real," even as they know it is. What can we learn from it?READ»

Are Facebook and YouTube Fomenting Violence in Kashmir?

While Facebook may be peddling its vanilla morals to the rest of the world with its ban on aureolae and pot leaves, more subversive stuff may be slipping through the net. An AP report highlights the rise of the use of social networks ...READ»

Aurora University and the Barrio

Professor Brandon R. Kooi, Ph.D., director of the Criminal Justice Program at Aurora University has adopted the book into his curriculum. Next month, they’ll be using chapters of the book as part of their discussion on alternatives ...READ»

Find me on the Web

I love getting emails from people about how From the Barrio to the Board Room has touched them personally. It’s great to know that my story has the ability to inspire and motivate other people to strive for success. In order to ...READ»

Stimulating the US’s Education

Recently, President Obama signed into effect his Economic Stimulus Package, which will provide our country with a $787 billion boost. Many people think that it’s too big of a price tag and that some of the money is being distributed ...READ»

Crime Doesn’t Pay for Gangs

Recently, Los Angeles gang members were fined $5 million. Yes, you read it right: $5 million. A new law in California allows gang members to be held financially responsible for illegal behavior and the destruction they inflict upon ...READ»

Another Great Barrio Testimonial

"After hearing Robert speak at the Hispanic Heritage Breakfast I was touched and excited!  I went home and read his book within 2 hours.  I was tearing a lot because I was able to see myself.  I felt he was writing the book about ...READ»

Barrio Testimonial

"Robert, When I returned back to the office I grabbed your book that Jeff had on his shelf as I was truly inspired by you when we had dinner 2 weeks ago.  You are a true blessing as I have a great opportunity upon my many travels to ...READ»

Youth Violence in the Headlines

These days, the news is filled with horrible stories of death and war. But the stories that stick out the most in my mind are the stories of youth violence. Partly because they are horrible and senseless, but mainly because they can ...READ»

An Amazing Barrio Story

Last week, while attending the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus Foundation, I had the chance to hear an amazing story. A lady approached me and told me that her twelve-year-old son was reading my book. Immediately, she started ...READ»

Beyond Firewood: Alternative Fuel = Safer Women

Turns out firewood isn't just bad for the environment. There's a straightforward, yet relatively unexplored link between collecting firewood and violence against women. In refugee camps in regions from Sudan and Sri Lanka to Ethiopia ...READ»

A Barrio Christmas

If you're a parent, teacher or caring adult hoping to affect the hopes and dreams of their youth this holiday season (and steer clear of Wii, IPods and any other type of technology), "From the Barrio to the Board Room" should be at ...READ»

Stop the Violence

As you know, I led the March Against Violence at East Aurora High School on September 11th (read the March Against Violence blog post here). I now have a video from the March. Check it out and send me your thoughts on it: ...READ»

The Barrio eNewsletter

Every month, my publishing company and I send out an eNewsletter that details what I’ve been doing around town. It’s a great way to see what I have been up to, as well as what I will be doing in upcoming months. You can read my ...READ»

Waubonsee Community College

I will be speaking at Waubonsee Community College on November 10th. The event is being sponsored by the Latin American student group, Latinos Unidos. All students are invited to attend, and if you are in the area, I invite you to ...READ»

Barrio locked in a safe - for safe keeping!

When owner Hilda Chavez went to her safe the other morning to take out the cash drawers to open business for the day at Long Island Sound, she grinned. Not only did she pull out what she needed, her hand touched what is quickly ...READ»

"We Care"

More than 300 students, teachers, parents and community leaders turned out on Thursday, Oct. 23, 2008 for the premiere of “We Together,” a riveting new documentary by Aurora Cares Corporation in an effort to create awareness and ...READ»