Video Game violence is nothing new to the world. It started in the 90\’s with Doom and Mortal Kombat. The debate still goes on today with Grand Theft Auto. Should companies be able to create and sell these games? So how do you know what your kids are playing? Do you let them buy the video games or do you pick them out? You can\’t possibly know if every video game is inappropriate right? Do you need help?

In 1994 the ESRB (Entertainment Software Rating Board) was formed to help inform consumers what\’s actually in these video games. They created a rating system and have rated over 18,000 video games since 1993. These ratings can be found on every box and most consoles (including XBox360, Playstation 3, and Nintendo Wii) will not license a video game without these ratings on every box.

Every child is different. There\’s no specific age when your child is ready for violence, nudity, gore, or bad language. You know your child best. You make these decisions. It\’s not the ESRB\’s job to be the parent, it\’s not Gamestop\’s job to be the parent. It\’s your job. The ESRB just gives you the tools to make that job easier.

Michael Ireland is a Guest Writer on Clearys Notebook who is the Editor on his own site at http://fraggs.net and also contributes content to onling gaming websites and print media.

By Sara Martino

NEWS Correspondent

Due to a tight budget and a troubled economy, Gloucester City Councilman Nicholas Marchese said a letter was sent to department heads stating that there will be a freeze on salaries and hiring.

Mary Lachalle, of Gloucester City, would like to thank her neighbors who generously gave of their time to clear my property during the December snow storm, and again, these past snow storms, my sincerest thanks.

Brother of the Wolf, LLC, located in Gloucester City, has partnered with the Camden County Animal Shelter in order to initiate several shelter programs. Located in Blackwood, the shelter (known as CCAS) houses a multitude of dogs and cats in need of loving homes.

\”Since the recession we see many more animals in need of Forever Homes,\” said Dawn Watson, owner of Brother of the Wolf. \”Fortunately, we also see more volunteers offering their time to help these animals. I am currently working with a group of young men from a juvenile facility. Part of their rehabilitation is volunteerism and CCAS offers a unique program for them. I\’m very excited to begin teaching these kids how to train dogs and treat them with respect. I have high hopes for this program.\”

Other programs intiated by the partnership include volunteer assignments by students of Brother of the Wolf\’s Apprenticeship Program and shelter dog programs at the school, located at 700 Market St.

\”We are involved in giving back to the community on many levels. It\’s important work and we\’re glad to do it,\” Watson said. 

WASHINGTON—David Kris, Assistant Attorney General for National Security, and Michael L. Levy, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, together with Janice K. Fedarcyk, Special Agent-in-Charge of the FBI in Philadelphia, today announced the unsealing of an indictment charging Colleen R. LaRose, aka \”Fatima LaRose,\” aka \”JihadJane,\” with conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists, conspiracy to kill in a foreign country, making false statements to a government official, and attempted identity theft.

U.S. Judge Allows Cheerleaders To Stay Open Temporarily