You can receive Featurettes by e-mail daily, weekly or monthly by request. We can e-mail by your choice of topic or all stories as you may prefer. To make it even more convenient for editors to use our stories, NAPS has added an RSS syndication feed to our Web site. Simply hit the RSS button on our site for automated updates on available content. Please contact us to arrange to receive Featurettes in the format that works best for you at (800) 222-5551 or e-mail your request to us at printmedia@napsnet.com. We can provide Featurettes on CD-ROM or you can download it online at www.napsnet.com. Gary Lipton Media Relations Manager Phone: 1-(800)-222-5551 Fax: 1-(800)-990-4329 Web site: www. napsnet .com e-mail: printmedia@napsnet.com #2524 North American Precis Syndicate, Inc., 350 Fifth Avenue, 65th Floor, New York, N.Y. 10118-0110 Mastering Math Can Add Up To Success (NAPSA)—A strong foundation in math gives students—and parents—something they can count on. That’s the key message of an educator known as “America’s Math Teacher”—Rick Fisher. He also believes that this country’s math education system is, in his word, “Broken.” Only three out of every 10 of our kids are proficient in math at grade 8, and by grade 12 it is only two out of 10. He also points to the fact that over 70 percent of our colleges have found it necessary to offer remedial math classes. Fisher believes that an early mastery of math skills can lead to long-term success in school and beyond. He points to research that indicates a student will be more than twice as likely to graduate from college if he or she completes Algebra II. He also holds that these benefits are particularly significant for lower-income parents and students. Fisher contends that lowincome students who acquire strong math skills by the 8th grade are 10 times more likely to finish college than kids of the same socioeconomic background who don’t master math. Plus, the jobs that require strong math and science skills are outpacing overall job growth by 3 to 1. In a recent interview, Fisher stated that, in his opinion, algebra readiness is the key. Algebra is the gateway subject to more advanced math, science and technical classes. The benefits to this readiness are evident, not only in academic success but, eventually, as an avenue to well-paying jobs. However, Fisher admits that the groundwork for this readiness starts with a mastery of what he calls the Critical Foundations of Algebra: whole numbers, fractions and decimals, and geometry and measurement. Preventing Tear Stains Experts say an early mastery of math skills can lead to long-term success in school and beyond. To help students—and parents—Fisher has developed a three-volume book and DVD system called “Mastering Essential Math Skills” for grades 4 and 5, Middle Grades and High School, and Pre-Algebra Concepts. The “America’s Math Teacher” system teaches the exact topics recommended for algebra readiness by the National Mathematics Advisory Panel. No extra fluff or side topics to confuse or distract. The lessons are short, concise and self-contained. Students don’t have time to get bored or discouraged. Consistent review is built into lessons so students are able to master and reinforce their math skills. Each of the DVDs has over six hours of instruction, and Fisher guides students carefully through each and every topic before they go to the book. Students can see their progress and this helps increase their confidence and build self-esteem. The material is easy to correct and “parent friendly.” With little or no involvement, parents can watch their kid’s math scores soar. An added bonus, especially in these tough economic times, is that the cost is a lot less than a tutor. To learn more, visit the Web site at www.mathessentials.com. (NAPSA)—Pet owners don’t need to be sad about a condition known as tear stains. These discolorations can affect both cats and dogs, and can be more than just unsightly. While most tear stains result from moisture wicking on the dog’s fine eyelid hair, the dampness can become a breeding ground for bacteria and yeast growth. Tear stains may even lead to tear duct infection that must be treated with surgery. A supplement powder that can be mixed into your pet’s food can help prevent tear stains. Diet and health may play a factor in causing tear stains. To prevent them, many dog owners use supplements specially formulated by veterinarians, such as NaturVet’s Tear Stain Supplement. With Cran-Max, vitamin C, Oregon grape root and marshmallow root, the supplement supports a dog’s or cat’s immune system and lubricates mucous membranes. The natural flavoring is soothing and palatable. For more information, call NaturVet at (888) 628-8783 or visit www.naturvet.com. Entertaining That Sizzles (NAPSA)—If this year’s summer vacation is turning into a “staycation,” don’t fret. Summertime is the ultimate time to enjoy friends, food and fun—even in your own backyard. Whether you host an elegant dinner party alfresco, a backyard barbecue or a potluck picnic, plan the ultimate summer soiree without breaking the bank. “No matter what kind of party you host, the food and beverages can make or break a get-together,” says Diane Brown, author of “The Seduction Cookbook.” “Keep it simple and add interest to the evening by incorporating versatile flavors like Agavero. This ultrasmooth, 100 percent blue agave tequila tastes great in summertime dishes or cooling cocktails.” Brown offers these tips for throwing a stylish summer party: Do-it-yourself menu: Put out food that your guests can make themselves, such as taco toppings, shells and fillings for a do-it-yourself taco bar, or skewer some shish kebabs over ice that guests can throw on the grill when they’re hungry. Add mouthwatering flavor to grilled food by adding Agavero to marinades. Agavero is infused with the natural essence of damiana, a flower known for centuries in Mexico as an aphrodisiac. The damiana gives Agavero a smooth, palatable taste, making it a great complement to any dish. Simplicity works: Keep your bar simple by setting it up for selfservice. Fill a blow-up kiddie pool with ice and beverages and then serve one signature cocktail. Mix up a refreshing crowd-pleaser such as an Agavero Frozen Gringo or Agavero Cosmopolitan. Spice up your marinades with Agavero to add a nice kick to your kebabs. Location, location, location: In addition to the menu, you’ll need a great location. Stake out a spot at a local park or throw a swanky cocktail party outside in the backyard. Create an outdoor room by constructing a canopy of colorful market umbrellas, and arrange some potted plants or bright flowers for a splash of color. Role-play: Plan your party with a theme that gets everyone in the spirit. Make it a Westernstyle barbecue or bring the seaside to your backyard by setting out beach towels and lawn chairs. Bring out everyone’s inner child with a sandcastle-building contest or fill a bucket with water pistols. Create a south-of-the-border fiesta with a piata and signature drink like the Agavero Lover ’s Margarita. For food and cocktail recipes and additional suggestions on summer entertaining, visit www.agavero.com.