Manufacturers of consumer products seek to package their wares in a way that they are lightweight and convenient to carry. The inventor who made such packaging possible is Anthony L. Dent, an African American. The product is High Density Polyethylene ("HDPE) catalysts. HDPE catalysts produce resins that are used to make six-pack can and bottle holders, one-gallon milk and water containers, and other products. The patent belongs to PQ Corporation.

Dent was born April 19, 1943, in Indian Head, Maryland. He and a sibling were reared by his mother, a domestic worker, whom he claims as his early role model. Dent became interested in chemistry through a pre-college summer job at the U.S. Naval Ordnance station in Indian Head. He was fortunate to have two key mentors, Frank Palmer, a Howard University chemist who was working at the naval station and Dr. Harold Delaney, a chemistry professor at Morgan State University from which Dent received his bachelor’s degree in 1966. Dent was awarded a doctorate from Johns Hopkins University and was a faculty member for eight years at Carnegie-Mellon University in the School of Engineering.

Here’s another glimpse through the stained glass window. Identifying the DNA of youth violence is paramount to all of our existences—both parents and children alike. Without identifying the underlying causes, there is no way to move forward. We become mired in quick sand that will continue to swallow and smother us while still not providing an answer. Which essentially means the cycle will go on and on. The seed will pass on from generation to generation.

We must examine the very foundation from which youth violence stems. There is a mystique, a certain glamour to that which is unknown. Demystifying that process will lead us to the bare facts, the skeleton, and the bones of the matter and in that process will emerge a portrait that is far from pretty. But one that we must face anyway at all costs. The man in the mirror syndrome. We can never look outside until we’ve first looked inside ourselves. And you know what folks? Denial is the enemy. We have to stare this problem in the face and tackle it.

In the pursuit of what (?) is one of the main questions that comes to mind. What are our teenagers looking for? There are so many questions and too few answers. Time is running out in which to find the answers because for each second, minute, hour and day that is lost so is another child’s life, mind, freedom and future — all gone within a precious second.

Recognition, peer acceptance, glory, a moment in the limelight, a parent’s attention, society’s attention, exactly what is it that they want? If there are any young people out there reading this, I invite you to write in and tell me what it is that we’re not seeing? What’s on your mind? I’m listening. I want to know. There are many of us who want to know. I am only one voice that is asking.

Recently there was a story involving several youth joy riding in a vehicle. The police gave chase, they ran and one of their lives was lost. I ask the question, why? This is such a tragedy — one that might have possibly been avoided. It’s so nonsensical. What are they looking for? What do they want? What do they feel they’re not receiving? Which leads me back to my lead title, "In the Pursuit of What????" Or perhaps I should ask the question differently, "Who is in pursuit of the pursuers?"

I’m Evie Rhodes and this is my glimpse through the Stained Glass Window. What’s yours?

As summer comes to an end and autumn quietly begins, preschoolers all over the area will begin their first day of school, an important milestone in the life of a child and an especially proud moment for mom, dad and the entire family. Are you ready? Is your child ready? The more time you spend on preparing for this milestone, the easier it will be for you and your child.

A great way to ensure your child is ready for this important transition is to talk to your child about what they can expect on their first day of school and encourage questions. Use older siblings in the household who can share their positive school experiences too. Another idea is to complete a calendar countdown, where you circle the 1st day of school and have your child cross out the days leading up to the big day. This will help reinforce counting skills and build excitement for the first day of school.

Reading books is a must for concrete experiences. Books about going to school, such as First Day Jitters by Julie Dannenberg or My First Day at Preschool by Edwina Riddell will provide parents with an avenue to promote literacy and help children begin to understand what going to school is all about.

Learning how to take turns, sharing, taking responsibility for themselves and problem solving are essential skills for a smooth transition. Children will need to be able to express their feelings with words and begin to understand what others are feeling. For example, during a play date, if you notice that your child gets into a power struggle over a toy and can’t seem to work it out, you should step in and say, "It looks like we’re having a problem here. What can we do about it?" Encourage your child to come up with possible solutions and only offer your suggestions if necessary. To strengthen this skill, take advantage of playgroups and story times at the public library as well.

If your child is entering kindergarten, they will be expected to know their colors, numbers (1-20), shapes and letters. As for preschoolers, these areas should be developed at home and will be strengthened throughout their preschool experience. To reinforce learning at home you can label items and describe them daily. During a meal, discuss the food by asking questions like, "How many peas do you have?" and "What color are they?" You can also begin to have your child write, offering them a variety of writing utensils large and small, and for younger children, have them start to doodle which will give them the opportunity to develop their fine-motor skills.

July has passed and we are officially through the hottest month of the year. Reward yourself for looking glamorous and welcome August with simplicity. Fashion is not just about clothes, so there is a full spectrum of possible ways to look great and feel good. Do not focus too much on over-the-top clothes, and I do not recommend buying new pieces for August because the fashion world loves to revolutionize each season and many of your old summer pieces will be no good by September. Therefore, keep it simple: cotton tops, shorts, denim pants, dresses, anything that makes you comfortable. However, you still want to look fabulous and the way to do this is to use your makeup, hair, and accessories, things you can keep around for multiple seasons.

For August we are going for a muted makeup look. Au naturel meets flawless beauty. You want to acquire a soft look that looks elegantly simple. Start off with a liquid foundation. Try to match your skin color the best you can; do not buy foundation from a drug store if you have not used it before. Try Macy’s or Sephora to match your skin color. Even Mary Kay — they have a great line of foundations and someone will match your color. There is nothing worse than poorly matched foundation. Next you want to use a concealer that is about a shade lighter than your skin just to cover any unwanted blemishes. Use concealer only on trouble spots and under the eyes if they are dark. You can also use a white power under the eyes. You may also want to use a pressed powder to even and to diminish any shine.

    For eye shadow, try natural looking colors and colors closest to your skin tone. You want to use three colors for the best effect. On your upper lid, use a cream color. Your darkest color should go right on the crease of your lid and along the outer edge, and another natural color along the lash line. Revlon and Almay have some nice natural colors and you can find them in any drug store at an affordable price. You can also try Laura Mercier’s line of Metallic Crème. Try to find shadows in packs of three or more to get the most for your dollar. To look even more chic, use white powder or a white eye liner on the inner corners of your eye. This will make you look fresh and young. You want to keep your lashes curled with a lash curler or volumizing mascara. Maybelline XXL is a good line for anyone; false lashes are in and you can pick them up at any beauty supply store or drug store. Keep the eyebrows groomed. You may also want to surrender the lip gloss and find a lipstick that is your perfect shade. Lipsticks can essentially ruin your face if you do not find your ideal shade, so take it seriously. Maybelline has a new line of lipstick out in fresh colors that were previously in all of their lip glosses, so try some of them out. Go for a natural color or something close to your skin tone, but not exact.

Subtly undone updos and short cuts and bobs are all the rage. If you kept it long this summer, do not go out of your way to keep it neat. Fill your hair with messy curls, enough spray to keep it shiny, a little spritz to give it a wet look, and even a French twist or high messy bun will look good. If your hair stylist is in to the neat look, ask her to mess you up a bit or go home and shake your head yourself. If you have a short cut, find ways to make it look different and edgy. Keep it shiny. The sun tends to dry hair out, so find your favorite sheen.

Just because the clothes are simple does not mean that you need to look simple. Go heavy on the jewelry. If you are beginning to second guess how many accessories you have on, then you’re probably looking fabulous. We still admire the costume jewelry. Find some of your favorite pieces at Aldo Accessories or TheBostonBazaar.com. Load up on the bangles in different colors of plastics and metals, even animal prints will show up in some jewelry. Go heavy on your neck; you can find costume necklaces with multiple layers. Investing in a good one will pay off for the fall. Earrings are not so important; go with a small pearl or stud. Grab a real pearl if you can. Do not walk out of the house without a cocktail ring. The large ones are the best. Stick to a clutch or handbag and surrender the tote. Find some inimitable shoes at TheBostonBazaar.com that will make any ensemble look très bien.