Help kids fall in love with books

The article is written by Natasha Harding and Caitlin Black, Sun Online.

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/woman/parenting/3583976/Help-kids-fall-in-love-with-books.html

The article starts by mentioning that up to one in five 16-year-olds will leave school with a below average reading ability and that the new Department of Education figures also reveal that 20 per cent of children will fail the SATS reading test. The article also mentions that studies show poor reading skills leave children with low self-esteem, a higher rate of absence and poor exam results.

The article tells us the many reasons why reading is so important.

Film and television are wonderful but all the work is done for you. Whereas, when you read a book, you have to use your imagination and ask questions.

It's a quieter, more personal thing and you set the pace yourself and can totally immerse yourself in the story.

Some children however, need some encouragement to read. This article mentions some ways to do so. First of all, it’s important to have books around, make story-time part of a bedtime or daily routine, find books they respond to, don’t be judgmental about the topic of type of reading material and do not force it. It doesn’t matter what their choices are, as long as they are developing a love of reading.

I think in Holland we have the same issue. Kids these days do not read unless they have to. We don’t have to discuss why this is a problem, we all know the benefits of reading. I think this article has a very good point and it’s good to give parents and teachers tips on how to get kids reading again. I think the most important thing is to have books around that draw their attention. You can not force books on them that they do not respond to. If anything, this will make them dislike books. Another good point is to have children make their own choices on what they want to read. As long as they develop a positive attitude towards reading. I think this is very much needed, also in Holland.

Paralysed man walks again thanks to revolutionary spinal electrode treatment

The article is written by Mike Swain, daily Mirror

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2011/05/21/paralysed-man-walks-again-thanks-to-revolutionary-spinal-electrode-treatment-115875-23145172/

Rob

The article is about 25-year-old Rob Summers. Who was paralyzed after a hit and run accident five years ago. Thanks to a revolutionary treatment where electrodes were implanted into his spine and turned on, he was able to walk again. Rob was crippled from the chest down and thought he would never walk again. This pioneering treatment took 30 years to perfect. After the electrodes were implanted, the tiny electric shocks bypass the brain and teach the spinal cors to control limbs and body function. A ports able stimulation unit is strapped to the hip. He is now able to push himself up and take steps when supported. He is not there yet, it is going to take a lot of hard work, patience and fighting through ups and downs. He had four years of physiotherapy and training to prepare him for the electrodes treatment.

I think it is amazing what can be done medically these days. This treatment will give many people the hope they need to carry on. It is very important that patients realize that this is not a instant cure, but a tool to get to the point where they want to be. This treatment should give patients realistic hope and the drive to make an effort to work hard for results. I assume that after 30 years of researching this treatment they are sure of its safety and the effects on the long run. 

Pole dance classes for children of 12

The article is called ‘Pole dance classes for children of 12’ and is written by Laurie Hanna from the Daily Mirror.

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2011/05/21/pole-dance-classes-for-children-of-12-115875-23145027/

Pole dancer at Secrets Nightclub (Pic:Rex)

The article explains how a pole dance teacher offers pole dance classes for girls as young as 12. The lessons are being promoted as a “gymnastic art” with organizers claiming young girls will end up fitter, stronger and more self confident. The founder of the company said: “Many people don’t understand the difference between fitness pole dancing and exotic dancing.“There is a big difference and it is unfortunate that those criticizing my decision to run kids’ classes haven’t educated themselves as to the difference. To understand fitness pole dancing you have to see the pole as a climbing frame which basically means it is a gymnastic apparatus. But the pole dancing venture for 12 to 15-year-olds was immediately condemned. Here are some reactions: “It’s diabolical. It’s sick.“At that age, they should be playing rounders or netball. I work in a school and I see plenty of kids growing up too fast. It’s more important than ever to protect their innocence. Another person says: It’s just wrong. I was into dance at a young age – hip hop, disco, freestyle. There is plenty for kids to do to keep fit and have fun. Another reaction was: ‘No matter what you argue, the girls will be recreating the moves they’ve learnt as soon as they go out. We do not want 12-year-olds parading as if in some kind of strip club. We are concerned children are being targeted with an activity that’s part of a male club culture which objectifies women.’

When I first read the title I was shocked! This is absolutely ridiculous! A child of 12 years should not be introduced to pole dancing! And although the pole dance teacher has a point that the dancing itself does make a person very fit and strong, I still strongly believe it has no place in a child’s life. You can call it an gymnastic apparatus, but everybody associates pole dancing as exotic dancing as part of a male club culture which objectifies woman.  I have to agree that kids these days are growing up too fast, it is now more important than ever to protect their innocence and teach them to respect themselves and not put their body and sexual moves on display! There are plenty of ways to get children fit and strong. Pole dance lessons for young girls is just crossing the line, we don’t want to teach our children to copy strippers. I can’t imagine parents would allow their daughter to follow  pole dance lessons, it doesn’t seem like a very healthy activity for your child, but I guess you never know. A lot of parents surprise me in how they raise their children. And it seems that nowadays things can’t get enough crazy. Just ‘explain’ how this is different and good for children because it’s fitness. Well, hopefully people won’t fall for that one. What kind of message will you send your child if allow her to parade around as a stripper? No, this one is just wrong!

Why No smoking signs actually ENCOURAGE smokers to light up’.

The article is called: ‘Why No smoking signs actually ENCOURAGE smokers to light up’.

The article is written by a Daily Mail Reporter.

Webaddress: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1383962/Why-No-smoking-signs-actually-ENCOURAGE-smokers-light-up.html

The article explains how telling smokers not to light up may increase their desire for nicotine and is therefore a wrong approach.

Psychological studies suggest the No smoking signs may drive more people to light up because it increases their craving. Without being aware of it, they react to the signs by thinking of cigarettes and wanting to smoke. No smoking signs are everywhere, if you walk down the street, you pass several of them, this will boost a smokers craving.

The article explains several tests done to prove the statement above.

Follow-up research, indicates that anti-smoking messages really do prompt smokers to light up.

In my opinion there are two things being discussed here. The article seems to mix them up. The first is that the image of a cigarette boosts the craving for one. The second is that anti-smoking messages prompt smokers to light up. We have to think of the message we are sending. If a sign is simply telling you, you may not smoke here, it doesn’t matter whether the smoker gets a craving, just walk down the street and smoke somewhere where it is aloud. If you want to encourage smokers to stop smoking, then perhaps this article has a point and there might be a better way to do it. A smoker who has quit smoking is going to have cravings anyway, I don’t think the anti-smoking messages are actually making things a lot more difficult for them. 

All guns blazing: Arnold Schwarzenegger ramps up the return to his Hollywood career by announcing another movie

The article is called: ‘All guns blazing: Arnold Schwarzenegger ramps up the return to his Hollywood career by announcing another movie’ And the article is written by Jody Thomppsen, writer for The Daily Mail.

Webaddress: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1384443/Arnold-Schwarzenegger-announces-movie-role-ramps-return-film-career.html

After years of concentrating on his political career, Arnold Schwarzenegger is stepping down as governor and returning to Hollywood to play in another movie. At the ripe age of 63, he is going to star in a movie drama about horse trainer who is hired to kidnap a 9 year old boy. He is also going to return in the reboot of the Terminator franchise.

Appearently this movie will be different. Arnold always played these big muscular guys, but there's a sweetness to Arnold in real life, and we want to bring that sweetness to the screen.' So said the producer.

I guess as a not so big Terminator fan I should not comment on this piece. I didn’t like the movies back then, so I can’t imagine an old dude playing the part will be enjoyable. I fear he will not be taken seriously as an actor anymore. Although, I have to add, I was surprised when he became governor and didn’t think he would be taken seriously, but that all worked out, so I guess you never know. I do think it would be a good idea for him to continue his career in a different direction. A muscular fighting machine might not be very believable at age 63, an older horse trainer might fit a better picture. Good for him, for at least giving it a try I guess, I just won’t be standing in line to watch the movie.

Thousands back call to ban wild animals in circuses

The article is called: ‘Thousands back call to ban wild animals in circuses’

The article is written by Martin Hickman, Consumer Affairs Correspondent at The Independent.

Webaddress: http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/nature/thousands-back-call-to-ban-wild-animals-in-circuses-2280344.html

The Independent has been backed in its call for a ban on wild animals performing in circuses by thousands of people. Almost 3000 readers signed an online petition and hundreds more left messages of support on twitter and their website.

The circuses that use wild animals say that the animals are well taken care of, but animal welfare groups and vets say that enclosures smaller than those in zoos, constant travel and performances in front of loud crowds make wild animals unsuitable.

The government has not agreed on a ban. Actress Virginia McKenna responds: "If the Government hasn't thought it through, the public has – more than nine out of ten of us say a resounding no to the continued exploitation of wild animals in circuses in the name of so-called 'entertainment'."

I have to agree, I believe that wild animals belong in the wild and should not be used for entertainment. I feel the government should take the publics’ opinion into account and agree on a ban. People who want to see wild animals can go to a safari park or zoo and see them in a more natural environment. Wild animals doing tricks should not be a source of pleasure for people.  

Central London’s top 10 budget eats

The article is called: ‘Central London’s top 10 budget eats’. The article is written by Tony Naylor, reporter for the Guardian.

Webadres: http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/2011/mar/11/central-london-restaurants-budget-eats?intcmp=239

The article starts off telling us how visiting London can be an expensive business, but how you needn’t spend a lot of money to eat well. Tony Naylor chooses the 10 best restaurants and cafes in central London. In this article Tony Naylor the zooms into one of them. He explains how ‘Daddy Donkey’ is a very popular Mexican takeaway food restaurant. This is one of the many mobile trailers to offer high-quality food at a highly competitive price. Conclusion is that the food is not as revelatory as the hype might suggest, but the food is very good as are the prices.

If I were to be going to London and I would like to have a nice meal, but not pay a fortune, I don’t think that Daddy Donkey’s would be the first place I would go to. If I were to be looking for a quick but good bite, I would most certainly pass by this place. The article brings the place down a bit by talking about the fast food and the mobile trailer, but then again recognizes that it is a very popular place, the food is good and it has very descent prices. In my opinion the article should be called ‘Central London’s top 10 budget fast-food eats’. Or does budget automatically mean fast-food? What about healthy budget eats?  

Bringing up boys with a life-limiting condition

The article is called :’Bringing up boys with a life-limiting condition’

The story is written By Michelle Roberts Health reporter, BBC News.

Summary:

The story tells us about the Davison family. The young couple have 2 small children with cystic fibroses. This is a incurable inherited disease that cuts short the life expectancy. The mother tells about how their world fell apart when they found out both their sons have this disease and what a shock it was since no-one in the family has this disease. The mother also tells us how normal day life is influenced by this disease. She talks about the medication, the physiotherapy and the difficulties it brings. She also talks about how they try not to look at the sad side of things, but enjoy the time they have together.

Reaction:

It is amazing how positive this family is although they have this dark cloud hanging over them and how well they cope with their situation. It really makes you as a reader realize how precious life is and how important it is to cherish every moment of it with the people you love. 

This is it!