Newsy: Pope: Homer Simpson is Catholic

The Vatican Newspaper declared that to be a fact in its weekend edition, under the headline, “Homer and Bart are Catholic.”

Are Homer Simpson and his whole family Catholic? The Vatican Newspaper declared that to be a fact in its weekend edition, under the headline, “Homer and Bart are Catholic.”

“‘The Simpsons are among the few TV programmes for children in which Christian faith, religion, and questions about God are recurrent themes.’ The family ‘recites prayers before meals and, in their own peculiar way, believes in the life thereafter.’” (The Telegraph)

The source of this determination is a 2005 episode called “The father, the son, and the holy guest star,” and the Jesuit priest who studied it says the show has “themes of Catholicism.” But according to ABC News, producers of the show say no way: “However, executive producers say you gotta be kidding me, they actually go to a church on the show called Presbylutheran First Church of Springfield and we have been pretty clear that Homer is not a catholic.”

A writer for the Miami Herald says the Vatican is just trying to stay relevant -- saying the announcement ... “...follows stories not only lauding Harry Potter but even praising the Beatles and waxing philosophical about John Lennon's boast that the British band was more popular than Jesus.”

For Russia’s RT, Alyona Minkovski says that the Vatican is trying to seem more accessible to the younger population: “Yes, this an attempt by the church to appear hip and cool because if the Simpsons are Catholics, then you totally should be too.”

While the Vatican says the show has themes of Catholicism, others say the church missed the point entirely, especially when it comes to that 2005 episode. A blogger for Starcasm says... “The episode is all about the absurdity of the separate factions of Christianity being at odds with each other. In the end the Simpsons don’t belong to any one creed. The most fault-filled family in television history belong to all of us. ... Sorry Pope, this family ain’t your property.”

So what do you think? Bart and Homer -- TOTALLY Catholic dude? Or -- DOH!

Writer: Kelsey Kind

No copyright infringement intended. For educational, non-commercial purposes only.

Newsy: U.N. Convention Confronts Loss of Biodiversity

The U.N.'s Convention on Biological Diversity kicked off Monday in Tokyo. Representatives from more than 190 nations aim to preserve species facing extinction.

“For this international year of biodiversity. I call on every country and each citizen of our planet to join together in a global alliance to protect life on earth.”(United Nations)

The world is losing life according to the U.N.’s Convention on Biological Diversity, which opened on Monday. Japan is hosting this year’s convention, the 10th meeting since the first in 1994, and those in attendance say the next decade is critical. Fox News quotes Japanese Environment Minister Ryu Matsumoto: "We are nearing a tipping point, or the point of no return for biodiversity loss."

ABC Australia’s Lateline says Earth could be losing up to 200 species a day. Lateline spoke with Executive Secretary of the convention Ahmed Djoghlaf about its goals.

AHMED DJOGHLAF: “We are shaping what we call the next biodiversity strategy for the 10 years to come. And these strategies need to be owned, not only by the civil servant and the high official, it will be owned by those who have the responsibility to implement it.”

But others are asking -- who will pay to protect the planet? A U.N.-funded study claims global environmental damage caused by humans totaled $6.6 trillion in 2008, with poorer nations being hurt most. TIME blogger Bryan Walsh isn’t sure that a good financing solution can be found: “I'm skeptical—the experience of climate change negotiations have shown that the nations of the world are great at high ideals and fuzzy goals, but not so hot at actually dividing up the pie in a more sustainable fashion.”

Japan’s The Daily Yomiuri reminds readers -- the convention on biological diversity does not have a great track record of completing its goals: “The 6th COP meeting in 2002 set a target of significantly reducing the rate of biodiversity loss by 2010, but both scientists and signatories agree this goal has not been met.”

The 193 members of the convention will meet for 12 days to try to curb what is the highest rate of extinction seen since the dinosaurs disappeared 65 million years ago.

Writer: Paul Rolfe

No copyright infringement intended. For educational, non-commercial purposes only.

Newsy: The Indestructible Happy Meal

A McDonald’s Happy Meal just turned six months old after sitting uncovered on a shelf since April, and isn't showing any signs of decomposition.

A McDonald’s Happy Meal has been getting a lot of attention this week. The meal just turned six months old after sitting uncovered on a shelf since April -- and so far shows no sign of decomposing. Artist Sally Davies tells ABC she bought the burger to settle an argument with a friend.

DAVIES: “I went out and I bought the burger, I brought it home, I put it from the bag onto a white china plate, which it’s still on, and I took a picture of it.”

ANCHOR: “And another picture, and another. Six months’ worth, she says. So how does that burger and fries look on day 180? Well, about the same.”

The meal lost its odor after a few days, and Davies’ dogs lost interest, but the media has been enthralled. Here are some of the headlines:

(The Christian Broadcasting Network asks:) “The Everlasting Happy Meal?”

(From MSNBC:) “Oh, 180-day-old Happy Meal, why won’t you rot?”

(From OC Weekly:) “The Scary Tale of the Undead McDonald’s Happy Meal”

And, of course The Daily Mail asks, “You want flies with that?”

McDonald’s released a statement addressing Davies’ project, saying decomposition only occurs under certain conditions, and we shouldn’t be surprised about the meal’s longevity: “If food is/or becomes dry enough, it won’t grow mold or bacteria. In fact, any food purchased from a restaurant or grocery store or prepared at home that lacks moisture would also dehydrate and see similar results if left in the same environment.”

But some aren’t buying McDonald’s explanation. Gizmodo’s Jesus Diaz writes: “It's hard to believe that a burger sitting [in] a living room in New York for six months can get mummified, like McDonald's is implying. Even with the A/C unit on, the humidity in NYC is extremely high, especially during the summer months.”

Still, a food scientist tells CNN’s Jeanne Moos McDonald’s story is plausible.

MOOS: “Food scientist Dr. John Lucey says it’s just dehydrated food.”

LUCEY: “If you took a steak home and cooked it and then forgot about it, you’d get something similar like this.”

MOOS: “How about the bun? Regular bread gets moldy."

LUCEY: “Yeah, but the burger buns are different because they’re made to be lower moisture content because they have to be tougher.”

The whole situation, Davies’ project, McDonald’s response, and the media buzz is bizarre to say the least. The Washington Post’s Ezra Klein captures the irony in two sentences: “McDonald's is currently trying to convince people that its burgers can, in fact, grow mold. This is considered a selling point, at least in the modern world.”

Writer: Steven Sparkman

No copyright infringement intended. For educational, non-commercial purposes only.

Alphabet

ESO 1 Students: From your Listening Test for Unit 1 we have noticed you cannot remember the alphabet in English very clearly. 

That is why we are offering you a couple of useful videos to learn it once and forever:

No copyright infringement intended. For educational, non-commercial purposes only.

21st Century Education in New Brunswick, Canada

Students who don't feel at ease when trying to solve a PBL, parents who don't fully agree to their children using the internet and/or new technologies as just another tool in their learning experience, and teachers who keep doing the same things over and over again, year after year, should watch this video by the New Brunswick Education Authorities (Canada) and bear in mind that we live in the 21st century. Maybe we will change our minds.

No copyright infringement intended. For educational, non-commercial purposes only

Newsy: Chilean Miners Reach Surface in Extraordinary Rescue

The 33 trapped Chilean miners were lifted to freedom one at a time, more than two months after being trapped underground.

The world held its breath Tuesday night as the giant wheel above the mine turned clockwise, bringing the Chilean miners to the surface, one by one. It’s an emotional end to the extraordinary story of the 33 men trapped a half mile from the surface for a grueling 69 days. (Video from CNN)

Family, friends, and a medic greeted each rescued miner as they reached the top.

They were tired, fatigued, but feeling lucky to breathe the air and see the sun. (Video from ITN)

Al Jazeera reports there is one aspect that should not be overlooked, the sacrifice of those on the surface. Before the rescue could begin, one brave man joined the miners and put his life on the line to potentially save “the 33”: “It all started with this lone medic, who went some 700 meters below ground, his job was to kick off a rescue operation to get the 33 men out alive.”

Throughout the entire process, Chileans have perceived the rescue as a source of national pride. However, they’re not the only ones who are watching every turn of the wheel. CNN lists the countless watch parties scheduled around the world where viewers are transported to the gold mine. One global community under the flag of Chile: “We’ve been getting viewer reaction from as far away as Sri Lanka to Ecuador, but some of the freshest video we have coming in is from various watch parties from around the world. There was one in Japan for example at the Chilean Embassy ... So really its amazing to see that people have actually gathered in spots, in cafes, in homes to watch what’s happening live on their screens, it’s really brought people together to watch this drama unfold.”

The Phoenix rescue capsule used to bring the miners up will travel a half-mile each way. With a 21-inch diameter inside, the device is no bigger than the average shoulders of the miners themselves. On WLUK, a mine rescue specialist describes it as a stressful way to end a journey that has lasted for more than two months.

Lauriski: “The most difficult part is the wait to get there and the unknown. I think more than anything not knowing every time that cage goes up and down that shaft whether or not that’s going to be a successful round trip.”

Reporter: “The 20 minute ride back to the surface will be difficult mentally and physically. Below miners are gearing up taking aspirin to combat changes in blood pressure, wearing compression clothing to prevent blood clots, and special sunglasses to protect their eyes.”

Amidst the ongoing rescue, one blogger from The Star Online can’t help but be connected to the miners’ story. He believes no one could script a success story like this: “I am feeling the anxiety and joys of these brave men, their families and those involved with this highly dangerous operation. It is at this hour of need that we humans are able to connect, discover and witness the best that mankind can offer to our fellow men.”

The landmark rescue will be written into history, and the miners remembered for their bravery. The Huffington Post explains the event is as much a story of human endurance as it is a lesson learned: “We've got a great love of this drama. And it is a triumph for sure. But as we witness the miracle that made this day, and this extraordinary rescue possible, do we think about all those other miners who are today going to work in mines where safety is an issue?”

All the rescued miners have been taken to a hospital for further care and support. With the help from their fellow workers, their nation, and nations around the world, they can return to their families and lives above ground safe, and alive.

Writer: Erik Shute

No copyright infringement intended. For educational, non-commercial purposes only.

When Innovation Meets Passion

After watching Mr Jeff Lewis in this video, don't you ever dare say you aren't able to do something: Where there's a will, there's a way! 

Take a moment to watch Jeff's unique approach to the game of golf and see why he is an inspiration to everybody.

No copyright infringement intended. For educational, non-commercial purposes only.

100 Followers!

On Thursday 14th October 2010, just two months short of our 1st anniversary, we have reached 100 followers. Thank you all for joining Labor English Zone!

Remember you can also read us and sign in as a follower on Facebook.

No copyright infringement intended. For educational, non-commercial purposes only

Newsy: Extended Screen Time Linked to Depression

According to a study, children who watch television or use a computer for more than two hours a day are more likely to experience psychological problems down the road.

We’ve all been told sitting too close to a TV could hurt our eyes, but what about our minds? A study released in the journal Pediatrics says kids who spend more than two hours per day watching television, playing video games or surfing the web are more likely to suffer psychological problems. (WNEG)

The study looked at more than 1,000 children between the ages of 10 and 11. It found children are more likely to experience feelings of unhappiness and have trouble relating to friends and peers.

The BBC quotes the leader of the study, Dr Angie Page saying long periods in front of the screen could lead to issues down the road. She suggests moderation: "Watching TV or playing computer games for more than two hours a day is related to greater psychological difficulties irrespective of how active children are. Not all screen viewing is bad and at low levels physical activity may well compensate.”

But one doctor says the correlation might not be so cut and dried. She tells Knoxville, Tennessee’s WBIR, a lot of questions still need to be answered: “The study does not prove increased screen time leads to psychological problems in kids. In fact, it may be the other way around. We don’t know if, you know, watching on the computer or watching TV is causing kids to have these problems or kids who have problems are drawn to hanging out and watching TV and being on the computer." 

The study also found the negative effects of screen time can’t necessarily be counteracted with equal amounts of physical activity. A writer for CNET says that part doesn’t make sense: “According to the results of these questionnaires, the kid who spends hours every day playing soccer and constructing tree forts and skipping over sidewalk cracks runs the same risk of behavioral problems as the kid who is couch-bound.”

One doctor is quoted in Red Orbit saying either way moderation is key when children are put in front of any screen: “...we find that giving children a screen-time budget and helping them stick to that budget is the most effective way to reduce their television, video game, computer and other screen time, and to improve their health as a result."

So what do you think? Does screen time erode social skills and create a macabre mood? Or is this psycho-babble?

Writer: Matthew Hibbard

No copyright infringement intended. For educational, non-commercial purposes only.

Newsy: 'The Big One' Ready to Rock California

Experts say an earthquake along the San Andreas fault could happen soon and create massive destruction.

“Researchers are warning that a major earthquake known as The Big One could strike southern California at any time. New research shows the San Andreas fault is long overdue for a major shift, meaning it could trigger an 8.1 quake along the 340-mile stretch between Monterrey County to the Salton Sea.” (WKYC)

In 1857 an earthquake ruptured 255 miles of the San Andreas fault. The LA Times reports this new quake will be significantly stronger and longer than the previous one, producing a wall-to-wall temblor: “The ‘walls’ are the boundaries of the southern San Andreas, which begins in the Salton Sea and ends in Parkfield in Monterey County. Scientists consider the southern San Andreas as one segment because it behaves the same — it rarely rumbles, but when it is awakened, the shaking can be devastating.”

The recent reports have grabbed the attention of Californians. And they’re preparing for the worst. KCBS and KNSD have more: “The Big One is going to hit at Taft Middle School this morning. That’s because students there will get training on what to do during an earthquake using a device called the Big Shaker. That’ll start at 10 o’ clock. It’ll simulate a magnitude 7.8 earthquake.” (KCBS)

“10:21 we are doing a simulation, the whole state, that’s what makes this really effective. The entire state of California simulating that earthquake. It’s time for you to think about what you’re going to do, how you’re going to prepare.” (KNSD)

In 1906 San Francisco suffered a devastating magnitude 7.9 quake. Experts compare the impact of that quake to the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. The San Francisco Examiner paints a grim picture of what could happen today if the city doesn’t prepare: “One thousand dead, $54 billion in property damage, a $15 billion hit to business and 85,000 housing units lost. That is the grim scenario facing San Francisco if privately owned buildings are not seismically retrofitted to withstand the violent earthshaking of the next big temblor.”

Although scientists predict an apocalyptic shaking of the Golden State, on NBC’s Nightly News, Brian Williams says there might not be reason to panic quite yet: “Scientists still can’t agree on whether this event will happen in our lifetimes or way out into the future. And for Californians, of course, it’s just another day.”

The research was conducted by researchers at UC Irvine and Arizona State University and published August 30 in the scientific journal, Geology. 

Writer: Grace Meiners

No copyright infringement intended. For educational, non-commercial purposes only.

Newsy: Embryonic Stem Cells Tested on Human for First Time

Bio-tech company Geron conducted the first ever federally approved embryonic stem cell test on a patient with a spinal cord injury.

“Well today, a major milestone in the stem cell debate happening right now. Doctors are treating the very first patient with embryonic stem cells. Also a part of a very first study ever authorized by the FDA to test this controversial therapy.” (Fox News)

Where the government failed, the private sector has succeeded in carrying out the first-ever stem cell trial on a human subject. The Telegraph reports the trial has overcome the controversy surrounding the procedure and has huge potential to cure diseases and disabilities: “If a success, it could be the ‘catalyst’ to open up stem cell treatments for all kinds of conditions from nerve damage, to Alzheimer's disease to diabetes.”

The New Scientist reports the clinical trial, funded by Geron corporation, has garnered huge support from the international community and is helping alleviate some of the concerns over hESC’s -- or human embryonic stem cells: “News of the trial is also likely to raise the morale of federally funded researchers at the US National Institutes of Health working on hESCs, as the legality of federal funding for their research is being challenged in court.”

Fox News’ medical correspondent says lots of people are concerned about this research leading to the creation of embryos for the sole purpose of being used for medical procedures -- pointing out other stem cells may do the trick.

MARC SIEGEL: “Another point to make, is that you may not need embryonic cells because the cells I describe that repair the spin, why go through the process of taking an embryo and manipulating it into the kind of cell that repairs. We may be able to skip that step.”

HOST: “How?”

MARCH SIEGEL: “By starting with the nerve cells themselves.”

The main objective of the trial is to see if stem cells can be absorbed safely into human body. Still, a blogger for Forbes says people are getting too excited over what seems to be a minor breakthrough, considering how long and hard the struggle has been to get to this point: “Geron shares are up 7% to $5.70, but there’s really no reason to get excited. While this is a political victory — it has taken more than a decade to get this study off the ground — it does not represent any real leap in knowledge or in Geron’s odds of success.”

Writer: Adnan Khan

No copyright infringement intended. For educational, non-commercial purposes only.

ESO 2, ESO 3 & ESO 4 - PBL -1st Term 2010-11 (Group Project)

ESO 2, ESO 3 & ESO 4 Students. Here is your PBL assignment for the 1st Term, a group project:

Guests staying at Pazo do Río, an old Galician manor house dating back to the 16th century located in Oleiros, A Coruña, find this card in their rooms (in the photograph the Spanish text has been substituted by question marks):

As you can see, between the German and the Italian versions, we can find the English translation:

"Please, pick up the room"

This sentence is grammatically correct, but it makes no sense at all, as a very serious translation mistake has been made. Your task is to guess what the original Spanish text said and to find the best possible translation into English.  Once you have found a good translation, you have to design a NEW, nice, original card for a door knob including your English translation (for this you have to use photo editor software such as Windows Paint, Gimp, Photoshop, Jasc PainShop Pro, etc.):

You have to send your answers in 2 attached files to labor.teacher@gmail.com:

• File #1: a text file (such as Microsoft Word, Windows Write, etc.) but the extension MUST be ".rtf" and not ".doc" including what you think the original Spanish text said, the best possible translation into English and all the necessary comments and explanations.
• File #2: your original design for a hotel room door-knob card in a ".jpg" or ".gif" file.

The  DEADLINE IS FRIDAY 12th NOVEMBER. Make sure you include your full names, your group, your number, and your class in your e-mail and your 2 attached files.

Remember you should use the K-W-L system:

What do I KNOW (about this topic)? (Hotels, bookings, rooms, etc.)

What do I WANT (=need) to know?

What have I LEARNT?

These are the groups:

GROUP 2A1: Íñigo Alcubierre, Lara Álvarez, Jorge Amoedo, Pablo Cámara and Adrián Castro.

GROUP 2A2: Serafín Davila, Isaac de Becerra, Nerea de Jesús, Zaida Domínguez and Juan Domínguez-Viguera.

GROUP 2A3: Samuel Fernández, Ana Fernández, Rebeca Fernández, Javier López and Sergio Martín.

GROUP 2A4: Pablo Martínez, Gabriel Martínez, Zulema Rodríguez, Rodrigo Rodríguez and Juan M. Vieira.

GROUP 2B1: Adrián Alonso, Alejandro Amoedo, Ánder Dieste, Carlota Fuentes and Guillermo García.

GROUP 2B2:  Irene Garrido, David Maceiras, Alejandro Penín, Edgar Pereira and Laura Pérez.

GROUP 2B3: Iria Rioboo, Candela Rodríguez, Omar Rouhou, Jesús Vieira and Jessica Vilaboa

GROUP 3A1: Inés Álvarez, José Mª. Álvarez, Tamara Bar, Pedro Bartolomé and Adrián Blanco.

GROUP 3A2: Inés Bolaño, Iago Borrajo, Paula Casal, María Casal and Martín Cid.

GROUP 3A3: Yasmina El Hachimi, Sol Epstein, Laura Fernández, Sarah García and Aaron Hernández.

GROUP 3A4: Carlos Maceiras, Amadeo Martí, Carlos Montaño, Evelyn Rodríguez and Claudia Suárez.

GROUP 3B1: Antía Bardelás, Lucía Ben, Jessica Davila, Mª Desiree Fernández and Laura Fernández.

GROUP 3B2: Fabio Gonçalves, Fernando Herrera, Carmen Oliveira, Arantxa Hierro and Estela Pascual.

GROUP 3B3: Lara Paz, Sarai Riveiro, Miguel Romero, Cecilia Saa and Josué Saavedra.

GROUP 3B4: Miguel Sotelo, Paula Suárez, Antía Suárez, Paula Varona and José Manuel Vázquez.

GROUP 4A1: Carlos Cabaco, Christian Collazo, Jesús Contreras and Belén González.

GROUP 4A2: Olga González, Arturo Juncal, Jorge Loira and Marcos López.

GROUP 4A3: Ana Mardeni, Marta Martínez, Joana Mayo and Lucía Oitabén.

GROUP 4A4: Alejandro Otero, Sara Pérez, Alberto Ponce and Paula Reguera

GROUP 4B1: Jennifer Ageitos, Borja Areal, David Barcia and Laura Barros.

GROUP 4B2: Marta Barros, Esteban Bernárdez, Guillermo Couso and Sara Delgado.

GROUP 4B3: Paloma Díaz, Yale-Yalo Dong Liu, Angélica Freiría and Alejandro Godar.

GROUP 4B4: Wenxue He, Marcos Martínez, Brigitte Montaño, Mercedes Sánchez and David Sanmartín.

No copyright infringement intended. For educational, non-commercial purposes only.

"LearnEnglish Kids" by the British Council

In our "Resources" section, which you can find on the right-hand corner under the Online Dictionaries" and the "Press & Media in English", we offer plenty of websites and materials for you to improve your English and have fun at the same time. LearnEnglish Kids, a web by the British Council, is a fine example of this: Here you will find lots of games, songs, stories and activities. You can search for your favourites, or have a look at the new Explore section and find out where everything is. If you become a member you can add comments to the site, and make your own cool character! Parents can sign up for their newsletter.

No copyright infringement intended. For educational, non-commercial purposes only.

Newsy: Celebrities vs. Bullies: “It Gets Better”

“It gets better”

“It gets better”

“It gets better”

“It gets better”

“It gets better…there’s hope and there’s help”

“People are here for you, people who care and understand”

It gets better – that’s the message of the new Trevor Project PSA designed to help put an end to gay bullying and bullying in general. And celebrities are coming out to put a stop what is becoming a deadly epidemic.

REPORTER - “Other stars like Neil Patrick Harris and Glee’s Chris Colfer are also appearing in new public service announcements.

COLFER – “I know what it’s like to be bullied and teased every single day”

This campaign comes after the death of five different teens across the country because of gay bullying – the latest being Rutgers student Tyler Clementi, who killed himself after being outed online.

HLN’s Showbiz Tonight talks to radio psychology expert Cooper Lawrence asking why celebrities are coming out so strongly for this particular issue.

REPORTER - “This is something you just don’t often see in Hollywood. Today we’re seeing hard-partying reality show stars, sarcastic stand-ups joining together to stop bullying. So Showbiz Tonight has got to ask: what is it about the tragic Tyler Clementi case that’s inspired Hollywood so much?”

LAWRENCE - “The story of Tyler Clementi has really hit a cord with all of us – celebrities and non-celebrities alike. And the reason is because everybody has experienced bullying either on one end since they’ve done the bullying or they’ve been bullied.”

Access Hollywood reports cult favorite Glee will also tackle teen bullying on an upcoming episode to try and reach its target audience – teens and young adults.

MORRISON - “School bullying and stuff are things we actually talk about on the show in the future.”

REPORTER – “Glee’s Matthew Morrison told us the shows creator Ryan Murphy is also planning a themed episode tackling bullying as well as gay suicide”

JONES – “I think there are a lot of parents who need their asses kicked because it starts at home.”

Fox affiliate WFTX highlights one celebrity who can personally relate to the young men who took their own lives: “Project Runway star Tim Gunn says he tried to kill himself as a teenager after being bullied because he was gay. Gunn says he took more than 100 pills when he was 17 years old in a botched suicide bid.”

Sarah Silverman posted a video of her own, in which she blames the government, saying it sets a bad example with its policies: “Dear America. When you tell gay Americans that they can’t serve their country openly or marry the person that they love, you’re telling that to kids too, so don’t be ******* shocked and wonder where all these bullies are coming from that are torturing young kids and driving them to kill themselves because they’re different, they learned it from watching you.

If you are interested in learning more about this campaign or you need someone to talk to, click on the link  The Trevor Project.

No copyright infringement intended. For educational, non-commercial purposes only.

Newsy: Chilean Miners Nearing Rescue

The second drill, known as ‘Plan B’, has reached the Chilean miners, who have been trapped underground for 67 days. The rescue attempt might start as soon as Tuesday.

“There has been a break-through in the rescue tunnel which is being dug to reach those thirty-three miners who are trapped 600 meters below the ground. This is sixty-six days since their mine collapsed above them.” (CNN)

Good news finally comes to The San Jose Miners. After more than two months trapped underground, 33 Chilean miners are another step closer to freedom from what’s been called an “underground purgatory.”

We’re analyzing coverage from CNN, CBS, MSNBC, BBC, NY Magazine and The Independent.

Workers originally thought it would take until Christmas for a rescue... but it seems the miners are getting a visit from Santa a little earlier this year.

But the miners have been warned the rescue operation will be dangerous. CBS reports no rescue detail has been overlooked: “...All of the miners will be brought to the surface wearing sunglasses because their pupils have been dialated in the low light... exposure to the sun may damage their eyes.”

Shades aside, not all the miners can be brought up at once and rescue operations will have to go in three separate rotations. MSNBC says the first eleven to be brought to the surface will be the healthiest and most experienced: “...The reason ... is because as that capsule comes up, if they encounter a problem, they want somebody who is calm and collected in the process, who can reach over to the two-way radio, who can turn the live camera that they’ll have on things that are going on, explain and suggest potential solutions should there be problems.”

...but the plans for rescue go beyond just who the first eleven should be. The Independent reports before the miners see the sun, their already crowded living space will host sixteen more men: “Their job will be to check on the men's physical condition and to ensure that they know how to use the rescue capsule safely during the 15 minutes it is expected to take to reach the surface.”

...and while both those on the surface have been reported to have high hopes, New York Magazine cautions not to let the festivities fly until the miners are actually rescued: “...the actual release could still be days away, and Chileans have been warned that the operation was entering ‘its most dangerous phase.’ Chilean President Sebastian Pinera reportedly plans to ‘personally hug each of the miners,’ not a few weeks later, but actually while they are pulled from the rescue shaft.”

...but BBC takes a more optimistic approach about the rescue mission: “...We are in the final stages of this rescue operation. It isn’t all over, by any means, there’ll be some perilous, difficult, times ahead, but just look at how Camp Hope has come alive now.”

Chile’s mining minister says if all goes well, the miners could begin to be freed as early as Tuesday. 

Writer: Christine Slusser

No copyright infringement intended. For educational, non-commercial purposes only.

Newsy: Voice of 'Dora the Explorer' Sues Nickelodeon

Caitlin Sanchez started voicing Nickelodeon’s hit animated series when she was 12-years old, but was dismissed from the show due to her change in voice.

It seems Dora’s days of exploring are over -- that is, the actress who plays her. Caitlin Sanchez started voicing Nickelodeon’s hit animated series, Dora the Explorer when she was twelve-years old, but was dismissed from the show due to her change in voice.

According to ABC, Sanchez filed a very grown-up multimillion-dollar lawsuit against Nickelodeon, MTV Networks and Viacom for issues unrelated to her changing vocal cords: “According to her, when she was just twelve-years-old she and her family were forced into signing a 14-page contract, without the aid of a lawyer, they made her sign it in 22 minutes, without time to view the contract and they basically, according to her, said if you don’t do this and sign it immediately we’ll pass on Caitlin for the part of Dora.”

In addition, the suit claims Sanchez was underpaid when it came to traveling costs, receiving a stipend of $40 a day. For being such a successful show, MSNBCwonders why her contract wasn’t reviewed during her time with the company: “She signed this contract in 2007, Dora the Explorer has been on air for ten years. How old is she? She was twelve when she signed in 2007. So one would think that they knew the popularity of the show and what should be in the contract and you’d have the right people to look over that, but she’s claiming that she should have gotten a better deal.”

Her attorney claims the network owes Sanchez millions in promotional revenue. E! Online quotes her lawyer saying the network ignored the opportunity to negotiate: "Caitlin and her family hoped to resolve their concerns short of filing any complaint, but were unfortunately forced to sue when they believed that Nickelodeon was not engaged in good faith discussions.”

A Nickelodeon spokesperson calls the claims quote “baseless” and as WBAL reports, released the actress solely due to her deep voice: “Sanchez was dropped from the Dora role after Nickelodeon said the girl’s voice had changed. Nickelodeon released a statement saying, while she was under contract Sanchez was well compensated and all working conditions meet union requirements.”

One blogger for Babble thinks differently, saying the network was already looking for a new actress before the lawsuit was even filed: “It sounds to me like this is a classic case of a young girl and her parents being disgruntled that Dora The Explorer, (a.k.a. their meal ticket) was ready to move on to another voice than Caitlin Sanchez.”

Approximately 1.9 million viewers tune into Dora the Explorer, now marking its 10th year on TV.

Writer: Matthew Hibbard

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English Pronunciation for Beginners

Have you ever thought that English pronunciation is too difficult? If you think so, Chief Inspector Jacques Clouseau from The Pink Panther film agrees with you!

I would like to buy a hamburger!!

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Nick Vujicic: No Arms, No Legs, No worries

From Life Without Limbs to Life Without Limits

Nicholas James Vujicic (born 4th December 1982) is a preacher, a motivational speaker and the Director of the non-profit organisation Life Without Limbs. Born without limbs due to the rare Tetra-amelia disorder, Vujicic had to live a life of difficulties and hardships throughout his childhood. However, he managed to get over these hardships and, at seventeen, started his own non-profit organization Life Without Limbs. After school, Vujicic attended university and graduated with a double major. From this point on, he began his travels as a motivational speaker and his life attracted more and more mass media coverage. At the present, he regularly gives speeches on subjects such asdisability, hope, and finding meaning in life.

Being bullied at his school, Vujicic grew extremely depressed, and by the age of 8, started contemplating suicide. At age 10, he tried to drown himself in 4 inches of water, but did not go through with it out of love for his parents. After begging God to grow arms and legs, Nick eventually began to realize that his accomplishments were inspirational to many, and began to thank God for being alive. A key turning point in his life was when his mother showed him a newspaper article about a man dealing with a severe disability. This led him to realize he wasn't the only one with major struggles. As time went by Nick began to embrace his situation and achieve greater things. In grade seven Nick was elected captain of his school and worked with the student council there on various fund-raising events for local charities and disability campaigns. When he was seventeen, he started to give talks at his prayer group, and eventually started his non-profit organization, Life Without Limbs.

In 2005 Nick was nominated for the "Young Australian of the Year" Award.

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ADHD Theory Does Children No Favours

Researchers at Cardiff University have now jumped on the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) bandwagon with the theory it is caused by 'genetic faults'.

ADHD is a subject I have followed for some ime, not as a scientist but as a humanitarian. In a world where drugs have been singled out as a major cause of social decline, I couldn't understand why children were being advised to take drugs for a so-called mental illness that had never been scientifically proven.

Both the children's minister, Sarah Teather, and Ofsted have raised concerns that branding children as having special needs, which includes the ADHD label, is being used to excuse poor behaviour. Boisterous, argumentative or disruptive behaviour has been redefined as a mental illness and the latest theory of 'genetic faults' is just another smokescreen that feeds the profit-driven psychiatric industry. From 2000 to 2009, NHS spending in England, Scotland and Wales to chemically subdue ADHD 'patients' was almost 250 million pounds.

Children and adolescents are not experimental animals. They have every right to expect protection, care and the chance to reach their full potential. They will be denied this from within the verbal and chemical straitjackets that are psychiatry's labels and drugs.

Writer: Brian Daniels, Citizens' Commission on Human Rights, United Kingdom

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Newsy: Marine Study Identifies More Than a Million Species

After a decade of research and more than 540 ocean expeditions, scientists presented the world with the first-ever census of marine life on Monday.

It might look like something straight out of a scene from The Little Mermaid. More than 2,700 scientists from 80 countries have combed the darkest depths of the seas to document aquatic habitats and discover new species. (Video: Sky News)

The Census of Life started ten years ago and during that time grew to a $650 million exploration, funded primarily by more than 600 groups, including various governments, private foundations and even five high schools.

The study found several new discoveries, both good and bad. National Geographic reports how the study allowed scientists to discover animals believed to be lost forever: “In the waters off Australia, researchers found a species of shrimp thought to have gone extinct 50 million years ago. Other discoveries however were not as encouraging. Off the coast of Northern Europe, Atlantic Blue Fin tuna were scarce in waters where they once flourished.”

In the process of exploring the deep blue sea, scientists were able to compile a database to use later down the road. One scientist tells the BBC how the data was presented in a way that was both helpful for scientists and amateur explorers: “The information has been there, but it’s been in desk drawers, in lab books, in computers and it has required a huge effort to pull of this information together to go into a database so that it is accessible for everyone, so that we can see what lives where and how many perhaps live where.”

While the study was done on a global scale, the information might solve key problems closer to home. A scientist tells The Star the research is also helping to evaluate the effects of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill: “We now have this very complete record of what was there... So this will certainly help in evaluating what sort of long-term effects the spill has had.”

The impact of the census will aid scientists for years to come, but the knowledge now could improve the lives of several species. The study brings a wealth of information into the spotlight, and as a professor tells ITN the impact will allow many to rethink what’s really swimming in our oceans: “I think we can use this knowledge we have complied to do a better job in managing our own impact and working towards a brighter future for ourselves and for the ocean.”

Writer: Matthew Hibbard

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