Remove Obama Statue
February 15, 2010 by Dan
Filed under Human Interest
by Rod McGuirk
Feb. 15, 2010
JAKARTA, Indonesia – Authorities removed a statue of Barack Obama from a park in the Indonesian capital due to a public backlash and moved it Monday to a nearby elementary school that the U.S. president attended as a child.
The bronze statue, inspired by a childhood photograph of a 10-year-old Obama in shorts with a butterfly perched on an outstretched thumb, had been targeted by critics since it was erected in the Jakarta park last December. Detractors argued that an Indonesian hero should have been honored instead, noting that Obama still could pursue policies that hurt Indonesia’s interests.
Obama, whose American mother married an Indonesian after divorcing his Kenyan father, went to school in the capital from 1967 to 1971 and is regarded fondly by most Indonesians.
Edi Kusyanto, a teacher at the affluent government school Obama attended, said the 43-inch (110-centimeter) statue would be standing in the school grounds by the time the president visits Jakarta from March 20-22.
“There is no controversy about the statue being here. Everyone at the school welcomes it,” Kusyanto said.
The statue was erected with private funds raised by the Jakarta-based nonprofit group Friends of Obama Foundation, but Jakarta Gov. Fauzi Bowo is paying for its relocation.
Ron Mullers, an American living in Jakarta who came up with the idea for the statue and raised money for it, declined to say whether he thought moving it was an overreaction.
“It’s a beautiful statue and it had become a tourist attraction,” Mullers said.
“My feeling is that the park is a place where more Indonesian people can see it,” he said.
Still, he said he was happy that the statue might inspire the school’s students to follow their dreams.
Heru Nugroho, leader of a Facebook campaign to remove the statue, welcomed the move but added that the decision had taken too long. He said he would now drop court action seeking the statue’s removal.
Indonesia is home to the world’s largest Muslim population and many here believe Obama will improve relations with the West.
Source: Yahoo News
Editor’s Note: We would like to know what you think. dan@youngchronicle.com
Teachable Moments
February 13, 2010 by Dan
Filed under Human Interest
By Time to Talk
Feb. 8, 2010
The kitchen offers endless opportunities for getting together, so while you’re checking out recipes, mixing and baking chocolate treats together, you can catch up on your children’s busy lives, and also talk about some serious subjects in a relaxed setting.
Parents and caregivers can turn baking delicious desserts with their families into Teachable Moments that encourage children to make good choices for themselves.
While it’s important to talk to your children about the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse in order to safeguard them from these risky behaviors, the best recipe for open honest communication with your kids is equal parts listening and learning from the cues your children give you.
Here are some Teachable moments:
(1) Learn From Your Child By Listening To Them:
Listening to your children can be the best lesson for parents.
If your son or daughter tells you about a friend who got in trouble at school for smoking, drinking or using drugs, use this opportunity to reinforce why drugs are dangerous and why you want your kids to avoid making the same mistakes their friend made.
Let them know they can always be honest with you, come to you with any questions and that you love them and want to protect them.
(2) Learn From Others Mistakes:
Your teen’s favorite movie star or musician has just entered drug/alcohol rehab for the third time. You and your child have seen the reports on TV and have read stories on the internet about how this popular star is constantly in trouble with the law.
Use this as a perfect opportunity to reinforce the point that role models should also be those who behave responsibly, don’t do drugs or have taken the initiative to get help for a drug or alcohol problem.
(3) Healthy Bodies, Healthy Lives:
Encourage your kids to play sports and participate in outdoor activities or join afterschool clubs in order to keep them active.
Reinforce the importance of health and taking good care of our bodies in addition to remaining active and making good choices for themselves.
Remind your son or daughter that using drugs and drinking is not only dangerous to their health, but can have lasting consequences that will prevent them from doing the fun things they enjoy in the future.
Source: Time to Talk
Editor’s Note: we would like to know what you think. dan@youngchronicle.com
Honoring Vietnam Vets
February 1, 2010 by Dan
Filed under Human Interest
By Dan Samaria
Publisher/YC
Feb. 1, 2010
As a former U.S. Marine Vietnam Vet myself, I was very honored and proud to receive this e-mail from one of my readers.
I know that all vets will get the same feeling that I got Proud, Honored and Thankful.
Someone spent a lot of time on this and it is truly remarkable.
Someone sent me the link which is a virtual wall of all those lost during the Vietnam War with the names, bio’s and other information on our lost comrades.
It is a very interesting and amazing link, and those who served in that time frame and lost friends or family can look them up on this site.
Pass it on to other veterans who you think would like this.
First click on a state……then when it opens a city ………and names…….
then it should show you a picture of the person or at least his bio and medals……
This is amazing!
I believe everyone that goes to this will know someone who is on the Wall……..
Editor’s Note: We would like to hear from you if you know of someone on this wall, their story and how it has affected you. dan@youngchronicle.com
$57 million for Haiti
January 23, 2010 by Dan
Filed under Entertainment, Human Interest
By Nekesa Mumbi Moody
AP Music Writer
Jan. 23, 2010
NEW YORK – Organizers for the all-star “Hope for Haiti Now” telethon say the event raised a record-setting $57 million — and counting.
The two-hour telethon aired Friday night on the major networks and dozens of other channels, including MTV, Bravo, and PBS, and was also streamed live online.
Stars like Brad Pitt, Beyonce, Madonna, Bruce Springsteen and more used their presence to encourage donations for Haiti, following a Jan. 12 earthquake that killed an estimated 200,000 people.
A statement released Saturday said the money raised was a record. It does not include donations by corporations or via iTunes, where people are able to buy performances of the event for 99 cents.
People can still donate via text, phone or through the “Hope for Haiti” Web site.
Source: Yahoo News
Editor’s Note: we would like to know what you think. dan@youngchronicle.com
Naming Your Baby Obama
January 18, 2010 by Dan
Filed under Human Interest
By Fox Nation
Jan. 18, 2010
It is hard to imagine a more personal endorsement of a politician than to give your baby his name – after all, a vote takes a moment, a name is for life.
But there is a tradition of Americans reacting to their presidents in this way. The name Franklin reached its peak of popularity in 1933, when Roosevelt’s tenure was beginning.
Dwight jumped in favor in both 1945 and 1953 when Eisenhower helped win World War II, and then became president.
But the worldwide fascination with Obama – who became the first black US president exactly one year ago – was startling. Here is the story of how babies from three different countries – Kenya, the UK and the US – came to be named after Barack Obama.
Source: Fox Nation
Editor’s Note: We would like to know what you think. dan@youngchronicle.com
Good Care for your Child
January 8, 2010 by Dan
Filed under Human Interest
By Healthy Children
Jan. 7, 2009
Many Americans receive their health care in managed care plans. These plans, typically offered by employers and state Medicaid programs, provide services through health maintenance organizations (HMOs) or preferred provider organizations (PPOs).
The plans have their own networks of pediatricians and other physicians, and if you or your employer change from one managed care plan to another, you may find that the pediatrician you’ve been using and whom you like is not part of the new network.
Once you have a pediatrician whom you like, ask what plans she is in, and see if you can join one of them if there’s a need to switch from one HMO or PPO to another.
Managed care plans attempt to reduce their costs by having doctors control patient access to certain health care services.
Your pediatrician may act as a “gatekeeper,” needing to give approval before your child can be seen by a pediatric medical subspecialist or surgical specialist.
Without this approval, you’ll have to pay for part or all of these services out of pocket.
To help you maneuver effectively through your managed care plan, here are some points to keep in mind:
To determine what care is provided in your managed care plan, carefully read the materials provided by the plan (often called a certificate of coverage). If you have questions, talk to a plan representative or your employer’s benefits manager.
All plans limit some services (e.g., mental health care, home health care), so find out what’s covered and what’s not.
When you’re part of a managed care plan, primary and preventive care visits usually will be covered, including well-child checkups, treatment for illnesses or injuries, and immunizations.
In many plans, you’ll have to pay a portion of the primary care services that your family receives, called a copayment, for each doctor’s visit.
Once you’ve chosen a pediatrician, it’s best to stay with her. But if you feel the need to switch, all plans allow you to select another doctor from among those who are part of their network.
The plan administrator can give you information on how to make this change; some plans allow you to switch only during certain time periods called “open enrollment.”
If you feel that your child needs to see a pediatric subspecialist, work with your pediatrician to find one who is part of your plan, and obtain approval to schedule an appointment with her.
Check your plan contract for details about whether your insurer will pay at least a portion of these costs. Also, if hospital care is needed, use your pediatrician’s guidance in selecting a hospital in your plan that specializes in the care of children. (Most hospital procedures and surgeries require prior approval.)
Know in advance what emergency services are covered since you won’t always have time to contact your pediatrician. Most managed care plans will pay for emergency room care in a true emergency, so in a lifethreatening situation, go immediately to the nearest hospital.
In general, follow-up care (e.g., removing stitches) should be done in your pediatrician’s office.
To file a complaint—for example, if coverage of certain procedures is denied— start by expressing your concern to your pediatrician. If she is unable to resolve the problem, contact your plan’s member service representative or employee benefits manager about filing a complaint.
If a claim has been denied, you typically have fifteen to thirty days to file an appeal, and you should receive a decision about the appeal within thirty to ninety days of the request.
If you still are dissatisfied, you may decide to seek help from the office of your state insurance commissioner, or you can take legal action.
Source: Healthy Children
Editor’s Note: We would like to know what you think. dan@youngchronicle.com
Sticky Situation – Going to the Mall
January 4, 2010 by Dan
Filed under Human Interest
By Scholastic News
Jan. 4, 2010
Michelle’s mom is taking Michelle and her friend Kendra to the mall. Michelle is going to buy a pair of roller shoes.
Kendra really wants to get a pair too, but her mom doesn’t think they’re safe and says Kendra is not allowed to have them.
Kendra wants to purchase a pair while she’s at the mall with Michelle.
What should Kendra do?
Write a paragraph explaining what you think Kendra should do in the “Post a comment” section below.
Other Scholastic News readers will be posting their thoughts about this week’s ethical dilemma, too. So come back to the Sticky Situation blog to discuss their solutions!
Cick on comments
Source: Scholastic News Online
Editor’s Note: We would like to know what you think. dan@youngchronicle.com
Sticky Situation – Video Game
January 3, 2010 by Dan
Filed under Human Interest
By Scholastic News
Dec. 28, 2009
Jordy and Arjun were playing a video game at Jordy’s house. Arjun accidentally knocked over a glass of juice onto Jordy’s computer. Jordy needs to get his computer repaired and thinks Arjun should pay for that. Arjun disagrees.
He thinks it’s Jordy’s fault for keeping his drink too close to his computer. What should Arjun do?
Write a paragraph explaining what you think Arjun should do in the “Post a comment” section below.
Other Scholastic News readers will be posting their thoughts about this week’s ethical dilemma, too. So come back to the Sticky Situation blog to discuss their solutions!
Cick on comments
Source: Scholastic News Online
Editor’s Note: We would like to know what you think. dan@youngchronicle.com
Holiday Fun Quiz!
January 2, 2010 by Dan
Filed under Human Interest
By Alexander
Jan. 2, 2009
This is the season to stay safe. Let’s help you prepare for the holiday season with this multiple choice quiz.
1. If you see a table full of goodies at a party, the first thing you should do is:
A) Try one of those decorated cookies
b) Ask a trusted adult which foods are safe for you
c) Grab a brownie
2. All the kids in the neighborhood are playing with new presents they received for the holidays.
Sarah was just eating peanut butter and you saw her get on her sled without going inside to wash her hands.
Then you notice the handle of the sled has peanut butter smeared on it. You are allergic to peanuts. What do you do when she invites you to try out her new sled?
a) Say, “no thanks.”
b) Hop right on after wiping the sled off with your hands.
c) Make sure the peanut butter is cleaned off the sled (ask an adult to help) and enjoy the ride.
3. You’re going to see your grandparents for the holidays. They want to plan a day of baking lots of goodies with you, but you are allergic to several foods.
What do you do?
a) Start baking right away
b) Tell them you don’t want to bake, but you’ll try whatever they make
c) Talk to your mom and dad about helping your grandparents understand how to read labels so that the ingredients used are safe for you, and share your favorite safe recipes with them.
4. You are on vacation for the holidays from school and are just going to a friend’s house down the street.
What do you take with you?
a) Your allergy medicine (such as Benadryl® and your epinephrine auto-injector, if prescribed)
b) A safe snack
c) All of the above
Answers: b, c, c, c
Source: Food Allergy
Editor’s Note: We would like to know what you think. dan@youngchronicle.com
True Meaning of Christmas
December 25, 2009 by Dan
Filed under Human Interest
By Scott Williamson
Dec. 25, 2009
I have been blessed to have some great people in my life, but the one who made the most significant impact was my dad. This will be the 8th Christmas without Dad; he passed away Nov. 9, 2002.
I would like to say it gets easier each year but that’s simply not true. If anything, it gets harder. As I grow older, the more I realize the significance of the values my dad taught me, and the more I wish he was here to see me instilling the same values in my children.
Growing up, I guess you could say my family was on the more than fortunate side. We always had a nice warm home, we never went to bed hungry, we knew we were loved and come Christmas time the base of tree was always stacked high with presents.
My memories of childhood Christmases are not filled with gifts. The memories I truly cherish involve getting the family together to laugh, play and most importantly celebrate the birth of our savior.
My dad’s most joyful time at Christmas wasn’t watching us opening gifts. Nor was it the gifts he received. His joy came when all of us gathered around while he read Luke 2:1-21, “The Christmas Story.”
This Christmas Karen, the kids and I will be heading to her parents’ house. I’m looking forward to all of us being together to laugh, play and watch the kids’ faces as they rip through wrapping paper to see their gifts.
But, what I am looking forward to the most is Karen’s dad (Papa as he’s affectionately known) gathering all of us around his recliner and opening his Bible to Luke chapter 2 and reading us “The Christmas Story”.
As Papa retells that amazing scripture, I can close my eyes and hear my dad reading the same holy words. I can again feel the joy it brought him to read the miraculous story of the birth of our savior to us kids.
This past year has brought tough economic times and the stockings may not be as full, but do not let the worldly view of Christmas take away your joy or your happiness.
Instead, take the time to gather around with your family and friends and rediscover what Christmas is truly all about. Take a few minutes and read Luke’s Christmas Story to your loved ones.
In case your Bible isn’t handy (and in honor of my Dad), here it is:
Luke 2:1-21 NKJV
1 And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered.
2 This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria.
3 So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.
4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David,
5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child.
6 So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered.
7 And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn
8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid.
10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.
11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:
14 “ Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”
15 So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.”
16 And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger.
17 Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child.
18 And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
19 But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.
20 Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.
21 And when eight days were completed for the circumcision of the Child, His name was called JESUS, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb.
Merry Christmas
Source: Fayette Daily News
Editor’s Note: We would like to hear what your think Christmas means to you and your family. dan@youngchronicle.com
