COFFEE/MOORE COUNTY'S FUN FAMILY NEWSPAPER
JUNE 2009
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JUNE 2009
Dear Kids, June, at last! Summer begins on June 21. That means you’ll probably be spending a lot more time outside. Maybe you like to go hiking or fishing. I love to be outside and at the beach especially, but I always remember that I need to cover up with my hat or umbrella and wear sunscreen to protect me from the sun. It’s also important to protect yourself from mosquitoes during the summer months. If you like the ocean and underwater creatures, you’ll love this issue. Read about the unusual sea horse and about what it’s like to be a marine biologist. There’s lots of fun stuff happening in June. Of course, you want to spend some time with your Dad for Father’s Day. Help your Mom or Dad put out your flag for Flag Day. Check to see if it has holes in it or is too worn out. If it is, you should replace it. Read all about the U.S. flag in this issue of Kidsville News! Visit my Web site at www.kidsvillenews.com and stay in touch during the summer. I hope you have a jampacked-with-fun June! Your friend,
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WHERE IN THE WORLD IS... MADAGASCAR?
It’s time to get out your globe! You need to know about the imaginary lines on globes and maps. These lines are called lines of latitude and longitude, and they tell a pilot or ship’s captain exactly where in the world a certain place is located. Basically, latitude lines (also called parallels) are the horizontal lines on your map. Lines of longitude (also called meridians) are the vertical lines that run from the North Pole to the South Pole. This mapping system is written in degrees and uses the symbol °. Get ready to travel the world!
You've heard of Madagascar, the movie, but where in the world is Madagascar, the country? To find Madagascar, get out your globe, and find longitude 47º E and latitude 20º S. Located in Southern Africa, the island of Madagascar is in the Indian Ocean, east of Mozambique. The island is about twice the size of the U.S. state of Arizona (and a little bigger than France), making it the world's fourth largest island! If you've seen the movie, you know that Madagascar is home to many wonderful plants and animals. But there are also over 20 million humans that call Madagascar home! These people share the island with 5% of the world's plant and animal species. Many of these plants and animals are found nowhere else in the world. There are 40 species of lemur that are indigenous to Madagascar! But the country isn't just a wildlife paradise. There are several endangered species on the island. It also has many natural hazards, like cyclones, drought and locust infestations. The terrain is varied. There are mountains and cliffs, plateaus and plains. You'll also find coastal beaches with mangroves, rain forests and farmland, as well as lagoons and bays. The coast is bordered by coral reefs and volcanic islands. July is the coolest month in Madagascar, and December is the Where in the warmest. World Word The people of Madagascar are called Malagasy. The country gained its indepenindigenous [in-dij-uhdence from France on June 26, 1960. The country's main agriculture crops are coffee, nuhs], native, or originating and living in a vanilla, sugarcane, cloves, cocoa, rice, cassava (tapioca), beans, bananas and peanuts. Sources: “Madagascar,” The World Factbook, Central Intelligence Agency, certain area or country. www.cia.gov; "Madagascar," Encyclopædia Britannica.
COME OUT AND PLAY! Get Outdoors & Hike!
In the summer, you probably spend a lot more time outside. It’s the perfect time to try hiking or backpacking. Hiking simply means going on an extended walk for pleasure or exercise. It can be as simple as exploring your neighborhood or wooded areas in a neighborhood park, or it could be a longer weekend camping trip Where can you hike? Anywhere really, as long as it’s not private property! Try hiking at a park. National Parks are special places set aside by the American people to conserve the scenery, preserve natural and historic objects and protect wildlife. You can even become a junior ranger! The U.S. National Park System has a Junior Ranger Program for kids ages 4 to 14. You sign up at the park, and they give you special activities to do while you are there. They also have a WebRanger program (www.nps.gov/webrangers) to have fun with when you are not on the trail! It doesn’t take any special talent to participate in hiking — it’s really just walking! But there are a few rules that everyone should following when going on a long hike: 1. Be smart. Know your limits. Kids under age 10 shouldn’t hike more than five miles in one day. Two- to four-year-olds will probably only be able to hike a mile or two. Be sure to take plenty of breaks! If you are carrying a backpack, you also need to make sure that it is not too heavy. For every five pounds of body weight, the average child can carry one pound. For example, if you weigh 80 pounds, divide that by five, which equals 16 pounds of gear. Hiking is a great family activity. If you and a friend are hiking in a neighborhood or park trail, make sure you have your parents’
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permission and that they know where you are heading. Use the buddy system and never hike alone. 2. Be, and stay, comfortable. It might be cool in the morning but warm up very quickly later in the day. It’s a good idea to wear layers so that as you get warm you can shed layers. Pants with zip-off legs that convert into shorts are a good idea. Be sure to wear a hat — it will keep your head warm in the cooler part of the day and protect you from the sun later. Wear sunscreen and sunglasses. 3. Be prepared. Some things you’ll want to bring along are a water bottle, trail snacks, a map, a compass, a pocket knife (if your parents let you have one), first aid kit, rain gear, a whistle and a trash bag (be sure to clean up after yourself!). You might want to bring a notebook, sketch pad or camera to make notes and pictures of the things you see on your hike. 4. Be alert for wildlife. Stay on the trails, and watch where you step. You might encounter wildlife on your hike, including snakes. If you are lucky, you might also get to see deer, swans and other wonderful wildlife. But please, never approach or feed wildlife. Take time to notice your surroundings. Enjoy the changing leaves, a beautiful view, insects and wildlife. Let others enjoy it, too — let nature’s sounds be heard, so don’t be loud when you’re on the trail. 5. Be kind. Leave the area as you find it. Examine, but do not touch, cultural or historic structures and artifacts. Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you find them. If you have the opportunity to improve the area by picking up litter, please do! 6. Be happy! Hiking is best done with other people, so bring a friend along and enjoy the trip together. It’s also a great chance to spend some time with your parents! Happy hiking! Sources: National Park Service, www.webrangers.us; Washington Trails Association, www.wta.org.
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WHAT’S IT LIKE TO BE... A MARINE BIOLOGIST? It’s June, and Father’s Day is coming up. Do you like to go fishing with your Dad? Or maybe to visit a lake, beach or aquarium? I love to watch all of the different sea creatures at the aquarium. This month, I spoke with Angela Collins, a marine biologist for the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute in Florida. Angela has been a marine biologist for 10 years and has worked for worked for Mote Marine Laboratory, Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium (LUMCON) and Disney’s Living Seas. Keep reading to learn more about what it’s like to be a marine biologist! TRUMAN: What does it take to become a marine biologist? ANGELA: I have a bachelor’s degree in marine biology as well as a
master’s degree in biology, and I am currently working on my PhD – but education is only one part of becoming a marine biologist. Field experience is very important, and I began volunteering for aquariums and nature centers as soon as I was old enough. Dedication is important, as well as a willingness to work hard and get dirty doing some jobs that are not always so glamorous (I once spent a summer vacuuming manatee poop out of an aquarium!). You also need to really love what you’re doing – a passion for the animals that you work with as well as the environments they live in will keep you motivated.
TRUMAN: So, what are the good parts? What’s the best part of
your job? ANGELA: Being underwater. Observing marine ecosystems and gathering information to help encourage sustainable and responsible fisheries are very rewarding. Plus, fish are just cool!
TRUMAN: What’s your favorite fish or sea creature? ANGELA: My favorite fish is the hogfish. It is a wrasse. I also love the yellowhead jawfish.
TRUMAN: When, and why, did you first
become interested in this profession?
TRUMAN: One of the pictures shows you with a clipboard. How do you write underwater like that? Is it special paper and pencil?
ANGELA: I am lucky. I have known that
I wanted to be a biologist since I was a kid. But the final career decision probably came when I became certified to scuba dive (I was 15 years old at that time). The reason that I chose this particular field is a complete fascination and infatuation with marine life – the ocean is full of surprises, and I am blessed with the opportunity to continue to learn new things every day. TRUMAN: What do
you do? Describe a typical day on the job.
ANGELA: I use a normal pencil and waterproof paper to write underwater. TRUMAN: What advice would you give to kids who are
interested in this profession? ANGELA: Work hard. Don’t get discouraged. If you love what you do and you believe in yourself, and you’re willing to get dirty and slimy without complaint, you are already a finalist! Angela Collins works as a marine biologist for the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute.
TRUMAN: Thanks so much for talking to me! I won’t look at fish the same again. I’m planning a trip to the aquarium soon, so I’ll think of you when I’m there.
ANGELA: I am a marine fisheries biologist. I work on the life history and ecology of reef fish. Understanding the behavior and biology of these organisms is important for developing sustainable fisheries. There is no “typical” day, which keeps life exciting! But my field work involves extensive scuba diving to collect data on the fish that we are researching. Additionally, a lot of time is spent analyzing data and performing laboratory work. TRUMAN: What’s the hardest part of your job? ANGELA: The job is physically demanding – you definitely work long days and have to put up with rough seas, low visibility and uncooperative animals, but the good parts definitely make it worth it.
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Father’s Day Crossword
Fatherly Word Find Find the words below that have to do with fathers! COACH DADDY FATHER FRIEND
D D Y E T B H J R W J J P E J
F N V M R N A C G E R E P X S
GRANDPA LEADER MENTOR PADRE
O K E K O P P H R P N E D P V
V I F I S T A Y G A M Y Z W O
L L W A R C P O O P I Q D B W
P A D R E F D A W O F R V X E
S A O V W R S A N R N L T U P
D F A T H E R F D C J G C A X
C G D K R L W U C D X H O Q P
PAPA PATRIARCH PERE POP
V N J D Y E V K L R Y E A W C
C A R I U A H Q D Y Z D C J C
S C U M H D M H C W X K H W O
P V U D Q E E U O Y H J C I E
Q O I H R R A P D N A R G D X
T S P C C O M E N T O R F P A
Let’s Go Hiking! Pick four things that are important to take on a hiking trip: Water bottle Legos Hat Music Player Whistle Snack Toothbrush Duct tape Bug catcher jar
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Being a parent and worrying about your child is a full-time job! Below are some tips on good oral care for your child. Also, get the scoop on thumb sucking and teething! * Never allow a baby or toddler to fall asleep with a bottle that contains milk, formula, fruit juices, sweetened liquids or a pacifier dipped in anything sugary. * Even diluted sweet drinks can be damaging. Infants should finish their bedtime or naptime bottle (or breastfeeding) before going to bed. * Wipe the baby's gums with a clean gauze pad after each feeding. * Begin brushing your child's teeth with water as soon as the first tooth appears. * To reduce the chances of tooth decay, children should be encouraged to drink from a cup by their first birthday. * Your child's first dental visit should occur within six months of the eruption of the first tooth and no later than the baby's first birthday. * As your child's baby teeth erupt, they may become fussy, sleepless or irritable. One way to comfort your baby is to gently massage the gums with a clean finger, a small cool spoon or a clean wet gauze pad. * Note that using benzocaine ointment on baby's gums may not be a good idea because: Benzocaine ointment may sensitize your baby to future benzocainerelated allergic reactions. Benzocaine ointment may cause numbing of the throat, and your baby may choke if too much is used.
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! FE SA E! F IT A S AY L P Y S A Y A W AL AY .. LW .. A r e t a w te e th d und roun in oorr aro When in When the weather turns warm, everyone wants to be in or around the water. Hanging out at the pool or the beach on a hot day is a great way to beat the heat. Buddy up! That's what swimming instructors say. Always swim with a partner, every time — whether you're swimming in a backyard pool or in a lake. When people swim together, they can help each other or go for help in case of an emergency. Know your limits. Swimming can be a lot of fun — and you might want to stay in the water as long as possible. If you're not a good swimmer or you're just learning to swim, don't go in water that's so deep you can't touch the bottom and don't try to keep up with skilled swimmers. That can be hard, especially when your friends are challenging you — but it's a pretty sure bet they'd rather have you safe and alive. Swim in safe areas only. It's a good idea to swim only in places that are supervised by a lifeguard. No one can anticipate changing ocean currents, riptides, sudden storms, or other hidden dangers. Swimming in an open body of water (like a river, lake, or ocean) is different from swimming in a pool. You need more energy to handle the currents and other conditions in the open water. Be careful about diving. Diving injuries can cause permanent spinal cord damage, paralysis, and in some cases even death. Protect yourself by only diving in areas that are known to be safe, such as the deep end of a supervised pool. If an area is posted with "No Diving" or "No Swimming" signs, pay attention to them. A "No Diving" sign means the water isn't safe for a head-first entry. Watch the sun. Sun reflecting off the water or off sand can intensify the burning rays. You might not feel sunburned when the water feels cool and refreshing, but the pain will catch up with you later — so remember to reapply sunscreen frequently and cover up much of the time. Drink plenty of fluids. It's easy to get dehydrated in the sun, particularly if you're active and sweating. Keep up with fluids — particularly water — to prevent dehydration. Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or nausea can be signs of dehydration and overheating.
Boat Safety Tips
for Kids
1. Kids should help out the "captain" by watching out for other boats in the area and submerged objects or floating objects in the water. 2. Make sure your boat has all required and recommended safety equipment on board. Make a checklist of equipment so you can run down the list before each boating outing and be sure you have everything you might need. 3. Stay seated in the boat, especially when the boat is moving and turning. 4. Never sit on the edge of the boat or lean over the boat. Do not drag your hands or feet in the water while the boat is moving. 5. Wear your PFD and make sure it fits properly. Also be sure all PFD's are accessible and easy to locate in an emergency. Have everyone have their own PFD fitted for themselves you can even have them put their initials on theirs. 6. Notify the "captain" of the boat if you see bad weather, rain, or lightning approaching. Head for shore immediately and put on your PFD. 7. Know where the fire extinguisher is located and learn how to use it. 8. Know where the first aid kit is located, what its contents are used for and how they are used. 9. When boarding a boat: keep your balance, alert those on board you are about to board, keep you weight low and to the center of the boat, have another person assist you if possible, and only one person board at a time. 10. Make sure you get out of the boat when it is refueling!
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Children's Car Seat Safety Guide Quick Safety Seat Checkup
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Does your child ride in the back seat? The back seat is generally the safest place in a crash. If your vehicle has a passenger air bag, it is essential for children 12 and under to ride in back. Does your child ride facing the right way? Infants should ride in rear facing restraints, preferably in the back seat, until about age 1 and at least 20-22 lbs. Infants who weigh 20 lbs. before 1 year of age should ride in a restraint approved for higher rear facing weights. Always read your child restraint owner manual for instructions on properly using the restraint. Children over age one and at least 20 pounds may ride facing forward. Does the safety belt hold the seat tightly in place? Put the belt through the right slot. If your safety seat can be used facing either way, use the correct belt slots for each direction. The safety belt must stay tight when securing the safety seat. Check the vehicle owner's manual for tips. Is the harness buckled snugly around your child? Keep the straps over your child's shoulder. The harness should be adjusted so you can slip only one finger underneath the straps at your child's chest. Place the chest clip at armpit level. Does your child over 40 pounds have the best protection possible? Keep your child in a safety seat with a full harness as long as possible, at least until 40 pounds. Then use a belt-positioning booster seat which helps the adult lap and shoulder belt fit better. A belt-positioning booster seat is preferred for children between 40-80 pounds. How should a safety belt fit an older child? The child must be tall enough to sit without slouching, with knees bent at the edge of the seat, with feet on the floor. The lap belt must fit low and tight across the upper thighs. The shoulder belt should rest over the shoulder and across the chest. Never put the shoulder belt under the arm or behind the child's back. The adult lap and shoulder belt system alone will not fit most children until they are at least 4'9" tall and weigh about 80 lbs. THERE'S A THIN LINE BETWEEN LIFE AND DEATH
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Digital Vision/Getty Images
keep out of reach of children
Asthma attacks can be caused by
many
things
you’d
never
expect. Including stuffed animals.
With new information, you can
h e l p p r e v e n t y o u r c h i l d ’s asthma attacks, and avoid the emergency room.
ATTACK ASTHMA. ACT NOW.
1- 866 - NO -AT TACKS
W W W. N O AT TA C K S . O R G
DON’T LET YOUR CHILD FEEL LIKE A FISH WITHOUT WATER.
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JUNE 2009
Fatherly Word Find D D Y E T B H J R W J J P E J
COACH DADDY FATHER FRIEND GRANDPA LEADER MENTOR PADRE PAPA PATRIARCH PERE POP
F N V M R N A C G E R E P X S
O K E K O P P H R P N E D P V
V I F I S T A Y G A M Y Z W O
L L W A R C P O O P I Q D B W
P A D R E F D A W O F R V X E
S A O V W R S A N R N L T U P
D F A T H E R F D C J G C A X
C G D K R L W U C D X H O Q P
V N J D Y E V K L R Y E A W C
C A R I U A H Q D Y Z D C J C
S C U M H D M H C W X K H W O
P V U D Q E E U O Y H J C I E
Q O I H R R A P D N A R G D X
T S P C C O M E N T O R F P A
Father’s Day Crossword
F A
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Let’s Go Hiking!
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Four things that are important to take on a hiking trip: Water bottle Whistle
Hat Snack
KIDSVILLE NEWS - PAGE 15
Art Gallery Diego Velázquez: Painter of Kings inviting him to come back to Madrid. After looking at his portrait work, Diego Velázquez was a 17th-century Spanish painter. A creator of many famous pieces, he is still the king commissioned Diego to paint him! The king so liked the painting that he asked Diego to become his court painter. He was known as one of the greatest artists the world has ever seen. now the official painter to King Philip IV. Over his career, he painted 40 portraits of the king, and it has been said Diego Velázquez was born in that nobody else was ever again allowed to paint the king! Seville, Spain, on June 6, 1599. The Sponsored by the king, Diego took several trips to oldest of six children, he was born into a noble family. Because of his Italy to learn about Italian art from the masters there. He also met famous artists who traveled to Spain. Over family’s standing, Diego received the years, he developed a unique style and painted many, a good education in languages and many portraits of the royal family, other important philosophy. But, he also showed early Europeans and even commoners. He also painted talent as an artist. So, he was sent important historical, religious, and cultural scenes in a to study under the painter Francisco realistic way, with vibrant colors and a lot of light. de Herrera when he was 11. A Diego died on August 6, 1660. Although he was very year later, Diego began apprenticfamous in Spain, it was not until the 19th century that ing under another artist, Francisco most of the outside world saw his work. Since that time, Pacheco. Pacheco was an excellent he has been cited as an influence on such important artists teacher, and Diego learned about proportion (capturing the different as Pablo Picasso, Francis Bacon and Edouard Manet. Written by Tamar Burris, a former elementary school sizes of things in your artwork) and perspective (making teacher who now works as a freelance writer and curriculum things look three dimensional in a painting). He studied developer for PBS, the Discovery Channel and other with Pacheco for five years, and his reputation as an artist Philip IV in Brown and Silver, education-related companies. Sources: Diego Rodriguez began growing. 1632, by Diego Velázquez de Silva y Velazquez – The Complete Works, www.dieIn 1622, Diego traveled to Madrid to paint the portrait govelazquez.org; Diego Velazquez on Art in the Picture, of a famous poet. He had hoped to get hired as a painter www.artinthepicture.com/artists/Diego_Velazquez/biography.html; Diego in the king’s court, but it did not work out. However, the king’s favorite Velázquez on Wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diego_Velázquez. court painter died at the end of the year, and Diego received a letter
Conservation o r n e r
Go online and
Write to Win a Prize!
Composting — Natural Recycling!
According to Stanford University, Americans throw away 474.5 pounds of food waste per person each year. Combined with our yard debris, that’s a lot of trash that ends up in our landfills that could be recycled by composting. Composting is part of our Earth’s natural cycle of growth and decay. Plants and the animals that eat them die; they decompose, or decay, and then insects, worms, fungi and microorganisms feed on the dead plants or animals, recycling plant and animal nutrients into their bodies and the soil. Other plants and microorganisms use these recycled nutrients from the soil to grow — and the cycle is complete! What is left over from this decay process is a valuable soil product that keeps water and nutrients in the soil and makes it easier to dig. Composting also reduces the amount of organic material that goes into our landfills and the amount of methane, a greenhouse gas, produced in landfills. You can start composting in your backyard. It’s easy! Mix energy materials (grass clippings; cow, chicken or rabbit manure; fruit and vegetable waste; garden trimmings and coffee grounds) and bulking materials (wood chips, sawdust, grass hay, wheat straw and corn stalks) in a heap. Open up the pile to bury new waste – this helps aerate, or add air, to the pile, and make sure the mixture stays moist, but not wet. Insects, earthworms, and other microorganisms will break down the wastes. After a year of this slow composting, you’ll have a rich soil product to add to your garden, and you will have kept all that trash out of the landfill. Sources: “Requirements for Food and Compostable Material Collection and Composting on the Stanford University Campus,” recycling. stanford.edu/food/FW%20Requirements.pdf; “Backyard Composting,” gardening.wsu.edu/stewardship/compost/yardcomp/yard1.htm.
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Visit boomerandhalley.com for the answer!
Paws for a lesson in SPORTSMANSHIP.
Poor Harold and Edna! The kids nearly knock them over racing to breakfast. “Bet I can beat you to the kitchen,” says Halley’s Comet. “No way!” challenges Boomerang. The Australian Shepherd dog and the silver streak of a cat are a blur. “Ha! You had a head start, but I got here first,” pants Boomer. ” Halley is out of breath. “That was luck.” ” Boomer squints. “Don’t be a sore loser.”
Series by Mary Jane McKittrick Illustrations by Bob Ostrom
How was Halley a sore loser? a. She lost the race. b. She didn’t give Boomer credit for winning. c. She quit before the race started.
For the answer and a chance to win a prize, go to the FUN STUFF page at boomerandhalley.com!
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At the Movies
smoking. (Vivendi Entertainment)
Land of the Lost (In Theatres: June 5)
Imagine That (In Theatres: June 12)
Inspired by the popular 1974 Sid & Marty Krofft children’s television series that took kids inside a time-warped alien world inhabited by dinosaurs and monkey-people, Land of the Lost is a fantasy exploration movie with historic television roots that parents and grandparents can appreciate. Will Ferrell plays park ranger Dr. Rick Marshall, a washed-up scientist who gets sucked back in time through a strange vortex, along with a young research assistant named Holly and a survival expert named Will. Together, the team must attempt to escape from a weird land full of dangerous reptiles called Sleestaks and giant dinosaurs, with the help of a friendly monkey-person called Chaka. Will the frightened group ever be able to leave the Land of the Lost? Rated PG. (Universal Pictures) Call of the Wild (In Theatres: June 12)
A short story from famous adventure writer Jack London sets the stage for this kid’s adventure movie. A recently widowed Montana man named Bill takes care of his little granddaughter Ryann while her parents travel outside of the country. On a cold snowy night, a wild dog shows up at Bob’s house injured, and Ryann wants to nurse it back to health and take the dog with her when she goes home to Boston. Grandpa Bill begins to read Jack London’s story to Ryann to help her understand the nature of wild animals, but the future of the dog becomes more complicated when Ryann and a local boy train it to lead a dogsled team, even as a local man tries to claim the dog as his own. Call of the Wild will be shown in live-action 3-D. Rated PG for some violence, language and brief
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Eddie Murphy (Meet Dave) plays Evan Danielson, a hard-working office executive whose imaginative sevenyear-old daughter Olivia (played by Yara Shahidi) brings him around to his senses about spending more time with her. Olivia believes that her special blanket has magical powers, and when her crayon drawings predict things that help get Evan’s career back on track, her dad becomes her biggest fan and her newest best friend. Rated PG for some mild language and brief questionable behavior. (Paramount Pictures) Movies on DVD Tom and Jerry: The Chuck Jones Collection (DVD Release: May 26)
That famous black-and-white cat Tom and his rival/pal Jerry, the feisty little gray mouse that Tom can never seem to catch, are commemorated in this complete collection of all 34 of their cartoons created by the celebrated animator Chuck Jones. “Is There a Doctor in the Mouse,” “Jerry-Go-Round,” “Purr-Chance to Dream” and “Surf-Bored Cat” are just some of the ‘60s-era episodes included here featuring complex musical scores by the great musical director Scott Bradley. The DVD also features two making-of documentaries about Chuck Jones. Not Rated. (Warner Home Video) Cole Smithey, also known as “the smartest film critic in the world,” has been a film critic for 11 years and writes for over 50 publications, in print and on-line. Truman loves to watch movies and has the highest appreciation for great popcorn.
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Meet Smart and Charming NOAA-19 A brand new, best-yet weather satellite recently took its place in orbit. It will watch over just about every inch of Earth. Its path around Earth takes it over the North and South Pole regions as our planet rotates below. The satellite’s name is NOAA-19 (say it just like the name “Noah”). NOAA-19 is so smart and so capable, it can do just about everything but talk. But what if it could talk? NOAA-19 could tell us what it does and how our planet looks from way up there, 870 kilometers (about 540 miles) high. Listen. “Helloooo down there! The view is terrific from up here. I am still getting checked out after that exciting February 6, 2009, launch and smooth ride to orbit. The engineers designed me to do a lot of hard jobs, and I’m itching to get started. “I will constantly measure temperature and humidity all over Earth and throughout the atmosphere. I plan to take pictures of the clouds and surface features. I will monitor Earth’s protective ozone layer. I will warn of any storms on the Sun that might blast harmful charged particles our way. I will spot volcanoes erupting and monitor crops growing. I will track icebergs. I will pinpoint distress signals from lost hikers or sinking sailors and let search and rescue teams know just where they are. “I will gather lots of information, passing over nearly every spot on Earth twice each day. Scientists will use my data to help them understand what changes are happening to Earth’s environment, weather and climate. This way, they will be better able to predict what is coming next so that people can prepare. “I have so much to do. I can hardly wait to put my 10 instruments to work collecting data!” The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) built NOAA-19. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) now operates it and manages all its data. Find out how NOAA-19’s polar orbit enables it to see the whole planet. Visit spaceplace.nasa.gov/en/kids/goes/goes_poes_orbits. shtml. Also, why should we care about storms on the Sun? Find out at spaceplace.nasa.gov/en/kids/goes/spaceweather. This article was written by Diane K. Fisher. It was provided by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, under a contract with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
JUNE 2009
KIDSVILLE KITCHEN Together Time — Ask an adult for help with projects!
One Potato, Two Potato... Fresh produce is a key ingredient in eating well. At about 25 cents per serving, potatoes are one of the best values in the entire produce department. One medium-sized potato provides 45 percent of your daily value of vitamin C, more potassium than a banana, zero fat and only 110 calories. Heart-smart cooking also calls for healthy fats to give energy, help in the absorption of fatsoluble vitamins and beta-carotene, and slow digestion. One of the healthiest cooking oils is canola oil. It has the lowest amount of saturated fat of any common culinary oil (half that of olive oil) and is free of trans fat and cholesterol. With Father’s Day coming up this month, take a chance and make these potato pancakes for your dad. They’re sure to be a hit for breakfast or dinner! And this recipe only costs about 64¢ per serving.
POTATO PANCAKES
WHAT YOU NEED: • 4 medium Yukon Gold potatoes • 1/4 cup hot milk • 2 tablespoons canola oil, margarine or canola oilbutter blend • Salt and pepper to taste • 1/2 cup grated carrots • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion • 1/4 cup chopped green onions • 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour • 1 teaspoon salt • 1/4 teaspoon pepper • 2 to 3 tablespoons canola oil HOW TO MAKE IT (makes 8 pancakes): 1. Quick and easy microwave mashed potatoes: Place whole potatoes (do not poke) into microwave-safe dish. Cover dish. (If covering dish with plastic wrap, poke small hole in plastic.) Microwave on high for 9 minutes or until potatoes are done. With an adult, use oven mitts to remove dish from microwave; carefully remove cover from dish due to steam build-up. Add milk, canola oil, margarine or butter blend and salt and pepper to taste. Using a potato masher, mash potatoes to desired consistency. 2. To prepare pancakes: In large mixing bowl, combine mashed potatoes, carrots, onions, parsley, flour, salt and pepper. Mix well. 3. In large frying pan, heat canola oil. Spoon vegetable mixture, about 1/3 cup at a time, to form pancakes. Cook pancakes over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until cooked through and golden brown. Add additional canola oil as needed to cook remaining pancakes. Nutritional Analysis (per pancake): Calories, 120; Fat, 6 g; Saturated Fat, 1 g; Cholesterol, 0 mg; Sodium, 180 mg; Carbohydrates, 15 g; Fiber, 1 g; Protein, 2 g; Vitamin C, 16 mg; Potassium, 57 mg. For more healthy recipes using potatoes and canola oil, visit www.potatogoodness.com and www.canolainfo.org.
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A SECTION ESPECIALLY FOR PARENTS
BOOKSHELF I Spy A to Z: A Book of Picture Riddles
The Little Green Pea
Author/Illustrator: Jean Marzollo, Walter Wick (photographer) Publisher: Scholastic, Inc. Publication Date: June 2009 Age Range: 3 and up With more than 30 million I Spy books in print, the bestselling team has now created a fun new way for children to learn the ABCs. I Spy A to Z includes a note from the author with tips for parents on how to use the newest book to help children learn to read. From preschoolers to adults, this I Spy book is fun for all ages. The four steps that are emphasized are picture clues, repetition clues, rhyming clues and phonics clues. The colorful and engaging photos, paired with the rhythm and rhyme, make this book F-U-N! —JK
The Old Blue Pickup Truck Author: Candice F. Ransom, Jenny Mattheson (Illustrator) Publisher: Walker & Company Publication Date: June 2009 Age Range: 4 to 8 From the Publisher: For a little girl, there’s nothing better than running errands with Daddy in a trusty old blue pickup truck. When they go to the bakery, Old Blue is a restaurant. When they go to the hardware store, Old Blue is a toolshed. And when they go out to a neighboring farm, Old Blue is a barnyard! A little rain won’t stop their fun — or stop them from getting back home to Mommy safe and sound.
Author/Illustrator: Alison Barber, Paige Susan Keiser (Illustrator) Publisher: Sleeping Bear Press Publication Date: April 2009 Age Range: 10 and up From the Publisher: The Little Green Pea lives in row 53 and dreams of big things beyond the pea patch. But will a wiggly worm get in his way? Beautifully illustrated in soft watercolors, this “eco” fable will have young children laughing, while at the same time learning a little something about the nature of recycling.
Garbage, Waste, Dumps, and You: The Disgusting Story Behind What We Leave Behind Author/Illustrator: Conni Colwell Miller Publisher: Capstone Press Age Range: 8 to 12 Are you ready to go behind the scenes of our amazing sanitation system? This Sanitation Investigation book reveals what goes on after the trash has been taken out. You’ll never look at garbage, toilets and waste the same way again! Using “Edge Facts,” the author conveys all sorts of interesting facts. Did you know that about one third of the garbage that Americans throw away is packaging? Or that the average U.S. citizen uses seven trees’ worth of paper products every year? Not only does this book lay out the facts, but it also teaches readers what they can do about it. It features a glossary of terms in the back of the book, along with suggestions for further reading and Internet sites where you can learn more on the subject. — JK
P ARENTOWN
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JUNE 2009
P ARENTOWN’S K ID S MART Keep the Lights ON!
¡Mantenga las luces encendidas!
All parents have experienced it. Ask your child how much the latest video game, hot jeans or iPod costs, and they’ll tell you without skipping a beat – and within a dime! Ask them how much last month’s cable or utility bill was, and their eyes glaze over as if you’ve just asked them to explain Einstein’s theory of relativity. One of the most important lessons you can teach your child about money is what goes into keeping a roof over his or her head — how Mom and Dad keep the lights on! It may seem a bit too forward looking — how many of us are really ready to contemplate the “empty nest”? But before they graduate high school, your kids should have a clear understanding of how much it costs to maintain a house or an apartment. Begin this conversation early on and re-enforce these lessons every year. Did You Know? Nine of 10 high school students are unaware that taxes come out of a paycheck. Activity: Go online and print out a sample paycheck. Be sure to cover the “gross” amount and how the “net” or take home pay is calculated by subtracting all taxes. (You can go to Google and at the top select “images,” and then type in “sample pay stub.”) Note: So that the following activities are not overwhelming, break it up into two categories over two months: rent and utilities. Tip: First and foremost, find an apartment. Let them see it in black and white. Activity: Go with your child to pick up a copy of your local newspaper in your community to get a sense of what it costs to rent an apartment, or you could even go online and let your child have a say in the type of apartment he would want to live in. This step will also give your child an understanding that there is a difference in the cost of a one-bedroom apartment versus a two-bedroom apartment. Tip: Collect the utility bills as they come in, and once you’re ready to sit down and pay them, include your child in this process. Activity: This lesson will be a huge eye opener. First layout the utilities required to keep the house functioning and in working order: It is okay to show your child the actual bills for your home. Add up each bill to get the total amount paid in your household for monthly utilities. I guarantee your child will have a greater appreciation when you yell, “Turn of the lights when you leave the room!” • Electric • Gas/Heat/AC • Water • Internet Connection • Home Phone • Cable Tip: There should be limits set on money spent on “entertainment,” so hit them where it “hurts.” Activity: Allot your child a budget for the number of pay-per-view movies she can download. If she exceeds the number of allotted downloads for the month, she loses movie privileges for the next month. I guarantee this will drive home the lesson quicker than you can say, “Where’s the remote?” Benefit/Key Takeaway: These activities will prepare your child for the “reallife” experience of what it takes financially to maintain a home once he leaves the nest. Next Month: Paper or Plastic? The cost of using credit cards to pay for things versus cash. Keva Sturdevant is the founder of Born To Save, a nonprofit based in Washington, D.C., with the mission of teaching kids of all ages the importance of saving and investing. Our goal is to begin conversations about money in households across America between parents and their kids. In an effort to foster those conversations, we grant actual shares of stock to kids. To register your child to win a share of stock in our monthly stock giveaway, please visit our Web site at www.BornToSave.org.
Todos los padres lo han experimentado. Pregúntele a su hijo/a cuánto cuesta el último video juego, o los pantalones jeans o su IPod y se lo dirán sin dudar ni un momento – y sin equivocarse ni un céntimo! Pregúnteles cuánto costó la última cuenta de la televisión por cable u otra utilidad y sus ojos se quedarán perplejos como si usted les hubiera pedido que le explicaran la teoría de la relatividad de Einstein. Una de las cosas más importantes que usted puede enseñar a su hijo/a es lo que cuesta mantener el techo sobre una casa- cómo papá y mamá mantienen las luces encendidas! Puede parecer un poco demasiado adelantado- cuántos de nosotros realmente contemplan el ‘nido vacío’? pero antes de que se gradúan del instituto sus hijos deben tener un claro entendimiento de cuánto cuesta mantener una casa o un apartamento. Comience esta conversación pronto y refuerce estas lecciones cada año. ¿Sabía qué?: 9 de 10 estudiantes de las escuelas secundarias no son conscientes de que se pagan impuestos de su cheque. Actividad: Vaya online e imprima un cheque modelo. Asegúrese de que cubre la cantidad bruta y como la cantidad neta o que se lleva a casa se calcula sustrayendo los impuestos. (Puede ir a Google y en la parte de arriba seleccione ‘imágenes’ y después ponga ‘ejemplo de cheque’.) Nota: Para que las siguientes actividades no sean demasiado frustrantes, divídalo en dos categorías en dos meses: renta y utilidades. Consejo: Primero y más importante, encuentre un apartamento. Deje que lo vean en blanco y negro. Actividad: Vaya con su hijo a recoger una copia del periódico local de su comunidad para hacerse una idea de lo que cuesta rentar un apartamento o puede ir online y dejar que su hijo elija el apartamento en el que le gustaría vivir. Esto también le hará entender a su hijo que hay una diferencia en el costo de un apartamento de una habitación versus dos habitaciones. Consejo: Recoja las cuentas de las utilidades cuando llegan y cuando esté listo para sentarse y pagarlas, incluya a su hijo en el proceso. Actividad: Esta lección le servirá para abrirle los ojos plenamente. Primero exponga las utilidades que se requieren para mantener la casa para que funciones adecuadamente. Está bien mostrarles a sus hijos las cuentas verdaderas de su casa. Añada cada cuenta para obtener la cantidad total que se paga en su casa por las utilidades mensualmente. Le garantizo que su hijo tendrá una mayor apreciación cuando usted grite ‘¡apaga las luces cuando salgas de la habitación’! • Electricidad • Gas/Calefacción/Aire acondicionado • Agua • Conexión de Internet • Teléfono de la casa • Cable Consejo: debe haber límites para el dinero que se gasta en ‘entretenimiento’ así que deles donde les ‘duela’. Actividad: Asigne a su hijo un presupuesto con el número de películas pre pagadas que pueden descargar. Si se pasan del número asignado de películas que pueden descargar para el mes, pierden los privilegios para el siguiente mes. Le garantizo que entenderán el mensaje más rápidamente que lo que usted pueda decir dónde está el mando a control! Beneficio/consejo que retener: Estas actividades le prepararán a su hijo para la experiencia de la ‘vida real’ de lo que supone mantener un hogar financieramente una vez que dejan el nido. Próximo mes: ¿Papel o plástico? El costo de usar tarjetas de crédito para pagar las cosas en vez de dinero metálico.
JUNE 2009
Keva Sturdevant es la fundadora de Born To Save, una organización benéfica basada en Washington, DC con la misión de enseñar a los niños de todas las edades la importancia de ahorrar e invertir. Nuestra meta es comenzar conversaciones sobre el dinero en los hogares a través de América entre los padres y sus niños. En un esfuerzo por fortalecer estas conversaciones, concedemos acciones de mercado reales a los niños. Para registrar a su hijo para que gane acciones de mercado en nuestro concurso mensual, por favor visite nuestra página web www.BornToSave.org.
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KIDSVILLE NEWS - PAGE 21
P ARENTOWN’S K ID S HAPE
Plan A Great Vacation for Less Believe it or not, it’s still possible to have a great vacation without spending a lot of money. These tips will help you plan that much-needed getaway for a lot less. Save on Airfare • Airlines list new specials on Monday nights, so check fares on Tuesdays. • Taxes and fees can add a lot to so-called “low” fares. Use sites such as Kayak.com and LowestFare.com, which compare flight prices that include fees and taxes. • Consider flying alternate routes, adding stop-overs or having a flexible schedule – they can all keep prices down. • Sign up for email alerts from travel sites such as Travelocity.com or Farecompare.com. You’ll find out quickly when a fare changes. Take a Road Trip • Just where will a tank of gas take you? Find out with TripAdvisor.com’s “Tank of Gas” tool. Type in your zip code and how much gas you want to use – quarter tank, half tank or full tank. You’ll get a list of destinations in your area. • Find a national park within driving distance. Nps.gov and discoveramerica.com give you the scoop on some nearby national treasures. • For a themed trip, try Lonely Planet’s Trips guidebooks. They list itineraries for six different regions which are organized by interests, such as food or history. They even suggest a road trip music playlist for the journey. Hotel Discounts • Many hotels have rewards programs which award points for each stay. They can add up to free nights and other perks. • Alumni associations sometimes have discounts for certain hotel properties (and sometimes car rentals.) • If you belong to AAA, AARP or the military, ask the hotel
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about available discounts. Package Deals • Packages are popular, but they don’t all add up to savings. Do some legwork and find out how much each component would cost on its own, and then compare the prices. • Dealbase.com is a Web site that does cost comparisons for you. It lists package deals from all over the world and shows you exactly how much you’ll save — or overpay. Food Savings • Get a hotel room with a refrigerator. Stop by a local grocery store and get drinks, snacks and sandwich makings. Pick up some picnic lunch food as well – picnics are a fun and inexpensive way to enjoy a meal. • Choose restaurants where kids can eat for free. Mykidseatfree.com lets you search kid-friendly establishments by state. • Restaurants.com sells discounted gift certificates. It’s possible to buy a $25 gift certificate for only $10. Other Money Savers • Set a daily spending allowance. Put each day’s cash in an envelope and take only that envelope with you that day. You can’t spend what you don’t have. • Schedule museum visits on free or discount days. • Instead of pricey souvenirs, look for local treasures. Budget Travel recommends chocolate-covered macadamia nuts from a Hawaiian grocery store, or tea from a store in Britain. • Use alternative transportation. Many cities have excellent mass transit systems that can save a bundle on car rentals. Look into renting bikes, riding a train and just walking. Clear the calendar and get ready to have some fun. With these savings tips, a great vacation is within reach. Information courtesy of Family Features.
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JUNE 2009
JUNE 2009
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