|

 |
 |
 |
 |
Fad Loop?!: Fantasy or Reality
Timathie, 10, of Arizona
Posted March 12, 2008
What's the hottest toy? Webkinz, definitely! Its called a fad. It's when EVERYBODY thinks they want one, but most people don't really. The people that really enjoy them tell everyone else they know about it, and BOOM! They've all got one. That is a very modern way of advertising called word of mouth. When our moms were kids, they all wanted a Cabbage Patch doll that came with a birth certificate and everything.
Most fads don't stay long, but Webkinz has been popular for almost a year now! Anyway, about the doll. Nobody likes those much any more. They were the fad back then, but like I was saying, they don't stay long. At least most of them. Many things came after those dolls, but right before Webkinz the thing was Furby. Everybody wanted Furby in 2006.
Fads are a great mystery. How do the kids (or even adults sometimes!) get brainwashed (or said nicer, attracted) to these items? Some people think we're going in a fad loop. For quite a while since cabbage patch, it wasn't with the dolls until Furby came up. Some people think that since dolls are "cool" again, girls will get back with cabbage patches again and then loop around some more.
So, the big question is if the loop theory is true. Cabbage patch definitely isn't as popular now, but it's doing okay, and you never, know because the next fad might even be a rock. Fads are very very mysterious things.
Webkinz -- Awesome Pets or Ultimate Obsession?
Eliza, 10, of Lehighton
Posted March 12, 2008
My friends and I have TONS of Webkinz. At first, I thought they were pretty cool. But now, I've been thinking: Are Webkinz healthy? Of course, I don't mean to say that they're french fries. What I mean is that I seem to be getting REALLY involved with them. I've made them everything from beds to even TVs! I've been going on the computer a lot now. Even hours on end! Now, do you really think that's healthy for your brain?
First of all, what are Webkinz? Well, they are adorable little plush toys that come with a secret code. You go to www.Webkinz.com and type in the code. There, you can play with a virtual version of your pet. You get to name it, feed it, buy it a house, take them to the doctor, and more. It's just about all the things that a person can do. Maybe even MORE than what a person can do. So, now that you know, what should we do about this bad problem?
Once I talked to my mom about this. She said, "It's just a hobby. It isn't bad." She has a point. Hobbies eventually wear off, even if it takes longer than you think. Do you really think you'll be liking stuffed animals when you're 30? 40? 50? I mean, it has to wear off someday. Another way to stop this problem is to limit yourself. Get a timer and set it for........let's say....20 minutes. Go on Webkinz and have some fun. But when the timer beeps, get off the computer. I don't care if you're giving your pet a bath or buying it a sofa. GET OFF THE COMPUTER. Before you know it, you'll be less interested in Webkinz and have time to do better things than look at a screen.
Well, I guess I've made my point. You can still have a good time on Webkinz loving your online pet, but you won't be obsessed with an animal that doesn't really exist. It's above ignoring your Webkinz, but below ultimate obsession. Now that you've read this, ask yourself: WEBKINZ: AWESOME PETS OR ULTIMATE OBSESSION?
Leona's Sport Relief Visit
Wade, 9, of the United Kingdom
Posted March 12, 2008
Leona Lewis recently left the glitz and glamour of showbiz behind to go to Johannesburg in South Africa. The X Factor winner visited poor communities that are being helped by money raised from Sport Relief - a charity event which is part of Comic Relief.
The X Factor winner visited poor communities that are being helped by money raised from Sport Relief - a charity event which is part of Comic Relief. Leona said she met some amazing and inspiring people on her visit.
She said it was great to see children reaping the benefits of Sport Relief. The singing sensation said the trip was a life-changing experience she would never forget.
Huge Car Crash and Shooting
Melanie, 15, of Cleveland
Posted March 12, 2008
Just 3 days ago, March 4th 2008 there was a gang shooting on a white male named Scott and he was involved in a drug deal gone wrong and he was chased down by 8 gang members and his van was pelted by bricks and shot with 3 pistols.
He is now in a detox rehab and is currently clean but we don't know how long he has to stay there new details will be released to us by march 9th.
He is currently planning to move.
I sure hope he does something more with his life. Back to you Pat.
The Horrible Teeth Accident At Central Park
Yailyn, 9, of New Jersey
Posted March 12, 2008
Here I am in Central Park where a horrible bloody accident has occurred. It looks like a little boy named Fudge has fallen from a jungle gym.
Fudge lost his front teeth when he fell out of the jungle gym and has now a very, very bloody face. Actually, Fudge was left by the care of Shelia and his older brother. It looks like they didn't notice him when he fell because they were too busy with a kid named Jimmy being chased by Shelia and yelling ''cooties,you have cooties.''
Fudge got really hurt and now poor Fudge is crying, People are looked for his teeth but Fudge told us he swallowed them
That was New York City news!
Have a nice day and hope Fudge gets his teeth back.
Seneca Valley Went On Strike
Dalton, 8, Gibsonia
Posted March 12, 2008
Like 2 or 3 months ago the teachers of Seneca Valley did not go to work. The reason why is because they did not like how they got paid. They went on strike for 3 months I am guessing. I think the contract is the reason why. All schools of the district were on strike. I am guessing the high school kids were babysitting for the little kids.
Middle Schools In STL
Samantha, 10
Posted March 12, 2008
STL middle schools are giving no choice to students to take Spanish or not. Most kids are thinking who is behind all this? Well it is most likely the leaders. I myself have one more year before middle school, but I'm not thrilled that I have to take Spanish again!
One 6th grader said "It is not fair to kids who have taken this before." Well I agree. Do you I think we should at least get choices of Spanish, French, German, etc. I wish we did because I would like to learn Chinese.
One 7th grader says "I would really like to learn allot more languages." Myself, I have someone from France and I would like to learn French. She teaches a little, but isn't that what school is for. Right now that's not what's going on.
Well that's is all the information I have for now. Hopefully by next year the kids of America have more of a choice then we have now.
Hillary and Obama Feud
Allie, 11, of Pennsylvania
Posted March 12, 2008
Why are they fighting? It seems that friends in their case do not last forever. Obama and Hillary were the only democrats left. I'm sure they didn't think that each other would go this far.
Hillary and Obama decided not too long ago that if one of them became president, the other would become vice. Some friends they turned out to be.
Hillary has just won in Texas so I believe that Hillary might have a pretty good chance against Obama. Obama's wife thinks that America has done something right for a change for liking her husband.
Lets hope this all turns out for good!
News Flash Five is Awesome!
Joshua, 13, of Cala
Posted March 12, 2008
I think that News Flash Five is a great site for kids to find out more about the world and what is happening around them. News Flash Five always keeps the vocabulary at a low level so that little kids can understand what they are saying. I love the games that the team member gives at the end of each story. I wish I knew about this site when I was little.
Each story gives easy to understand but specific and interesting topics to hear about. I think this site is a great way to spread the knowledge of our world to all the kids.
Good job News Flash Five, and keep up the good work!
12-Year-Old Starts 8th Year of Race Car Driving
Jake, 12, of Waterford
Posted March 12, 2008
Ever wonder what it is like to drive over 65mph on a race track? Well, 12-year-old Jake has driven over 6,000 laps on tracks across the Midwest at speeds most cars drive on the highway. His room is filled with over 120 trophies, medals and plaques including two Track Championships.
Jake is from Waterford, WI and began racing go-karts when he was 5 years old. Now entering his 8th season of racing, Jake gets behind the wheel of a Super Cup car and competes against many other 8 to 15 year old drivers throughout the summer. Super Cup cars are half scale Stock Cars and can reach speeds over 65mph. Jake gets to race on tracks that have been home to famous drivers like Matt Kenseth; Slinger Super Speedway, Milwaukee Mile, Rockford Speedway, Madison International Speedway and Dells Raceway Park.
Jake started in go-karts and steadily moved up to bigger, faster champ kart classes, then in 2007 after a crash in his go kart, he got to race in his first car. The Super Cup cars look just like a real Stock Car you see in NASCAR but smaller. On the track, Jake races with 10-15 other drivers at races throughout the spring, summer and fall. Racing for another track championship is Jake's goal in 2008 and a pro-racing career is his dream.
Racing is Jake's passion and each year Jake can't wait for the Wisconsin snow to melt so he can start racing again. He is an accomplished driver with over 160 Feature Race starts, 47 wins, three 2nd place season championships and two Track Championships. Racing is everything to this talented young driver and he hopes to share his love of racing with kids all over the United States.
First Black President
Ansley, 11, of New York
Posted March 12, 2008
My social studies teacher always says how Barack Obama could be our first black president here in America!! She says that if her grandmother were still living today, she would be so jubilant and excited.
I have to agree with her because I, myself, for one believe the same thing. It's like everyone talks about it at school and in public. The bad thing is that some people put stereotypes out there for you to consume and believe them. If anything, I advise you not to believe ANY KIND OF STEREOTYPES!!!
YoJo's School Visit
Jennifer, 10, of Maryland
Posted March 12, 2008
Everyone in my class asked "Who's Jojo,YoYo or however his name is said? Then one of my classmates who knew said "A big blue fuzzy monster" " Monster?" my classmate said,"No, it's someone in a costume playing an ordinary cartoon character to entertain/educate children" "But I still don't understand how IT looks," my classmate said. "You'll see," one of my classmates said.
The show took place on the stage of the school (Adelphi elementary) as my classmates still were wondering about IT. As the blue monster entered the stage, one of my classmates said "IT looks like one of those puppets seen on Sesame Street, except IT's fat". The person talking about YoJo also said he was a goofball, which was true. The person also said YoJo was extremely nervous around people and the MSA. The show was called "Ace your MSA. MSA stood for Maryland School Basement.
The basement would be taken on April of 2008 1, 2 (Reading), 8, 9 (Math). If you are in 5th grade you would also take a Science MSA test soon.
The show mostly talked about tips to take the MSA. The tips were:
1. Prepare for the test(s).(Sleep early,eat a good breakfast, show up on time.
2. Paying close attention to all instructions, questions, and answer choices.
3. Previewing test sections and budgeting test time wisely.
4. Fill out answers on answer sheets properly.
5. Using the process of elimination to make a better educated guess at tough multiple-choice questions.
6. Writing 'open-ended' constructed responses clearly and neatly.
7. Supporting constructive responses with proof, evidence and detail.
8. Most importantly: Confidence and a great attitude!
After the show my classmates before thought the show was going to be childish, but it wasn't, it was important because you might need to use these tips for your coming up MSA or any other tests.
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
|