Kids Today

The other case for school uniform.

2014-11-11T00:57:00.000-08:00

picture courtesy of http://www.independent.co.uk/

Ever wondered why the president of the United States wears the same shade suits? Do you remember the furore caused by his wearing of that 'tan' suit, early this year? Well, he explained his reasoning to Vanity Fair:

“You’ll see I wear only gray or blue suits...I’m trying to pare down decisions. I don’t want to make decisions about what I’m eating or wearing, because I have too many other decisions to make.”

picture thanks to www.chavagnes.org

This argument is supported by science. Two college professors who have studied decision-making, Kathleen Vohs and Barry Schwartz, found that we have a limited amount of brain stamina each day. It makes sense to say, the more decisions we make, the weaker our ability to make decisions.

Schwartz told The LA Times: "The mere act of thinking about whether you prefer A or B tires you out,...If I have lifted weights in a gym, later trying to lift a 30-pound weight is impossible."

So lets help feed our children's brain power, by giving them one less thing to have to think about!

Youth Olympic Gold

2014-08-30T07:27:00.000-07:00

Well done to all our athletes taking part in the Nanjing 2014 Olympics!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/olympics/28902889

1400 children abused in Rotherham-but who sexualised them in the first place?

2014-08-27T16:16:00.000-07:00

There is clearly a question to be answered with regard to the race of the abusers. Some would say it's more a question of religion. These sex offenders were predominantly Muslims. Sikhs and Hindus have complained about being 'tarred with the same brush'. That said, we don't have to look too far back to remember those horrific rape cases, in India. Evidently, we need to reflect upon the way some men view women and children.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2734694/It-hard-appalling-nature-abuse-child-victims-suffered-1-400-children-sexually-exploited-just-one-town-16-year-period-report-reveals.html?ito=social-facebook

Race played a role....but it wasn't the only factor!

Police Officers were reported to have regarded the girls (mostly) as little more than prostitutes, whose own behaviour put them at risk and led them into harms way. But why should anyone be surprised that young people act this way, after decades of 'liberal' ideological brainwashing. Children are told that adolescence is a time of 'experimentation', of finding out 'who we are' and learning about 'what makes us feel good', take the pill 'your parents don't have to know.....you can even get it over the counter'. With such clear (I'd love to say mixed, but can't) signals, are any of us genuinely surprised.

There are no quick fixes to society's ills, but can I recommend this link for a few helpful tips, when chatting with our young people....even mentioning that taboo subject-Chastity.

http://chastity.com/

Know your enemy.

2014-08-26T15:13:00.001-07:00

Russia and Ukraine:

Stop fighting your brothers and help in the war against the real enemy!

Россия и Украина:

Прекратить боевые действия своих братьев и помощь в войне против настоящего врага!

Росія і Україна:

Припинити бойові дії своїх братів і допомогу у війні проти справжнього ворога!

What did you really give them, for Christmas?

2013-12-26T09:26:00.000-08:00

Picture courtesy of Erna Reihana

Well, according to the associated press, if you've given them yet more electronic items, you may have just given them a healthy dose of behavioural problems and delayed social development.

One topic our family was discussing this Christmas was just how computer savey kids are now. The discussion started with an acknowledgement that kids text rather than talk, possibly because they can do it that much quicker. But that's not all that they can do, according to the article (see link below) the average three year old can now master a tablet.

Parents try and convince themselves that their kids are gaining through such things as so called 'educational apps', but the reality is often less comforting-imagine-if a three year old can handle a tablet that means they can stream uncensored video, be in contact with who knows who on Facebook and such alike. Even something as simple as 'keeping them quiet in the back of the car' is eroding our kids ability to be patient. Psychologists tell us that one of the known characteristics of Sociopathic individuals is their poor 'impulse control' i. e. their inability to put off what they want now, until later.....in other words, to have patience.

Thanks to Michael Sestak for sharing this:

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_KIDS_AND_TABLETS?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2013-12-24-10-22-32

Recognise this?

2013-11-07T05:21:00.001-08:00

Thanks to MIUI ROM

The day Russian diplomacy came of age.

2013-09-09T13:47:00.001-07:00

Picture courtesy of BBC news

Anyone who has taken on the playground bully knows how hard it is to confront aggression without physical intervention; yet how much trickier is it when we cannot really discern who the real aggressor is? What if both are equally to blame?

We used to happily bandy about the phrase 'they need their heads banging together' but who would seriously say the 'get tough' stance would actually work in Syria today.

After the ripples of Milband's surprise tsunami were felt across the great pond, nearly drowning Obama in a wave of over democracy; in a further shock development, Russia has become the voice of reason.

Who'd have thought, even a week ago, that anything other than a US/France military intervention was likely. Yet here we are today, with President Putin offering all a face saving way back from the precipice. A seemingly weak United Nations, unable to come up with the answers that anyone wants to hear can once again take centre stage, over-seeing Russia's proposed disarmament of the Syrian chemical arsenal.

Obama can hang back and assist in such action; Cameron can stop hand-wringing and also offer specialist expertise to any inspection; Hollande can get back to concentrating on the myriad of other reasons for which he is the most unpopular leader in French living memory.

So well done to the Russians! World Peace isn't going to suddenly break out but its a start.

And what has this to do with Kids today? Well I, for one, will remember, next time I have to intervene in a schoolyard bustup, and I can't see the wood for the trees; perhaps I'll just remember to listen to the small voice of reason that may come from an unexpected source......and I may not have to follow the inevitable path of escalation , too.

Uk Schools encouraged to change holidays!

2013-08-20T04:03:00.000-07:00

photo courtesy of BBC news

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-23756809

This isn't a helpful move to enable parents to avoid peak prices for holidays abroad.

This isn't to help pupils and teachers get more regular breaks.

It isn't to prevent kids from getting bored or parents running out of ideas.

It's not to give schools more flexibility to plan the curriculum.

SO WHY THEN?

It's a cynical plot permitting successive governments to pressurise schools into cutting down on holidays.

AND WHY'S THAT THEN?

Simples!

School is a relatively cheap form of child-care; look at what they've done to the school day (in the state sector in the UK)-they've extended it so parents (mostly mothers) can work longer.

They are working under the misguided assumption that this will increase economic productivity. It won't! All it will mean is children spending even less time being loved, cared for, socialised, raised by their own parents.

It will lead to more disaffection, exclusion and social isolation and ultimately more crime.

Wolverine (2013)

2013-07-31T12:47:00.000-07:00

According to IMDb Wolverine 2013 is:

"Summoned to Japan by an old acquaintance, Wolverine becomes embroiled in a conflict that forces him to confront his own demons."

It is a superbly entertaining film involving loyalty, betrayel, special effects and NINJAS! However, it is also TOTALLY inappropriate for a 12A rating!!!!

I saw this film this week and was shocked to see a boy who looked about 8 sit through a film which had a 40+ friend of mine cringing at the violence.

The film has a 12a rating here in the UK so what does that actually mean? If you thought 12 and above, you’d be wrong! According to the BBFC it means:

“The A stands for ‘accompanied’ and ‘advisory’. Children younger than 12 may see the film if they are accompanied by an adult”

Well-Heavens above! Surely there is a lower age limit?!?! The answer from the BBFC is a resounding

NO

The adult is allowed to make the decision, and on that logic:

Responsible adult…

“No way are you watching these torture scenes and other example of gratuitous violence”

Irresponsible adult…

“What do I care….I'm irresponsible, remember!”

So, in conclusion, if you like Bruce Lee style fight scenes; Indiana Jones style train rides and Marvel comic style characters then this is the film for you….that is, if you are over 15 and with a strong stomach.

If, on the other hand, you are under 15 or subject to the guidance of an irresponsible adult, give the film a wide birth….that is until you are at least mature enough to contextualise what’s going on.

Who am I fooling? You are going to see it anyway; you like all that excitement, whether or not it’s good for you.

Parents, if you have any say-please don’t take your under 12 to see this film and encourage your 12-15 to hold off a bit. It's worth the wait.

Good luck!

Eric Cantona's double.

2013-03-07T15:18:00.001-08:00

aka 'what is it with beards?

A boys transition to manhood is partially marked with him starting to shave:

But an alarming new trend may soon bring this rite of passage to a halt!

This weeks episodes of Trial and Retribution, (A Lynda La Plante crime series on ITV) showed a man with an alarming resemblance to ex Manchester United and, briefly, Leeds United superstar soccer icon-Eric Cantona.

Eric Cantona, courtesy of http://www.golfmagic.com

Doppelgangers naturally arouse our curiosity and research suggests there are at least two or three versions of ourselves out there, somewhere.

But, even though this may be worrying to some-I don't know what alarms me more....my awareness that some lucky soul/s is/are walking around with my distinctive countenance or.....

the sudden emergence of a preference for beards!!!!!!

Now the ancient Romans oft scoffed at the lesser civilised Greeks for their random affinity to the beard, and some associate the decline of the Roman Empire with an increase in beardo behavior.

Marcus Aurelius-exception to the rule!

The sensible among us know the folly the lies inherent therein should we slide into unkemptousness.

Here's England Rugger star Joe Marler, before he faced Scotland:

Courtesy of the Daily Mail

and here he is again following some sensible advice from ex England manager Sir Clive Woodward:

Courtesy of the Daily Mail

That way we English strive to at least appear civilized and avoid that crazy Gaul look, as sported by French rugger legend Sebastien Chabel!

The truly frightening thing is that our Lord and Savior may approve of this recent trend.

When people fret over Priestly celibacy, Women Priests etc; I just hope and pray that the next Pope doesn't make beards a requirement.

Pope Resigns!

2013-02-11T09:53:00.002-08:00

I can't help but think that the Holy Father has been under sustained attack, for a long time now, by the forces of evil.

We must hope and pray that those same forces don't succeed in undoing all the good he has done.

Gay Bishops???

2013-01-05T08:29:00.001-08:00

Picture courtesy of ebibleteacher.com

It is time, dear brethren of the Anglican persuasion, to come back to mother Church.

We knew it could only end in tears when you broke away to allow an errant king to pursue his own base nature. Upon such a foundation collapse was inevitable; build your house on sand....etc and you know what to expect. (Matthew 7:24-27).

So we shouldn't be too surprised when the Church of England allows:

Gay Clergy,
in civil partnerships,
to become Bishops...

as long as they remain celibate!?!?!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-20918806

Yes-you read correctly!

I'm not going to even attempt to unpick the thinking behind this inherent madness; suffice to say that this is what happens when we stray too far from the central teachings of Christ, as given through the magesterium of the Church; this is what happens when we follow what we think might be true and turn away from what we know to be true. I imagine this may still be a minority sport, two Bishops getting hitched, but I can't somehow see them being reserved a place on Noah's ark.

That said, my dear brethren, we do want you back; we pray to welcome you back into the fold; its time to come home.

^* “Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock.^r25The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house.^s But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock.26And everyone who listens to these words of mine but does not act on them will be like a fool who built his house on sand.27The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. And it collapsed and was completely ruined.”

Matthew 7:24-27

image courtesy of http://arkansasgopwing.blogspot.co.uk

A huge (Russian) bear hug for Depardieu!

2013-01-03T11:46:00.000-08:00

GD playing the part of Russian monk Rasputin, in a recent film.

Driven away by Hollande's oppressive Tax regime, known Rusophile Gerard Deparieu may embrace Russian President Putin's offer of Russian citizenship and a stunning flat personal rate of 13% income tax.

To gain the generous 13% break, GD could live in Russia for six months in each tax year or take Vlad's generous offer.

Don't be surprised Mr H if Gerard goes for dual-citizenship...or even gives up his French passport altogether. At a time where parents are struggling to send their children to even the most reasonably priced, but excellent, schools like Chavagnes, this socialist French government seems to be doing all it can to make life difficult.

Well done to those who stand up to Tax bullies, everywhere.

Merry Christmas !

2012-12-26T11:06:00.000-08:00

For a child is born to us, a son is given us;

upon his shoulder dominion rests.

They name him Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah - Chapter 9

The Secret of Crickley Hall

2012-11-25T14:26:00.000-08:00

A three-part dramatisation based on the James Herbert ghost story of the same name.

Following the opening scene where we see a lovely old house, a cramped bedroom full of orphans and a boy trying to hide from a supposedly scary man, we flick to a modern day family (although they appear to have 2.4 children and a dog, so a bit traditional there).

Rest assured the children are modern enough, as are the parent’s laissez-faire responses to their somewhat brat like behaviour: the boy wants to play ‘bombs’ with his Lego set and when the little girl demands her breakfast and her father asks if she’d like to help him find it she simply replies “No.”

A little later mum takes her son ‘Cam’ to the park and says:

“You can go on the slide, the swings or the roundabout, but not all three, do we have a deal?”

to which her son replies “deal!”

“deal means promise” says the mum
and the boy immediately responds with

“deal!”

...We then get a clip of her letting him play on all three.

A little later, the mother falls asleep, and shortly after Cam goes missing. About a year later, they move up to the old orphanage to help take her minds off things.

The story skips neatly enough along but then when it travels back to the war era, it goes for a typical BBC style bit of traddy Christian/Catholic bashing…portraying the owners looking after the evacuees as some kind of crazy hate-filled Christian fundamentalists who insist on such outlandish things as shoes being removed upon entering the house, quiet work, toys being earned and yes-shock horror-they believe in corporal punishment as an extension of their Christian beliefs!!!

This production also reels forth the old ‘Christians don’t like Jews’ adage which, to be fair, is tempered a little by the kindness of the new school mistress who basically represents the ‘Jesus loves everyone’ approach, in a typically trendy modern (1960s) sandal wearing/guitar strumming non-judgemental/BBC acceptable kind-of-way.

To conclude:

If you can get passed the obvious bias then the story isn't that bad. Give it a look.

All pictures are screenshots.

BBC 1, Sundays 9pm.

Savile & the can of worms

2012-10-23T07:46:00.000-07:00

Image courtesy of Dailymail.co.uk

For those who don't know the story: a recently deceased top celebrity, Sir Jimmy Savile, has been accused of a number of vile crimes against children, for a period spanning decades.

I suspect, and I’m sure I’m not alone in this suspicion, that Child Abuse in parts of the entertainment is, and always has been, rife.

In the 80’s and 90’s Children’s Homes, Boarding Schools and Church institutions have all been ripped apart by scandal after scandal.

In the Education world we have learnt these lessons: - not to provide easy access and opportunity to those who would do children harm, not to leave both child and adult in vulnerable situations, where abusers can abuse or false allegations can be construed; we have learnt the hard way. The world of Education is now so risk averse that many would say we've gone too far, no longer being able to physically comfort an upset child for fear of how it appears; no longer organising trips where we know children will benefit but are told by the teaching unions that they will not support us should anything go wrong. We've come out from a painful process of self-examination…but at least we've been there.

Image courtesy of IMDb

For many years we have heard stories of child stars that end up so psychologically damaged by their experiences that they have life-long therapy, battling demons like drug dependency, mental health issues and relationship problems. Many lose this battle early on and die before their time.

Those of my generation will remember teen idols like River Phoenix, who starred in many classics including ‘Stand by me’, he died of a massive drugs overdose aged 23; also, Cory Haim, famous for his role in films like ‘The Lost Boys’ (how apt!), or Gary Coleman from ‘Different strokes’, or Dana Plato, his co-star who committed suicide. Michael Jackson, the most famous child star did more than just hint at being a recipient of abuse whilst a ward of the industry.

What was it about their lives and the lives of others like them in these formative years that has messed them up so badly? I suspect I know what…but I would never take on such a powerful industry with so little proof; is this how some felt about Savile?

But what of the countless others? What of those who didn't even get to be stars? Do we think for a second that they weren't attracted by the ‘what might be’ spin of the countless faceless representatives of the rich and famous?

Remember that catchphrase from the 90’s show ‘the Word’:-“I’d do anything to be on TV”.

What were pushy parents prepared to allow for sake of their child’s future career? What were career minded executives prepared to ignore for the sake of their own? Haven’t many in the industry bought and sold the lives of children, for decades, peddlers of the last great bastion of child exploitation in the West. Haven’t we all been complicit in our unquestioning cult of celebrity?

So perhaps, Sir Jimmy’s exploits are only the tip of a very deep and dark iceberg?

So perhaps, it’s time we learnt the whole sordid truth, no matter how unpalatable that may be…

The greatest revelations, I’m sure, are yet to come.

Paralympics

2012-08-30T13:55:00.001-07:00

Image courtesy of http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/disability-sport/19429156

When you see achievements like this, by disabled athletes, it's hard to understand how many of those who cheer the teams on would also support termination of the unborn, on the basis of such a disability.

Where's the sense in that?

Dog Shaming

2012-08-22T07:38:00.000-07:00

Now everyone knows naughty behaviour should be punished, and as members of our family, this quite rightly applies to our pets, too. But, what has been condemned in the treatment of children has become a new internet sensation, when applied to the pets.

A new Tumblr photo site has become a hit with owners wanting to ‘show off’ the misdemeanours of their canine (and feline) friends.

Whether or not this is a form of ‘animal’ abuse is up for debate; what is certain is that some of the pictures are, I’m ashamed to admit, quite funny

Anyway, here’s a few examples:

And here's one for the boys at school:

All images courtesy of http://dogshaming.tumblr.com

Rowling's Potter pipped by Dickens's Marley

2012-08-20T13:14:00.001-07:00

Image courtesy of http://collider.com

Image courtesy of http://screenrant.com/

Vs

Wondering what to get your child to read, as the dark nights draw near?

It seems that 'A Christmas Carol' is the book parents most want their children to read, according to a study by the University of Worcester.

A spokesperson from the university, said:

'It is interesting to see that most of the popular books to pass down the generations have strong moral messages entwined in them.'

'The books that feature in the top 10 all provide thought-provoking content and characters, so it is clear that parents value these books for providing challenging thoughts which can last a lifetime.'

Here is the order of parent’s preference:

1. A Christmas Carol, (Charles Dickens)

2. The Harry Potter series, (JK Rowling)

3. The Lord of The Rings trilogy, (JRR Tolkien)

4. Pride and Prejudice, (Jane Austen)

5. Alice in Wonderland, (Lewis Carroll)

6. The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, (CS Lewis)

7. Animal Farm, (George Orwell)

8. Oliver Twist, (Charles Dickens)

9. The Hobbit, (JRR Tolkien)

10. To Kill a Mockingbird, (Harper Lee)

The fact of the matter is that no matter what the parent wants-the child often has ideas of their own.

On a positive note-I personally witnessed the power of a good book to envelope the imagination of a teenage boy.....he was so focussed on what he was reading, he walked off the end of a running track straight into some bushes. Good job he was only walking.

The man from ADSENSE, he say.......

2012-08-19T12:49:00.000-07:00

Apparently, insufficient content.

Need more paragraphs and...

stuff....

never mind

A Right Russian Riot

2012-08-17T08:48:00.002-07:00

According to RT.com, a Feminist Russian band have been charged with ‘Hooliganism’ and convicted to 2 years in prison, downgraded from a possible sentence of 7 years.

Image courtesy of http://rt.com/news

This scandal over the Russian punk band, “P**** Riot”, ‘seems’ to have prompted an over-the-top response from the Putin government-that is until we remember what hooded activists running into public buildings actually symbolises to many Russians.

Image courtesy of Wikipedia

Do you recall the school in Beslan, Russia, in 2004, where hooded terrorists stormed the school in an action that resulted in the deaths of over 300 people, 184 of whom were children? Or the Moscow Opera House siege where at least 120 hostages died. Is it any wonder the Russian government wants to clamp down on hooded activists?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/spl/hi/world/04/russian_s/html/1.stm

The band claimed to be asking the Virgin Mary to free them from Putin’s oppression? If they had any respect for the beliefs of the many Russians who use Christ the Saviour Cathedral, they wouldn’t have invaded the Church to launch a publicity stunt and mockingly danced around the sacred space.

Now I’ve no problem with punk music per se but have you read any of their lyrics? Here's a sample from the song they chose to sing:

“All parishioners are crawling and bowing”

“The Head of the KGB is their chief saint”

“In order not to offend the Holy Women have to give birth and to love”

“Holy s***t, s****, Lord’s s***”

Clearly they were genuine in their claim they didn’t mean to offend Christians.

Why is it that so called 'freedom of speech' activists always seem to defend those who trample roughshod over the beliefs of others.

Now the Church teaches 'forgiveness', but that is for those who are truly repentant; do we really believe this is the case with these women? OK, maybe 2 years is a bit harsh....personally, I'm all for their sentence being downgraded to something which serves the common good, like public street cleaning in Orange style jump suits.

Google Adsense

2012-08-16T12:37:00.000-07:00

I just opted to 'monetize' my Blog....whatever that means.

Google promise an easy system to do this, by creating adverts which blog browsers can click on, and this brings money to the Blog writer (as well as the advertisers).

It's all part of the Google + gift. Having said that, this is my third attempt to make it work. I've had the request rejected twice before and i'm not quite sure why.

Maybe it's not meant to work for this blog; all part of God's great plan to save me from the allure of becoming 'monetized'. Who knows. Watch this space to see if anything changes.

Cameron's sporting legacy-less school sport!

2012-08-14T14:32:00.000-07:00

Real competitiveness! image courtesy of http://www.chavagnes.org/

So what does the British Coalition Government really mean when it says it’s committed to an Olympic legacy: it means, at a time of rising obesity, schools will no longer have to provide the minimum of 2 hours Physical Education a week. Not only that, but Cameron et al plan to scrap rules preventing the selling off of yet more school playing fields (as they do not have to provide a minimum amount of space for team sports), according to tomorrow's 'Daily Telegraph'.

Following the amazing success of the Olympics, this is not what we expect to see any sane government do. Why don’t we go the whole Hog and like French President Hollande, oversee the burning of Youth Clubs and Primary schools…at least the French communities will have these rebuilt.

image courtesy of http://www.lemonde.fr

Goodbye London2012. It's been a blast,

2012-08-12T15:53:00.001-07:00

image courtesy of http://www.radiotimes.com

For the final Medal count follow this link:

https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=london+2012+medal+count

Goodbye London!

再见, До свидания, adios, au revoir, auf Wiedersehen,
じゃまたね, elalleqa, Ciao,Tot ziens, Yasou

Image courtesy of http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/olympics/article-2186944/London-2012-Olympics-Ben-Ainslie-carry-British-flag-closing-ceremony.html

Hello Rio!

Image courtesy of http://www.logobird.com/rio-2016-olympics-logo/

A fact about Chocolate

2012-08-12T10:21:00.000-07:00

Image courtesy of http://www.allposters.co.uk

We all know of famous children’s author J. M. Barrie, of Peter Pan fame, but what is less well known is the play he wrote before, entitled ‘Quality Street’. The plot can be read here and it is possible to read the whole play for free, online.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quality_Street_(play)

The play was so successful; it inspired a Chocolate company to use its name and also a series of prints were drawn by artist Hugh Thomson, in 1913.

A friend of mine has the original prints and allowed me to take some photos. I've shared three with you here.

Each is a representation of some aspect of the play, and if you enlarge them, you can read an explanation to accompany each picture.

Enjoy!