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Harry Potter Magic Mysteries in the Air

By Danielle Azzolina
Scholastic Kids Press Corps.
July 13, 2009

I was like a seeker in the game of quidditch, but I wasn’t searching for the golden snitch…I was searching for the golden actors who star in the latest Harry Potter movie, Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince. And like Harry Potter on his flying broom, I scored!

At the premiere of the newest Harry Potter movie in New York City July 9, I stood along the red carpet watching as excited Potter fans crammed together behind metal barriers waiting for the stars to arrive. Some sported sorting hats, the signature round rimmed Potter glasses, and other mystical garments from the world of Hogwarts. Some held up signs. One read: “Honk if you love Harry.” And there was honking—and yelling and cheering and chanting. “Snape! Snape! Sirius! Snape!” It was magical!

The crowd ignited with screams and cheers as the actors stepped out of their limos and onto West 54th Street in front of the Ziegfeld Theatre. There was so much excitement in the air you could taste it!

Daniel Radcliff, who plays Harry Potter, was one of the first to arrive. Before talking to reporters, however, he walked along the other side of the street greeting fans and signing autographs. I could tell where he was by the location of screaming fans.

While Radcliff was busy, Warwick Davis, who plays Professor Filius Flitwick, showed up. This was his second premiere at the Ziegfled, he told me. He was also in the movie The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian. He said the Harry Potter red carpet was much longer. I asked him to tell me about the hardest scene for him in Harry Potter. To give you his full answer would mean revealing the movie’s ending, so I edited his response.

“It’s a very moving scene,” he said of one of the final moments in the movie. “When you’ve been so close to all the characters and then have to stand there and witness [something like that] it was really quite, quite moving for me personally as well as in a character sense.”

Producer David Hymen talked to me about the hardest special effect, which was creating the infery, the underwater zombies.

“We all have a feeling about how zombies should be and what they look like,” he said. “And so to come up with something that had a connection to zombies of the upper world, but that was unique to water, that was the most difficult.”

Freddie Stroma, who plays the cocky Cormac McLaggen, a student at Hogwarts, told me about his favorite scene, when he goes into potions professor Horace Slughorn’s office with Hermione.

“I got to do sort of cheeky grins at Hermione, trying to get her attention and she kept looking away; that was quite fun,” he said.

I asked Director David Yates which scene had the most bloopers.

“There’s a scene right at the beginning of the movie where we get Daniel, Rupert and Emma sitting in the burrows talking about how old Dumbledore is,” he said. “ I can’t tell you how many bloopers we got in that scene because they kept cracking up. I had to send them off the set for a while!”

He promised it would show up in outtakes at some point—maybe the DVD.

Radcliff finally made it to the red carpet and it was my turn to question him. He has eyes that pierce right through you and a nice smile. He is also very gracious. I told him I had two questions to ask. First I wanted to know how he was most like Harry.

“I think in the way that we value our friends,” he said. “Friendship is very important in both our lives. I think I have Harry’s natural curiosity as well. He’s interested in a lot of things in his world as am I in mine.”

Before I got to ask my next question, anxious reporters began to call out questions to him and he asked them very politely to please wait while I asked my second question. That was cool!

I asked him to explain how Harry has changed from the first movie to the sixth. His answer made me laugh.

“Well, he’s gotten marginally taller,” he said. In a more serious tone, he said that the films have gotten darker from the first to this most recent. “I think Harry has had to become a lot tougher because of that,” he said.

Tom Felton, who plays Draco Malfoy, was next along the carpet. I asked him what it was like to play such a bad guy.

“I think it’s a lot more fun than playing a good guy really,” he said. “It’s great to play someone as far opposite of who I am in real life, so I really enjoy it.”

Emma Watson, who plays Hermione, answered the same question.

“Hermione has relaxed a little bit more now,” she said. “She doesn’t feel she has to prove herself so much because I think when she first arrived at Hogwarts she felt she had to prove herself.”

I spotted Rupert Grint, who plays Ron, before he got to my spot on the carpet. I saw his red hair through the crowd. I could also hear chants of “Rupert! Rupert! Rupert!” as he got closer. I asked him about his first on-screen kiss.

“It was kind of a big moment,” he said. “We were both quite nervous about it because we were in a room full of people who were shouting at us. It was a little bit embarrassing, but it was quite a bit of fun, too,” he said with a devilish look in his eye.

If you’ve read the books, you know who Ron’s first kiss is with, but if not, don’t expect me to spoil the surprise!

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince opens in theaters nationwide on July 15. harrypotter.warnerbros.com/

 

Editor’s Note: Scholastic Kid Reporter Danielle Azzolina interviews Daniel Radcliffe, left, star of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, at the premiere in New York City. Ruper Grint, right, plays Ron Weasley. Photo Courtesy of Scholastic Kids Press Corps.

We would like to know what you think? dan@youngchronicle.com

Source: Scholastic News Online

What Are You Doing Summer Vacation

by: Mary L. Gavin, MD
July 12, 2009

Like a delicious recipe you cook in your kitchen, a great trip needs more than one ingredient. You need a great place, fun stuff to do, and fun people to share it with, according to about 300 kids who responded to our survey about summer vacations.

 

Around the World

 

Some kids are already seasoned travelers, having visited Africa, India, China, Europe, the Philippines, and Fiji, an island in the South Pacific Ocean.

Ellie, 10, had a blast in Portugal – especially the night they were allowed to jump in the pool with their clothes on.

Hridaya, 11, saw the Taj Mahal on a visit to India.

Alex, 10, said his family had a great time in Perranporth and Newquay, beach areas in Great Britain. According to Alex, “Newquay Zoo rocks!”

 

Across the Country

Back in the United States, kids liked traveling to the Grand Canyon, Mount Rushmore, Disney World, and, of course, good old grandma’s house.

Dean, 8, said the best part of his summer is the garden he and his grandmother plant every year.

Other kids said they also had a blast without going too far from home. They visited relatives, ran through sprinklers, and visited nearby beaches.

Sarah, 12, remembers a parade on the boardwalk in New Jersey. People in the parade threw candy to the kids. “Me and my sister got so much candy – enough to last us until Halloween!”

Other kids watched the landscape change as they traveled to a different part of the country.

Taylor, 11, remembers the view out the airplane window as she flew across the United States from the East Coast to Arizona. “Buildings turned into farms, and farms into deserts. It was cool!” Taylor said. “When we got to the Grand Canyon, I was speechless! I can’t even explain how cool and beautiful it was! You would have to see it for yourself.

 

Hammocks, Fishing Rods, and Hula Skirts

Tiannah, 11, said her best trip was to Vermont, the home of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream. In addition to the ice cream, she liked lying on a comfortable hammock and sleeping under the stars.

Sophie, 11, liked her trip to Colorado best because she learned to cast a fishing rod in a wobbly canoe. She also learned the backstroke in the hotel pool.

Hawaii was a favorite spot for a number of kids who wrote us.

Diana, 11, liked it so much she wants to move there. “I went to the beach, saw snakes, fish, and a sailfish in the ocean, ate great food, got sunburned, and rode in the new rented car we got.”

Where you vacation is important, but as kids described their favorite trips, it was the people that seemed to matter most. In fact, more than half of kids said fun people were the most important ingredient – more important than a great place or fun stuff to do.

Mabembe, 12, said her best trip was a couple years ago when her family took a very long drive to Toronto for a wedding. “What made the trip sooo fun was that we drove,” she said. “Yes you heard right, we drove! Two and a half days long. I tell ya, it was all worth it because we did it together as a family.”

Lucie, 11, said her best vacation was when her family went to Tanzania in Africa. “I went not to have a safari adventure, but a family one. We went because all my family lives there except my mom, dad, my brother, me, and my sister. That was the best part because I could meet my distant family.”

 

Fantasy Trips Far, Far Away

Family and friends also were important as kids described where they’d go on a dream vacation. Some kids chose popular vacation spots, but others said they wanted to visit other planets or go back in time!

Jen, 12, wants to visit 1960s. Why? To see the Beatles live in concert. “I am a big fan of the Beatles and am disappointed that I wasn’t even alive when they were together. I’d take my parents so they could tell me about the ’60s so I would know how to act in a different decade!”

Nina, 15, would take her best friend, Kathy, to the moon so they could float around in zero gravity.

Madeline, 8, wants to take her dog, Captain, on a trip to Saturn.

Megan, 10, would like to take her family and her cats, Marcie and Buster, on a trip to see volcanoes. She’d stop in Hawaii and Yellowstone National Park – two volcanic spots – to get a head start on her career. “I want to study volcanoes when I grow up,” she said.

Hyder, 12, wants to go to Norway to see how it stays light for 6 months of the year and dark for the other 6. Who would he take? “My mom because I love her very much.”

Matt, 10, says he wants to go to Washington, DC, to see his uncle and to see the new Major League Baseball team, the Nationals. He’d take his family “because they have done so many things for me.”

Alaina, 13, says she’s always wanted to visit Queensland, Australia. She’d visit the Sydney Opera House and explore Australian culture. Who would she bring? “My mom, dad, and . . . no one else. Ha-ha, just kidding. I’d take along my little brother, too.”

It’s hard to tell if Ashlei, 10, was kidding when she said she’d take no one with her on a dream vacation to Hershey, Pennsylvania. Why go alone? “I want all the chocolate to myself,” she said.

Source: Kids Health

Editor’s Note: We would like to know what you think? dan@youngchronicle.com

Sleep Over Fire Safety Tips

by Sparky
July 10, 2009

Before you permit your child to sleep over with a friend, talk to the child’s parents. “Depending on what you learn, it can either uncover serious fire dangers or give you peace of mind during your child’s sleepover.” Here is a Check list supplied by NFPA.

 

Before you say “yes”

  How well do you know the home?

  Is the home clean? Does it appear to be structurally sound?

  Is the home in a safe area?

  If the home has security bars on doors and windows, do you know for certain that the bars have quick release devices inside, so your child could get out in an emergency?

  Is your child comfortable in the home and with all the occupants?

  Are you comfortable leaving your child in the home overnight?

 

How well do you know the parent(s)?

  Are they mature, responsible and conscientious?

  Will they supervise the children throughout the stay?

  Will they remain sober and attentive?

  Are they cautious with smoking materials, matches and lighters, and candles?

 

Ask the parents

  Are there working smoke alarms on every level, throughout their home? Are the alarms interconnected?

  Do they have a well-rehearsed fire escape plan that includes two ways out and a meeting place outside?

  Where will your child be sleeping? Is there a smoke alarm in or near the room? Are there two escape routes from the room?

  Will the parents walk through their escape plan with your child?

  Do the parents prohibit bedroom candle use by children?

 

Source: Sparky and NFPA

Editor’s Note: We would like to know what you think? dan@youngchronicle.com

Is A Bully Bothering You?

By McGruff and Scruff
July 12, 2009

In 1974, a neighborhood crime watch group was organized in South Dade County. Citizens met with their local law enforcement departments to ask what they could do to help the police apprehend a rapist terrorizing their community. From this first informal meeting, communities and law enforcement began to work together to keep neighborhoods safe and free from crime. An organization was formed, and Citizens’ Crime Watch of Miami-Dade County, Inc. (CCW) was registered as a 501(c) (3) non profit organization. Today, over 1,600 neighborhoods participate in the crime watch concept.

In 1979, the crime watch concept was introduced into the public school system at one school. Because it succeeded in curbing school crime, the Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) requested we, CCW, expand its student crime watch program from one school to include all public schools in the county. Since that time, Youth Crime Watch of Miami-Dade (YCW) has functioned as an allied program of the public schools.

Methodology The public school system contracts with YCW to educate and train students in violence and crime prevention strategies. Children also learn that good citizenship and personal responsibility include watching out for family, friends, schools and community. YCW maintains a presence in all M-DCPS.

The foundation of the YCW program is built upon a “school safety survey” which is administered at the school during the first few months of the school year. It asks respondents to rank their particular safety concerns – those issues which they believe have the potential to cause harm to themselves or their schoolmates. YCW students, student advisors, and our staff are then enlisted in the effort to resolve those issues impeding the safety, health, and education of young people. The results of the survey are prioritized and comprise the core content of the YCW program.

The YCW program is structured to teach leadership skills to students who volunteer to learn about school safety. While they learn how to keep themselves safe, they also learn public speaking, critical thinking, leadership, and other skills that will serve them into their adult lives. This, in turn, reinforces their self-esteem and promotes positive involvement, again curbing misbehavior, crime and violence in the school.

I’m McGruff the Crime Dog – world famous for my advice on how to stop crime before it happens, and for my great sense of humor. But seriously, my job is to help people, especially kids, learn how to be safe and make their neighborhood safer. Something else you should know about me is that I go all over the country to talk to people about how they can take a bite out of crime. So if you see me in your town, come on up and say hi. You can recognize me by my tan trench coat – I never go anywhere without it.

This here is my nephew Scruff. He helps me show kids how they can stay safe. Scruff’s a good pup but sometimes gets himself into a bit of trouble. Lucky for him he’s got a good memory – eventually he remembers the right thing to do to get out of trouble. Want to know more about me and Scruff?

You can read more about yours truly in the story How McGruff Became the Crime Dog, and you can read some of Scruff’s adventures in these comic books. Today’s Tip: Help others in the Community.

You and your friends can help out in your neighborhood by taking some few simple steps each day:
Ask your teacher if you could help by erasing the blackboard, or if he or she needs help carrying supplies.

• Bake some goodies for the elderly people in your community.
• Offer to rake the lawns of those in your neighborhood who are not able to.
• Ask your parents if they need help around the house. For example, offer to fold the laundry while you watch the television…that way you both win!
• Collect donations for a local shelter or Red Cross office. These are just a few ideas that you can do to help out around your community.
• By helping out, you are saying thanks to all those who make your neighborhood great!

 

Got a Bully? McGruff Can Help

 

 

Does another kid kick, hit, pinch, punch, trip or threaten you? If so, you may have a bully.

Does someone tease you, call you names, leave you out, or spread rumors about you? You may have a bully. But you can stand up to bullies if you know what to do.

 

• Try to talk it out. Say, “Why are you being mean to me?”
• Walk away from the bully.
• Speak up. Say, “Stop picking on me!”
• Make a joke. If you say something funny, even about yourself, the bully might laugh and forget to pick on you.
• Stick with your friends.
• Ask an adult for help.

Do you know someone who has a bully? Well, you can help. Did you know that most of the time when a kid steps in bullying stops? Here are some things you can do.

• If you see someone being picked on, be a friend and walk away from the bully together.
• If you have a friend who bullies, take a stand and tell your friend to stop.
• If you know someone that gets picked on, ask the kid to play with you.
• Get your friends to come with you when you help someone being bullied.

Source: McGruff

www.mcgruff.org

 

Editor’s Note: Next week we will talk about: Help Stop Bullies.

We would like to know what you think? dan@youngchronicle.com

History of the FBI Pt. 1

 

 

By Special Agent Bobby Bureau
July10, 2009

Editor’s Note: We are always looking for ways to inform parents of programs that will help them raise their children. Well we found one it is called “Special Agent Bobby Bureau”. We will be joining him to give you tips for kids of all ages. The best way to tell you about this agent is to let him tell you himself.

The Kids’ Page is designed for children and their parents to learn more about the FBI through age-appropriate games, tips, stories and inter actives. We also introduce you to our working dogs and show how FBI special agents and analysts investigate cases. First, can you help Special Agent Bobby Bureau get in disguise for his undercover assignment? He’s depending on you. You have to visit the sight to sign up as a special agent.

Today’s  we talk “About the FBI.”

We would like to know what you think? dan@youngchronicle.com

We strongly recommend that you visit this sight with your child. This sight we rate a 10.

So, you’ve been thinking about working for the FBI? When I was a small pup, I wanted to work for the FBI, too. I want you to meet some of the people who work with me. They will be with us during some parts of the field trip.

We were not always called the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). When we began in 1908, we were known as the Bureau of Investigation. On July 26 of that year, the Attorney General appointed ten Special Agents to the Bureau of Investigation, and called them the Special Agent Task Force.

In 1933, our name changed to the Division of Investigation and, finally, in 1935, we became what we are today — the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Through each of these name changes, we also changed badges.

We also carry a special wallet that has our picture on it. We use this wallet to identify ourselves to people when we are working. We call it a credential. Here are two different credentials. Just click on the pictures to print them out and then make your own special identification wallet. Don’t forget to put you picture on it.

What we investigate has also changed over the years. Back in 1908, there were different crimes than what we have today. Also, there were far fewer types of crimes than we have today. A good example of this is car theft. In 1908, almost no one had a car, but as more people bought cars, the number of car thefts increased.

Wow! I didn’t know that the FBI had changed so much since it first started! Thanks for explaining that, Maureen. Next, we are going to learn about what the FBI does. Here’s Jose to tell you about this.

Next week: We talk about the “What We Do”

Source: FBI

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Grandparents

By Alexander
July 11, 2009

 

Dear Alexander,
(Q) We are going on a big road trip this summer to see my grandparents. The last time I saw my grandma and grandpa, they sort of brushed off my milk allergy even though my mom always tells them how important it is. Can you help me figure out what to say to my grandparents so that they’ll understand?

 

(A) Sometimes grandparents do not understand much about food allergies because when they grew up, they did not know anyone who had a food allergy. An easy way to help them to understand is to bring them FAAN’s DVD, One Bite Is All It Takes! You and your parents can ask them to sit down and watch the DVD with you. After it is over, invite them to ask you questions about your food allergy. You can educate them right in their own living room! Remind them that there were not very many people with food allergies when they were growing up, but that things have changed. Tell them about some of your friends or people you know at school who have food allergies (or about all the kids who visit this website!), and what each of you needs to do to stay safe. Ask them for ways to help you stay safe, too. 

 

Good luck!

Your friend,

Alexander

 

 Source: Food Allergy Neywork

Editor’s Note: The information above is not designed to take the place of a doctor’s instructions. Patients are urged to contact a doctor for specific information regarding guidelines for care.

We would like to know what you think? And is there a question that you have for Alexander. dan@youngchronicle.com

Tools Be a Fit Kid

By Mary L. Gavin
July 12, 2009

 

There’s a lot of discussion these days about fit kids. People who care (parents, doctors, teachers, and others) want to know how to help kids be more fit.

Being fit is a way of saying a person eats well, gets a lot of physical activity (exercise), and has a healthy weight. If you’re fit, your body works well, feels good, and can do all the things you want to do, like run around with your friends.

Some steps only parents can take – such as serving healthy meals or deciding to take the family on a nature hike. But kids can take charge, too, when it comes to health.

Here are five rules to live by, if you’re a kid who wants to be fit. The trick is to follow these rules most of the time, knowing that some days (like your birthday) might call for cake and ice cream.

 

Eat a Variety of Foods, Especially Fruits and Vegetables

You may have a favorite food, but the best choice is to eat a variety. If you eat different foods, you’re more likely to get the nutrients your body needs. Taste new foods and old ones you haven’t tried for a while. Some foods, such as green veggies, are more pleasing the older you get. Shoot for at least five servings of fruits and vegetables a day – two fruits and three vegetables.

Here’s one combination that might work for you:

• at breakfast: ½ cup (about 4 large) strawberries on your cereal
• with lunch: 6 baby carrots
• for a snack: an apple
• with dinner: ½ cup broccoli (about 2 big spears) and 1 cup of salad.

 

Drink Water and Milk Most Often

When you’re really thirsty, cold water is the No. 1 thirst-quencher. And there’s a reason your school cafeteria offers cartons of milk. Kids need calcium to build strong bones, and milk is a great source of this mineral. How much do kids need? If you are younger than 9 years old, drink 2 cups of milk a day, or its equivalent. Aim for 3 cups of milk per day, or its equivalent. You can mix it up by having milk and some other calcium-rich dairy foods. Here’s one combination:

• 2 cups (about half a liter) of low-fat or nonfat milk
• 1 slice cheddar cheese
• ½ cup (small container) of yogurt

You probably will want something other than milk or water once in a while, so it’s OK to have 100% juice, too. But try to limit sugary drinks, like sodas, juice cocktails, and fruit punches. They contain a lot of added sugar. Sugar just adds calories, not important nutrients.

 

Listen to Your Body

What does it feel like to be full? When you’re eating, notice how your body feels and when your stomach feels comfortably full. Sometimes, people eat too much because they don’t notice when they need to stop eating. Eating too much can make you feel uncomfortable and, over a period of time, can lead to unhealthy weight gain.

 

Limit Screen Time

What’s screen time? It’s the amount of time you spend watching TV or DVDs, playing video games (console systems or handheld games), and using the computer. The more time you spend on these sitting-down activities, the less time available for active stuff, like basketball, bike riding, and swimming. Try to spend no more than 2 hours a day on screen time, not counting computer use related to school.

 

Be Active

One job you have as a kid – and it’s a fun one – is that you get to figure out which activities you like best. Not everyone loves baseball or soccer. Maybe your passion is karate, or kickball, or dancing. Ask your parents to help you do your favorite activities regularly. Find ways to be active every day. You might even write down a list of fun stuff to do, so you can refer to it when your mom or dad says it’s time to stop watching TV or playing computer games!

Speaking of parents, they can be a big help if you want to be a fit kid. For instance, they can stock the house with healthy foods and plan physical activities for the family. Tell your parents about these five steps you want to take and maybe you can teach them a thing or two. If you’re a fit kid, why shouldn’t you have a fit mom and a fit dad?

Source: Kids Health

 

Editor’s Note: We would like to know what you think? dan@youngchronicle.com

Football Players Keep Healthy

By Mary L. Gavin, MD
July 12, 2009

 

Football training camp tests what a player is made of. For the Pittsburgh Steelers, that means sweltering August afternoons in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, on the campus of St. Vincent College. The sun beats down on the fields as coaches and fans scout to see who’s got the right stuff this year.

But before they hit the field, Leslie Bonci makes sure they have the right stuff on their plates. As the team nutritionist, she helps set the menu at the camp cafeteria and says good nutrition gets front-and-center attention at training camp. Rule No. 1: No skipping meals. Players must sign in at every meal, which means even superstar athletes can’t sleep through breakfast.

“It puts the importance on the fueling,” Bonci said.

Healthy, nutritious food – eaten at the right times – can make a difference for all athletes, kids included, she said. You might not be a Steeler yet, but you can follow Bonci’s advice before beginning your preseason sports camps and practices.

 

Put your health first.

Bonci likes to use the acronym SHOP with the players she advises. It stands for “Safeguard health. Optimize performance.” That means no one should start their preseason workouts unless they’re sure they’re healthy. For a kid, that might mean getting a sports physical.

Lots of schools require these, which typically include an exam to check basic stuff like your blood pressure and weight. It’s also a chance for a doctor to look at your medical history – info on current medical issues, previous sports injuries, and health problems you have had in the past or ones that run in your family.

The Steelers are no different. They get health checkups, too. This year, Bonci had to help one player who had gained weight in the off-season. She worked with the camp cafeteria to create special meals for him. While the rest of the team was having chicken wings for an evening snack, this player got a portion of grilled chicken with dipping sauce. Still a tasty, satisfying snack, but less fat and calories.

 

Start practice an hour early.

No, Bonci doesn’t tell the Steelers to get to the field an hour early. But she does tell athletes to start preparing for practice 1 hour before by having a drink and a snack.

“That’s part of your warm-up,” Bonci said.

This is especially important when practices will be long and intense – the kind when you’ll spend an hour or more doing conditioning exercises or actively practicing your sport.

Here are some before-practice menu options:

 

Drinks (choose 1)

• 8-10 ounces of water
• Half a sports drink (10 ounces)

 

Snacks (choose 1)

        *   Half a peanut butter sandwich

• Yogurt and granola (Steeler Troy Polamalu loves yogurt!)
• Small egg sandwich or wrap.

These pre-practice snacks include carbohydrates (like the bread, granola, and oatmeal) for energy. They also offer some protein (peanut butter, yogurt, egg) to help athletes keep going during a long, tiring practice.

 

Bring enough to drink.

Also 1 hour before practice, think about what you’ll need to pack. Most important? Enough water to get you through. Bring a large insulated jug of water rather than just one bottle. Don’t rely on the water fountain, Bonci says; bring your own and enough of it.

Your body performs best when you’re hydrated. When you’re not, you may start feeling lightheaded and dizzy. Even mild dehydration can make it hard to throw that perfect spiral or go after the soccer ball. Sweating while working out means you’re losing extra water. Try to take a drink every 15 minutes or so.

 

Pack a “recovery snack.”

Bonci recommends a “recovery snack” – something to eat about 15 minutes after practice ends. At Steeler training camp, some of the players eat Popsicles as they walk off the field after afternoon practice. Other good choices include fresh fruit, granola bars, some dry cereal, or Bonci’s favorite recovery snack – garbage can trail mix. What’s that?

For large teams, you start with a clean garbage can with a liner. Dump in dry cereal (such as Chex), pretzels, and snack crackers. Give everyone a plastic cup to scoop some out and you have the perfect recovery snack.

Eating a little something after practice takes advantage of enzymes (chemicals your body produces) that help your body recover after a tough workout, Bonci said. A recovery snack has an added benefit: It makes athletes less likely to overeat later.

So the right recovery snack will help “Fast Willie” Parker eat just the right amount of lasagna after a game. Read on to learn more about this Super Bowl champion’s healthy food habits

 

Food Q&A With Running Back Willie Parker

 

(Q) What’s your favorite healthy food?
(A) Salad.

 

(Q) What is your favorite pre-game meal or snack?
(A) Baked chicken, some potatoes, and lots of fruit.

 

(Q) What’s your favorite post-game meal?
(A) Lasagna.

 

(Q) What’s your favorite junk food and do you limit how much you eat?
(A) Fried chicken and macaroni and cheese. I like to limit my servings to two servings of each.

 

(Q) Have your eating habits changed since you were a kid or teen athlete?
(A) They have changed dramatically. You have to start eating healthier by eating better foods. I also have a nutritionist who makes sure that I get the right proteins.

(Q) Any food advice for kids and teens who are practicing and playing hard?
(A) Stay away from high-sugar meals and snacks.

 

How About Some Steeler Salad?

This recipe incorporates Parker’s favorites – salad, chicken, potatoes, and fruit – all in one Super Bowl! Have an adult help you with this dish, which requires some cutting, chopping, and use of the stove.

 

Steeler Salad

What You Need

• 2 3-ounce chicken breasts
• 2 baking potatoes, washed
• 2 cups washed greens (lettuce, spinach, or both)
• ½ cup sliced cucumber
• ½ cup peppers (any color)
• ½ cup red grapes
• Cajun or blackened seasoning (for chicken)
• Cooking spray oil
• Italian seasoning (for potatoes)
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• ¼ cup shredded cheese, optional
• 1 tablespoon sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, chopped almonds, cashews, or peanuts
• Low-fat or fat-free salad dressing (any variety)

 

Equipment and Utensils

• Oven/stove
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Nonstick grill pan or skillet (for chicken)
• Baking sheet lined with aluminum foil (for potatoes)
• Tongs or spatula
• Knife
• Two large salad bowls

 

What to Do

Potatoes

• 1. Preheat oven to 350°.
• 2. Sprinkle a little olive oil on the baking sheet lined with foil.
• 3. Cut 2 baking potatoes into long wedges.
• 4. Place potatoes on the baking sheet lined with foil.
• 5. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
• 6. Bake about 15-20 minutes at 350°.
• 7. Increase oven temperature to broil and broil for 5 minutes until brown.
• 8. Remove from oven, cut into smaller chunks. Set aside.

 

Chicken

• 1. Prepare grill pan or skillet with spray oil.
• 2. Sprinkle chicken with Cajun or blackened seasoning.
• 3. Grill in grill pan until done.
• 4. Cut into strips, set aside.

 

The salad

• 1. In two bowls, combine greens, cucumbers, peppers, and grapes.
• 2. Add chicken strips and potato chunks to each bowl.
• 3. Add cheese and nuts, if desired.
• 4. Top with 1-2 tablespoons dressing

Source: Kids Health

Editor’s Note: We would like to know what you think? dan@youngchronicle.com

History on the Hudson

By Chloe Anello
Scholastic News
July 12, 2009

When I think of the Hudson River during the summer, I think of speedboats and jet skis. Recently, however, the view was much different. I saw a mixed flotilla of two historic sailing ships, a fire boat spouting water, and two floating museums sailing up New York State’s mightiest river.

I knew these historic ships were coming when I heard a cannon firing. The modern world interrupted for a moment as a helicopter chased the speedboats and jet skis away to clear a watery path for the flotilla. All of this was part of Hudson River Quadricentennial celebration, marking 400 years since Henry Hudson first made his historic voyage from the southern tip of Manhattan Island up the river.

Hudson was a famous explorer, determined to find a shorter route to Asia. He and his crew sailed on a ship named the Half Moon. Instead of a trade route to Asia they stumbled upon North America. During his expedition he sailed up the river that is now called the Hudson River and established a Dutch trading colony.

A replica of his ship, the Half Moon, and another replica, the Onrust stayed in my town, Newburgh, New York, for a couple of days. Did you know that onrust means wanderer in Dutch?

The Half Moon is portrayed in history books as this big majestic ship with huge white sails, but let me tell you, up close, it is quite different. The ship is colorful and pretty, but not very large. I was surprised when a crew member told me that it is only 16 feet long and that it takes 15 to 20 people to sail it. That is a lot of people to be crowded in such a small space! Also the sleeping corridors are only four feet high-I’m guessing there was a lot of head bumping.

 

The ships reminded me of a pirate ship or the ships in the movie Peter Pan. It was a really terrific experience to board and experience the Half Moon in person.

The celebration is going on all year. It began on New Year’s Day 2009 and continues throughout the summer and fall.

 

Editor’s Note: PHOTOS: (TOP) The masts and sails of the Half Moon. (BOTTOM) The Half Moon in Newburgh, NY, where it stayed overnight so people could explore its quarters. Photos courtesy Chloe Anello.

We would like to know what you think? dan@youngchronicle.com

Source: Scholastic News Online

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