$57 million for Haiti

By Nekesa Mumbi Moody   
AP Music Writer
Jan. 23, 2010

NEW YORK – Organizers for the all-star “Hope for Haiti Now” telethon say the event raised a record-setting $57 million — and counting.

The two-hour telethon aired Friday night on the major networks and dozens of other channels, including MTV, Bravo, and PBS, and was also streamed live online.

Stars like Brad Pitt, Beyonce, Madonna, Bruce Springsteen and more used their presence to encourage donations for Haiti, following a Jan. 12 earthquake that killed an estimated 200,000 people.

A statement released Saturday said the money raised was a record. It does not include donations by corporations or via iTunes, where people are able to buy performances of the event for 99 cents.

People can still donate via text, phone or through the “Hope for Haiti” Web site.

 

Source: Yahoo News

 

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

17th Annual Ultimate Sports Extravaganza and Auction

By MWF/PIO
Jan. 9, 2010

Have you ever counted backward before taking that shot…pumped your fists after sinking a putt or hitting that perfect backhand winner…faked a home run trot or raised your hands singling touchdown, even though the game was just in your backyard…

We understand.

We all want to have the glory, wish to be the hero, even for just a moment. Sports can provide that opportunity, especially for a child.

This year we are celebrating those magical moments that live inside each and every one of us.

The 17th Annual Make-A-Wish Ultimate Sports Extravaganza & Auction will highlight the theme, “Every Child Deserves to Wish.” 

Join us February 25th at 6:00 p.m. at The Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa in Hollywood, Florida.

This year’s event is poised to be our most exciting. The star-studded extravaganza will be filled with various interactive moments with local and national celebrities from the world of sports and entertainment, as well as some very special wish children.

The auction will have unique items that appeal to the avid collector as well as someone just looking for a special keepsake.

The hotel’s catering has promised to create an epicurean delight from the hors d’oeuvres to the sit down dinner.

Sure, the above alone would make for a great night; however the Make-A-Wish Foundation is about creating tremendous evenings.

As such, we are pleased to announce that our Featured Guest will be legendary Miami Dolphins and Hall of Fame Coach Don Shula.

This event will provide you with the opportunity to interact with the ONLY coach to lead an NFL team to an undefeated season and the winnings coach in league history.

We are honored to have him participate in this historical event and hope that you will share in the festivities. 

Tickets for the Make-A-Wish Ultimate Sports Extravaganza & Auction are now available beginning at $250. 

Sponsorships, which include exclusive event benefits for complete tables of ten, are also available starting at $2,500.  Call 954-967-9474 ext. 318 today.

 

The Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa – Hollywood, FL 

Date: February 25, 2010

Time: 6:00 p.m.

 

 

Source: Make a Wish Foundation

 

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

NFL Charles Woodson Gives Back Donates $2 million to U-M Hospital

By Larry Lage
AP
Nov. 27, 2009

 

ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP)—Charles Woodson(notes) wants to be known as more than a football player.

Donating $2 million to the new University of Michigan Mott Children’s Hospital and Women’s Hospital gives him a chance to do that.

The school announced Woodson’s gift on Thanksgiving before he played for the Green Bay Packers against the Detroit Lions.

Then, he intercepted two passes—returning one for a score—forced a fumble, recovered it and had a sack.

“It was a good day,” Woodson said after Green Bay’s 34-12 win in Detroit.

His donation will support pediatric research by The Charles Woodson Clinical Research Fund in the $754-million, 1.1-million square foot hospital scheduled to open in 2012.

“He’s really studied and tried to understand what the issues are in doing research in pediatrics,” Dr. Valerie Castle said. “What most people don’t know is that less than 10 percent of the National Institute of Health budget goes toward research in pediatric disease.

“When you study those patients, you often times get clues to adult diseases.”

Woodson hopes to attract the world’s best researchers who want to help children with cancer, heart disease, kidney disorders and autism.

“I want to be part of that symbol of hope,” Woodson said. “So that they can say, ‘I know I can beat this thing and there’s people out there who will help me beat it.”’

Woodson said during a visit to Ann Arbor earlier this month that becoming a father in January motivated him to make the gift, altering his outlook on life.

“It can change a lot,” he said.

Lloyd Carr, his coach at Michigan, hopes Woodson’s gift pushes his peers to also give back.

“I think it’s going to have a significant influence across the athletic world that he decided to do this,” Carr said.

Woodson acknowledged feeling awkward about allowing a Fox TV reporter and crew to follow him as he visited patients on a day off in November, but said it was part of his mission.

“Half of the battle is about awareness,” Woodson said. “When I signed on board to be a part of this team, that was going to be part of the deal. Part of making it work is me being a face or spokesman.

“I guess what bigger days can we do it to bring awareness to the cause when everybody is watching a Thanksgiving Day game?”

The native of Fremont, Ohio, helped Michigan win the national championship in 1997. He won the Heisman Trophy as a cornerback who also played wide receiver and returned punts.

His memories from college on and off the field led to him giving back financially.

“It was probably best three years of my life that I can remember, other than having my son,” Woodson said. “When people still see me, even though I have been in Green Bay and Oakland, they still talk about Michigan.”

On the Net: Charles Woodson Clinical Research Fund:

 

Source: Yahoo News

 

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

Taylor Swift Makes History and Wins Big

By Chloe Anello
November 14, 2009

Editor’s Note: Singing sensation Taylor Swift made music history when she became the youngest person ever to be named ‘Entertainer of the Year’ at the Country Music Awards last week.

The 19-year-old also took home awards for Female Vocalist of the Year, Music Video of the Year for her song “Love Story,” and Album of the Year with “Fearless.”

Kid Reporter Chloe Anello recently attended a Taylor Swift concert at Madison Square Garden (see blog post below). A year ago, Kid Reporter Sydney Rieckhoff had a sit down interview Swift. Check it out by clicking here!

But first, relive Chloe’s concert experience in New York City.

—Editor Suzanne Freeman

 

Concert Sensation

Going to your first concert is a whole different musical experience from listening to recorded music. For me music came alive when Taylor Swift preformed in Madison Square Garden recently. The sold-out crowd was a sea of tween and teen girls, all fans of 19-year-old singer/songwriter.

The night started off with videos of Swift and her friends Miley Cyrus, Demi Lovato, and Lucas Till talking about their definition of the word fearless. After all it was the Fearless tour!

Swift took the stage in a marching band uniform singing the song “You Belong with Me.” In the middle of the song she pulled off the band uniform to reveal a sparkly fringe dress.

After a couple songs everyone noticed that only the band was on stage. Swift was missing. Then the screams began. I looked to my left and there she was, standing in the aisles. Fans were climbing on seats to get pictures, while others were running to get close to her. It took a while for her to get back to the stage with all the fans trying to hug her or take a picture with her. Once she was on stage she was surprised with a seven-minute standing ovation from adoring and appreciative fans.

For her hit song “Love Story,” the stage transformed into a castle scene. Swift performed in a red dress until back up dancers pulled it off of her revealing another dress, this one white. Swift took off her tiara and gave it to a little girl up front. That sure made one little girl’s day!

Taylor gave two encores. On her last one, there was an amazing special effect that I’ve never seen before. She was singing her song “Should’ve Said No” and at the end water cascaded right on top of her. The water rained down in sheets with the lyrics of the song reflected on it. It was an amazing way to end the show. I’ll never forget it.

—Chloe Anello

Editor’s Note: PHOTO: Taylor Swift with Kid Reporter Sydney Rieckhoff. (Photo courtesy Sydney Rieckhoff)

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

 

Source: Scholastic News Online

Special Olympian of the Week – Sarah

By Dan Samaria
Publisher/GCC
Nov. 14, 2009

Editor’s Note: There are a lot of God’s special children in this world that you need your help. After reading this article, it doesn’t make you want to get involved we don’t know what would.

We hope you will enjoy the story below:

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

 

By Special Olympics/PIO

Sarah is exuberant when she talks about Special Olympics.  Born with Down syndrome, Sarah has been in Special Olympics for four years.  “My coaches have worked really hard.  They have taught me how to start off, how to breathe, how to pace myself and how to blast through at the end of the race.  I want to work harder to run faster.  I want them to be proud of me.”

Sarah’s mother, Sue, was a lifeguard for Special Olympics when she was a university student.  Little did she know how important that experience would become.  “With Down syndrome, Sarah’s biggest challenge is that it sometimes takes her longer to process information.”  Sue adds, “So Sarah keeps working to improve.  She is very conscientious about being organized and finishing whatever she starts.”

 

A Closer Look

Sarah is in 7th grade at a middle school in Michigan.  She plays the clarinet in the band and practices every day.  Adam, her Jack Russell terrier, cries sometimes when she plays but she pretends he is singing. With Special Olympics, Sarah has competed and won medals in track, and this year she will learn bocce.  When in training for track, she works with a Special Olympics coach three times a week and runs a mile every day in her neighborhood.

She tells us, “I push myself harder at Special Olympics and I have more fun.  I am a runner!  I want to do the best I can.”

As Sue Itoh tells us, “We have met so many wonderful people, coaches and athletes through Special Olympics.  The best part is being with everyone.”  Sarah adds, “I like people to cheer me on and to be proud of me.  I smile a lot at Special Olympics.”
It feels good to run hard,” says Special Olympics athlete Sarah Itoh.  “I never ran races before going to Special Olympics.”
 
Ready Set Go! “I push myself harder at Special Olympics and I have more fun,” says Special Olympics athlete Sarah Itoh.

Source: Special Olympics

Movie Review – Astro Boy

by Kerry Bennett
October 28, 2009

Editor’s Note: If you have a movie review that you would like to submit on a movie that you have seen.

We would like to know what you think about any reviews that we publish. dan@youngchronicle.com

Based on the TV cartoon series with the same name, Astro Boy (voiced by Freddie Highmore) is a robotic child built by a grieving scientist (voiced by Nicholas Cage) who has lost his son. When he fails to fill the empty place in his human father’s heart, the young robot sets off on a journey of self-discovery.

In-Depth Review

Astro Boy is rated PG: for some action and peril, and brief mild language.

It’s been a long, long time since I’ve seen a television episode of Astro Boy. Long enough that I didn’t remember much about the individual other than his characteristic cowlick and jet powered boots. Fortunately, my reunion with this undersized and updated superhero was more enjoyable than I anticipated.

In the movie, Dr. Tenma (voice by Nicolas Cage) is working on a highly technical research project that promises to provide a new source of power for Metro City. He and his fellow employee at the Ministry of Science, Dr. Elefun (voice by Bill Nighy), have managed to separate positive and negative aspects of the energy and are ready to test its capabilities.

Unfortunately, General Stone (voice by Donald Sutherland) is up for re-election and wants to make an announcement that will guarantee his success at the polls. Rather than wait for more controlled analysis, he forces the scientists to immediately insert these volatile resources into his new military android known as the Peace Keeper. Not unexpectedly, the experiment goes horribly wrong and Dr. Tenma’s boy is killed.

Heartbroken, the grieving father fashions a robot in the exact likeness of his son and brings him to life using the blue core of positive energy he discovered with Dr. Elefun. But it doesn’t take long for Dr. Tenma to realize this little mechanical child, known as Astro Boy (voice by Freddie Highmore), will never be able to replace the one he lost. Discarded by his “dad” and hiding from General Stone (who wants to recover the energy core for his robotic army), Astro Boy ends up in a decaying part of the planet with a bunch of orphaned children. It is a scenario torn directly from the script of Oliver Twist. These kids work for Ham Egg (voice of Nathan Lane), the only adult around. By day he sends them out to collect bits and pieces of mechanized junk that he refurbishes into functioning machines.

However, Astro soon discovers that robots aren’t particularly popular with these residents, so he opts to keep his true identity secret while he tries to find his place in the world.

Based on the Japanese manga series created in the 1950s, both Astro Boy and the storyline have undergone some dramatic changes that aficionados of the comic will quickly notice. Yet the robot’s desires to fit in and find a purpose in his life are still evident in the plot. Depictions of violent encounters with the gigantic, morphing Peace Keeper, that absorbs and integrates objects around it (including other robots, humans and parts of buildings), might be frightening for young viewers—although many of the portrayals are no more graphic than an after-school cartoon. More disturbing may be the emotional drama that takes place when Dr. Tenma loses his son and later when the human father rejects his creation Astro Boy.

Still, older children will likely be engaged by this high-flying superhero as he discovers his unique set of super powers. And, given his ability to break down barriers between humans and robots as well as burrow through solid rock, Astro Boy is a champion most parents can approve of too.

Studio: 2009 Summit Entertainment. Visit the official movie site.

Content Details:

Robots in this film provide all kinds of help from household chores to soldiering. Some are outfitted with weapons. An evil politician attempts to force the upcoming election in his favor by making scientists use their experiment for military purposes. A research trial results in the death of a child. A father is shown grieving for his son. A robotic character is rejected by his human creator and later runs away from home. Orphaned children are shown living on their own. Robots engage in gladiator-like entertainment for humans. A scientist removes the energy core from a robot, rendering it lifeless. A gigantic android attempts to kill Astro Boy, destroys parts of the city and terrifies the inhabitants. Explosions are shown. Brief, mild profanities are used. A cartoon character is shown with his pants down in a doctor’s office. Astro Boy comments about his derriere.

Discussion Ideas:

Video alternatives…

Other mechanical objects also have emotional and human traits attributed to them in movies with similar themes. In Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius, a young budding scientist uses metal, bolts and nuts to fashion a high-tech pet that can play dead as well as fetch. A little android is left to clean up after the humans who’ve destroyed the Earth’s resources in WALL-E. Robin Williams stars as a robot who has developed a love of classical music and a penchant for painting in Bicentennial Man. Another father wishing for a son fashions a boy out of wood, in the classic fairytale Pinocchio.

Source: Parent Previews

Editor’s Note: Kerry Bennett is interested in media from both a journalist and parent perspective. Along with authoring articles for several family-oriented publications, she has written for Parent Previews for nearly 10 years. She serves as Vice President of the Alberta Association for Media Awareness. She and her husband Garry have four sons.

Alexander Rogov a Man of Courage

By Dan Samaria
Publisher/YC
October. 21, 2009

Editor’s Note: There are a lot of God’s special children in this world that you need your help. After reading this article, it doesn’t make you want to get involved we don’t know what would.

We hope you will enjoy the story below:

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

By Special Olympics
October 19, 2009

Alexander Rogov had to face the reality of not achieving his dream because of an injury at the World Winter Games, but had the courage and spirit to support his teammates.

When Special Olympics Russia’s Alexander Rogov learned he was going to compete as a speed skater in the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games he thought of one thing – winning a medal.

On the first day of preliminaries for the 333-meter speed skating event Rogov fell to the ice on the third and final lap with a tear in his Achilles tendon. He courageously got back to his feet and was able to make it across the finish line, but it would be the last time he would wear his speed skates at these World Games. After traveling from his small town an hour outside of St. Petersburg, all the way to Idaho, his dreams of winning a medal in his first World Winter Games were over – on the eve of his 18th birthday.

“I was very disappointed,” Rogov said through an interpreter. “Winning a medal was the thing I wanted to do the most at the Games.”

As he underwent a successful surgery to repair the tendon, word of Rogov’s story spread throughout the community of athletes, coaches, volunteers and staff at the World Games. By the time he was back in his hotel room recovering, Special Olympics Chairman Timothy Shriver had heard of Rogov’s story and visited him.

He told Shriver that it was difficult to remain in his room while his friends and fellow athletes competed in their own events. “It was very hard not to compete,” said Rogov. “But my teammates were very supportive and gave me updates of how our team did and who won medals.”

“He is a very good teammate, always willing to help out with equipment or whatever was needed,” said Alexey Shumilovsky, a friend and teammate of Rogov. “Our team missed him because he is a very good skater and probably would have won a medal for Special Olympics Russia.”

Shortly before the Closing Ceremony on 13 February, Rogov said he still had not told his family back in Russia about his injury. He thought his older brother and sister and his parents would be sad for him so he wanted to wait until he could tell them in person that he was not able to win a medal, so he can comfort them and tell them it is okay and not to be sad.

“I still had a lot of fun,” he said. “And I’m looking forward to being with my teammates for the Closing Ceremony. But if I had one wish it would be that I was able to win a medal.”

At the Closing Ceremony, Rogov received a big surprise when during his opening remarks, Shriver retold Rogov’s story of determination and courage. He called Rogov out on the stage to stand next to him, and Rogov made his way to the podium on his crutches, his foot in a walking boot. Shriver then told a packed house at the Idaho Centre in Nampa about a young man who traveled so far in hopes of living a dream, only to have to face the reality of not achieving that dream.

“I’ve talked to many skaters who told me that when you have an injury to your Achilles you’re lucky to be strong enough to walk anytime soon,” Shriver said. “Well, Alexander Rogov embodied the Special Olympics spirit of determination to overcome all odds when not only did he get back on his feet after falling, but he finished his race. He crossed the finish line, and while he did not win, he fulfilled the Special Olympics athlete oath by being brave in the attempt.”

Shriver gestured to the crowd, saying, “With all of your approval, what I’d like to do now is award Alex an honorary gold medal for bravery.  What do you think?”

The answer was unanimous as the crowd rose to its feet in booming cheers and thunderous applause and a young man’s dream was realized with a beaming smile and the glimmer of gold.

Source: Special Olympics

Jack-o-lantern Puzzle

Source Jig Zone

A Special Angel Meet Ximena

By Dan Samaria
Publisher/YC
Oct. 17, 2009

Editor’s Note: There are a lot of God’s special children in this world that you need your help. After reading this article, it doesn’t make you want to get involved we don’t know what would.

We hope you will enjoy the story below:

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

By Special Olympics
Oct. 17, 2009

On paper, Ximena de Varela may sound like a typical popular, high-achieving high school student. She is on the Honor Roll and sets high standards for herself at school.  But she is not like most of her classmates at Panama’s Colegio Brader. Until recently, she was the first and only student with special needs to attend her school.

Ximena has Down syndrome, a chromosomal disorder that leads to developmental delays and intellectual disability. Despite her disability, within days of meeting her new classmates, she formed new friendships and dispelled old attitudes about disabilities and capabilities. Her impact on and acceptance by the student body impressed the school so much that it opened its doors to other students with special needs. Now the school is an example for inclusion throughout the country. “Ximena is a role model for us and all of humanity,” states one classmate.

Inspired by Ximena, Vivian Fernandez de Torrijos, herself a parent of a child with special needs, launched a national campaign promoting programs of inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities when she was first lady of the Republic of Panama. (The former first lady is also a member of the Special Olympics International Board of Directors.) Torrijos champions the work of Special Olympics and inclusion throughout Central America.

Special Olympics aren’t just making a difference; it’s driving a revolution, transforming the way people with and without disabilities think about one another and lives together. Special Olympics are committed to bringing youth with and without intellectual disabilities together in a spirit of cooperation and inclusion. Special Olympics’ outreach to youth and schools is happening now around the world. Special Olympics Unified Sports is uniting people with and without disabilities on the field of competition. Through Special Olympics Get Into It® school diversity curriculum, Project UNIFY and SO College, Special Olympics is working year-round to create bonds of understanding and friendship, both on and off the playing field.

Even in societies where people with disabilities are shunned or hidden away, Special Olympics is working to break down barriers and change attitudes of the young people who will be tomorrow’s leaders.

Every dollar you give to Special Olympics helps light the way to a better world. Even the smallest gift is enough to change one mind, one attitude, one life for the better.

What YOU Can Do

Whether you are an athlete looking to compete, a volunteer looking to make a difference, or you’re just looking to have fun and be a part of something — come be a part of Special Olympics, and experience your own story of transformation.

Source: Special Olympics

Stars Talk Fun on Set of The Wild Things Are

By Mariam El Hasan
October 13, 2009

Editor’s Note: If you have a review of a movie that you have seen. You can contact us dan@youngchronicle.com

Do you ever wish that you could go to a place where there are no rules? A place where you could be free to do whatever you want? That is exactly what happens to Max in the upcoming movie Where the Wild Things Are. The movie is based on the children’s book of the same name by Maurice Sendak.

In the story, Max is a lonely boy who loves to play around in his wolf costume. He craves attention and acts wild, refusing to mind. When his mother punishes him for his rowdy behavior, he goes to his room where his imagination offers him an escape from reality.

He sails to an imaginary world where he meets monsters and becomes their king. There, he is able to be as wild he pleases. He has dirt clod fights and howls as loud as a wolf. He’s happy that no one is there to prevent him from showing his wild, rambunctious side.

Yet, the movie is not just about wild behavior. It also about the roller coaster ride of emotions that can be life for a 9-year-old child.

The star of the movie is Max Records, now 12, who plays the character by the same name. Where the Wild Things Are is Records’s first movie. It was filmed when he, too, was 9 years old.

His audition for the part was not a typical Hollywood script reading.

“I read a couple of lines for them, but I also had to attack my parents in the backyard with a plastic sword, and do water balloon target practice,” he said.

He also had to put on inflatable boxing gloves and go a round with director Spike Jonze. Then he had to block foam bullets with an umbrella.

Jonze said that he chose Records because he best suited the character’s wild and willful side.

“It was a demanding role for any actor,” he said. “[Records could] play the wild, playful, reckless side, and then also the internal, interior part of Max.”

Cast and crew had plenty of fun moments on the set while they were filming, Jonze told Scholastic Kids Press Corps. The fun continued during the interview.

“The whole thing was this adventure,” Jonze said, just as Records pressed the button on a remote controlled fart machine. Records kept it up during the entire interview, proving he was a perfect choice for the role of Max.

As the electronic farting continued, Jonze went on to finish his story.

“Everyone moved to Melbourne, Australia, and it was a wild adventure to just make the film,” he said. “Everyone brought their kids, so the set had lots of kids on it.”

The kids dressed up in wolf costumes to make their own mini movies. The art department made fun costumes and toys to keep them busy.

Catherine Keener, who played the role of Max’s mom, said the kids on the set had a great time and never got in trouble.

“When they were doing things like the dirt clod fights…it was so magical for us,” she said.

The set was a lot of fun for Records and the other actors, but what about Max the character in the movie? Does having freedom to do whatever you want without parents to answer to turn out to be everything he hoped it would be?

You will find out the surprising discovery that Max learns for himself when you see the movie. Where the Wild Things Are opens in theaters nationwide on October 16. It is rated PG.

Source: Scholastic News Online

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