Autism

Welcome to the Modern Typewriter, a daily blog to discuss topics that can’t be answered easily, or are just some fun topics! Today is December 13th, 2008, I’m Royce, and I’m here to tell you about a disorder called Autism.

About one in every 150 children are diagnosed with Autism. This is more common than AIDS, diabetes, and even pediatric cancer. It happens in every ethnic group, and is more likely to happen to boys. Children with Autism usually have a harder time communicating with other people and relating to others. Currently, there is no cure for Autism, nor a way to prevent it.

“When I walk around school, I see the Autistic children and their teacher. I cannot imagine what their life can consist of. They must have a hard time, and I realize above all things that they would need is a friend.” says Melanie, a writer at the Modern Typewriter.

Excerpt From Blazing the Trails For Kids With Autism, by Robyn Schneider:

When they first started, their coaches held their hands while running with them, not sure what to expect as both Alex and Jamie have limited language and self-injurious behavior that can oftentimes be unpredictable. Soon the coaches were able to let go and run with them side by side. Now, in just a little over one year, Alex and Jamie have run in 15 races all over Long Island. Their first race was a 5K (3.1 miles) and Alex finished in 27:45, Jamie in 31:24. Now, for the same 5K race, Alex finishes in 20:53 and Jamie in 25:35. They have also begun to increase their distance running in 10K races (6.2 miles). In the last 10K Alex finished in 43:28 and Jamie in 55:35. They have both placed in several races, including first and second place! Their trophies and race photos have begun to clutter our home and it’s wonderful. They have even been featured in the New York Times and the Greater LI Running Club Magazine!

Kids with autism have many skills that we often never know exist. The best part of our new discovery is that Alex and Jamie are running with typically developing kids and adults, together. As we watch and cheer and wait with nervous anticipation until they cross the finish line each time, we are so excited and proud to see them with all the other runners and realize their abilities to succeed in this wonderful outdoor sport. Best of all are the ear to ear smiles on both of their faces; they really love to run! Now we are planning our own race to increase awareness of autism and to benefit Eden II’s Genesis School, a program exclusively for individuals with autism, where Alex and Jamie have attended since its inception in 1995.

We have lived through many tough times through the years, but there’s one thing that we’ve learned and that’s to keep exploring the inner talents and skills that our kids possess. A year ago we had no idea that Alex and Jamie could run so fast. Now, come this September the boys will be included in their high school cross country team. Inclusion in their own district high school was so far beyond our expectations. We never dreamed of this happening!

“Whenever some of my friends call the Autistic kids ‘retarded’ or ‘useless’, I tell them that they’re not retarded, or useless. Typical kids nowadays are so judgmental. They call the Autistic kids retarded when they don’t even know what is wrong. And they aren’t retarded. I tell them that it’s wrong to call them that, and then they realize that it is, and they end up apologizing.” says Karina, another writer.

Remember, I’m Royce, and this is the Modern Typewriter, OUT!

Picture Retrieved From: http://www.nbbd.com/npr/autism/AutismRibbonLg.jpg

 

McCain Chooses Palin as Running Mate…

Welcome to the Modern Typewriter, a daily blog to discuss topics that can’t be answered easily, or are just some fun topics! Today is September 6th, 2008, I’m Royce, and I’m here to talk about John McCain choosing Sarah Palin as his running mate in the 2008 Presidential Election.

Recently, after the Democratic National Convention, John McCain chose Sarah Palin, the governor of Alaska as his Vice Presidential running mate. With five children, Governor Palin is sure to be crowned ‘Super Mom’.

On August 29th, 2008, Senator John McCain chose Sarah Palin to become his vice presidential running mate, and on September 3rd, 2008, she was officially accepted as the Republican Vice Presidential Candidate at the Republican National Convention. She is now the second woman to ever run for Vice President, following Geraldine Ferraro.

Married to Todd Palin, the couple has five children. Sons Track and Trig, and daughters Bristol, Willow, and Piper. Track Palin enlisted in the United States Army on September 11th, of last year. He is expected to be deployed to Iraq this month. Their youngest child, Trig, has Down Syndrome.

Sarah Palin lives currently in Wasilla, Alaska, and calls herself a ‘hockey mom’. Some of her common activities are ice fishing and snowmobiling.

“I think that Sarah Palin will do a great job, if elected Vice President. She has handled Alaska well, hasn’t she? Alaska is the biggest state and to be maintained by a woman gets rid of the sexist attitude that some people have. If Mrs. Palin can take care of Alaska, our biggest state, I think she is ready to hold the country with Senator John McCain.” says Rochester, another writer at the Modern Typewriter.

“I really do want Senator John McCain and Governor Sarah Palin to win this election. I really hope they do. Sarah Palin is a role model for women everywhere, and John McCain is just a role model for everyone. Together, they will run the country better than anyone has before.” says Melanie, another writer at the Modern Typewriter.

So what do you think? Do you think Palin is ready for the job? What about Senator McCain? Leave us a comment to express your opinion!

Remember, I’m Royce, and this is the Modern Typewriter, OUT!

Picture Retrieved From: http://tinyurl.com/6jytzl

 

The 2008 Olympics, Beijing, China

Welcome to the Modern Typewriter, a daily blog to discuss topics that can’t be answered easily, or are just some fun topics! Today is August 8th, 2008, I’m Royce, and I’m here to talk to you about the 2008 Summer Olympics held in Beijing, China.

The Olympics, a time of sports, competition, and most importantly, countries being together. That is what the Olympics mean.

You might’ve known that the 2008 Olympics have started. You are probably thinking, “But they start at 8pm at night.” Well, China is ahead in time, so they have already started the games.

But, where did these big tradition start? In Ancient Greece, of course! Formed by the Ancient hero, Hercules, he wanted to make a competition to honor the Greek God, Zeus. The prizes were a wreath or leaves from a sacred olive tree behind the legendary temple of Zeus. If you got a wreath of those leaves, when you went home, you were practically treated like royalty.

The Ancient Olympic Games ran from 776 BC, to 393 AD, when the Persian Emperor canceled the games. Much, much later, in 1896, a French Baron had a dream of the games coming back to life. The games eventually were brought back and his dream came true.

What do the five rings mean? The recognizable rings are a symbol of unity. The colors are very symbolic as well. Every flag in the world has at least one of the colors that are in the five rings.

“I am really excited for the Olympics. My home country is the UK, so I am rooting for the UK or the USA.” says Rochester, a writer for the Modern Typewriter.

Remember, ROOT FOR THE USA! Nah, just kidding! Root for whoever you want! Remember, I’m Royce, and this is the Modern Typewriter, OUT!

 

10-Year-Old Boy Banned From Bullfighting…

Welcome to the Modern Typewriter, a daily blog to discuss topics that can’t be answered easily, or are just some fun topics! Today is August 5th, 2008, I’m Rochester, and I’m here to tell you about a interesting current event.

The child matador, known as Michelito, is very popular in Mexico, where he has been fighting bulls since he was six.

Officials say the event was canceled for security reasons. Anti-bullfighter campaigners also disagree that children should not take place in bullfighting because they could get hurt.

Michelito said he was very disappointed the bullfights had been canceled.

“It’s like if someone asks a kid who plays football not to play,” he said.

“I actually never knew that there were even kids that were bullfighting! This is really cool! Anyway, I think that it isn’t fair that he was banned from bullfighting. If he has a talent in bullfighting, let him use that. Besides, it’s no one’s choice besides him and his parents. People he doesn’t even know shouldn’t be saying their opinions because when it comes down to it, it doesn’t matter what the anti-bullfighting people think! If he was to fight, let him fight!” says Melanie, a writer at the Modern Typewriter.

“This is really cool that they have matadors who are actually kids. I just think that is so cool! I think that Michelito rocks and if he wants to fight, let him!” says Royce, another writer at the Modern Typewriter.

So what do you think? Do you think that bullfighting should be banned of animal cruelty? Or no? Do you think that Michelito shouldn’t bullfight anymore? Leave a comment to express your opinion!

Remember, I’m Rochester, and this is the Modern Typewriter, OUT!

 

The Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards

Welcome to the Modern Typewriter, a daily blog to discuss topics that can’t be answered easily, or are just some fun topics! Today is March 29th, 2008, I’m Brandon, and I am here to talk the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards 2008!

Appearing tonight, on Nickelodeon is the 2008 Kids’ Choice Awards, an award show that comes on annually to see if kids got the chance to vote, what their pick would be.

One word: SLIME. Slime plays a big part in the award show. Like last year, a huge slime stunt happened. A man bungee-jumped into a huge pool of slime! Sometimes even the audiences are ‘slimed’.

Many people would be like “Well, where do I get a ticket?” Well, you can’t really. Tickets are given to celebrities and different children organizations. But Nickelodeon did not want their tickets to be sold, they were to be a gift to different people.

Now what do the celebrities win if they win a title? They win an Orange Blimp, unless you win the Wannabe Award. Therefor, you win a Platinum Blimp!

So stay tuned in tonight for the 2008 Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards!

Remember, I’m Brandon, and this is the Modern Typewriter, OUT!

Picture Retrieved From: http://tinyurl.com/35peqm

 

Are You An All-American Girl?

Welcome to the Modern Typewriter, a daily blog to discuss topics that can’t be answered easily, or are just some fun topics! Today is March 15th, 2008, I’m Melissa, and I am here to talk about Carrie Underwood’s brand new album, Carnival Ride.

Carnival Ride consists of thirteen new songs: Flat On the Floor, All-American Girl, So Small, Just A Dream, Get Out Of This Town, Crazy Dreams, I Know You Won’t, Last Name, You Won’t Find This, I Told You So, The More Boys I Meet, Twisted, and Wheel Of the World.   

Released on October 23rd, 2007, Carnival Ride was considered Double Platinum.

On December 7th, 2007, Carrie’s last album, Some Hearts won four Grammy Award nominations.

“Once this album came out, I ran to the store to get it. Carrie is my favorite singer.” says Modern Typewriter writer, Anna.

Below is a video from YouTube videos of Carrie’s song, All-American Girl.

Remember, I’m Melissa, and this is the Modern Typewriter, OUT!

 

Are Celebrities More Important?

Welcome to the Modern Typewriter, a daily blog to discuss topics that can’t be answered easily, or are just some fun topics! Today is February 27th, 2008, I’m Patricia, and I am here to talk about if celebrities sometimes are considered more important.

Are celebrities more important than regular people? Just because they have a talent and they were seen by a agent, doesn’t mean they are more important. They are just like us.

Of course you see newspapers with celebrities on the front cover, right? Some of the newspapers and magazines get overrated and they act like something a celebrity did something bad, like get in a fight or something. Well if a regular person got in a fight would it be all over the news?

Like during the 2008 Presidential Election Hilary Clinton cried while at a meeting. This was all over the news. BREAKING NEWS!!: HILARY CLINTON CRIES! IS THIS THE PERSON WE WANT AS PRESIDENT? If a regular person cried, would it be all over the news?

“Just because they are famous, doesn’t mean they are more important. God wanted everyone to be equal. Right now, I don’t see it. In Modern times, it seems like celebrities are more important. Does this seem right to you?” says Amber, a writer at the Modern Typewriter.

So what do you think? Leave us a comment to express your opinion!

Remember, I’m Patricia, and this is the Modern Typewriter, OUT!

 

The Game Plan…Movie Review

Welcome to the Modern Typewriter, a daily blog to discuss topics that can’t be answered easily, or are just some fun topics! Today is February 25th, 2008, I’m Brian, and I am here to talk about the new movie-The Game Plan.

Madison Pettis and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson star in this family comedy about a sports superstar who takes on the role of a father. This turns his life upside down.

Madison plays Peyton Kelly, a eight-year-old girl who loves dolls and ballet. She one day shows up at Joe Kingman’s (Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson) doorstep and announces that she is his daughter.

What happens? Watch the movie to find out!

“I loved this movie. It is such a great family movie, my brother who is seventeen even loved it!” says a Modern Typewriter viewer.

“It was a really good movie. I would defiantly recommend this.” says Royce, a Modern Typewriter writer.

Below is the movie trailer. It is taken from YouTube videos.

Remember, I’m Brian, and this is the Modern Typewriter, OUT!

 

National Hockey League, 90 Years Ago Today

Welcome to the Modern Typewriter, a daily blog to discuss topics that can’t be answered easily or are just some fun topics! Today is November 26th, 2007, I’m Royce, and I am here to discuss the topic of the National Hockey League’s 90th anniversary.

90 years ago today the National Hockey League, known as the NHL, formed with only five teams: Montreal Canadiens, Montreal Wanderers, Ottawa Senators, Quebec Bulldogs, and the Toronto Areanas. And now, over 20 teams are involved in the NHL. Six from Canada, and 24 in the United States!

Each and every year, there is the Stanley Cup, an award that is awarded to the winner of the Eastern Conference/Western Conference game. There are two conferences, Eastern and Western. Each team is filed under one of the conferences. Then those team in each category battle their way to the top of their conference to go to the Stanley Cup Finals. The conference champion plays in the finals against the other champion. The Stanley Cup winner gets their name engraved on the trophy for the next year’s winner to see. Last year’s Staley Cup winner were the Carolina Hurricanes, who represent North Carolina, from the United States.

Every year the Stanley Cup is awarded no matter what. Except in 1918, the year after the NHL formed. The Spanish Flu Epidemic occurred and during one game of the season three players died during a game because of the flu. That was how bad the Spanish Flu was.

The Stanley Cup is an amazing award. Someday, maybe even you will be in the NHL. But for now, I’m Royce, and this is the Modern Typewriter, OUT!

Picture Retrieved From: http://tinyurl.com/2b8w97

 

Boys or Girls, Brain or Brawn?-Part 1

Welcome to the Modern Typewriter, a daily blog to discuss topics that can’t be answered easily or just makes you think. Today is November 20th, 2007 and I am Royce, and I am here to talk about this debateable topic.

The topic today is about are Boys stronger than Girls in sports. Is that nessecarily true? Some people say some things are just for boys and some things are just for girls. Like what? Boys think that girls aren’t “strong” or “tough” enough to play certain sports, like football and hockey. Boys also say that certain sports are also for girls, such as gymnastics, tennis, and cheerleading.

“It bothers me that boys always think girls aren’t tough,” says a girl that plays soccer, “Once the boys join us in a game of  ’girl soccer’ they realize that we are just as tough as them.”

In Band, there are also some opinions. Girls should play Flutes and Clarinets. Boys should play Trumpets, Tubas, Trombones, French Horns, Percussion, and Saxophones. That is what alot of people assume. BUT THEY ARE WRONG!

“I play the flute in Band,” Says a girl flute player, “The Boys in  my opinion are credited for way too much these days. They assume to be tougher, rougher, and stronger. I will admit most girls aren’t stronger than boys, but we have brain. We are smarter than boys, and while they are being entertained by a bucket of dirt, we are reading a book, to make us smarter.”

Stay tuned for other opinions from the boy side of the story. The boy side will be called “Boys or Girls, Brain or Brawn?-Part2″. So stay tuned for the next side of the story, and until then, I’m Royce from the Modern Typewriter, OUT!

Picture Retreived from: tinyurl.com/26rpkl