This just in, and it’s simply appalling: The average American child between the ages of 2 and 5 watches more than 32 hours of television per week. And children aged 6 to 11 spent 28 hours a week staring at a TV screen.
No wonder we have a childhood obesity problem. And no wonder so many kids seem to turn out wrong. During their most formative years, kids are separated from the parental interaction they need and from any sort of physical activity for the equivalent of more than one full day each week.
The latest Nielsen numbers measure time spent watching television, both live and recorded, and time spent playing video games. They show that consumption of all such media just keeps going up.
For the full story, click here.
- Headline of the Day: On the front page of the local newspaper we find: “Tree misses sleeping man.” I’m sure the sleeping man misses the tree, too, but does such yearning really belong on the front page?
- Speaking of newspapers, the latest circulation numbers are out, and the news couldn’t be much worse. Nationwide, circulation dropped 10.6 percent between April and September. In-depth story here, and a really startling graphic here.
- Shasta Senior Nutrition Programs offer winter classes for senior citizens, starting Nov. 3. The classes include instruction in computer use, family history and walking/fitness. For more information, call 226-3060.
- A woman had a baby aboard an AirAsia flight this week, and the airline celebrated by giving mother and child free flights for life. If the baby had been born on an American airline, they would’ve demanded that Mom pay for an extra seat. Full story here.
Tips appreciated: Send news tidbits to steveb.anewscafe@gmail.com.
