Children of Divorce Struggle More With Math and Social Skills by Bonnie Rochman (June 2nd, 2011)

http://healthland.time.com/2011/06/02/children-of-divorce-struggle-more-with-math-and-social-skills/

Summary: According to a report in the American Sociological Review, children of divorced parents tend to have poorer math and interpersonal social skills. According of Hyun Sik Kim of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, they tend to have difficulty creating and keeping friendships, expressing their feelings, being sensitive to others, and getting along with people who are different. Although the problems don't get worse after the divorce, they do not get better. Children start struggling once the divorce begins. Kim studied 3,585 children from kindergarten to the fifth grade and focuses on the 142 children who's parents divorced between first and third grade. He noticed that children of divorce scored 12% lower then their peers in standardized math tests.

5W's:

Who: Children

What: Are doing poorly in math and in social skills

When: According to a study published Thursday

Where: In America

Why: Their parents got a divorce

Conclusion:

Language Arts: Sin: A Godless society, blinded by sin rebels against God and arrives at false conclusions.

With the divorce rate around 50% in America alone, it shows that people do not think that marriage is a sacred union. This society, blinded by sin, tells us it is ok for men to look at porn and for women to fantasize about other men while still married. This society tells us it is ok to quit when a marriage isn't "fun anymore." Marriage is to easy (drive-thru wedding chapels). Divorce is to easy (Look at cheesy law firm billboards and TV commericals).

I think part of the reason why people get divorced is because it doesn't end up "happily ever after" like it does in the movies. Ever since girls are little, they are force fed the lie that one day, Prince Charming will magically appear, kiss them, and take away all their problems. (For this reason, I hate Disney and will refuse to let my daughter watch all those princess movies) No one tells us that marriage is work, hard work, but worth it in the end.

The thing about divorce is that it effects children the most. As a child of divorced parents, I can tell you first hand how heart breaking it is. During that period of my life, I was actually suicidal.

But in the end, I'm blessed. This study does not apply to me. Yes, my parents are divorced, but math is probably one of my best subjects. I don't think I struggle with social skills, in fact, I always try to encourage people and make them happy. I have two parents who love and provide for me. God has provided for me.

Yes, I do want them back together, but I know it is not possible. Through this horrible event in my life however, I learned. I'm learning what to do and what not to do so that when I get married, I stay with my husband, not just for the kids, but because God wills it.

In Ephesians 5, Paul tells women to submit to their husbands and husbands to love their wives. God created marriage as seen through Adam and Eve.

Studies like these show us what happens when we walk off of God's perfect plan. When we sin, we effect everyone.

It's time to start taking marriage seriously and try to "work it out."

Study finds 'alarming' human trafficking figures in Mexico's capital by the CNN Wire Staff (May 27th, 2011)

http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/americas/05/26/mexico.human.trafficking/index.html?hpt=T1

Summary:
10,000 women are victims of human trafficking in Mexico City alone, yet almost nothing is being done about it there. Women are tricked into this form of slavery with empty promises of a better job and ultimately a better life. Sadly, no one realizes that the women in the alleys of Mexico City are not there by choice due to cultural norms and social stigma. Traffickers have become more crafty as seen through a factory disguised as a drug rehabilitation center. Recently, 5 men and 2 women have been arrested in Mexico for a forced-prostitution ring. Thankfully 62 victims have been saved.

5W's:
Who: Women
What: Are victims of human trafficking
When: This story was written on May 27th, 2011, but in reality, this has been going on since the Fall of man
Where: This article focuses on Mexico City, Mexico, but it is truly a global problem
Why: The depravity of man

Conclusion:
CBT: Social Science: Evangelism: God has specific directions (absolute law) concerning man's relationship to both Himself and his fellow man.
It breaks my heart to hear about anyone being exploited, especially women and children. God called us to love one another and not take advantage. Every person is precious in God's sight. How dare these people lie to these women and then use them for their own personal use. Also, shame on the government for not stepping up and really doing something about it (out off all the victims, there were only 40 investigations).
This madness needs to end! I believe that women should be educated on this topic so they can better protect themselves from the lies told by traffickers. How? Well, its hard to describe, but I think that schools should educate children at a young age on how protect themselves from being kidnapped or lied to. The government should provide safe houses for women who want to escape their pimps and madams.
God loves all, and it is also part of the government's duty to take care of its people.

McDonald's Under Pressure To Fire Ronald by Julie Jargon, The Wall Street Journal (May 18th, 2011)

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703509104576329610340358394.html

The face of a monster?

Summary:
A letter has been signed by 550+ health professionals and organizations to the McDonald's Corp. asking them to retire Ronald McDonald. This letter blames marketing as part of the problem of obesity. This campaign was started by Corporate Accountability International, a nonprofit watchdog group. This letter is scheduled to run in ads in many newspapers across the country. It urges McDonald's to stop marketing unhealthy food to children through Ronald McDonald and Happy Meal toys.

5W's:
Who? McDonald's
What? Has recieved a letter asking them to retire Ronald McDonald
When? May 18th, 2011
Where? The United States of America
Why? Because Corporate Accountability International feels that using Ronald McDonald to advertise to children is contributing to America's obesity.

Conclusion:
CBT: Sin: Language Arts: A Godless society, blinded by sin, rebels against God and arrives at false conclusions.
So, children in America are obese and to stop this you think that firing Ronald McDonald will help...
.......
BWAJAJAJAJAJAJAJAJAJAJAJAJAJAJAJAJA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Children in America are obese and you blame RONALD McDONALD! Ronald McDonald is a beloved character from many people's childhood. Yeah sure, some people find clowns creepy, but a "sodium, sugar, fat pusher"? C'mon!
Ronald McDonald has been around since 1963 and you blame him NOW!

*sigh* People these days...

So, all ranting aside, there are the major reasons why this letter is one of the dumbest things I've ever come across.

First
 Ronald was first introduced in 1963 and was potrayed by Willard Scott, now the weatherman for NBC's Today Show. The whole idea of advertising and creating logos, trademarks, characters, etc. is to create something memorable so that people are persuaded to buy your product. McDonald's has the right to advertise whichever way they choose (of course there are limitations, but I'm pretty sure that using a clown does not push boundaries).

Second
Children do not become obese because of clowns, leprechaun, tigers, bunnies, or captains, they become obese throught the unhealthy foods they choose and lack of activity.
This, I blame parents for. Parents are supposed to encourage (or force) their children to go outside and play. They also need to teach their children how to make healthy choices. Parents are responsible for their child's well-being, they should learn how to say "NO!" even when their kid is screaming his lungs out because he wants a Happy Meal instead of homemade grilled chicken and rice. Healthy choices begin at home. (Don't get me wrong, I do enjoy an animal-style cheeseburger from In-N-Out, but my parents taught me to eat those things in moderation.)

Third
If Ronald McDonald goes today, what will happen tomorrow? If McDonald's lets these health nuts win, soon other beloved characters will be gone. What is Lucky Charms without Lucky the leprechaun? What will they call Cap'n Crunch cereal if they fire Cap'n Crunch? Firing Ronald McDonald will create a chain reaction causing other beloved characters and American nostalgia to be killed. (Do we really want to get rid of all the memories?)

Fourth
It's obvious that fast food is unhealthy, but McDonald's has been taking small steps toward better nutrition. Now, you can get a Happy Meal with Apple Dippers and milk or apple juice instead of soda and fries. It goes back to children being taught to make healthy choices.

I can go on, but that would bore you and I need to get to the CBT....

In this situation, I do believe that these people are blinded by the sin of pride. They are to prideful to admit that it is thier own problem for not teaching children how to choose better options, not just their own children, but the children of others. Many people just want to force the blame on others.
God wants us to enjoy food, if He didn't, we wouldn't have tastebuds or the wonderful spices around the world. However, He does not want us to become gluttonous and warns agaisnt it (Philippians 3:19, Proverbs 23:20-21, Proverbs 23:2 are just a few verses, here are a few more). With all things, He wants us to enjoy in moderation and balance.
These people have come to the false conclusion that Ronald McDonald responsible for the obesity of American children and not poor diet and lack of activity.

So finally, I have this to say...

RONALD McDONALD FOREVER!

From Legal Defense to Rallying Cry: How 'SlutWalks' Became a Global Movement By Meredith Melnick, Time (May 10th, 2011)

http://healthland.time.com/2011/05/10/from-legal-defense-to-rallying-cry-how-slutwalks-became-a-global-movement/

The new faces of feminism?



Summary:

A new wave of feminists have started to protest in Canada! So what did they call this new movement? Women United? Freedom Ladies? What about Sluts. This new feminist movement started in Toronto, Canada after a policeman suggested that female students at York University's law school "not dress like sluts" to keep themselves safe from sexual assault. Outrage by this statement, the female student body came together and in April, the very first "SlutWalk" occurred. The SlutWalk is a demonstration against "the notion that rape victims should somehow be held responsible for their assault..." This new movement has taken place in various locations in Canada and the U.S. while other walks are to be scheduled in Australia and the U.K. Melnick makes it clear that no woman should be take the blame for her rape, but our that our culture tells us that sluts "deserved" it.

Why so much use of this demeaning word? Feminists want to "take back" the word. In their view, it would reduce its power and take away the "permission for people to rape [women]."

5W's:

Who: Feminists in Toronto

What: Are organizing “SlutWalks”

When: April of this year (and more walks to come)

Where: Canada, U.S., and soon the U.K. and Australia

Why: Because they are tired of men claiming that rape victims “deserved” to be raped due to the way they dressed/acted.

Conclusion:

CBT: Evangelism: Social Science: “God has specific directions (absolute law) concerning man’s relationship to both Himself and his fellow man.”

            Well obviously, rape is wrong! No woman should ever be blamed and “deserving” of rape and no man should rape a woman EVER!

However, calling yourself a slut doesn’t really help the problem. The type of men who rape women have no regard for them, so this tactic would fail. It will just make it ok for men to call women sluts and also provokes crude jokes.

Men need to respect women in that they do no objectify them! Women are humans, helper-partners given to men by God (Genesis 2:18-25), no toys solely meant for instant male gratification. Women are to be valued and loved, not thrown away like a used Playboy.

That said, women need to respect men as well. God created men to be visual, so a man cannot help but to feel antsy when he sees a half-naked woman pass by on the street.

On these SlutWalks, many times the women do in face dress like sluts with signs that read “A dress is not a yes!” “Men of quality respect women’s equality,” and “My outfit is not an invitation” while proudly writing the word “slut” on their stomachs.

I completely understand freedom of expression, especially in the way one dresses, however, one needs to express themselves in a way that does not cause their fellow man (or woman) to stumble.

            Men need to respect women, and women need to respect men

...Forgive me, but I just couldn't resist!





MTV's 'Teen Mom' Glamorizes Getting Pregnant By Melissa Henson, CNN (May 4th, 2011)

http://www.cnn.com/2011/OPINION/05/04/henson.teen.mom.show/index.html?hpt=C2

Children having children

Summary:
After viewing the covers of tabloid magazines, Melissa Henson is disturbed by the large amount of teen moms displayed. Girls featured on MTV's "16 and Pregnant" and "Teen Mom" have now become the hot gossip of every magazine. According to Henson, MTV had good intentions, but has resorted to turning their lives into a media circus. Other shows on MTV such as "Skins" and "The Hard Times of RJ Berger" also promote risky behavior with little to no consequences. Other shows include the "Real World," "Road Rules," and the now infamous "Jersey Shore." In a survey of schoolchildren, teenagers would rather be famous than smart. Although MTV started with good intentions, is one supposed to take them as a serious avocate for teen sexual health?

5W's:
Who? MTV
What? Has created shows like "16 and Pregnant" and "Teen Mom." The girls featured on this show seem to get lots of media coverage
When? Ever since the show started in 2009
Where? All over America
Why? Probably to make more money and draw more attention to the show raising ratings

Is This Journalism:
I would say "yes," this is journalism. It shows society it's infactuation with the lives of other people. The tabloids show us how addicted to gossip people are and the television show shows the hardships of teenage parenthood. The show has the potentional to help teenagers make smart choices about their sexual health.

Conclusion:
CBT: Sin: Math/Science: Mankinds was creaed in God's image with a God-consciousness, but is now in a state of rebellions against His creator.
I admit that if there is nothing else on, I will watch "Teen Mom." However, the show itself does not glamourize the lives of these teenagers, it shows their hardships and struggles. It is tabloids and media that glamourizes them. On every magazine and every gossip show, a Teen Mom story appears. It is hard to believe that these teen are having difficulties when MTV is paying them and a quick google search on any of the girls shows a glammed up picture of them at a Hollywood event. It is also hard to believe that they are struggling financially when everyone of them seems to be getting a tatto or sporting the new Juicy Couture purse.
I do not believe that MTV will EVER be a credible advoccate for teen sexual health. Don't believe me? Watch an episode of "Jersey Shore." MTV has MANY shows of people drinking and having sex without consequences. The scary thing is, it is the focus of the entire episode where the very next day, they take some meds to get over their hang over and do it all over again. It is a mindless cycle.
The scary thing about shows like "Teen Mom" is that it shows the sinfulness of this world. Why are teenagers having sex in the first place? What went wrong? In the mind of a teenager, one of the most rebellious things he/she can do is have sex. But why have sex? Because it feels good? You know what else feels good? Accomplishing a goal, succeeding in something you worked hard for, helping out people in need, coming to know Christ. Want an adrenaline rush? Jump out of a plane (with a parachute of course...). God intended sex to be something for marriage, between a husband and wife and no one else. This rebellion leads to a disatrous path, one God did not intend for His beloved people.

Sidenote: What ever happened to Music TeleVision actually, you know, playing music?

Obama releases original long-form birth certificate By Alan Silverleib, CNN (April 27, 2011)

http://www.cnn.com/2011/POLITICS/04/27/obama.birth.certificate/index.html?hpt=C1

WOW! I would have NEVER guessed!

Summary:
On April 27th, 2011, President Obama FINALLY revealed his birth certificate, proving that he was indeed born in the United States. This document alone silences the "birthers" who (falsely concluded) that Obama was never born in the United States and thus could not be president. Donald Trump, the billionaire who previously continually asked to see President Obama's birth certificate, takes much "pride" and "honor" taking credit for Obama finally publishing his birth certificate. In a press conference, President Obama stated that "we do not have time for this kind of silliness. We got better stuff to do. I got better stuff to do."

5W's:
Who: President Obama
What: Has released his birth certificate
When: April 27th, 2011
Where: In the United States of America
Why: To silence those who believe he is not a natural born citizen and thus unfit to be president

Is This Journalism?:
No, this is not journalism. Although this piece talks about the our president, it does not teach society about itself (other than that people in our country are crazy and follow lost causes). It informs society about its leader, not itself.

Conclusion:
CBT: Sin: Language Arts: The words and actions of a man reveal the true nature of his heart.
The words and actions of President Obama reveal that he is a serious man, concerned with his country and not "silly" things as seen through his press conference. Also, by showing his birth certificate, he shows that he cares about his country and wants to create peace where ever he can. He is like the father, who is late for work, yet checks the closet to show his children that there is no boogie-man. He knows that everything is alright and tells us so, but also shows us so we are all at ease, even though it was a silly situation.
As for those of the birther movement, their words and actions showed their ignorance. They took away from issues that we should care about (like, I don't know, the country's poverty, bad economy, the war...) and made one up.
We don't have time to care about things that we already knew the answer to.
As the President said "We do not have time for this kind of silliness. We got better stuff to do. I got better stuff to do." Well said Mr. President, well said.

Applebee's Alcohol Mix-Up, Oops Your Toddler Is Drunk By FYI Health Writer (April 12, 2011)

http://fyiliving.com/health-news/applebees-alcohol-mix-up-oops-your-toddler-is-drunk/

This sweet child was mistakenly given alcohol at Applebee's

*This article uses information from both fyiliving and this video. Applebee's Serves Toddler Stiff Drink
Summary: D.J. Delreese, a 15-month-old from Michigan began acting strangely while eating at Applebee's with his parents. His parents realized that it was because their beloved child had been intoxicated while drinking spiked apple juice. The waiter accidentally poured the contents of a mislabeled bottle into the toddler's cup. (Applebee's Serves Toddler Stiff Drink) Applebee's is extremely regretful and shall retrain their staff nation wide. (Applebee's Alcohol Mix-Up, Oops Your Toddler Is Drunk) This is the 3rd time that Applebee's has given a minor alcohol. The child had a .1 alcohol level, but thankfully now he is ok. (Applebee's Serves Toddler Stiff Drink) The parents are suing for "an unspecified medical damages and emotional distress." (Appleebee's Alcohol Mix-Up, Oops Your Toddler Is Drunk)

5W's:
Who: D.J. Delreese, a 15-month-old
What: Had accidentaly been given alcohol instead of apple juice at Applebee's
When: April 12, 2011
Where: Michigan
Why: Ignorance

Is This Journalism?:
This in fact is journalism. This article and video show the ignorance of people. How on earth does a bottle of alcohol get mislabeled? How on earth can someone give a toddler alcohol intentionally or accidentally? This can be a call to action for adults to be careful with what they give children and for parents to make sure that their children are safe. Applebee's is acting by retraining their staff.

Conclusion: Growth: Social Science: God's people are stewards of His blessings (such freedom, time, money, property, and God's natural world.) and with those blessings come great responsibility to futher God's ministry to redemption.
God has blessed us with children so it is everyone's duty to take care of them and teach them in His laws to further His kingdom. Everyone's duty, not just the duty of their parents. Yes, parents are the primary caregivers of their children, however, we all need to keep them away from things that can be harmful to them. Although I do believe that the legal drinking age in America should be lowered, a toddler who is innocent and cannot understand the effects of alcohol should not be given alcohol whatsoever.