Today’s blog consists of some items I found interesting. A recent study by Massachusetts General Hospital suggests that there are brain differences between those prone to migraines and those who are not. Apparently, part of the cortex is thicker in those who are prone to migraines. This was a small study limited to 24 people who get migraines and 12 who do not. However, researchers seem hopeful that this and other current studies will lead to improved treatment for migraines. Personally, I hope they can find better treatments for migraines. To read the full-story …
A team of engineers at the University of Washington is developing a voice controlled joystick. They have developed a software program that controls joysticks or buttons by sound. This program has the potential to greatly improve the lives of the disabled. It is cool to see researchers using technology to improve the lives of the disabled. Personally, computers and other technology have improved my life. After, all I was the kid who wasn’t supposed to read & I can still barely write legibly. Oh, yeah and lets not forget about my poor spelling. No matter how many times my teachers tortured me with missing recess to practice my handwriting or write all of the words I missed on the weekly spelling test 10 times each I really didn’t improve. In fact it was such trivial and useless tactics that made me hate writing. The entire process of getting my ideas down on paper was just way too painful. That was until I got a computer. For me the computer is a great equalizer, I may barely be able to write my name legibly but I can do just about anything on the computer. Oh, don’t forget to check out the article.
According to a recent study through the University of Southern California it is beneficial to treat one’s kids and parents well. The study lasted 15 years and studied a group of 237 mothers and their children. At the beginning of the study the mothers were in their 50s and had living parents and young-adult children. The women who reported receiving the most emotional support and help from their own children provided similar care to their parents. They had also developed strong emotional bonds with their children. I am reminded of two biblical principles: honoring your parents and loving others as yourself. Ephesians 6:1-3 states that honoring ones parents is the first commandment that contains a promise, the promise is to enjoy a long life. Want to read the article?
A recent study by the National Endowment for the Arts found a link between declining test scores and a decline in reading. Simply put readers did better on standardized tests than non-readers. My first thought was well, of course. Reading comprehension is an important part of all standardized tests, especially subject tests like science and social studies. Reading is a skill and like any skill it must be practiced. The best way to improve reading ability is by reading. I once taught in a school for children with reading problems. New parents were impressed that 90 minutes each morning was dedicated to reading. Well, that sounded good on paper but the director was quick to jump on the band wagon for miracle cure programs. The students spent 15 minutes of that time doing bean bag exercises in the library and then they walked to the computer lab for 15 minutes on a computer program. Then they returned to their classrooms for 15 minutes of timed reading tests & flash cards. Subtract another 10-15 minutes for transition time. I was left with about 30 minutes of instruction time. I was assigned students reading on 8 different instructional levels ranging from non-readers to about a 4th grade reading level. I had very little time for actual reading. When I asked wouldn’t it be better if we just read with the students more I was belittled for suggesting something so simple and that severely dyslexic students couldn’t learn to read until their motor skills improved. The key to this seemed to be neat handwriting and yes my non-reader had the neatest handwriting in the group. Gee, my handwriting is atrocious, I am dyslexic, I never participated in such programs and I have been reading on a post-secondary level since 5th grade. How you might ask? Well, my mom cornered me on the red sofa every night and forced me to read. Simple but it worked. Link to the article.
If you found the articles interesting, be sure to leave a comment. — DH
The Dee Zone 
Dee, I started reading at the age of 3. Of course the only book we had at the time was a very well worn bible, but it did what it was supposed to, taught me to read, and to understand what I read. I went through all the lower grades reading all the books in the library. I have continued this thirst for reading wheather for enjoyment, which it is, or for knowledge, which I find I get something from every book, even fiction if well written and researched.
Bill
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Bill,
I agree about reading. My mom always said if you can read you can do anything. Did you get your thrist of knowleged from Grandad? I remember he used to tell me if you aren’t learning you are dying so be learning.
DH
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