Louth County Council support dyslexia-friendly book initiative

Arts & Culture, Books

Louth County Council Arts Office have announced that every DEIS school and special school in County Louth will receive a set of four dyslexia-friendly children’s books on Irish wildlife.
Dyslexia affects, on average, three children in every class of 24. However, despite a significant increase in the awareness and understanding of the challenges faced, there remains limited resources available for the children themselves.
Through the support of Louth County Council’s Arts Office, one collection of Irish published books, the ‘Nature’s Adventures’ collection, is working to buck this trend.
Speaking about the dyslexia-friendly elements of the book’s design and layout, author Shane Casey says: “They are only slight changes, but they make an enormous difference. We use a combination of special font, colour schemes, and layout to make it easier for children with dyslexia to read. Little things, like avoiding a double space after a full stop, prevents white lightning on the page. Or left aligning the text instead of justifying it, makes it easier to see where the sentence ends, and is less daunting for a young reader than a block of text.”
He added: “The stories themselves are also important. Many of the books used by children with dyslexia can be quite juvenile, and so having stories that are age appropriate is key to encouraging children to read more. For some 11 and 12-year-olds, these were the first books they had managed to read in full on their own, and it gave them the confidence to try other books.”
Shane is a Biodiversity Officer, and with three stories in each book, his series helps to engage children with the wildlife on their own doorstep, from hedgehogs and mayflies to song thrushes and salmon. 
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To strengthen their educational value, the books are accompanied by support materials for teachers (also available as a free download from www.shanecaseybooks.ie for parents).
The four books sponsored by Louth County Council are ‘Nature’s Secret Adventures,’ ‘Nature’s Hidden Adventures,’ ‘Nature’s Marvellous Adventures,’ and ‘Nature’s Incredible Adventures.’ 
Acting Arts Officer, Louth County Council, Moya Hodgers said: “Literature and reading is such a crucial element of arts for children and adults alike. To be able to support an initiative like this helps us to reach out to a specific group, to use these books to inspire their creativity, to show them that art is and should be as accessible to them as everyone else.”
The books will reach the selected schools in coming weeks. 

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The best G-rated movies on Disney Plus for kids and families

Arts & Culture, Film & TV

In a world where family-friendly entertainment is more critical than ever, Disney+ stands out as a treasure trove of G-rated movies. These films offer wholesome storytelling that captivates everybody. Discover some of the best G-rated movies on Disney Plus that will ensure every family movie night is filled with laughter and heartwarming moments. G-rated movies on Disney+ offer an exceptional opportunity for families to bond over quality entertainment. Photo: @Disney (modified by author)Source: UGCTABLE OF CONTENTSTop 10 G-rated movies on Disney PlusWith a commitment to providing content parents can trust, Disney+ has curated an impressive collection of G-rated movies that promise to entertain and inspire. Whether revisiting childhood favourites or introducing them to the next generation, these G-rated movies on Disney+ create a magical viewing experience that brings families together.Top 10 G-rated movies on Disney PlusDisney Plus features a variety of G-rated movies suitable for viewing by people of all ages, as seen below. Credible sources such as Rotten Tomatoes and IMDb greatly influenced the rankings of these movies.Movie nameRatings (IMDb)Lion King8.5/10 Finding Nemo8.2/10 Ratatouille8.1/10Aladdin8.0/10Beauty and the Beast8.0/10The Little Mermaid7.6/10 Frozen7.4/10Cinderella7.3/10Cars7.2/10Elemental7.0/10Read alsoKSI’s net worth and earnings breakdown: How rich is he today?1. Lion King (1994)The Lion King is a 1994 American animated musical coming-of-age drama film. Photo: @Disney (modified by author)Source: UGCIMDb ratings: 8.5/10 Running time: 1 hour 28 minutesDirectors: Roger Allers, Rob MinkoffThe Lion King is one of the best G-rated movies on Disney Plus. Set in the African Savanna, the film follows Simba, a lion prince who must overcome tragedy and reclaim his position as the jungle king.Did you know Frank Welker provided all the lion roars? As per IMDb, not a single recording of an actual lion roaring was used because the producers wanted specific sounding roars for each lion.2. Finding Nemo (2003)Finding Nemo is one of the best-selling DVD title of all time. Photo: @Disney (modified by author)Source: UGCIMDb rating: 8.2/10 Runtime: 1 hour 44 minutesDirector: Andrew Stanton, Lee UnkrichFinding Nemo is one of the good family movies on Disney Plus. In this movie, Nemo, a young clown fish, is kidnapped by divers. Marlin, Nemo’s father, teams up with Dory, a forgetful fish, and embarks on a journey to retrieve and bring him home.Read alsoBeach reads you will love: top picks for your next getaway3. Ratatouille (2007)Ratatouille is the second Pixar film to be scored by Michael Giacchino after The Incredibles. Photo: @Disney (modified by author)Source: UGCIMDb rating: 8.1/10Runtime: 1 hour 51 minutesDirector: Brad Bird, Jan PinkavaRatatouille’s plot follows a young rat, Remy, who can cook and dreams of becoming a famous French chef, which is against his family’s wishes. The Disney character crosses paths with his culinary hero, Auguste Gusteau, who is one of Paris’ finest restaurants. The duo creates an extraordinary comedy tale that warms the hearts of fans.4. Aladdin (1992) Aladdin is based on the Arabic folktale “Aladdin” from One Thousand and One Nights. Photo: @Disney (modified by author)Source: UGCIMDb rating: 8/10 Running time: 1 hour 30 minutes Directors: Ron Clements and John Musker Aladdin is a poor street urchin who steals food from the marketplace. He meets a young girl who happens to be Princess Jasmine. Alongside a power-hungry Grand Vizier, Aladdin vies for a magic lamp that has the power to make their deepest wishes come true. He uses the magic lamp received from the Genie (voiced by Robin Williams) to become a prince and win Jasmine’s heart. Read alsoILLIT members: K-pop profiles, ages, roles, nationality, key facts5. Beauty and the Beast (1991)Beauty and the Beast was the second film, after The Rescuers Down Under, produced using CAPS (Computer Animation Production System). Photo: @Disney (modified by author)Source: UGCIMDb rating: 8.0/10Running time: 1 hour 24 minutesDirectors: Gary Trousdale and Kirk Wise Beauty and the Beast is one of the most beloved kids’ movies on Disney Plus. The movie is about a cursed prince and a strong-willed girl named Belle. Beast is determined to regain his humanity by winning Belle’s love. It is one of Disney’s best love stories. 6. The Little Mermaid (1989)The Little Mermaid is the last Walt Disney Animation Studios feature film to use the traditional hand-painted cel method of animation. Photo: @Disney (modified by author)Source: UGCIMDb ratings: 7.6/10 Running time: 1 hour 23 minutes Directors: Ron Clements and John Musker The Little Mermaid tells the story of a teenage mermaid princess named Ariel, who dreams of becoming human and falls in love with a human prince named Eric. Despite being forbidden by her controlling father, Ariel visits the surface and eventually falls in love with a human prince. Determined to win the human prince, she strikes a deal with Ursula, the sea witch, to become human for three days. Read alsoP1Harmony members’ ages, positions, and facts: Meet the K-pop idols7. Frozen (2013)Frozen is one of the highest-grossing films in North America. Photo: @Disney (modified by author)Source: UGCIMDb ratings: 7.4/10Running time: 1 hour 42 minutesDirectors: Chris Buck, Jennifer LeeFrozen is a fun-filled, animated, G-rated Disney movie about love, family, and friendship. It is about Princess Anna’s mission to find her long-lost sister, Princess Elsa, whose icy powers have trapped the kingdom of Arendelle in a never-ending winter. 8. Cinderella (1950)Cinderella is a folk tale with thousands of variants that are told throughout the world. Photo: @Disney (modified by author)Source: UGCIMDb ratings: 7.3/10Running time: 1 hour 14 minutesDirectors: Clyde Geronimi, Wilfred Jackson, and Hamilton LuskeThe fairy movie follows the life of Cinderella, who faces mistreatment from her stepmother and stepsisters. Her cruel mother also forbids her from attending a royal ball. Luckily, she gets help from her fairy godmother and two lovable mice, Gus and Jaq, and eventually attends the royal ball, catching the prince’s attention. 9. Cars (2006)Cars is set in a world populated entirely by anthropomorphic vehicles. Photo: @Disney (modified by author)Source: UGCIMDb rating: 7.2/10Runtime: 1 hour 57 minutesDirector: John Lasseter, Joe RanftRead alsoKiss of Life members’ K-pop profile: Names, ages, roles, and factsCars movie series is one of the greatest G-rated Disney movies for toddlers because it features brilliant colours, humour, and unusual animation that young children will enjoy. It follows Lightning McQueen, a bold yet inexperienced racecar who finds himself unexpectedly trapped in the deserted town of Radiator Springs. During this unexpected turn of events, he develops new acquaintances that shape his personality.10. Elemental (2023)The film is based on director Peter Sohn’s life with his parents immigrating to the USA from Korea. Photo: @Disney (modified by author)Source: UGCIMDb ratings: 7.0/10Running time: 1 hour 41 minutesDirectors: Peter Sohn Elemental centres around Ember and Wade as they embark on an adventurous journey to a city where fire, water, land, and air residents live together. Despite being two completely different people, they are about to discover how much they are alike.Did you know Pixar had to upgrade and buy more computers for Elemental? IMDB states there are over 151,000 cores for this film in three large rooms on the Pixar campus. For perspective, Toy Story (1995) had 294 cores, Monsters, Inc. (2001) had 672 cores, and Finding Nemo (2003) had 923 cores. This is a massive amount of computing power.Read alsoZeroBaseOne members: A full guide to the K-pop group’s idolsHow do you filter G-rated movies on Disney Plus?To filter G-rated movies on Disney Plus, follow a simple step-by-step procedure below:Step 1: Log into your account on the official Disney+ website here.Step 2: Choose edit profiles.Step 3: Create a kid profile by simply Selecting Add Profile and adding a new image and profile name for the new profile.Step 4: Adjust content ratings by choosing G-rated content. This restricts the content to G-rated movies, ensuring only family-friendly films are displayed. What does rated G mean on Disney Plus?On Disney+, a G rating means the content suits General Audiences. It means that the movie content is appropriate for all audiences. Sources state that G-rated movies and shows on Disney+ have nothing that would offend parents for viewing by children.What does M mean on Disney+?M means Mature audience. Thus, a movie with an M rating only suits mature audiences.Read alsoWhere was Fallout filmed? Discover the iconic locations of the TV seriesG-rated movies on Disney Plus offer an exceptional opportunity for families to bond over quality entertainment. With a diverse selection that includes animated classics, heartwarming tales, and adventurous stories, the above selection ensures there is something for everyone to enjoy. READ ALSO: Tinker Bell movies in order: a quick and easy guide for fairy fansBriefly.co.za published an article about Tinker Bell movies. It is a collection of animated films produced by DisneyToon Studios. It follows the adventures of Tinker Bell (Mae Whitman) and her fairy friends in the magical realm of Pixie Hollow. Tinker Bell movies explore significant themes of friendship, bravery, and discovery within the enchanting world of Pixie Hollow. Discover more about the films and how to watch them in order. Source: Briefly News

Book vending machine unveiled in Hopkinsville, Kentucky

Arts & Culture, Books

Sept. 19, 2024A book vending machine, called the Literary Launcher, was unveiled today by the Christian County Literacy Council and Atmos Energy, according to a report by The Eagle Post.The machine is housed at Visit Hopkinsville in Hopkinsville, Kentucky.”We want our students to be prolific readers, be people who enjoy reading, knowing that reading is a path to their success whatever it is,” Literacy Council Executive Director Francene Gilmer told the news outlet.The vending machine, unded by Atmos Energy, will be stocked with books that students can earn by reading. To receive a book, students must read two books in one week and have their parents bring them to Visit Hopkinsville.

From lab coat to beer stein: Aldi hires NHS biomedical scientist as its official beer taster

Science and Health

Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565Visit Shots! nowForget everything you thought you knew about beer samplers!This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.Aldi just shook things up by hiring Christine Mitchell, a 37-year-old NHS Biomedical Scientist and busy mum, as their official beer taster.Christine beat hundreds of applicants with her passion for Aldi’s “diverse” range of beers, admitting they “export her to her happy place”.From lab coat to beer stein: Aldi hires NHS biomedical scientist as its official beer taster.When she’s not chasing after her toddler or with her head in a book for her master’s degree, you can find Christine enjoying a refreshing bottle of Aldi’s Rheinbacher Weissbier or training for a fitness competition.As Aldi’s Official Beer Taster, Christine will be sharing her feedback on the latest brews, helping to shape the supermarket’s future product selection.Christine’s infectious enthusiasm for beer coupled with her sharp, scientific mind, made her standout among hundreds of applicants. The judges were impressed by her genuine passion and unique perspective.As Aldi’s official beer guru, Christine dived headfirst into her new role, sampling ten delicious beers and ciders from its September line-up. From the crisp sweetness of the NEW älska Vintage Pear Cider to the award-winning Grande Spanish Lager (a “Country Winner” at this year’s prestigious World Beer Awards!), Christine’s tastebuds were put to the test.Her all-important reviews will help guide and inform Aldi bosses ahead of key decision-making for the supermarket’s next range.Christine said: “As a microbiologist, I understand the magic of micro-organisms, including yeast – and without yeast, there is no beer! I really didn’t expect to land this role, so I am very excited to be part of something I’m enthusiastic about.“You can imagine my excitement when I landed this dream gig! My family is over the moon… although my partner is secretly hoping I share my samples. I’m eager to put my tastebuds (and science brain!) to good use, helping Aldi shoppers discover their new favourite brews.“In terms of my favourites, I’m a big fan of the Traditional Triple Beer, but the 0% Rheinbacher is also an enjoyable non-alcoholic crowd pleaser.”Julie Ashfield, Managing Director of Buying at Aldi UK, says: “At Aldi, we’re passionate about offering our shoppers a fantastic beer selection – from award-winning classics to exciting new flavours and no-and-low options. We’re thrilled to have Christine’s expert palate on board. Her insights will be invaluable as we continue to develop beers that surprise and delight our customers.”NEW älska Vintage Pear Cider (£1.99, 500ml)“Sweet with mild hints of apple and pear. Smooth and thin on the palette – very easy to drink with a strong ABV.”Grande Spanish Lager (£1.79, 660ml)“A classic done right. Pale amber in colour with sweet and crisp notes on the nose, this lager has a subtle sweetness with a pleasant bitterness.”San Marcos Lager (£1.79, 500ml)“Clear golden with a creamy head, this beer is sweet on the nose with hints of citrus and malt. With subtle malt and bread flavours, it’s both well-balanced and smooth.”Mystic River East Coast IPA (£1.79, 440ml)“Dry but smooth, this ale offers a sweet and juicy tropical blast with a lingering banana and cereal aftertaste.”Silver Lake West Coast IPA (£1.79, 440ml)“Sweet on the nose with hints of pine, citrus, and hops. Bold flavours of marmalade and zingy fruits leave a pleasantly bitter finish.”Orchard English Vintage Cider (£1.49, 500ml)“Clear, pale and golden, crisp apple notes offer a slight bitterness with a good balance between dry and sweetness. An excellent West Country cider that would complement a mature cheddar and cracker duo.”Taurus Blood Orange Cider (£3.49, 4 x 440ml)“With hints of citrus on the nose, this sweet tipple offers bold blood orange notes with a hint of apple bitterness.”Taurus Cherry Cider (£3.49, 4 x 440ml)“Bold cherry notes that are reminiscent of a cider-inspired Cherryade.”Brasserie du Noir Bière Triple Traditionelle (£3.49, 750ml)“Wheat and creamy banana notes with hints of mango and tropical flavours. A refreshing and very pleasant holiday-feel beer.”Rheinbacher 0% Pilsner (£2.99, 6 x 330ml)“A very pleasant and smooth 0% beer with subtle malt, banana and fruit flavours for a well-balanced and very enjoyable non-alcoholic option.”Continue Reading

The Best Science Podcasts To Listen To

Science and Health

In the ever-evolving world of science, staying informed and entertained can be a challenge. Thankfully, science podcasts offer a perfect blend of education and entertainment, making complex topics accessible and engaging. However, with so many science podcasts out there, what are the best science podcasts to listen to? Here is a list of some of the top science podcasts that you should consider adding to your playlist:

Stuff You Should Know

While not exclusively a science podcast, Stuff You Should Know covers a wide range of topics, including many scientific ones. Hosts Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant explain everything from how black holes work to the science of hangovers, making it a fun and informative listen.

Radiolab

Radiolab is a staple in the science podcast world. Hosted by Jad Abumrad and Robert Krulwich, this podcast delves into a wide range of topics, from the mysteries of the universe to the intricacies of human behavior. Each episode is a beautifully crafted narrative that makes science feel like an adventure.

Ologies with Alie Ward

If you love niche topics, Ologies is the podcast for you. Host AlieWard interviews experts in various “ologies” (the study of something) and dives deep into their fields. Whether it’s volcanology or mycology, Ward’s enthusiasm and humor make learning about these subjects a joy.

Science Vs

Hosted by Wendy Zuckerman, Science Vs takes on fads, trends, and the opinionated mob to find out what’s fact, what’s not, and what’s somewhere in between. From the effects of 5G to the truth about diets, this podcast is perfect for those who want to cut through the noise and get to the facts.

Invisibilia

Invisibilia, which means “invisible things” in Latin, explores the unseen forces that shape human behavior. Hosted by Alix Spiegel, Hanna Rosin, and Lulu Miller, this NPR podcast combines narrative storytelling with scientific research to uncover the hidden patterns in our lives.

The Skeptics’ Guide to the Universe

For those who enjoy a critical look at science news, The Skeptics’ Guide to the Universe is a must-listen. This weekly podcast discusses the latest in science, critical thinking and debunking myths. It’s a great way to stay informed and skeptical in a world full of misinformation.

Hidden Brain

Hosted by Shankar Vedantam, Hidden Brain uses science and storytelling to reveal the unconscious patterns that drive human behavior. This podcast is perfect for those interested in psychology and the social sciences.

Gastropod

Gastropod looks at food through the lens of science and history. Hosts Cynthia Graber and Nicola Twilley explore the fascinating stories behind what we eat, from the origins of the apple to the science of fermentation.

The Infinite Monkey Cage

Hosted by physicist Brian Cox and comedian Robin Ince, The Infinite Monkey Cage combines science and humor in a way that’s both entertaining and educational. The show features discussions with experts on a variety of scientific topics, making complex ideas accessible to everyone.

Science Friday

Science Friday, hosted by Ira Flatow, is a weekly science talk show that covers everything from the outer reaches of space to the tiniest microbes in our bodies. It’s a great way to catch up on the latest science news and discoveries.

Short Wave

Short Wave examines how science and technology intersect with society. Each episode is about the length of a coffee break, making it easy to consume in succession.

The Disappearing Spoon

This history-focused podcast doesn’t shy from the darker, gorier side of science. Written and hosted by Sam Kean, the show departs from most other science podcasts by not looking forward, but retrospectively.

Science Quickly

Science Quickly dishes out doses of knowledge like candies in a candy store. True to its name, the show’s primary goal is to feed the insatiable curiosity of those brainy type folks who crave complex scientific concepts in byte-sized packages.

Brains On! Science Podcast for Kids

This podcast is no child’s play. Host Molly Bloom, along with a revolving pack of whiz-kids and sprouting scientists, take on the world of atoms and zooplankton with the plucky ambition of a very caffeinated Newton.

These podcasts offer a fantastic way to stay informed and entertained. Whether you’re a science enthusiast or just curious about the world around you, this list of the best science podcasts has a show for you.

Tourists in Tenerife rescued from broken boat after spending four days at sea

Travel

Your support helps us to tell the storyAs your White House correspondent, I ask the tough questions and seek the answers that matter.Your support enables me to be in the room, pressing for transparency and accountability. Without your contributions, we wouldn’t have the resources to challenge those in power.Your donation makes it possible for us to keep doing this important work, keeping you informed every step of the way to the November electionAndrew FeinbergWhite House CorrespondentFind out moreA sinking vessel carrying tourists has been rescued by the Spanish coast guard after four days stuck at sea off the coast of Tenerife.According to the authorities, the boat got into difficulty 52.5 miles north of the largest Canary Island with four men onboard suffering dehydration as a result of the ordeal.One British, one French and two Moroccan tourists indicated they had “been adrift for four days” when rescue teams arrived on Tuesday 17 September.The men are said to have made a ‘Mayday’ call when the inflatable boat they were travelling on started to take on water.The Spanish Coast Guard reported that the inflatable “requested help through an Iridium satellite device 52.5 miles north of Tenerife”.Green Power, a bulk carrier ship sailing under the Panamanian flag, responded to the call for help alongside the Spanish Coast Guard.The tourists, who were all found alive, were winched to safety by a Helimer 201 helicopter and transferred to a hospital near Tenerife South Airport for treatment.It is currently unclear what the men had been doing at sea and how the difficulty occurred.The Spanish Coast Guard told The Independent: “The 4 people from the inflatable boat, who indicated that they had been adrift for 4 days, were rescued by our Helimer 201 helicopter and transferred to Tenerife, where they were treated by the health and safety team.“The inflatable was later collected by Guardia Civil.”It’s not the first time tourists have been stranded at sea this year.In July, a couple from Oklahoma survived being lost at sea by treading water for 36 hours after they became separated from their scuba diving group during stormy weather.Experienced divers Nathan and Kim Maker, from Edmond, Oklahoma, were scuba diving off the Texas coast in the Gulf of Mexico when the swell from stormy weather caused them to lose the rest of their group.The Coast Guard found the couple 15 miles from Matagorda after an aircraft spotted a flashing light in the water and directed the boat to pull them to safety.For more travel news and advice, listen to Simon Calder’s podcast

Tourists in Tenerife rescued from broken boat after spending four days at sea

Travel

Your support helps us to tell the storyAs your White House correspondent, I ask the tough questions and seek the answers that matter.Your support enables me to be in the room, pressing for transparency and accountability. Without your contributions, we wouldn’t have the resources to challenge those in power.Your donation makes it possible for us to keep doing this important work, keeping you informed every step of the way to the November electionAndrew FeinbergWhite House CorrespondentFind out moreA sinking vessel carrying tourists has been rescued by the Spanish coast guard after four days stuck at sea off the coast of Tenerife.According to the authorities, the boat got into difficulty 52.5 miles north of the largest Canary Island with four men onboard suffering dehydration as a result of the ordeal.One British, one French and two Moroccan tourists indicated they had “been adrift for four days” when rescue teams arrived on Tuesday 17 September.The men are said to have made a ‘Mayday’ call when the inflatable boat they were travelling on started to take on water.The Spanish Coast Guard reported that the inflatable “requested help through an Iridium satellite device 52.5 miles north of Tenerife”.Green Power, a bulk carrier ship sailing under the Panamanian flag, responded to the call for help alongside the Spanish Coast Guard.The tourists, who were all found alive, were winched to safety by a Helimer 201 helicopter and transferred to a hospital near Tenerife South Airport for treatment.It is currently unclear what the men had been doing at sea and how the difficulty occurred.The Spanish Coast Guard told The Independent: “The 4 people from the inflatable boat, who indicated that they had been adrift for 4 days, were rescued by our Helimer 201 helicopter and transferred to Tenerife, where they were treated by the health and safety team.“The inflatable was later collected by Guardia Civil.”It’s not the first time tourists have been stranded at sea this year.In July, a couple from Oklahoma survived being lost at sea by treading water for 36 hours after they became separated from their scuba diving group during stormy weather.Experienced divers Nathan and Kim Maker, from Edmond, Oklahoma, were scuba diving off the Texas coast in the Gulf of Mexico when the swell from stormy weather caused them to lose the rest of their group.The Coast Guard found the couple 15 miles from Matagorda after an aircraft spotted a flashing light in the water and directed the boat to pull them to safety.For more travel news and advice, listen to Simon Calder’s podcast