MICHIGAN K.I.D.S. | Yak Chat …nieonline.com/yakscorner/20111215/2.pdf · Pitcher Justin Verlander...
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The Year in Review As the year winds down, the Yak is looking back at stories that made headlines in Detroit, the state, the United States and even around the world. Here are some of the stories that made news in our weekly roundup for Yak’s Corner. Major Earthquake In March, a powerful earthquake shook Japan, resulting in a deadly and destructive tsunami (soo- NAHM-ee), a series of huge waves. In addition, a nuclear plant was damaged. Countries responded rapidly to help Japan. Schoolchildren in Michigan did their part to help, too. One inspiring effort came from Warner Upper Elementary School in Farmington Hills, where students made hundreds of paper cranes for donations. TERRIFIC Tornadoes In the United States, tornadoes caused heavy damage throughout the spring, including one that struck the town of Joplin, Missouri in May. The American Red Cross helped rescue many people. Schools have reopened and the town came together recently for Thanksgiving and a special remembrance of the lives lost. Changing Worlds Several countries underwent huge changes in government after uprisings. Among them were Egypt and Libya. After uprisings, the Egyptian government resigned and the country is now holding the first of several elections. Libyans also rebelled and ousted leader Moammar Gadhafi was killed. Another nation in the midst of change is the Mideast country of Tunisia. Sports Success The Detroit Tigers made a big comeback by winning the American League Central Division. Pitcher Justin Verlander won several awards, including the American League’s Most Valuable Player and the Cy Young Award. At Yak’s Corner press time, the Lions’ fate in the playoffs was not known, but the team is having one of its best years in recent history. Michigan State University won its division in the Big 10, and the University of Michigan’s new coach led that team to a 10-2 season. Individuals making headlines include Michigan gymnast Jordyn Wieber, who won the 2011 All-Around World Champion gymnastics title. Health Headlines An issue that continues to get big attention is fitness and health for children. “Let’s Move,” the fitness and health program led by First Lady Michelle Obama celebrated its first year anniversary in February. In addition, the nation has new food guidelines that stress more vegetables. The United States Department of Agriculture also instituted guidelines for better nutrition in school cafeterias. A Big Year For Bieber In entertainment news, singer Justin Bieber continued to pull in fans and rank at the top of the music charts, including his latest release, a holiday CD, “Under the Mistletoe.” By Cathy Collison MICHIGAN K.I.D.S. | WWW.DNIE.COM December’s spirit is showing up everywhere. It’s a special time with school concerts, holiday parties and plenty of baking cookies or making gifts. It’s a great time to see Detroit aglow everywhere. Wayne County celebrates with the annual light fest on Hines Drive. Greenfield Village opens up with its special Holiday Nights programs. (See www. thehenryford.org.) And Santa takes time in his busy schedule to drop by everywhere, including the Detroit Zoo. (See www.detroitzoo.org). The Yak also sees a giving spirit as everyone from scouts and sports teams are helping at this time of year. Outside stores and malls, you’ll see workers ringing bells for the “red kettles” of the Salvation Army. Other collections include Goodwill’s toy drive and the Marines’ Toys for Tots. The Detroit Lions sports team has been out and about to collect toys and food, too. The Yak loves the spirited writing showing up in all the stories you sent. They begin on Page 5. Have a wonderful holiday. The Yak will be back on January 12! 2 Printed by: The Detroit Media Partnership Sterling Heights, Michigan, Fall 2011. • News of the year, Page 2. • Kwanzaa recipe, Page 4. Artwork by Aileen Mulcahy, 11, Royal Oak Toshiharu Kato/Japanese Red Cross The first team of the Japanese Red Cross gets to work on helping in northern Japan last March. On the cover: Also Inside: Thursday, December 15, 2011 Yakking About The News Yak Chat
Transcript of MICHIGAN K.I.D.S. | Yak Chat …nieonline.com/yakscorner/20111215/2.pdf · Pitcher Justin Verlander...
The Year in ReviewAs the year winds down, the Yak is looking back
at stories that made headlines in Detroit, the state, the United States and even around the world. Here are some of the stories that made news in our weekly roundup for Yak’s Corner.
Major EarthquakeIn March, a powerful earthquake shook Japan,
resulting in a deadly and destructive tsunami (soo-NAHM-ee), a series of huge waves. In addition, a nuclear plant was damaged. Countries responded rapidly to help Japan. Schoolchildren in Michigan did their part to help, too. One inspiring effort came from Warner Upper Elementary School in Farmington Hills, where students made hundreds of paper cranes for donations.
TERRIFIC TornadoesIn the United States, tornadoes caused heavy
damage throughout the spring, including one that struck the town of Joplin, Missouri in May. The American Red Cross helped rescue many people. Schools have reopened and the town came together recently for Thanksgiving and a special remembrance of the lives lost.
Changing WorldsSeveral countries underwent
huge changes in government after uprisings.
Among them were Egypt and Libya. After uprisings, the Egyptian government resigned and the country is now holding the first of several elections. Libyans also rebelled and ousted leader Moammar Gadhafi was killed. Another nation in the midst of change is the Mideast country of Tunisia.
Sports SuccessThe Detroit Tigers made
a big comeback by winning the American League Central Division. Pitcher Justin Verlander won several awards, including the American League’s Most Valuable Player
and the Cy Young Award. At Yak’s Corner press time, the Lions’ fate in the playoffs was not known, but the team is having one of its best years in recent history. Michigan State University won its division in the Big 10, and the University of Michigan’s new coach led that team to a 10-2 season. Individuals making headlines include Michigan gymnast Jordyn Wieber, who won the 2011 All-Around World Champion gymnastics title.
Health HeadlinesAn issue that continues to get big
attention is fitness and health for children. “Let’s Move,” the fitness and health program led by First Lady Michelle Obama celebrated its first year anniversary in February. In addition, the nation has new food guidelines that stress more vegetables. The United States Department of Agriculture also instituted guidelines for better nutrition in school cafeterias.
A Big Year For BieberIn entertainment news, singer
Justin Bieber continued to pull in fans and rank at the top of the music charts, including his latest release, a holiday CD, “Under the Mistletoe.”
By Cathy Collison
MICHIGAN K.I.D.S. | WWW.DNIE.COM
December’s spirit is showing up everywhere.
It’s a special time with school concerts, holiday parties and plenty of baking cookies or making gifts. It’s a great time to see Detroit aglow everywhere. Wayne County celebrates with the annual light fest on Hines Drive. Greenfield Village opens up with its special Holiday Nights programs. (See www.thehenryford.org.) And Santa takes time in his busy schedule to drop by everywhere, including the Detroit Zoo. (See www.detroitzoo.org).
The Yak also sees a giving spirit as everyone from scouts and sports teams are helping at this time of year. Outside stores and malls, you’ll see workers ringing bells for the “red kettles” of the Salvation Army. Other collections include Goodwill’s toy drive and the Marines’ Toys for Tots. The Detroit Lions sports team has been out and about to collect toys and food, too.
The Yak loves the spirited writing showing up in all the stories you sent. They begin on Page 5.
Have a wonderful holiday. The Yak will be back on January 12!
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Printed by: The Detroit Media Partnership Sterling Heights, Michigan, Fall 2011.
• News of the year, Page 2.• Kwanzaa recipe, Page 4.
Artwork by Aileen Mulcahy, 11, Royal Oak
Toshiharu Kato/Japanese Red CrossThe first team of the Japanese Red Cross gets to work on helping in northern Japan last March.
On the cover:
Also Inside:
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Yakking About The NewsYak Chat
