Stuff YOU Should Know
The Feds Want You to Eat More Fish
Credit: lynx/Glow Images; do you like fish? You might need to consider eating more.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is federal regulatory agency. In addition to enforcing laws, it offers recommendations as to the foods we should be consuming in order to live healthier lives. The latest FDA proposal is that young children and pregnant women should eat 8 to 12 ounces (2-3 servings) of “low mercury” seafood each week. Experts believe there are great benefits to eating fish, especially for children born to women who consume a regular amount.
This announcement was a surprise to many because ten years ago, the FDA had advised women and children to limit the amount of this food group because of the harmful levels of mercury found in certain kinds of fish. Before the latest FDA proposal becomes an official recommendation, it enters a “public commenting period.” An announcement is made on the FDA’s Federal Register and the general public is invited to voice their comments and concerns for a set period of time (60 days, for example). The FDA uses the feedback to inform their decision-making.
What Do You Think? Do you like seafood? If so, what kinds do you already eat, and do you meet the FDA recommended amount? If not, would you be willing to try shrimp, salmon, light tuna or cod and tilapia? Why or why not?
Magic School Bus Reboot
If you have Netflix (or keep up with entertainment news), you know that the media company is becoming known for its innovative programming and changing the way we watch television. In a recent announcement, Netflix is proving that it is also not afraid of looking to the past to learn lessons for the future. Hoping to capture enthusiasm for the classic children’s educational series The Magic School Bus, executives inked a deal with Scholastic Media to create 26 new episodes.
Adapted from a series of books of the same name, The Magic School Bus was a science program for children that debuted on PBS in 1994 and aired through 1997. After reruns streaming on Netflix became very popular, the network joined forces with Scholastic to create The Magic School Bus 360, due to launch in 2016. The new version will be created with state-of-the-art Computer Generated Imagery (CGI) and feature modern characters using updated scientific tools.
What Do You Think? Do you have a favorite kids show that is no longer on the air that you would like to see revived? If so, what it is and what changes, if any, would you make to it?
Summer Job Follow-Up
Last week, btw brought you a feature story about summer jobs. This week, how about some news on the importance of working when you are a teenager? Earlier this year, the Brookings Institute, a Washington, D.C.-based “think tank,” published a report called “The Plummeting Labor Market Fortunes of Teens and Young Adults.” In it, the researchers say that finding work as an adult is more difficult if you did not have a job as a teenager. It also says that those who have jobs earlier tend to earn higher salaries when they graduate from college.
There are exceptions to the rule. Teens involved in demanding sports programs, community service, or unpaid internships tend to have equally positive experiences as those who obtain paid employment. One current challenge teens are facing in finding work is that jobs once held by younger people (entry level or part time positions) are becoming increasingly filled by older worker who have previously been displaced or who have retired and re-entered the workforce. Good news is that better tools and networking opportunities exist than ever before, helping young people become better equipped to make the transition into adulthood and economic self-sufficiency.
What Do You Think? Ask at least three adults about their earliest work experience. How do they feel it influenced their current career?
GM Fined Over Recall
After rebounding from a government bailout in 2009, the car manufacturer General Motors is facing troubles again, this time over recalls. A recall is when a flaw or defect in a product has been discovered that has or could affect the safety of those who have purchased it. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is a government agency responsible for announcing recalls. The manufacturer is then required by law to notify all known, registered owners and/or purchasers. In the case of car companies, they can offer one of three options to their customers–repair, replace or refund.
This year, General Motors has recalled more than 13 million of its cars. Many of the issues are centered around faulty ignition switches, leading to a loss of power in the vehicle. This problem has been responsible for at least 31 collisions and 13 deaths. An investigation into the problem revealed that GM has been aware of the issue since at least 2002. As a result, the federal government fined the car company a record $35 million for failing to resolve the issue in a timely manner.