| First News Friday 14 December 2012 |
| Copyright (C) BBC |
THE BIG INTERVIEW - MARTIN FREEMAN
Section Index
A VERY UGLY CHRISTMAS
SHOPS TELL FARMERS THEY'LL SELL THEIR UGLY VEGETABLES AFTER WET SUMMER RUINS CROPS
by editor Nicky Cox
CARROTS with legs and funny-shaped roast potatoes might be on your dinner plate this Christmas.
That's because the heavy rain this summer damaged crops. Farmers were worried that tonnes of edible fruit and vegetables were being dumped just because they looked "ugly". Now supermarkets have relaxed their rules, and are selling the dodgy-looking fruit and vegetables, to support British farmers, rather than bringing in prettier food from other countries.
Floods ruined crops, leaving potatoes with splits and sprouts smaller than usual - though that might please some people!
Judith Batchelar from Sainsbury's said: "Our challenge is to see how much ugliness customers will accept in fruit and vegetables."
Does it matter if your fruit and vegetables are ugly?
Take part in our debate at firstnews.co.uk!
Young campaigners demand peace prize for girl shot for wanting to go to school
ON Monday young campaigners went to Downing Street calling for a girl who was shot to be nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.
Malala Yousafzai, a 15-year-old schoolgirl, was shot in the head by a Taliban gunman in October after campaigning against the destruction of girls'schools in Pakistan. The Taliban is an extreme group. One of their beliefs is that women shouldn't be treated the same as men. Malala was flown to the UK and is recovering in hospital in Birmingham. Her actions have sparked global support.
Young campaigners from the Send My Friend to School campaign delivered their Malala petition, signed by 256,000 people, to the Prime Minister, David Cameron. Ayiasha Islam, Rebecca Nisha Mumith and Nazrin Siri Khanom, all 12 years old and from Central Foundation School in East London, represented the thousands of school pupils around the UK who believe that every child deserves the right to a good education.
Ayiasha said:"It's a great honour to be a part of a campaign that shows young people like us how important education really is. People like Malala Yousafzai are very brave. She put her life in danger simply because she wanted to go to school, a right that sometimes we take for granted. Being a part of this campaign has made me realise how lucky I am and that there are many others in this world that want to learn."
To help Malala be nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize go to www.change.org/nobelformalala. The petition will remain open until the Nobel Committee announce the next winner in 2013. The prize is given every year to a person or group who have worked hard for peace or friendliness between nations.
To take part in Send my Friend to School 2013, go to www.sendmyfriend.org.
For the latest on these headlines, go to www.firstnews.co.uk/news
DJs give interview after nurse's death
TWO Australian DJs have given emotional interviews following the death of a nurse who took a prank call from them.
Presenters Mel Greig and Michael Christian pretended to be the Queen and the Prince of Wales in the call to King edward VII Hospital in London, where the Duchess of Cambridge was being treated for morning sickness.
Nurse Jacintha Saldanha picked up the call and, not realising it was a prank, put it through to another nurse, who then gave out details of the duchess's condition.
The fact that the DJs were able to find out this information about the royal family became big news around the world.
Jacintha Saldanha was found dead at the hospital two days later. It is believed that she took her own life.
The DJs said they never expected their call to be put through and that they are "heartbroken". Greig said: "There's nothing that can make me feel worse than I feel right now."
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge said in a statement they are "deeply saddened" by the nurse's death.
CHRISTMAS SHOPPERS BUY ONE TABLET COMPUTER EVERY SECOND
Could it be the end for printed books?
BRITISH shoppers are buying one tablet computer every second as the Christmas gift rush continues.
by editor Nicky Cox
Some shops say they are selling 20 times as many tablets as they were last year. That's why it's being called "the tablet Christmas".
A spokesman from high street store Dixons said: "iPads were big last year but the new devices that have come out this year have really opened up the market to a much wider audience."
The Kindle Fire HD, Google Nexus 7 and the Nook HD are all proving to be popular, but stores say it is too early to tell which will top the sales chart.
The explosion in tablet sales is making some people ask whether this marks the beginning of the end for traditional printed books. But, according to a First News poll, real books are safe - at least for now. So far, 65% of our readers say they prefer to read a printed book rather than an ebook.
Take part in the poll too at firstnews.co.uk. We'll reveal the final result in a future issue.
NELSON MANDELA IN HOSPITAL
FORMER president of South Africa Nelson Mandela was admitted to hospital last week.
As First News went to press, 94-year-old Mr Mandela was being treated for a lung infection. Spokesman Mac Maharaj said there was "no cause for alarm".
Nelson Mandela became South Africa's first black president in 1994. Previously, he had been imprisoned for 27 years, for campaigning for equal rights for black people. Mr Mandela was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993. For the latest updates, go to firstnews.co.uk.
THIS WEEK IN HISTORY
14 December 1995
After three and a half years of war, leaders from Bosnia, Serbia and Croatia reached a peace deal. They agreed on who owned what territory and signed the Dayton Accord in Paris in front of 50 world leaders. Bosnia remained a single state, but was split into two parts - 51% was held by a Muslim-Croat federation and 49% was held by the Serbs. Sarajevo also became a unified city.
Queen in 3D!
2012 has been a pretty big year for the Queen.
Weeks after celebrating 60 years on the throne, she was seen parachuting into the Olympic Stadium by millions. But Her majesty has got one more trick up her sleeve before the year comes to an end.
On christmas day, her special yearly broadcast will be shown in 3d for the first time! The Queen's christmas message will be watched on TV around the world. She is expected to speak about the Olympics and Paralympics, as well as her Diamond Jubilee celebrations.
The first royal christmas message was broadcast 80 years ago. It's come a long way since then, when the Queen's grandfather spoke to the world on the radio!
Syria: the crisis deepens
COUNTRIES around the world are getting ready for what could be the Syrian government's most dangerous attack yet.
Politicians in the UK and America have warned Syria's leader, President Assad, not to use toxic weapons on his people. "I want to make it absolutely clear to Assad and those under his command that the world is watching - the use of chemical weapons would be totally unacceptable," President Obama said. His words were backed by Britain's Foreign Secretary, William Hague.
Battles between Syrian rebels and Assad's government have been getting worse for some time. Both sides are now desperately searching for a way to win the war, but neither seems to be making progress. Instead, more and more people are getting hurt and killed every day.
The situation is serious for those who have survived the violence too, with some children reportedly suffering without food or water. "I can't even get them a loaf of bread," one parent told journalists in the town of Aleppo.
VIOLENCE IN BELFAST
RIOTS gripped the streets of Northern Ireland's capital this week.
Protests started when politicians at Belfast city council voted to only put up the Union Flag on special occasions.
The flag of the United Kingdom had flown above the Belfast city council building every day for more than 100 years. Protests quickly spiralled into violence. In just one week, 29 police officers were injured.
People in Northern Ireland have argued about the country being part of the UK for a long time. The removal of the flag is seen by some as a move by Belfast's politicians to step away from the UK.
Labour's Northern Ireland spokesperson, Vernon Coaker, said: "Violence night after night would not be tolerated in London, Dublin, Cardiff or Edinburgh. It should not be tolerated in Belfast."
The Government's Northern Ireland Secretary, Theresa Villiers, described the violence as "totally unacceptable".
Make the world better with a sweater
TODAY (14 December) is Christmas Jumper Day!
People all over the UK are wearing some very fashionable festive clothing to raise money for some of the world's poorest young people. Top kids charity Save The children has organised the event. Justin Forsyth, boss of Save The children, recently announced on Twitter that "over 700,000 people have signed up to take part".
Everyone involved with the fundraising event has chosen to donate money and wear a silly jumper to show it. Some members of the First News team got in on the action this week too, when we held our own Christmas Jumper day!
Some of the First News team in our Christmas jumpers! (Deputy Editor Keilly forgot her jumper but made a dress from a Christmas bag - stylish!)
FROM MYGROVE TO HIGHGROVE!
MYGROVE, a new online blog, is encouraging students to write about their gardening projects for the chance to win a trip to the Prince of Wales own gardens at Highgrove in Gloucestershire.
Primary school children can use Mygrove to blog about their own gardening, no matter how big or small - anything from a window box to a vegetable patch. The important thing is that the participants report on their project in their own blogs.
While budding gardeners are blogging about their projects, a Mygrove blog will be updated with tips and links to useful websites to give them a helping hand.
At the end of the school year, the school with the best blog will win a trip to Highgrove gardens. Find out more at princeofwales.gov.uk/for-children/mygrove.
HOLIDAY TO THE MOON?
WHEN your family is thinking about where to go on holiday, it's unlikely that the moon is on the list... but it soon might be! A new company says it will be selling moon holidays by the year 2020.
by Keilly Swift
The company, called Golden Spike, is run by former bosses of the US space agency, NASA. They plan to use rocket technology to get people to their lunar holiday.
Alan Stern, the Chief Executive Officer of Golden Spike, said: "We're selling to nations, corporations and individuals. Get in line - and I think it's going to be a long one."
However, even if moon holidays do become possible, they will be just a little too expensive for most families budgets - at a cost of around 871 million pounds per person!
After the moon holiday package, the company says its next aim is to sell holidays to mars by the year 2050. The cost of this will undoubtedly be billions, so anyone interested in an 'out of this world lunar or martian holiday should probably start saving now!
EDITOR'S COMMENT
Editor Nicky Cox MBE
IT doesn't matter how silly you think you look in a Christmas jumper, you have to put one on for some of the world's poorest children.
We did! Well, most of us did. Keilly, our deputy editor, forgot hers so she wore a Christmas bag instead and lay in front of us. Very lovely she looked too, not an old bag at all! Richard, didn't have a Christmas snowman or reindeer on his jumper at all but at least he tried (ish!).
So, while we had a bit of fun, it was all in support of Save The Children's Christmas Jumper Day today (Friday 14 december). The idea is that you wear your wonderful winter woolly and make a donation to Save The children at savethechildren.org.uk/ christmas-jumper-day.
Hopefully, some of your schools might let you take part. Or, maybe, have a Christmas Jumper Party at home? If you do, send us your pictures to newsdesk@firstnews.
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GOOD WEEK FOR...
Emma Bunton
The Spice Girl has been announced as Jamie Theakston's new co-host on London's Heart Breakfast radio show. emma will begin her new job on 7 January 2013. She said: "I am so excited to be joining Heart Breakfast. Jamie and I have known each other for years, so it'll be great spending each morning with him chatting, laughing and playing great music."
BAD WEEK FOR...
Christmas Birds
Turtle doves and partridges may feature in the classic Christmas carol Twelve Days of Christmas but they are at risk of extinction. According to the RSPB, six out of ten turtle doves and three out of ten grey partridges are now gone, compared to five years ago. Environmentalists are calling for action to save our festive feathered friends.
8 December NAGANO, JAPAN:
Japanese macaques, commonly referred to as snow monkeys, take an open-air hot spring bath. Some 160 of the monkeys inhabit the area and are a popular tourist draw.
9 December WASHINGTON, USA:
US President Barack Obama, first lady Michelle Obama, and daughters Malia and Sasha greet Christmas elves as they attend the Christmas in Washington concert at the National Building Museum. The concert benefits the Children's National Medical Center.
7 December ILLINOIS, USA:
Workers prepare a WWII-era FM-2 Wildcat fighter plane for transport after it was recovered from Lake Michigan. The aircraft, which was recovered from 60m (200 ft) of water, crashed into the lake on 28 December 1944 when the engine died during a training mission. The aircraft will be shipped to the Naval Aviation Museum for restoration.
5 December WORCESTER, ENGLAND:
Olympic gold and silver medallist and triple world champion rower, Zac Purchase MBE, joined schoolchildren in a Get Active session after officially opening the new David Lloyd Leisure club.
8 December MELKSHAM, ENGLAND:
People gather to look at Christmas lights. The lights, a popular festive attraction, have raised thousands of pounds for charity. The display, which is estimated to involve more than 100,000 bulbs, is worth over 30000 pounds and even needed an upgraded electricity supply to cope with the additional power needed.
For more pictures and videos, go to www.firstnews.co.uk/news-in-pictures
OUR STORIES
For more home news, pictures and videos go to www.firstnews.co.uk/news
UK
Christmas services online
For the first time, britain's senior Anglican bishops, including the Archbishop of Canterbury and the archbishop-designate, will be tweeting their Christmas Day sermons. Congregations around the UK will be using the social media site to spread their Christmas messages. The church has 16,000 parishes in the UK and all their worshippers are being encouraged to tweet their festive messages of goodwill.
Manchester
Paralympian honour
Sarah Storey, who has won 22 Paralympic medals across six Paralympic Games, has been honoured this week by Manchester University. The cyclist started her career as a swimmer before turning to cycling. She has been given an honorary degree by Manchester University. Sarah is already starting preparations for her seventh Paralympic Games in rio in 2016, where she plans to defend her titles.
Cornwall
Ash disease confirmed
Cornwall is the latest place in the UK to have a confirmed outbreak of ash dieback disease. The fungus was found at a recently planted site near camborne. So far, there are 155 sites across the UK which have confirmed cases of the disease.
Cardiff
Stolen puppy found
A cocker spaniel puppy has been reunited with his overjoyed owners 11 days after being stolen. Buster was handed in to a dog sanctuary in Cardiff, 80km (50 miles) from where he was stolen in Gloucestershire. Staff at the sanctuary were able to get in touch with Buster's devastated owners because he was microchipped. He has now been reunited with the family, including five-year-old Oliver, who had written to Father Christmas to ask for his dog back.
Edinburgh
Cycle race bid
Councillors in Edinburgh are voting this week on plans to bid for the Tour de France to start in Scotland for the first time. If the plan gets approved and Scotland win the bid, the huge annual sporting event could start in the city as soon as 2014. The event would be a great boost for tourism.
Blackpool
Orangutan move
A family of orangutans living at Blackpool Zoo are getting ready to move house. The four great apes will move to Chester Zoo for a while so that their enclosure at Blackpool Zoo can be redecorated and extended. The ape house at Blackpool Zoo was first opened in 1970.
UK
Submarine to be built
The Ministry of Defence has decided who will build the Royal Navy's new attack submarine, Audacious. The 1.2 billion pound contract was won by BAE Systems and will secure 3,000 jobs in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria. Defence Secretary Philip Hammond said: "This funding demonstrates our commitment not only to Royal Navy capability, but also the submarine industry in barrow, which will play a vital role in Britain's defence for decades to come."
Isle of Man
Messages in a bottle
A group of beach cleaners may expand after discovering a bottle containing 23 messages from schoolchildren in Ireland. The bottle was found at Hansey beach by a member of the beach buddies clean-up crew. The school and the group have been in touch and now the school and its pupils plan to get involved in their own beach clean-up. The letters written by the children were part of an experiment to see how far rubbish travels in the ocean. It took four days for the bottle to travel from Drogheda to the Isle of Man.
London
Anniversary Oysters
Special edition Oyster cards have been released this week to celebrate 150 years of London Underground services. More than 55 million Oyster cards are currently in use after they were introduced in 2003.
THE WEEK IN NUMBERS
2 pence was thrown onto the pitch during a match between manchester United and Manchester City, injuring footballer Rio Ferdinand. The coin hit him above his left eye and made a cut.
100 turkeys have been rescued from a barn fire in the Forest of Dean.
43,000 pounds is being used to set up healthy food cooking lessons in the Northeast of England. The funding was raised by healthImprove through The Health Lottery.
6 years after they fell in love, First News Sam Eads is asking Lauren to make him the happiest man alive by agreeing to be his wife.
140 items that were lent to the British and Empire Commonwealth Museum are missing now that the museum has closed.
800,000 people are expected to have visited Edinburgh Zoo by the end of the year. Visitor numbers are up by around 50% this year thanks to the arrival of the zoo's two giant pandas.
For more science news, pictures and videos go to www.firstnews.co.uk/discover
Gardening in space
Scientists working in space have found that plants don't need gravity to grow roots.
Although it isn't fully understood, experts thought that two important features of root growth relied on gravity, so this new research is quite surprising.
When roots on Earth grow, they do things called 'waving and 'skewing. Waving is the way that the root tips change direction regularly, and is thought to help with avoiding obstacles in the ground. Skewing is the name for how roots grow when they come up against a nearly vertical surface.
Scientists grew several Arabidopsis thaliana plants on the International Space Station, using a light source to mimic the sun. The researchers found that the roots still waved and skewed, and the skewing pattern was the same as it would be on Earth. However, the roots didn't wave quite as much in space, which suggests that the two processes are controlled in separate ways.
Experts writing in BMC Plant Biology say their results show that gravity isn't essential for root growth, so there must be other factors that cause roots to wave and skew in the way that they do.
Rebels with a teapot
Although drinking tea is about as ordinary as you can get, 19th century campaigners saw it as being reckless and rebellious, and potentially harmful to the economy and society.
Research carried out by experts at Durham University has revealed the strange attitudes towards the increasing popularity of a cuppa.
In Ireland in the 1800s, poor women who drank tea were said to be wasting their time and money. Tea was also blamed for reducing the time that women spent taking care of their husbands. Some critics even said that the country's economy depended on women looking after their husbands at home.
"Peasant women were condemned for putting their feet up with a cup of tea when they should be getting a hearty evening meal ready for their hard-working husbands," says researcher Helen O Connell.
Campaigners even went as far as publishing 'improvement pamphlets to give out to poor households. They claimed that tea-drinking was reckless and a luxury that poor people couldn't afford. It was even alleged that people could become addicted to tea, or that it would make drinkers want to take part in a revolution against the Government! Better-off sections of society looked down on poor tea drinkers in the way that they would whisky drinkers.
It wasn't just in Ireland that these ideas took off. Some people in England also published pamphlets, saying that tea threatened the wholesome diet of peasants and that the order of society could suffer.
Did you know?
Scientists have found that birds are starting to use cigarette butts to line their nests. Apart from providing insulation, the used butts also keep away parasites that could otherwise infest the birds'nests. It is thought that the nicotine and, possibly, other substances help to repel parasitic mites.
Nicotine is actually a natural defence mechanism that the tobacco plant produces to keep pests away.
The oldest dinosaur?
FOSSILISED bones that were first discovered 80 years ago may belong to the oldest dinosaur known to science.
A team of researchers has claimed that the fossils are ten million years older than any other dinosaurs discovered so far.
The scientists were studying the humerus (upper arm bone) and six vertebrae (the bones found in the spine) that have been stored in London's Natural History Museum. They estimate that the creature would have been about the size of a Labrador, except with a 1.5m tail.
The bones were found in Tanzania in the 1930s by Rex Parrington, which is why the dinosaur has been named Nyasasaurus Parringtoni. The first part comes from Nyasa, the old name for Lake Malawi, and 'saurus means lizard.
This newly-named creature was around at a time in history when lots of different reptile groups were evolving. It was only later that dinosaur populations boomed and became the dominant group.
Boldly going... to bed
People get up to all kinds of things in the name of science, but several groups of volunteers are helping to learn more about space travel by simply staying in bed.
These brave adventurers have even been nicknamed 'pillownauts by staff at the European Space Agency!
The point of the study is to combat the effects that space travel has on muscle and bone. The lack of gravity in space means that muscles and bones start to waste away, because they aren't put under the same stresses and pressures as they would be here on Earth.
The pillownauts all have to stay in a bed for three weeks. The beds are tilted at an angle of 6deg, which means that the volunteers heads are below their feet for the entire time. No matter whether they're eating, washing or going to the toilet, the volunteers all have to keep both hips and at least one shoulder in contact with the bed.
Two of the three groups are being given short but intense exercise routines to carry out, and one of those groups is taking protein supplements like the kind that bodybuilders use.
The volunteers say that they aren't guinea pigs, but are taking part in vital scientific research.
"Bed rest is an opportunity to learn more about yourself and a great way to participate in humankind's space adventure," said Nicolas, a volunteer.
GLOBAL STORIES
For more world news, pictures and videos go to www.firstnews.co.uk/news
SNIPPETS
Lab tests have confirmed that the mysterious creature found dead in Denmark's Thy National Park was a wolf. It is the first time that one of the creatures has been seen in the country in almost 200 years.
USA
Stress-busting dogs
Staff at Longwood University in Farmville (yes, it's a real place!) brought their dogs in to give students a nice break from the stress of exams. Around a dozen dogs came in to take part in the afternoon, which staff called Study Paws (pause, geddit?)."It brings everybody together at a time when stress and emotions are high,"said Dr Jake Milne.
USA
Snake hunt
In a bid to control the booming Burmese python population, Florida wildlife officials have launched a contest for hunters to kill as many of the snakes as possible. The huge creatures aren't native to the region, and have been blamed for killing many rare mammals. The snake population is thought to have started when people released pets into the wild illegally.
France
Mousse fuss
A councillor has said it is a "scandalous waste" that 8,500 servings of chocolate mousse were chucked in the bin. They were thrown away because it was discovered that they contained pork gelatin, and several religions forbid anyone from eating food that comes from pigs.
Netherlands
Silent protest
A minute's silence was held before all Dutch football matches last week, in memory of the linesman who was beaten and killed by four teenage footballers. Thousands also marched in silence, before listening to a speech from the son of the linesman. Four boys have been arrested for the attack.
Germany
Mid-air collision
Four children were among the eight people that died when two small planes crashed into each other over snowy fields near Wolfersheim. The planes were about 1km up when they collided. The bad weather means that it may be several weeks before investigators find out exactly what happened.
Ghana
President again
Voters have chosen John Mahama to carry on as president, after his NDC party won the election. He won 3% more of the vote than his NPP rivals, who have claimed that the government helped to fix the result. Independent observers have said the election was fair.
Afghanistan
Commando killed
A US soldier was killed during a mission to rescue an American doctor. Dr Dilip Joseph was successfully rescued in the joint US/ Afghan mission, and seven of his Taliban captors were killed. The raid took place in a mountainous region around 80km from Pakistan.
New Zealand
Jogger blamed
A man jogging at night in dark clothing has been blamed for the death of a truck driver. MacRae William De Thierry crashed after swerving to avoid Mark Richardson. The jogger was blamed for not wearing high-visibility clothing and running on an unlit rural road.
Japan
Tsunami warnings
Residents in the Tohoku region had a terrifying day last week, when tsunami warnings sent them quickly heading for higher ground. A 7.3 magnitude earthquake made buildings in Tokyo sway for a few minutes, and this soon was followed by a 6.2 magnitude aftershock. No deaths have been reported.
Philippines
More missing
Officials say that more than 800 people are still missing, after Typhoon Bopha tore through the country, causing widespread destruction. More than 600 deaths have been confirmed, but the number of people still missing means that figure is likely to rise. Many crops have been destroyed, which means that the government will struggle to feed everyone.
SNIPPETS
A Swedish circus artist was hit in the stomach by a crossbow. The woman, who isn't seriously hurt, was part of an act, but didn't move out of the way in time during the stunt.
A KID'S WORLD
To find out more, visit www.savethechildren.org.uk
Name: Ghofran Age: 11 Lives: Lebanon
GHOFRAN hasn't been to school for a year - even though she's living in one. She enjoyed going to school in Syria, but conflict erupted and forced Ghofran and her family to leave their home and country, and flee to Lebanon.
Now a refugee, Ghofran sleeps on the floor of an abandoned classroom and hasn't been to school in over a year. Ghofran spends her days indoors and doesn't go out.
Ghofran says: "When I went to school, it was great because I'd learn and have fun. I used to go to school with my friends, and we'd come home afterwards to study together. I got good grades and our teacher was very nice to us - we really liked her.
"We went to school until they started bombing the schools. I didn't dare to go because of the bombings and I was scared of being kidnapped; that's why I stopped going. We all stopped going: me, my teacher and the other pupils, and then the school closed. The armed men would shoot at us.
"Here we just sit around. I don't have anything to do and I don't have any fun. We want schools so we can learn. I really love learning. I'd love to go back to Syria, back to my friends and our home."
To find out more about how Save the Children helps kids all around the world, see www.savethechildren.org.uk.
For more animal news, pictures and videos go to www.firstnews.co.uk/news
Animal testing:
A third of people are against all testing Most say animal testing should only be used for diseases that can kill
A NEW opinion poll shows that almost a third of adults want to see the UK Government introduce a ban on all animal testing.
But double that figure - 62% - support medical testing for human illnesses such as diabetes and cancer, according to the poll by comres for bbc radio 5 live. The age group which was most in favour of a ban was 18 to 24-year-olds.
Almost four million animals were tested on in 2011 - mainly mice, whose genes are very similar to those of humans.
Some 56% of adults said they were more comfortable with the use of mice for research into diseases than they were with the use of cats, dogs and monkeys.
Animal testing in the UK is strictly regulated, and scientists who wish to do it must successfully apply for three licences. Testing on animals for cosmetics is already banned.
Of the 1,000 adults who were polled, an overwhelming majority (65%) said that animal testing should only be conducted for life-threatening diseases.
What do you think? Share your views at firstnews.co.uk.
Dog rescue
87 PUPPIES have been rescued following an investigation into puppy trafficking.
The RSPCA investigation looked at the alleged sale of sick dogs on the internet. Together with police, the rescue team carried out three searches of properties in Greater Manchester. A man and a woman were arrested but later released on bail.
Among the puppies rescued were Pomeranians, West Highland terriers and French bulldogs. Six of the dogs needed treatment for their illnesses and all of the animals are now being cared for by the RSPCA.
Tragically, the team also discovered four dead puppies.
The RSPCA has put out a statement asking members of the public to be very cautious when buying puppies. Chief Inspector Ian briggs said: "We want to hammer home the message that people should never buy a dog as a christmas present.
Never let your heart rule your head and buy a puppy because you feel sorry for it.
If you have any reservations at all, you should always walk away."
Botswana ban
THE government of Botswana will ban commercial hunting from January 2014 due to concerns about the fall in wildlife species.
The environment ministry hopes the ban will help protect the North African state's 130,000 elephants - a third of the world's total. The government will, however, continue to issue special game licences to specific local communities.
Adventurers wanted!
We're searching for Britain's Young Adventurer of the Year with Chessington World of Adventures and we need YOU!
One adventurous young person (aged 6-16) will win the chance to become chessington's official African Advisor and help to launch their new attraction ZUFARI: Ride Into Africa, becoming a crucial part of the team.
What better way to understand the new role and the sorts of things it will include than by winning an amazing family holiday to Kenya (thanks to The Family Adventure company) where you will learn first-hand all about the animals that will be seen by visitors to chessington. To give you a head start, we'll be profiling the different species of animals you will find in ZUFARI: ride Into Africa over the next few weeks. This week it is the greater flamingo.
There are six species of flamingo and they are instantly recognisable due to their long legs, bill and colour. chessington's flamingos will arrive in January
Flamingo chicks are born grey or white and take up to three years to reach their mature pink, orange or red feathers
When they feed they hold their heads upside down and let food filter through their bills
An adult flamingo's legs can be well over a metre long, which is longer than their body. Their wingspan is longer than their height
Greater flamingos are classed as Least Concern in conservation status.
THERE'S STILL TIME TO ENTER!
All you need to do is record a short video demonstrating your love of adventure, animals and exploration, plus your brilliant presenting skills, and then upload it on the britain's Young Adventurer of the Year website at www.firstnews.co.uk/chessington by midnight on Saturday 5 January 2013.
Entries submitted after this will not be considered.
Other terms and conditions apply.
See www.firstnews.co.uk/chessington for a full list.
by Education Minister David Laws MP
My Way! 2013 is announced
Henry Winkler and First News editor Nicky Cox will be coming to a school near you in spring 2013...
FIRST News has been running a campaign for nearly four years called My Way!
It's about getting people to understand that everybody learns in their own way. For some people, school is easy but, for others, it might be harder. The important thing we want everybody to understand is that the way you learn has nothing to do with how smart you are.
Every year, dyslexic author Henry Winkler (who writes the Hank Zipzer and Ghost Buddy books), joins First News to take that message to schools around Britain. We'll be doing that again next spring with the support of the Achievement For All organisation.
Nicky says: "HOW you learn is just as important as WHAT you learn. Around six children in each class have learning challenges, but that doesn't mean that they won't be fantastically successful in whatever they choose to do." Henry tells everyone he meets: "Every child has brilliance inside them. Their job is to dig it out and give it to the world."
As part of the campaign we want to tell your stories in First News every week about how you are overcoming your challenges to succeed. Write around 150 to 200 words and send us a photo too.
Send your reports to newsdesk@firstnews.co.uk, putting My Way! in the subject box.
And THANK YOU!
Minister for Schools David Laws backs the First News My Way! campaign
"All of us have talents and all of us can succeed"
The X Factor has only one winner. Thankfully life is very different: all of us have talents, and all of us can succeed.
by Minister for Schools David Laws MP
That is why the First News campaign, My Way!, is so inspiring. It reminds us that every young person can contribute in ways that most of us cannot even begin to imagine.
You might create the next big computer game. You may become a doctor and save lives, or a teacher and inspire lives.
Families, schools and governments can provide the opportunities for young people to flourish. My personal priority, as Government Minister for Schools, is to make sure young people of every background are given the chance to succeed.
Traditionally, children from poorer families have not done as well at school. The Government wants to change that, so it has created a 'pupil premium. This is extra money given to schools to support less advantaged children through their education.
We are giving teachers greater freedom over how they teach. This means that they can teach in ways that are most effective for their students. We are also giving families as much choice over education as possible, so that parents can make sure that their children get what they need.
One of the great lessons from the First News My Way! campaign is that all young people learn in different ways. Some learn from books, others from listening, and others from practice. That's why we are allowing different approaches to education.
For example, young people will be able to leave school at 14, and continue their education in a further education college. Others will be able to transfer to studio schools, learning in the workplace as much as the classroom.
Every child has a talent. Every child can reach for the stars if they are given the opportunity. I am determined to provide that opportunity.
with Serena Lacey
It's panto time!
PANTO season is upon us, so we caught up with Stephen Mulhern, who is playing Jack in Dick Whittington at the New Victoria Theatre in Woking, to find out more.
How are you enjoying panto this year? Have you done one before?
I am loving this year's panto. The cast are amazing and the rehearsals have gone so well. This will be my ninth panto and I can safely say it's one of the best!
Why do you like doing panto?
I love doing panto because you get an instant reaction from the audience. On TV sometimes you don't have a live audience so you don't know what they are thinking. In the theatre you do, as you can see everyone and get the response.
They say never work with children and animals. Panto has both, so what are you thinking?!
Don't ask! I know Ashleigh and Pudsey from Britain's Got More Talent. I did her first interview. They are amazing and the kids are so talented, so I think I will be okay!
Dick Whittington features a cat. Is Pudsey playing the cat?
No, but I have a feeling Pudsey may find romance within the show, so watch this space!
So, if Pudsey isn't the cat, will there be an epic chase scene on stage between Pudsey and the cat?
No, but there is a really lovely moment when they leave the stage together paw in paw!
Does the rest of the cast mind that Pudsey is officially the most talented person on stage? Can he be a bit of a diva?
I wouldn't say he's the most talented person on stage but he is the most talented dog! All joking aside, Pudsey is more human than some of the cast (me included!)
Do you have any pets?
I used to have a dog called Bubbles but he died of old age. He was so lovely, but not as talented as Pudsey.
Why should people come to Woking to see Dick Whittington?
If you want to see a show that is truly spectacular, full of magic, song, dance and lots of laughs, book now as it is selling fast. You will have a great time, I promise.
What's next for you once panto season is over?
I go straight into the new series of Britain's Got More Talent and then film the new series of Catchphrase. I am so excited! For the young audience it will be a brand-new show they have never seen. For those who remember it first time round, they will love the new series: "Just say what you see!"
See Stephen Mulhern, Ashleigh and Pudsey for FREE in Dick Whittington at the New Victoria Theatre in Woking.
Subscribers to First News get free kids theatre tickets at First Family Entertainment pantos across Britain.
See firstnews.co.uk/x12w2.
The X Factor winner!
JAMES Arthur has been crowned the winner of The X Factor 2012.
In a nail-biting final, James beat fellow finalist Jahmene Douglas to the winning spot after debuting his first single Impossible. Jahmene narrowly missed out on winning the show with a performance of what would have been his debut single, a cover of the Beatles Let It Be.
Both finalists were mentored by Nicole Scherzinger, who joined the judging panel for the first year. During the show Nicole has been a huge hit with audiences and the contestants, with her quirky behaviour and made-up words.
James Arthur's debut single, Impossible, is out now and is a contender for the Christmas number one.
5 minutes with ...
RAY ROMANO
HE plays Manny the mammoth in the Ice Age films, so we spoke to Ray Romano about Ice Age: Continental Drift...
What do Manny and the gang face in this new Ice Age adventure?
The adventure in this Ice Age is Manny's got a lot going on because his daughter is growing up and he doesn't like it. They kind of argue a little bit and he wants to keep her under his wraps, but she wants to branch out.
In the meantime, the continents are shifting, they get separated and it's Manny's journey to try to get home. He thinks he's never going to see her again, so there's a lot going on. She's grown up. He's got to save his crew, Sid, there are new villains, there are pirates, there's little funny people running around and J.Lo's in it. That's all you need to know.
What makes the Ice Age movies so appealing to all ages?
I identify with this story that Manny's going through and that's kind of what the people are experiencing. They're connecting with it. It has a great message. It's all about the family. Every story, every one, has been about family. But each one has a different dynamic and all the trials and tribulations a family goes through. People just connect with it.
Do you have a favourite scene in Ice Age 4?
I think the kids are going to love the little guys. There's a little army of animals, they look like little weasels. Manny and his crew have to fight these pirates and they come to his aid. I think those are going to be the favourites. Sid is always a favourite.
The guy going for the acorn, Scrat. Scrat's always a favourite with kids. But these will be the new favourites, these little guys, because they're funny and they talk in gibberish. That's funny.
Ice Age 4: Continental Drift is released on Triple Play, Blu-ray and DVD on 10 December from Twentieth Century Fox
TV, FILM, MUSIC AND THEATRE!
Festive makeover!
CHRISTMAS is coming and even hogwarts is decorating for the festive period.
The props used in the filming of the Harry Potter series are on permanent display at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour in Leavesden and have been decorated for Christmas. The Great Hall is set for Christmas, complete with Christmas trees and festive dinner settings, while the Griffindor common room has Griffindor-coloured decorations on display.
The studio tour has become a popular attraction since it opened earlier this year. Bosses at the studio where the Harry Potter series was filmed have unveiled props, sets and secrets from the films for eager Harry Potter fans to visit.
Amazing Cirque
The amazing Cirque du Soleil is back in London in 2013 with the show KOOZA, and we can't wait to see it!
Cedric Beleslie, one of the stars of the incredible gymnastic and artistic production, tells us: "KOOZA is truly one of Cirque's most beautiful and captivating shows. It is a masterpiece, full of excitement, dazzling acrobatics skills, beautiful costumes and amazing music. KOOZA has something for everyone. I can guarantee you that you will be amazed. Let us take you into the world of KOOZA and show you what Cirque Du Soleil's real roots are all about."
Look out for a full interview with Cedric in First News, and find out all you need to know about KOOZA at cirquedusoleil. com/kooza.
TOP telly!
GIRLS ON TV
This amazing one-off documentary goes behind the scenes as one of the biggest girl bands in the world reunite for their tenth anniversary, and gives an insight into ten years of being in a band. Ten Years of Girls Aloud, ITV1, Saturday @ 9.00pm.
SEMI-FINALS
It's semi-final week and two couples will be voted off the show. Strictly Come Dancing, Saturday and Sunday on BBC1 @ 6.30pm and 6.50pm.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY E.T.
Thirty years ago Steven Spielberg released the incredible E.T. To celebrate the anniversary, check out the film and documentary about it. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, ITV1, Sunday @ 4.50pm and Happy Birthday E.T. @ 7.00pm.
SHHH!
Strictly Come Dancing
Westlife singer Nicky Byrne has been voted off Strictly Come Dancing in the quarter-finals. The singer said he was "devastated and disappointed" after losing out in the dance-off to Denise van Outen. Olympic gymnast Louis Smith is the last male contestant remaining for the semi-finals.
James Bond
Skyfall, the 23rd James Bond film, has smashed box office records to become the most successful film of all time at the box office. It has overtaken Avatar.
Doctor Who
A new-look TARDIS will be unveiled in the Doctor Who Christmas special. The announcement was made on the Doctor Who blog. The new TARDIS will be used in the show in 2013 for eight new episodes.
Justin Bieber
Justin Bieber's manager Scooter Braun is angry that the singer has not been nominated for any Grammy Awards in 2013. He tweeted: "I just plain DISAGREE. The kid deserved it."
GAME ZONE
With Daisy Game tester
Winter wonder
The Sims 3 Seasons (PC/Mac)
The Sims expansion packs are a clever way of making sure players don't get bored, so we took the latest one for a spin.
Even if you're one of the people who hadn't really noticed that every day in The Sims has exactly the same weather, you might still be interested in this. From carving lanterns on Halloween and seeing fireworks on Bonfire Night, to building igloos or snowmen in the winter, there's a lot of fun to be had here.
You can really get into the spirit of each season, whether that's getting a tan in the summer or decorating your house with mistletoe and a tree at Christmas.
The parks from the original game are turned into festival areas now. So instead of just walking through them, now you can do things like go on easter egg hunts through the bushes.
The weather adds some nice touches to the game, such as leaves turning brown and falling in autumn, and it also allows you to get loads of new outfits.
Daisy says:"This is the strongest expansion yet. It really feels like you have a brand-new game. Good job, as it costs nearly as much! Seriously, it's money well spent. To get me in the mood for Christmas, I've spent most of my time playing in the winter season so far - checking the weather forecast before making wardrobe choices has been great fun!"
Royale rumble
PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale (Vita)
SONY'S new game brings together loads of their well-known characters so that they can pummel each other.
It's quite bizarre seeing someone like God of War's Kratos whack a cartoon figure like Sackboy, but it's also pretty funny at times.
Some of the fight locations and character intros look amazing, and there's a good range of characters to choose from. The controls are easy enough to get used to, with three different action buttons, which all do different things depending on which way the analogue stick is pointing or if you're in the middle of a jump. You can also use the right stick to perform a range of throws or grapple moves when you're up close.
Successful hits will fill up your power gauge, giving you three gradually more powerful finishing moves to try out. Some of these are really cool, and there's a lot of variety between the characters moves.
Although it's a lot of fun, it's sometimes quite hard to follow what's going on when there are four characters on screen, especially when the camera has to pan out to keep all four in view.
Also, the solo campaign doesn't really draw you in, but as with any fighting game, multiplayer is much more fun. You can go online to battle players from around the world, or even play against someone on a PS3.
Go to www.firstnews.co.uk/bored to see the trailers for both games!
THE BIG INTERVIEW - MARTIN FREEMAN
For more interviews and clips go to www.firstnews.co.uk/discover
He's a nice character
THe Hobbit is one of the most-loved characters of all time, and the brand-new film version is the big cinema release this Christmas. We chat to Martin Freeman, who plays Bilbo Baggins.
You play the famous character Bilbo Baggins in this film. Did you relate to him in any way?
Yes! I suppose, in a way, you relate to every character that you play. In effect, he is the audience of this film and he is the readership of this book. He's the closest thing to the audience and he takes them through the story. He's quite fussy and quite caring and he knows what is and what isn't acceptable.
He likes clothes and food - I can relate to that! He's a very nice character to play because there are some times that he's very unattractive to play and other times that he's very endearing: he's a bit of an idiot! These are the differences that you want as an actor.
What was it like playing a hobbit on a daily basis? The make-up and special effects look quite involved!
The make-up is fairly painless compared to the other dwarves. I was in make-up for an hour and 15 minutes for my make-up and my wig and ears. I would put my feet on on set, and my costume was always the same because once they're on the journey he doesn't get to change his clothes.
Makeup wise, it was quite easy. I think the real challenge to this film, or any film of this length, is to always be there in character, and I've never done anything this long before.
What about walking in hobbit feet, was that easy?
It gets easier! To begin with it feels like you're walking in flippers and you feel like a deep sea diver because you have to pick your knees up higher. But after a while you get so used to it that you don't notice it at all.
How was it interacting with "humans" when you're playing a hobbit who is much smaller?
Yes, so, when we met the humans in the film, they were very tall. There were some shots where we were filming with people who were almost 2m tall, so it would be convincing when we were small. A lot of the scenes that we did together meant that we weren't actually together because I wasn't as small as a hobbit and he wasn't that much taller than me in real life.
What was the most difficult action scene that you were involved in?
I suppose most action scenes involve some kind of green screen and some kind of imagining. I think the most difficult scenes are the ones that are the most boring, and there was one where we were on the run across half of the south island of New Zealand and it went on for a long time.
Hopefully it will last for longer than three seconds in the film. It better do, because we were filming it for months! It just becomes work when you're doing it but, when you look back, you realise just how incredible it all is.
What was it like filming in New Zealand?
It's very easy in a way that it's the director's studio and it's all on site. We all lived there, and I've never lived so close to work in my life. It was brilliant. I'm a big supporter of anything that gets me up later in the morning! It was very easy to work in New Zealand because the people are very keen and enthusiastic and they just want to help.
We meet Gollum in this film. Was it hard to picture him when you were filming with Andy Serkis, who plays him?
Not at all, because he's so believable as Gollum and so active that as soon as you hear him making the noises of his character you immediately know that it's him. You're not looking literally at Gollum, but you know that you're looking at a creature that definitely isn't human. So, no, I didn't have to do much imagining at all. Because I'm so familiar with his character from Lord Of The Rings it was very simple to do.
The Hobbit is very famous as a fantasy novel. Did you have any favourite fantasy novels growing up?
I didn't really read fantasy when I was growing up! I always loved books but I read George Orwell, so I didn't get into fantasy until I was much older.
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey is in cinemas now. See the trailer at www.firstnews.co.uk.
What's hot on the First News website this week?
IMPORTANT!
FirstNews.co.uk is changing! We're waving goodbye to our Join In pages and welcoming Your Turn - a brand new place for you guys to take over and get writing! We want to know your news and your views, and the best pieces will be featured right here in First News!
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For more crazy news, pictures and videos go to www.firstnews.co.uk/news
Moon attack
The US drew up secret plans to fire a nuclear weapon at the moon during the Cold War, according to reports. The devastating attack was to be a show of power to intimidate their rivals - the soviet union.
In the 1950s, the Cold War between the US and Soviet Union was at its peak. The Soviets launched the world's first successful spacecraft, Sputnik 1, in 1957.
This started the 'Space race with the US, which became one of the key ways in which both countries demonstrated their power.
The Americans planned a spectacular response - a secret plot to fire at the moon with an atom bomb attached to a missile. Physicist Leonard Reiffel, who led the team working on the 'Project A119 ' scheme, said:
"The theory was that if the bomb exploded on the edge of the moon, the mushroom cloud would be illuminated by the sun. I made it clear at the time there would be a huge cost to science of destroying a pristine lunar environment."
The plan was eventually scrapped because of fears of a public backlash and possible health dangers to people on earth. The US Air Force has declined to comment.
Vampire warning!
A COUNCIL in serbia is warning residents to stock up on garlic and crosses in order to fend off a vampire attack.
The authority in the municipality of Bajina Basta, western Serbia, issued an official warning after the former home of an alleged vampire collapsed.
Some people in the village of Zarozje believe that local legend Sava Savanovic, who once lived in the mill building, drinks human blood.
The mill's most recent owners failed to refurbish it and, following its collapse, the council is worried that Savanovic will return to stalk residents. Mayor Miodrag Vujetic said: "Everybody knows the legend of this vampire and the thought that he is now homeless and looking for somewhere else, and possibly other victims, is terrifying people. We are all frightened."
Quackers thief
POLICE in Wiltshire have been left baffled after a thief stole the feathers off a duck.
The duck's owner, Sarah Haslam, alerted the authorities after she saw that her 15-month-old duck, Daisy, had been plucked. The thief removed every feather but, bizarrely, left Mrs Haslam's other duck, Jemima, untouched.
Daisy was not hurt by the incident, but police are treating it as a serious animal crime. A spokesman said: "This is animal cruelty and criminal damage." Mrs Haslam said her 11-year-old son discovered the weird crime and immediately informed his mother. So far, the police have found no leads or suspects.
RECORD OF THE WEEK
Longest wave surfed by a dog
The longest wave surfed by a dog (open water) is 107.2 metres (351.7 ft), and was achieved by Abbie Girl (USA) at Ocean beach Dog Beach, in San Diego, California, USA
For info on this record and hundreds more, go to www.guinnessworldrecords.com
QUICK CHUCKLES
Q: How does rudolph know Christmas is coming?
a: He looks at his calen-deer
Q: what do reindeer hang on their trees?
a: Horn-aments
share your jokes with us. upload them to our website at www.firstnews.co.uk
For more news, pictures and videos go to www.firstnews.co.uk/news
ASK ESTHER
I'm Esther Rantzen, President of ChildLine, which helps 2,500 children every week. If there's something worrying you, please write to me.
Friends falling out
I've fallen out with my best friend and she's organised a Christmas party without inviting me. We were going to have a party together before we had our argument because my birthday is in December, but now I have nothing to do. Please help!
It sounds like a really difficult situation for you at the moment. It's not a nice feeling to be left out. I wonder, have you spoken to your friend and tried to see if you can sort out what it was that caused the fallout in the first place? It sounds like, maybe, the best thing to do would be to talk to her and you can both chat about how you feel.
Perhaps you could contact her by email/text if you're a bit unsure about talking to her directly. Or you could ask if she would like to chat about what happened to see if you could both move on from the argument. If you want to talk more about this, why not call 0800 11 11 or log onto www.childline.org.uk?
Good luck!
CHRISTMAS WORRIES
The Christmas season is traditionally thought of as a happy time of year. But, sadly, for many young people with problems in their lives, Christmas can still be a time of worry.
They may be being bullied at school, have a family member who is unwell, parents who are separating, or have no home of their own.
Some children's families cannot afford to give them Christmas presents, or even have the heating on to keep warm. Other children may feel scared of a family member or family friend who comes to see them at Christmas but are too frightened to tell anyone.
For all these children and young people, having someone to talk to about their problems can make a big difference.
Talking can't always take the problem away, but having someone else to listen and share their worries with can be a start to getting help.
ChildLine's counsellors are there for any child with any problem all the way through Christmas and New Year, at any time of day or night. They know that this time of year can be really hard for some young people. Calls are free and ChildLine keeps all calls from children private, unless a child's life is in serious danger - when they have to get help for them.
Talking to someone in their family or to a friend is also very important, but some children are just too frightened or embarrassed about their problems to talk to someone they know.
That's why ChildLine's website has message boards where young people can talk to each other about how they're feeling without giving their name or saying where they're from.
You can even hear from other young people about what it's like speaking to a counsellor.
Visit www.childline.org.uk/ talk to find out about all the different ways you can contact ChildLine if you're feeling down at Christmas.
OVER TO YOU
Time for an historic change?
POLITICIANS have been discussing how to improve school history lessons and we want to know what you think.
A group of MPs and Lords are worried that pupils are not given enough time to study the subject right now, and that the same historic events can sometimes be taught again and again. The committee also thinks that history lessons aren't as good at schools in poorer areas.
One top member of the committee, Chris Skidmore MP, said that learning history is the key to "understanding where we came from and where we are going".
The group has suggested a new five-year course on British history. Their latest report suggests more history lessons in primary schools, too. Mr Skidmore thinks important events should be taught in order instead of flying from one important date to another, which he described as "Doctor Who history"!
The politicians are expected to pitch their ideas to Education Secretary Michael Gove soon.
But what do you think? Log onto tinyurl.com/FNhistory and have your say.
Do you know enough about British history?
What do you want to learn about?
Tell us your views.
For more news crew, pictures and videos go to www.firstnews.co.uk/news
NEWS VIEWS
Here's what our readers have been talking about on firstnews.co.uk!
Royal baby announcement
Congratulations! I hope Kate gets well soon. Also, I think that everyone should respect their privacy now and when the baby is born.
Smiley18 (Age 12)
Bond movie breaks records
It is a great film. I don't usually like that kind of film but this one was awesome!
crocus (Age 12)
West Ham win Olympic venue?
Terrible. The Olympic Stadium should be kept as a tourist attraction.
memie445 (Age 9)
Newspaper shake-up suggested by judge Leveson
I totally agree with Lord Justice Leveson. Journalists like that should be stopped by law.
climber6A (Age 10)
I really hope newspapers continue as I love reading them, especially First News of course!
Rachelxx (Age 13)
Become a firstnews.co.uk member and get commenting for your chance to appear here!
SCHOOL NEWS - School play
Every year, Year 4 put on a play. This year it was roald Dahl's Cinderella.
by Spencer Norways, Gayhurst School
We had to audition for parts in it. My teacher gave us some lines for the character you wanted to play.
I auditioned for two parts: the ugly sister and the prince. I was hoping to be an ugly sister because it's a funny part.
The next week the teacher told us our parts and I was an ugly sister. I had to wear funny clothes like a pink dressing gown and pink tights. We were rehearsing every day. In rehearsals we were practising all the songs as well as the words.
I had one line and the two ugly sisters had a song to sing. There were some funny bits in the play, but my favourites were when a pumpkin and tomatoes turned into the carriage. They were pictures and when they were turned over they changed from a pumpkin to the carriage. My other favourite bit was the other ugly sister flushing Cinderella's shoe down the toilet.
At the end I got my head cut off and had to hold a papier-mache head to sing the ending.
The day of the play finally arrived and we performed the play in front of the whole school and our parents.
We got into our starting positions and it was scary as it was very dark and we could not see the audience, but I could hear them.
Suddenly the lights went on and the play started. It felt amazing when everyone laughed and cheered when I came on. It was a great play and our teacher gave us ten out of ten for how we performed. Afterwards it took me a long time to calm down and go to sleep!
Movember! - JUNIOR JOURNALIST
My dad and some of his colleagues at Bancroft's School in Woodford Green did not shave their upper lips for the whole of the month of November.
by Beatrice Argyle
The children were wondering why so many of their teachers had suddenly grown moustaches. It was for a campaign called Movember. Most men are not very good at going to see the doctor or talking about health worries at all and the idea of Movember is to start discussions and raise some money for research.
My dad found growing his moustache quite difficult. He said it itched and tickled but the importance of the cause and knowing he could shave in December kept him going.
There is a very old photograph of teachers with fantastic face fur at the school in about 1890, plus a photo of the teachers now. I am sure the children are hoping that, even though some of their teachers now look a bit like those Victorian teachers, they will not start using Victorian types of discipline!
Maths Monkey
We buzzed with excitement at the arrival of Maths Monkeys during our school assembly on 9 November.
by Year 3S, Parish C of E Primary School
The monkeys have apparently come from Mathkey Island, where humans have become extinct and they need maths as their daily diet!
There is a monkey in every classroom and we take it in turns to take the monkeys home for a few days to work on real-life maths. Some of us have been cooking with our maths monkeys, while others have been counting everyday objects around the home with them.
Some maths monkeys have been sewing, shopping, eating burgers and even having items of clothing made for them!
We've all loved having maths monkeys in the school and everyone looks forward to bringing one home with them. It's made maths much more fun.
Our teachers are also pleased at the way the monkeys are making us realise how much maths there is around us and that it's not just about learning our times tables!
WE WANT TO HEAR WHATYOUR SCHOOL IS UP TO
ARE you doing something sponsored for charity? Starting your own school newspaper? Or putting on a show?
Email your report (including pictures) to newsdesk@ firstnews.co.uk. If we print your story we'll send you a copy of the paper and a First News certificate to be presented to you in assembly!
Don't forget to include your name, age, and your school's name and address. By writing to First News you give consent to First News printing details and photographs of those involved in the report.
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JUNIOR JOURNALIST - My trip to Germany
I WON the Gore-Tex competition in First News. I had two fun-filled adventurous days with my mum and sister in Germany. We learned a whole load of facts in the two days we were away.
by Angelin Augustine
My trip was great, inspiring and exciting. First we went to a boot factory where we were shown the many different processes to make a pair of Gore-Tex boots. The membrane from the material is what keeps it waterproof and breathable. The moisture can get out so feet won't be sweaty or uncomfortable but water from the outside can't get in. Each of us were given our own pair of Lowa Gore-Tex boots to test.
The next day, we went to the Gore-Tex factory and had a special tour around the lab where the Gore-Tex shoes are tested. We saw how many steps were involved to make sure these products are breathable and waterproof. Then we got to try out our boots outside.
We did camel riding too. This was amusing and thrilling, bumping up and down on the camels. I never thought of riding a camel in Germany during my half term! Well, I never thought of winning such a great competition.
Then we went for a walk with llamas! This was another entertaining activity. Pablo, my llama, was very cute and cheeky, but obedient. We stomped around in snow, mud and gravel, even crossing a bit of the river, but my feet were warm and dry.
We finished off our adventure with a hot drink and biscuits. Wow, these were truly magical moments of my life!
Thank you to Angela and Gore-Tex for such an excellent, adventurous trip. I have learned lots. Now think before you choose your next pair of shoes!
FIRST NEWS CHALLENGE
Q1
John Mahama is to carry on as president, after his NDC party won the election in which country?
Q2
Which athlete has won 22 Paralympic medals across six Paralympic Games?
Q3
What has the RSPCA recently been investigating?
Q4
Campaigners are calling for Malala Yousafzai to be nominated for which award?
Q5
What will be unveiled in the Doctor Who Christmas special?
Q6
The residents of which country are being advised to stock up on garlic and crosses?
Q7
Who plays Gollum in the new film version of The Hobbit?
Q8
Scientists have found that birds are starting to use what to line their nests?
Q9
How many goals have been scored in 2012 by Barcelona star Lionel Messi?
Q10
Stephen Mulhern in starring in which panto this year at Woking?
LAST ISSUE'S ANSWERS:
First News challenge:
1) Aleks czemak
2) raven-Symone
3) romeo and Juliet
4) all 57 brownie badges
5) first
6) Prince charles, the Prince of Wales
7) John Leguizamo
8) 20 hands (2.75 inch)
9) charlie brooks
10) Old Tom morris golf balls.
Book reviews
www.redhouse.co.uk
THE Red House Children's Book Award is the only award voted for entirely by children and it's time for you to get involved!
Sophie McKenzie's book Hit Squad is one of the short-listed books. We spoke to her about being short-listed for the award: "I'm delighted to be nominated for the sixth book in the Medusa Project series, Hit Squad. This story was my first attempt at writing from lots of different points of view within one novel and it's fantastic to know that so many people have enjoyed it.
The Red House Children's Book Award is very special because all the books involved are chosen by young readers themselves. It's a huge honour to be on a short list with so many other great authors and books."
For more information and to vote for your favourite books, visit www.redhousechildrens bookaward.co.uk.
The Medusa Project: Hit Squad Sophie McKenzie
reviewed by Becky Howitt
THE Medusa Project team are back with a bang! Dylan, Ed, Ketty and Nico, alongside new friends Cal and Amy, set off on another thrilling adventure to put their psychic powers to use.
When the team hear rumours that a drug with these abilities implanted in it is being illegally developed, they have to take action. But with evil geniuses as a constant threat, these teenagers struggle to stay together. Will the mission ever be accomplished?
Hit Squad was addictive and very hard to put down. Each page developed a new set of twists and turns, and it certainly had an unpredictable plot! I liked how you saw different events through the eyes of the different team members. It added even more magic to Sophie McKenzie's style. If you are a fan of adventure, mystery or action books, then you must read this! It is definitely getting full marks from me!
FREE KIDS PANTO TICKETS FOR FIRST NEWS SUBSCRIBERS
Kids go free at First Family Entertainment pantos across Britain, if they subscribe to First news.
See Britain's Got Talent winners Ashleigh and Pudsey in Dick Whittington at Woking, anna Williamson in Cinderella at Milton Keynes, David Hasselhoff as Captain Hook in Peter Pan at Manchester, or a host of other stars at a panto near you: AYLESBURY: BRISTOL: GLASGOW: LIVERPOOL: MANCHESTER: MILTON KEYNES: RICHMOND: STOKE ON TRENT: WIMBLEDON: WOKING.
This offer will not apply during Christmas week. Free tickets are available to anyone under the age of 16, going with a paying adult.
If you are a subscriber to First News, email pantomime@firstnews.co.uk for a link to this great panto offer.
WORDS FOR LIFE
Elen Caldecott was highly commended in the PFD prize for Most Promising Writer for Young People. Before becoming a writer, she was an archaeologist, a nurse, a theatre usher and then a museum security guard, where she realised there is a way to steal anything if you think about it hard enough. Elen either had to become a master thief or create some characters to do it for her - and so her debut novel, How Kirsty Jenkins Stole the Elephant, was born.
What books did you read when you were a child?
I loved Enid Blyton and would re-read Malory Towers compulsively. Also Roald Dahl was (and is) amazing.
If you could be a storybook character, who would you be?
I always had a soft spot for the inhabitants of Wonderland. I don't think I'd be Alice, as she's a bit bossy. Maybe the March Hare, or the Dormouse. I'd like to sleep in a teapot.
What is the best thing about reading?
Losing yourself completely. When I read, the world around me disappears and I'm inside the story. It really feels like magic.
If you had to pick one, what would you say is your all-time favourite book?
Can I have two? I love Holes by Louis Sachar. It's a perfectly crafted book; so simple, yet clever. I also admire One Dog and His Boy by Eva Ibbotson. It is practically perfect.
For book recommendations, activities and games, go to www.wordsforlife.org.uk and tell your parents about it too!
WHAT'S IN THE SHOPS?
THE HOBBIT MINI FIGURE SERIES 1 BLIND BAGS
WWW.THETOYSHOP.COM
2 pounds each
Each sealed collectable pack reveals a plastic mini figure, base and collector file. There are 17 figures, including goodies and baddies, to collect. Each is available in three different finishes: gold, pewter and bronze. Which one will you get?
RAVENSBURGER THE HOBBIT 3D PUZZLE
WWW.AMAZON.CO.UK
13 pounds, 91
Relive Bilbo's journey across Middle-earth with this 270-piece 3D puzzle. Featuring characters from the film and made from curved plastic pieces that fit tightly together, this spherical jigsaw puzzle is sturdy enough to put on display or take apart to build time and time again.
MONOPOLY: THE HOBBIT EDITION BOARD GAME
ARGOS
26 pounds, 99
CELEBRATE the release of The Hobbit with this special edition of Monopoly! Featuring Bilbo, Gandalf, Thorin, Gollum and many more from JRR Tolkien's adventure, this game is a must-have for any fan of Middle-earth and those who take part in this unexpected journey!
Never beaten
She might not be a household name, but Britain's Chrissie Wellington is surely one of the most amazing athletes that Britain has ever produced.
She made the decision to retire last week, bringing an end to a short career during which she won every race she entered.
Wellington competed in professional Ironman races, which are extreme versions of the triathlon. Each race starts with a 3.86km (2.4 miles) swim and a 180.25km (112 miles) bike ride, then finishes with a full marathon, which is 42.16km (26.2 miles).
After a career working for the Government, Wellington only took up Ironman full time in 2007, when she was 30. She competed in 13 races, including four world championships, and won every single one of them. She also set the four fastest times ever for the race, including her world record of 8 hours, 18 minutes and 13 seconds.
"The World championships in 2011 was the icing on the cake," said Wellington. "It was my perfect race and it completed me."
SPORT NEWS IN NUMBERS
86 goals have been scored in 2012 by barcelona star Lionel messi. His total is a new world record for goals scored in a calendar year. The record had been held for 40 years by Gerd Muller, who scored 85 for Bayern Munich and West Germany in 1972. Messi's tally includes 74 goals for Barcelona and 12 that he has scored for Argentina. He also has three games left this year to increase the record.
3 points is all that man city had after six Champions League games. That was the worst ever performance by a British club in the competition.
23 centuries have been scored in Tests by England's Alastair Cook. He set the new England record with a magnificent 190 in the third Test against India, which put England 2-1 up in the series. That innings also moved cook past 7,000 Test runs, making him the youngest player to ever reach that figure.
7 months have passed since Bradford Bulls centre Adrian Purtell had a heart attack. Doctors have told him that he can start playing rugby league again.
20 minutes and 40 seconds is how long it took Jess Coulson to win the under-23 section of the european Cross Country Championships. Britain also won gold in the junior team category and finished on top of the medal table, with two golds, three silvers and five bronzes.
62.71 percent of users on the First News website would like to do more sport at school, according to our recent poll. Only 13.56% think they do too much already.