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Big Bird, a US ambassador?

November 10, 2009 By

Today Sesame Street celebrates 40 years on air. An expert in children and TV viewing applauds their efforts over four decades. UW communication professor Marie-Louise Mares says the program was launched with the intent of getting children ready for kindergarten, especially those from lower income families although soon all children became involved. The educator also says the show helped pioneer use of minority actors.

In recent times the PBS program is facing stiff competition including hundreds of other cable networks and the internet. It’s evolved to become more interactive, encouraging kids to further their learning on the Sesame Street website.

The familiar characters have also served as ambassadors for children in other countries. Marres says, “Big Bird, Grover, Elmo these are positive elements that kids growing up overseas can associate with the US.”

Marres, a native of Austraila, knows firsthand as she grew up watching Sesame Street.

Filed Under: Children & Families, Recreation & Entertainment

Legislation establishes prayer defense

November 10, 2009 By

Legislation providing a legal defense for use of prayer instead of medical treatment gets a hearing at the Capitol today. The bill’s author, Milwaukee Democrat, state Senator Lena Taylor, says the bill creates a general affirmative defense for a parent or guardian of a child under the age of 18 who “reasonably” uses spiritual treatment instead of medical treatment.

AUDIO: Bob Hague reports (:55 MP3)

Taylor drafted the legislation (SB 384) in response to the prosecution and conviction of Dale and Leilani Neumann, who prayed over their diabetic daughter. Eleven year-old Kara Neumann died.

Filed Under: Children & Families, Legislature

Prevention, vigilance stave off phishing scams

November 10, 2009 By

When protecting citizens from Internet scams, officials say prevention is the key.

It’s very difficult to recover from a phishing scam. The Wisconsin Justice Department stresses the importance of preventing yourself from getting duped in the first place. State Attorney General JB Van Hollen urges consumers to be vigilant and guarded when reading emails and surfing the Internet.

“People should know that if bad things do happen with Department of Justice and prosecutors around the state will vigorously go after identity thieves, but we’ll likely never be able to make people whole again so, protecting themselves through vigilance is absolutely imperative because we can make the bad guys pay but that never makes the innocent victims whole again.”

Van Hollen says the criminal justice system can investigate and prosecute phishing scammers, but prevention is the best way to avoid what could be a lifetime of stress.

“These are pretty high-tech scams.”

Cyber criminals use scare tactics to steal an unsuspecting consumer’s identity. Van Hollen warns not to give out any personal information unless you initiated the communication. Simply delete any suspicious emails, and you can report the scam to the state Consumer Protection Department. 800-422-7128.

Jackie Johnson report (1:17)

Filed Under: Crime & Courts
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