Watching television is one of the famous and common daily routine of all time. Many of us spend our time mostly with television. Statistics show that the time spent on selected free time activities of full-time workers in year 2000 to 20001 are mostly on television viewing (Office for National Statistics 2004). There are few effects of television viewing and the effects can be either advantage of disadvantages to the viewer. In respond to the effects of television viewing, I strongly believe that it brings more negative effects than positive effects as it affects the development of thinking process, a time-wasting activity and lead to unhealthy lifestyle.

First and foremost, the side effect of television viewing is it affects the development of thinking process especially towards children (Sharif 1999). This is because, the viewing of unsuitable programs for long periods can influence their idea of life and behavior as pictured by the television programs as they are at a stage where their attitudes, beliefs and ideas about the world are in progress (Sharif 1999). Children may also become desensitized to violence depicted on television and imitating some poor behavior shown by characters in television show (Sharif 1999). The passive activity of television viewing could also restrict the development of imaginative skills which are important in developing problem-solving and organizational ability (Leigh 2001).

Besides that, another negative effect of television viewing is that it makes us difficult to concentrate on other activities such as homework or exercise (Leigh 2001). This time-wasting activity eats up the period that we have reserved for useful activities (Rutherford 2002). Based on an annual averages survey conducted in year 2003 of average hours per day spent in leisure and sports activities for the total population by selected characteristics, it is shown that most of the hours per day are wasted on television (American Time Use Survey 2003). It is also said that students who are heavy viewers are among the lowest achievers in academic (Leigh 2001).

Lastly, excessive viewing of television will also lead to unhealthy lifestyle. For instance, children are not physically active when they only spend prolonged period in front of the television (Sharif 1999). The situation become worsen when the sedentary activity indulged in with snacks which can cause obesity and related diseases (Rutherford 2002). Communication among family members will also be difficult when some families eat their meals while watching television (Rutherford 2002).

As a conclusion, watching television has many side effects and has to be avoided. These side effects affect the development of thinking process, a time-wasting activity and lead to unhealthy lifestyle. The blame is frequently directed to television.

from AAP May 13, 2010

A SYDNEY man is battling for his life in hospital today after eating a slug for a dare.

The 21-year-old contracted rat lungworm disease - a rare form of meningitis - after the stunt, the ABC reported.

Rat lungworm disease is caused by Angiostrongylus cantonensis, a parasitic worm that is carried in the pulmonary arteries of rats. Larvae are excreted in the rat's droppings, which are often eaten by slugs and snails.

The disease can cause fatal swelling of the brain and spinal cord.

However, Dr Jeremy McAnulty from New South Wales Health said most people recovered.

The disease can also be spread via raw vegetables and fruit that is not washed properly.

Anger at end to free night parking in Melbourne's CDB
# By Evonne Barry
# From: Herald Sun
# May 10, 2010

FREE night-time parking in Melbourne's CBD will be a luxury of the past under a revenue-raising plan that has angered motorists and traders.

Diners, revellers, shoppers and sports fans will soon pay $4 to park in metered spaces between 7.30pm and midnight.

The new charge, announced in the City of Melbourne's draft budget yesterday, will raise an extra $1.9 million, pushing the annual parking fee grab to more than $38 million.

Lord Mayor Robert Doyle said that motorists should "factor in" the fee to their expenses, adding that proceeds would pay for safety initiatives.

He noted the $4 charge - applied to 3000 metered spots across the CBD - remained a much cheaper option than the city's 30,000 private parking spaces.

But business owners warned the fees could work against the council's ambitions to shift the focus from alcohol-based evening entertainment.

Restaurant and Catering Australia chief executive John Hart said similar initiatives interstate had backfired.

"We have certainly seen that in areas where night-time parking (fees) have been introduced, it has proved to be a disincentive (to diners)," he said.

"People who drive in and drive home are not going to be the ones drinking to excess. They just want to enjoy a good meal," he said. "You don't want to provide disincentives for these people."

Junk food is being blamed for causing many undesirable problems to children. It is referred to any food that is low nutritional value such as instant noodles, potato chips and chocolate bars. Takeaway foods, pre-packaging meals and sugary snack food are also included as junk food (Tran 2005). Statistic shows that most of the foods consumed at home by 12-14 years old Australian Children consist a lot of fat and sugar more than recommended intake (Australian Nutrition Journal 2004).In response to the unwanted problems caused by the consumption of junk food, I strongly believe that the sale of junk food should be banned.

The first reason why junk food should be banned is because it causes behavioral problems in children (Caputo 2005). Most of them contain chemical additives to enhance flavor and colour and to increase shelf life. Furthermore, junk food has a lot of flavor as it is typically high in fat, salt, or sugar and commonly containing synthetic flavor enhancer (Smith 2005). These additives have been shown to cause the behavioral problems such as hyperactivity and pour concentration. Based on a research, it is proven that junk foods are often loaded with chemical additives which can trigger behavioral problems (Caputo 2005).

Secondly, junk food is to be said as the major contributor to litter problems. The fast food packaging causes litter problems which is a safety and health hazard, increases cleaning costs and reflects bad image to our communities (Smith 2005). Cans, crisp packets, cartons and plastic container are among of them and are everywhere (Green 2005). By reducing the sale of junk foods, litter problem in schools can be redressed (Smith 2005) as many junk foods are sold in school canteen. As a result of the reduction, the school grounds man doesn’t have to spend so long cleaning and has more time to spend on maintenance projects that benefit the school (Green 2005).

Lastly, junk foods need to be banned because they are unhealthy and junk food does not contain any nutritional value (Health Foundation 2005). The nutritional value of food eaten by Australian children has been falling progressively over the past 30 years and this can be linked directly to the increased availability and consumption of junk food (Tran 2005). Examples of the junk food that is low in nutritional value are biscuits, cookies, chips, confectionery, hamburgers, instant noodles and soft drinks (Health Foundation 2005). These unhealthy diets can cause further problems to children that are contributing to youth weight gain and childhood obesity (Tran 2005).

As a conclusion, the consumption of junk foods by children has many side effects and has to be reduced. These unhealthy diets causes’ health and behavioral problems to children as well as causes litter problems to community. The blame is frequently directed at junk food. Therefore, the sale of junk food should be banned.

Anyone thinking of swimming or surfing at Melbourne beach?? well, think twice.
A BODY of a male has washed up on a beach in Melbourne's outer southeast. It was discovered at about 7.30am (AEST) on Saturday on Frankston Beach, near Wells Street. A police spokeswoman said it was not yet clear whether the death was suspicious. (AAP May 08, 2010)

Junk food is being blamed for causing many undesirable problems to children. It is referred to any food that is low nutritional value such as instant noodles, potato chips and chocolate bars. Takeaway foods, pre-packaging meals and sugary snack food are also included as junk food (Trab 2005). In response to the problem, I strongly believe that the sale of junk food should be banned.

The first reason why junk food should be banned is because it causes behavioral problems in children (Caputo 2005). Most of them contain chemical additives to enhance flavor and colour and to increase shelf life. Furthermore, junk food has a lot of flavor as it is typically high in fat, salt, or sugar and commonly containing synthetic flavor enhancer (Smith 2005). These additives have been shown to cause the behavioral problems such as hyperactivity and pour concentration. Based on a research, it is proven that junk foods are often loaded with chemical additives which can trigger behavioral problems (Caputo 2005).

Secondly, junk food is to be said as the major contributor to litter problems. The fast food packaging causes litter problems which is a safety and health hazard, increases cleaning costs and reflects bad image to our communities (Smith 2005). Cans, crisp packets, cartons and plastic container are among of them and are everywhere (Green 2005). By reducing the sale of junk foods, litter problem in schools can be redressed (Smith 2005) as many junk foods are sold in school canteen. As a result of the reduction, the school grounds man doesn’t have to spend so long cleaning and has more time to spend on maintenance projects that benefit the school (Green 2005).

Lastly, junk foods need to be banned because they are unhealthy diet because they are lack in nutritional value (Health Foundation 2005). The nutritional value of food eaten by Australian children has been falling progressively over the past 30 years and this can be linked directly to the increased availability and consumption of junk food (Tran 2005). Examples of the junk food that is low in nutritional value are biscuits, cookies, chips, confectionery, hamburgers, instant noodles and soft drinks (Health Foundation 2005). These unhealthy diets can cause further problems to children that are contributing to youth weight gain and childhood obesity (Tran 2005).

As a conclusion, the consumption of junk foods by children has many side effects and has to be reduced. These unhealthy diets causes’ health and behavioral problems to children as well as causes litter problems to community. The blame is frequently directed at junk food. Therefore, the sale of junk food should be banned.

Junk food is being blamed for causes many undesirable problems to children. It is referred to any food that is low nutritional value such as instant noodles, potato chips and chocolate bars. Takeaway foods, pre-packaging meals and sugary snack food are also included as junk food (Lin 2005). In response to the problem, I strongly believe that the sale of junk food should be banned.

The first reason why junk food should be banned is because it causes behavioral problems in children. Most of them contain chemical additives to enhance flavor and colour and to increase shelf life. Furthermore, junk food has a lot of flavor as it is typically high in fat, salt, or sugar and commonly containing synthetic flavor enhancer. These additives have been shown to cause the behavioral problems such as hyperactivity and pour concentration. Based on a research, it is proven that junk foods are often loaded with chemical additives which can trigger behavioral problems (Mary 2005).

Secondly, junk food is to be said as the major contributor to litter problems. The fast food packaging causes litter problems which is a safety and health hazard, increases cleaning costs and reflects bad image to our communities (Jemma 2005). Cans, crisp packets, cartons and plastic container are among of them and are everywhere (Jack 2005). By reducing the sale of junk foods, litter problem in schools can be redressed (Jemma 2005) as many junk foods are sold in school canteen. As the result of the reduction, the school grounds man doesn’t have to spend so long cleaning and has more time to spend on maintenance projects that benefit the school (Jack 2005).

Lastly, junk foods need to be banned because they are unhealthy diet because they are lack in nutritional value. The nutritional value of food eaten by Australian children has been falling progressively over the past 30 years and this can be linked directly to the increased availability and consumption of junk food (Lin 2005). Examples of the junk food that is low in nutritional value are biscuits, cookies, chips, confectionery, hamburgers, instant noodles and soft drinks (Health Foundation 2005). These unhealthy diets can cause further problems to children that are contributing to youth weight gain and childhood obesity (Lin 2005).

As a conclusion, the consumption of junk foods by children has many side effects and has to be reduced. These unhealthy diets causes’ health and behavioral problems to children as well as causes litter problems to community. The blame is frequently directed at junk food. Therefore, the sale of junk food should be banned.