Is THIS the reason more girls read than boys?

I read an interesting article yesterday. I'm always trying to find information on the whole 'Why Boys Don't Read' thing.

First, the author of this story states some facts about the sexes. For example: the percentage of boys proficient in reading is now more than ten points below that of girls.

But here is the 'real' question: Everyone agrees that if boys don't read well, it's because they don't read enough. But why don't they read?

There are several different views about this. As I've heard before, boys are bored by the books they're assigned to read in school. To try and reslove this, publishers pander to what they think the boys will find interesting - "bodily functions and gross-out humor." The article goes on to mention many different publishers and books that are doing just that.

The writer disagrees with that philosophy. He says by lowering the standards of literature, we're creating "a generation of barbarians and morons rather than raising the sort of men who make good husbands, fathers and professionals." I can't say I agree with that completely.

Does getting boys to read about farts and boogers really solve the problem? In my opinion, "No!" I think it might help to get boys reading, but it won't sustain them for long. It's not THE solution.

The author of the article reveals: "The appearance of the boy-girl literacy gap happens to coincide with the proliferation of video games and other electronic forms of entertainment over the last decade or two. Boys spend far more time "plugged in" than girls do. A boy deprived of electronic stimulation might even become desperate enough to read Jane Austen."

Is it really that simple? Do boys read less because of video games? I'm guessing that's a part of it, but not for every boy. Even though video games were in their infancy when I was a teenager, I still played them a lot. But I also read books, too. Just because a boy plays video games doesn't mean he's going to grow up to be a bad person. Not at all.

The reason/cure for boys reading less than girls is multifarious (how about that word!)... there are more layers to it than just video games. The lack of exciting/funny/fantastical books is another layer. Seems boys had no problem putting the video controller down to read HARRY POTTER. If you write it... they will read.

And I hope, someday, to help narrow the gap between girls and boys with my own words.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704271804575405511702112290.html

What is your state the worst at?

You'll notice that the great state of OHIO is the Nerdiest state. But WAIT! If you go to the website, you'll see that we're the nerdiest state based on highest number of library visits per capita (6.9). I've never been so PROUD of my state!!!!

Here's the website if you want more details on your state.

http://pleated-jeans.com/2011/01/24/the-united-states-of-shame-chart/

A Song if you're interested

For anyone who's looking for a great 'power ballad', here's another song by My Chemical Romance called 'DISENCHANTED'. I think it's awesome!


<

(Chorus)
You're just a sad song with nothing to say
About a lifelong wait for a hospital stay
And if you think that I'm wrong
This never meant nothing to you

Monday Stuff

1.) I was tapped by my wife to make a return to one of those huge wholesale clubs. Because these stores are so massive, they meet you at the entry and announce over the speaker that a customer is heading for the customer service counter, they also announce the name of the item being returned.

I was returning a box of Tampax.

Thank the Lord, the woman working the entry had pity on me and did NOT announce what I was returning. She is my savior!!! When I got to customer service, the girl working there says, "I wondered why she didn't tell me what you were bringing back."

2.) I plan on losing 20 pounds by summer.

3.) I'm working on a 2,000 piece puzzle... the largest puzzle I've ever attempted. It's very theraputic. And addicting!

4.) I have my new pen, my new journal/notebook, my idea and notes, and grapemo. I'm eager to begin my next novel.

5.) I'm SOOOOOOOO sick of the snow and the cold!!! I can't wait to put the pool back up and start swimming!!!!