Problem: The television news feature about Ben Heckmann, an eighth grader from Farmington, Minn, was breathless in its praise. "At 14, he has accomplished something many adults can't achieve," the reporter said, "Ben is a twice-published author." But Ben's two "Velvet Black" books, describing a fictional rock band, were not picked from a pile of manuscripts by an eagle eyed publisher. They were self-published, at the cost of $400 by Ben's parents. Over the past five years, print-on-demand technology and a growing number of self publishing companies whose books can be sold online have inspired writers of all ages to avoid the traditional gatekeeping system for determining who could call himself a "published author." The mothers and fathers who foot the bill say they are simply trying to encourage their children, in the same way that other parents buy equipment for a promising baseball player. But others see self-publishing as a lost opportunity to teach children about hardship and perseverance. Mr. Robbins, a critic, thinks it is wonderful to start writing at a young age, but worries self-publishing sends the wrong message. "There are no prodigies in literature," he said. "Literature requires experience, in a way that mathematics and music do not." Alan Rinzler, a publishing industry veteran, suggested parents hire a professional editor like him to work with their child to tear a manuscript apart and help make a better. Ben's father, Ken, said Ben's ambitions "weren't to knockHarry Potteroff the list," but "to get that good feeling inside that you've done something." Ajla Dizdarevic, 12, who has self-published two books of poetry, has been on television and in local newspapers. "Being a published author," she said, "was always a dream of mine." Her new dream: three books by age 15.
1. How many books did Ben publish?
2. Who published them?
3. Who paid for this?
4. What is a benefit of self publishing?
5. What other child prodigy has published books beside Ben?
6. How did the television station feel about Ben's book publishing?
7. Was everyone praising the self publishing idea?
8. Why not?
9. What else?
10. What did the kid's father say to the naysayers?
11. Who wee a few of the naysayers?
12. What did Ken feel was a top children's book?
13. What was Ajla's ambition?
Answer: 1. Two
2. Self-published
3. Ben's parents
4. unknown
5. Ajla Dizdarevic
6. Breathless in its praise.
7. No
8. Lost opportunity to teach children about hardship and perseverance.
9. Literature requires experience
10. To get that good feeling inside that you've done something.
11. Mr. Robbins, Alan Rinzler.
12. unknown
13. three books by age 15.

Problem: Janel gave her 13-year-old son Jim an iPhone for Christmas. But she also had a contract about how Jim's new toy can and can't be used. Contract Rule 1: It is my phone. I bought it. I pay for it. I am lending it to you. Aren't I the greatest? Rule 2: If it rings, answer it. It is a phone. Say "hello", use your manners. Rule 3: Hand the phone to one of your parents at 7:30p.m. every school night & every weekend night at 9:00 p.m.. It will be shut off for the night and turned on again at 7:30a.m.. Rule 4: Turn it off, silence it, put it away in public. Especially in a restaurant, at the movies, or while speaking with another people. You are not a rude person, do not allow the iPhone to change that. Rule 5: Leave your phone home sometimes and feel safe. It is not all for you. Learn to live without it. Be bigger and more powerful than it. Rule 6: Don't take too many pictures and videos. There is no need to record everything. They will be _ in your memory for ever. Rule 7: If it falls into the toilet, breaks on the ground, or lose, you should pay for it. You can take care of the baby, and wash dishes to save some money. I hope you can agree to these terms and enjoy your new iPhone. Mom
1. how many rules are there ?
2. rule #4 ?
3. how many examples are given in that rule ?
4. name one ?
5. who got a phone ?
6. what kind ?
7. for what ?
8. did she make a contract ?
9. hoe old is the son ?
10. what is the moms name ?
11. whos phone is it really ?
12. who pays for it ?
13. what time to he have to give up the phone ?
14. on what nights ?
15. what time on week ends ?
16. am or pm ?
17. can they take lots of pictures ?
18. or what else ?
19. why ?
20. because they will be stored where ?
Answer: 1. Seven
2. Turn it off
3. Three
4. restaurant
5. Jim
6. iPhone
7. Christmas
8. yes
9. 13
10. Janel
11. moms
12. mom
13. 7:30p.m
14. school night
15. 9:00
16. p.m
17. no
18. videos
19. There is no need
20. memory

Problem: (CNN) -- A North Carolina resident was found guilty Thursday on terrorism charges including conspiracy to murder, kidnap, maim and injure people overseas.

Anes Subasic, a 35-year old naturalized U.S. citizen who was born in Bosnia, also was convicted of conspiring to provide material support to terrorists. He will face up to life in prison at sentencing in August.

Subasic is the seventh member of a North Carolina group of men convicted of terror activities. They were led by Daniel Boyd, who pleaded guilty in February 2011 to conspiring to kill people abroad and to provide material support to terrorists. Boyd's sentencing was delayed so that he could testify against three other co-conspirators who were found guilty last fall.

Two of Boyd's sons also pleaded guilty and are in prison.

According to the government, from November 2006 until at least July 2009, Subasic and the others worked to provide money, weapons training, transportation and personnel to "advance violent jihad."

"Subasic was part of a group of terrorists; some viewed their own country as the enemy," said M. Chris Briese, who heads the FBI's Charlotte field office.

"Subasic was part of a conspiracy to commit violent acts against U.S. service members and others abroad," said John Khin, an official with the Defense Criminal Investigative Service.

In a separate trial last fall, Subasic was convicted on two counts of illegally obtaining citizenship.

An eighth man, Jude Kenan Mohammad, also was charged in the terror conspiracy. He has never been arrested and officials believe he is in Pakistan or may have died.
1. Who was found guilty on Thursday?
2. How old is he?
3. Where was he originally from?
4. What was he guilty of?
5. Was he apart of any groups?
6. How many were found?
7. Who was the leader?
8. Does he have any children?
9. Are any of them in jail?
10. How many are in jail?
11. How long did they plan attacks on the United States?
12. When are they perceived to begun their planning?
Answer:
1. Anes Subasic
2. 35
3. Bosnia
4. terrorism
5. yes
6. Eight
7. Daniel Boyd,
8. yes
9. yes
10. Two
11. 2 year 8 months
12. November 2006