Have you ever stopped to consider just how many technological gadgets you deal with every, single day? Computers, televisions, cell phones, video games, in-car DVD players and the ever present iPod. Do young people deal with it more than adults? According to Dr. Gary Small, author of "iBrain: Surviving the Technological Alteration of the Modern Mind," the average young person spends eight and a half hours a day exposed to digital technology. Are people addicted to technology?

Teenagers in Los Angeles in the US have taken part in an experiment to find out how they would cope without their electronic gadgets for a week. The 15 and 16-year-olds gave up their mobile phones, mp3 players, TV, radio and other electronic luxuries, and discovered that it was like to trying to kick an addiction.

Watch the video and check out what they said about it.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8054891.stm

I’m not sure I’d call it an addiction, maybe because I’ve come to the conclusion that I would find it very hard to live without technology. What do you think?

How many technological gadgets do you deal with every day?

What would it be like to spend a week without them?

How much technology is too much technology?

“We’ve reached a point of no return. Technology is definitely part of our lives.” Do you agree?

Yone Santos - teacher - Flamengo

Love is in the Air

I am a singing teacher as my students say. Whenever they exchange glances or tease each other, I sing 'Love is in the air". So in order to celebrate Valentine's Day I invite you all to sing along at YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6AH7e3qK0EA

In many countries Valentine's Day is celebrated on 14th February, the day of Saint Valentine but in Brazil it is celebrated on 12th June, one day before Saint Anthony's Day.

In the English-speaking countries, it is the traditional day on which lovers express their love for each other by sending cards, presenting flowers or chocolate.

Let's exchange LOVE GREETINGS by filling in the blanks: LOVE IS ...

By Andrea Silva - Cosme Velho Branch - Rio de Janeiro

Pillow Fight

A FLASH MOB is a large group of people who assemble suddenly in a public place, perform an unusual action for a brief time, then quickly disperse. The term FLASH MOB is generally applied only to gatherings organized via social media or viral emails , rather than those organized by public relations firms or for a publicity stunt.

Take a look at this one in Trafalgar Square, London, UK: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orukqxeWmM0&feature=related

FLASH MOBS began as a form of performance art. While they started as an apolitical act, FLASH MOBS may share superficial similarities to political demostrations.

And here is another one also in London: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQ3d3KigPQM

But you can find them all over the world like this one in Antwerp, Belgium: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7EYAUazLI9k

Worldwide Pillow Fight Day (or International Pillow Fight Day) was a pillow fight FLASH MOB that took place on March 22, 2008. Over 25 cities around the globe participated in the first "international FLASH MOB", which was the world's largest FLASH MOB to date. On 4th April this year, approximately 200 people went to Largo do Machado for a pillow fight.

Check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MABH5VqsMNM&feature=related

You can check the You Tube for more FLASH MOBS.

Now, would you like to take part in a pillow fight?

Do you think FLASH MOBS can be fun in Rio or it could be too dangerous?

Do you have any amazing idea for a FLASH MOB?

By Andrea Silva - Cosme Velho Branch - Rio de Janeiro