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“Singing Mailman” John Prine Dead At 73 years

Maywood, Illinois born John Prine, the American country folk singer-songwriter sadly passed away yesterday, April 7th 2020, at the Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, aged 73 years.

The long to be remembered 1970’s live performer, gifted influential composer and recording artist passed away following a 13 day fight with Covid-19 virus.

During his lifetime he worked in the US army as a mechanic in Germany and as a mail carrier, before starting out on his music career. He began playing guitar at 14 years old, going on win two Grammy awards from a total of 11 nominations.

Prine twice suffered from cancer; once in 1996, when part of his neck was removed, requiring speech therapy and again in 2013, when he overcame lung cancer.

Divorced twice, he is survived by his current wife, Irish woman Fiona Whelan Prine, latter a native of Co. Donegal, whom he married in 1996, together with three sons, Jody, Jack and Tommy; two brothers, Dave and Billy and three grandchildren.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dilís.

Top Five YouTube Channels To Keep Families Laughing & Learning

With the second half of the upcoming week promising rain, herewith are our top 5 recommendations for YouTube channels that are sure to keep families laughing and learning indoors.

(1) For ‘Fixed Fairy Tales’ by HISHE Kids.

Fixed Fairy Tales is a hilarious series of award winning animated short clips from the creators of ‘How It Should Have Ended (HISHE)’.
With the help of Vincent, the storytelling and story changing owl, your favourite fairy tales and nursery rhymes get a whole new twist. Other HISHE Kids channels include ‘How to Draw and Silly Songs’. To view please click HERE

(2) TED-Ed

TED-Ed (a branch of the original and inspiring TED Talks) exposes children and young people to hundreds of videos that explore big questions across science, history, philosophy, geography and literature. It also has a riddles series that challenges viewers to solve some of the most brain tickling teasers from great thinkers. See more by visiting HERE:

(3) National Geographic for Kids

National Geographic for Kids provides a catalogue of weird, wacky and wild videos about animals, science, pets, insects and so much more. It’s sure to be a big hit with the whole family. Why not visit HERE?

(4) Easy Kids Crafts

The Easy Kids Crafts YouTube channel is a treasure trove of step by step easy craft projects for kids using paper, glue and a little imagination. It is sure to delight and entertain children of all ages. Once again we invite you to visit HERE.

(5) Smithsonian Channel

Through their YouTube Channel, the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History in Washington D.C. enables young and old to access hundreds of educational documentaries on topics as diverse as:-Women who shaped science, WWI, Space exploration and Sea Turtle rescue. You will find something for everyone HERE.

Enjoy.

8-Dimensional Sound Brought To You Tonight

An amazing new sound called ‘8D audio’ (8-Dimensional sound) is all the rage over the past number of months, and if your main source for streaming music is YouTube you are in luck.

A number of music tracks or sound sequences can be listened to but only with the use of regular headphones.

Using your Headphones, plug in, close your eyes and listen to the Pentatonix version of “Hallelujah” using 8D Audio; shown hereunder.

Ok, we trust you felt that sound sensation soothing your physical and mental being.

Why not now have a ‘field day’ by trying yet another old favourite from back when songwriters actually wrote real lyrics; also hereunder in 8D audio?

Most listeners who tune in with eyes closed listening to 8D audio for the first time, are convinced that the sensation experienced is similar to that of being at a live concert, as the music swirls around in their brain.

Please do Enjoy

Top 5 Educational Shows on Netflix For Kids

With rainy days on the horizon, these five shows on Netflix might just help to keep kids and adults entertained and educated indoors.

(1) Our Planet (Video Trailer Above)

Narrated by that remarkable English broadcaster and natural historian, Sir David Frederick Attenborough; Our Planet explores the impact of climate change on all living things. Each spectacular episode takes you on a cinematic journey across the continents to view their incredible creatures. It is sure to enthral kids and adults, regardless of age.

(2) Little Baby Bum

Little Baby Bum is the perfect show for pre-schoolers. It features hours of traditional and new nursery rhymes, which are a huge part of learning and laughter with this age group. Little Baby Bum can also be accessed through their YouTube channel HERE . With 26.7 million subscribers and counting, it’s a proven hit with parents and children alike.

(3) Ask the Storybots

A child’s sense of wonder is one of their most precious gifts and Storybots is the perfect programme for the curious child. With the help of five zany creatures, called Beep, Bing, Bang, Boop and Bo, each episode finds the answer to some very interesting questions. Ask the Storybots is highly recommended for younger children.

(4) Brainchild

For older children, Brainchild is a must watch. In a refreshingly relatable yet scientific way, it explores everything from germs to outer space and creativity to dreams. Its first episode explores social media. With kids on social media more than ever at present, it provides an excellent opportunity to re-visit some of the pros and cons of communicating via social media.

(5) Horrible Histories

Based on the popular books, Horrible Histories explores some of the least pleasant and downright disgusting moments in history. From the Stone Age to the Romans and beyond, young and old will learn, giggle and wince their way through history.

Stay Safe

Five Links & Activites To Keep Family Having Fun

With tougher restrictions in place and every one staying at home for the next two weeks, one of these websites might help you and family to pass away the hours in a fun and educational way.

Stop Animation
Stop motion animation is a technique used to make static objects appear as if they were moving. Children (big and small) can work on any device (Chromebook, PC, Mac, iPad, tablet, smartphone, etc.) to create Stop Animation movies using https://app.cloudstopmotion.com/login

Chess
Moves For Life (MFL) is an organisation of chess experts who support primary level chess in Ireland. MFL are now offering free online chess activities for children. They have created three new project-based activities for children (big and small). The projects are for beginners, improvers and advanced players, with more information available on http://movesforlife.ie.

World Book
The Republic of Ireland now has unlimited access to World Book Online through Scoilnet. Visit https://www.scoilnet.ie/scoilnet-services/world-book/ When you need fast, reliable information for homework, reports, or just a lingering question, World Book Online is the place to go. From pre-primary to secondary and beyond; World Book has databases for every learner at every level for an immersive learning experience.
Early World of Learning (Ages 3-6)
World Book Kids (Ages 7-11)
World Book Student (Ages 12-15)
World Book Advanced (Ages 16 and up)

Learn To Touch Type
Why not use this time to learn to touch type? Typing Club is an excellent and free online course suitable for all ages. Visit https://www.typingclub.com/ and complete daily lessons that teach you how to touch type.

FREE – ENJOY A SELECTION OF AMAZON KINDLE BOOKS FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY

Numerous Amazon Kindle Books have just been made available for free download from https://www.amazon.co.uk/b?node=21173577031&pf_rd_r=6HTSS4RN72JQR48WE17T&pf_rd_p=87bef603-ccff-4382-b701-0c96c14f71b1.
The book selection includes public domain titles as well as Kindle Books, which publishers are providing for free download for a limited time.
Start reading now on any tablet or smartphone with the free Kindle Reading App.