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Pupils are now encouraged to tap words out on tablets and computers. But writing by hand may help them learn better, a study suggests. The coordination involved in precisely moving a pen to form individual letters is believed to be good for the brain and boosts memory. When writing by hand, they showed greater activity in the areas of their brain linked to learning File Researchers from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology studied 12 children aged 12 as they typed or wrote.  When writing by hand, they showed greater activity in the areas of their brain linked to learning. And similar results were found in tests carried out on 12 adults. Professor Audrey van der Meer, senior author of the study, said: ‘Learning to write by hand is a bit slower but it’s important for children to go through the tiring phase of learning to do it.’ The study was published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology. Researchers from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology studied 12 chil

He remains one of the most iconic characters in TV history who shot to stardom across the world thanks to his comedic charm and childlike demeanour. But now the tweed-wearing oddball Mr Bean, played by the actor Rowan Atkinson, has become one of the most successful brands in digital media after racking up a staggering 99 million followers on Facebook. The latest figures now make the official Mr Bean account the single biggest television page on the platform - placing it ahead of celebrities including Rihanna, who has 79 million followers, and Justin Bieber who has 76 million. The fictional character, who made his first appearance on television 1990, also has 7.5 million followers on Instagram, two million followers on TikTok and more than 30 million subscribers on YouTube. The iconic character Mr Bean, played by the actor Rowan Atkinson, has become one of the most successful brands in digital media Atkinson, who crafted the character of Mr Bean while he was studying for his master'

ANZ has been slugged with a $10million fine after wrongly charging 69,000 of their customers more than $3million in fees. The Federal Court on Friday ruled ANZ had incorrectly charged non-payment and transaction fees for periodic payments between 2003 and 2015. ANZ was not permitted to charge these fees for payments made between accounts held in the same name of customers.  ANZ Bank will have to pay a $10 million fine after wrongly charging 69,000 of their customers more than $3 million in fees between 2003 and 2015  (stock image) The massive fine follows an investigation by the  Australian Investments and Securities Commission who found the conduct of ANZ 'unconscionable' The court found ANZ’s lawyers in 2011 advised it 'may not have been allowed' to charge the non-payment and transaction fees to customers - but the bank continued to do so until September of 2015. The court also heard ANZ engaged in 'unconscionable conduct' by not compensating affected custome

One Nation leader Pauline Hanson says a new office needs to be established in the government to deal with high rates of suicide and homelessness among men.  The Queensland-based politician called for the appointment of a 'Minister for Men' on Friday.  'Political parties have long called for equality across both genders, but only a Minister for Women exists across all levels of government,' she said.  'But as we focus on strengthening women’s economic security, their involvement in leadership positions, and ensure that women and their children are safe from violence, the plight of Australian boys and men is on the decline.'  Ms Hanson cited a 2019 report that compared the rates of suicide, homelessness and workplace deaths between men and women.   One Nation leader Pauline Hanson (pictured in Canberra) says a new office needs to be established in the government to deal with high rates of suicide and homelessness among men There are more than 240 men living rough

To order a print of this Paul Thomas cartoon or one by Pugh, visit Mailpictures.newsprints.co.uk or call 0191 6030 178.  

White House staffers appeared publicly wearing masks, many for the first time, on Friday as they waited for  President Donald Trump to board Marine One for airlift to Walter Reed Medical Center. White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany was among the aides wearing face coverings in a dramatic shift for the administration, just days after Trump demeaned Joe Biden for wearing a mask 'every time you see him.' Even hours earlier, as the bombshell news of Trump's coronavirus diagnosis reverberated around the world, his senior staff walked maskless around the White House. Trump himself had long eschewed wearing a mask, doing so in public view only a handful of times, but on Friday he walked out to Marine One with a cloth face covering. It appeared to mark a strict new standard both for his administration and campaign.   Trump campaign manager Bill Stepien sent an email to staff on Friday urging staff to wear masks and saying the campaign office would remain open.   more vide

Sam Burgess' mum had to 'virtually drag' the NRL star by the ears from a Sydney hotel, reports claim. The 31-year-old stood down from his coaching role at the NRL club on Friday after serious allegations about his marriage and wild lifestyle were published by The Australian. In the wake of the article, more bombshell claims about the English-born NRL star have come to light. Burgess was staying with his older brother Luke at The Establishment, in Sydney's CBD, on November 5, 2018, following a farewell BBQ for Souths player Jason Clark, The Daily Telegraph reported. Sam Burgess' mum Julie reportedly had to drag the NRL star out of a pub by the ears, reports say The 31-year-old stood down from his coaching role at the NRL club on Friday after serious allegations about his marriage and wild lifestyle were published by The Australian Burgess' eight-months pregnant wife Phoebe was reportedly at home while her husband continued to stretch the festivities over a day.

A shocked family discovered a venomous red-bellied black snake hidden among their children's toys inside their Queensland home. Sunshine Coast Snake Catchers 24/7 were called out to an address in Maroochydore on Friday to retrieve the snake, which was found nestling among some children's dolls in a toy basket. Posting the retrieval video on their Facebook page, the snake catchers described the reptile as 'extremely healthy' and said it was 'amazing' nobody was accidentally bitten.  The toy basket where a snake retriever removed a red belly black from a Queensland home this week 'When I arrived and saw this situation it actually sent a shiver down my spine,' one of the snake catchers said. 'The two young daughters and their mum were playing in the girl's room and went to take a few toys out of the toy basket when they uncovered a large fat red bellied black snake hiding in there. 'It was so lucky that one of them didn't put their hand o

Eric Trump and Ivanka Trump have expressed their well-wishes for their father, after President Donald Trump was rushed to Walter Reed Medical Center to monitor his symptoms of COVID-19. '@RealDonaldTrump is a true warrior. He will fight through this with the same strength and conviction that he uses to fight for America each and every day,' Eric wrote in a tweet on Friday. 'I ask you to join me in praying for his recovery. I have never been more proud of someone and what they have had to endure,' he continued. Ivanka wrote in a tweet: 'You are a warrior and will beat this. I love you dad.' Ivanka Trump and Eric Trump  have expressed their well-wishes for their father, after President Donald Trump was rushed to Walter Reed Medical Center on Friday 'Praying for the swift recovery of my father and Melania and for all those impacted by COVID-19,' Ivanka tweeted earlier in the day. 'As they fight this together, the President will continue to fight for th