Friday, September 8, 2017

CHOCOLATE, CATS & LITERACY

Sometimes you want to look at 
pictures of cute cats and chocolate cake - just because.
































Don't forget that today is International Literacy Day, which was originally celebrated in September 1965.  

Surprisingly, according to the CIA World Fact Book,  86.2 % of the world can read and write, which  means that approximately 758 million people are illiterate, and includes about 32 million Americans.

 As of 2015, the adult literacy rate in the Democratic Republic of Korea and Uzbekistan  is 100%.  Niger, a country in West Africa, has the #1 illiteracy rate at 80.9%, and 89% of the women in that country are unable to read or write.


Using different criteria, Central Connecticut State University conducted a long detailed study that was published in 2016. They say that Finland is #1 when it comes to literacy, with the US being #7.

There is one thing that stands out and is consistent in both studies, however.

Women are more illiterate than men across the board in both reports.

These numbers are staggering and much too large.  Millions of people don't understand how to pass a test for a driver's license, how to fill in an application for jobs, or even to read the ingredients on the back of a can.  How can this be happening?





59 comments:

  1. The cats made me smile. The illiteracy issues did not.

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    1. I absolutely adore cats, too! Very sad about illiteracy, for sure Andrew! Hugs...

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  2. Once upon a time, the ultra rich claimed that the poor didn't need education because most of us wouldn't be able to read anyway.

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    1. That's totally crazy Adam, and another piece of history I was unaware of. You know a lot of stuff! Hugs...

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  3. Cats and chocolate are fun to read about, but I was so sad about the illiteracy rates I read. I know for a fact, the day I was hooded (when I received my Ph.D. hood), I was the only female in either the Human Factors or Engineering departments (my dual degree) to receive the honor. So I am well aware women are settling for less. No wonder we don't make as much as men in the workforce.

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    1. Wow! I am always, always, super impressed to meet smart people because I learn so much. Kudos on a dual degree with your Ph.D. I can imagine you were quite busy having to write your thesis! I've never heard the term hooded, so I've learned something new today, and I thank you! I have two female friends who are engineers, and it truly saddens me to know that so many people today still cannot read or write. I saw countries I've never heard of who are living without knowing how to read a note, and include Central African Republic, Gambia, etc. Horrible!

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  4. I'll take one or two pieces of each cake :) and love the pics

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    1. Unbelievably, there are still a few slices left, so I'm sending them over Debbie! Hugs...

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  5. The pictures are really sweet of the cats. And who can say no to all that chocolate? :)

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  6. Seriously I would think across the board that women would have higher literacy ratings than men, I have known several people who had never learned to read and write, I knew more men than women in this situation. The extremely unofficial Jimmy study I suppose :)

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    1. I thought that piece of info was pretty amazing, too, but there are so many countries abroad that consider women to be less than men such as Afghanistan, Chad, etc. so they are kept uneducated. Very sad situation overall,and surprising in this day and age.

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  7. I'm in need of chocolate cake now and my cat side-eyed me when I gave him a spontaneous hug. Loved the pics!

    Thank you for sharing the international literacy stats. I was surprised at most of it.

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    1. Cats are just so fun, and I adore their independence. I was shocked to know that so many people are unable to read, Super Sophia! Very sad. Hugs...

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  8. It's sad that there are adults out there that can't read. I love cake and those look so darn good.

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    1. It's sad and I can't begin to imagine what it would be like, mary. Hugs...RO

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  9. Love the chocolate, the cats and the eye opening facts about books and literacy!
    Another great post RO.
    If you have a chance to look, I have finally got my "I Love Autumn to Witches" blog up and running that started today. I do believe it will be fun. I of course have my "I Love Haiku's" blog and I will keep that blog, too :)

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    1. Thanks a bunch Jan! All your posts are incredible, and of course I'll be visiting! Hugs...

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  10. Cats and chocolate. YES.
    Illiteracy? So terribly, terribly sad. And dangerous.
    Reading has enriched and expanded my world.

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    1. I agree, EC. It's just too hard to imagine my life without books and more books. They make me happy. Yes to the cats of the world! Happy Tuesday! Hugs...RO

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  11. Such a lot of cute cats!
    It is so sad to read about the illiteracy rates.

    Enjoy your weekend

    All the best Jan

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    1. Aren't cats so adorable, Jan? It's really unbelievable that so many are unable to experience the joy of reading. Hugs...RO

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  12. I can't imagine not being able to read. You'd miss out on so much in life. But I know people with dyslexia who now can use software that reads things to them, including websites! Not the same, but still...

    That chocolate is SOOOO tempting!

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    1. I know, right Steph? The thought of not being able to read a novel, or signs on a street just seems like a nightmare. That's pretty cool info about dyslexia, which can be so rough to cope with, particularly as a child. I'm sending over a slice of cake right now! Hugs...

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  13. Cats and cake, all we need now is some coffee and a good book!!

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    1. Getting ready to make some coffee right now, and a reminder to get back to my reading. Hope all is well in New Jersey. Hugs...RO

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  14. Three of my favorite topics -- cats, chocolate, and literacy! Thanks for the post.

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    1. I was shocked about the literacy problems in the world, Angela! Hugs...

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  15. I needed the chocolate cake and cats today. My week has sucked donkey's balls. Interesting factoids on literacy. Now I know something more about it. Thanks.

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    1. Deanna, I'm so sorry for the delay in responding. I got caught up in a huge project that caused me to get behind (still catching up) I hope this week is going much better for you. BIG Hugs...RO

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  16. Well now I need chocolate cake! The cat pictures are just too adorable. The literacy rates always shock me. How is that possible? Women have always had a higher rate of illiteracy and it's sad that still hasn't changed.

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    1. I'm sending a slice or two over your way, Katherine! So many countries (many I've never even heard of) continue to allow women to remain uneducated which is ridiculous. But overall, people being unable to read in 2017 is just so sad. Hugs...

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  17. Scary facts on literacy.
    LOVED the chocolate and cats. How purrfect.
    Enjoy the rest of your weekend, Rockin Ro:)
    Hugs,

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    1. Hey Super Sandra, I can tell you that I was absolutely horrified to see those numbers, because they are missing so much! Hugs...

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  18. I wonder what our literacy rate here in the US is. I heard in the news that TN's reading comprehension median is that of 4th level. That is bad.

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    1. They're hush hush with the actual numbers, but we're supposedly #7, which is crazy. Why aren't we #1 for literacy? But that tells you that there are people walking around in the US that are crying out for help. I can't imagine how they are living. 4th grade level in TN is so very sad, Braine. Hugs...

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  19. The photos of something chocolate are great. :)

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    1. Hey There Treey, and thanks for stopping by! Chocolate is always good, right?(lol) Hugs...

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  20. How's the yard sale going? Kudos for doing this.
    Congrats on your Cowboy's win:)
    Things okay in your area?

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    1. Girl, I don't know if you'll see this until much later, but as you can see (lol), I'm woefully behind. The yard sale went well, and I was pleased to see that some people simply stopped by to donate. I still love my Cowboys even though they lost on Sunday! Literally nothing at all happened here during the weather fears. I saw a lady with 3o bottle of water in her cart, so she's set for life, I think. (lol) Praying for you! Hugs...

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  21. Looking at pictures of chocolate cake, so tempting. I was not aware of that so many persons were still not able to read and write. I knew illiteracy existed, but not at that rate.

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    1. I am shocked and saddened that literally millions of people are walking around in life unable to read or write. It's 2017, and this is happening? How in the world has this been going on? Even in the US, we're at #7! Crazy!

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  22. 100%...but then I have a hard time believing anything told by them

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    1. I hear you in that one for sure about the 100%. The other numbers which say that literally millions of people over the age of 15 can't read or write is downright scary and so sad. Hugs...

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  23. Just popped over from Jimmy's blog. I love the Tom and Jerry cake!

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    1. I'm thrilled you stopped by to say hello, and your blog is pretty neat. Cake, cake and more cake! Hugs...RO

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  24. Those illiteracy stats are scary and extremely sad. It's good to know where we stand though but I can't believe those facts.

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    1. When I think about those numbers I feel sorry for so many people who are being oppressed, and not given the opportunity to live life. I agree, it's scary and very sad.

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  25. Well that made me hungry. :) Nothing better than chocolate cake! And adorable cat pics too. Those literacy stats though- yeesh.

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    1. Finding out that millions of people can't read or write is downright alarming, Greg. I mean this is oppression at its worst because how is anyone expected to live when they haven't been given the opportunity to learn? Crazy!!!

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  26. Cats and Chocolate what a lovely combination. Throw in literacy and we have ourselves a nice little party. Thats illiteracy statistics are a little sad :(

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    1. Those stats are alarming, and that women in other countries are not taught to read? Crazy!

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  27. OMG. I'm dead! Cute cats and yummy cakes! Want!

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    1. Looking at those cakes just made my day Nasreen! Hugs...RO

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  28. I love the cats and cakes, but the literacy statistics are not so good. I cannot image not being able to pick up a book and lose myself between the pages.

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    1. I totally agree, Barbara. Books are my world, and it saddens me that so many people are missing out. Hugs...RO

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  29. Yum! I really want cake now. lol I do have some keylime pie..hmmm

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    1. Now you're just teasing me with key lime pie. It's one of my faves because I love the tart flavor. Lemon Meringue is another good one.

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