A dangerous game spreads across the Internet, good sleep equals good vibe, more.

Strangling Game Spreads Through Internet — A dangerous game called “Space Monkey” is spreading online, and that has lots of youth experts concerned. The “game” involves, essentially, voluntary strangulation, where practioners try to cut off the blood flow to their brains. Once the pressure is released, the resulting rush of blood to the head leads to a feeling of euphoria. But, if something goes amiss, the game can cause unconsciousness, brain damage and death. The U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 86 children may have died from playing the game. But those dangers haven’t stopped teens from posting themselves playing the game on YouTube or talking about their experiences on various forums. “I just passed out,” says one online author called “Baay” on a Yahoo forum. “It’s so scary.” (Sky News)

Good Night’s Sleep Means Good Day’s Vibe — Early to bed, early to rise, makes a teen healthy, wealthy and less prone to depression. Well, actually, scientists didn’t have much to say about the “wealthy” part. But researchers did find that youth who had earlier bedtimes were significantly less likely to suffer from depression and steer clear of suicidal thoughts. For instance, teens that typically were told to go to bed at around 10 p.m. were 24 percent less likely to be depressed—and 20 percent less likely to be suicidal—than those who crawled to bed around midnight. And students who slept for five or fewer hours a night were 71 percent more likely to suffer from depression than their more well-rested peers. (ScienceDaily)

These Words Are Toxic Assets — Lake Superior State University has released its 35th annual “List of Words Banished from the Queen’s English or Mis-use, Over-use and General Uselessness,” and the list includes many words of particular interest to youth workers. “Teachable moments” should be eliminated, these wordsmiths say (causing youth pastors everywhere to shed a tear). “Tweet” also made the list,” as did “sexting” and “app.” “Friend” qualified, but only as a verb (as in “I’m friending you on Facebook”). And, if the folks at Lake Superior State have their way, we’ll never hear the word “bromance” again. A number of words and phrases used in political circles also made the list, including “czar,” “stimulus” “toxic assets” and “too big to fail.” (Time)

Top Music Sales, 2009
1. Taylor Swift, “Fearless,” 3.2 million copies
2. Susan Boyle, “I Dreamed a Dream,” 3.1 million
3. Michael Jackson, “Number Ones,” 2.4 million
4. Lady Gaga, “The Fame,” 2.2 million
5. Andrea Bocelli, “My Christmas,” 2.2 million
Source: The New York Times

More Youth Culture Updates:
Got Controversy?
YCU: Recession No Fun and Games
Getting a LOST education
YCU: Students protest high tuition
YCU: Poor Sportsmanship