Serena HIS

GOD'S CHILDREN

2009-06-15T00:35:00.000-07:00

It's almost the end of the school year and we were done with our final for Language Arts. So, our teacher, Mr. Laffin, had decided for us to watch a video. It's called "God's Children".
It is about the people in Philippine that lives at a garbage dump (Smokey Mountain [or something]). It is about a time when that garbage dump had fallen down and buried some alive. Others were left and had to suffer for survival. The problem is that they need money. The garbage is where their money came from. They sold them to earn money for a living. But without it their families would have to starve and resist from certain diseases.

The main food source of those people, are rice. Some may have to struggle with the help of yams they planted. And because they are poor, they could only (at least) afford rice and salt. They also drank unclean water. If you walked around their houses, you'll see that they are mostly made out of metal boards and wood.
I think the main purpose of this video is to show us how lucky we are right now. There are a lot more others that need money. If you can, try and help these people out!! =]

Poverty in India

2009-06-11T00:31:00.001-07:00

Original News: http://www.livemint.com/2009/06/11002508/Poverty-in-India-more-than-est.html?h=B

The World Bank suggested on June 10 that the real poverty may raise higher than the estimates. It was already occurring over four states (Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, and Assam).

Study had been made and interviews had also started to happen with families in those villages.
People are know taking actions for helping the poor decrease the number of deaths and illnesses.
---
This is a short news article? Yeah.... I know =]

White Fang (WF) Book + Movie

2009-06-10T23:35:00.000-07:00

(Picture from "THIS" website)

After reading the book, we decided to watch the movie too. When the movie ended, we started discuss about it. We talked about the similarities and the differences between the book and the movie.
-----
The movie of White Fang is interesting in some ways and yet weird too. What makes it interesting is the order the way they planned the scenes to be at. At the beginning, it started with this boy who wanted to go with two other man and find gold. And at about the same time, a pup was born. Kind of brown and not gray. He, WF, was born in a whole in the ground. There's not much of the information about White Fang's childhood. (There's no sign of the dad, One Eye.)

The characters kind of had different names but about the same role as the original. There's no Weedon Scott and , or Judge Scott. No San Francisco. Some scenes had been skipped and extras are added to make the whole movie smoother. In the book, Beauty Smith doesn't look like that. He's suppose to be REALLY ugly. (Not that I mean he is handsome or something... =P.)
-----
The book contained shtained more description of White Fang's birth. Kiche, the she-wolf, doesn't die! She went to the Indian village with White Fang. There's no Lip-Lip (in the movie) at the camp too! Of course, the book is longer than the movie. =P There are ships!! And there's some description about White Fang's siblings. There's also no scene which White Fang saved the "so-called-Weedon-Scott" from a bear! 0_o
-----
But of all the differences between the book and the movie, there's still some similarities. (Of course, what I said above may not be the only ones. There are more!) They have the same title "WHITE FANG". And yes, Beauty Smith is mean and harmed White Fang. When the "so-called-Weedon-Scott" tried to leave, White Fang jumps out of the window (both in the movie and the book).

Have you read the book or seen the movie? If you have... Which one do you prefer? The "NEW" version or the "ORIGINAL" version?

I GO FOR THE "ORIGINAL" version.... YEAH!! =]

White Fang Fang Book Reflections~~~ (Grrr... > <

2009-06-02T05:09:00.000-07:00

Okay everybody! This is the book reflection post! We read a book called "White Fang" during our Language Arts class....

This is the cover of our book.

For a quick summary of White Fang (if you haven't read it and is interested in reading), you can go to SparkNotes.

After reading this book, there's some reflecting to do~~
Questions...? Ready? Begin!!

1) Did you like the book?
It was OKAY... =]

2) Why or why not?
I don't really LOVE this book... But it's 'cool' for me... I like dogs, but I just don't like to read 'dog' books... (WOLVES~~?)... Yeah. Weird me, right? >0<

3) Would you suggest someone to read the book?
I would suggest this book to those who likes to read:
- Adventurous
- About Animal (dogs and wolves)
- About Fighting
- About the WILD and Nature
- About a kinda of 'real-life' story.
- About 'something's' live story.
- And those who just loves to read books!~ =]

4) Why or why not?
It's like a hobby. You can carry it with you and read everywhere (almost, under certain circumstances... lol) =]

AND SO, THAT'S BASICALLY THE END OF MY REFLECTION JOB~~ C YA NEXT TIME!! =]

Moosebird = Canada Jay = Me

2009-05-19T04:56:00.000-07:00

I perched on the top of the trees and looked down to the western shores of Hudson Bay. There, a few campers had settled down. All the time, I've been watching them with my keen eyes. They ate, laughed, and told jokes together. But the last part, which made me set out my moves, was when they left the campfire, and got into their tents. They had gone to bed early because during the next early morning, they would be fishing out in the lake.

I calculated the right moment and make sure nobody is truly awake, before I flew down to their campsite. The campfire was still burning brightly. I hopped around the log seats, trying to find scraps of food they've left. I found some pieces of fish and some bread crumbs. My tummy grumbled. It's still not enough.

Just as I was feeling sad of hunger, I felt a faint breeze of warmth. A warmth of hope? I quickly turned my head towards where it came from. A tent. The breeze came from one of the tents. The human inside must have forgot to zip the opening. Muahahaha!! Carefully, I stepped inside and onto the soft blankets. Aha! There, in the hands of one of them, lay a bag of opened crackers!! My dinner today was some fish, bread crumbs, and a bag of crackers. =]

When the sun was about to rise, the campers had set out to their canoes. Acting innocent, I landed on the bow of one of the canoes. My plan for today is to steal whatever that's edible and good tasting.

A man crouched down near the shore and began to wash some tools with soap. I flew down beside him and silently took the soap away. I wonder what this taste like..! After a small peck of my beak, I jerked back screaming "Ca-ca-ca!". It's disgusting and unnatural.

My call had echoed within the mountains and sounded like a signal to all other birds of my kind. From far away, I saw a flock of them, flying to where I am now. And plus, the campers had noticed me. They are now going to keep an eye on me, for they now what I am and what I'll do...

But the flock had suddenly changed their directions! Maybe it's just a coincidence that they came! Right now, the campers are setting traps and putting out baits. I stared at the baits for a long time and had finally decided. I'm going to steal it for my breakfast. Within minutes, I had damaged some trappers and took out 4 of the baits. The campers were so pissed off, they tried to use a stick and hunt me down. It seems like they have made a lot of effort making the traps.

After a few hours, they caught a great black duck. Then, the slaughtered it and laid it out to dry. Oops! They had forgot me, the stealer!!! When all of their backs turned the opposite directions, I skipped down from the bow and began munching away the entire breast of the duck. Today was pretty lucky, I thought.

The following catch was great! They caught a beaver and had it skinned. They left the beaver at the same place where they've put the duck. Right then, they noticed the missing part of the duck and looked my way. There I was again, trying to steal. Again, they tried to hit me and capture me with the net. Their faces seemed as hungry as me!

Unfortunately, for them, I flew off back onto the same tree I perched on when I arrived here. I guess I will just need to fly off, looking for insects, spiders, berries, and other small animals to feed on...

HOLES Book Review

2009-04-30T00:22:00.000-07:00

In Language Arts, we read a book called "Holes".

It's a story about a boy that had been cursed to have bad lucks. He was captured due to the crime of stealing shoes and was sent to Camp Green Lake. If you go to Camp Green Lake, all you do is to dig holes. Why they are to dig holes? It's not to turn them into good boys, but like slaves that are needed to find a treasure. What happens then?

It's a very good book. Me, myself, dislike reading... hehe... But this book is interesting for all of us to read. Read and enjoy as much as I do!! =]

French deliver 11 piracy suspects

2009-04-23T17:52:00.000-07:00

The french commandos had captured the men last week, after a Liberian tanker. The French naval frigate had docked in the Kenyan port of Mombasa that carried 11 Somalis accused of piracy.
This year Somali-based pirates attacked 80 ships and more. They also illegally seized at least 20 c0 that were collecting millions of dollars.S
------
LINK: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8012339.stm

Crackdown call after Kenya deaths

2009-04-23T05:08:00.000-07:00

AGAIN... This is not my original country I am suppose to be doing. I've found this article and thought I'd share. It's short, ok~~?
------
The Kenya's president had promised to punish the people that was involved with the outbreak of violence; which lead 29 people dead in the central town on Monday. The police say that local residents had decided to fight the 60 suspected members of Mungiki (banned) that had threatened them for money.

LINK: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8012974.stm

How can we reduce, reuse, recycle??

2009-04-21T23:25:00.000-07:00

FUFUF! Today is EArth Day!!
So, here are some steps you could do today~

- Take a FAST shower.
- Ride Bikes
- No air conditioner
- Don't flush the toilet a lot (this is kinda stupid...)
- Walk to school

- Turn off lights.

- Use day lights to work.
- Use rechargable batteries.
- Don't use a lot of hot water.
- Buy organic foods.
- Don't waste materials.
- Recycle.
- Plant trees.
- Don't litter.
- But products with less packages
- MOST OF ALL... REDUCE, REUSE, & RECYCLE.

CAPTAIN Capured For Crews...

2009-04-17T02:22:00.000-07:00

----
I found this news article quite interesting so I've desided to share this rather than the news of my country — Sudan.
----
BY: DUNNO WHO... > <

TIME: APRIL 12, 2009
WHERE: Somalia
----
Pirates have gradually attacked ships off Somalia's (a country in Africa) coast. They capture some and damaged some. The pirates would usually force the preys to give them money, then free them.
AHH!!!! HELP PRIATE ATTACKS!!! RUN FOR YOUR LIVES, OR RATHER SWIM FOR YOUR LIVES!!!

The pirates then took the American captain, Richard Phillips and held hostage in at a life boat.
Currently, the American navy is trying to get him out.

Although the American navy tried to save him, they say that 4 pirates fired at them in order to prevent them from coming closer.

They couldn't get Captain Phillip to land safely, but the rest of his crews are. His crews said that the reason they were safe was because their captain had risked his life for all of his crews.

LINK: http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/newsid_7990000/newsid_7995700/7995705.stm
Picture LINK: http://www.examiner.com/x-6953-Newark-World-News-Examiner~y2009m4d12-US-Captain-rescued-Somali-pirates-shot-dead

Summary of 2

2009-04-14T18:49:00.000-07:00

We read two African Stories in our Humanities class. Just press the title of the stories below, and it'll bring you to the websites. What I am sharing, explains a short summary of the story.

The Three Tests: A Swahili Tale of Choices

In this story, it tells about Prince Sadaka finding his other brothers for fathers. Their father missed the missing sons but was too old to sail across the Indian Ocean.

On the way there, he met some friends — living creatures (not humans — animals & spirits). He helped them by feeding and accompany them.

Prince Sadaka got to the island of Pemba and saw boats in the harbor. He knew the sultan of Pemba was very bad tempered. Sadaka had no choice, but ask the old man. He replied by requesting if Sadaka could pass his three tests.

With the help of the animals & spirits he helped, he was able to pass all of the tests.
-------
Basically, this story explains to us that they believe in having conversations with creatures and getting their helps.
-------
Fafi's Sheep

This is a story about a boy and his dream of having a sheep like
all the others. One day he got one from his parents and was so very happy. He rode on it, not knowing the sheep was uncomfortable with it. The sheep ran away from him and landed at a garden. The owner of the garden founds out and beat the boy up. Luckily, he was able to run away, still chasing the sheep. Troubles were followed as he continued to chance it. Suddenly, the sheep went and joined the other sheep ahead. How can he find his sheep within so many that looked the same?? To find out... read it!! ^ ^

Photo Journal

2009-04-13T18:40:00.000-07:00

My Photo Journal — Wednesday:

This is where I live. The red-brownish apartment. I usually wake up at around 7:15. That's because I live in Jubei and if I need to get to school on time, I will need to wake up early.

BREAKFAST TIME!

During 7:15 to 7:45, I would eat my breakfast with my family. But sometimes, we would eat in the car. Here you can see my mom driving us to school...

----------------

Working...

This is my school: Hsinchu International School. This is where I study as a seven grader.

----------------

LEARN ALL YOU CAN!

Before my actual first class, I go to "Advisory". This is when all of the seven graders gather up before class. Today is A Day on Thursday. During the A Days, we study Science, Wellness, Independent Learning, and Language Arts.
But on B Days, we have Humanities, Math, Creative Writing, and Music.

(This picture was taken during Language Arts)
----------------

HUNGRY?
And then LUNCH! Yeah!!!

After lunch, I can't just sit right back to my seat. So, I gave a little walk with my friends.

----------------

YEAH!!!

After school, some of the HIS students would go outside and have fun socializing. They would go out to 7-11 or out to the court and play basketball.

(This is 2 of the girls in my class: Stephaine (left) and Sandra (right). Crazy, aren't they?)
----------------

SPORT~~~~

Yep, then it's after school! Together, my cousin, my brother, and I went aboard on our car.
On Wednesday, we did not just going straight home, but to somewhere else. To soccer!!! Yeah! I love playing soccer!!
This is our class~~ Last Year... =]

----------------
It's been tiring and hot after all the running and kicking. Let's go home!!!!

Of all the exercising, we will feel hungry~ Sometimes we would go home, and sometimes we will eat the things Mom bought at the mall.
----------------

Yeah. You know what's next? Homework!!!
Usually, after doing my homework, I would go down stairs and have fun on the tambourine.

-----------

DIFFERENCE?!?!?!?!?!!?!?!?

Kids in Africa live a different live then us. They lives are poorer and have less technology so, their lives are difficult. Rural Life...

Even though their environment is different then ours, they do a lot of what we also do now. They enjoy exercising like skipping ropes, baseball, volleyball, soccer, basketball, and having fun playing the drums. They also enjoy Drama Club Play (dance, songs, acting).

In some homes today, we have helpers to clean the house for families. But in Africa, they don't really have enough money. So, they did all the chores by themselves. They watered the garden with bare feet, harvesting crops like corn, yams, and cassava. Did house chores like, sweeping with the prayier (a broom mad of grassy reeds) & other cleanings, washing clothes & hanging them out under the sun to dry, and all other kinds. When they wash their clothes, few have washing machines and were mostly done with their own hands. Sometimes they must wash clothes at community springs. They don't have water pipes, so that's why they have central drinking fountain for water. It works by using a card or pay for water. Most of the kids of the families would get up early to collect water.

Painters use colorants (chemicals?) instead of natural materials from NATURE.
Their houses are made out of mud-bricks and corrugated steel siding. The buildings that most of us live in are usually made of cement. Plus, some Africans don't have electricity for lights, so the have to use oil lamps instead.

Their food includes "Kenkey", a kind of corn dumpling that's steamed. It could be added with all kinds of tasty spices. They have snacks just like we do. We, unlike them, go to little shops and buy "already-made" food from like, Seven-Eleven. Whereas they have to use outdoor cook stoves to make traditional treats. Some kids cook their own food and live in boarding schools.

There are no high rises or sidewalks, usually. Most of the areas are grassy, don't have too many hills or trees, little water, and are like dry savannas.

Because they are poor (some), most of them are farmers. They use terraces to grow crops (bananas, corn, onions). Then, use cows for lawn cut. They have lettuce fields and use a special kind of vegetable (kachumbari) to make special salads (nyamachoma) served with roasted meat dish. They use "arrowroots" (crop) in sauces or cookies. Most of the people there, shop at second-handed shops, and have grocery stnds. There's not too many shops.

One important thing that I've noticed about them, is that they help each other in hard circumstances. =]

--------------

Thoughts~~

Although your living conditions could be harsh, there's some things we, can't do. There's almost no places for us to run freely like you do. Staying outdoors instead of getting trapped inside the houses. Breathing less polluted air. There's maybe a lot more of things you guys could do and we couldn't. Just think, you are sometimes more fortunate then we are.

Tanzania train wreck 'deliberate'

2009-03-30T06:59:00.000-07:00

Like the previous blog post, this is also about Tanzania... =]

BOOF! TRAIN CRASH!!! WOAH!

The police of Tanzania suspected that the train crash was caused for stealing the petroleum from the tanks.

The driver, the station master, plus seven people had been arrested. It was thought to have caused 15 deaths.

((I guess the police is still figuring it out... Not a lot o information, really... For more info, go to the link below.))

Link: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7972019.stm

Tanzania = Geita Death~~

2009-03-30T06:22:00.000-07:00

At least eleven people were dead after the fall of the gold mine of north-western Tanzania. Those miners used hand tools to dig at a depth of about 140 meters. Something happened and all those 11 miners were trapped inside the pit at the town of Geita.

Geita was attracted by many miners because of the gold that was discovered there in the early 1900s. But the correspondents say that the prospectors' activities are highly unregulated, resulting in dangerous practices.

IN GENERAL

Who: 11 miners
When: Saturday
Where: Geira
What: Got buried.
Why: There's gold there and the activities causes dangerous issues...

((Common News, I think))

Link for the picture and the news article: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7971910.stm

MUST BE JAILED!?! (AFRICA)

2009-03-22T21:57:00.000-07:00

1. WHO must be jailed?
2. Why does she need to be arrested?

These are the TWO questions that you are going to find out!!
-------
1. Who must be jailed?
An actress star of "Nollywood" and a former beauty queen... **Note: Not sure if it's "Nollywood" or "Hollywood"... Maybe, "Jollywood"? lol

2. Why does she need to be arrested?
People say tat she killed Dr. Giwa Suraji during a car crash on one of Lagos' highway.

Ibinabo Fiberesima the lady, tried to searched her files, and used her wealth and the connections to avoid jail. The magistrate said that she could either choose to go to jail or pay a 100,000 naira ($678, £467) instead.

Link: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7954582.stm
Picture link: http://gnaija.ning.com/profiles/blogs/nigeria-news-justice-deborah

Namibia declares flood emergency

2009-03-22T00:48:00.000-07:00

There has been floods in Namibia. The flood had caused food shortage. It had damaged fields of crops, houses, schools, roads, and health centers have been destroyed. The rising of the waters brought crocodiles and hippos in. And now, they are swimming in the waters finding people to kill. The flood had killed at least 90 people.

Although the rain had stopped, the great damaged caused thousands of people to wait some times before they could all return home.

Namibia’s President, Hifikepunye Pohanba, declared the emergency in the six northern districts. He also called the international community. There’s this problem. the aid workers fear that the floods may carry diseases like cholera and malaria.

I wonder when all those people would be able to get home or settle in another place.

Link: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7952422.stm
Picture link: http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2007-08/06/content_6482007_2.htm

Kenbrena

2009-03-17T21:39:00.000-07:00

At first, we did our borders due to the mountains and the rivers. But after we've done so much work on the drawings... I found the importance of the social group relationships... But, instead of turning back, we wanted to continue...

If we could turn back, I would look closer and observe the social group relationships. And then decide where I should put the boundaries?

You see, we did this:
- put the borders without knowing what we were doing. (For an easy start)
- Figure out the rest...

Perhaps, it's not a strong country?

Living in Kenbrena

2009-03-16T04:28:00.000-07:00

1. If you lived in part of Kenbrena where you did not have energy resources, what could you do to survive?

I could maybe depend on the others or move to another place to live.

2. "To have a strong country, it is best to have only rich people with financial control." Support or refute that statement.

Not really, I refute. I think even though people may be poor, they may have smart brains!

Therefore, if the government gave him/she a chance, then they could work with others and build up a strong country.

3. "People of different levels of wealth may not love one another, bu they might need each other." Support or refute that statement.

Sometimes it's true and sometimes not. Of course, we all need each other. But, "People of different levels of wealth may not love one another..." can change. If they think they are good to be with them, then it's a yes. If they love one another no matter what, then it's a no!

KENBRENA

2009-03-12T03:18:00.000-07:00

In humanities class, we studied about a fictional piece of land named Kenbrena.

Here are two questions:
1. What are some possible reasons for some groups in Kenbrena to be friendly to each other while other groups do not get along?

Here's what I think:

Positive:

Maybe the people from each tribes, depend on each other. They trade goods and get the resources they need to survive. People can also make friends due to some similarities they have in common. Therefore, each tribe would form a friendly connection.

Negative:
- Cultures (Religious beliefs & languages)
- Laws
- Land (Geographical features)
- Thinking
- Political views
- Class (levels)
- Population
- Jobs & economy

It's kinda like the "black & white" people issue back then.

2. Is there a social group above that makes you think of yourself or your family?

I think we are kinda like the Social Group 6: Franklos, the get along part... But I don't think the rest are "totally" the same.

Were Scientists Fair?

2009-03-11T05:52:00.000-07:00

The question is this:
When Alfred Wegener proposed his Continental Drift Hypothesis, he was not believed partially because he was not a trained geologist. He was actually trained in meteorology. Do you think the scientists were fair when they poinetd out?

Well, I think that it's not fair for Alfred Wegener. Although he was not actually trained in meteorology, he had done researches about the Continental Drift. He found many evidences.
Now, scientists today considered "Continental Drift" as how the continents was formed.

Probably, those who believe in the "baked apple" theory, were just trying to find excuses. Maybe they felt embarrassed? Hah~

To see more about with the Continental Drift, click HERE.

Attack! By who?

2009-03-10T04:25:00.000-07:00

Who attacked who? ¬0¬ ??? A Chimp named Santino attacked human!! How? He was found collecting and storing stones for missiles later on. He was a chimp in Furuvik Zoo, north of Stockholm. Now we know that animals have the ability to make plans for their futures. It made zoo visitors annoyed.

People had began to study and research about this amazing discovery... Dr. Osvath said they they've made studies and it really did show it was true. Although some argued that it was an experimental artifact.

To read more of the reasearch Dr. Osvath had found, go to the following link.

I think chimps and other types of monkeys are like us. They can be smart. They may plan for their future. Is it just their natural behaviors or an instinct? Cool~

(Picture from "THIS" link which also contains about the same news article)

Link to this article: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7928996.stm

WHAT?!?!? Youtube?

2009-03-10T02:23:00.000-07:00

Bad news! Bad news for those who are into watching music videos on "Youtube"! Sad to say this, the site the Google company had decided to block all of them (the official ones too!). They think that the it would cost a lot of money if they are to stay online. Recently, on Monday at about 6pm, people from UK were complaining about finding themselves unable to watch their favorite videos.

If they do changed their minds, they won't be free anymore. "It has to pay an organization called PRS for Music a fee", said CBBC news. Prices of having music videos online, have been put up and it's too expensive.

PS: I've went to Youtube and searched for a music video... And guess what?!? It's not blocked or banned. Maybe just the people in UK and not Taiwan??? Yeah!!

Link to the original article: http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/newsid_7930000/newsid_7933400/7933441.stm

Picture link, this link also include related article... Check it out!
http://news.uk.msn.com/uk/article.aspx?cp-documentid=14934353

Fortunate or Not?

2009-03-08T22:52:00.001-07:00

This is NOT really what I'm gonna do, take a note of THAT!

I will still, probably, have a normal life. No matter how much money I will get.
=]
________________________________________________________________

Journal: March 5, 2009

Dear My Living Diary,

School days are just the same as usual. We got a lot of homework assignments. They include: a letter to Alfred Wegener (Science), a physical fitness presentation (wellness), and a diary if I won a lot of money (Language Arts). Recently, in Language Arts class we read a book called "The Pearl", and it lead to the thinking of "Money". So, Mr. Laffin gave us an assignment to do. The topic is: What will you do if you've won a lot of money? Write a 5 day diary. That's what I'm doing now, writing the diary... I couldn't think of what to write. **Thinking... Ummm...
Wait...!! Sorry, I got a phone call from someone...

I'm back! You know what? The person in the phone said that I’ve won a hundred thousand billion Euros! Oh my gosh! At first, I didn't believe what he was saying... I'm like, "What's wrong with this person...???!!???" Isn’t this perfect and so exciting? A HUNDRED THOUSAND BILLION “EUROS”!! That’s like “A LOT” of money!!! I can’t believed I’ve became the chosen one!! I couldn’t really explain it in clear details but umm... I’m so hyper today! It’s really "GREAT NEWS"!!! What could I do with all those money? I could buy all the things I wanted. I could decorate my room. I could do whatever I want!!! I’m going crazy~ !! This is like the best day of my life!^_^!!! Hooray! >< alt="<3" src="http://sc.webmessenger.msn.com/10.1.0323.0/session/images/emoticons/heart.gif" style="vertical-align: bottom;"> the world!! LOL~ :] ** But of course... I'm just a kid...

Haha~ Now, this assignment is going to be really easy!! LOL ~ Gotta go sleep! Bye bye, "Living Diary"~ Nice dreams to you too~
________________________________________________________________
Journal: March 6, 2009

Dear My Living Diary,

It's Spring dance today! I wanted to go! But I couldn't... I dunno what made me feel so down... I wanted to have fun with my friends... To relax my feelings, I went shopping at 5 different malls... Hehe~ Guess what? I just bought a new stero, a TV, a new white desk, some cushions (like the bean bags), a big wardrobe (A wardrobe isn’t even enough! I bought a lot, and I meant “A LOT” of clothes!! LUV IT ALL~ Hahaah~), and wall papers for my room. Isn't that great?? Haha~ Since I love shinny accessories.... =P YEP~~ I bought a lot, like 400 types of accessories. I LUV to shop!! Teheheh~

Sorry gotta go eat dinner!.....................

Hello! I'm back! My family and I went and ate at a very high-classed restaurant! It’s wonderful and delicious. I know, I’m being a bit too exaggerated~~ Hahah~ I am!
Tomorrow, my parents are going to Switzerland to save some of my money in the bank... I'm still too young to do "bank" businesses... =[
________________________________________________________________
Journal: March 7, 2009

Dear My Living Diary,

Today is Saturday. I was tired because I went shopping all last night. I slept late and woke at 12:00 in the afternoon. I've basically got all I wanted to get. Since my parents are at home, I decided to invite my friends over and have a "eXtreme" party~~ Maybe a "stay-over-night" party? Hope they could arrive here early....
----
Sorry.... I think they've just arrived at the front door!
----
Oooh~ I'm so tired. I drank half a bottle of ice tea and shared a bag of popcorn with my friends... =]

Our schedule was like this:
- Tour around my house.
I took them to my room and they went and put their stuffs. - Go shopping and watch movie at theater.
Bought another lot and watched a movie we voted. - Eat Dinner
Ate dinner together at "Chile" and ate ice creams. - ♬♪Sing Karaoke~~ ♬♪
Everybody sang... - Go home
We're of course, tired... - Play Games
Played some card / board games. - Chat and Sleep ★☆
Chatted about school and their hobbies.

I hope that they'll feel comfortable here. =]

PS: I only told my best friend about what great "luck" I was in.
________________________________________________________________
Journal: March 8, 2009

Dear My Living Diary,

What a Sunday! It started "sunny" and then it went all cold and wet... I didn't want to be in the house all day. So, I went out to a book store and bought "arts & crafts" books to experience at home. At least I could go out for a while then come back... =] I also went to the bakery store and bought some "goodies" to savor. Just at the corner of the bakery, I met a person. He asked me for some charity fund and I said "OK". To keep my life simple, I went to the bakery store almost everyday. And I would meet the fun raiser again. He would nag me and follow me until I said "yes". So, I changed to the 7-11 just across the street for food supplies. I also went to the mall and bought some hats and some sunglasses. Just in case I do go to the bakery for some reason, I could change my appearance. Like wearing a different cap, have different hair styles, different clothing (sloppy ones and formal ones~ LOL), and different sunglasses. Haha~ My drama show is about to begin, or should I say "already began"?
________________________________________________________________

Journal: March 9, 2009

Dear Diary,

Somehow, the plan that I told you yesterday, didn't work. He knew my adress and kind of like waited for me there... * ..... *

Plus, about all my neighbors had came and used a polite way of helping them pay certain bills.. *.....*

I called my best friend today and hoped that she would keep it a secret in school in case it did... I was becoming very nervous... To make me feel better a little bit, I took some paper and began to sketch and draw. I drew some scenes that might happen in the future when everyone knows the story...

Today, there's nothing much more to say except the anger and the nervous feeling that began to overwhelm in me...

Night night... Diary....
________________________________________________________________

Journal: March 10, 2009

Dear Diary,

Today I went to school and searched for my best friend... She wasn't there... Why? Nobody know... Just then, when I was in the bathroom... I heard whispers: "Will anyone find out?" / "I don't know! Why always ask me?" / "Because, you was the one who had this plan!" / "Geez~ Relax! No ones gonna find out!" / "Really?" / "Yeah, I promice..." / "She won't find out will she?" / "Who... won't?" / "Serena. I suppose she would find out..." / "Nah~ You got too much imaginations!" / "You know, she is her best friend. I really felt sorry for her..." / "Don't be! She deserves it!" / "But not *DEATH*!" / "Shush! I think there's someone out there, listening!"

The word "death" starttled me... What do they mean? My best friend died because of.... what?

And that's why I didn't hear everything... What's happening with her, my best friend? I could clearly hear who the voice was... the school's "BIGGEST BULLY"... Probably the "WORLDS MEANEST BULLY EVER LIVED!"

Now, I know that something happened and she was like forced to speak of the truth. She didn't and they've killed her. But what was she not wanting to speak of?MY "LUCKY" story!!!! Well, now, it's not a happy ending but a tragical ending...

I wish I could use money to pay back what I've lost. I miss her so much! My tears couldn't possibly stop of what she did and gave my a secured feeling...

I COULD ONLY CRY WITH SORROW: "PLEASE! PLEASE! DO REVERSE BACK TO OUR HAPPY TIMES TOGETHER!"________________________________________________________________

~THE END~

CAN SOMEONE PLEASE TELL ME WHAT I SHOULD DO NEXT??

**PICTURES ARE FROM OTHER WEBSITES.... ALL OF THEM ARE FROM "deviantART"

~Capital Resources~

2009-03-05T17:50:00.000-08:00

DEFINITIONS~~

HUMAN CAPITAL —
Is the attributes of a person that are productive in some economic context.
Human capital provides human resources that we create. It helps us be productive.

Examples could be telephones. Because they are created by human (by their knowledge). People today use telephones at home and cellphones when they are outside. People rely on it to communicate through businesses, meetings, gatherings, party, and many other usages. As time passes, we will soon create a new type of phone. The newer, people would want to buy and the companies could earn money.

Another example would automobiles. Cars make life more efficient. They protect us from bits of stones that may jump up and attack. They appear to be safe. Cars also keep us warm in cold days and cool in hot days. Families could listen (musci/radios) or watch tv inside the cars.

Telephone picture
Car picture

FINANCIAL CAPITAL —

It's the money used for businesses. Those money for the businesses are used to buy their materials that they need. Get it? Ok, maybe you didn't, but...

Like McDonald, for an example... They may use the money they've earn to buy more food products they need, to make more tasty ones. By doing it this way, you would be able to earn more money.

McDonald picture

NATURAL RESOURCES CAPITAL —
It includes minerals and resources in the nature... These are the sources to make us weathly.
They could be sold with high prices. Energy sources count as one too~ As we began to use them a lot for machines... They are becoming fewer and fewer. So then, the prices would go up. Therefore, people that work for the energy resources would rean money...

My Learning of the 5 Themes of Geography

2009-03-05T17:36:00.001-08:00

MY REFLECTIONS OF THE PAST...

Definition

What is geography? Geography is not just about landscapes, mountains, climate, rivers, people, socializing, economics, environment, plants, animals, and the study of the world around us. If you look deeper and define what geography really is, you can say that it's divided into groups.

Physical Geography
The study of earth science, which includes the lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, pedosphere, plants, and animals.

Human Geography
Includes the studies of economics, culture, political perspectives, cities, communities, government, religion, languages, socializing, and human history.

Environment Geography
Basically the study of technological changes and political ecology.

Regional Geography
History, is what regional geography studies about.
—————————————————————————————————————————————————
National Standards and Geographical Skills
There are 18 contents of “National Standards” that are divided into 6 essential elements...

1. The World in Spatial Terms
It involves using maps and other kinds of materials to understand the spatial dimensions of our world.

2. Places and Regions
This is a concept whenever we look at particular places. Combining them into regions, help us understand the complexity of Earth's surface.

3. Physical Systems
This is to understand how physical system work in the natural environment.

4. Human Systems
Population ~ who does people interact with one another.

5. Environment and Society
How society had adapted to different environments and the changes they made.

6. The Uses of Geography
To interpret the past and the plan to predict the future.
—————————————————————————————————————————————————
"Geographical Skills"
Asking geographical questions. The current distribution of religion~
__________________________________________________________________
THEME 1: Location

Where am I right now?? Today has been a tiring homework day and I would like to relax with my family. So, can you guess where I am right now? When you're about to reach this relaxing store, you'll often hear jazz music and the scent of "coffee beans" would swirl into your nose. That's where I am, writing this blog.... "STARBUCKS" is the answer. I've wrote a blog about this before on the location where it is. I'll just kinda summarize where this "STARBUCKS" store is.

(Click on the picture to get a better view)

My house is at Wen-Yi Street, Jubei (the little yellow house symbol). And STARBUCKS is at on Guangming 1st Road. Like about the 3rd block from my house~

You will be able to see constructions of houses, stores (Japanese Restaurant /Steak Houses/Coffee Shops/ Accessories Store / Banks / Parking lots), plants of different kinds, and gardens of weeds and vegetables.

Right at the corner, there would be a STARBUCKS. You could hear music (jazz) and smell the coffee beans. Most of the time, a lot of the people would come and relax. But as it grew darker, they began to leave. There was once when we went there from morning to night. LOL That was long~~

LOCATION:
Latitude: 24°49'51.32"N
Longitude: 121° 0'45.23"E

__________________________________________________________________
THEME 2: Place

When describing a place, we my define it into 3 parts: human, physical, and cultural.

* HUMAN:
With the "human" part, it's often described, like, the political and the structures of somewhere.

* PHYSICAL:
When you describe a place using the "physical" part, you often observe the land and water around a certain place. Kind of like the "physical properties" of a place.

* CULTURAL:
By using the "cultural" way of describing a place, we'll relate to the...
"human & geography interaction and features in a spatial context." — Mr. C

It can also mean by using the maps in our brains to guide someone to the destination.
__________________________________________________________________
THEME 3: Human-Environment Interactions

(Picture from "THIS" link)

The question we are dealing with "human-environment interaction" is:
How do humans adapt to and / or change the environment?

Well, humans adapt to their environment by changing how things are really suppose to be.
We cut down rain forest, build roads & buildings & bridges, use earth's natural resources to make our livings better.

*Cutting down forest — deforestation
- Can destroy animal habitats, extinction may occur, cause land slides, and most importantly,will cause global warming.

* Building & Constructing
- Houses & Shops
∆ For shelter, food, products, and books (knowledge).
- Bridges & roads
∆ For us to travel faster and easier = shortcuts...

We depend on the environment for the resources they produce:
* Natural Resources
We use natural resources that includes: oils, and coal.
- We make daily products out of them.
- We need them to power up our cars and other inventions.
∆ They are starting to get rare...

*Ocean & Deserts & Valleys & Caves & Mountains & Waterfalls & Plains & Rain Forests & etc...

ARE WE HUMANS MAKING OUR WORLD WORSE OR BETTER?
__________________________________________________________________
THEME 4: Movement

Movement affects your daily lives, but how? What items are being moved that you interact with on a regular basis?

Time travels from seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, years, and century. Although you think, that's a lot of time and you don't even need to quicken your steps to make life more meaningful, you're wrong. Time doesn't wait for us, not even under the Kings' and Queens' commands. Use your time wisely and use the best of it!

As I said, they will run out quickly, we may take shortcuts to the destiny we are heading to. And take faster transportation like the High Speed Railroad (HSR). Transportation in technology helped us all a lot. Transportation made our life easier and faster.

SO, TIME TRAVELS REALLY FAST AND YOU WANTED TO TAKE A "TRANSPORTATION". AND YOU CHOSE "DRIVING A CAR" TO BE THAT TRANSPORTATION.

----When you are running out of battery (energy) for your computer or any other tools you use for daily life, you may get up and find the charger. Or, you'll go to stores to buy some batteries. Also, when your car has no fuel, what do you do? When there's a "almost-no-gas" signal, we will drive to the nearest gas station for some gasoline.

YEAH~ YOU SAW THE SIGNAL AND DECIDED TO GO TO THE NEAREST STATION. THEN YOU MET A PROBLEM...

----

THEY ARE PAVING (CONSTRUCTING) THE ROAD YOU'VE ALWAYS PASS THROUGH. YOU DON'T KNOW ANY OTHER PATHS... WHAT DO YOU DO?

Constructions can block your original path. So then you'll have to change your movements.

- Building Constructions

- Road Constructions

----
YOUR FAMILY MEMBERS ARGUED THAT MAYBE YOU SHOULD CHANGE ANOTHER DESTINATION. SOME SAID "YEAH! THAT'S A NICE IDEA", WHILE OTHERS INSISTED TO CONTINUE AND TRY OUT DIFFERENT PATHS OR LOOK AT A MAP.

Family members may effect the movement you will make. There may be arguements due to the places each of them wanted to go. There will be agreements and disagreements. They may effect your thinking too.

AS A RESULT, YOU DECIDED TO GO SOMEWHERE ELSE. BUT WHERE? IS THERE SOMETHING (SOMEWHERE) ENTERTAINING RIGHT NOW? YOU DON'T EVEN HAVE A CLUE...

Ideas and your decisions can change the way you'll go and the movement you'll take.

Your ideas may depend on your surroundings.

You could tell your ideas to someone. Then they may come up with a better one. On and on it'll pass... At last, you'll come up with the best / perfect idea ever.

POSSIBILITY 1: JUST THEN, THE WEATHER STARTED TO GO ALL DARK AND RAINY...

When the weather is "cold & dark", people won't want to go outside. They will rather stay at home. Be warm. Drink coffee / hot chocolate. Watch TV / movies. Sleep. Play board games. Play / work on computers. Have a feast. And do everything that people would be able to do indoors.

RESULT 1: YOU DECIDED TO GO HOME / GO TO SOMEWHERE INDOORS (MUSEUMS)...

----
POSSIBILITY 2: JUST THEN, THE WEATHER STARTED TO GO BRIGHT AND HOT...

When the weather is "warm & sunny", people will want to go outside. They will be able to do lots of activities. Climb mountains, do some sports, go on vacations (have fun), take a job / walk / ride bikes, eat ice cream / cold drinks, and any other events that people think of while the weather is good and cozy.

RESULT 2: SINCE YOU ARE AT THE SEA SIDE, YOU PLAN TO HAVE FUN AT THE BEACH OR RIDE BICYCLES WITH YOUR FAMILY... ETC...

----

LET'S SAY THAT YOU DIDN'T DO AS THE EXAMPLE ABOVE. IT'S RAINY AND COLD. YOU DECIDED TO GO TO THE "BEACH" TO HAVE FUN... (DOES THAT SOUND SMART?)

SOMEHOW, SOMEBODY GOT A COLD... A REALLY BAD COLD. HE/SHE/THEY STARTED A FEVER. YOU GET VERY NERVOUS AND DROVE TO THE NEAREST CLINIC/HOSPITAL/EMERGENCY ROOM.

Disease may come upon people. When they got sick they will go to the doctor / clinics / hospitals for some medicines. (Disease travel from people, places, and the things we touch).

----
THE DOCTOR GAVE YOU MEDICINE AND TOLD YOU THAT HE/SHE/THEY NEEDS NOURISHMENT AS WELL. AND SO, NOW YOU'RE GOING TO A STORE THAT SELLS FRUITS.

Hunger often occur. When you walked to a shop, of the food you crave for, you may stop there and buy food. Sometimes what you feel aren't "real" hungers. When you see certain food, you may appear unable to stop thinking about it.

----
AS YOU BOUGHT FRUITS/FOOD AND PAYED THE DOCTOR... MONEY FROM YOUR HANDS MY TRAVEL TO THE OTHERS.

What if you ran out of money??? Where would you go? You may either go to the bank or go home. The movement of money travel from buying products, fees, and other payments. From each person's hand, it traveled. It may also carry diseases...
----
NOW, THERE'S NOTHING MUCH YOU CAN DO AND PLUS THE DAY IS ABOUT TO BE OVER. YOU RETURNED HOME AND REST / TAKE CARE OF THE SICK ONES.

**YEAH, I KNOW.... THIS IS AN EXAMPLE OF "BAD LUCK DAY"** =P
__________________________________________________________________
THEME 5: Region

What is the differences between a "formal"/ "functional" / "Perceptual" description of a region.

FORMAL REGION
In simple words : like a city or a town.
In more words: It's like a set of related numbers and uniform characteristics.
Involves: Human characteristics & Culture or a common land & Vegetation
(Political) Formal regions = countries, cities, and states or physical regions.

FUNCTIONAL REGION
In simple words: like a suburb or a city.
In more words: Functions and purposes usually with central point with its support.

PERCEPTUAL REGION
In simple words: a place without any boundaries that different people have different memories about and different perceptions.
In more words: Different views and perceptions of the characteristics a region may have.
Involves: Mental maps with different borders that depends on individual perceptions.
__________________________________________________________________

THANKS~ TO MY PAST WORKS AND MR.C'S "5 THEMES OF GEOGRAPHY LEARNING PURSUIT". =]

Isolating the Variable (Interview)

2009-03-03T18:01:00.000-08:00

Interviewer: Interviewer 985
To: Serena Ting (Haha~ Just a creative way of writing the blog)
-------------------------------
PART I... And... ACTION!!

Me, the interviewer: Hello! This is interviewer 985... And you're...?
Serena: Oh! Hi~ Serena Ting in Grade 7, HIS.
Me, the interviewer: Can you please tell me what's happening now?
Serena: Well, I'll tell you what happened when this first occurred...

"What's wrong? Why is everyone running and screaming their heads off?"I asked with confusion.
"What happened?" I asked...
"China is attacking us with blobs of chocololate!" yelled someone.
I scanned through the crowd for Mrs. Smith. "Hurry Grade 7s, get into your groups! We gotta make a huge boat enough to carry ALL the students of HIS!" yelled Mrs. Smith at the basketball court.
"But how?" all of us asked.
"Umm... Ah-huh! PAPER!!! We will use paper to make our boats!" exclaimed Mrs. Smith in a desperate tone.
"Paper?" I asked with a weird expression.
"Yes! We only have three paper to build with..." answered Mrs. Smith.
"Anything else?" someone questioned beside me.
"3 Straws and 2 strings of tape" said our teacher excitedly, yet filled with worry.
"Ok... I guess that's the only way out..." I rolled my eyes. (XP)
Me, the interviewer: Thanks for the wonderful explanation.
Serena: You're welcome... =]
-------------------------------
PART II... And... ACTION!!

Me, the interviewer: Umm... What were you doing after the warning?
Serena: I started to brainstorm with my group on what we could do. My group members are Cherine and Sandra. ^^
Me, the interviewer: OK, I guess they are nice friends, that is, your partners. Tell me more about your designs about the boat, please...
Serena: Oh yeah, that! I was thinking at the moment, like:
Should we do this kind? The one we see a lot. I could imagine our boat sailing into the deep blue with all of the HIS student. Can this one hold a lot? Ummm.... Maybe not.

How about this? Probably not, I think it will sink easily and it's small. (Just an example below on the boat we were thinking of...) XP

If not these two... This one maybe? Ooooh~ Stunning!! But it looks like it's gonna sink soon. I have a feeling that it may leak water easily... Nope...

What else can we have?? Ah! I know... ^^

I got this idea where I think would work.
Me, the interviewer: Oh great! So what's your idea, may I ask?
Serena: Sure~ Interviewer 985, have you ever seen paper-made trash containers?
Me, the interviewer: Umm... No, I don't think so... (This is getting exciting!!)
Serena: I got the idea by trash containers, can you imagine that??
Me, the interviewer: Definitely not!
Serena: Haha~ I know. It sort of look like this (the container), but not exactly.

Me, the interviewer: Oh! Those kind! I use to make those too~ Nice to hear and recall my memories!
Serena: We made it so that the main body of the boat is perfect, probably...
Me, the interviewer: Yeah, and?
Serena: Here comes the straws part... Hahah... We could cut them in half and stick them to the bottom of the boat. That way, it may make it float (a bit).
Me, the interviewer: So, you didn't use the tape?
Serena: Yeah, kinda~ We still have some tape left... Umm... Then we came out with the word "water-proof".
Me, the interviewer: Haha~ Great idea, 'water-proof '. So you thought that way, it'll be harder for it to sink?
Serena: That's kinda what I thought... Ha~
Me, the interviewer: So, is this the last step?
Serena: No, not quite. We made a sign with the words: "Escape from the Chocolate Attack! Save the HIS students." I don't think we should add "faculties" too... Nah~ Don't need... No teachers! Joking...
Me, the interviewer: Haha~ That's very thoughtful..
Serena: Yeah! I know, isn't it great? Ha~ Yeah, it's like that. You know, after that step, we're done. I'm like, "Hooray! We're done. We are ready to test it!" Yeah...
Me, the interviewer: I totally understand your feelings.
Serena: Thanks?!? Ha~ All of us, the grade sevens went down to the "moat" to test it, afterward.
Me, the interviewer: So did it work?
Serena: Wait! Don't be impatient... haha~
Me, the interviewer: OK, OK... If you have more...
Serena: Here are the groups:
First group: Patrick, Andrew, and Chris.
Second group: Annchi, Stephanie, and Jazzy.
Thrid group (us!) : Sandra, Cherine and me~~
Fourth group: Jasmine, Tung Erh, and Peter.

Back to your question... We didn't win though... But we made it through 29... Just a tiny little bit to reach the first.
Me, the interviewer: How many did the first winner put in?
Serena: I think it was 31.
Me, the interviewer: I see... So you guys are at the second pace?
Serena: You caught that! Exactly...
-------------------------------
PART III... And... ACTION!!

Me, the interviewer: Now that you've told us the basic information on this event... Let me ask you a few questions, OK?
Serena: Absolutely.
Me, the interviewer: The first question is... What is "isolating the variable"?
Serena: It means that you eliminate all the differences between to experiments (or as many as you can) except for one... so then you know the difference in results is caused by a certain change you made. That's what Mrs. Smith told us...
Me, the interviewer: Nice explanation, I should say. Ummm... then, how did the activity isolate design as the variable?
Serena: Hmmm.... Isolating... Some of the variables were the materials. Like we were only allowed to use 3 pieces of paper, three straws, and 3 meter tape.
Me, the interviewer: Yeah... I think you sort of mentioned that.
Serena: Yeah, I did... The amount of time was also another thing. And the water volume of whater... Wait, does that count...
Me, the interviewer: Maybe it does. =P
Serena: Ok~ Ha~ Yeah, I think that's about it.
Me, the interviewer: Alright. Can you tell me basically what things you did to keep the same... so that at the end you could say that only the design was being tested?
Serena: We made sure that the straws underneath the boat was about the same and that the base of the boat was totall covered by tape.
Me, the interviewer: Interesting... What variables were not controlled? Explain it well, I'm sure we all want to here... =]
Serena: While we tested the boats, I noticed that the weight was not balanced.
Me, the interviewer: So, the boat was tilting at one side?
Serena: Yeah, that's what I meant. And I think adding the little flag coudl affect the balance.
Me, the iterviewer: Uh huh...
Serena: Yep... And also, Mrs. Smith didn't limit our imaginations too!
Me, the interviewer: That's good. I was wondering if the height and the width matters or not, to this experiment...
Serena: Maybe it does. Haha~
Me, the interviewer: Ha~ I got that joke...
Serena: Yeah... You're suppose to...
Me, the interviewer: But did this affect the outcome?
Serena: Yeah.... Think so... It made the boat unbalanced, sadly...
Someone #1: AHHH!!!!
Me, te interviewer: What's that that I heard?
Serena: Oh yeah! The chocolate is still going on! I forgot about it...
Someone #2: OKOK.... We gotta be quick before we're all covered in chocolate. "Hurry!! The chocolate are about to destroy us. They look like soildiers on cookie-shaped UFO!! Quick! Before more comes...
Me, the interviewer: Whose that again?
Serena: She's are school's principal, Mrs. Lines.
Me, the interviewer: Nice, Cool~
Serena: Sorry. Gotta go!
Me, the interviewer: OK! Thanks for your explanations!
Serena: Yeah~ You're welcome! Bye...

Again, this is Interviewer 985. That's all for today's HIS news... THE CHOCOLATE ATTACK!!
-------------------------------

'The Chocolate Bombs' & 'The Chocolate UFO'

My Travels

2009-03-03T03:32:00.000-08:00

This is what my blog post is about...

Look back at your travels to a very distinct region that sticks in your mind. Was it a formal, functional or perceptual region? Describe how it fits into one of these categories. What were economic, cultural, and physical characteristics (land, sea, weather) of the region? Next, go to the Web to find a map that includes this region. Look for man-made and natural borders. Use a paint program to draw in what you see as the borders. Insert this image into your post.
— Mr. Carpenter

The 'Real' Blogging:
The place where I'm choosing is the Romantic Road in Germany... I am not very sure of it's a functional or a formal region. But I think it's a formal region. The Romantic Road contains a lot of towns. And I think there's a little of the perceptual region.

So it's the South West of Germany, like a pathway in the Oberbayern region.
Economic (some): Mineral resources, vehicle manufactire, mechanical engineering, and electrical equipments.
The export it half to Italy, UK, France, and Austria...
Culture:
RELIGION: Catholiscism (southern part)
TRADITIONS: Costumes = Tracht... They weaer in Altbayern Lederhosen for males and Dirndl for females. They have 'Century-old' folk musics.
FOOD & DRINKS: Beer (they are known as 'beer-lovers'), water, barely, and hops.
LANGUAGE: There are 3 kinds. Austro-Bavarian, Swabian German, and East Franconian German.
Geography: There's a lot in geography at this region... So check out this website that I've found..

(This is a bad picture I did, on putting boundaries. The brown part is like the mountains... Hehe~ =P)

(Copied from the Picture of "THIS" link)

(Original 1st picture from "THIS" website)

Money, Money, Money...~~~

2009-03-01T23:07:00.000-08:00

Most of the people change their personality because they think money is everything. If I have a lot of money, my personality wouldn't change. It's not just the money I'm craving for. Money just ISN'T the real "everything"... There's not much of I change I will turn out to be. I know that changing to a totally opposite personality, wouldn't help much. Of course I would buy something I like. Maybe I would share some to my family or donate some to foundations.

Yes, I would risk to reach a goal. But a goal of what? What kinds of goals? To use money to reach your goal? If it is that way, I'll say that, yeah, sometimes I will. If it really contributed help to the world. I would prefer using what I can and not just only money. Courage, strength, and the passion I held inside.

Money is important and so is friendship. I wouldn't hurt my family members so that I could be accepted by my friends. If it's really that way, I know that they are not REAL friends that will accompany me for the rest of the days. Friends are a part of my life. But, they'll need to be real and not fake. They make me happy and calm me down. Most of all I would say my family comes above all the others.

If they are really true, I will see them as a part of my family. For my friends that are reading this, don't feel bad. If I can see that what you feel is true, you're in. You're a part of my family. =]

Starbucks??

2009-02-25T19:46:00.000-08:00

Good morning sunshine! It's time to eat breakfast! If you don't wanna make it yourself, you can go to STARBUCKS~~ (This is the route from my house ~ Jubei, Wen-Yi Street)

First you walk out of the apartment (B Building) and past the gold fish pond to where the room, the guardian usually go. The fastest way to go to Starbucks is to go to your right. As you walk, you will see some store, buildings that are still constructing, and houses. Later, you will reach Wun-tian Street. Notice you are still walking on Wen-Yi Street. You keep going and would see some coffee shops (but not STARBUCKS), and other buildings you usually see. Then you will meet another, the Wujhuoliou Road. Along Wen-Yi street, you'll usually see a lot of the same kinds. So just keep walking until you reach Wunlu Street. STOP! Now, walk to your left and down. Right at the corner, there would be a STARBUCKS. You could hear music (jazz) and smell the coffee beans.
To be quick, STARBUCKS is on Guangming 1st Road. Like about the 3rd block from my house~

Oh no! What's up there???

2009-02-24T04:00:00.000-08:00

Oh no! What's up there???

It's "CAT" to the rescue this time~
This cat climbed up more than 20m of a tree and unfortunately it couldn't find its way back down!

This male cat was thought to have been chased up the tree and it was spotted in an early morning. People were waiting for the fire service to come to the rescue. While waiting, it climb higher and higher!! And!! The ladders of the fire service weren't high enough to reach the cat. So, they called a tree surgeon to save the cat.

The branches of the tree was tiny and it couldn't keep his balance. Plop! He fell off~ Was it hurt? Well, luckily the rescuers used a coat to catch the falling cat. As soon as it was rescued, it ran off... Who does it belong to? We don't know.

Image and link of the story: http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/newsid_7900000/newsid_7902000/7902096.stm

Puzzels = ??

2009-02-24T03:51:00.000-08:00

(Picture from this LINK)

In the last 2 Science classes, we did 2 kinds of puzzle activities. One with just white paper and the other one with a piece of newspaper.

Which one's harder? Which one's easier? Why?
The white paper puzzle is harder than the newspaper one. (Still, our group was the first to finish in two activities~~ XP) The newspaper one was easier because we are able to see the words, fonts, colors, and pictures. Then we will be able to match them up!! Whereas the white paper... It's harder! No pictures or any hints that will make it easier for you~~

----------
So far, we learned that the Continental Drift...
- People believe that there was once a land bridge where organisms traveled.
- Alfred Wegener discovered the idea of Continental Drift.
- Continental Drift = The idea of continents move.
- People didn't believe it at first.
- Wegener gave evidence
1. Climate
2. Fossils
3. Continental Fit

----------
What does Continental drift relate to Mrs. Smith's Puzzle Time Activity???

I think Mrs. Smith was trying to tell us that continents match up like puzzles. The matching up of continents were based upon Alfred Wegener's theories. ^_^

Let's Dance~~!!

2009-02-24T03:44:00.000-08:00

Have you ever felt eager to put on dancing shoes and let yourself into dancing?

Now, Darren Bennett & Lilia Kopylova (Strictly star dancers) are convincing kids to take a shot at dancing! Right now, about 2,500 kids in the 29 schools of England, dance to keep fit in sport lessons. Even boys started to join~

This is what Darren Bennett said: "Boys are seeing ballroom and Latin dance in a whole new light - if their sporting heroes can do it, then so can they."

Getting fit?

Ed Balls, the government minister of children and education mentioned that dancing was an excellent way to keep us children fit and healthy.

Ed Balls said: "Making physical activity an attractive option for all young people is especially important if we are to tackle obesity."

Here's my idea:

Since dancing can keep us in fit, why don't we try dancing during our Wellness Class?? Haha! While that make learning even more interesting and fun to do? ( > 0 <>
Picture and link of the story: http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/newsid_7900000/newsid_7907200/7907255.stm

Geographic Lens 4: National Standards

2009-02-24T03:06:00.000-08:00

We watched a video called "Geographic Lens 4: National Standards". Here is a summary about it:

-----------

National Standards and Geographical Skills

There are 18 contents standards that are divided into 6 essential elements:
1. The World in Spatial Terms
2. Places and Regions
3. Physical Systems
4. Human Systems
5. Environment and Society
6. The Uses of Geography

-----------

1. The World in Spatial Terms

This involve using maps and other kinds of materials to understand the spatial dimensions of our world.

2. Places and Regions

This is a concept whenever we look at particular places. Combining them into regions, help us understand the complexity of Earth's surface.

3. Physical Systems

This is to understand how physical system work in the natural environment.

4. Human Systems

Population ~ who does people interact with one another.

5. Environment and Society

How society had adapted to different environments and the changes they made.

6. The Uses of Geography

To interpret the past and the plan to predict the future.

-----------

7. Geographical Skills

- Asking geographical questions.
The current distribution of religion~

-----------
Notice that in the video, it's not just that. There's more. I don't know why but the video stopped at the middle. So, I guess... Let's stop for now, OK?

Geography Video Relection 1 and 2

2009-02-19T07:23:00.001-08:00

ONE: Meaning of Geography

Geography describes the world we are living and what it'll be like in the future. It is all about letting us know and to understand the world we are in.

Process of "PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT":
For example... In Aisa there will be a seasonal reversal wind. It makes summer into a rainy season and winter into a dry season... That's because there's a huge land mass = Asia. It goes all the way from the equatorial rounds to polar rounds. Beside it is the Indian Ocean.
Land and water heat and cool unevenly, which cause the temperature to be different.
If the temperature is different, the pressure will be different; if the pressure will be different, it initiate the flow of the winds. Because of that, during the summer, the lands will be warmer than water (low pressure system). When the air flows into the low pressure system (from the Indian Ocean), it'll turn very warm and very wet = summer rainy season. Same for the winter but with the opposite way.
--------------
PEOPLE & PLACES
It relates to the physical environment and the action between people and places. Asia has the population of over half the people in the world. But... Not evenly spread on the continent.
Each places have different way of life: Language, Religion, Food, and Physical Appearances...

Physical environment can influence the decisions people might take in a certain area. Like the actions the people have on land...
For example: ASIANS (MOST OF):
- Eat rice
- Depends on Monsoons
- Rice can't grow in dry regions of Asia.
- Northern Chinese (dumplings)
- Southern Chinese (rice)

World Travel Plan – "Ready GO?!?!"

2009-02-19T04:37:00.000-08:00

This is the "Ready GO?!?!" travel plan organization group. This group provides field trips for those from Taiwan, who wants to have fun. We organize travel plans to teachers with a fun, exciting, and relaxed vacation around the world... This is our first world trip plan... Here, we will introduce some fascinating places for YOU (even though you're not a teacher) to enjoy.

Starts: Taiwan
Ends: Taiwan
(There will be 8 places in different countries. The route for this trip will be crossing the equator twice.)

But for now, I'm just going to introduce one by one... The places you wouldn't believe exist...

(Original World Map Picture Link: http://reference.aol.com/atlas)

Here is our plan for YOU!

We will be moving northwest to land on your first stop...

PALMYRA, SYRIA

(Picture LINK)

Palmyra, Syria is like the heart of the Syrian Desert. People often mention it as "the bride of the desert". Palmyra became known as the city of palm trees after the Romans came and conquered this land. Emperor Adrian came to Palmyra and freed the city and the people. So, the people there called their city: Adrianapalmyra. When Emperor Caracalla made it a Roman colony, they constructed streets, arches, temples, statues and other buildings. It soon began to make Palmyra one of Roman empire's greatest cities.

Here, you can take a view that may bring you back to the past...

Latitude: 34°32'53.80"N
Longitude: 38°17'2.73"E

LINK

Again, to your second stop, we will be moving northwest more!

THE ROMANTIC ROAD, GERMANY

(Picture LINK)

The Romantic Road will travel through different places. It will lead you to wonderful scenic landscapes. Farms, fields, and restaurants serve people with cuisine. There will be a huge section where you can find food to eat. There will be some pizza and ITalian food in that area too...!!

Latitude: 49°47'26.86"N
Longitude: 9°51'50.42"E

LINK

To your third stop, let's go northwest even more, to land!!

SVARTIFOSS, ICELAND

(Picture LINK)

Scartifoss, also known as the "Black Fall". It's in Iceland's skaftafell National Park. It appeared to be one of the most popular sights of this park. Notice the black layers of rock beside the waterfall? That's dark lava columns (cooled from times). This is why it got it's name (Black Fall). At the base of the waterfall, there will be sharp rocks. The contrast of back and white really stood out. The sheets of dark lava amused many tourists... Maybe you would be amazed too!

Latitude: 64° 1'53.00"N
Longitude: 16°58'21.00"W

LINK

Zoom! We'll go southwest to our fourth destination...

WAIKIKI BEACH, OAHU

(Picture LINK)

From the top of the Diamond Head, you'll see a beach... The Waikiki Beach. The climate there are usually warm and cloud-free. Many tourists surf there and played with in the sea water.
It is beautiful beach to relax on. If you know how to surf, you 'd probably enjoy it!!

Latitude: 21°16'36.69"N
Longitude:157°49'50.27"W

LINK

Southeast will be our next direction tp the fifth stop...

MACHU PICCHU, PERU

(Picture LINK)

The constructions of Machu Picchu was built around 1460 AD. Machu Picchu has always stand out to be an important tourist attraction. There, as you can see in the picture, are ruins that are left. You may find yourself getting into this place and wanting to explore more of its history...

Latitude: 13° 9'46.26"S
Longitude: 72°30'56.96"W

LINK

(A little bit of info. there)

After visiting machu picchu, let's go down a south~~

TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK, CHILE

(Picture LINK)

Torres del Paine National Park is located in the Chilean Patagonia. It was known as one of the most beautiful and unruined place on the planet. You will be able to sea mountain ranges, lakes, flowers, and animals that will make you wanting to stay more. You can hike this park through the hiking trails. You can also camp there at their campgrounds. Try the fun activities there! Try and let yourself go off your limits!! You can do some climbing, kayaking, rafting, or glacier corssing. After this trip to Torres del Paine National Park, I'm sure it'll stay in your memories forever...

Latitude: 51° 0'0.00"S
Longitude: 73° 0'0.00"W

LINK

We are down to the seventh stop...
Let's go a east this time!

GOURITZ RIVER, SOUTH AFRICA

(Picture LINK)

Remember what I said about pushing your limits??? Well, this is the best part!!! BUNGI JUMPING!!! Let's go to the most X-tremes!!! Where is it? It's at the Gouritz River Bridge. This bridge is 65 meters high and it seems like, it's the highest bungi site in Africa!! Give it a SHOT!

You would be flying, but without wings. All you need to do is leap, fall, jump, or dive from a platform. You will, of course, be checked to see if you're securely attached properly to the opposite bridge.

It depends on you if you wanna try, or just enjoy watching~~

Latitude: 34°11'11.51"S
Longitude: 21°45'8.07"E

LINK

Then slightly straight east to the eighth stop...

DEVILS MARBLES CONSEVATION RESERVE, AUSTRALIA

(Picture LINK)

These stones above are made out of granite. These giant stones was thought to have an age of 1.7 billion years. People think that it was the hardening of magma within the crust of the earth. Thick layers of sandston put a lot of pressure on the stones. The pressure will cause the granite to expand, cracks, and or break apart... The roundness of the stones seemed like they've been shapped by mechanical weathering. It's really interesting about these stones... Maybe you caould be the first one to find a mysterial story behind it!!

Latitude: 20°34'0.00"S
Longitude: 134°16'0.00"E

LINK

So! The trip is about like that! You'll find yourself in a tired situation... But thanks goodness! You'll be heading home! Taiwan, let's fly to it!!!!

HOPE THAT AFTER THE TRIP, YOU'LL TURN OUT TO ANOTHER PERSON!!!

A Letter Out At Sea

2009-02-18T22:56:00.000-08:00

Suppose that you are Manolin. You write a letter to Santiago expressing your feelings. This letter would be kept in a glass bottle and out to sea. What will the letter be like?

Dear Santiago,
I really miss you a lot! You have been away for just second day and it felt like you've been gone for years. I glanced towards the sea everyday at sunset. I could see your wrinkled face smiling back at me. Is it true that you are OK? Or are you filled with troubles and problems out at sea?

There's no words that can explain my true feelings now. I really don't know it you'll get this letter. But if you do, you'll know how I feel right now. Wish you happiness and full of success!

Your best pal,
Manolin

So, Who Won?? (Based on Shakespear's tales)

2009-02-18T05:14:00.000-08:00

Last week in All School Gathering, we have been showed a small play where Peter (Grade 7) was using a PC. His new mac would be coming in soon. But he needs to do his humanities homework and it needs a macbook!! So, he went to Jacob (Grade 10?) and borrowed his laptop. Jacob agreed, but there's a condition... If Peter damaged his macbook in anyway, he will have to give Jacob his new macbook. Peter, agreed to this promise. Unfortunately, somehow Peter dropped Jacob's macbook. Jacob found out and demands that Peter is to give him his macbook. Peter disagrees. He said that he didn't sign a contract with Jacob, therefore it doesn't count... Jacob argued and said that Peter HAVE give him his new macbook no matter what! The problem is, should Peter forefill what he had promised or just let it pass?

Maybe like this? Or...

This?? 0__0

---
I think that Peter should give Jacob his macbook. He made a verbal promised and vowed to Jacob. And, infront of witnesses!! But, I think that he can also fix the broken macbook (like totally new) and then give it to Jacob... But Jacob insisted that he wants Peter's macbook.
---
Problme solved:

During Humanities class, we went downstairs to see Ms. Galland and her students (Kevin, Roxanne, Tina, Cindy, and Kassandra) had discussed this problem. They had solved the problem... They say that Peter had won and Jacob lost...
---
I was confused about why it is that way, but... they say it just is~ LOL XP
---
Picture Links: 1 and 2

HIS Art Room??

2009-02-16T05:24:00.000-08:00

Hello explorers!

To find out where Hsinchu International School's art room is, look at the given picture.

Where's the school? = Hsinchu International School, 290 no., Nioupu East Road, Hsinchu, Taiwan. By looking at the map, you can probably figure that out!! XP

Just in case that the words are blurry, it is near the running track above...

This is our beautiful school!! And the arrow shows where the art room (301) is.
But when you enter the campus, you will need to walk few meters until you get to the building.

That's about it!!

For more information about the school, go to THIS website!!

Geography

2009-02-12T16:19:00.000-08:00

GEOGRAPHY...

2009-02-12T06:45:00.000-08:00

You probably know what "Geography" is mostly about. It is not just about landscapes, mountains, climate, rivers, people, socializing, economics, environment, plants, animals, and the study of the world around us.

If you look deeper and define what geography really is, you can say that it's divided into groups.

Physical Geography
- Study of earth science (lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, pedosphere, plants, and animals).

Human Geography
- Studies of economics, culture, political perspectives, cities, communities, government, religion, languages, socializing, and human history.

Environment Geography
- Study of technological changes and political ecology.

Regional Geography
- Study of the history of geography.

This is not a complete blog post about what geography is. At least it gives you some more deeper information.

Source 1
Source 2
Source 3

This blog post may change as I add more...

Man VS Nature

2009-02-11T23:35:00.000-08:00

This is a picture that I drew. It is about one of my most favorite scenes in the story, ''The Old Man and the Sea''. Man VS Nature is the scene that I chose.
Imagine that you are the old man. This is what you will see, a gigantic huge marlin.

Man VS Nature

The old man struggled as the marlin began to take him and his skiff far away. The old man gotta do something! SO, he used all his strength and stabbed it with a harpoon. And he had won... Red liquid dripped into the clear blue water.

What will happen next? To find out, readers, it's your turn to finish the book!!

In this scene, the author used well descriptive words (which made it last through almost half the book).

It's.... S.M.A.S.H. DAY For Science!!

2009-02-11T04:18:00.000-08:00

(Picture from "THIS" website)

In Mrs. Smith's science class today, we had a special day called S.M.A.S.H. day. S.M.A.S.H day represents "Smith's Marvelously Awesome Science Hoopla". We did a similar one with the paper towers (There's a blog post on it). But this time, it's more like a "hoopla"! By looking at the picture, you've probably figured by now, that it was about a yellow submarine!

Talking about the "Yellow Submarine", what is the task? We were to build a periscope... The periscope will have work for us; to see in the box from the floor to the table. The box would be filled with "THINGS" for us to figure out. We were to pair in partners. Lian and I are in one group. We struggled to make it out of ten pieces of paper, tape, and a box for the cardboard. We've got an hour to finish the complete product – the periscope.

Our building processes was filled with laughter, ripping sounds, cutting of the cardboard, "ouching" sounds, and the scratchy noise of mirrors. We did it in a rush because we had a limit of time to finish it.

We kept on fixing it because it falls apart continuously (I can't even remember how may times). Sometimes we modified it because it's not working, I couldn't see the other side! Each time we had hope to make the best. The way we communicated was first by drawing each ideas on one of the ten pieces of paper. We discussed a little and got to work, until we were getting nervous and about to give up. Once we got a plan in mind, we will get excited and energetic. But we tried to calm each other down. Why we were SO hyper? That's because we've got the idea and it's running out of time!!

TIPS AND SUGGESTIONS:

If you could give a list of tips and suggestions to someone who is doing this for the first time, what would it be? What would you tell them to help out? --- Mrs. Smith

If you are doing this task like us, I suggest some steps you could follow:

1. Calm down what ever is about to happen.
2. Think that you and your partner are about to finish (plus, win a prize)!
3. If you have a plan in mind, explain fast and let them fully understand your ideas.
4. Draw a draft before you do anything else.
5. Focus and don't mess around!

Why is where important?

2009-02-10T01:52:00.000-08:00

Will "THEY" Affect YOU???

As we live in a place for your whole childhood, you will adapt to the teachings it brought up for you. You learn and gain information as you grew older.

(Picture from "THIS" website)

When you live in a place and had natural surroundings that made up the climate, your body will adapted to it as days pass.

(Shiny picture from "THIS" website)

Religion is also another thing that would affect you. Each place has their own religion. And as soon as you understand why they have the religion, you might want to be one of the followers too. Sometimes religion depends on the surroundings of the place, the environment. Traditions and other cultures may bring you up as another person. Parents may tell their kid what is wrong and what is right. They have experiences that they could pass down to you.

(Picture from "THIS" website)

Like I mentioned before of the surroundings part... If you live in a place filled with freedom, like near a forest of some sort... You will may grow up as a person who loves the nature (flowers, mountains, lakes, rivers, trees, wild animals, and many more)...

Of course their are lots of possibilities and reasons that where you live can affect you. What I had written were just some examples. Be thinking about it too! Get your brains moving!!

(Nature picture from "THIS" website)

Where did you grow up?
What have they influenced you?

RELIGIONS

2009-02-09T05:15:00.000-08:00

Christianity / Judaism / Islam

What do they have in common? What are their differences?
Friday (February 6, 2009), we watched Peter's presentation about religion.
We are to write about what we learned about his presentation.
So... Here it is!! Let's find out!!

CHRISTIANITY:

Christianity = monotheistic

(Link)

Christianity define a God into three.
God as Father
God as Jesus the Son
God as the Holy Spirit

(Link)

Baptism-when they pour people with holy water to wash away the sins. After doing that process... The person would now became a reborn Christian.

The wine represents Jesus blood and the bread represents his body. He said that he must die to safe man kind.

JUDAISM:

Judaism = monotheistic

(Link)

People that believe in Judaism, were promised by God that they were the chosen people. Then God would lead and protect them till they reach the Kingdom Of Heaven. There he'd create the universe and continues to govern it.

Shabbat is the sunset on Friday til sunset on Saturday. During that time, people would stop working. It's like they are in a big family.

Succot is a Jewish festival. The duration is eigth or nine days. People would build a hut called the succah. Then they will bring in tables, chairs, and beds.

Kaparot: They will grasp a chicken by the shoulder blades and moving around it.

ISLAM:

Islam = monotheistic

(Link)

Abratamic religion – with teachings of Islamic prophet.
Muslims: there's only 1 god- Arabic
Language: Alah
God had special prophity.
Salah- prayer. Muslims pray 5 times a day.

Zakat: When they look after other people and provided wealth for those that are less fortune... They are being a community contributor and a person of high character!! Yeah!!

Common!!

The are common: Strong members of monotheistic.

Petrol Explosion...

2009-02-05T03:16:00.001-08:00

KENYA, AFRICA.... WHAT HAPPENED? PETROL EXPLOSION!!

The petrol tanker crashed dripping petrol everywhere. At the sight, people cuddled around to gather the fuel. It happened near a town called Molo. It exploded when it got lightend, killing about 111 people and harmed more. Officials were confused on how the explosion started and worried that people's lives will continue to be taken away. People think a cigarette had caused this issue and was on purpose.

After this issue, in Kenya's capital, Nairobi, there was other problems that killed about 25 people.

Who are the ones that caused all this to happen?

I am waiting to hear more!! Who is the killer or maybe, "killers"

Link: http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/newsid_7860000/newsid_7863500/7863599.stm

Sasha and Malia "DOLLS" Renamed

2009-02-05T03:03:00.000-08:00

Dolls that had the same names (Sasha and Malia) as President Obama's and Michelle's children had decided to rename them. Now it had changed into Marvelous Mariah and Sweet Sydney.

Why did they make this decision? Michelle, US's President's wife, was not happy to have dolls named as their kids.The American Company (part of the Ty Girlz Collection) argued that they named the dolls after her daughter's names because it had suited the dolls perfectly. This company of dolls sold their collections in January with some other dolls (Bubbly Britney, Lucky Lindsay and Precious Paris).

Did Michelle have some reasons besides the one which says that she wasn't happy about this idea?

I think that the company think that if they have dolls named after Shasa and Malia, people would buy them!! Haha~

Picture and info all from this link: http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/newsid_7860000/newsid_7869300/7869354.stm

If I Did...

2009-02-04T23:31:00.000-08:00

IF IT REALLY DID HAPPEN...

YEAH!! AT LAST I'VE WON 10 MILLION DOLLARS IN THE LOTTERY!!! What should I do with it??

(Picture from "THIS" website)

I know what I should do! I can donate half of the money to charities. Some people in the world suffer from poor environmental conditions, no money, diseases, famine & droughts, not enough clothing, no shelter, no opportunities for jobs, orphanages (when they lost their parents) and no education... I want to help those people to have a better lives.

(Picture from "THIS" website)

Remember, help those who are poor in poverty!!! Be helpful, BE A PERSON OF HIGH CHARACTER, A COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTOR, PROBLEM SOLVER, A CRITICAL THINKER, AND AN EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATOR TO PASS THE MESSAGE DOWN TO EVERYONE!!!

(Picture from "THIS" website)

Just to let you know, there's a website where you can enter the meaning of each word and then they will donate rice to the poor. Here's the website: Freerice Try it out!! Increase your vocabulary while you help!!

My Happiest Moments...

2009-02-03T23:28:00.000-08:00

Today is February 4th, 2008...

It is the almost the end of school. We have Language Arts at the last block and by that time, all of us were almost asleep... We were TIRED!!! I see people lying on top of their desks, dropping their heads bit by bit, and I even heard one yawn. Oh my, is the class boring or is it because school is about to end??

Well anyway, at that point... we were reading this book called "The Old Man and the Sea" by Ernest Hemingway.

We sat in a small circle and took out our books (just like the one above, exactly...). We began reading it with our teacher, Mr. Laffin, first. It goes like: the teacher, Victor, Andrew, Patrick, Tung Erh, Lian, me, Jasmine (Jazzy), Annchi, Cherine and then back to Mr. Laffin. We were trying to get each other to read the longer paragraphs (we POPCORN"ED" to each other like that). Sometimes, we attack the same person and making he / she to read them. The he / she who gets to do all the long readings were complaining about them having bad lucks. That's how Mr. Laffin wants us to write this blog post, not on bad lucks, but on GOOD LUCKS (HAPPY ONES)!!!!! So, that's why I'm sharing mine's with all of you....

My Happiest Moments: (Now, we are at the time when I was 7 years old...)
You ready?
1...
2...
3...

BOOM!!!
Right now, you're an angel (I suppose) that floats on my shoulders...
There was SARS in Taiwan, so we decided to go to the US...

-----

Today is the first day of school. My school is called "Melbourne Elementary School" and it's in California, US. I live in my Aunty's house with my mom and my brother. In California, the air is so, so, so fresh that I can forget all about other things...

1. The air makes me happy... (Wait... Does that count? ¬__¬??)
(Continue)...

So, my mom drove me and my brother to the school, although I wish I could go there by walking. It was a big school and lots of Americans were there. I was suppose to be in Grade 1 that time, but they let me in Grade 2. So, I was there being the youngest in the grade; and the only Chinese.
The ground was paved and we were lining up due to the sign which says my grade. I looked around me, my classmates were staring at me. I'm like "Oh my!!". I freaked out. I was getting nervous. Just I was about to race for my mother, our teacher, Ms. Mazur, came to us and introduced her to us. All of us need to shake hands with the teacher, one by one...
I was nervous, like I mentioned, and she held out her right and without knowing what I was doing, I reached out the same hand! So, embarrassing!! (THAT WAS MY EMBARRASSING MOMENT!!) You know why? I was busy observing her with shock. That time I was thinking: "Is she really my teacher or is she my principal?". Hahah... I was dumb that time.... > <> <

In grade 2, we do not have division in gender like we do now. I get quite well along boys... They are all very nice, indeed. ^_^... I met a girl called Amanda. She had the same "mentor" teacher (I dunno if it's even spelt like that or not but....) I had. My mentor is far much better than my homeroom teacher... (Sorry to say this but umm...) She sends me cards, candies, and little gifts almost everyday.

2. Being with a mentor teacher.
(Continue...)

I got to know Amanda and we spent time together lots of times. Another friend of mine's, Hannah, she introduced me with another friend of hers (which I had forgotten the name, but remembered her looks...).

3. I enjoy being around with welcoming friends. (Not that I mean that being around with HIS friends are bad, but that was my first time having American friends and others from other countries). "A different taste of friends..."

It was my birthday (about that time). We celebrated with my cousin and my brother. We wrote cards and invited everyone I like = my friends, to the party. We played games and had lots of fun.

4. Having fun with people I like...
(Continue...)

Sadly, at when we were about to leave back to Taiwan... My friends didn't have emails or any way for me to contact them with. That was bad. So right now, while I was writing this, I am also thinking about them... So sad... so bad.... The only way right now is to use social networks to find them when we are all older.
THAT WAS ONE OF MY HAPPIEST MOMENTS~~ THE END~~ HAHA

Effective Communicator

2009-02-01T23:13:00.000-08:00

Who is an "Effective Communicator"?
Who is the one who communicates a lot?
Who is the one that shows confidence in speaking?
Who is the one who likes to share?
One who have eye contact??
Who is the one who...

and
have no fear expressing themselves???

I think Lian is an effective learner.

Way to go Lian!!

She fears not to talk to people.

She peaks in a loud and clear voice, although she has a certain accent (sorry to say this Lian > <)... Lian act as a good example of contributing good ideas. It's great to ask question when you misunderstand. All you need to do is ask. Always try even though your answer is a guess. This is a way of learning!!

To Lian (If you see this...):

Well done Lian! It seems like some people said that you are truly a effective communicator!!! Wish you could set more great examples to all of us with the rest of the student outcomes!!! Keep it up~ ^_^

Link of the first picture.

Only Us...

2009-01-22T19:05:00.000-08:00

In Math class, we watched a video called the "Life After People".

About Life After People:

When the population in Earth became zero, what does it look like? This video starts at the first day of people's absence to about 10,000 years later...

----

After watching this video, we started to imagine what it'll be like if only the people in Taiwan were to live and not the others.

What would it be like? What shall we do? What do we need to do for the populations to rise and spread it once again to the other countries? What about the imports and exports??

----

ONLY US...

We lost contact with the world... Only us, the people in Taiwan survived... We started to panic... What if we're the next target? And after that, nobody will survive...

It's time for us to explore and to spread out. We need to depend on each other. So, some of us decided to sail ships to untouched places and settle. Here we go to an unknown place...

Covered with trees and vines, it's time to explore!!!

As we arrived, we build up small tents and protection from wild animals. Slowly, we began to construct a city. As we brought technology to these lands, we began to contact once again. More and more humans began to bring up a society... Just like way back before, we've built a whole new world.

Picture links: Taiwan, Untouched Forest, and Life After People

TIME PASSES

2009-01-20T06:09:00.001-08:00

Time had passed and it's time that we reflect on what we did... There was a time, just before vacation, we were to read a book and make a book report for Language Arts.
I chose a book called “NEW MOON” by Stephanie Meyer.
After I had finished the book, I did some reflections...

----------

HIS is all about the 5 student outcomes:

Effective Communicator
Active Learner
Critical Thinker & Problem Solver
Community Contributor
Person of High Character

---------

How am I like an "Effective Communicator"? = One who listens carefully / Communicates...

Effective communicator Sometimes, I have problems with my homework and I just don't know what to do ~ STUCK!
It was then my heroes: the teachers, friends, and my other classmates, had saved me from the miserable thoughts.
I made it and summarized the story into a presentation to give to the class.

--------

How am I like an "Active Learner"? = One who are ready to learn / enthusiastic...

I read the book in 2 days and I took notes on it, while reading.

--------

How am I like a "Critical Thinker"? = One who thinks carefully...

I worked out the introduction, rising action, climax, falling action, and the resolution. I thought about the story that didn't make sense and some ways to make it better.

--------

How am I like a "Person of High Character"? = One who is kind / Helpful...

There was times, when I helped my classmates on giving them advice for their project.

--------

How am I like a "Community Contributor"?? = One who contributes / share...

I contributed my ideas and thoughts on what I think is the best part and what part of the story needs improvements (based on my opinions). That’s called sharing!!!

--------
Content & Skills & Big Ideas

A: Yeah ~ I have the content of the story (summary), I’d used skills to make the power point easy to understand, and I have my ideas on the last few pages.

Q: Did I learn from what I did?
A: Of course, I learned some vocabularies that I didn't know. I learned some ways that may help my own creative writing interesting.

THESE VOCABULARIES MAY HELP ME IN FUTURE USAGES!!

Sleep, Sleep GO AWAY!!!

2009-01-19T16:11:00.000-08:00

(Picture from "THIS" website)
How do you plan to improve one of the student outcomes?

Our school is all about having us, students, to fully achieve the goal of completing what's considered in the 5 student outcomes. Those outcomes are:

Effective Communicator
Person of High Character
Critical Thinker
Community Contributor
Active Learner

Of these student outcomes, I plan to improve to be a active learner. Why? Everyday, I slept late. When I come to school, I'm like:

First: At home...
Asleep...

Second: At school...
Sleepy...

Third: After school...

Floating...

Fourth: Back home...
Actually, like during the middle section of school, I'm awake.

Sleepy Bird Source 1, 2, and 3, and 4.

I don't really sleep in class though, because then I would not know what to do for homework...

Bomb ATTACKS!!!

2009-01-13T17:41:00.000-08:00

(Picture from "THIS" website)

~Monday, 12 January, 2008~

The sight was terrible... Bombs ripped across Baghdad, Iraqi; leaving the dry ground covered with little patches of red pond. Some were dead, some were injured, and the rest are still alive...

All of this happened during the morning ~ a rush hour.

This disaster stole away the precious life of soldiers, a policeman, and civilians. Three soldiers died when their military convoy had exploded. At least eight have been killed and above a dozen were injured. In the west of the city, three Iraqi soldiers died when a roadside bomb hit their military convoy. Two civilians were exploded near a police checkpoint.

Those explosions are mainly heading toward Iraqi's security forces.

Who were the attackers? Did they have a special reason for doing this? Did all of them escaped away? How did the people in Baghdad not now that they were in danger? Where were the attackers hiding at the first place?

Link: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7823906.stm

To Australia and All Over the World: Watch out for Sharks!!!

2009-01-12T16:34:00.000-08:00

(Picture from "THIS" website)

There have been shark attacks along beaches. Experts said that like only 60 people had died due to shark attacks over the past 50 years.
---
There's one attack where a 13 year old girl went surfing at the island of Tasmania. Suddenly, she was dragged into the water twice, by a 5 meter long pointer shark. Luckily, her cousin jumped into the water, punch the shark, and rescued her.
---
The latest shark attack was on Monday. It was about this man who had punched a bull shark to free himself. That time, he was snorkeling at the south of Sydney coast.
---
Another man, got attacked by a 40 cm shark off the northeast coast...
---
But, still lots swimmers in Sydney, Australia are happy about staying in shallow water.
-------------------
My Opinion:
1. That was brave of the 13 year old girl's cousin to rescue her by punching the shark!!

My Questions:
1. Is Australia the place of frequent shark attacks? Why? The weather??
2. How did the girl turned out to be dragged twice underwater? Did she fight back to the surface the first time? Did she even tried to punch the shark or was she shocked at that time?
3. Does sharks always deep underwater when they are in search for food?

Folks!! Just remember, watch out and find a safe place to swim, play with water, and surf!!

Link: http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/newsid_7820000/newsid_7824600/7824637.stm

Slavery Still Happening?!?

2009-01-09T22:10:00.000-08:00

Can you believe it??!!?? In our world today, there are still about 17 million people under slavery!!! Soon, it'll be more than just that, although slavery is illegal everywhere. The blacks are forced to do domestic & agricultural slavery in Mauritania and Sudan. About 45,000 women and children are smuggled to the USA each year with false promises of decent jobs and when they found out that their passports are stolen. Also, some slaves sell their daughters in order to get some money for their freedom. And probably about 20 million people that are treated like slaves, are in debt bondage.

Because of modern-day slavery, we should all tell others that people should not be slaves!! All of us need to learn the rights the people who were treated as slaves, have. All of should realized every one has their own freedom rights.

Link:
http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9B00E5DD1139F93AA3575AC0A9669C8B63

The Ten Commandments

2009-01-05T20:42:00.000-08:00

For Humanities, our teacher — Mr. Carpenter showed us a video about "The Ten Commandments". Although we haven't finished the video yet, we're to write about the cultures of the different people in the video. So here's what I found out about the culture by watching "some" of that video... It's based on the story of Moses.

Jewish "The Slaves"

At the time in the video, the Jews were slaves. They were killed, buried, and forced to construct cities, pyramids, and other buildings. All of the Jews were tied to ropes in order to make giant obelisks stand. The Egyptians used whips to punish them like animals, when they are tired, disobey the orders, and when they did something wrong. Those Jews were just tired!! They worked all day under the extreme heat and they've been covered in mud, all stinky and dirty. How could they maintain their power when there's nothing for them to eat, just a little bit for them to drink?? They had no rights but work and work as "slaves". Plus, they've got their babies killed that time just because the pharaoh heard that the new successor would be a Jewish. Mothers also got killed protecting their babies. Times went by, and many were tortured 'cause they wanting freedom. The assume that the Jews are lower than them, the Egyptians, just because they are a different race.

Their Culture

Women and girls had their heads covered in cloth, just like people in India does. While males sometimes wore vests that are long. The Jewish cloth had their own kind of pattern. They worship their own God and of course, NOT the Egyptian Gods.

_____________________

Egyptian "The Wealthy" and Their Culture

On the other hand, the Egyptian Pharaohs, and those who lived in the "palace", had wealthy lives. They wore jewelries and had fine clothing. Those jewelries include, necklaces, earrings, bracelets, foot bracelets, accessories on the heads, and rings. They also put on make-ups and even males! They Egyptian Pharaohs were the ones that are to control the whole of Egypt. Those Egyptian worship their Gods (Sun, Water, Soil, etc...) The place of the new Pharoahs are replaced through generations and generations of royal blood. Their food include wheat. They have pyramids, large constructions of towers and cities.

Why should the Egyptian treat the Jews like that?
What rights do they have in order to think they are in a higher class?

My Holiday Break and My School Goals for 2009

2009-01-05T16:12:00.002-08:00

My Break: At the Lalu (Family Gathering)

One thing I did during my break was going to the Lalu with my mom, aunt, uncle from America, cousin Cherine, brother, and grandparents. It was a beautiful hotel and comfortable too. We, my uncle, my brother, Cherine and I, played Monopoly with credit cards! At first, it was great! But, then... It turned out to be extremely boring, playing it almost 3 times a day.... We also stayed up late playing that game. Although it was a "boring" game, we laughed and laughed because all of us made stupid mistakes.

Another thing I did during my days at the Lalu was that we rode bicycles. And because it had rained, there was no place that was dry enough. So we ended up circling the parking lot... It was very weird, with all those people parking there seeing the 5 of us going round and round. That was quite embarrassing. Later on, all of the adults went to spa nearby to relax and enjoy. While the 3 of us, my brother, Cherine, and I, went to the dorm to and messed around. We ate the snacks in both the plates. The place where we slep was put together, forming two rooms. My mom, my aunty, Cherine, and I slept in one of the 2-connected-rooms, while the rest of the family slept ing the other. We only had one key so the 3 of us went to me and Cherine's room. There we played with our hair, ate, drank sodas, played, watched TV, and used the laptop to record some videos. Those videos include funny ones, with us making funny faces, dancing ones, and singing ones.

The third thing I did druing the holidays was going to a place to soak in hot springs. It's in Gu Guan. There, we played Monopoly again! But we stopped a little bit just after the game. At night, we went to a nearby place to see if there's anything interesting. When we came home, we brought snacks to our room. Before we went outside we put water in the tub to cool down a bit. So, we rolled up our pants and put our feet in the water. Then, we pressed a button on the wall. Bling! The TV was on. We watched "Spider Man" while we soaked our feet. Almost every night during the holidays, we slept late.Ooooh~ So tired.

My 2009 Goals
There are 2 goals I'm setting for 2oo9 that I'm going to share...

1. My first school goal is to ask when ever I need help or if I don't understand some assignments.

2. My second school goal is to express myself to others in a more understanding way.

Research Reflection and the School Bus

2008-12-15T18:32:00.000-08:00

Research reflection:
For the past month, we have been researching body systems on our own.

One good thing about doing it this way is that, when we research on something, we learn while reading.

One thing I didn't like doing it this way is that, I kind of dislike researching... It's like, you went to a website just to find a simple answer and then you ended up reading this huge lot of article. After you finished reading that article, you found out that it's talking about something else... Plus, we won't know which websites tell the truth. It made happen to be made up! It makes me mad!! Argh!!

I think Mrs. Smith planed it this way in order to make sure we are ready, ready, ready to continue with all the information in our heads. Then we'll find it easier to complete our very hard task. It benefits, the way it works, even though it drives people mad!

But there's one suggestion I have for Mrs. Smith is...
Wait...
I mean...there's 2! Here's the other suggestion I have for Mrs. Smith is...
Let me think what it is...

The MAGIC School Bus:

Today in Science we watched the Magic School Bus about the Digestive System (a field trip in Arnold)...

One thing that is not true in the Magic School Bus was: All of us know that when we digest food, it's a bit longer and not in a short time. I think that, in the large intestine, the waste are suppose to be pushed slowly and slowly into the exit. But it didn't it stayed there. Oh! Another thing... How could Arnold hear the voice coming from his stomach??

But there are some that are true! One thing that is true about that episode was that, every entrance through a different body organ has a valve (whole). And another thing, "Villi does" absorb nutrients and sent them through out the body.

Zoos = Short Lives!!! Ahh!!!

2008-12-12T17:33:00.000-08:00

ELEPHANTS DIE AT ZOOS FASTER???!!?? IS THAT TRUE???

According to the researchers, they found out that animals like the African elephants, "do" often die around the age 19. But those in the wild, can live up to about 56 years old!! Why's that?

These elephants at the zoo, suffer from having bad health (may include of over weighted & stressed). Now that elephants are suffering more and more, scientists are telling zoos to halt taking all kinds of elephants from the wild... And! To solve this problem that's now occurring!!

(Picture from "THIS" website) The zoos got the message and told them that they had already tried their
best to help those elephants.

LINK:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/newsid_7770000/newsid_7778800/7778874.stm

Cat's Crimes get Owner in a Flap? REALLY?

2008-12-11T21:45:00.000-08:00

(Picture from the same website as this article)

Do you like to play with toys? How about when they are all brand new, sparkly, and attractive?? All the time???

It's truly GREAT!!! But! Of course "NOT", when they are covered with drools and played by animals first, is it?? It's like having a special gift that's second-handed!!

Julie Bishop, a cat owner, had this cat – Frankie. This weird 2 year old cat, went from homes to homes in Swindon and taking toys. Julie thinks that her cat doesn't know how or why he did this... Now, she's eager to return those toys to their owners.

Julie said that her at will always come home bringing lots of 'presents' for them... Those presents include numbers of soft toy animals.

Frankie is a weird and naughty cat, but he's also cute in some ways!!

LINK:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/newsid_7770000/newsid_7775400/7775498.stm

Emergency!!! Health Problems Are Spreading in Zimbabwe!!!

2008-12-10T05:33:00.000-08:00

(Picture from the same link as this article)

Scary, scary!!! Hundreds and hundreds of those that was killed in Zimbabwe, died of a disease – cholera. Chloera is cause by the pollution of dirty water. People use these dirty, polluted water for their daily life. Because there isn't enough clean water for all the people to use, the government is feeling troubled.

Mr Brown said that countries all over the world should come together and work in order to get medicine for the people in Zimbabwe. If the disease carries on, it'll spread into other countries.

Is cholera difficult to cure? Well, it isn't. The problem is that Zimbabwe lack medicine for all those people who are infected.

It's kind of scary... Getting any kind of disease we all can suffer from it.

LINK:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/newsid_7760000/newsid_7768900/7768984.stm

Can Dogs Get Jealous??

2008-12-10T04:24:00.000-08:00

(Picture from the same link as this article)

Dogs can be jealous too!! Tests were made and carried out in Austria. They experiment with 2 dogs and owners. There are 2 ways and the first one works like this:

Both of the dogs will be rewarded with food if they hold out their paws, allowing their owners to shake them. If 1 dog did, and the other did not, the one with nothing will feel sad.

The second way is that the dogs will be separated they'll do their tasks alone. Then, the dogs will then shake their owner's hand continuously, even though there'll be nothing as a treat...

By doing this experiment, scientists can prove that dogs can sense if they are treated unequally.

Sometimes, it may happen due to the relationship between dogs and their owners.

Dogs get jealous like we do!! We are similar in a lot of ways!!!!

LINK:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/newsid_7770000/newsid_7772900/7772933.stm

Protect the Gorillas??!!??!!

2008-12-03T04:25:00.000-08:00

(Picture from "THIS" website)

A new park was set up in Cameroon, an African country. The purpose of this park was to have an area where people protect a critically endangered Cross River gorillas. Right now, there are about 300 of those species of gorillas left in the world and about 115 are living a another National Park, Takamanda.

Why are they endangered? That's because hunters and those who chop down tress, destroyed their habitats. Animal experts believe that in this way of building national parks, it should help these gorillas.

LINK:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/newsid_7750000/newsid_7757200/7757240.stm

Snotty Sniffing Dogs!!

2008-12-03T04:21:00.000-08:00

(Picture from "THIS" website)

Eeewww, snotty puppy noses all slimy and slippery!!! Mentioning about "snot"... why do dogs have them? Oh! There's also another question we always wonder about: why do dogs sniff better than us, humans?

Now, we've got the answer to those questions!!

The snot that their noses produce, gives them those awesome sense of smell. Their noses also absorbs molecules quicker than others. That's how they smell and identify things out!! Cool isn't it?? Wish I could have a nose like that too... but I don't want a snotty those though... ¬_¬

LINK:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/newsid_7750000/newsid_7755800/7755869.stm

Mumbai Terrorist Siege Over, India Says

2008-11-29T20:10:00.000-08:00

Picture from "THIS" website.

In Mumbai, India, the Indians took control of Taj Mahal Palace & Tower and killed lots of people. Three terrorists were found dead and parts of the hotel were on fire. Soldiers went and searched the whole hotel but it seems that this BIG event have ended. This is what happened...

The Indian terrorists were trained well, one of them carried a backpack filled with rounds of ammunition. It seemed that those attacks indicated high degrees with preparing because they know the layout of the building very well. Some of them were caught arriving by boat and disguising as guests for days.

The soldiers searched in a gunman's backpack and this is what they've found:

- found dried fruits (safe).

-400 rounds of AK-47 ammunition.

- 4 grenades.

- Indian + American money.

- Seven credit cards (from some world's leading banks).

- 1 national identity card (Mauritius, an Island).

MY THOUGHTS:

It's really scary. Just imagine... You just want to have a normal vacation in India. Suddenly, you were caught by some strangers (terrorists) asking you questions and killing the others~ What a terrible sight (and I mean it)!!!!

(I only wrote a little... to find more information about this scary event... go to the link below...)

LINK:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/29/world/asia/29mumbai.html?ref=todayspaper

2008-11-28T23:59:00.000-08:00

(Picture from "THIS" site)

Long-tailed macaque monkeys are kept in cages after they've being caught and they suffer during the long journey to science labs in America and China. The BUAV (people from the British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection) called for rules to be set up so these monkeys could be treated better. The monkeys aren't engendered, so why bring them out of there homes in the wild? When they capture these animals, they force them into the river and then seal them inside a container.
In these capturing ways, about eight out of 10 die of the way they are treated. This group also asked Europe and America to halt the capturing business of wild creatures and for nicer environment at monkey breeding centers.

LINK:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/newsid_7750000/newsid_7750600/7750650.stm

The Paper Tower

2008-11-27T16:31:00.000-08:00

In Advisory, our goal was to build a tower with paper that can hold 50 g. In the end, our group (Lian, Annchi, Grace, and me) made this strange looking tower ~ an upside down flower tower. We were troubled by the balancing part. It should be able to stand when there's no weight on them, but it kept on falling. When the time was over, it finally stood! But, still, if we put the weights on together at the top, it went PLOP!

During this activity, I used 2 student outcomes and they are:

- Community Contributor = I contributed thoughts, thinking about how to make the tower for it
to be able to stand on its on.
- Effective Communicator = In order to do community contributor, I communicated a lot to my
group.

Beavers Are Back!!

2008-11-21T18:03:00.000-08:00

The experts tracked the beavers in Norway for about 2 months and then at last, they caught the whole family 1 male, 1 female, including 2 ~ 3 of their baby kits. The experts need to watch the creatures to make sure that not one member of one family are left behind.Now, they're being cared in a quarantine. The quarantine is where animals are kept while experts study them carefully, observing them if there are any diseases that may spread to other animals. In the spring time of 2009 they would be released into the wilderness once again.People used boats and if they want to catch the beavers, they'll need to catch them in the dark (nocturnal)

Beavers could / are :
- Stop fish numbers ~ blocking their routes = Effect fish industries.
- Create wetland environments for other animals (Some people are and others are about
this idea).
- Trapped by hunters (16th Century) to sell their furs ~ so wiped out.
Link:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/newsid_7740000/newsid_7741600/7741684.stm

Hippo and Puppet Gloria

2008-11-20T01:55:00.001-08:00

There was this hippo (pygmy) named Chico (above) at Heythrop Zoo that stopped eating... but with the help of a puppet, he happily starts eating now. The puppet that save the hippo from hunger, was also a hippo like Chico himself.

People that worked at the zoo was amazed and because of that, zoo keepers now used the famous gloves to feed Chico. Although the Chico starts to eat but the head keeper is still desperate to find the solution that lead to his problems.
This is what he said: "We had been trying everything as Chico was refusing to feed and when I saw the Madagascar hippo puppet in the supermarket I thought I'd give it a try. "We were extremely surprised when he took a liking to Gloria and we have been using it to feed him ever since."

Link:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/newsid_7730000/newsid_7738000/7738042.stm

ME = Which 3 Outcomes? #2

2008-11-18T03:44:00.000-08:00

1. Person of High Character:
- I continued to comfort my friends when they needed me.
- I'll wait for them if they want me to.
- I helped classmates if they have problems with anything (Math, Science, Technology, and
Humanities).

2. Community Contributor:
- There was times that I helped put up some chairs after Wellness.
- I found things in the desk that I was at and either gave it to the teacher or to the owner.

3. Effective Communicator:
- I communicated with people when we played a game in Ms. Smith's classroom.
- I communicated with classmates in order to help them.
- I communicated with my group members about what we should do and how.

!!MISSIONS!!

2008-11-11T03:25:00.000-08:00

In Humanities Class, we were being showed a presentation on how to set goals. So far, we only went through the first 2 steps...and those were to "Discover" and to "Plan". It;s all about finding what our values, roles, contributions are, and etc. As we shared our values with the whole class, all of us found out that sometimes we'll have to achieve in our lives. Now, I'm going to list 3 of my mission statements!
1. Come on! Speak up and be proud of your thinking, thoughts, and ideas!!
The first mission is:
To raise my hands ~ speak up and express everything I can think of to participate more in class.
- Maybe I'll raise my hand more and think of complex questions to ask.
- Like act as really being someone who's into doing some homework? :P
- Practice at home on ways to speak loudly (but not too loud).

2. Get your head of the table and show some respect dude!
The second mission is:
Sometimes, when the teachers and students are speaking or presenting something, I often get bored listening to all of their detailed descriptions. When I show I'm either tired or bored, I often lay on the desk, play with my hair, and yawn. So then, I'll improve by:
- Sit up straight ~ with my back tightly touching the chair. (Maybe bring a jump rope from home and tie myself onto the chair :P)
- Sleep early.
- Prepare something that'll wake you up from getting tired.
3. Wo, wo, wo! This is YOUR BIGGEST PROBLEM!! Try hard to keep it inside!
The third mission:
Sometimes, when somebody (no matter who) kept on bothering me, nagging me, shouting at me, losing his/her temper, and so on... I do too!!! When they do that, sometimes I... act calm, stare at them, and act as if nothing happened. And if I am absolutely mad mad mad mad (!!!!!!), about a certain purpose, I'll sometimes find a place where there's nobody, and shout about things I had problems with. To hide my feelings, I think I'll need to:
- Really try hard (force myself maybe) to contain my attitude.
- Take some deep, deep, deep breathes and exhale them out.
- BE HAPPY AND TRY TO FORGET ALL THOSE UNHAPPY THINGS.

Maybe YOU have the same missions to take as I do! Look at the points and maybe they'll help YOU improve more!!!

Time Management Tips

2008-11-07T04:35:00.000-08:00

( Picture from "THIS" Website.)

Here are some time management tips that may help you with your "everything based on work you need to do and being organized".

1. Have a good study environment.
2. Take breaks after few minutes.
3. Begin with the difficult ones first.
4. Do set goals, but don't set too many goals before you do anything else, set a purpose.
5. Create schedules like a "To Do" list, calendars, and other kinds.
6. When using time, use shortcuts, and processes.
7. Classify if the tasks are urgent or important, both, or neither.
8. You can also study & review in other places, before and after class, with a group, use study sheets, and recite into your own words to say that you really understood what something meant.
9. Find focuses, perspectives, and look for information that might come out in tests, while reading. Plus, you can remember as you read along.
10. Use note taking techniques and other methods.
11. Keep track of time and improve the time you've spent doing something.
12. Reward your achievements.

Now that you've understand the tips of time managements... Remember them! Use them! They'll help you!

Links: To understand more... go to the links below and read again!!
1. http://www.studygs.net/timman.htm
2. http://www.coun.uvic.ca/learning/study-skills/
3. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Time_management

Barack Obama Brings Influences Upon China?

2008-11-06T21:17:00.000-08:00

(Picture from: www.gemzies.com/ )

Will Barack Obama focus more on the Asia-Pacific region?
By Vishakha Desai Posted on Thursday, Nov 06, 2008.

As we all know, Barack Obama was elected as the US new president. Now, people all over Asia hope that he will support them. People were asking others about Obama's postion right now based on 3 issues ~ those are dealing with trading, foreign policy, and the geo-economic orders. All of us are still hoping that US new president we give the answers in a way of action.

Countries including India feel that the America and Europe have been on the sides ~ "free” and “fair” trade. But from a more narrow nationalistic perspective. If they are going to have "fair" trading, the new administration will need to deal agricultural problems ~ WTO. Most of all, it'll need to be include both free and fair trade and that comforted Asians that Obama will be alert and aware of their needs.

As the US economy falls lower and lower, the economies of Asian countries will continue to rise higher and higher. Until then, they will remain into such an important source on high technology and industrial goods.

CONCLUSION:
And now, the eager of the answers they questioned, the Asian will continue to look forward into future and see Obama help change the world. The needs for Obama to lead the region’s new realities in condition, has been moved toward East. It is so very clear, that the future of the West will depend on the ways US manages the new power. Do you think so too?

ME = Which 3 Outcomes? #1

2008-11-05T18:16:00.000-08:00

During the days in HIS, I've been:
1. A person of character:
- I will comfort people when they are sad.
- Today during Wellness, I helped to pick up the cones and gather the (about 4) soccer balls.
2. A community contributor:
- There was once when I say somebody's empty juice box. I picked it up and threw it in the recycle
bin.
- I contributed my ideas when our class was divide into two, at Language Arts class.
3. A critical thinker:
- Before I do any of the contribution of ideas, I will need to think deeply first and that's what I
did.
- I ask questions if I didn't understand.

When My Eyes Look Into Them

2008-11-04T01:48:00.000-08:00

For our class during Humanities, out teacher ~ Mr.Carpenter told the people who sat in the same table to look at each others' blogs and comment on them. My table mates are Annchi, Andrew, Chris, Spencer, and Wesley. There are 2 blog post that we need to look at ~ "Reflections on blogging" and "Reflections on learning".

When I was finished with all the reading I realized that sometimes we have the same thinking, ideas and thoughts. But sometimes, there are different. This way, by looking at their reflection posts, I can learn things I had not thought of before as I wrote mine.

Annchi ~ She really got into writing the reflections and thought really carefully!! She explained using a kind of conversation technique. She did great and wrote a lot of her thinking, deeply (very deeply). She separated the paragraphs into different parts for readers to understand what each blogs are saying and what they mean.
Andrew ~ He talks about sharing ideas + opinions with others and explore into more depths. Also, of interacting with other people and doing hands-on activities in order to learn.
Chris ~ He found a way of learning by asking parents + friends, writing the knowledge out, sharing, and practicing your grammar as you read along. By using this way, he learned stuffs.
Spencer ~ He used the 5 special words to express what he learned, and this showed that he learned things with those words. He also talked about writing blog posts are like journals (something you can enjoy.
Wesley ~ For Wesley, I did not see the 2 posts that he wrote and because of that, I was enable to give a comment, learn, and to reflect. :(

Important way of learning includes to reflect, look at other people's comments, and blogs!!!!

Should we go for goals GREEN, YELLOW or RED????

2008-11-03T05:22:00.000-08:00

Why do you think they do this?
- So we can feel what it's like to have another grading method.
- For us to easier understand ~ traffic light.
Why do you think this might be important in your learning?
- So we can try something new all the time.
- It may lead to other ideas on grading and report to the teacher.
What do you like about this approach?
- This system makes me have the feeling and eagerness of wanting to turn to bright green all the time!
- It is clear (easy to understand!)
- Makes learning fun.
What do you dislike about this approach?
- I wish that it is better to have both the grades and the color symbols, so then we can see how much we are left till we got to our goals.
THAT'S IT!! OTHER WISE, I LIKE THIS SYSTEM!!! >o<

Organizing = Planning

2008-11-03T03:39:00.000-08:00

Interviewing at least 2 students and 2 adults:

Explain the benefits of being more organized.

Lian: I think that organizing makes everything easy to access and make everything a whole lot
easier. It allows people to find things easier and to save time for more important things!
Victor: The benefits are that you are always on time so you've got more time to work on it to
make it better.
Sandra: I that then you can have more time to play and you can finish homework on time.
Spencer: I think organizing time is what we should do and it can make our life more specific.
Andrew: I think that it keeps us tidy and u can find the thing that u organized easily.

Mom: I think then you will not loose your information and things you need, focus and the main spot, and you won't waste time!!!
Ms. Fortune: 1) you can find things more easily, 2) if you are organized by making lists of things you have to do you can feel proud when check them off the list and get them done, and 3) you won't loose things.

Explain what prevents people from being organized.

Lian: People get lazy when it comes to organizing because they want to do something else
before and want to organize it later. but then they get lazy as all humans do and then
they never go to do it.
Victor: What prevents people is listening to music, watching videos, playing games, etc…
Spencer: I think it's because every time they want to organize their time they will think of other things to do like chatting or playing games.
Andrew: What prevents us from doing it is by being lazy.

Mom: I think laziness and being irresponsible prevents people from organizing.
Ms. Fortune: Sometimes people get too busy or too overwhelmed.

Create your own “top 5 list” of how to be more organized. In other words, what actions do people need to take to be more organized.

- To take or open the things or websites you need to do.
- Shut down anything that may distract you from concentrating.
- Take notes.
- Maybe set an alarm clock.
- Concentrate more and more!!!!

I think to be able to concentrate and to finish your work faster are ways to be more organized.

Surprise Surprise!

2008-10-29T19:30:00.000-07:00

Who are in the picture above?

The pupils at a school were dressed into their head master, Peter Sadler as a memorable treat for him.

Why are they doing this?

Because their head teacher was going to leave after his 18 years of organizing this school.

Where did they made this big surprise?

At a school in the Midlands ~ St Mary's Primary.

When did this happened?

This happened on the last day of Mr. Sadler at his school.

What did he see that made him jump?

In front of him stood students that were dressed with beards saying goodbye. Thanks goodness he saw the funny side because students will be in trouble for dressing as their head teacher.

What did he say about that special surprise?

"It was a wonderful joyful assembly - a lovely way to end the week."

Link:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/newsid_7690000/newsid_7697000/7697020.stm

Will you risk your life to save kittens?

2008-10-27T06:09:00.000-07:00

Who saved the what?
A dog (left) saved the kittens in a cardboard box.(right).
Where did the dogs saved the kittens?
It happened in Australia ~ a burning house.
What:
When did this happened?
October 26, 2008
Did anyone stay behind?
Yeah~ Leo stayed to protect the kittens as the building began to burn down.
If he is stayed, did he have a chance to escape too, like the others?
Yes, he did. The fire fighters found him and helped them to safety.
Was he hurt during the time inside the house caring for the kittens?
Leo was hurt and he is having medical treatments.

Most of all, they were safe and brave (especially Leo)!

LINK:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/newsid_7690000/newsid_7692000/7692052.stm?ls

Websites VS Books

2008-10-26T18:06:00.000-07:00

Group =(S(andra).S(tephanie).S(erena).)

We, as a group are going to research on the relationship between an Ocelot and a prairie dog, and also some information about these two animals.

Where can I find information?
I can find information for my research project on the internet, books, dictionaries, encyclopedias, stories, news articles, magazines, posters, and asking others.

What are the best resources to start with?
The best source to start with is by using paper printed ones. That's because you can get a lot of information from all the thousands and thousands printed works. If you have found everything you have and wanted to research more, then you'll use the internet.

Why is it better to get information from a book or an online Encyclopedia than finding a site through a search engine?
Because the encyclopedia was proved that it has all correct information so that everyone can learn. Whereas the other websites, people might make them up and write the false information. Also the encyclopedia has a lot of information to reference from.

What resources could you use?
I could use wikipedia, and other encyclopedias to do my research from. Maybe I can ask a scientist!

Which ones provided the most valid and detailed information?
Ocelot = San Diego Zoo Animal Bytes
Prairie dog = San Diego Zoo Animal Bytes

Below are some other sites we went to, to do our research:
Ocelot:

Wonderclub

Prairie Dog:

What made the provided resources better than doing a search engine search?
That's because then it'll be easier then searching into a lot of websites and trying to figure out if it was the true information.

Hamster gives up life on-the-run

2008-10-24T05:08:00.000-07:00

Who is this article talking about?
It talks about this escaped female hamster named Fudgie.

What was the duration of her "escaping" event?

It had a run for eight days before returning to her cage.

Where was she during the eight days?

She had gone down exploring a hole in the kitchen floor.

What did people use to try and get her out?

Fire crews used a camera and a vacuum cleaner to find Fudgie ~ but couldn't have her to come out.

When did she came back?

Then one day, she came back to the cage after the exhausting life underground.

How do people know she came back?

This is because, Zoe's dad, saw Fudgie in her own cage when he was about to set out for work.

How do the family feel?

The family was relieved that they found Fudgie at last!

Link:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/newsid_7680000/newsid_7688600/7688667.stm

Goats to the Rescue!

2008-10-23T06:14:00.000-07:00

Who are mentioned in this article?

The goats are!

If the goats are mentioned, what is this all about?

This is all about the action of rescuing goats.

When did this occurred?

It occurred on October 23, 2008

What happened there?

Rescuers were trying more than 2 hours to descend a 60 meter cliff to safe the animal and lead it back to where there's safety.

Why:
The goat couldn't free itself.

Where are the goats needed to be rescued?

The goats are needed to be rescued at Great Orme, in Llandudno.

What had helped the animal survive after the rescue? How long had it been up there?

The animal survived by eating small patches of grass here and there on rocky ledges without getting injured. It had been there for 2 weeks already.

Who spotted it first?

The fishermen near the Welsh coast spotted it first and then found out that it couldn't be freed.

Who were involved in rescuing the goat?

Mountain rescuers /RSPCA/and the fishermen were involved.

LINK:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/newsid_7670000/newsid_7678700/7678795.stm

Reflections (LINKS)

2008-10-22T08:02:00.000-07:00

Reflections About Learning

2008-10-22T06:40:00.000-07:00

After I went and reviewed my tasks, I found that I really learned a lot. Because I never really looked deep inside the definitions of words that are used every time while thinking. And those words include... Skills and knowledge and the understanding of ideas.
I remember that I asked my family, friends, and classmates on what they think each words mean to them and I found it so interesting that if I have found a larger amount of people to survey, I would surely love to.
I also went and think carefully of the ways I learn new things and that includes learning how to operate a new software. Most of all, the Bloom’s Taxonomy of Thinking Skills really shocked me on how thinking skills are presented this way. Studying how people learn and breaking it into parts did puzzle me a lot but it can help me understand more...

Reflections About Blogging

2008-10-22T04:01:00.000-07:00

~ Blogging ~

Why and how do we blog?

To know why we blog, first you'll need to know what is a blog.

We blog to improve ourselves by getting comments from others about your post like reading and getting reflections/responds/perspectives. It is also another way to communicate with people around the world, and in order to do that, it is to do a lot reading & writing. It can be educational that are blogged by students, teachers, administrators, experts, and others. In this way, we can have a better chance to explore the work while getting feedback from the readers.

Getting started...

Go to the place where you create blog posts and start to jot down ideas and scribble the whole thing in the text.

Good Netiquette...

To have good Netiquette is to act properly while you're online.

Internet Safety

Be aware of your usage of internet and be sure that it's safe! Don't expose your personal information for anyone you don't know.

About the ways you comment...

Give a comment with politeness and be friendly. Don't change your topic and give your good thoughts. Tell them what they need to improve.

Be sure that you do the things you are suppose to do!

Explainations ~ Answer and Question

2008-10-20T18:40:00.000-07:00

Question: In math and science, why is it more important to have a clear explanation than to have the "right answer"?

Answer: In math and science, having a clear explanation than the right answer because...
1. You can show what you think.
2. To explain your reasoning.
3. To show that you tried.

You need to understand what you are doing before you even try and get the answer right.

Ice in the Chilly Arctic ~ Getting warmer all the time...

2008-10-17T06:20:00.001-07:00

Who: It's the "ice".

When: Now

Where: Arctic

What: The Arctic Ocean is gradually becoming warmer and less salty then before. Due to the highness of he temperature now, the sea ice are melting.

Why: These effects are made by the fact of global warming that is now occurring.

Link:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/newsid_7670000/newsid_7675400/7675401.stm

The 5 Sudent Outcomes = Yes and no

2008-10-16T21:40:00.000-07:00

Active learner = Yes~ I was ready to learn and see what the steps are needed to be done. No ~ I just sat there, looking tired and staring at the tube for observations that could be written down.
Person of high character = Yes ~ I helped my group members by preparing the goggles and other equipments for them and I also put the things away when our project was finished.
Communicator contributor = Yes ~ I put the things back where they belong after using them. I provided observations I noticed and passed them onto one of my partners, so she can write them down.
Effective communicator = Yeah ~ I communicated with my group to see if we did the right thing and if I missed out something. No ~ When we're about to finish the lab, we just took whatever stuff and put them away, almost not communicating with each other.
Critical thinker = Yes ~ I looked carefully at the tube and see if there's any qualitative observations to write down. I also tried ways on why there was no recording of the temperatures on some people's logger pro. No ~ I didn't think that we need to wear goggles before Ms. Smith told us to because they might harm our eyes.

Playing Fireworks = Taking Risks

2008-10-14T18:48:00.000-07:00

Who: People under 16

When:

Now

Where:

Around the world

What:

Children were taking risks on fireworks and messing with some that are illegal. Firefights said that fireworks are dangerous because of the sudden explosion. Children under 18 (United Kingdom) were not allowed to buy fireworks.

Why:

-They would be breaking the laws.

- A firefight said that in the year 2007, above 500 people (under the age 16) were hurt by taking risks with the fireworks.

- The fireworks can explode as quick as lightning as soon as they're lightened.

- If you are older than 16 and have a special license, then you can only buy any kind of fireworks in Northern Ireland.

LINK:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/newsid_7670000/newsid_7670100/7670113.stm

Thinking Skills

2008-10-14T06:53:00.001-07:00

Hey!! Have you ever learned a skill, a piece of knowledge and an new idea, then you used them in another useful situation?
Well, I do!
1. When reading magazines, books, newspaper, finding information about a famous person (etc...), I often find interesting vocabularies that might become useful in some essays, reports, speeches, and other huge projects. > Understanding and applying
2. I play soccer, and when I learn how bounce the ball with my head, lap and my foot, then during some sport activities and we compete, it may be useful. > Understanding and applying
3. Looking at the news happening to the world made me create posts on my blog and share with my class and others about warnings, new inventions and discoveries, etc... This way we can social and chat about news. > Understanding and applying
4. I have sketching classes before, and the teacher showed me the techniques in sketching so next time I will be able to draw better on posters and projects that needs drawing. >Understanding and applying

Did you notice that points 1 ~ 4 have this = ">Understanding and applying"? These 4 four points need to be understood and can be applied in other situation.

To understand is to really know what you are reading and doing. Get the things inside your head and understand the concepts.
To apply is to make use and using your knowledge you have understood in another situation.
Just note that, to understand and to apply, first you'll need to remember what you've learned!!!

If you find something useful for future use, write it down, take notes, or remember it inside your head! Even if you think you won't need it, it may still become a very useful skill, knowledge, or idea.

Warning to kids over loud music

2008-10-13T21:36:00.000-07:00

Who: We, people

When: Everyday during our life...

Where: Anywhere you feel like... :)

What: Playing loud music for less than an hour can damage our hearings for 5 years. The loudness should be at the level which someone else can't hear your music when you have earphones on...

Why: Playing music with headphones could let people have a harder time to hear, when you get older. This is because, deep inside your ears, there are tiny hair that helps you to hear the sounds. If it vibrates too much, It may damage those hairs and may not become better.

Sound expert, Prof James Bridges provides some tips:

- keep the volume down

- use them from 1~2 hours (no more than that)

- don't push the earplugs too far inside your ears.

Link:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/newsid_7660000/newsid_7666500/7666581.stm

A Dicovery of the 'Deepest Ever' Living Fish Found!

2008-10-08T08:15:00.000-07:00

Who: Scientists and experts.

When: (Last updated) October 8, 2008

Where: Near Japan

What: Scientists today think that they have found a type of fish that lived the "deepest" so far.

Why: They caught 17 weird looking snailfish on film that was almost 5 miles under the Pacific Ocean (near Japan). These researchers were excited about their new discovery, because old specimens that are kept in museums are the only examples of organisms that live in such depths until now.

About the snailfish:

- live in total darkness (near-freezing temperatures)

- feed on thousands of tiny creatures like shrimps.

It is really interesting that new organisms were found and maybe there are more to discover...

Link:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/newsid_7650000/newsid_7658400/7658435.stm

Did You Guys Know That Europe's Biggest Glaciers are melting?

2008-10-08T06:26:00.000-07:00

Who: People

What: People fear that the biggest glacier in Europe (8,000 square kilometers and the deepest point ~ 900 meters thick) is melting quickly as days past.

Experts said that the melting rate is about a meter a year, because due to the rising of temperatures and less amount snow fall.Warnings had been spread around that these gigantic glaciers are melting and that will cause sea levels to rise, which may produce bad floods in different parts of the world.

On the other hand, this event may also give benefits to Iceland, because then warmer temperatures mean that crops farmers planted can grow longer.

When: They could disappear within 100 years.

Where: Vatnajokull, Iceland

Why: This is because of the pollution we made and are still producing large amounts in every seconds you sat in front of the screen reading this article!

This is certainly something we should think about and we should all make a difference!!

Link:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/newsid_7650000/newsid_7655900/7655928.stm

Lion on Prey

2008-10-04T21:23:00.000-07:00

Where: In Africa
When: On Friday
Who: Shot a lion taking down its prey.
What: One of the 24 hour cameras captured a shot of a lion taking down a prey. It is the first time this kind of event had been captured on live webcam. It caught camera shots on animals that includes lions approaching zebras, young hyena, hippo at sleep and a bat-eared fox. Wonderful length of film of a hyena's den.
Why: Exciting unique experience of camera films.
Link:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7651951.stm

Animal Experts Up To...?

2008-10-04T21:14:00.000-07:00

Who: American Experts and Polar Bear, Charly.

When: Tuesday

Where: California and the Seaworld Marine Park in America

What:

A 12-year-old polar bear named Charly is also in the hearing tests.

He's trained to respond when hearing a computer-generated tone. If he did done it well, in return there are rewards. And the rewards are food includes fruits, fish, and fat.

The trainer of Charly is called Mike Price and he said: "He very much enjoys the game. When I'm setting up equipment he gets really excited."

Why:

- Scientists are working on testing a polar bear's hearing.

- They are finding out if the melting of the Arctic ice is affecting the bear's hearings.

- They are worried that the noises we human created would scare the bears and make them think that the areas aren't suitable for them.

- They are finding out how sensitive the bears are to the noises.

Solution:

Scientists found that the bears are a lot more sensitive to the sounds than we are.

Link:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/newsid_7640000/newsid_7644300/7644397.stm

Problem Solved!

2008-10-04T19:47:00.000-07:00

Oh no!! Have you ever had a problem when there are too many websites you bookmarked on the computer and you couldn't find what you want?

I have!! So what I'm going to tell you is that, there is a way of sorting your bookmarks. And it is by using tags on a social bookmarking site called Delicious. When you bookmark a page you really like, it's only tied onto 1 computer. What if you used another persons computer and you need your bookmarks and tags? So, that's what it's good about the Delicious Social Bookmarking website. Using this website, it makes tagging more useful, fun and it's social. What social means is that, it is public and others can see what you tagged. You can also see others and find information you need and the websites that interests you. This is how you create a steady stream of social connection of benefits. Tagging is the solution of this gigantic problem.

Beyonce To Perform At UK MTV Show

2008-09-29T03:18:00.000-07:00

It's coming soon! In November, when the MTV Europe Awards come to Liverpool, the star of this year will be the American singer, Beyonce (that's her in the picture on the left). She will perform at the show and pick an award in the Ultimate Urban category. Others like Britney Spears, Coldplay and Duffy are ready to grab as many prizes as they could.

Now, still more than 30 million people in Europe are waiting eagerly towards enjoying the show on the 6th of November.

Katy Perry picked up couple awards with the track of "I Kissed A Girl". Next, she'll be against the Coldplay, Duffy, Kid Rock and Pink. She could make up 2 MTV Europe Awards. Then she will be competing against Miley Cyrus, Duffy (again), One Republic and the Jonas Brothers.

Are you excited about this event? It's going to be great!

Link:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/newsid_7640000/newsid_7641200/7641240.stm

Trouble Over Bald Heads

2008-09-25T22:03:00.000-07:00

14-year old Kieron Hawkins and his friends shaved their hair into a new style~bold, for a joke to experience what it feels like. But their school didn't see what's funny.

Head teacher, Colin Taylor said their extreme hair-dos broke school rules. And because of that, the kids have to take their own lessons in a corridor.

Mr. Colin Taylor made this punishment the school insisted their students knew what was expected and had to learn consequences of their actions.

After the boys have been sent back in class, Kieron said, "It's only hair. I don't feel that it's got anything to do with my learning and it's got nothing to do in anyone else's learning, so it's not affecting anyone in a major way."

Kieron's experience of being bold had been tough.

School bans trendy tie styles

2008-09-24T05:20:00.000-07:00

Pupils in some schools would try to make different kinds of knots including, giant, thin at the front, and other ones that'll make their school ties look great and cool. But not in Sutton Coldfield (West midlands of England), tying their school ties ina attractive way have been banned. The teachers in that school said that the way students are doing it, makes their lovely uniform look messy. And so, they'll have to wear the clip-on ones.

So, do you do that fancy tie-up too?

Young Condos Released Into The Wild

2008-09-23T05:20:00.000-07:00

In Argentina, the scientists released a total of 4 Andean condors into the wilderness as part of a "help save the world's largest bird of prey" program.

These Andean condors have wingspans of more than 3 meters and was once common when looking into the skies of South America. But now, only a few thousands were left because of the destruction of their homes.

4 chicks condors were born during captivity and were looked after before their releases. For the first year, the experts will keep watchful eyes upon them by using the radio transmitter and to feed them until they are OK to set off on their own.

Luis Jacome, a scientist, had been working on the protection of condors for 20 years and he had been breeding the chicks at a zoo called Buenos Aires. There, a total of 29 birds had been introduced to their real homes.