I had never before felt more anxious, nervous, excited, and energetic at the same time. Soccer had always been my favorite sport. Not only did soccer unite nations and symbolize friendship for millions around the globe, but it was also truly the beautiful game. A game packed with skill, excitement, strategy, and emotion. All of those ideas were streaming through me right now like a roaring river.
My soccer league had recently introduced an end-of-season tournament to crown a season champion. This was only the first round of the tournament, but if this was going to be the last game I played this season, it had to be the best.
I felt the wet grass brush against my ankles, still wet from the early morning dew, soaking my long soccer socks, as I waited in the center circle for the kickoff. When the whistle finally blew, it barely registered anything in my head.
Thirty minutes later, the whistle blew again for the game to stop. The score was 0-0, a frustrating and meaningless score. Now we would go in to the penalty shootout round to determine a winner. Each team would take 5 shots from the penalty spot; the team with the most goals would advance to the next round. The losing team would walk out, defeated. A go big or go home situation, my stomach seemed to be crammed to the brim with panicking butterflies.
We got off to an early lead; scoring our first two shots while our opponents had only scored one. Our next shot sailed over the goal, keeping the score at 2-1. Fortunately, they missed their shot as well, leaving me to score and set up my teammate Ricky for a game winning penalty shot.
I felt my heart pumping like a machine inside my ribcage as I walked up to the penalty spot. I took several deep breaths before striding forward to strike the ball. I did what any right-footed striker my age would do; I aimed it to the top right corner. I watched the ball sail perilously close to the goalkeeper’s fingertips, barely finding the top right corner of the net. I felt a rush of joy run through me, and I pumped my fist in the air with excitement. Now all I could do was wait.
The other team scored their next shot, but it didn’t matter as long as Ricky scored this next goal. He was the best striker on the team, he had a deadly combination of power and accuracy. I watched with my heart in my mouth as Ricky’s shot boomed into the back of the net. 4-2. Game over.
A shout of triumph lurched through me, as if I had been waiting all day to let it out. I stuck my hand out and high fived anyone I walked past, teammate, coach, parent, ref, or opponent. I was having the time of my life.
Showing posts with label READ THIS. Show all posts
Showing posts with label READ THIS. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 3, 2014
MVP Performance
3-2. Not a good situation to be in if you’re losing the national varsity soccer championship with five minutes left in the game. Rain was coming down in sheets, drenching every person on the field, winning or not. Every player on our team was playing his hearts out, giving it all they had, but nothing seemed to give. I knew it had to happen. All I needed was the tiniest of faults in the defensive line, but the other team held steady, playing possession since they were in the lead, not giving us any daylight. Yet, I knew it had to happen.
Then I noticed it. A pass, from the opposition’s left back, that just didn’t have enough power on it to propel it all the way to the target. I jumped on the mistake, taking the ball under control and barreling past a defender. I found myself breaking free on the left wing. I saw the center forward charging into the box, expecting a cross to knock into the goal. I drove through the ball with my foot, sending it swirling through the air in a curling arc. The forward met the ball with his head, tapping it past the keeper and tying the game at three.
Two minutes later, the referee blew his whistle, bringing regular time to an end, but it was still a long way from over. During the short intermission before golden goal time started, our coach gave us a pep talk, telling us how we were supposed to win the game. I felt utterly terrified. The other team was evidently better than us; they just hadn’t turned on their afterburners yet. It was only a matter of time before they broke through. I felt myself trembling like I was caught in a winter storm without a coat frozen body. Maybe in some other dimension, I heard the whistle blow, signaling the restart of play. Immediately things went wrong. After the kickoff, their midfielder got it, and drove it up field with a powerful lofted pass.
Their forward received the ball and foxed our center back. He was in the clear, nobody between him and the goal. But then he faltered, tripping over the ball. He didn’t fall completely, but it gave me the chance to take the ball from him.
Since I had dropped back to defend, I charged forward as he was recovering, and then slide tackled him, and regained possession of the ball. Slowly but surely we moved the ball up the field, pass by pass. One of my teammates had been causing their defense problems all game long, and therefore he dragged a second defender over to the sideline, leaving me open in the middle. He passed me the ball and I noticed there were only twenty-five yards between the goal and me, and for a fraction of a second, nobody was in my way. I took my chances and put as much energy into that shot as I had left in me. I had aimed it perfectly, drilling it past the goalkeeper’s outstretched hands and into the top corner. My goal had turned us from underdogs to champions.
Afterward in the locker room, our coach said he had a few awards to give out. He ran through the list, until he came to the last one, team MVP. I was the last person I expected to win it. After all, I wasn’t even the team captain, or the assistant captain, or the top goal scorer, or the top assister. “And the MVP award goes to: Adrian Wells.” I couldn’t believe my ears, who was I to be the MVP. But the coach answered that. “He was chosen for several reasons,” the coach said. “Leadership, determination, effort, but above all, the best team player I have ever seen.”
Then I noticed it. A pass, from the opposition’s left back, that just didn’t have enough power on it to propel it all the way to the target. I jumped on the mistake, taking the ball under control and barreling past a defender. I found myself breaking free on the left wing. I saw the center forward charging into the box, expecting a cross to knock into the goal. I drove through the ball with my foot, sending it swirling through the air in a curling arc. The forward met the ball with his head, tapping it past the keeper and tying the game at three.
Two minutes later, the referee blew his whistle, bringing regular time to an end, but it was still a long way from over. During the short intermission before golden goal time started, our coach gave us a pep talk, telling us how we were supposed to win the game. I felt utterly terrified. The other team was evidently better than us; they just hadn’t turned on their afterburners yet. It was only a matter of time before they broke through. I felt myself trembling like I was caught in a winter storm without a coat frozen body. Maybe in some other dimension, I heard the whistle blow, signaling the restart of play. Immediately things went wrong. After the kickoff, their midfielder got it, and drove it up field with a powerful lofted pass.
Their forward received the ball and foxed our center back. He was in the clear, nobody between him and the goal. But then he faltered, tripping over the ball. He didn’t fall completely, but it gave me the chance to take the ball from him.
Since I had dropped back to defend, I charged forward as he was recovering, and then slide tackled him, and regained possession of the ball. Slowly but surely we moved the ball up the field, pass by pass. One of my teammates had been causing their defense problems all game long, and therefore he dragged a second defender over to the sideline, leaving me open in the middle. He passed me the ball and I noticed there were only twenty-five yards between the goal and me, and for a fraction of a second, nobody was in my way. I took my chances and put as much energy into that shot as I had left in me. I had aimed it perfectly, drilling it past the goalkeeper’s outstretched hands and into the top corner. My goal had turned us from underdogs to champions.
Afterward in the locker room, our coach said he had a few awards to give out. He ran through the list, until he came to the last one, team MVP. I was the last person I expected to win it. After all, I wasn’t even the team captain, or the assistant captain, or the top goal scorer, or the top assister. “And the MVP award goes to: Adrian Wells.” I couldn’t believe my ears, who was I to be the MVP. But the coach answered that. “He was chosen for several reasons,” the coach said. “Leadership, determination, effort, but above all, the best team player I have ever seen.”
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
Cursing the Sands of Time
The kids all watch the melting clock,
As if it were wax on fire.
Staring at the timepiece like a hawk,
Waiting for class to expire.
The teacher’s speech is patience fighting,
He’s offering no assistance.
His appearance is even uninviting,
Making students desire a distance.
Alas! The bell finally rings.
Like a stampede of bulls in a hurricane,
Children rush for their belongings.
Class was obviously finished in vain.
But the minutes of free time they have are few,
Because they still have treacherous homework to do.
The Tale of Two Rulers
The Introduction:
What happens when the Ancient West meets the Ancient East? What happens when the King of Macedonia meets the Emperor of China? What happens when Alexander the Great meets Xiǎn the Patriotic? The two nations would be ultimate adversaries. Alexander is a conqueror who is hungry for world domination. Xiǎn is an emperor who wants to unite his country. Both leaders want to strengthen their nation. Would there be a massive battle? Definitely.
The Omens:
The Xian Emperor - May, 335 BC
Every night I stayed up late and agonized about finding ways to unite the Provinces of China. The sun has vanished and the moon was almost directly overhead. I should look through the historical records for past attempts to unite China. I might be able to learn from any previous failures. However, my eyes were too fatigued to read the historical records myself. I will get an advisor to read. Suddenly, there was a knock on my room door.
“Come in,” I said sternly, attempting to conceal my exhaustion. My superstitious fortune-teller franticly burst in.
“Horrifying news!” My fortune-teller exclaimed, “I just envisioned an entire army coming from the west! They have conquered cities that we have never even heard of! They have excellent, strategic battle plans, they speak in a foreign language and their armor seemed very efficient and effective! The Himalayan Mountains will be their entrance to China!” For a moment, I was speechless. My mouth was open, my eyes were bulging, but I did not regard this as bad news. I ordered rice paper, ink, and a brush to write to the leaders of the divided states. I believe I just found the answer to uniting China.
Alexander the Great - October, 331 BC
There was nothing here. The troops were exhausted and our food supply was scarce. Maybe we should return home. During our search for new civilizations to conquer, I have been a bit too harsh on my soldiers. They should receive praise instead. Just before giving the orders to break camp, I heard a faint bronze bell, ringing. I asked my soldiers if they heard anything to reassure that the ringing was not my imagination. Many heard nothing, however, a few confirmed my suspicions. Quickly, I located the sound’s origin. The ringing came from the east. The ringing came from uncharted lands.
The Preparations:
The Xian Emperor - December, 331 BC
“Finally!” I said aloud. I just received word from every single state leader. They are willing to fight together against this foreign enemy. “This is my big chance,” I told myself, “Do not ruin it”
The next week, I met with all the military leaders at the base of the Himalayan Mountains. Each leader presented their best battle plan, given the terrain and our soldier supply. Many arguments bounced back and forth, but at least there was no violence. We eventually created a master plan.
Alexander the Great - February, 330 BC
“King Alexander,” One of generals started. “The troops are freezing! Icicles are forming on their chins, some soldiers’ limbs are suffering from gangrene and some have even died!”
“We will let the soldiers rest by a fire more often.” I answered. I will not let my army be defeated before the actual battle. This weather will not stop me from searching. Somewhere out there was an unconquered civilization. I will not return home until this civilization is mine.
The First Contact: March, 330 BC
While Alexander the Great was looking for another civilization to conquer, the Xian Emperor was desperately waiting for a Westerner to show up with his army. The other leaders started to suspect treachery. “It has already been four months since the first meeting!” Si Jin, the arrogant leader of Wey challenged. “Many soldiers have died from hypothermia. The remaining soldiers are struggling to stay warm!” The other leaders angrily accused and surrounded the Xian Emperor. They were ready to kill him on the spot.
The leaders shoved the Xian Emperor against the mountainside. The poor emperor crumpled to the floor and tried to defend himself. Hui Wen, the murderous leader of Qin stabbed the emperor in the calf. As the Xian Emperor cried in anguish, an arrow struck through Hui Wen’s rib cage, pierced his left lung and finished in his heart.
The Battle: March, 330 BC
Alexander congratulated his archers for starting the war. The Chinese soldiers finally spotted the hidden Greek infantry and charged. The Greek archers on higher grounds immediately shot down the front row of the Chinese infantry. The remaining Chinese infantry clashed with the Greeks, resulting in a bloodbath. Alexander’s troops were greatly out numbered, but they were efficient and effective using the Phalanx battle formation. Like a spiked war elephant, the Macedonian Phalanxes cut through the groups of Chinese infantry and crushed anything in their path. However, the Chinese archers launched storms of steelhead arrows on many phalanxes, which perforated the formation.
Chinese Calvary stampeded into the Phalanxes, only to smash into the extended pikes at the front. The pure, white, fresh fallen snow was stained with the deep, rich color of blood. Hundreds of motionless bodies lay on the battlefield. One by one, the Chinese leaders, except for the Xian emperor, charged into battle. When Alexander saw the crowned leaders charging in on horses, he wanted the pleasure of killing them himself. He commanded his horse to stampede at them.
Si Jin was the first to reach Alexander. The arrogant leader took a swing at Alexander with his iron sword. Alexander dodged Si Jin’s attack, and impaled him in the back. Two other leaders charged at Alexander from opposite sides. The King of Macedonia chose his next kill wisely. The leader storming at him from the right was covered in snow. His hands were shivering. Alexander lunged at him, knocking the sword out of his hands. The commander of the Greek army turned around and skewered the helpless Chinese leader through the chest. Seeing their fellow leaders’ cold, dead bodies, the remaining leaders retreated back up the mountain. Alexander the Great charged after them.
Even though the war was over, the clashing of swords, thudding of shields and terrorizing battle cries still echoed throughout the Himalayas. Alexander the Great climbed to the mountain where the Xian Emperor, killed by his own people, had drowned in his own blood. The Great Macedonian King announced to his army below. “Today, we attain victory!”
The "Fin" of Sharks
Sharks all around the world are hunted for their teeth, bones and most importantly, their fins. Shark finning is the inhumane practice of sawing off a shark’s fins and throwing its still living body back into the sea. Every year tens of millions of sharks die a slow and painful death because of this torture. Since the 1970s, the populations of several shark species have been decimated by over 95%. Sixty-five countries have already banned shark finning. But sadly, China, the largest consumer of shark fin soup, is not on that list.
Shark fin soup is of Chinese origin made with shark fin and flavored with chicken or other stock. The fin itself has very little flavor and it is used primarily to add texture to the dish. Because it is considered a Chinese delicacy, it is often served to guests at important events such as weddings and business banquets. Even though shark fin soup may cost up to $100 a bowl, this exuberant cost just minimally decreased the amount of sharks being slaughtered each day.
In ancient Chinese medical books, eating shark fins aids in areas of rejuvenation, appetite enhancement, and blood nourishment. It is beneficial to vital energy, kidneys, lungs, bones and many other parts of the body. However, there is no evidence to support this claim. Even if these health benefits are proven legitimate, it does not justify killing an endangered living being in order to make you healthier.
The consequences of decreased shark populations are immense. Because large shark species are apex predators, they help stabilize the ecosystem by maintaining a balanced food chain. For example, along the US East Coast, large sharks have been virtually eliminated. Therefore, their preys, such as the rays, have increased. The escalated population of rays consumed the shellfish at an unsustainable rate. Shellfish filter ocean water. Because of the dwindling shellfish population, the water quality deteriorated. Ultimately, ocean life will suffer. This leads to global food chain disruption. If you remove apex predators from the ecosystem, it’s similar to removing the supports of a building. Total collapse.
There are many ways to decrease the amount of sharks being butchered each day. First of all, DON’T EAT SHARK FIN SOUP. If you are craving it, you should eat imitation shark fin instead. It tastes really similar to the real one. Secondly, get involved with organizations fighting to save marine wildlife such as Sea Shepard, the Human Society International and Wild Aid. They all need plenty of support. You can donate money, volunteer or simply get the word out. Tell your friends about shark endangerment. Then your friends can tell their friends.
Sharks have been around for about 400 million years, much longer than humans. Sharks only kill about ten humans per year. We kill approximately 11,400 sharks per hour. Killing sharks just for their fins is inhumane and leads the disruption in the ecosystem. Will we cause the sharks’ extinction just because of our unjustifiable appetite?
Citations:
"Help Stop Shark Finning : Humane Society International." RSS. Web. 27 May 2014.
"Shark Finning - Sea Shepherd Conservation Society." Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. Web. 26 May 2014.
"Stop Shark Finning." Stop Shark Finning. Web. 27 May 2014.
Shark fin soup is of Chinese origin made with shark fin and flavored with chicken or other stock. The fin itself has very little flavor and it is used primarily to add texture to the dish. Because it is considered a Chinese delicacy, it is often served to guests at important events such as weddings and business banquets. Even though shark fin soup may cost up to $100 a bowl, this exuberant cost just minimally decreased the amount of sharks being slaughtered each day.
In ancient Chinese medical books, eating shark fins aids in areas of rejuvenation, appetite enhancement, and blood nourishment. It is beneficial to vital energy, kidneys, lungs, bones and many other parts of the body. However, there is no evidence to support this claim. Even if these health benefits are proven legitimate, it does not justify killing an endangered living being in order to make you healthier.
The consequences of decreased shark populations are immense. Because large shark species are apex predators, they help stabilize the ecosystem by maintaining a balanced food chain. For example, along the US East Coast, large sharks have been virtually eliminated. Therefore, their preys, such as the rays, have increased. The escalated population of rays consumed the shellfish at an unsustainable rate. Shellfish filter ocean water. Because of the dwindling shellfish population, the water quality deteriorated. Ultimately, ocean life will suffer. This leads to global food chain disruption. If you remove apex predators from the ecosystem, it’s similar to removing the supports of a building. Total collapse.
There are many ways to decrease the amount of sharks being butchered each day. First of all, DON’T EAT SHARK FIN SOUP. If you are craving it, you should eat imitation shark fin instead. It tastes really similar to the real one. Secondly, get involved with organizations fighting to save marine wildlife such as Sea Shepard, the Human Society International and Wild Aid. They all need plenty of support. You can donate money, volunteer or simply get the word out. Tell your friends about shark endangerment. Then your friends can tell their friends.
Sharks have been around for about 400 million years, much longer than humans. Sharks only kill about ten humans per year. We kill approximately 11,400 sharks per hour. Killing sharks just for their fins is inhumane and leads the disruption in the ecosystem. Will we cause the sharks’ extinction just because of our unjustifiable appetite?
Citations:
"Help Stop Shark Finning : Humane Society International." RSS. Web. 27 May 2014.
"Shark Finning - Sea Shepherd Conservation Society." Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. Web. 26 May 2014.
"Stop Shark Finning." Stop Shark Finning. Web. 27 May 2014.
Tuesday, May 27, 2014
Our Valuable Friendship by Sunny Lee
Oh what a joy it is,
to have a friend like you.
For giving me strength,
the way you do.
For lifting me up like an elevator,
when I’m feeling down.
Putting a smile on my face,
when I’m wearing a frown.
Thanks for being there,
and helping me grow.
Your friendship means a lot,
and I’d like you to know.
to have a friend like you.
For giving me strength,
the way you do.
For lifting me up like an elevator,
when I’m feeling down.
Putting a smile on my face,
when I’m wearing a frown.
Thanks for being there,
and helping me grow.
Your friendship means a lot,
and I’d like you to know.
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
The True Teddy by: Louisa Song
The True Teddy
By: Louisa Song
Teddy fished out a dollar from his pocket. Huh, that’s weird. Where did that come from? Teddy thought with a confused frown. Still, he clutched onto the flimsy bill tightly, because money was the only way he could get a chance for a job. Even if it was strange he found money, he still needed the money, so he was satisfied. Still holding the dirty old bill, Teddy came to a stop. On his right was a unique shop with interesting designs.
On the whiteboard decorated with Christmas lights that were way out of season, it said: SHOP CLEARANCE! 90% off all costumes!
Oh, it was a costume shop? I should get one! What a perfect way to spend my dollar! Teddy thought to himself, with his mind wondering about the different opportunities a costume held for him. He skipped over to the animal section and chose the bear costume, because people called him “Teddy Bear” because he looked like a bear. His soft brown hair, his round beady eyes; even the look of his round face made people think of a bear when they saw him.
“Where are the changing rooms?” Teddy politely asked the shop owner,
“It’s right over there by the corner. Are you trying out that bear costume?” The shop owner replied with a mysterious smile,
“Yes, I hope it fits me.” Teddy wished with a giggle,
“I hope so too, it fits you so well!” The shop owner grinned, staring at Teddy the whole time.
After Teddy made sure that the costume fit, he paid the shop owner his dollar and headed out the door. Teddy didn’t hear, but behind his counter, the shop owner whispered a word. “Transform”
Teddy continued to walk down the streets, hoping maybe a circus missing a clown might spot him and ask him to join. Teddy went through all kinds of trouble just for a job, and getting this costume was just one of his risky money-wasters.
The day went by fine, but as he took the costume off at night, he felt a burning pain, as if something had just been ripped from his skin. He put the costume back on, and it all felt better, as if he had just been shielded from a layer of thick cream to soothe his skin.
The next morning, Teddy wanted to take a shower, and also get into a new set of clean clothes. To his surprise, when he tried to take the costume off, the burning pain got stronger, and he didn’t even bother to try any more. He just kept the costume on.
That evening, Teddy thought it was too much. He ran to the costume shop to get help. He thought maybe there was a specific procedure that had to be followed to take the costume off. He ran and ran and ran. By late evening, Teddy was huffing and puffing, but he had no luck. The location of the store was perfectly clear in his mind, but he just couldn’t get there. The roads were endless and Teddy was starting to be tossed around between his nervous thoughts. Go home, or not? He slapped his face, trying to recreate the place he was at yesterday. Yes, the shop next to the electricity pole, next to the mall. When Teddy looked around, he saw the bright mall, and also the tall, buzzing electricity pole. He was in the right spot, but the shop was nowhere to be seen.
Teddy had no other option but to live with it. The pain to remove the costume was too painful for Teddy. As he struggled to adapt to his new life, he found that his voice got deeper and he didn’t like going outside. One, because he didn’t like how he had to wear the same thing everyday, but also because over the week or two in his “bear life” he realized he didn’t like socializing with people. His eating habits became more and more barbaric, and his movements became more aggressive.
At first he didn’t know, he didn’t want to admit, he was afraid to admit, but now, he had to understand. He was now a bear. There was nothing Teddy could do about his life now. All he could do was live his life until he died. Before Teddy died three years ago, he would have never imagined how much his life would influence children. He didn’t imagine how famous he would become.
Teddy’s story was widely known across the world, and people started to make “Teddy Bears” in honor of his curiosity to try new things. Companies hoped that customers would be influenced positively, and also think that “Teddy Bears” were linked tightly to humans, although they were just dolls. Some children still think “Teddy Bears” are just stuffed toys, but after they know the true story, no child will look at their old “Teddy Bear” the same way.
Thursday, March 20, 2014
Sunday, February 16, 2014
Our Valuable Friendship by Sunny Lee
Oh what a joy it is,
to have a friend like you.
For giving me strength,
the way you do.
For lifting me up like an elevator,
when I’m feeling down.
Putting a smile on my face,
when I’m wearing a frown.
Thanks for being there,
and helping me grow.
Your friendship means a lot,
and I’d like you to know.
to have a friend like you.
For giving me strength,
the way you do.
For lifting me up like an elevator,
when I’m feeling down.
Putting a smile on my face,
when I’m wearing a frown.
Thanks for being there,
and helping me grow.
Your friendship means a lot,
and I’d like you to know.
Thursday, December 12, 2013
The Book Hunter - Book Review of I Am Number Four by Sunny Lee
I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore is a science fiction novel. The main character named John Smith is a Garde (or an alien) from the planet called Lorien. He was sent to earth when he was a child with eight other Gardes to escape from the invading Mogadorians who destroyed the planet Lorien. They all never had real names, so they were each assigned a number (John was given number four). John was very young when he was sent to earth so his guardian Henri protected him up until now. John is beginning to develop legacies, in his case: telekinesis (ability to move objects at a distance by mental power) and power to transmit plasma through his hands. Earth was meant to be a safe place for training and for getting ready to fight back the Mogadorians because of what they did to Lorien back in history. But the Mogadorians followed them and are killing the Gardes one by one. ”They killed Number One in Malaysia. Number Two in England. And Number Three in Kenya.” Will John make it? This might be the end of his life.
In this dangerous yet frightening story, John, a young alien boy struggles to survive from the Mogadorians on the planet earth and activates two important messages. The first one is don’t trust others, no matter how close you are with them; rather, trust yourself. In the story, some Mogadorians are disguised as humans that pretend to help John until one night John sneaks into this house and finds out that they were in disguise. The second one is to never give up on yourself, don’t stop, in fact sometimes help will come to you. When John went in that house and started fighting the disguised Mogadorians, he ended up being cornered when suddenly his guardian Henri came to rescue. The author captures the reader’s attention by putting some great humor and detail in helping us visualize each moment in the story. Also, after parts of big climaxes, he always puts in another big conflict that we would have never thought of, but keeps the story going smoothly. The story is very straightforward, it gives many visualizing details but never puts any unnecessary text.
I Am Number Four is full of action and danger. It is a wonderful novel to read for those who enjoy action, danger, fighting and maybe even those who love mystery! I Am Number Four shows feelings of a boy that has been wanted and has been chased ever since he was a child. I think this book is good for ages 11 and up. This book is exciting and worth reading.
In this dangerous yet frightening story, John, a young alien boy struggles to survive from the Mogadorians on the planet earth and activates two important messages. The first one is don’t trust others, no matter how close you are with them; rather, trust yourself. In the story, some Mogadorians are disguised as humans that pretend to help John until one night John sneaks into this house and finds out that they were in disguise. The second one is to never give up on yourself, don’t stop, in fact sometimes help will come to you. When John went in that house and started fighting the disguised Mogadorians, he ended up being cornered when suddenly his guardian Henri came to rescue. The author captures the reader’s attention by putting some great humor and detail in helping us visualize each moment in the story. Also, after parts of big climaxes, he always puts in another big conflict that we would have never thought of, but keeps the story going smoothly. The story is very straightforward, it gives many visualizing details but never puts any unnecessary text.
I Am Number Four is full of action and danger. It is a wonderful novel to read for those who enjoy action, danger, fighting and maybe even those who love mystery! I Am Number Four shows feelings of a boy that has been wanted and has been chased ever since he was a child. I think this book is good for ages 11 and up. This book is exciting and worth reading.
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
If I Had a Time Machine
If I had a time machine,
I’d fly to the Jurassic Period.
I would steal an egg of a brachiosaurus.
If I had a time machine,
I’d fly to the 28th century.
I would get myself x-ray goggles.
If I had a time machine,
I’d fly to the Roman Empire.
I would sell a flashlight for a chunk of gold.
But most of all,
If I had a time machine,
I’d fly to yesterday.
I would finish my math homework due this morning!
Tears of My Broken Arm by Sunny lee
“Gotta hurry, gotta hurry,” I said to myself as my fingers were flying through the pile of puzzle pieces. I tried to make my right hand move as fast as I could but at the same time, my left arm was suffering in great pain.
Oh hey, are you wondering what happened to my left arm? Sorry, let me scroll back and show you how it happened from the beginning.
‘Ding ding!’ the school bell rang. “Students it’s recess time! Have fun and remember our class rule number one, be safe!” announced my teacher, Ms. McCawley, as we dashed out the door like angry elephants. My friends and I were always the first to get on the old squeaky swings. “Let’s see who can swing the highest!” my friend Lucy said.
“I bet I could beat you down easily,” I shouted back as we both started swinging.
I kicked hard off the ground. I swung my legs back and forth powerfully as I tried to reach as high as I could on my swing. But suddenly, a wind started blowing hard like a tornado was nearby. It suddenly felt like the wind was controlling my body on the swing. I started swinging out of control. My hands were starting to sweat and I started losing my grip on the swing’s rope. I felt myself slowly sliding off my swing. I swung up really high and ‘BAM!’ I flew off my swing and landed straight on the cold concrete ground with my arm first and face second.
“Ohh… I feel sore,” I groaned, as I nearly passed out. The TA (teacher assistant) came and took me to the nurse office. The nurse checked my crooked arm and called my mom. “Hello? Sunny’s Mother? Your daughter has been injured and I’m afraid she will have to be taken to the hospital.”
She paused as I heard my mom reply on the phone. “What? Injured? Hospital Okay I’ll be there in 10 minutes!” The nurse hung up on the phone as I slowly fell asleep in the clinic’s bed.
“What did you do to your arm? How bad did you hurt it that now you have to go check in the hospital?” my mom shouted, jolting me awake. She was angrier than worried when she took me to our car and drove me to the hospital. After the doctor checked my arm, I was shocked because of the four terrifying words he said, “Your arm is broken.”
For a minute my mom and I stared at each other, until for some reason that reminded me of something. “Mom! What about the puzzle competition? It’s in 3 days!” I was ready to burst into tears now. I regretted getting on those swings. I hated the wind that blew me off my swing. I also hated my friend that just had to get me competitive in something as stupid as just a little swing contest. And I suddenly recalled what my teacher said before we went to recess, “Student it’s recess time! Have fun and remember our class rule number one, be safe!”
“Be safe…” I whispered to myself. I started feeling so mad and angry and wanted to give up on everything. The doctor said he had to put a cast on my arm, because if he didn't then later on I wouldn’t even be able to move my arm and the bone would get dislocated badly. I had to listen to the doctor, what choice did I have?
The next day I was depressed. My mood went straight down, like a roller coaster. Whenever I went out of my house I felt like everyone was staring at my arm. By the time I got into the school area, everyone was gathered to ask questions about it.
That day was bad enough, but it got worse when I came home. My mom had just finished a phone call and looked at me frozen. “What happened?” I asked.
“Your friends were talking about it and the news spread to the people who organized the puzzle competition. And they said that you couldn’t join anymore. They said according to the rules of the competition, it stated that each contestant must be a condition where they are able to compete fairly with the other contestants, which includes being able to use both of your arms.” She slowed down towards the end. By the time she finished speaking I was already on the floor crying.
When my mom called me down for dinner, she was all happy and jumpy. I asked her why and she said, “I almost forgot to tell you! After you went up to your room I felt sad because I knew you were really excited for the competition. So, I called the competition judges and talked to them, a very long time actually, and they said that they would allow you back in the competition.” That made my ears twitch. Did I hear her wrong? In a moment I was out of my chair dancing around. I dashed into my room and started timing myself doing different piece puzzles because I never knew how many piece puzzles they might give me to do. I started from 2000, then 5000, then 10,000 and so on.
The 3 days passed and now I was in the puzzle stadium, shaking hands with the other players. My heart was beating at the speed of light. All the other player’s hands and fingers were all big and long. Everyone was at least 12 years old. And I looked at my hands, all short and small. And I was only 6 years old. I only had one comfortable hand to use, and it wasn’t even my dominant hand. When I was just calming myself down, the whistle blew and the competition started. Everyone threw open the 10,000 puzzle piece box and started matching the pieces. I started to think “Oh my gosh I think I should just get out of here.” But my fingers became more and more comfortable and flexible. My fingers were flying through the pile of puzzle pieces and my work. In about 15-20 minutes I was done and I raised my hand. The judges came and made sure my pieces were all in the right place. I sat, more confident then ever: I knew I was the winner. I looked up and around myself with a big smile. But when I turned my head back, I started thinking something was wrong.
The judges looked frozen and were slowly shaking their heads at each other while the other contestants, and the whole audience, focused on the judges and me. There was a large pause until one of the judges finally made a sudden movement. They held my arm up and blew the whistle. I made it. Even with a broken arm. I beat everyone. I was overjoyed when the judges handed me my trophy. I waved at the audience and held up the trophy with both arms, feeling confident. My left arm felt a sharp pain when I lifted the trophy, but come on. I won this. Did it really matter anymore?
Oh hey, are you wondering what happened to my left arm? Sorry, let me scroll back and show you how it happened from the beginning.
‘Ding ding!’ the school bell rang. “Students it’s recess time! Have fun and remember our class rule number one, be safe!” announced my teacher, Ms. McCawley, as we dashed out the door like angry elephants. My friends and I were always the first to get on the old squeaky swings. “Let’s see who can swing the highest!” my friend Lucy said.
“I bet I could beat you down easily,” I shouted back as we both started swinging.
I kicked hard off the ground. I swung my legs back and forth powerfully as I tried to reach as high as I could on my swing. But suddenly, a wind started blowing hard like a tornado was nearby. It suddenly felt like the wind was controlling my body on the swing. I started swinging out of control. My hands were starting to sweat and I started losing my grip on the swing’s rope. I felt myself slowly sliding off my swing. I swung up really high and ‘BAM!’ I flew off my swing and landed straight on the cold concrete ground with my arm first and face second.
“Ohh… I feel sore,” I groaned, as I nearly passed out. The TA (teacher assistant) came and took me to the nurse office. The nurse checked my crooked arm and called my mom. “Hello? Sunny’s Mother? Your daughter has been injured and I’m afraid she will have to be taken to the hospital.”
She paused as I heard my mom reply on the phone. “What? Injured? Hospital Okay I’ll be there in 10 minutes!” The nurse hung up on the phone as I slowly fell asleep in the clinic’s bed.
“What did you do to your arm? How bad did you hurt it that now you have to go check in the hospital?” my mom shouted, jolting me awake. She was angrier than worried when she took me to our car and drove me to the hospital. After the doctor checked my arm, I was shocked because of the four terrifying words he said, “Your arm is broken.”
For a minute my mom and I stared at each other, until for some reason that reminded me of something. “Mom! What about the puzzle competition? It’s in 3 days!” I was ready to burst into tears now. I regretted getting on those swings. I hated the wind that blew me off my swing. I also hated my friend that just had to get me competitive in something as stupid as just a little swing contest. And I suddenly recalled what my teacher said before we went to recess, “Student it’s recess time! Have fun and remember our class rule number one, be safe!”
“Be safe…” I whispered to myself. I started feeling so mad and angry and wanted to give up on everything. The doctor said he had to put a cast on my arm, because if he didn't then later on I wouldn’t even be able to move my arm and the bone would get dislocated badly. I had to listen to the doctor, what choice did I have?
The next day I was depressed. My mood went straight down, like a roller coaster. Whenever I went out of my house I felt like everyone was staring at my arm. By the time I got into the school area, everyone was gathered to ask questions about it.
That day was bad enough, but it got worse when I came home. My mom had just finished a phone call and looked at me frozen. “What happened?” I asked.
“Your friends were talking about it and the news spread to the people who organized the puzzle competition. And they said that you couldn’t join anymore. They said according to the rules of the competition, it stated that each contestant must be a condition where they are able to compete fairly with the other contestants, which includes being able to use both of your arms.” She slowed down towards the end. By the time she finished speaking I was already on the floor crying.
When my mom called me down for dinner, she was all happy and jumpy. I asked her why and she said, “I almost forgot to tell you! After you went up to your room I felt sad because I knew you were really excited for the competition. So, I called the competition judges and talked to them, a very long time actually, and they said that they would allow you back in the competition.” That made my ears twitch. Did I hear her wrong? In a moment I was out of my chair dancing around. I dashed into my room and started timing myself doing different piece puzzles because I never knew how many piece puzzles they might give me to do. I started from 2000, then 5000, then 10,000 and so on.
The 3 days passed and now I was in the puzzle stadium, shaking hands with the other players. My heart was beating at the speed of light. All the other player’s hands and fingers were all big and long. Everyone was at least 12 years old. And I looked at my hands, all short and small. And I was only 6 years old. I only had one comfortable hand to use, and it wasn’t even my dominant hand. When I was just calming myself down, the whistle blew and the competition started. Everyone threw open the 10,000 puzzle piece box and started matching the pieces. I started to think “Oh my gosh I think I should just get out of here.” But my fingers became more and more comfortable and flexible. My fingers were flying through the pile of puzzle pieces and my work. In about 15-20 minutes I was done and I raised my hand. The judges came and made sure my pieces were all in the right place. I sat, more confident then ever: I knew I was the winner. I looked up and around myself with a big smile. But when I turned my head back, I started thinking something was wrong.
The judges looked frozen and were slowly shaking their heads at each other while the other contestants, and the whole audience, focused on the judges and me. There was a large pause until one of the judges finally made a sudden movement. They held my arm up and blew the whistle. I made it. Even with a broken arm. I beat everyone. I was overjoyed when the judges handed me my trophy. I waved at the audience and held up the trophy with both arms, feeling confident. My left arm felt a sharp pain when I lifted the trophy, but come on. I won this. Did it really matter anymore?
Monday, December 9, 2013
Never Ever Give Up
One False Note is a Fantasy and Adventure book written by Gordan Korman. This enthralling story maps out the life of young orphans Amy and Dan Cahill as they venture to find the 39 clues left behind from their dead grandmother in order to attain an unknown prize. Deciding that there was nothing left to lose in their life, the two orphans compete against their own family relatives in order to find all the clues, but will they be able to withstand the brutal attacks of their cousin competitors?
The message of this book teaches me a very valuable lesson, to never give up. Sometimes the character’s determination starts to diminish but the last inspiring words of their grandmother keep their spirits up. The author’s story map is thrilling. One moment they are safe the other they are trapped in their competitor’s ship, threatened to be killed!
The story mountain is a wiggly path filled with invigoration, excitement and suspense. “They were cornered, from the floor Dan pulled up a hockey stick wrapped in brown paper. At that moment, Eisenhower Holt took a running leap at the door. With a teeth-jarring crash, the hatch splintered loose and slammed into Dan. The boy went down hard. The stick clattered to the floor. Blinded by rage, Amy snatched the stick and broke it over Eisenhower’s head. The big man absorbed the blow, wobbled, and collapsed on a mailbag. The victory was short-lived. Holts stormed the car. Madison Holt grabbed Amy by the collar. Reagan Holt yanked Dan upright. They were caught.” This paragraph clearly shows the breathtaking events of this story and rapid action. This part of this story also describes the scene in detail marking that this story is well written.
The only weakness Korman has is his lack of use of good and vivid vocabulary; he should use more specific dialogue and vocabulary that would enhance the picture in the reader’s mind.
My favorite character in this book is Amy Cahill. She is a sweet and shy yet very intelligent girl. Her affection and understanding for her brother and friends is my most admirable part of her personality. I like how the author gave a loving character to an action filled story.
By- Gauri Kaushik 7-7
The message of this book teaches me a very valuable lesson, to never give up. Sometimes the character’s determination starts to diminish but the last inspiring words of their grandmother keep their spirits up. The author’s story map is thrilling. One moment they are safe the other they are trapped in their competitor’s ship, threatened to be killed!
The story mountain is a wiggly path filled with invigoration, excitement and suspense. “They were cornered, from the floor Dan pulled up a hockey stick wrapped in brown paper. At that moment, Eisenhower Holt took a running leap at the door. With a teeth-jarring crash, the hatch splintered loose and slammed into Dan. The boy went down hard. The stick clattered to the floor. Blinded by rage, Amy snatched the stick and broke it over Eisenhower’s head. The big man absorbed the blow, wobbled, and collapsed on a mailbag. The victory was short-lived. Holts stormed the car. Madison Holt grabbed Amy by the collar. Reagan Holt yanked Dan upright. They were caught.” This paragraph clearly shows the breathtaking events of this story and rapid action. This part of this story also describes the scene in detail marking that this story is well written.
The only weakness Korman has is his lack of use of good and vivid vocabulary; he should use more specific dialogue and vocabulary that would enhance the picture in the reader’s mind.
My favorite character in this book is Amy Cahill. She is a sweet and shy yet very intelligent girl. Her affection and understanding for her brother and friends is my most admirable part of her personality. I like how the author gave a loving character to an action filled story.
By- Gauri Kaushik 7-7
Autumn by Eileen Lee
Autumn
Season after summer, before winter,
I feel wind gushing on my face,
Disappearing warmth, appearing breeze,
I hear people sneeze with red noses,
Breeze making people shiver like vibrating phones,
Feels like autumn is welcoming me to winter.
Season of the warm colors,
Full of red, orange, yellow,
Path covered with maple leaves,
As people walk, I hear crumpling sound of crispy leaves,
Feels like autumn is making me comfortable from the sound and colors.
Season of fruits,
I see fruits hanging on trees,
Apples, grapes, pears,
About to fall,
Feels like autumn is tempting me to overeat.
One of the four seasons, autumn,
Autumn passes again leaving the cold air and color orange,
Then we will have to wait for autumn to come again.
At the Brink: A Seatbelt Story
At the Brink: A Seatbelt Story
By: Gauri Kaushik
“Shock” was the word that occurred to me when I tried to summarize being at the brink of danger; the terror almost stopped my heart that day. That memory was so fresh in my mind as it was only yesterday when it occurred.
It was a cold and fragile, January afternoon. It was about 3 o’clock and the sun was a few hours away from setting. My dad picked my sister and I up from school and we were heading of to our house in our sleek black car. I was only seven at that time, but that day I learned a very important safety lesson, always wear you’re seatbelt!
When I was young I always thought that it was pointless to wear a seatbelt. Seatbelts were the annoying and strappy barriers that kept me from wriggling in my seat. They had always been the negative point of a wonderful drive. But, that day I realized what an important part it played in road safety.
“Put you’re seatbelt on!” Commanded my father as he started the silent engine.
I felt a diminutive jerk and I knew the car had started. The low rumble of the car’s engine was starting to diminish as I shifted closer to the door peering down at the vacant and ice sheeted roads of Baku, Azerbaijan. My heart skipped a beat as I felt the car jerk to the left. The blood pounded in my eyes, and temporarily, all I heard was my heart beating thunderously. Suddenly, everything came back in slow motion. The only sound that I could discern was my sister yelling her lungs out, my dad trying to control the car. I felt my body yanked from my seat from the momentum of the car, as my body crashed against the front. The car stopped abruptly! The car front was inches away from an electricity pole.
“Everything is alright” I comforted myself softly under my breath when I realized nothing had happened.
We were miles away from our house. The car wheel was stuck in the deep snow. The only thing that could drive us back was broken. We were officially stranded. 20 minutes had somehow passed; my dad was trying to fix the tire with no outcome. Soon, mom would be calling. Suddenly out of the blue two men came running in our direction. Although we could not speak Azeri, the men helped my dad pick the car’s wheel from the deep snow. The chilly wind was howling in my ears. Finally, on the third attempt, the wheel came out. My dad, my sister and I were shortly heading home.
By: Gauri Kaushik
“Shock” was the word that occurred to me when I tried to summarize being at the brink of danger; the terror almost stopped my heart that day. That memory was so fresh in my mind as it was only yesterday when it occurred.
It was a cold and fragile, January afternoon. It was about 3 o’clock and the sun was a few hours away from setting. My dad picked my sister and I up from school and we were heading of to our house in our sleek black car. I was only seven at that time, but that day I learned a very important safety lesson, always wear you’re seatbelt!
When I was young I always thought that it was pointless to wear a seatbelt. Seatbelts were the annoying and strappy barriers that kept me from wriggling in my seat. They had always been the negative point of a wonderful drive. But, that day I realized what an important part it played in road safety.
“Put you’re seatbelt on!” Commanded my father as he started the silent engine.
I felt a diminutive jerk and I knew the car had started. The low rumble of the car’s engine was starting to diminish as I shifted closer to the door peering down at the vacant and ice sheeted roads of Baku, Azerbaijan. My heart skipped a beat as I felt the car jerk to the left. The blood pounded in my eyes, and temporarily, all I heard was my heart beating thunderously. Suddenly, everything came back in slow motion. The only sound that I could discern was my sister yelling her lungs out, my dad trying to control the car. I felt my body yanked from my seat from the momentum of the car, as my body crashed against the front. The car stopped abruptly! The car front was inches away from an electricity pole.
“Everything is alright” I comforted myself softly under my breath when I realized nothing had happened.
We were miles away from our house. The car wheel was stuck in the deep snow. The only thing that could drive us back was broken. We were officially stranded. 20 minutes had somehow passed; my dad was trying to fix the tire with no outcome. Soon, mom would be calling. Suddenly out of the blue two men came running in our direction. Although we could not speak Azeri, the men helped my dad pick the car’s wheel from the deep snow. The chilly wind was howling in my ears. Finally, on the third attempt, the wheel came out. My dad, my sister and I were shortly heading home.
Happiness Is
Happiness is 11, from a scale of one to ten,
playing with a farm animal, in a rusty old pen.
Happiness is an ice cream cone, with lots and lots of sprinkles,
staring up in the night sky, with galaxy stars that twinkle.
Happiness is a smile, on a dark rainy day,
you caring to listen, to every word I say.
Happiness is dining, on a very special night,
at a very special place, where it’s colorful and bright.
Happiness is all of this, and much much more.
Happiness is all around, I’m sure you’ve experienced before.
playing with a farm animal, in a rusty old pen.
Happiness is an ice cream cone, with lots and lots of sprinkles,
staring up in the night sky, with galaxy stars that twinkle.
Happiness is a smile, on a dark rainy day,
you caring to listen, to every word I say.
Happiness is dining, on a very special night,
at a very special place, where it’s colorful and bright.
Happiness is all of this, and much much more.
Happiness is all around, I’m sure you’ve experienced before.
Summer Camp by Sung
Over the summer vacation I attended a tremendously enjoyable camp where I learned about leadership, teamwork, friendship, cultural differences, and human rights called the Children’s International Summer Village, also known as CISV. The camp takes place in various countries all over the world. This year Korea had the chance to participate in seven different camps. Four children that are 11 to 12 years of age are chosen from each country to attend a camp. It is generally two boys and two girls. For our safety there is also a leader that assists us throughout the entire month we are at the campsite. Luckily, I was selected to go to Denmark with three other kids representing the Korean delegation. Our leader was a woman named Amy who has taken part in this camp at the Netherlands. She was a responsible 21 years old and was enthusiastic to help us spend a wonderful time at Denmark.
Even though it was already my second time staying away from my parents the feeling of sadness and nervousness overwhelmed me. Also, the unfortunate part was that we were restricted to bring any sort of electronic to the camp. This may have been a hard job for me, despite that, I believe I did a good job of cutting down myself from electronics. In total the camp was four weeks. During the four weeks we have two “home-stay” sessions when you do all the laundry and alleviate your hyper mind after participating in all those exciting activities in the campsite. Usually you get to go with a good friend of yours you have made in camp. The first home-stay was before the camp, and in general, most people that volunteer for hosting kids are parents that have sent their child to the camp or have been associated with CISV. The parents take us on tours in Denmark and just chill out at home or the beach. As a result to these homestays I had a chance to tour around Central Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, and visit a lake in the town.
The area of the campsite was in a town called Vaerlose close to Copenhagen in a school. We slept in classrooms on mattresses with approximately 10 kids in each room and ate in the art classroom of the school. We were provided with pillows and sheets as well. At the camp there were a total of 13 delegations. It was interesting that only two delegations came from Asia, Korea (Seoul) and China (Guang Zhou). The rest of the people were mostly from Europe and America: Norway, Great Britain, The Netherlands, France, Germany, USA, Brazil, Peru, Italy, and two teams from Denmark.
Even though CISV is an education program, the camp does not contain much studying, instead we learn through activities and friendship. Most of the activities require co-operation, communication, teamwork, and trust. For example, we had an activity session where all of us lie down in a long line side by side. Sooner or later we lift our arm up and have to cooperate and pass down every one of us along the long line.
During the camp every single country had to prepare for something called a National Night. Each country is assigned a whole activity session to share their culture and some basic facts about their home country. Our delegation performed and shared lots of unique possessions of Korea and ourselves in person. In the beginning, we wore our traditional costume that a lot of people said looked gorgeous and taught everyone our cultural bow. Our martial art, Taekwondo, was nicely demonstrated to the camp as well and our highlight was of course ‘Gangnam Style’. As soon as we started to dance to the music, everyone stood up and jumped about struggling to mimic our correct, original way of dancing. The National Night was so much fun and the entire camp had a wonderful night.
My most memorable activity was handicapped day. This may sound uncomfortable and frustrating, however it was a great experience for me. In the morning, all of us received a certain handicap we had to struggle with, for the entire day. Some people were blind, armless, unable to talk, deaf, had a broken arm or leg. I received a handicap to walk on one leg; luckily I could still eat freely and communicate without much trouble. Unfortunately, we had a soccer match scheduled that day. I was extremely shocked after I heard that since soccer is all about your two legs, and I lacked one leg, that made it impossible for me to kick or run fast. By the end, I guided a blind friend and became his eyes while he replaced my legs. Even though I was not running a lot, since I had to balance myself on one leg the pain was really bad. I had to admit it was the worst soccer game I have ever played in my life. Even though, it was a little frustrating and distracting to be handicapped for the whole day but I did certainly learn a lesson about human rights. Through experience I could reflect that disabled people still have the right to live and be a useful person making a difference towards the world.
As a result to these four weeks of camp I might not have gained the knowledge of academics, but I am definitely sure it was a great chance for me to develop into a better person. Through this camp I also did make marvelous friends all over the world. I dare say these memories will always be a part of my life.
Even though it was already my second time staying away from my parents the feeling of sadness and nervousness overwhelmed me. Also, the unfortunate part was that we were restricted to bring any sort of electronic to the camp. This may have been a hard job for me, despite that, I believe I did a good job of cutting down myself from electronics. In total the camp was four weeks. During the four weeks we have two “home-stay” sessions when you do all the laundry and alleviate your hyper mind after participating in all those exciting activities in the campsite. Usually you get to go with a good friend of yours you have made in camp. The first home-stay was before the camp, and in general, most people that volunteer for hosting kids are parents that have sent their child to the camp or have been associated with CISV. The parents take us on tours in Denmark and just chill out at home or the beach. As a result to these homestays I had a chance to tour around Central Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, and visit a lake in the town.
The area of the campsite was in a town called Vaerlose close to Copenhagen in a school. We slept in classrooms on mattresses with approximately 10 kids in each room and ate in the art classroom of the school. We were provided with pillows and sheets as well. At the camp there were a total of 13 delegations. It was interesting that only two delegations came from Asia, Korea (Seoul) and China (Guang Zhou). The rest of the people were mostly from Europe and America: Norway, Great Britain, The Netherlands, France, Germany, USA, Brazil, Peru, Italy, and two teams from Denmark.
Even though CISV is an education program, the camp does not contain much studying, instead we learn through activities and friendship. Most of the activities require co-operation, communication, teamwork, and trust. For example, we had an activity session where all of us lie down in a long line side by side. Sooner or later we lift our arm up and have to cooperate and pass down every one of us along the long line.
During the camp every single country had to prepare for something called a National Night. Each country is assigned a whole activity session to share their culture and some basic facts about their home country. Our delegation performed and shared lots of unique possessions of Korea and ourselves in person. In the beginning, we wore our traditional costume that a lot of people said looked gorgeous and taught everyone our cultural bow. Our martial art, Taekwondo, was nicely demonstrated to the camp as well and our highlight was of course ‘Gangnam Style’. As soon as we started to dance to the music, everyone stood up and jumped about struggling to mimic our correct, original way of dancing. The National Night was so much fun and the entire camp had a wonderful night.
My most memorable activity was handicapped day. This may sound uncomfortable and frustrating, however it was a great experience for me. In the morning, all of us received a certain handicap we had to struggle with, for the entire day. Some people were blind, armless, unable to talk, deaf, had a broken arm or leg. I received a handicap to walk on one leg; luckily I could still eat freely and communicate without much trouble. Unfortunately, we had a soccer match scheduled that day. I was extremely shocked after I heard that since soccer is all about your two legs, and I lacked one leg, that made it impossible for me to kick or run fast. By the end, I guided a blind friend and became his eyes while he replaced my legs. Even though I was not running a lot, since I had to balance myself on one leg the pain was really bad. I had to admit it was the worst soccer game I have ever played in my life. Even though, it was a little frustrating and distracting to be handicapped for the whole day but I did certainly learn a lesson about human rights. Through experience I could reflect that disabled people still have the right to live and be a useful person making a difference towards the world.
As a result to these four weeks of camp I might not have gained the knowledge of academics, but I am definitely sure it was a great chance for me to develop into a better person. Through this camp I also did make marvelous friends all over the world. I dare say these memories will always be a part of my life.
Business Letter by Seth
November 29, 2013
Apple Campus
20525 Mariana Avenue,
Cupertino, CA
Dear Apple:
Why hasn’t your company designed a video game console yet? Apple has the capability to design the best one on the market! Apple can quickly catch up and eventually overrun the other companies currently designing game consoles.
Time and time again, Apple has proven its ability to design stunning and powerful interfaces and operating systems. If Apple made a console, I have no doubt that it would be just as impressive as the operating systems Apple has made previously. Operating systems are not the only thing Apple is good at. Apple is also capable of making tons of features and powerful tools for almost anything one can think of. I don’t see how this expertise couldn’t be transferred into making a state-of-the-art video game console.
The Apple ID and iCloud wireless features have been extremely successful in keeping all data and media across all Apple devices up to date. It would be a major hit if these features were applied to a video game console. That would make the console the center of all media and data in its location. All the photos, movies, TV shows, music, apps, game center profile, and social networking apps in one place, on large screen would make for a popular entertainment hub. And the best thing is, millions of people already have Apple IDs, thus making it even simpler to use an Apple console.
Apple already has hundreds of third-party app and game developers who would be eager to design games for an Apple video game console. Many other developers would gladly join along that same path if they were convinced that the console would be popular, which it will be.
There are one or two things you might want to change before making a console. Many kids aged 10 and up own Apple devices. Most of the time kids share an Apple ID with their parents, but I think there should be a feature that enables one to add a side account for a child (or whatever else they might need it for). This would be good because you could add gift cards to side accounts and keep a 4 number pin could keep your credit card safe. Parental controls could be used, but at the same time allow children to download free apps that are appropriate. iCloud settings could be managed so that side accounts can download media without also putting it on the main account. This is relevant to gaming consoles because many kids will want to have an Apple console.
Apple has the strongest reputation for electronics in the world, and I can clearly envision Apple succeeding because of the ability Apple has to develop and create. It would be a major investment, but I believe it would be worthwhile.
Regards,
Seth Hodges
‘And Then There Were None' by Sung
‘And Then There Were None’
-Agatha Christie
The most favored Mystery writer, Agatha Christie, branded ‘Queen of Crime’ begins another thriller piece. Agatha Christie opens the beginning of the book with eight people receiving an invitation from a stranger named Una Nancy Owen. They are invited to come over to Mr. Owen’s private island off the coast of Devon, to stay with him for the weekend. The people are slightly astonished by the letter, despite that they still decide to go visit without realizing the malicious purpose behind it. The eight guests unexpectedly meet on the boat that is heading off to the island. They are surprised at each other, since they did not know anything about other visitors. None of them seem to know each other, all they have in common is a murder they have committed in the past. Beginning that evening, the guests start getting murdered one by one.
The novel was set on a private island off the coast that no one lived on. It was the perfect site ever to commit a crime, if I were the killer I definitely would have trapped the people I wanted to murder in one area where everyone is in risk of death. The smaller the area is the better it would be for the criminal. There may not be an easy way to get around suspicion, however this sort of location would be the easiest, quickest, and the most efficient way to commit murders.
The two literary devices that cover most of the story was allusion, and of course irony. Agatha Christie made an allusion to the poem, ‘Ten Little Indians.’ The crimes happened all based upon how each Indian died in the poem. Anthony Marston died of cyanide poisoning, just like the beginning of the poem, “Ten little Indian boys went out to dine; one choked his little self and then there were nine.”
In the ending when the criminal confesses that he was the murderer, it was the biggest irony of the entire book. He was one of the people I was never suspicious of, since he displayed the most determination to find out the killer. He also has a type of job that is actually opposite to crimes and murders.
Throughout the entire book Agatha Christie continuously kept me wondering about the real criminal. Every chapter was thrilling and she never left a huge clue that made me suspicious about a certain person. Agatha Christie kept me thinking till the very end of the book. This is the reason she writes the world’s best mystery books and is known as the ‘Queen of Crime.’
-Agatha Christie
The most favored Mystery writer, Agatha Christie, branded ‘Queen of Crime’ begins another thriller piece. Agatha Christie opens the beginning of the book with eight people receiving an invitation from a stranger named Una Nancy Owen. They are invited to come over to Mr. Owen’s private island off the coast of Devon, to stay with him for the weekend. The people are slightly astonished by the letter, despite that they still decide to go visit without realizing the malicious purpose behind it. The eight guests unexpectedly meet on the boat that is heading off to the island. They are surprised at each other, since they did not know anything about other visitors. None of them seem to know each other, all they have in common is a murder they have committed in the past. Beginning that evening, the guests start getting murdered one by one.
The novel was set on a private island off the coast that no one lived on. It was the perfect site ever to commit a crime, if I were the killer I definitely would have trapped the people I wanted to murder in one area where everyone is in risk of death. The smaller the area is the better it would be for the criminal. There may not be an easy way to get around suspicion, however this sort of location would be the easiest, quickest, and the most efficient way to commit murders.
The two literary devices that cover most of the story was allusion, and of course irony. Agatha Christie made an allusion to the poem, ‘Ten Little Indians.’ The crimes happened all based upon how each Indian died in the poem. Anthony Marston died of cyanide poisoning, just like the beginning of the poem, “Ten little Indian boys went out to dine; one choked his little self and then there were nine.”
In the ending when the criminal confesses that he was the murderer, it was the biggest irony of the entire book. He was one of the people I was never suspicious of, since he displayed the most determination to find out the killer. He also has a type of job that is actually opposite to crimes and murders.
Throughout the entire book Agatha Christie continuously kept me wondering about the real criminal. Every chapter was thrilling and she never left a huge clue that made me suspicious about a certain person. Agatha Christie kept me thinking till the very end of the book. This is the reason she writes the world’s best mystery books and is known as the ‘Queen of Crime.’
Thursday, December 5, 2013
Winter
A white sky dressed in a cloak of gray clouds
Weeping icy tears of snow
Breathing a shivering gale that chills to the bone
Browning the leaves with a frosty touch
Draping a blanket of white across the world
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)