The Remote Controls
Children are watching way too much TV. How much? The answer may surprise you
By Jonathan Rosenbloom
Kids are watching more TV than ever, says a recent study of 6,700 young people. The study, conducted by Nielsen Company, finds that kids from ages 2 to 11 are watching the tube for a total of more than one day a week. TV's youngest viewers, children from 2 to 5 watch, on average, more than 32 hours a week. Kids 6 to 11 watch more than 28 hours. The reason for fewer hours for the older group: They are in school while preschoolers are often home during the day. The number of viewing hours is at an eight-year high.
Why So Much TV?
How many hours a day do you spend in front of the TV?
What's the reason for the increased tube watching? According to Patricia McDonough, a Nielsen senior vice president, more and more shows are aimed at kids. McDonough points out that video-on-demand is very popular among the youngest kids who watch their favorite shows over and over.
The report says kids are mostly watching live TV, but they're also watching taped shows on DVRs and programs on DVDs. Also, kids ages 6 to 11 play video games on a TV for an average of nearly two and a half hours each week.
What does all this viewing mean? Sitting in front of the tube could lead to weight gain since viewers could--and should--be doing something active instead. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics--a group made up of doctors who treat children--recommends that kids under 2 should not watch TV at all. And kids older than 2 should limit their TV time to less than two hours a day.
Michael-I think that watching TV is not a good thing but watching TV can entertain us. A lot of children watch a lot of TV. Watching TV has some advantages and disadvantages. Watching TV can learn some knowledge from it. And TV can also help us relax. But TV can also damage our eye sight and make us near sighted. Watching TV is children will do every day. Children watch over twenty hours in an average. We shouldn’t watch too much TV. Or it will harm our health. A lot of couch potatoes watch a lot of TV and don’t exercise; you will gain a lot of weight and get over weight. Some people even eat snacks while they are watching TV, and this will let them get over weight more quickly. Watch thirty minutes of TV and take a small break to let your eyes relax. Watching TV 2 hours a day will make you more healthier.
2009年11月7日 星期六
2009年10月9日 星期五
Obama Wins Nobel Peace Prize
October 9, 2009
Obama Wins Nobel Peace Prize
The President heard the surprise news when he woke up this morning
By Jonathan Rosenbloom
In a surprise announcement this morning, President Barack Obama was named the winner of the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize. The prize is one of the highest honors given to an individual or a group. The announcement was made in Oslo, Norway, headquarters of the prize committee.
CHARLES DHARAPAKPObama met with the leaders of Israel and the Palestinian Authority in September.
The Nobel Committee said that Obama's efforts to make the world a better place were the reason for the award. They said that the President's goals to reduce the world's supply of nuclear weapons, to improve relations with Muslim countries and to increase the U.S. role in dealing with climate change made him the best candidate for the award. There were 172 other people nominated for the prize.
"I do not feel that I deserve to be in the company of so many [important people] that have been honored by this prize," Obama said. "I will accept this award as a call to action, a call for all nations to confront the challenges of the 21st century."
The Norwegian Nobel Committee's chairman, Thorbjoern Jagland noted: "Only very rarely has a person to the same extent as Obama captured the world's attention and given its people hope for a better future."
A Big Surprise
The award was a total surprise to the President, who was asleep when the announcement was made. (Oslo time is six hours ahead of Washington, D.C.) White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said Obama heard the news when he woke up before 6:00 this morning. The Norwegian Nobel Committee decided not to let Obama know before they made the public announcement. "Waking up a president in the middle of the night isn't something you do," Jagland said.
Since 1901, scientists and scholars have been awarded Nobel Prizes for their outstanding achievements in science, literature and peace. The Nobel Prize was named for Swedish dynamite inventor Alfred Nobel. He left almost all of his fortune to help set up the prizes. In his will, Nobel said that he wanted the prizes to be awarded to those who have had the "greatest benefit to mankind." Since then, the award committee has gone beyond peace in awarding the prize. Now it includes people and groups who are making efforts to fight poverty, illness and environmental issues.
Until Obama's win, the last U.S. President to receive the prize while in office was Woodrow Wilson in 1919. The other was Theodore Roosevelt who was given the award in 1906. Former President Jimmy Carter received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002, more than 20 years after he left office.
Michael-This time America president-Barack Obama wins the Nobel Peace prize. President Obama had a surprise, because when the announcement made it was in the middle night of America so President Obama was still asleep. The Nobel prize is a great honor to give to a person. Make the world a better place was the reason why President Obama got the Nobel Peace prize. I think that people who can get Nobel prizes are really geniuses. A lot of people have got the Nobel prizes. Maybe someday, we will might get the Nobel Prize.
Obama Wins Nobel Peace Prize
The President heard the surprise news when he woke up this morning
By Jonathan Rosenbloom
In a surprise announcement this morning, President Barack Obama was named the winner of the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize. The prize is one of the highest honors given to an individual or a group. The announcement was made in Oslo, Norway, headquarters of the prize committee.
CHARLES DHARAPAKPObama met with the leaders of Israel and the Palestinian Authority in September.
The Nobel Committee said that Obama's efforts to make the world a better place were the reason for the award. They said that the President's goals to reduce the world's supply of nuclear weapons, to improve relations with Muslim countries and to increase the U.S. role in dealing with climate change made him the best candidate for the award. There were 172 other people nominated for the prize.
"I do not feel that I deserve to be in the company of so many [important people] that have been honored by this prize," Obama said. "I will accept this award as a call to action, a call for all nations to confront the challenges of the 21st century."
The Norwegian Nobel Committee's chairman, Thorbjoern Jagland noted: "Only very rarely has a person to the same extent as Obama captured the world's attention and given its people hope for a better future."
A Big Surprise
The award was a total surprise to the President, who was asleep when the announcement was made. (Oslo time is six hours ahead of Washington, D.C.) White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said Obama heard the news when he woke up before 6:00 this morning. The Norwegian Nobel Committee decided not to let Obama know before they made the public announcement. "Waking up a president in the middle of the night isn't something you do," Jagland said.
Since 1901, scientists and scholars have been awarded Nobel Prizes for their outstanding achievements in science, literature and peace. The Nobel Prize was named for Swedish dynamite inventor Alfred Nobel. He left almost all of his fortune to help set up the prizes. In his will, Nobel said that he wanted the prizes to be awarded to those who have had the "greatest benefit to mankind." Since then, the award committee has gone beyond peace in awarding the prize. Now it includes people and groups who are making efforts to fight poverty, illness and environmental issues.
Until Obama's win, the last U.S. President to receive the prize while in office was Woodrow Wilson in 1919. The other was Theodore Roosevelt who was given the award in 1906. Former President Jimmy Carter received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002, more than 20 years after he left office.
Michael-This time America president-Barack Obama wins the Nobel Peace prize. President Obama had a surprise, because when the announcement made it was in the middle night of America so President Obama was still asleep. The Nobel prize is a great honor to give to a person. Make the world a better place was the reason why President Obama got the Nobel Peace prize. I think that people who can get Nobel prizes are really geniuses. A lot of people have got the Nobel prizes. Maybe someday, we will might get the Nobel Prize.
2009年10月7日 星期三
Saturn's Super-Sized Ring
Saturn's Super-Sized Ring
NASA scientists discover a huge new ring around Saturn
By Suzanne Zimbler
When you think of Saturn, you probably picture a planet surrounded by colorful rings. For years, Saturn was known to have seven main rings. But on Tuesday, NASA scientists announced that they had spotted an eighth.
NASA/PA/APSaturn's never-before-seen ring is the largest in the solar system.
This never-before-seen ring is not only Saturn's biggest. It is also the largest in our solar system. "This is one super-sized ring," said Anne Verbiscer, one of the astronomers who worked on the study. According to scientists, the ring is so huge that it would take one billion Earths to fill it.
Seeing Rings
Four hundred years ago, Galileo got the first glimpse of Saturn's rings using his telescope. NASA scientists also used a telescope to spot the new ring. The Spitzer telescope, launched in 2003, orbits the sun while taking pictures of faraway objects in space.
The new ring is almost invisible to the human eye. But the Spitzer telescope can detect the glow of extremely cold objects, such as the giant ring, which is minus 316ºF. "By focusing on the glow of the ring's cool dust, Spitzer made it easy to find," said Verbiscer.
Made of Moondust
NASAScientists think the giant ring is made up of dust from Saturn's moon Phoebe.
The colossal hoop circles Saturn from a distance of eight million miles. It is 50 times farther away from Saturn than the planet's other rings. It also has a completely different tilt.
The giant ring is made up of a thin layer of dust. Scientists think the dust comes from Saturn's moon Phoebe. Why? Phoebe orbits within the ring. Its dents and marks make it clear that Phoebe has been hit many times by space rocks and clumps of ice. Each time Phoebe is hit, dust flies into space and goes into orbit, adding particles to the giant ring.
Moon-Made Mystery
The discovery of the new ring may also provide scientists with an answer to a mystery. Another of Saturn's moons, lapetus, has a bright side and a very dark side. Scientists have long wondered why. With the discovery of the new ring, they now believe that dust from the giant ring is moving toward Saturn and slamming into lapetus.
"Astronomers have long suspected that there is a connection between Phoebe and the dark material on lapetus," said scientist Douglas Hamilton. "This new ring provides convincing evidence of that relationship.
Michael-Saturn has big rings around it. Many big planets have rings. Such as Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune, they all have rings around it. This time, NASA had found a big ring around Saturn. The ring of Saturn is also the largest ring in our solar system. It takes one billions of Earths to fill it. The ring is very hard to see. It is almost invisible. Scientists use special telescope to see the ring. I think if I can go to space I would like to go to visit Saturn. I want to see that ring with my eyes. Maybe some other days we will might see that Jupiter, Uranus, Neptune or other planets also have big rings around it.
NASA scientists discover a huge new ring around Saturn
By Suzanne Zimbler
When you think of Saturn, you probably picture a planet surrounded by colorful rings. For years, Saturn was known to have seven main rings. But on Tuesday, NASA scientists announced that they had spotted an eighth.
NASA/PA/APSaturn's never-before-seen ring is the largest in the solar system.
This never-before-seen ring is not only Saturn's biggest. It is also the largest in our solar system. "This is one super-sized ring," said Anne Verbiscer, one of the astronomers who worked on the study. According to scientists, the ring is so huge that it would take one billion Earths to fill it.
Seeing Rings
Four hundred years ago, Galileo got the first glimpse of Saturn's rings using his telescope. NASA scientists also used a telescope to spot the new ring. The Spitzer telescope, launched in 2003, orbits the sun while taking pictures of faraway objects in space.
The new ring is almost invisible to the human eye. But the Spitzer telescope can detect the glow of extremely cold objects, such as the giant ring, which is minus 316ºF. "By focusing on the glow of the ring's cool dust, Spitzer made it easy to find," said Verbiscer.
Made of Moondust
NASAScientists think the giant ring is made up of dust from Saturn's moon Phoebe.
The colossal hoop circles Saturn from a distance of eight million miles. It is 50 times farther away from Saturn than the planet's other rings. It also has a completely different tilt.
The giant ring is made up of a thin layer of dust. Scientists think the dust comes from Saturn's moon Phoebe. Why? Phoebe orbits within the ring. Its dents and marks make it clear that Phoebe has been hit many times by space rocks and clumps of ice. Each time Phoebe is hit, dust flies into space and goes into orbit, adding particles to the giant ring.
Moon-Made Mystery
The discovery of the new ring may also provide scientists with an answer to a mystery. Another of Saturn's moons, lapetus, has a bright side and a very dark side. Scientists have long wondered why. With the discovery of the new ring, they now believe that dust from the giant ring is moving toward Saturn and slamming into lapetus.
"Astronomers have long suspected that there is a connection between Phoebe and the dark material on lapetus," said scientist Douglas Hamilton. "This new ring provides convincing evidence of that relationship.
Michael-Saturn has big rings around it. Many big planets have rings. Such as Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune, they all have rings around it. This time, NASA had found a big ring around Saturn. The ring of Saturn is also the largest ring in our solar system. It takes one billions of Earths to fill it. The ring is very hard to see. It is almost invisible. Scientists use special telescope to see the ring. I think if I can go to space I would like to go to visit Saturn. I want to see that ring with my eyes. Maybe some other days we will might see that Jupiter, Uranus, Neptune or other planets also have big rings around it.
2009年10月2日 星期五
High Speed Trains
981002 High Speed Trains - Michael
Trains are important transportation. Trains have changed a lot since they were invented. The first train was invented in 1804. By that time trains could only go 8km per hour. But at now there are a lot of trains can go 300km per hour or even more. Japan was the first country which built the world’s first high speed railway. Many countries include Korea, England, USA and Taiwan also have high speed railway. The HSR is a kind of fast train. It has a lot of advantages, although it is very expensive to build, but can help a country’s economy. It can also transport things in a fast way. But the most important advantage is that HSR produce less pollution than an airplane. We can take the HSR to produce less air and protect the earth. I think that HSR is a very fast transportation. Maybe there will be Maglev in Taiwan in the future. Maglev is a kind of train that goes on magnetic system. China and Germany have Maglev now. Maybe I will have a chance to take a ride on the Maglev.
Trains are important transportation. Trains have changed a lot since they were invented. The first train was invented in 1804. By that time trains could only go 8km per hour. But at now there are a lot of trains can go 300km per hour or even more. Japan was the first country which built the world’s first high speed railway. Many countries include Korea, England, USA and Taiwan also have high speed railway. The HSR is a kind of fast train. It has a lot of advantages, although it is very expensive to build, but can help a country’s economy. It can also transport things in a fast way. But the most important advantage is that HSR produce less pollution than an airplane. We can take the HSR to produce less air and protect the earth. I think that HSR is a very fast transportation. Maybe there will be Maglev in Taiwan in the future. Maglev is a kind of train that goes on magnetic system. China and Germany have Maglev now. Maybe I will have a chance to take a ride on the Maglev.
2009年9月26日 星期六
Sato and the elephants
980926 Sato and the elephants-Michael
When Sato was a child, his father was a master carver of netsuke and okimono. Sato liked to carve figures from creamy white pieces of ivory. His father told him that someday he will be a great ivory carver like you. Sato’s father died when Sato was young. But Sato didn’t give up. Whenever he finished his carving, he always brought the carving to Akira the dealer. Sato sold the figures to earn money and then bought more ivory. One day, Sato went to Akira’s shop and bought an expensive ivory. He was very excited; when he got home he started to carve the ivory. The next morning, he finished his carving. It was an elephant figure, except a dark shiny bullet was buried in the elephant’s forehead like a jewel. Sato never sold the elephant. He kept it on his table so that he would see it each day when he woke up. He bought a cheap ivory next day and started carving again. Someday he will might be a great carver and carve a masterwork from marble or other stones.
When Sato was a child, his father was a master carver of netsuke and okimono. Sato liked to carve figures from creamy white pieces of ivory. His father told him that someday he will be a great ivory carver like you. Sato’s father died when Sato was young. But Sato didn’t give up. Whenever he finished his carving, he always brought the carving to Akira the dealer. Sato sold the figures to earn money and then bought more ivory. One day, Sato went to Akira’s shop and bought an expensive ivory. He was very excited; when he got home he started to carve the ivory. The next morning, he finished his carving. It was an elephant figure, except a dark shiny bullet was buried in the elephant’s forehead like a jewel. Sato never sold the elephant. He kept it on his table so that he would see it each day when he woke up. He bought a cheap ivory next day and started carving again. Someday he will might be a great carver and carve a masterwork from marble or other stones.
2009年9月12日 星期六
To the Top
To the Top
The highest mountain in the world is Everest. Everest’s height is 29028 feet. It is very cold on the top. The temperature is 40 degrees below zero in summer. A lot of people have been killed. The Himalayas borders on Nepal, China, India and Bhutan. People that are hiking up Mt. Everest need a lot of food and clothes and oxygen tanks. Two people, Sir Edmund Hillary and Tensing Norgay want to climb up to the peak of Mt. Everest. The snow is heavy. They are still climbing up. The Everest is always hidden by blizzards, clouds ad ghostly mist. The two men stay in the tent for the night. They have breakfast quickly and climb up. They aren’t scared of any danger and they don’t give up. So they make it. When they come back, everyone cheer and yell out. They’re very happy!
The highest mountain in the world is Everest. Everest’s height is 29028 feet. It is very cold on the top. The temperature is 40 degrees below zero in summer. A lot of people have been killed. The Himalayas borders on Nepal, China, India and Bhutan. People that are hiking up Mt. Everest need a lot of food and clothes and oxygen tanks. Two people, Sir Edmund Hillary and Tensing Norgay want to climb up to the peak of Mt. Everest. The snow is heavy. They are still climbing up. The Everest is always hidden by blizzards, clouds ad ghostly mist. The two men stay in the tent for the night. They have breakfast quickly and climb up. They aren’t scared of any danger and they don’t give up. So they make it. When they come back, everyone cheer and yell out. They’re very happy!
Earthquake
Earthquake
The earthquake hits Sichuan everyone is afraid of the earthquake. A lot of cities and houses have been demolished and destroyed. People who are homeless are crying. In the earthquake, some people are injured and some people are bleeding. The earthquake causes a terrible mudslide. The rocks squash the houses. The aftershock strikes again and again. The houses turn into ruins in just a few seconds. People who live there are very sad and afraid. The earthquake causes a big damage in Sichuan. Now, they are fixing their houses. They have an terrible experience.
The earthquake hits Sichuan everyone is afraid of the earthquake. A lot of cities and houses have been demolished and destroyed. People who are homeless are crying. In the earthquake, some people are injured and some people are bleeding. The earthquake causes a terrible mudslide. The rocks squash the houses. The aftershock strikes again and again. The houses turn into ruins in just a few seconds. People who live there are very sad and afraid. The earthquake causes a big damage in Sichuan. Now, they are fixing their houses. They have an terrible experience.
2009年8月31日 星期一
Armies of Ants
Armies of Ants
By Michael
An ant can’t cause a big damage. But an army of ants can cause a big damage. Army ants live in USA and South America. They eat insects, grasshoppers, spiders and birds. They’re very dangerous. They don’t build nests. Soldier ants always stay outside to protect the ants. The queen ant is always laying eggs. The queen is the biggest ant in the colony. Ants have been around since before the days of dinosaurs. There are 9000 kinds of ants. They live in different places. The bulldog ants are the most dangerous ants. These ants hunt alone. They can run very fast. Almost faster than humans. The fire ants are another kind of poisonous ants. It can kill a cow and even humans. Ants are social insects. They live together. The queen lays eggs. They can live underground, on trees or on leaves. Some ants attack other ants’ nests. They can fight bravely. Honey ants store honey in their bodies. We should protect the ants because some are almost extinct.
By Michael
An ant can’t cause a big damage. But an army of ants can cause a big damage. Army ants live in USA and South America. They eat insects, grasshoppers, spiders and birds. They’re very dangerous. They don’t build nests. Soldier ants always stay outside to protect the ants. The queen ant is always laying eggs. The queen is the biggest ant in the colony. Ants have been around since before the days of dinosaurs. There are 9000 kinds of ants. They live in different places. The bulldog ants are the most dangerous ants. These ants hunt alone. They can run very fast. Almost faster than humans. The fire ants are another kind of poisonous ants. It can kill a cow and even humans. Ants are social insects. They live together. The queen lays eggs. They can live underground, on trees or on leaves. Some ants attack other ants’ nests. They can fight bravely. Honey ants store honey in their bodies. We should protect the ants because some are almost extinct.
2009年8月21日 星期五
Sanji and the Baker
980821 Sanji and the Baker
When Sanji was a young man, he traveled a great deal. He sailed across stormy seas. He traveled across hot, open deserts. One day, he arrived in the fabled city in Fratsia, a dazzling place where merchants traded in spices, gems and colorful skills.
Sanji decide to stay there for a while. He found a room that suited him perfectly. It was small and simple but it was quite cozy. Best of all, it was right above the Baker’s shop.
In the morning, Sanji awoke to a delicious smell wafting up from the bakery. Dark, crusty bread was hot from the oven. Warm sweet rolls filled with juicy currants. Crunchy biscuits covered in sesame seeds. Sanji stepped on to his the balcony and took a deep breath. He whiffed and sniffed the heavenly aroma. Mmm…the cinnamon buns are very fresh. He just wanted to have one.
In the bakery, Sanji bought the tiniest cinnamon bun in the shop. “I’ve been on my balcony enjoying the wonderful smells from the oven.” He told the Baker. “Oh, you have, done you?” growled the Baker. He narrowed his eyes and glared at Sanji.
That evening when Sanji came home, he stood on his balcony to inhale the lovely smells that rose from the bakery. Sweet coconut cakes and orange spice, date nut loaves and walnut whirls. Sanji stood dreamily, sniffing and whiffing. He didn’t see the Baker staring up at him. This went on for many days.
Suddenly one evening the Baker banged angrily on Sanji’s door. “Thief!” he cried. “You are stealing my smells! Sanji was astonished. “What are you talking about?” he asked, opening the door. “Don’t think I haven’t seen you, standing on your balcony whiffing and sniffing!” shouted the Baker. “You smell my bread every morning. You smell my cakes every evening!” “I must be paid for those smells!” “Nonsense!” said Sanji. “Those smells come up here by themselves! I haven’t stolen anything from you!” The Baker shook his fist at Sanji. “So you refuse to pay! Then I’ll take you to court. The Judge will see that I get my payment!”
So they went to the court. The Baker told his story and the Judge listened carefully. Then he questioned Sanji. ‘Do you enjoy those smells?’ ‘Yes, your Honour,’ Sanji replied. ‘And have you ever paid for them?’ ‘No, your honour, I haven’t.’ the Judge thought for a long time. At last he said, ‘Both of you will return to court tomorrow morning at nine o’clock. Sanji, you will bring five silver coins.’
Sanji was miserable. He didn’t have five silver coins.
He would have to borrow them from his friends. And how would he ever pay them back?
The next morning at nine o’clock the Judge entered the court room. Sanji stood quietly, with his head bowed. The baker was there too, grinning and rubbing his greedy hands together. The Judge spoke first to Sanji. ‘Have you brought the silver coins? ‘Yes your Honour,’ he answered in a whisper.
The judge took a large copper bowl and placed before him. He told Sanji to throw the coin, one at a time, into the bowl. To the Baker he said, ‘Now listen carefully…’
The first coin clinked into the bowl. The second coin tinkled beside it. The third coin clattered. The fourth coin clanged. The fifth coin rattled on to the pile.
The Judge turned to the Baker. ‘Did you hear those coins clatter and clink?’ ‘Yes, your honour,’ replied the Baker, looking hungrily at the bowl of coins. ‘And did you enjoy the sound of their rattle and clang?’ asked the Judge. ‘Oh, yes! I certainly did!’ cried the Baker.
‘Good,’ said the judge. ‘Because that was your payment.’
‘’And you, Sanji,’ he continued, ‘may have your five silver coins back.’ ‘Thank you, your Honour.’
Michael-This story tells us that the Baker isn’t a good person. Smelling other’s bread isn’t illegal. Sanji didn’t do any thing wrong but the Baker wanted him to pay him money for smelling his bread. The Baker did this on purpose. He really wants Sanji’s money. The Baker is a greedy person we can not be like him. The baker is always doing some nonsense and boring things. Doesn’t he think this is a very boring thing? Because of Sanji smelling his bread his said that Sanji was stealing the smell from the bread. Getting a lot of money isn’t always a good thing. The Baker will get a lot of feed back. Such as didn’t get what he wanted. I think this is really a ridiculous thing. We should feel for others. Don’t do something that they can’t do it. Or the things will be very complicated. Be nice to others.
Dazzle---使目眩,使眼花
Aroma--- (植物、酒、菜肴等的)芳香,香氣,香味[C][U]
When Sanji was a young man, he traveled a great deal. He sailed across stormy seas. He traveled across hot, open deserts. One day, he arrived in the fabled city in Fratsia, a dazzling place where merchants traded in spices, gems and colorful skills.
Sanji decide to stay there for a while. He found a room that suited him perfectly. It was small and simple but it was quite cozy. Best of all, it was right above the Baker’s shop.
In the morning, Sanji awoke to a delicious smell wafting up from the bakery. Dark, crusty bread was hot from the oven. Warm sweet rolls filled with juicy currants. Crunchy biscuits covered in sesame seeds. Sanji stepped on to his the balcony and took a deep breath. He whiffed and sniffed the heavenly aroma. Mmm…the cinnamon buns are very fresh. He just wanted to have one.
In the bakery, Sanji bought the tiniest cinnamon bun in the shop. “I’ve been on my balcony enjoying the wonderful smells from the oven.” He told the Baker. “Oh, you have, done you?” growled the Baker. He narrowed his eyes and glared at Sanji.
That evening when Sanji came home, he stood on his balcony to inhale the lovely smells that rose from the bakery. Sweet coconut cakes and orange spice, date nut loaves and walnut whirls. Sanji stood dreamily, sniffing and whiffing. He didn’t see the Baker staring up at him. This went on for many days.
Suddenly one evening the Baker banged angrily on Sanji’s door. “Thief!” he cried. “You are stealing my smells! Sanji was astonished. “What are you talking about?” he asked, opening the door. “Don’t think I haven’t seen you, standing on your balcony whiffing and sniffing!” shouted the Baker. “You smell my bread every morning. You smell my cakes every evening!” “I must be paid for those smells!” “Nonsense!” said Sanji. “Those smells come up here by themselves! I haven’t stolen anything from you!” The Baker shook his fist at Sanji. “So you refuse to pay! Then I’ll take you to court. The Judge will see that I get my payment!”
So they went to the court. The Baker told his story and the Judge listened carefully. Then he questioned Sanji. ‘Do you enjoy those smells?’ ‘Yes, your Honour,’ Sanji replied. ‘And have you ever paid for them?’ ‘No, your honour, I haven’t.’ the Judge thought for a long time. At last he said, ‘Both of you will return to court tomorrow morning at nine o’clock. Sanji, you will bring five silver coins.’
Sanji was miserable. He didn’t have five silver coins.
He would have to borrow them from his friends. And how would he ever pay them back?
The next morning at nine o’clock the Judge entered the court room. Sanji stood quietly, with his head bowed. The baker was there too, grinning and rubbing his greedy hands together. The Judge spoke first to Sanji. ‘Have you brought the silver coins? ‘Yes your Honour,’ he answered in a whisper.
The judge took a large copper bowl and placed before him. He told Sanji to throw the coin, one at a time, into the bowl. To the Baker he said, ‘Now listen carefully…’
The first coin clinked into the bowl. The second coin tinkled beside it. The third coin clattered. The fourth coin clanged. The fifth coin rattled on to the pile.
The Judge turned to the Baker. ‘Did you hear those coins clatter and clink?’ ‘Yes, your honour,’ replied the Baker, looking hungrily at the bowl of coins. ‘And did you enjoy the sound of their rattle and clang?’ asked the Judge. ‘Oh, yes! I certainly did!’ cried the Baker.
‘Good,’ said the judge. ‘Because that was your payment.’
‘’And you, Sanji,’ he continued, ‘may have your five silver coins back.’ ‘Thank you, your Honour.’
Michael-This story tells us that the Baker isn’t a good person. Smelling other’s bread isn’t illegal. Sanji didn’t do any thing wrong but the Baker wanted him to pay him money for smelling his bread. The Baker did this on purpose. He really wants Sanji’s money. The Baker is a greedy person we can not be like him. The baker is always doing some nonsense and boring things. Doesn’t he think this is a very boring thing? Because of Sanji smelling his bread his said that Sanji was stealing the smell from the bread. Getting a lot of money isn’t always a good thing. The Baker will get a lot of feed back. Such as didn’t get what he wanted. I think this is really a ridiculous thing. We should feel for others. Don’t do something that they can’t do it. Or the things will be very complicated. Be nice to others.
Dazzle---使目眩,使眼花
Aroma--- (植物、酒、菜肴等的)芳香,香氣,香味[C][U]
2009年8月18日 星期二
Bowling
980818 Bowling
Bowling was invented in ancient Egypt, Finland and Yemen. Bowling is an anaerobic sport. Bowling is a dangerous game because the bowling ball is very heavy. On Sunday we went to 壽山 bowling alley to bowl. This was the first time I bowl. Bowling needed to wear special bowling shoes. A game is 50 dollars. And a game has ten times to play. The highest score is 300 points. It is that you hit 12 strikes. It is also called a perfect game. You just need to aim the bottles and then throw it. Dad and mom showed us how to throw the ball. I just got like 80 something. I didn’t get a high score. But I will try my best. We all had a great game. It is very excited. You can finish a game in about 30 minutes. I wish that I can play it again next time.
Bowling rules:
Wear on special bowling shoes
Choose your own ball don’t mix with others
Let the right lane throw the ball first
Don’t stay on the lane too long
Don’t be loud to annoy others
Bowling Equipments:
Bowling alley
Bowling pins
Bowling balls
Bowling shoes
Yourself
Scoring:
Spare-throwing two times to hit all ten pins
Strike-hit ten pins at a ball
Gutter ball- didn’t hit any thing.
Double Strike-two strikes
Turkey- Three strike
Sea Turkey- Throwing three strikes at the last three chance.
Bowling was invented in ancient Egypt, Finland and Yemen. Bowling is an anaerobic sport. Bowling is a dangerous game because the bowling ball is very heavy. On Sunday we went to 壽山 bowling alley to bowl. This was the first time I bowl. Bowling needed to wear special bowling shoes. A game is 50 dollars. And a game has ten times to play. The highest score is 300 points. It is that you hit 12 strikes. It is also called a perfect game. You just need to aim the bottles and then throw it. Dad and mom showed us how to throw the ball. I just got like 80 something. I didn’t get a high score. But I will try my best. We all had a great game. It is very excited. You can finish a game in about 30 minutes. I wish that I can play it again next time.
Bowling rules:
Wear on special bowling shoes
Choose your own ball don’t mix with others
Let the right lane throw the ball first
Don’t stay on the lane too long
Don’t be loud to annoy others
Bowling Equipments:
Bowling alley
Bowling pins
Bowling balls
Bowling shoes
Yourself
Scoring:
Spare-throwing two times to hit all ten pins
Strike-hit ten pins at a ball
Gutter ball- didn’t hit any thing.
Double Strike-two strikes
Turkey- Three strike
Sea Turkey- Throwing three strikes at the last three chance.
2009年8月17日 星期一
Earth is a special place
Earth is a special place. The Earth turns imperceptibly. It turns very fast, because of the gravity we can't feel it. The Earth has three parts. It is the crust, mantle and the core. The crust is the outside part of the Earth. The core is all lava. It is very hot in there. The middle of the Earth is very mysterious. No one will know what is going to happen next.
http://www.sfscience.com/english/grade_5/unit_C/chap
http://www.sfscience.com/english/grade_5/unit_C/chap
2009年8月15日 星期六
The Kingdom of Bhutan
980815 the Kingdom of Bhutan
Bhutan is a country in the middle Asia. The Himalaya Mountains are bordered on Bhutan. Mount Everest is the tallest mountain in the world. Bhutan has a lot of strict rules. I know that one of the rules in Bhutan is that you can not smoke. Next time if you go to Bhutan don’t bring any cigarettes. Bhutan is a very mysterious country. It is beside Nepal and Bangladesh. I have never been to Bhutan before. I think that the people at there have good lungs, because they don’t smoke. Maybe next time I will go there and visit the Himalaya Mountains.
Bhutan is a country in the middle Asia. The Himalaya Mountains are bordered on Bhutan. Mount Everest is the tallest mountain in the world. Bhutan has a lot of strict rules. I know that one of the rules in Bhutan is that you can not smoke. Next time if you go to Bhutan don’t bring any cigarettes. Bhutan is a very mysterious country. It is beside Nepal and Bangladesh. I have never been to Bhutan before. I think that the people at there have good lungs, because they don’t smoke. Maybe next time I will go there and visit the Himalaya Mountains.
2009年8月14日 星期五
Eiffel
980814 Eiffel
The Eiffel Tower is considered to be one of the most striking pieces of the structural art in the world. The Eiffel Tower is next to the Seine River. It is in Paris. It was named after its designer-Gustave Eiffel. It is a beautiful place to go. Everyone likes it. The Eiffel Tower is three hundred meters high. It took a long time to build this big tower. Everyone in France was very excited to see the Eiffel Tower. At now people in France still thinks that the Eiffel Tower is the most famous symbol in France. I think this is a good place to go too!
The Eiffel Tower is considered to be one of the most striking pieces of the structural art in the world. The Eiffel Tower is next to the Seine River. It is in Paris. It was named after its designer-Gustave Eiffel. It is a beautiful place to go. Everyone likes it. The Eiffel Tower is three hundred meters high. It took a long time to build this big tower. Everyone in France was very excited to see the Eiffel Tower. At now people in France still thinks that the Eiffel Tower is the most famous symbol in France. I think this is a good place to go too!
The Olympics
980814 The Olympics
The Olympics is the most famous sports competition in the world. It is in different country and cities every four years. The Olympics first originated in ancient Greece about two thousand years ago. The first modern games were in Athens, Greece. The Olympics is a good game. It has five rings on the Olympic flag. The five famous rings stands for the five continents of the world. They are Asia, Europe, Africa, Americas, and the Oceania. There are a lot of kinds of games. Such as, swimming, tug of war, athletes, gymnastic, and judo. I like the Olympics very much. Maybe next time I will have a chance to see the game.
The Olympics is the most famous sports competition in the world. It is in different country and cities every four years. The Olympics first originated in ancient Greece about two thousand years ago. The first modern games were in Athens, Greece. The Olympics is a good game. It has five rings on the Olympic flag. The five famous rings stands for the five continents of the world. They are Asia, Europe, Africa, Americas, and the Oceania. There are a lot of kinds of games. Such as, swimming, tug of war, athletes, gymnastic, and judo. I like the Olympics very much. Maybe next time I will have a chance to see the game.
2009年8月12日 星期三
McKenna on the Inca Trail and the Sun Gate
McKenna on the Inca Trail and the Sun Gate
http://kidsblogs.nationalgeographic.com/handsonexplorer/2009/07/mckenna-on-the-inca-trail-and-the-sun-gate.htmlPosted By2009 Kids Expedition Team
Hey, everyone! It's McKenna again, with one last blog about a memorable moment in Peru. I'd like to take you back to "The City in the Clouds" for a quick visit to a special spot nestled in a narrow notch on a mountaintop overlooking Machu Picchu.After exploring and shooting pictures for hours in the marvelous ruins of "The Lost City of the Incas," and after eating a quick buffet lunch at the Machu Picchu restaurant, many members of the expedition, including myself, decided to take on the challenge of a 45 minute hike about a mile up the Inca Trail, a long, twisting, ancient stone path made and used by the Incas. Our destination? The Incan Sun Gate. The length of the trail we traversed curves up the side of the mountain and overlooks the grand city of Machu Picchu. It was an amazing experience. We had to keep reminding ourselves that we were walking on the same stones the Incas used to trek. But, overall, the trek wasn't all that easy.The stones of the trail are jagged and serrated, and one misstep at certain places could have caused us to tumble down the steep precipice of the soaring mountain. YIKES! At 8,000 plus feet in the sky, it was sometimes tough to get the oxygen we needed to climb without breathing pretty hard at times. And, being ever so high in the sky, we had to be on guard to avoid getting sunburned. We were told that, at that height, even if it doesn't feel like you are getting sun, if you aren't careful to wear sunscreen or cover up, you are likely to get sunburned--even on the tops of your hands!Some of us moved quickly up the side of the mountain, while others took their time and trekked at a snail's pace. If the Incas could trek up the trail nearly every day in their Inca-style sandals, then surely Team Peru could do it just this once in our rugged hiking shoes! We used our determination to our full advantage to give us a greatly needed boost of energy. It was a slow-but-steady incline to the top, but as they say, "slow and steady wins the race!" I think the few of us who trudged leisurely up the Inca Trail had the most energy when we reached our destination. No matter the pace we chose to traverse the twisting trail, we were all determined to reach the Sun Gate, located far above the ruins of Machu Picchu. It is the first point on the Inca Trail from which hikers (who have made the three- to four-day-long trek on the Inca Trail from the bottom of the mountain all the way to Machu Picchu) get their first glimpse of "The Lost City." It is also said that this "gate of stone" was supposedly used by the Incas to control the entrance of outsiders into their sacred city at the lower end of the Inca Trail.The sun was setting rapidly, stretching beams of bright-colored vitality across the yawning cloud-dappled sky. They say that the best time to be at the Sun Gate is during dawn or dusk, when the sun is rising or setting. That's when hikers are able to get the most stunning views of Machu Picchu, the Urubamba River snaking its way below, and the endless mountain peaks stretching into the clouds above. Hikers rise bright and early to catch a glimpse of this postcard panoramic.Finally, after nearly an hour or more of hiking--or, to put it more accurately for most of us, "stumbling"--up the Inca Trail, we reached the Sun Gate! Like Machu Picchu, the Sun Gate was a spectacular sight, built with stones cut in perfect configuration. No rain water, or even the late afternoon breeze, could seep between the stones. The Sun Gate is just another manifestation of the intelligence and ingenuity of the Incas. Their intellect marked in the stone masterpieces of Machu Picchu, the Sun Gate, and other temples and structures, is absolutely awe-inspiring. The strenuous trek up the Inca Trail was definitely worth the sight of the Sun Gate. From where we stood, in one panoramic view we could see the 14 switchbacks that carry buses of visitors up the mountainside, slices of the Inca trail, and Machu Picchu, looking like a miniature model far below the Sun Gate. I'm glad we didn't give up when the going got tough, because this was a sight not to be missed!As we stood on the many jagged stones and terraces of the ruins of the Sun Gate, we all peered anxiously at the soaring mountains reaching for the heavens all around us, and the valley below, with the Urubamba river flowing over rock and mud, and Machu Picchu sitting peacefully on a outreached ridge. And then it happened. The light started shifting as the sun moved farther across the sky and ever so slowly started sweeping the day closer to dusk. Streaming, glistening rays from the sun stretched from the deep, murky sky above onto Machu Picchu, spotlighting the city's features as if the Incas themselves were shining a light onto their beloved city, yet again revealing its true beauty to the modern world. It was an unbelievable sight, sending chills down our spines as we watched in silent wonder. It was an amazing moment.Since our trip, I have thought about that and other such moments a million times. It was hard to leave Peru and the adventure behind. I find myself missing my new friends--the other winners, the parents, the people from National Geographic, and the people from Peru--and missing that beautiful country almost every day.But when I get sad that the adventure is over, it helps to remember a quote our tour guide, Mr. Edgar, shared with us when we were all together."Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened."
Michael-The Machu Picchu is a beautiful place to go. It is in Peru. It is a lost city from long time ago. But someone discover it. Machu Picchu is very high. It is about eight thousand feet above the sea level. Sometimes you will even think it is hard to breathe up there. The Machu Picchu was a place that ancient people lived. It is also a good place to take a trip and see what they use in the ancient city. Maybe someday I can go there and climb up the mountains to see Machu Picchu.
http://kidsblogs.nationalgeographic.com/handsonexplorer/2009/07/mckenna-on-the-inca-trail-and-the-sun-gate.htmlPosted By2009 Kids Expedition Team
Hey, everyone! It's McKenna again, with one last blog about a memorable moment in Peru. I'd like to take you back to "The City in the Clouds" for a quick visit to a special spot nestled in a narrow notch on a mountaintop overlooking Machu Picchu.After exploring and shooting pictures for hours in the marvelous ruins of "The Lost City of the Incas," and after eating a quick buffet lunch at the Machu Picchu restaurant, many members of the expedition, including myself, decided to take on the challenge of a 45 minute hike about a mile up the Inca Trail, a long, twisting, ancient stone path made and used by the Incas. Our destination? The Incan Sun Gate. The length of the trail we traversed curves up the side of the mountain and overlooks the grand city of Machu Picchu. It was an amazing experience. We had to keep reminding ourselves that we were walking on the same stones the Incas used to trek. But, overall, the trek wasn't all that easy.The stones of the trail are jagged and serrated, and one misstep at certain places could have caused us to tumble down the steep precipice of the soaring mountain. YIKES! At 8,000 plus feet in the sky, it was sometimes tough to get the oxygen we needed to climb without breathing pretty hard at times. And, being ever so high in the sky, we had to be on guard to avoid getting sunburned. We were told that, at that height, even if it doesn't feel like you are getting sun, if you aren't careful to wear sunscreen or cover up, you are likely to get sunburned--even on the tops of your hands!Some of us moved quickly up the side of the mountain, while others took their time and trekked at a snail's pace. If the Incas could trek up the trail nearly every day in their Inca-style sandals, then surely Team Peru could do it just this once in our rugged hiking shoes! We used our determination to our full advantage to give us a greatly needed boost of energy. It was a slow-but-steady incline to the top, but as they say, "slow and steady wins the race!" I think the few of us who trudged leisurely up the Inca Trail had the most energy when we reached our destination. No matter the pace we chose to traverse the twisting trail, we were all determined to reach the Sun Gate, located far above the ruins of Machu Picchu. It is the first point on the Inca Trail from which hikers (who have made the three- to four-day-long trek on the Inca Trail from the bottom of the mountain all the way to Machu Picchu) get their first glimpse of "The Lost City." It is also said that this "gate of stone" was supposedly used by the Incas to control the entrance of outsiders into their sacred city at the lower end of the Inca Trail.The sun was setting rapidly, stretching beams of bright-colored vitality across the yawning cloud-dappled sky. They say that the best time to be at the Sun Gate is during dawn or dusk, when the sun is rising or setting. That's when hikers are able to get the most stunning views of Machu Picchu, the Urubamba River snaking its way below, and the endless mountain peaks stretching into the clouds above. Hikers rise bright and early to catch a glimpse of this postcard panoramic.Finally, after nearly an hour or more of hiking--or, to put it more accurately for most of us, "stumbling"--up the Inca Trail, we reached the Sun Gate! Like Machu Picchu, the Sun Gate was a spectacular sight, built with stones cut in perfect configuration. No rain water, or even the late afternoon breeze, could seep between the stones. The Sun Gate is just another manifestation of the intelligence and ingenuity of the Incas. Their intellect marked in the stone masterpieces of Machu Picchu, the Sun Gate, and other temples and structures, is absolutely awe-inspiring. The strenuous trek up the Inca Trail was definitely worth the sight of the Sun Gate. From where we stood, in one panoramic view we could see the 14 switchbacks that carry buses of visitors up the mountainside, slices of the Inca trail, and Machu Picchu, looking like a miniature model far below the Sun Gate. I'm glad we didn't give up when the going got tough, because this was a sight not to be missed!As we stood on the many jagged stones and terraces of the ruins of the Sun Gate, we all peered anxiously at the soaring mountains reaching for the heavens all around us, and the valley below, with the Urubamba river flowing over rock and mud, and Machu Picchu sitting peacefully on a outreached ridge. And then it happened. The light started shifting as the sun moved farther across the sky and ever so slowly started sweeping the day closer to dusk. Streaming, glistening rays from the sun stretched from the deep, murky sky above onto Machu Picchu, spotlighting the city's features as if the Incas themselves were shining a light onto their beloved city, yet again revealing its true beauty to the modern world. It was an unbelievable sight, sending chills down our spines as we watched in silent wonder. It was an amazing moment.Since our trip, I have thought about that and other such moments a million times. It was hard to leave Peru and the adventure behind. I find myself missing my new friends--the other winners, the parents, the people from National Geographic, and the people from Peru--and missing that beautiful country almost every day.But when I get sad that the adventure is over, it helps to remember a quote our tour guide, Mr. Edgar, shared with us when we were all together."Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened."
Michael-The Machu Picchu is a beautiful place to go. It is in Peru. It is a lost city from long time ago. But someone discover it. Machu Picchu is very high. It is about eight thousand feet above the sea level. Sometimes you will even think it is hard to breathe up there. The Machu Picchu was a place that ancient people lived. It is also a good place to take a trip and see what they use in the ancient city. Maybe someday I can go there and climb up the mountains to see Machu Picchu.
2009年8月8日 星期六
A High-Flying Adventure
A High-Flying Adventure
TFK tests out the new Flightline ride at San Diego Zoo's Wild Animal Park
By TFK Kid Reporter Claire Epting
Ever wondered what it's like to fly like a bird? At San Diego Zoo's Wild Animal Park in Escondido, California, you can! The park's brand-new Flightline ride is a zip-lining experience unlike any other. The ride allows you to soar high above the park and see the animal exhibits the way a bird would.
What is zip lining? It's a sport that involves using the force of gravity to "zip" from one end of a suspended cable to the other end. Participants wear a harness and pulley that is hooked onto the cable. The starting platform is higher than the landing platform. This helps riders to gain speed as they glide through the air to the other side.
A Hands-On Zoo
The San Diego Zoo's Wild Animal Park is more than just an average zoo. Its main mission is conservation. The park is a 1,800-acre wildlife sanctuary that houses over 3,500 animals representing 260 species. It is also a botanical garden where more than a million plants can be found.
There are many unique ways for visitors to get up close and personal with the animals. One experience called Photo Caravan takes you on a safari through the African or Asian habitats. You can learn all about the park's conservation efforts by taking part in special experiences like the Photo Caravan, and of course, Flightline.
Prepare to Soar!
The Flightline experience begins with a training session on how to fly and use the gear. You can even rent special helmets with cameras on top to record your adventure. Then, it's off to the "fledgling" line. This is where you practice how to take off and how to land. The fledgling line is 470 feet long.
After practice, riders are driven up a hill to the main zip-line. Along the way, the trucks pass an area where California condors are housed and cared for. As part of the experience, visitors learn about the rare birds and other endangered animals and plants found at the park. Finally, you reach the top of the mountain. After reviewing safety and flying techniques, your harness is secured onto the zip-line cable. You overcome the butterflies in your stomach and push off. It's time to fly!
A Bird's Eye View
Four passengers can fly at one time. The zip-line is more than two-thirds of a mile long. It features a 421-foot drop in elevation. Riders can soar across the park as fast as 60 miles per hour, and are suspended between 36 and 130 feet above the ground. You fly right over the animals' exhibits and watch giraffes and deer stare up at you. After about two and a half minutes, you land at Kilima Point, and the ride is over.
It's a little scary at first, but the ride is so smooth that it quickly becomes fun and exciting. "There's no other ride quite like this one," says Adam Ringler, the park's director of operations. "The goal was to create something that gives people the experience of what it's really like to fly--while letting them also experience many of the animals from a unique, exciting angle."
If you're near San Diego this summer, I recommend a visit to San Diego Zoo's Wild Animal Park--and a ride on Flightline. Part of the proceeds from Flightline ticket sales will go directly to the park's condor conservation program. Special thanks to Dani Dodge and Adam Ringler and for making this report possible.
Michael-The San Diego Zoo is a great place to go. There are a lot of plants and animals in the zoo. It is a beautiful place. There are over three thousands of animals and two hundred sixty kinds of different species and there are also over millions of plants in the zoo. What a great place this zoo is. You can also take a ride on the Flightline it is a name for the trail. At first it will be scary to take a ride on it. But after you go on you can see a lot of things. The Flightline runs so smooth that it slide down very fast and makes your heart break out. The San Diego Zoo is a fun place to go with your family. Maybe next time I can go there and take a ride on the Flightline.
2009年8月7日 星期五
A Walk for Others
A Walk for Others
An 11-year-old travels to Washington, D.C., to raise help for kids
By Joyce C. Tang
Zach Bonner is "pretty tired," he says. Instead of going to camp this summer, Zach, 11, decided to walk 668 miles from Atlanta, Georgia, to the nation's capital, Washington, D.C. Why? Zach hopes to raise awareness about the plight of homeless kids. His journey to help others began two years ago. Zach walked from his home in Tampa, Florida, to Tallahassee. Then, in 2008, he did it again, this time walking from Tallahassee to Atlanta.
From Zach's House to the White House
Since May, Zach has traveled 12 miles every day in his trusty Adidas shoes. Along the way, he has collected more than 1,000 letters about homeless children. He hopes to give the letters to President Barack Obama. Zach says he wants his walk to make a difference.
More than 1 million children in the United States live in shelters or on the streets. During his pilgrimage, Zach spent 24 hours with a group of homeless children so he could learn the difficulties they face.
On Thursday, Zach walked the last mile of his long journey. More than 500 supporters, including 300 homeless kids, joined Zach. They marched with him down the National Mall. "It was a long walk," Zach says, "but it was definitely worth it."
A History of Service
In 2005, Zach participated in an episode of the television show "Extreme Makeover Home Edition." He says that helping to build homes made him realize there were people who didn't have anywhere to live. That's when he decided that he wanted to help homeless youth. He was also inspired by a movie he saw about Mildred Norman, an activist who promoted world peace by walking 25,000 miles. Zach thought that walking would be a good way to draw attention to his cause.
Zach is also the founder of the Little Red Wagon Foundation. The purpose of the non-profit is to help needy youth. Through his group, Zach has raised money and donated school supplies. "A lot of homeless youth don't get the opportunity to succeed in school because they don't have supplies," he says.
Zach's volunteerism has even inspired a Hollywood movie based on his life. "He's the most extraordinary ordinary kid I've ever met," says Michael Guillen of the Philanthropy Project, who is making the movie. "He hasn't just talked the talk. He has literally and figuratively walked the walk."
As difficult and tiring as the journey was, Zach won't be trading in his walking shoes. "When homeless kids get tired of being homeless, they don't get to quit. So why should I quit when I get tired of walking?"
To find out more about Zach Bonner and his walk to the White House, visit zachtracker.com.
Michael-I think that Zach is a very kind person. He helps the poor children and homeless children. For helping the children Zach wants to tell the US president-Barack Obama about these homeless children and poor children. So he decided to walk to the White House from his house at Florida. Many poor and homeless children walked with him. I wish that Zach will make it.
An 11-year-old travels to Washington, D.C., to raise help for kids
By Joyce C. Tang
Zach Bonner is "pretty tired," he says. Instead of going to camp this summer, Zach, 11, decided to walk 668 miles from Atlanta, Georgia, to the nation's capital, Washington, D.C. Why? Zach hopes to raise awareness about the plight of homeless kids. His journey to help others began two years ago. Zach walked from his home in Tampa, Florida, to Tallahassee. Then, in 2008, he did it again, this time walking from Tallahassee to Atlanta.
From Zach's House to the White House
Since May, Zach has traveled 12 miles every day in his trusty Adidas shoes. Along the way, he has collected more than 1,000 letters about homeless children. He hopes to give the letters to President Barack Obama. Zach says he wants his walk to make a difference.
More than 1 million children in the United States live in shelters or on the streets. During his pilgrimage, Zach spent 24 hours with a group of homeless children so he could learn the difficulties they face.
On Thursday, Zach walked the last mile of his long journey. More than 500 supporters, including 300 homeless kids, joined Zach. They marched with him down the National Mall. "It was a long walk," Zach says, "but it was definitely worth it."
A History of Service
In 2005, Zach participated in an episode of the television show "Extreme Makeover Home Edition." He says that helping to build homes made him realize there were people who didn't have anywhere to live. That's when he decided that he wanted to help homeless youth. He was also inspired by a movie he saw about Mildred Norman, an activist who promoted world peace by walking 25,000 miles. Zach thought that walking would be a good way to draw attention to his cause.
Zach is also the founder of the Little Red Wagon Foundation. The purpose of the non-profit is to help needy youth. Through his group, Zach has raised money and donated school supplies. "A lot of homeless youth don't get the opportunity to succeed in school because they don't have supplies," he says.
Zach's volunteerism has even inspired a Hollywood movie based on his life. "He's the most extraordinary ordinary kid I've ever met," says Michael Guillen of the Philanthropy Project, who is making the movie. "He hasn't just talked the talk. He has literally and figuratively walked the walk."
As difficult and tiring as the journey was, Zach won't be trading in his walking shoes. "When homeless kids get tired of being homeless, they don't get to quit. So why should I quit when I get tired of walking?"
To find out more about Zach Bonner and his walk to the White House, visit zachtracker.com.
Michael-I think that Zach is a very kind person. He helps the poor children and homeless children. For helping the children Zach wants to tell the US president-Barack Obama about these homeless children and poor children. So he decided to walk to the White House from his house at Florida. Many poor and homeless children walked with him. I wish that Zach will make it.
What is Swine Flu?
April 27, 2009
What is Swine Flu?
TFK answers this and other questions about the flu outbreak
By Nellie Gonzalez Cutler
On Monday, the World Health Organization (WHO) said that 40 cases of swine flu have been confirmed in the United States. People have fallen ill in several states. All of those who have come down with the flu have either recovered or are recovering. Many of them visited Mexico recently.
The flu is taking a serious toll on Mexico. Officials believe that swine flu may have sickened 1,614 people since April 13. The virus is suspected to have caused more than 100 deaths. The Mexican government has closed all public schools and canceled hundreds of public events in the country's capital, Mexico City. Soldiers handed out six million face masks, hoping the masks will stop the spread of the virus.
Governments around the world are taking steps to stop the spread of the illness. They are questioning travelers and encouraging citizens to take precautions. The WHO is keeping a close watch on the situation. No one wants the illness to become a pandemic (pan-dem-ik), or worldwide outbreak. In 1918, the severe "Spanish flu" killed an estimated 40 to 50 million people worldwide. But the world is better prepared for a flu outbreak today. Antiviral drugs can help fight swine flu. Doctors and hospitals are better equipped than they were 100 years ago.
Here are answers to questions you may have about swine flu:
What is swine flu?Swine influenza, or flu, is a respiratory disease of pigs. Type A influenza viruses cause it. Humans do not normally get swine flu. But when they do, infections are believed to spread from person to person. The Centers for Disease Control and Preventions (CDC) has determined that swine flu is contagious.
How does swine flu spread?Flu viruses are mainly spread when someone who is infected coughs or sneezes near another person. Droplets from an infected sneeze move through the air. Sometimes people become infected when they touch a surface that is infected and then touch their mouth or nose.
Can I get swine flu from eating pork?No. The flu is not spread through eating or preparing food.
Are there medicines to treat swine flu?Yes. Your doctor can prescribe drugs that will help you feel better.
Should I be worried?Officials say that the swine flu situation is serious. You should take precautions, but there is no need for you to worry. On Sunday, the U.S. government declared a public health emergency. The government is working hard to determine how best to deal with the flu outbreak. More than 12 million doses of flu-fighting medications are being shipped to states. President Barack Obama said on Monday that the threat of spreading swine flu infections is a matter of concern but "not a cause for alarm."
What can I do?• Wash your hands often with soap or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.• Cover your mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then throw the tissue in the trash.• If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your arm rather than your hand.• Let your parents know if you are not feeling well.• Stay home from school if you are sick.
Michael-Swine flu is a very important disease. It is very dangerous. It started from Mexico and then spread the swine flu all over the world. People in every country are very scared of this kind of disease. And the worst thing is that the swine flu is now spreading in Taiwan. Everybody is all very scared. We should protect ourselves to get swine flu. Make sure to cover your mouth when you sneeze and cough. And wash your hand before you eat.
What is Swine Flu?
TFK answers this and other questions about the flu outbreak
By Nellie Gonzalez Cutler
On Monday, the World Health Organization (WHO) said that 40 cases of swine flu have been confirmed in the United States. People have fallen ill in several states. All of those who have come down with the flu have either recovered or are recovering. Many of them visited Mexico recently.
The flu is taking a serious toll on Mexico. Officials believe that swine flu may have sickened 1,614 people since April 13. The virus is suspected to have caused more than 100 deaths. The Mexican government has closed all public schools and canceled hundreds of public events in the country's capital, Mexico City. Soldiers handed out six million face masks, hoping the masks will stop the spread of the virus.
Governments around the world are taking steps to stop the spread of the illness. They are questioning travelers and encouraging citizens to take precautions. The WHO is keeping a close watch on the situation. No one wants the illness to become a pandemic (pan-dem-ik), or worldwide outbreak. In 1918, the severe "Spanish flu" killed an estimated 40 to 50 million people worldwide. But the world is better prepared for a flu outbreak today. Antiviral drugs can help fight swine flu. Doctors and hospitals are better equipped than they were 100 years ago.
Here are answers to questions you may have about swine flu:
What is swine flu?Swine influenza, or flu, is a respiratory disease of pigs. Type A influenza viruses cause it. Humans do not normally get swine flu. But when they do, infections are believed to spread from person to person. The Centers for Disease Control and Preventions (CDC) has determined that swine flu is contagious.
How does swine flu spread?Flu viruses are mainly spread when someone who is infected coughs or sneezes near another person. Droplets from an infected sneeze move through the air. Sometimes people become infected when they touch a surface that is infected and then touch their mouth or nose.
Can I get swine flu from eating pork?No. The flu is not spread through eating or preparing food.
Are there medicines to treat swine flu?Yes. Your doctor can prescribe drugs that will help you feel better.
Should I be worried?Officials say that the swine flu situation is serious. You should take precautions, but there is no need for you to worry. On Sunday, the U.S. government declared a public health emergency. The government is working hard to determine how best to deal with the flu outbreak. More than 12 million doses of flu-fighting medications are being shipped to states. President Barack Obama said on Monday that the threat of spreading swine flu infections is a matter of concern but "not a cause for alarm."
What can I do?• Wash your hands often with soap or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.• Cover your mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then throw the tissue in the trash.• If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your arm rather than your hand.• Let your parents know if you are not feeling well.• Stay home from school if you are sick.
Michael-Swine flu is a very important disease. It is very dangerous. It started from Mexico and then spread the swine flu all over the world. People in every country are very scared of this kind of disease. And the worst thing is that the swine flu is now spreading in Taiwan. Everybody is all very scared. We should protect ourselves to get swine flu. Make sure to cover your mouth when you sneeze and cough. And wash your hand before you eat.
2009年8月6日 星期四
Comets and Meteors
980806
Comets and Meteors
When you look up at the sky at night, sometimes you can see a lot of stars. But in Taiwan you can hardly see any stars in the sky. If you are lucky enough you will might see a shooting star flying across the sky. Shooting stars fly very fast that you can’t always see them. Another name for shooting star is meteor. Meteor and comet is not the same thing. They are different. Meteor is just little pebbles fall from the space. When it fly across the atmosphere the heat will make the pebble burn and when we look from the earth it looks like a shooting star. But a comet is different from a meteor. Comets stay outside the earth they don’t get in. comets are made of ice and dust. The Halley Comet is famous it comes near the earth 76 years a time. Watching meteor and comets isn’t easy. You can’t see it all the time. So make a wish to see them in your life.
Comets and Meteors
When you look up at the sky at night, sometimes you can see a lot of stars. But in Taiwan you can hardly see any stars in the sky. If you are lucky enough you will might see a shooting star flying across the sky. Shooting stars fly very fast that you can’t always see them. Another name for shooting star is meteor. Meteor and comet is not the same thing. They are different. Meteor is just little pebbles fall from the space. When it fly across the atmosphere the heat will make the pebble burn and when we look from the earth it looks like a shooting star. But a comet is different from a meteor. Comets stay outside the earth they don’t get in. comets are made of ice and dust. The Halley Comet is famous it comes near the earth 76 years a time. Watching meteor and comets isn’t easy. You can’t see it all the time. So make a wish to see them in your life.
2009年8月5日 星期三
Cheesecake
980805
Cheesecake
Cheesecake is a kind of cake. If you are a patient person you can do it well by yourself. Cheesecake is delicious. You will need to prepare the ingredients for making a cheesecake. You will need to buy sugar, sour cream, cream cheese, eggs and a bottle of vanilla extract.
I have eaten a cheesecake before. Cheesecakes are one of the most delicious cakes I have ever eaten. In my memory, the first time I have eaten a cheesecake was at my birthday. On that day my father went to a cheesecake store to buy a cheesecake to celebrate for my birthday. There are two parts of the cheesecake. It is the crust and the cake. The cake is made of cheese, eggs and butter. The upper part of the cheese must be soft and the top of the cheese cake must be a little brown and yellow. The bottom of the cheesecake is the crust. The crust is made of crusty cookies. It is good to eat with the cake. We eat cheesecakes only for special days or on my birthday. I think that eating cheesecake is a kind of luck. I like to eat cheesecake very much. Maybe some day I can make a cheesecake by my own. Eating cheesecake is a good memory to me.
Cheesecake
Cheesecake is a kind of cake. If you are a patient person you can do it well by yourself. Cheesecake is delicious. You will need to prepare the ingredients for making a cheesecake. You will need to buy sugar, sour cream, cream cheese, eggs and a bottle of vanilla extract.
I have eaten a cheesecake before. Cheesecakes are one of the most delicious cakes I have ever eaten. In my memory, the first time I have eaten a cheesecake was at my birthday. On that day my father went to a cheesecake store to buy a cheesecake to celebrate for my birthday. There are two parts of the cheesecake. It is the crust and the cake. The cake is made of cheese, eggs and butter. The upper part of the cheese must be soft and the top of the cheese cake must be a little brown and yellow. The bottom of the cheesecake is the crust. The crust is made of crusty cookies. It is good to eat with the cake. We eat cheesecakes only for special days or on my birthday. I think that eating cheesecake is a kind of luck. I like to eat cheesecake very much. Maybe some day I can make a cheesecake by my own. Eating cheesecake is a good memory to me.
A Big, Bright Idea
August 5, 2009
A Big, Bright Idea
What's the best way to celebrate National Inventors' Month? Build a giant Lego light bulb!
By Laura Slot
Even before the project started, Lego master builder Steve Gerling was excited. "We're going to build our fingers to the bone," he told TFK. Last weekend, Lego teamed up with the Smithsonian's Center for Invention and Innovation in Washington, D.C., to build an eight-foot-tall version of Thomas Edison's light bulb. August is National Inventors' Month, and the light bulb is the symbol for a big idea.
Brick by Brick
More than 10,000 kids helped build the giant plastic structure with hundreds of thousands of Lego bricks. It took two days to build it. "The little plastic bricks are so accessible," Gerling says. "It's a medium of creativity and inventiveness."
Gerling has been a Lego master builder for 13 years. For this project, he first made a drawing of the light bulb and then a prototype, or a smaller version of the bulb. Anything can be built with Lego, the master builder says, but large projects need extra support. "We have a couple of very small glued sections, because it's a round shape," he said. "It's just a little bit of insurance."
The Spark of an Idea
Edison invented the incandescent lamp 130 years ago. He succeeded only after conducting many experiments. Edison became one of America's most successful inventors. He held more than 1,000 patents for inventions.
The Lego light bulb was built in the National Museum of American History. At the museum, visitors can learn more about remarkable inventions in the "Invention at Play" exhibition. The Spark!Lab features a building and engineering laboratory.
Unlike Edison's inventions, the Lego light bulb will not stand the test of time. It was constructed in the middle of the museum's entrance and was broken down right after the project was completed. Still, Gerling says that he and the museum's visitors had a fantastic experience. "Watching the kids plowing into this," he says, "was a great deal of fun."
Inspired? Try building your own Lego light bulb with these instructions.
Michael-I think it is very exciting to make a Lego light bulb. You will need a lot of Lego pieces to make an enormous light bulb. Children and the Lego master are making this gigantic light bulb. They spend two days to make the light bulb. August is National Inventors' Month and the light bulb is the symbol for a big idea. So they also wanted to memorial Thomas Edison.
A Big, Bright Idea
What's the best way to celebrate National Inventors' Month? Build a giant Lego light bulb!
By Laura Slot
Even before the project started, Lego master builder Steve Gerling was excited. "We're going to build our fingers to the bone," he told TFK. Last weekend, Lego teamed up with the Smithsonian's Center for Invention and Innovation in Washington, D.C., to build an eight-foot-tall version of Thomas Edison's light bulb. August is National Inventors' Month, and the light bulb is the symbol for a big idea.
Brick by Brick
More than 10,000 kids helped build the giant plastic structure with hundreds of thousands of Lego bricks. It took two days to build it. "The little plastic bricks are so accessible," Gerling says. "It's a medium of creativity and inventiveness."
Gerling has been a Lego master builder for 13 years. For this project, he first made a drawing of the light bulb and then a prototype, or a smaller version of the bulb. Anything can be built with Lego, the master builder says, but large projects need extra support. "We have a couple of very small glued sections, because it's a round shape," he said. "It's just a little bit of insurance."
The Spark of an Idea
Edison invented the incandescent lamp 130 years ago. He succeeded only after conducting many experiments. Edison became one of America's most successful inventors. He held more than 1,000 patents for inventions.
The Lego light bulb was built in the National Museum of American History. At the museum, visitors can learn more about remarkable inventions in the "Invention at Play" exhibition. The Spark!Lab features a building and engineering laboratory.
Unlike Edison's inventions, the Lego light bulb will not stand the test of time. It was constructed in the middle of the museum's entrance and was broken down right after the project was completed. Still, Gerling says that he and the museum's visitors had a fantastic experience. "Watching the kids plowing into this," he says, "was a great deal of fun."
Inspired? Try building your own Lego light bulb with these instructions.
Michael-I think it is very exciting to make a Lego light bulb. You will need a lot of Lego pieces to make an enormous light bulb. Children and the Lego master are making this gigantic light bulb. They spend two days to make the light bulb. August is National Inventors' Month and the light bulb is the symbol for a big idea. So they also wanted to memorial Thomas Edison.
2009年8月4日 星期二
Global Warming
980804
Global Warming
The earth is getting worst. We need to protect the earth from being dead. The problem of global warming is getting more important. The ice in Arctic and Antarctica are now melting and become smaller. The sea level will arise and drown us. Scientists talk about the “greenhouse effect” is one of the reasons, too. But the most important reason is that human beings are producing too much gases and pollution. The global is getting warmer and warmer. We need to find and search for new sources of energy to take place of oil. We should be careful of our environment. Or maybe someday the earth will be destroyed by us. So we need to solve the problem of global warming.
Global Warming
The earth is getting worst. We need to protect the earth from being dead. The problem of global warming is getting more important. The ice in Arctic and Antarctica are now melting and become smaller. The sea level will arise and drown us. Scientists talk about the “greenhouse effect” is one of the reasons, too. But the most important reason is that human beings are producing too much gases and pollution. The global is getting warmer and warmer. We need to find and search for new sources of energy to take place of oil. We should be careful of our environment. Or maybe someday the earth will be destroyed by us. So we need to solve the problem of global warming.
2009年8月3日 星期一
A Rare Dolphin Discovery
A Rare Dolphin Discovery
Scientists find thousands of Irrawaddy dolphins off the coast of Bangladesh
By Vickie An
Scientists are flipping over a recent dolphin discovery. On Wednesday, the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) announced that nearly 6,000 Irrawaddy dolphins have been found along the coast of Bangladesh. The marine mammals were spotted in freshwater areas of the Sundarbans mangrove forest. Others were found nearby in the Bay of Bengal.
The discovery is good news for the rare dolphin species. Experts say Irrawaddy dolphins are vulnerable to extinction. At last count, the largest known populations of Irrawaddy dolphins in a single area numbered in the low hundreds or fewer.
A Sign of Hope
Irrawaddy dolphins are related to orcas, or killer whales. The creatures can grow up to 8 feet in length. They live mainly in freshwater lagoons, large rivers and estuaries in South and Southeast Asia. An estuary is where the river meets the sea, and where fresh and salt water mix.
Scientists are unsure of how many Irrawaddy dolphins remain in the wild. In 2008, the animals were categorized as vulnerable on the International Union of Conservation of Nature's (IUCN) Red List. The IUCN Red List, released each year, classifies species by how close each is to extinction.
WCS researchers launched the latest Irrawaddy dolphin study in 2004. The full report was revealed this week at an international conference on marine mammal protection in Hawaii. "This discovery gives us great hope that there is a future for Irrawaddy dolphins," said Brian D. Smith, the lead author of the study. "Bangladesh clearly serves as an important sanctuary [or protected area] for Irrawaddy dolphins. Conservation in this region should be a top priority."
Troubled Waters
Still, experts warn that the newly discovered dolphin population continues to be threatened. During the survey, researchers came across two dolphins that had drowned after getting tangled up in fishing nets. Fishermen in the area say that this is fairly common.
Climate change is also putting the species at long-term risk, the WCS said. Rising sea levels are slowly shrinking Irrawaddy dolphins' freshwater habitats. These factors are also threatening the endangered Ganges River dolphin, which shares part of its range in the Sundarbans with the Irrawaddy.
Conservationists are trying to stay optimistic, however. The WCS is working with the Bangladeshi government to set up a protected area for the dolphins in the Sundarbans mangrove forest. "The sanctuary may take time," said Mohammad Jalilur Rahman, an official at the Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute. "But we are already motivating the fishermen not to harm the dolphins which get entangled in their nets."
Michael-The Irrawaddy dolphins are almost extinct. They are very rare to see now. There are only a few more Irrawaddy dolphins left. But scientists found out that six thousand of Irrawaddy dolphins are found along the coast of Bangladesh. It is good news to know that they aren’t extinct. They are related with the killer whale. We need to protect these animals.
Scientists find thousands of Irrawaddy dolphins off the coast of Bangladesh
By Vickie An
Scientists are flipping over a recent dolphin discovery. On Wednesday, the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) announced that nearly 6,000 Irrawaddy dolphins have been found along the coast of Bangladesh. The marine mammals were spotted in freshwater areas of the Sundarbans mangrove forest. Others were found nearby in the Bay of Bengal.
The discovery is good news for the rare dolphin species. Experts say Irrawaddy dolphins are vulnerable to extinction. At last count, the largest known populations of Irrawaddy dolphins in a single area numbered in the low hundreds or fewer.
A Sign of Hope
Irrawaddy dolphins are related to orcas, or killer whales. The creatures can grow up to 8 feet in length. They live mainly in freshwater lagoons, large rivers and estuaries in South and Southeast Asia. An estuary is where the river meets the sea, and where fresh and salt water mix.
Scientists are unsure of how many Irrawaddy dolphins remain in the wild. In 2008, the animals were categorized as vulnerable on the International Union of Conservation of Nature's (IUCN) Red List. The IUCN Red List, released each year, classifies species by how close each is to extinction.
WCS researchers launched the latest Irrawaddy dolphin study in 2004. The full report was revealed this week at an international conference on marine mammal protection in Hawaii. "This discovery gives us great hope that there is a future for Irrawaddy dolphins," said Brian D. Smith, the lead author of the study. "Bangladesh clearly serves as an important sanctuary [or protected area] for Irrawaddy dolphins. Conservation in this region should be a top priority."
Troubled Waters
Still, experts warn that the newly discovered dolphin population continues to be threatened. During the survey, researchers came across two dolphins that had drowned after getting tangled up in fishing nets. Fishermen in the area say that this is fairly common.
Climate change is also putting the species at long-term risk, the WCS said. Rising sea levels are slowly shrinking Irrawaddy dolphins' freshwater habitats. These factors are also threatening the endangered Ganges River dolphin, which shares part of its range in the Sundarbans with the Irrawaddy.
Conservationists are trying to stay optimistic, however. The WCS is working with the Bangladeshi government to set up a protected area for the dolphins in the Sundarbans mangrove forest. "The sanctuary may take time," said Mohammad Jalilur Rahman, an official at the Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute. "But we are already motivating the fishermen not to harm the dolphins which get entangled in their nets."
Michael-The Irrawaddy dolphins are almost extinct. They are very rare to see now. There are only a few more Irrawaddy dolphins left. But scientists found out that six thousand of Irrawaddy dolphins are found along the coast of Bangladesh. It is good news to know that they aren’t extinct. They are related with the killer whale. We need to protect these animals.
2009年8月2日 星期日
The Jonas Brothers Play Ball
The Jonas Brothers Play Ball
TFK and Sports Illustrated Kids team up to talk to the Jonas Brothers before their softball game in Newark, New Jersey
By Joyce C. Tang
Kevin, Joe and Nick Jonas, the talented threesome that form the Jonas Brothers, may be great musicians, but how well can they handle a bat and ball? Last week they spent a day swinging for the fences. Between sold-out shows of their 2009 world tour, the Jonas Brothers made time to play a game of softball on a nearly cloudless summer day. They have played six games so far, and some of the events have raised money for charities.
Team Road Dogs, which includes the trio, their father, band mates and road crew, went up against The Flyers, a group of executives from private jet companies Marquis Jet and NetJets. Joe wears the No. 1 jersey, but youngest brother Nick is the die-hard baseball fan. He told TFK that if he could play one sport professionally, it would "definitely" be baseball. He was also first at bat and played the key position of shortstop. Joe scooped up balls as short center, and eldest brother Kevin caught hits in right field.
A Different Kind of Stage
Though the game was a private event, the Jonas Brothers announced their location via Twitter just moments before the first pitch was thrown. "10 minutes to game time...450 Broad Street, Newark Bears Stadium...Come root for the home team." Newark is in New Jersey, the brothers' home state. The band has more than 400,000 followers on Twitter. Several hundred breathless fans rushed to stadium to catch a glimpse of their favorite crooners.
Before the game, Sports Illustrated Kids and TIME for Kids caught up with the Jonas Brothers to talk about their favorite sports teams, touring around the world and their new album, Lines, Vines and Trying Times. Check out the slideshow and watch our exclusive video.
Nick, Kevin and Joe proudly sport their Road Dogs apparel before a competitive game against The Flyers.
Michael-I think the Jonas brothers are good at playing baseball. They can join the team with their father too. It is special that three sons and a father are on the same baseball team. They can catch balls and pitch too. They are playing a game with The Flyers. They have played six games so far.
TFK and Sports Illustrated Kids team up to talk to the Jonas Brothers before their softball game in Newark, New Jersey
By Joyce C. Tang
Kevin, Joe and Nick Jonas, the talented threesome that form the Jonas Brothers, may be great musicians, but how well can they handle a bat and ball? Last week they spent a day swinging for the fences. Between sold-out shows of their 2009 world tour, the Jonas Brothers made time to play a game of softball on a nearly cloudless summer day. They have played six games so far, and some of the events have raised money for charities.
Team Road Dogs, which includes the trio, their father, band mates and road crew, went up against The Flyers, a group of executives from private jet companies Marquis Jet and NetJets. Joe wears the No. 1 jersey, but youngest brother Nick is the die-hard baseball fan. He told TFK that if he could play one sport professionally, it would "definitely" be baseball. He was also first at bat and played the key position of shortstop. Joe scooped up balls as short center, and eldest brother Kevin caught hits in right field.
A Different Kind of Stage
Though the game was a private event, the Jonas Brothers announced their location via Twitter just moments before the first pitch was thrown. "10 minutes to game time...450 Broad Street, Newark Bears Stadium...Come root for the home team." Newark is in New Jersey, the brothers' home state. The band has more than 400,000 followers on Twitter. Several hundred breathless fans rushed to stadium to catch a glimpse of their favorite crooners.
Before the game, Sports Illustrated Kids and TIME for Kids caught up with the Jonas Brothers to talk about their favorite sports teams, touring around the world and their new album, Lines, Vines and Trying Times. Check out the slideshow and watch our exclusive video.
Nick, Kevin and Joe proudly sport their Road Dogs apparel before a competitive game against The Flyers.
Michael-I think the Jonas brothers are good at playing baseball. They can join the team with their father too. It is special that three sons and a father are on the same baseball team. They can catch balls and pitch too. They are playing a game with The Flyers. They have played six games so far.
2009年7月31日 星期五
An Amazing Rescue
January 16, 2009
An Amazing Rescue
All passengers are safe after a plane lands in the Hudson River
By Andrea Delbanco
A dramatic, icy rescue took place after a US Airways passenger plane landed in the Hudson River in New York City on Thursday afternoon. There were 150 passengers and 5 crewmembers on board. Thanks to a skilled pilot, a rapid rescue and a whole lot of luck, there was only one report of a serious injury-one passenger suffered two broken legs--from all 155 people aboard the plane.
Splash Landing
The plane had taken off from La Guardia airport in New York City at 3:26pm. It was bound for Charlotte, North Carolina. It crashed just minutes after takeoff.
The crash was likely caused by a flock of birds that slammed into the two engines of the jet. Birds regularly tangle with airplanes, but it very rarely causes a problem.
Officials will interview the US Airways crew and examine the plane for more clues about the cause of the crash.
Quick Rescue, Happy Ending
Cold winter weather made the rescue effort even more urgent. It was barely 20 degrees in New York City. The water was a frigid 36 degrees. Many passengers stood on the wings of the aircraft while waiting to board rescue boats. Coast Guard and ferry boats arrived on the scene within minutes.
Paramedics treated many passengers for hypothermia, a physical condition caused by extreme cold. But most passengers were relieved to have the entire experience behind them. "You're happy to be alive," explained 23-year-old passenger Bill Zuhoski.
Michael-It is a miracle that the plane didn’t happen any dangerous things. The rescuers are also very good. They rescued all the passengers. The passengers were in the Hudson River if the rescuers get a bit later I think that some of the passengers will be froze to death. It is very serious. On the other hand, why those idiot birds wanted to kill themselves? Are they insane or nuts? The accident happened when the birds crush in the engine. It makes the engines dead. So that is the reason why the plane crash. We need to watch out someday later that why the birds kill themselves.
An Amazing Rescue
All passengers are safe after a plane lands in the Hudson River
By Andrea Delbanco
A dramatic, icy rescue took place after a US Airways passenger plane landed in the Hudson River in New York City on Thursday afternoon. There were 150 passengers and 5 crewmembers on board. Thanks to a skilled pilot, a rapid rescue and a whole lot of luck, there was only one report of a serious injury-one passenger suffered two broken legs--from all 155 people aboard the plane.
Splash Landing
The plane had taken off from La Guardia airport in New York City at 3:26pm. It was bound for Charlotte, North Carolina. It crashed just minutes after takeoff.
The crash was likely caused by a flock of birds that slammed into the two engines of the jet. Birds regularly tangle with airplanes, but it very rarely causes a problem.
Officials will interview the US Airways crew and examine the plane for more clues about the cause of the crash.
Quick Rescue, Happy Ending
Cold winter weather made the rescue effort even more urgent. It was barely 20 degrees in New York City. The water was a frigid 36 degrees. Many passengers stood on the wings of the aircraft while waiting to board rescue boats. Coast Guard and ferry boats arrived on the scene within minutes.
Paramedics treated many passengers for hypothermia, a physical condition caused by extreme cold. But most passengers were relieved to have the entire experience behind them. "You're happy to be alive," explained 23-year-old passenger Bill Zuhoski.
Michael-It is a miracle that the plane didn’t happen any dangerous things. The rescuers are also very good. They rescued all the passengers. The passengers were in the Hudson River if the rescuers get a bit later I think that some of the passengers will be froze to death. It is very serious. On the other hand, why those idiot birds wanted to kill themselves? Are they insane or nuts? The accident happened when the birds crush in the engine. It makes the engines dead. So that is the reason why the plane crash. We need to watch out someday later that why the birds kill themselves.
2009年7月30日 星期四
Dolphin Moko
A woman was rescued freezing and exhausted from the sea off Mahia in the northern Hawke's Bay yesterday, worn out by the playful antics of resident dolphin Moko.
The woman, who did not want to be named, went into the water at about 4.30pm.
She was wearing a wetsuit and knew Moko was waiting for company, but did not bargain on the dolphin wanting to play for so long.
She ended up marooned on a buoy while Moko ran rings around her, swimming around and diving alongside her whenever she tried to move.
By standers had noticed how long the woman had been at sea when she started screaming for help.
Sunset Point Bar & Bistro manager Juanita Symes said her uncle Ian Blake came back from the beach and raised the alarm.
The pair borrowed a dinghy from a nearby house and headed out to rescue the woman.
"When we got out there she had wrapped herself around the buoy and was absolutely freezing, she was freezing to death," Ms Symes said.
"She was completely exhausted. If we had left her any longer she would have run out of energy."
A local paramedic was waiting on the beach to treat the woman when they returned.
The rescued woman said Moko was very special to the area and she did not want people to get the wrong impression that she was trying to cause her harm.
"I've spent quite a bit of time swimming with Moko and I'm a strong swimmer so I wasn't worried at first," she said.
"We were playing around for a while but then when I wanted to go back in, she just wanted to keep playing.
"I became exhausted and started to panic.
"The reality set in that I was out in the ocean with a wild animal and no people around, so I felt quite vulnerable."
Moko has attracted worldwide attention since she took up residence at Mahia last year, with hundreds of people turning up to swim with her.
But marine welfare organization Project Jonah said people should take a "hands off" approach and give the three-year-old bottlenose dolphin her space.
"Although Moko is actively seeking human company, she's a wild animal, not a trained performer," said chief executive Kimberly Muncaster.
Michael-The dolphin Moko is very interesting. But when it makes trouble it becomes very terrible. This story is a very important story. It tell us that you should not stay too long with wild animals or the might get you in dangerous troubles that you can not held. So be careful of wild animals.
The woman, who did not want to be named, went into the water at about 4.30pm.
She was wearing a wetsuit and knew Moko was waiting for company, but did not bargain on the dolphin wanting to play for so long.
She ended up marooned on a buoy while Moko ran rings around her, swimming around and diving alongside her whenever she tried to move.
By standers had noticed how long the woman had been at sea when she started screaming for help.
Sunset Point Bar & Bistro manager Juanita Symes said her uncle Ian Blake came back from the beach and raised the alarm.
The pair borrowed a dinghy from a nearby house and headed out to rescue the woman.
"When we got out there she had wrapped herself around the buoy and was absolutely freezing, she was freezing to death," Ms Symes said.
"She was completely exhausted. If we had left her any longer she would have run out of energy."
A local paramedic was waiting on the beach to treat the woman when they returned.
The rescued woman said Moko was very special to the area and she did not want people to get the wrong impression that she was trying to cause her harm.
"I've spent quite a bit of time swimming with Moko and I'm a strong swimmer so I wasn't worried at first," she said.
"We were playing around for a while but then when I wanted to go back in, she just wanted to keep playing.
"I became exhausted and started to panic.
"The reality set in that I was out in the ocean with a wild animal and no people around, so I felt quite vulnerable."
Moko has attracted worldwide attention since she took up residence at Mahia last year, with hundreds of people turning up to swim with her.
But marine welfare organization Project Jonah said people should take a "hands off" approach and give the three-year-old bottlenose dolphin her space.
"Although Moko is actively seeking human company, she's a wild animal, not a trained performer," said chief executive Kimberly Muncaster.
Michael-The dolphin Moko is very interesting. But when it makes trouble it becomes very terrible. This story is a very important story. It tell us that you should not stay too long with wild animals or the might get you in dangerous troubles that you can not held. So be careful of wild animals.
Baseball
Eri Yoshida has thrown a curveball at the game of baseball in Japan. Or, to be more accurate, she has thrown a knuckleball. The 16-year-old pitcher is Japan's first female professional baseball player. The pro team, Kobe 9 Cruise, drafted Yoshida last week. The team is part of the new Japanese League that starts its first season in April.
A knuckleball pitch dips, dives and sometimes moves from side to side. It is very difficult to throw and to hit. Not many pitchers in the major leagues can throw the unusual, sidearm pitch. But for those that can, a strikeout is likely. Most batters have a hard time hitting a ball with such an unpredictable path.
Give This Girl A Hand!
Yoshida's unusual pitch has landed her in a very unusual position. Japanese women don't normally get the chance to play on anything other than softball or amateur baseball teams. "I'm really happy I stuck with baseball," Yoshida said at a press conference. "I want to pitch against men."
Some people think the league may have drafted Yoshida to gain publicity for choosing a woman. But in a nation that loves baseball, Yoshida's spot on the team could encourage a new generation of female players. Already, their numbers have soared in the 10 years since little league opened the playing field to girls.
Learning to Throw
Yoshida started playing baseball when she was a second grader, joining neighborhood games with her older brother and his friends. She played first base on a boys� team in junior high school. She currently plays for a private team, not her high school team.
The knuckleball caught Yoshida's attention after her father showed her a video of Boston Red Sox pitcher Tim Wakefield. Wakefield is one of only a handful of pro players in the U.S. to throw a knuckleball. "Hope I can see her pitch one day," Wakefield said in a text message after learning about Yoshida. "I'm honored. I wish her the best of luck."
Michael-The young pitcher in Japan was great. She is one of the only female pitchers in baseball. She is very brave to step into the baseball. We should give her a big hand. Not many female like to play baseball this kind of sports. Playing baseball is a good sport to do.
A knuckleball pitch dips, dives and sometimes moves from side to side. It is very difficult to throw and to hit. Not many pitchers in the major leagues can throw the unusual, sidearm pitch. But for those that can, a strikeout is likely. Most batters have a hard time hitting a ball with such an unpredictable path.
Give This Girl A Hand!
Yoshida's unusual pitch has landed her in a very unusual position. Japanese women don't normally get the chance to play on anything other than softball or amateur baseball teams. "I'm really happy I stuck with baseball," Yoshida said at a press conference. "I want to pitch against men."
Some people think the league may have drafted Yoshida to gain publicity for choosing a woman. But in a nation that loves baseball, Yoshida's spot on the team could encourage a new generation of female players. Already, their numbers have soared in the 10 years since little league opened the playing field to girls.
Learning to Throw
Yoshida started playing baseball when she was a second grader, joining neighborhood games with her older brother and his friends. She played first base on a boys� team in junior high school. She currently plays for a private team, not her high school team.
The knuckleball caught Yoshida's attention after her father showed her a video of Boston Red Sox pitcher Tim Wakefield. Wakefield is one of only a handful of pro players in the U.S. to throw a knuckleball. "Hope I can see her pitch one day," Wakefield said in a text message after learning about Yoshida. "I'm honored. I wish her the best of luck."
Michael-The young pitcher in Japan was great. She is one of the only female pitchers in baseball. She is very brave to step into the baseball. We should give her a big hand. Not many female like to play baseball this kind of sports. Playing baseball is a good sport to do.
2009年7月27日 星期一
Underwater Treasures
July 27, 2009
Underwater Treasures
Archaeologists have discovered the wrecks of five ancient ships, and their cargo is in perfect condition
By Laura Slot
Researchers have found five ancient ships on the bottom of the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Italy. One of the ships is more than 2,000 years old and the others are about 1,600 years old. The ships carried vases filled with wine, olive oil, fish sauce and other products for trade. Kitchen tools, bowls and glass objects were also onboard. The wrecks are a real treasure, because all their cargo is in perfect condition.
"It is like an underwater museum," said Annalisa Zarattini, who is an expert in underwater archeology in Italy. The ships were probably trying to find shelter from a storm close to Rome and Naples, but then sunk.
Hidden in the Deep
The ships still look good after thousands of years because they sank in a deep part of the sea, Zarattini said. Here, the ships were protected from strong underwater currents so they weren't damaged. The wrecks were also safe from treasure hunters, who probably couldn't dive that deep. Almost none of the vases and other goods broke, because the ships didn't turn over in the storm.
The ships sank while sailing along an ancient Roman trading route. Traders shipped goods from distant places such as Africa and Spain to Italy. Foods such as fish sauce were a delicacy in ancient Rome.
The researchers found the wrecks using sonar technology, which uses soundwaves to scan the bottom of the sea for objects. The vases, bowls and tools they found in the ships will be studied and displayed in museums in Italy. The researchers will continue to search for more shipwrecks, trying to preserve them before treasure-seeking divers plunder the wrecks and
Michael-The treasure of the shipwreck under the water hasn’t been damaged. These treasures are about 2000 years old. To be undamaged is a miracle. Luckily the treasure hunters didn’t steal the things. The things in the ship are now the treasure of ancient history. The ancient things should be put into the museum because maybe someday the treasure hunters will find them.teal valuable treasures.
Underwater Treasures
Archaeologists have discovered the wrecks of five ancient ships, and their cargo is in perfect condition
By Laura Slot
Researchers have found five ancient ships on the bottom of the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Italy. One of the ships is more than 2,000 years old and the others are about 1,600 years old. The ships carried vases filled with wine, olive oil, fish sauce and other products for trade. Kitchen tools, bowls and glass objects were also onboard. The wrecks are a real treasure, because all their cargo is in perfect condition.
"It is like an underwater museum," said Annalisa Zarattini, who is an expert in underwater archeology in Italy. The ships were probably trying to find shelter from a storm close to Rome and Naples, but then sunk.
Hidden in the Deep
The ships still look good after thousands of years because they sank in a deep part of the sea, Zarattini said. Here, the ships were protected from strong underwater currents so they weren't damaged. The wrecks were also safe from treasure hunters, who probably couldn't dive that deep. Almost none of the vases and other goods broke, because the ships didn't turn over in the storm.
The ships sank while sailing along an ancient Roman trading route. Traders shipped goods from distant places such as Africa and Spain to Italy. Foods such as fish sauce were a delicacy in ancient Rome.
The researchers found the wrecks using sonar technology, which uses soundwaves to scan the bottom of the sea for objects. The vases, bowls and tools they found in the ships will be studied and displayed in museums in Italy. The researchers will continue to search for more shipwrecks, trying to preserve them before treasure-seeking divers plunder the wrecks and
Michael-The treasure of the shipwreck under the water hasn’t been damaged. These treasures are about 2000 years old. To be undamaged is a miracle. Luckily the treasure hunters didn’t steal the things. The things in the ship are now the treasure of ancient history. The ancient things should be put into the museum because maybe someday the treasure hunters will find them.teal valuable treasures.
2009年7月22日 星期三
Century's Longest Solar Eclipse
July 22, 2009
Century's Longest Solar Eclipse
For almost seven minutes, parts of Earth were in the shadow of the moon
By Joyce C. Tang
As the sun rose over Asia on Wednesday morning, the sky turned from light to dark. It was the longest solar eclipse that will happen during this century. A solar eclipse occurs when the moon's path crosses directly in front of the sun. The glow of the sun's light creates a brilliant ring around the moon.
"The sky turned dark like in the dead of the night. The air turned cooler and cicadas stopped singing. Everything was so exciting and moving," said Seiichiro Fukumitsu, an official from Akuseki, a small island of Japan. The total eclipse was visible from India, China, Japan and other parts of Asia. At its longest, over the Pacific Ocean, the eclipse lasted 6 minutes and 39 seconds.
An Exciting Event or a Sign of Bad Luck?
While millions turned out to gaze at the eclipse, some made sure to stay indoors. To many Hindus in India and Buddhists in China, an eclipse can represent bad luck. But for the most part, people celebrated. In China, there were fireworks. In Japan, the eclipse was greeted with cheers and applause. Even the early morning clouds and rain couldn't keep viewers away.
Because looking directly at the sun can be dangerous, people use sunglasses, masks and other special devices to enjoy the eclipse.
Last century's longest eclipse lasted 6 minutes and 53 seconds and took place on July 11, 1991. A total solar eclipse is rare. The next one won't be seen until July 2010.
Michael-The eclipse happened at July 22nd. It was a beautiful astronomy phenomenon. The eclipse lasted 6 minutes and 39 seconds. In Taiwan we just can see the annular partial eclipse. Some people said that we should see the eclipse at least one time in our life. The annular total eclipse could be seen in other countries. If we wanted to see another annular partial eclipse we needed to wait for another year. And if we wanted to see another annular total eclipse again we needed to wait another 61 years. So watching the eclipse is a wonderful thing to do.
Century's Longest Solar Eclipse
For almost seven minutes, parts of Earth were in the shadow of the moon
By Joyce C. Tang
As the sun rose over Asia on Wednesday morning, the sky turned from light to dark. It was the longest solar eclipse that will happen during this century. A solar eclipse occurs when the moon's path crosses directly in front of the sun. The glow of the sun's light creates a brilliant ring around the moon.
"The sky turned dark like in the dead of the night. The air turned cooler and cicadas stopped singing. Everything was so exciting and moving," said Seiichiro Fukumitsu, an official from Akuseki, a small island of Japan. The total eclipse was visible from India, China, Japan and other parts of Asia. At its longest, over the Pacific Ocean, the eclipse lasted 6 minutes and 39 seconds.
An Exciting Event or a Sign of Bad Luck?
While millions turned out to gaze at the eclipse, some made sure to stay indoors. To many Hindus in India and Buddhists in China, an eclipse can represent bad luck. But for the most part, people celebrated. In China, there were fireworks. In Japan, the eclipse was greeted with cheers and applause. Even the early morning clouds and rain couldn't keep viewers away.
Because looking directly at the sun can be dangerous, people use sunglasses, masks and other special devices to enjoy the eclipse.
Last century's longest eclipse lasted 6 minutes and 53 seconds and took place on July 11, 1991. A total solar eclipse is rare. The next one won't be seen until July 2010.
Michael-The eclipse happened at July 22nd. It was a beautiful astronomy phenomenon. The eclipse lasted 6 minutes and 39 seconds. In Taiwan we just can see the annular partial eclipse. Some people said that we should see the eclipse at least one time in our life. The annular total eclipse could be seen in other countries. If we wanted to see another annular partial eclipse we needed to wait for another year. And if we wanted to see another annular total eclipse again we needed to wait another 61 years. So watching the eclipse is a wonderful thing to do.
2009年7月17日 星期五
A Mobile, Green Museum
980717
A Mobile, Green Museum
The Clean Air Club Bus teaches kids in Chicago, Illinois, what they can do to help the environment
By Vickie An
All aboard! This Earth Day, students across the Chicago area will be taking a spin on the Clean Air Club Bus. It's a former yellow school bus that has been recycled into a green museum on wheels. The mobile exhibit features a variety of hands-on activities that teach kids how they can help the environment.
An Eco-Friendly Mission
The Clean Air Club Bus has been making stops at schools, libraries and special events in Chicago since Earth Day 2008. Inside the brightly painted bus are interactive stations. At each display, students learn about the hazards of air pollution, the benefits of clean fuel, what they can do to be green, and more. For example, at the air pollution display, students can pull down a window to see what the Chicago skyline would look like if all vehicles used clean fuel.
Geoffrey Watkins is one of the onboard educators for the Clean Air Club Bus. He says he tries to make learning about the environment fun for students who visit the exhibit. "Sometimes in the beginning, some kids think it'll just be another boring presentation," Watkins told TFK. "But the hands-on displays bring the information to life. By the end of the tour, all of their hands are going up! They want to stay on the bus to learn more."
Breath of Fresh Air
The Clean Air Club Bus was created by the Cook-Illinois Corporation, one of the nation's largest independent school bus companies. Most of the company's 1,700 buses run on biodiesel fuel. That includes the Clean Air Club Bus. What is biodiesel fuel? It is an alternative to gasoline. Biodiesel uses fat from animals and plants, including soybeans and corn. It creates less air pollution than regular gas.
Organizers hope that a visit to the Clean Air Club Bus will encourage students to take a more active role in keeping Earth beautiful. "Hopefully, by the time they leave the bus they'll be a little more aware of our environment," says Watkins. "That's the one thing I try and leave them with. Instead of just sitting back, there are things they can do to be environmentally friendly, too."
You don't have to live in the Chicago area to join the Clean Air Club. Visit CleanAirClub.net to learn how you can do your part for the planet.
Michael-In Earth day everyone needs to clean the environment. People use special things to decrease the waste that we produce. There is a clean air bus. They use special fuel called “biodiesel fuel”. It is made of some natural things. It can protect the earth. I think if everyone uses this kind of fuel. It will help a lot on protecting earth.
A Mobile, Green Museum
The Clean Air Club Bus teaches kids in Chicago, Illinois, what they can do to help the environment
By Vickie An
All aboard! This Earth Day, students across the Chicago area will be taking a spin on the Clean Air Club Bus. It's a former yellow school bus that has been recycled into a green museum on wheels. The mobile exhibit features a variety of hands-on activities that teach kids how they can help the environment.
An Eco-Friendly Mission
The Clean Air Club Bus has been making stops at schools, libraries and special events in Chicago since Earth Day 2008. Inside the brightly painted bus are interactive stations. At each display, students learn about the hazards of air pollution, the benefits of clean fuel, what they can do to be green, and more. For example, at the air pollution display, students can pull down a window to see what the Chicago skyline would look like if all vehicles used clean fuel.
Geoffrey Watkins is one of the onboard educators for the Clean Air Club Bus. He says he tries to make learning about the environment fun for students who visit the exhibit. "Sometimes in the beginning, some kids think it'll just be another boring presentation," Watkins told TFK. "But the hands-on displays bring the information to life. By the end of the tour, all of their hands are going up! They want to stay on the bus to learn more."
Breath of Fresh Air
The Clean Air Club Bus was created by the Cook-Illinois Corporation, one of the nation's largest independent school bus companies. Most of the company's 1,700 buses run on biodiesel fuel. That includes the Clean Air Club Bus. What is biodiesel fuel? It is an alternative to gasoline. Biodiesel uses fat from animals and plants, including soybeans and corn. It creates less air pollution than regular gas.
Organizers hope that a visit to the Clean Air Club Bus will encourage students to take a more active role in keeping Earth beautiful. "Hopefully, by the time they leave the bus they'll be a little more aware of our environment," says Watkins. "That's the one thing I try and leave them with. Instead of just sitting back, there are things they can do to be environmentally friendly, too."
You don't have to live in the Chicago area to join the Clean Air Club. Visit CleanAirClub.net to learn how you can do your part for the planet.
Michael-In Earth day everyone needs to clean the environment. People use special things to decrease the waste that we produce. There is a clean air bus. They use special fuel called “biodiesel fuel”. It is made of some natural things. It can protect the earth. I think if everyone uses this kind of fuel. It will help a lot on protecting earth.
2009年7月16日 星期四
Return of the Blue Whales
Return of the Blue Whales
After decades away, the giant marine mammals have been spotted in the waters off Alaska
By Suzanne Zimbler
Blue whales living in the Pacific Ocean used to travel north toward Alaska for food every spring. But around 1966, the giant mammals stopped making the trip north. Now, after more than 40 years, scientists say blue whales are returning to the northern waters.
Blue Whales' Blue Tale
Blue whales are the largest animals on the planet. The average blue whale is about 80 feet long. That is twice the length of a large yellow school bus. But being huge has not kept these animals safe from harm.
In the early part of the 20th century, an estimated 350,000 blue whales swam the world's oceans. Then whalers began hunting the animals for their blubber. Blubber is a thick layer of fat under the whale's skin that is boiled down to make oil. The animals were hunted almost to extinction. In 1931 alone, more than 29,000 blue whales were killed.
Hunting blue whales was banned in 1966. But recovery has been slow. According to the American Cetacean Society, there are now between 8,000 and 14,000 blue whales in the world. About 2,000 blue whales live in the Pacific Ocean, off the coast of California.
A Whale of a Trip
For decades, blue whales living in the Pacific Ocean have not swum north. "No one had seen blue whales in these waters since the end of whaling," says scientist Jay Barlow. Then, in 2004, three blue whales were spotted in the waters off Alaska. Scientists compared pictures of these animals with pictures that had been taken of blue whales in the waters off the coast of California. They realized that at least one was a match. The same blue whale that had been photographed near California was now swimming near Alaska. Researchers now have evidence that 15 blue whales seen off the coast of Canada and in the Gulf of Alaska are part of the California group of 2,000 animals.
Scientists believe the animals may be traveling north in search of food. Blue whales eat four tons of krill, a tiny shrimplike animal, every day. A change in ocean temperature, which normally occurs every 10 years, may have pushed the krill farther north. "When the food dries up, these animals wander over enormous ranges," said Bruce Mate, director of the Marine Mammal Institute at Oregon State University.
Michael-The blue whales are the biggest animal in the world. They live at the same place that walruses live. The blue whales are getting lesser and lesser. They are almost extinct. Because of the global warming and human killing they are endangered. We should protect them. Don’t let them extinct.
After decades away, the giant marine mammals have been spotted in the waters off Alaska
By Suzanne Zimbler
Blue whales living in the Pacific Ocean used to travel north toward Alaska for food every spring. But around 1966, the giant mammals stopped making the trip north. Now, after more than 40 years, scientists say blue whales are returning to the northern waters.
Blue Whales' Blue Tale
Blue whales are the largest animals on the planet. The average blue whale is about 80 feet long. That is twice the length of a large yellow school bus. But being huge has not kept these animals safe from harm.
In the early part of the 20th century, an estimated 350,000 blue whales swam the world's oceans. Then whalers began hunting the animals for their blubber. Blubber is a thick layer of fat under the whale's skin that is boiled down to make oil. The animals were hunted almost to extinction. In 1931 alone, more than 29,000 blue whales were killed.
Hunting blue whales was banned in 1966. But recovery has been slow. According to the American Cetacean Society, there are now between 8,000 and 14,000 blue whales in the world. About 2,000 blue whales live in the Pacific Ocean, off the coast of California.
A Whale of a Trip
For decades, blue whales living in the Pacific Ocean have not swum north. "No one had seen blue whales in these waters since the end of whaling," says scientist Jay Barlow. Then, in 2004, three blue whales were spotted in the waters off Alaska. Scientists compared pictures of these animals with pictures that had been taken of blue whales in the waters off the coast of California. They realized that at least one was a match. The same blue whale that had been photographed near California was now swimming near Alaska. Researchers now have evidence that 15 blue whales seen off the coast of Canada and in the Gulf of Alaska are part of the California group of 2,000 animals.
Scientists believe the animals may be traveling north in search of food. Blue whales eat four tons of krill, a tiny shrimplike animal, every day. A change in ocean temperature, which normally occurs every 10 years, may have pushed the krill farther north. "When the food dries up, these animals wander over enormous ranges," said Bruce Mate, director of the Marine Mammal Institute at Oregon State University.
Michael-The blue whales are the biggest animal in the world. They live at the same place that walruses live. The blue whales are getting lesser and lesser. They are almost extinct. Because of the global warming and human killing they are endangered. We should protect them. Don’t let them extinct.
Walrues
In 1990, biologists counted 201,039 walruses in the Arctic Ocean. Now, almost 20 years later, there seem to be fewer. After three years of counting, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service estimates that there are only 15,164 walruses in the area. But, scientists say, they're not finished counting.
"We're still working on the final population estimate," said Suzann Speckman. She is a wildlife biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Endangered Species?
What's a possible reason for the lower walrus count? Brendan Cummings, a spokesperson for the Center for Biological Diversity, thinks many walruses are dying. He believes global warming is melting the ice in the waters between Alaska and Russia. That's the area where most walruses live. The chubby mammals with the big tusks use the ice to dive and hunt from.
But other scientists aren't so sure that the walruses are dying out. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologist Doug Burn said, "We realized we were missing a lot of walrus groups." So the walrus count goes on. The counting hasn't been easy. Scientists sometimes have to guess the number of walruses that are underwater. And some technical problems made counting more difficult. A method that counts the mammals using body heat did not work. It delayed the operation by a whole year.
U.S. law requires scientists to count the walruses every three years. Then, if the mammals turn out to be an endangered species, they will be counted every year. As the current count goes on, it will become clearer to scientists just how the walrus is doing in the wild.
Michael-The walruses are endangered species because of the global warming. The ice between Russia and Alaska is melting. The walruses live on the ice. So when the ices are melting their living area become less. Endangered species are the animals that are in danger. We need to help them. Scientist will count the endangered species every year.
"We're still working on the final population estimate," said Suzann Speckman. She is a wildlife biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Endangered Species?
What's a possible reason for the lower walrus count? Brendan Cummings, a spokesperson for the Center for Biological Diversity, thinks many walruses are dying. He believes global warming is melting the ice in the waters between Alaska and Russia. That's the area where most walruses live. The chubby mammals with the big tusks use the ice to dive and hunt from.
But other scientists aren't so sure that the walruses are dying out. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologist Doug Burn said, "We realized we were missing a lot of walrus groups." So the walrus count goes on. The counting hasn't been easy. Scientists sometimes have to guess the number of walruses that are underwater. And some technical problems made counting more difficult. A method that counts the mammals using body heat did not work. It delayed the operation by a whole year.
U.S. law requires scientists to count the walruses every three years. Then, if the mammals turn out to be an endangered species, they will be counted every year. As the current count goes on, it will become clearer to scientists just how the walrus is doing in the wild.
Michael-The walruses are endangered species because of the global warming. The ice between Russia and Alaska is melting. The walruses live on the ice. So when the ices are melting their living area become less. Endangered species are the animals that are in danger. We need to help them. Scientist will count the endangered species every year.
2009年7月14日 星期二
Night at the Museum
Night at the Museum: Battle of the SmithsonianRated PG (Movie Theaters and IMAX May 22)
What's the Story?It's a new night, a new museum and a new adventure! Security guard Larry Daley (Ben Stiller) is back on the job in Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian. In the sequel to the 2006 hit film, Daley's old exhibit pals -- and the magical tablet that gives them life -- have been shipped to the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. Chaos breaks out once more when everything in the museum springs to life under the tablet's ancient spell. This time, a giant T. rex fossil is the least of everyone's worries. An evil Egyptian pharaoh has joined forces with other villains from history in a plot to take over the world. Can Daley and his friends stop the bad guys before it's too late? TFK spoke with Stiller about stepping back into Daley's shoes. Click here to read the full interview.Did You Know?The Smithsonian Institution is the largest museum complex in the world. It is made up of 19 museums, nine research centers and the National Zoo. Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian is the first movie ever to be shot in the complex. --Vickie An
Michael-The second episode of Night at the Museum is great. There is going to be more adventures and more stories. This time Larry the night guard and the magical tablet that gives them life -- have been shipped to the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. The Smithsonian Institution is the largest museum complex in the world. So this time the filming area will be bigger.
What's the Story?It's a new night, a new museum and a new adventure! Security guard Larry Daley (Ben Stiller) is back on the job in Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian. In the sequel to the 2006 hit film, Daley's old exhibit pals -- and the magical tablet that gives them life -- have been shipped to the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. Chaos breaks out once more when everything in the museum springs to life under the tablet's ancient spell. This time, a giant T. rex fossil is the least of everyone's worries. An evil Egyptian pharaoh has joined forces with other villains from history in a plot to take over the world. Can Daley and his friends stop the bad guys before it's too late? TFK spoke with Stiller about stepping back into Daley's shoes. Click here to read the full interview.Did You Know?The Smithsonian Institution is the largest museum complex in the world. It is made up of 19 museums, nine research centers and the National Zoo. Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian is the first movie ever to be shot in the complex. --Vickie An
Michael-The second episode of Night at the Museum is great. There is going to be more adventures and more stories. This time Larry the night guard and the magical tablet that gives them life -- have been shipped to the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. The Smithsonian Institution is the largest museum complex in the world. So this time the filming area will be bigger.
2009年7月10日 星期五
Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson was born in 1958. He was a black person, but he didn’t like his skin color. He hated black skin. When he was young he became a young singer. Everybody liked him a lot. As soon he became very popular. He sang for his live. When he became rich he bleached himself into white skin. Then he did a surgical operation to make himself more handsome. But actually he became more strange and crazy. People named him “King of Pop”. He even invented the moonwalk and robot dance. It was great. People learned for him. His songs like, Thriller, Beat It and Billie Jeans were the bestsellers until now. Many people liked him. In 2009, he suddenly died. Everyone was so shocked. His friends and his families were so sad. The memorial was in 7/8 at Staples, Los Angeles. People mourned for him. His friends sang at his memorial. He is still living in our lives.
Michael Jackson was born in 1958. He was a black person, but he didn’t like his skin color. He hated black skin. When he was young he became a young singer. Everybody liked him a lot. As soon he became very popular. He sang for his live. When he became rich he bleached himself into white skin. Then he did a surgical operation to make himself more handsome. But actually he became more strange and crazy. People named him “King of Pop”. He even invented the moonwalk and robot dance. It was great. People learned for him. His songs like, Thriller, Beat It and Billie Jeans were the bestsellers until now. Many people liked him. In 2009, he suddenly died. Everyone was so shocked. His friends and his families were so sad. The memorial was in 7/8 at Staples, Los Angeles. People mourned for him. His friends sang at his memorial. He is still living in our lives.
Summer Camp
980710-14
第一篇
漂鳥營
Fun things and what I have learned
1. At the first day we went under the bridge to make a stone kiln. First the leaders separate us into four teams. Max and I were not at the same team. In our team, we distribution some people goes to search for some woods, some people goes to move the stones and building the stone kiln. I was the one that builds the kiln. First, you need to put some big stones at the bottom and remember to put a hole or otherwise you could not put in any woods to burn. Then, put some smaller stone on the top and make it into a circle. Third, seal the top of the kiln. Last, put the woods at the bottom and burn it. Until the fire is big enough you can put things in it to cook. We put eggs and sweet potatoes in our stone kiln. After that we stayed a long time to wait for the foods to be cooked. I think the sweet potatoes are delicious.
2. We went back to the place that we live. There was a teacher. He is a photographer he takes photo of birds. He told us his story and the birds’ stories. We know some of the birds. But most of the birds I haven’t seen it before.
3. The second day we went to the garden beside the house. There were a lot of plants at there. There were also a lot of birds. We used the telescope to observe the birds.
4. In the afternoon we went to the back yard of the house. There was a long steel wire. It looks like that we were going to play it. We prepared our equipment and started. First, you needed to climb up the tree. And wait for the person to help you tight a rope on your body. And walk over the steel wire. It was so scary, if you look down there aren’t anything that will catch you. I was brave so I went up and climbed on it. Max also did it but he fell off. He couldn’t climb up himself. So the owner of the house came and pulled him up.
5. At night we choose our model and put in liquid soap to make a new soap. We also put some plants inside our soap. And we waited until the next day. It was finished.
I think that this times camp is fun. I learned a lot of things from it. I also saw the scenery of Taitung. I knew a lot of birds too. I am very happy. If there is another camp maybe I will go again!
第二篇
Sunday, July 12th
Today dad and mom went to the 玉里 train station to pick us up. We went to a camp. First, we went to the hot spring hotel. We checked in first and then changed our shirts into to swimming suits. We went to the hot spring to play. We went into a hot spring room and played some games. At night we went to玉里 again to have dinner. After dinner we found out that there was an ice cream shop. It looks luxurious and romantic. We ate ice cream at there and then we went back to the hotel. In the hotel I invited them to play ST. Petersburg with me. This is a logical game. We had a lot fun. At the first round it looks like that max is winning then at the second round mom almost won the game but at last I won the game.
Monday, July 13th
We woke up late today. It was raining all day. We had breakfast at the hotel and then we checked out. Dad drove all day. We went to 三仙台 when mom was pregnant dad and mom came here before. It was a beautiful place here but the weather isn’t good to day it was raining cats and dogs. So we went back on the car. We were all wet. Dad took us to a high class restaurant. We had an expensive lunch at there. The restaurant was selling high class fish. The TV news car also came here and took a report of the restaurant. But they did not interview us. We paid our money and kept going. Dad drove a long time to the next hot spring hotel that we are going to stay for a night. That hotel was much better than the first hotel. It was bigger and more comfortable. We went their hot spring and one of the massage machines was massaging your penis!!! That sucks!!! The water was cold. At that time I felt a little bit dizzy. And then when I went back to our room I think that I am sick. We went to a lamb shop to have mutton stewed in herbal soup. It tasted delicious after have a swim in the water. We went back to our hotel and watched TV until we sleep.
Tuesday, July 14th
We woke up early and had a healthy breakfast. The food was delicious. We had a lot of things at there. We checked out and went down to the shop to buy some farm produces. We drove all the way back to our home. About at three o’ clock we got back to Home Sweet Home. I hugged grandma when I saw her. She was very happy to see us come back. We all had a good day. I was very happy of this trip. And also thank dad and mom to take us playing around in Taitung!!
第一篇
漂鳥營
Fun things and what I have learned
1. At the first day we went under the bridge to make a stone kiln. First the leaders separate us into four teams. Max and I were not at the same team. In our team, we distribution some people goes to search for some woods, some people goes to move the stones and building the stone kiln. I was the one that builds the kiln. First, you need to put some big stones at the bottom and remember to put a hole or otherwise you could not put in any woods to burn. Then, put some smaller stone on the top and make it into a circle. Third, seal the top of the kiln. Last, put the woods at the bottom and burn it. Until the fire is big enough you can put things in it to cook. We put eggs and sweet potatoes in our stone kiln. After that we stayed a long time to wait for the foods to be cooked. I think the sweet potatoes are delicious.
2. We went back to the place that we live. There was a teacher. He is a photographer he takes photo of birds. He told us his story and the birds’ stories. We know some of the birds. But most of the birds I haven’t seen it before.
3. The second day we went to the garden beside the house. There were a lot of plants at there. There were also a lot of birds. We used the telescope to observe the birds.
4. In the afternoon we went to the back yard of the house. There was a long steel wire. It looks like that we were going to play it. We prepared our equipment and started. First, you needed to climb up the tree. And wait for the person to help you tight a rope on your body. And walk over the steel wire. It was so scary, if you look down there aren’t anything that will catch you. I was brave so I went up and climbed on it. Max also did it but he fell off. He couldn’t climb up himself. So the owner of the house came and pulled him up.
5. At night we choose our model and put in liquid soap to make a new soap. We also put some plants inside our soap. And we waited until the next day. It was finished.
I think that this times camp is fun. I learned a lot of things from it. I also saw the scenery of Taitung. I knew a lot of birds too. I am very happy. If there is another camp maybe I will go again!
第二篇
Sunday, July 12th
Today dad and mom went to the 玉里 train station to pick us up. We went to a camp. First, we went to the hot spring hotel. We checked in first and then changed our shirts into to swimming suits. We went to the hot spring to play. We went into a hot spring room and played some games. At night we went to玉里 again to have dinner. After dinner we found out that there was an ice cream shop. It looks luxurious and romantic. We ate ice cream at there and then we went back to the hotel. In the hotel I invited them to play ST. Petersburg with me. This is a logical game. We had a lot fun. At the first round it looks like that max is winning then at the second round mom almost won the game but at last I won the game.
Monday, July 13th
We woke up late today. It was raining all day. We had breakfast at the hotel and then we checked out. Dad drove all day. We went to 三仙台 when mom was pregnant dad and mom came here before. It was a beautiful place here but the weather isn’t good to day it was raining cats and dogs. So we went back on the car. We were all wet. Dad took us to a high class restaurant. We had an expensive lunch at there. The restaurant was selling high class fish. The TV news car also came here and took a report of the restaurant. But they did not interview us. We paid our money and kept going. Dad drove a long time to the next hot spring hotel that we are going to stay for a night. That hotel was much better than the first hotel. It was bigger and more comfortable. We went their hot spring and one of the massage machines was massaging your penis!!! That sucks!!! The water was cold. At that time I felt a little bit dizzy. And then when I went back to our room I think that I am sick. We went to a lamb shop to have mutton stewed in herbal soup. It tasted delicious after have a swim in the water. We went back to our hotel and watched TV until we sleep.
Tuesday, July 14th
We woke up early and had a healthy breakfast. The food was delicious. We had a lot of things at there. We checked out and went down to the shop to buy some farm produces. We drove all the way back to our home. About at three o’ clock we got back to Home Sweet Home. I hugged grandma when I saw her. She was very happy to see us come back. We all had a good day. I was very happy of this trip. And also thank dad and mom to take us playing around in Taitung!!
2009年7月8日 星期三
Ants Invade!
July 8, 2009
Ants Invade!
Scientists have made some amazing discoveries about one species of ant
by Joyce C. Tang
One type of South American ant is spreading around the world and is living in huge super-colonies. Not only that, but these natural fighters seem to know they are family and get along, according to the latest scientific findings.
The light brown Argentine ants are originally from South America. Over the years, the Argentine ant has moved to other parts of the globe, possibly by hiding in people's luggage and in cargo. This hasn't always been a good thing since the insects can destroy local plants and affect what animals in that area eat.
Ants are fierce fighters. They protect their territory from invaders, including other types of ants and insects. But Argentine ants, though they live on separate continents, don't fight when they come together, scientists say. "Our research found Argentine ants from three continents were rather friendly, and not hostile towards each other," researcher Eiriki Sunamura told the New Zealand Herald.
Are Ants Taking Over?
There are three known super-colonies of Argentine ants. In Europe, one super-colony is located along the Mediterranean Sea. It is believed to be 3,700 miles long. That's even wider than the United States. Another super-colony is located in California. It covers about 560 miles, or about half of the California coast. The third super-colony is on the west coast of Japan.
Scientists in Japan and Spain have discovered that the insects in the three super-colonies share similar chemical profiles. This helps them recognize one another. To prove this, the scientists matched each super-colony with ants from a different colony in a similar part of the world. The Mediterranean ant colony couldn't get along with a smaller one from Spain. And the colony from the west coast of Japan couldn't get along with ants from another area in Japan. But when the ants from the three super-colonies came together, they got along just fine. In fact, they acted like old friends. And how do old ant friends greet one another? By rubbing antennas to say hello.
All in the Family
The scientists think that the Argentine ant super-colonies are one big family. Because they have similar chemical profiles, the scientists believe they are genetically related. The ants recognize each other by the chemical makeup of their outer shells.
Michael-Ants are a kind of insect. There are a lot of species of ants. Some are dangerous. There are three super colonies of ants, Mediterranean ants, Japan ants and the Spain ants. It is strange that if you put one of the ants into another groups of ants it seems that they can’t get along with them. But if the three kinds of ants meet they seem to be familiar to each other. Ants can know others by using their antennas.
Ants Invade!
Scientists have made some amazing discoveries about one species of ant
by Joyce C. Tang
One type of South American ant is spreading around the world and is living in huge super-colonies. Not only that, but these natural fighters seem to know they are family and get along, according to the latest scientific findings.
The light brown Argentine ants are originally from South America. Over the years, the Argentine ant has moved to other parts of the globe, possibly by hiding in people's luggage and in cargo. This hasn't always been a good thing since the insects can destroy local plants and affect what animals in that area eat.
Ants are fierce fighters. They protect their territory from invaders, including other types of ants and insects. But Argentine ants, though they live on separate continents, don't fight when they come together, scientists say. "Our research found Argentine ants from three continents were rather friendly, and not hostile towards each other," researcher Eiriki Sunamura told the New Zealand Herald.
Are Ants Taking Over?
There are three known super-colonies of Argentine ants. In Europe, one super-colony is located along the Mediterranean Sea. It is believed to be 3,700 miles long. That's even wider than the United States. Another super-colony is located in California. It covers about 560 miles, or about half of the California coast. The third super-colony is on the west coast of Japan.
Scientists in Japan and Spain have discovered that the insects in the three super-colonies share similar chemical profiles. This helps them recognize one another. To prove this, the scientists matched each super-colony with ants from a different colony in a similar part of the world. The Mediterranean ant colony couldn't get along with a smaller one from Spain. And the colony from the west coast of Japan couldn't get along with ants from another area in Japan. But when the ants from the three super-colonies came together, they got along just fine. In fact, they acted like old friends. And how do old ant friends greet one another? By rubbing antennas to say hello.
All in the Family
The scientists think that the Argentine ant super-colonies are one big family. Because they have similar chemical profiles, the scientists believe they are genetically related. The ants recognize each other by the chemical makeup of their outer shells.
Michael-Ants are a kind of insect. There are a lot of species of ants. Some are dangerous. There are three super colonies of ants, Mediterranean ants, Japan ants and the Spain ants. It is strange that if you put one of the ants into another groups of ants it seems that they can’t get along with them. But if the three kinds of ants meet they seem to be familiar to each other. Ants can know others by using their antennas.
2009年7月6日 星期一
Lady Liberty's Crown Reopens
July 6, 2009
Lady Liberty's Crown Reopens
http://www.timeforkids.com/TFK/kids/news/story/0,28277,1908850,00.html
Visitors climb to the Statue of Liberty's crown for the first time since September 11, 2001
By Laura Slot
After terrorists attacked the United States on September 11, 2001, officials closed the Statue of Liberty and its surrounding grounds on Liberty Island. They worried that the site wasn't safe. In 2004, visitors could access the island and the base of the statue again, but not the crown. On Independence Day, as a special gift to the American people, the White House reopened the crown.
A Big Climb
Anthony Weiner, who represents New York in the House of Representatives, pushed for years to have the crown reopened. "It's nice to stand and breathe the air on Liberty Island, but you really haven't lived the experience until you've gone up to the crown," he said. "A lot of Americans are able to see that now."
Andrea Balfour and her daughter, Mona, were among the lucky few to climb to the top on July 4, which happened to be Mona's 13th birthday. Mona earned the honor by winning an essay contest sponsored by the New York Daily News. Andrea Balfour takes the Staten Island ferry to get to work. "I pass it every day and we just wave to it or take pictures. Now we actually get to go inside," she said.
The spiral staircase inside the statue has 354 steps. It is dark and narrow. Some steps are too small to fit an entire foot. That's why only ten people at a time are allowed to go into the crown. A lottery system decides who can go up. Visitors are guided by park rangers during the climb.
Symbol of Freedom
Before September 11, 2001, nearly 6 million people toured Lady Liberty each year. After, the number of visitors fell by almost half. Now that the crown is open, about 14,500 tickets have been sold. Most of them are for visits taking place this summer. Tickets for re-opening weekend sold out in just hours.
The 305-foot statue came to the U.S. in 1885. It was a gift from the people of France, honoring the 100 years of friendship between the countries since the American Revolution. The statue came to symbolize freedom, democracy and a safe haven for immigrants.
Michael-I think that the Statue of Liberty is beautiful. But since the terrorists attacked New York’s tallest building. The government closed down the Statue of Liberty. Until 2004 they opened the Statue of Liberty again because this time there is no more terrorists anymore. The Statue of Liberty is a special gift from France. They celebrate America’s Independence Day.
Lady Liberty's Crown Reopens
http://www.timeforkids.com/TFK/kids/news/story/0,28277,1908850,00.html
Visitors climb to the Statue of Liberty's crown for the first time since September 11, 2001
By Laura Slot
After terrorists attacked the United States on September 11, 2001, officials closed the Statue of Liberty and its surrounding grounds on Liberty Island. They worried that the site wasn't safe. In 2004, visitors could access the island and the base of the statue again, but not the crown. On Independence Day, as a special gift to the American people, the White House reopened the crown.
A Big Climb
Anthony Weiner, who represents New York in the House of Representatives, pushed for years to have the crown reopened. "It's nice to stand and breathe the air on Liberty Island, but you really haven't lived the experience until you've gone up to the crown," he said. "A lot of Americans are able to see that now."
Andrea Balfour and her daughter, Mona, were among the lucky few to climb to the top on July 4, which happened to be Mona's 13th birthday. Mona earned the honor by winning an essay contest sponsored by the New York Daily News. Andrea Balfour takes the Staten Island ferry to get to work. "I pass it every day and we just wave to it or take pictures. Now we actually get to go inside," she said.
The spiral staircase inside the statue has 354 steps. It is dark and narrow. Some steps are too small to fit an entire foot. That's why only ten people at a time are allowed to go into the crown. A lottery system decides who can go up. Visitors are guided by park rangers during the climb.
Symbol of Freedom
Before September 11, 2001, nearly 6 million people toured Lady Liberty each year. After, the number of visitors fell by almost half. Now that the crown is open, about 14,500 tickets have been sold. Most of them are for visits taking place this summer. Tickets for re-opening weekend sold out in just hours.
The 305-foot statue came to the U.S. in 1885. It was a gift from the people of France, honoring the 100 years of friendship between the countries since the American Revolution. The statue came to symbolize freedom, democracy and a safe haven for immigrants.
Michael-I think that the Statue of Liberty is beautiful. But since the terrorists attacked New York’s tallest building. The government closed down the Statue of Liberty. Until 2004 they opened the Statue of Liberty again because this time there is no more terrorists anymore. The Statue of Liberty is a special gift from France. They celebrate America’s Independence Day.
2009年5月8日 星期五
In Deep Water
In Deep Water
Heavy rains in three southern U.S. states cause the worst flooding in decades.
BY CLAUDIA ATTICOT
Parts of hospitals, schools and state buildings remained underwater on May 3, after a weekend rainstorm whipped through Tennessee, Mississippi and Kentucky, causing record-breaking floods. The powerful storm left tens of thousands of people without power, shut down major highways, damaged bridges and killed at least 19 in the three states.
Officials say most of the damage was caused in Nashville, Tennessee, where more than 13 inches of rain fell in two days. This almost doubled the state's previous record of 6.68 inches set back in 1979. "I've never seen [the water] this high," said Donnie Smith, an official who has lived in the area for 45 years. "I'm sure that it's rained this hard at one time, but never for this much of an extended period." The rising waters forced authorities to close more than 150 roads in middle Tennessee.
The Cumberland River, which runs through the city, flooded its banks, causing officials to evacuate the downtown area. Nashville Mayor Karl Dean declared a state of emergency on Sunday, and urged residents to conserve water, after flooding shut down one of the two water- treatment plants in Nashville, threatening the fresh water supplies in several counties.
The Eye of the Storm
Forecasters say the storm, which developed over Mississippi, packed high winds and heavy rains, and moved quickly through the area. In Kentucky, where residents received about nine inches of rain, at least 23 counties and eight cities declared states of emergency.
So far, more than 600 people have been rescued in Nashville alone, and 36,000 homes are still without power. "All of our major creeks and the Cumberland River are near flood level, if not at flood level," says Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen. "There's nowhere for the water to go."
More Rain on the Way
Today, residents are bracing for even more flooding, after forecasters predict more heavy rain for the area. "This is going to go on for a while," said Bredesen. "It's going to take several days for this to get back to anything near normal."
In the three southern states of America rained a lot on May, 3rd. Rainstorm stripped through Tennessee, Mississippi and Kentucky. There were a lot of rain and it caused a lot of floods. The powerful storm caused a lot of people without power shut down mayor highways and a lot of bridges and cities were damages. There were more than thirteen inches rained down on Tennessee. Today there were even more floods and rains. So far, more than six hundred people have been rescued and thirty six thousands of homes are still without power. The storm, which went over Mississippi, packed high winds and heavy rains, and moved quickly through the three southern states. The rainstorm this time had cost the U.S. government a lot of money to rebuild the houses and the electricity. After the rainstorm went away, it took a lot of time to get everything back to normal.
Heavy rains in three southern U.S. states cause the worst flooding in decades.
BY CLAUDIA ATTICOT
Parts of hospitals, schools and state buildings remained underwater on May 3, after a weekend rainstorm whipped through Tennessee, Mississippi and Kentucky, causing record-breaking floods. The powerful storm left tens of thousands of people without power, shut down major highways, damaged bridges and killed at least 19 in the three states.
Officials say most of the damage was caused in Nashville, Tennessee, where more than 13 inches of rain fell in two days. This almost doubled the state's previous record of 6.68 inches set back in 1979. "I've never seen [the water] this high," said Donnie Smith, an official who has lived in the area for 45 years. "I'm sure that it's rained this hard at one time, but never for this much of an extended period." The rising waters forced authorities to close more than 150 roads in middle Tennessee.
The Cumberland River, which runs through the city, flooded its banks, causing officials to evacuate the downtown area. Nashville Mayor Karl Dean declared a state of emergency on Sunday, and urged residents to conserve water, after flooding shut down one of the two water- treatment plants in Nashville, threatening the fresh water supplies in several counties.
The Eye of the Storm
Forecasters say the storm, which developed over Mississippi, packed high winds and heavy rains, and moved quickly through the area. In Kentucky, where residents received about nine inches of rain, at least 23 counties and eight cities declared states of emergency.
So far, more than 600 people have been rescued in Nashville alone, and 36,000 homes are still without power. "All of our major creeks and the Cumberland River are near flood level, if not at flood level," says Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen. "There's nowhere for the water to go."
More Rain on the Way
Today, residents are bracing for even more flooding, after forecasters predict more heavy rain for the area. "This is going to go on for a while," said Bredesen. "It's going to take several days for this to get back to anything near normal."
In the three southern states of America rained a lot on May, 3rd. Rainstorm stripped through Tennessee, Mississippi and Kentucky. There were a lot of rain and it caused a lot of floods. The powerful storm caused a lot of people without power shut down mayor highways and a lot of bridges and cities were damages. There were more than thirteen inches rained down on Tennessee. Today there were even more floods and rains. So far, more than six hundred people have been rescued and thirty six thousands of homes are still without power. The storm, which went over Mississippi, packed high winds and heavy rains, and moved quickly through the three southern states. The rainstorm this time had cost the U.S. government a lot of money to rebuild the houses and the electricity. After the rainstorm went away, it took a lot of time to get everything back to normal.
2009年5月2日 星期六
A Disastrous Oil Spill
A Disastrous Oil Spill
Workers race to contain an oil slick that is threatening wildlife in the Gulf of Mexico
BY VICKIE AN
Cleanup crews are racing against the clock to contain a massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. The slick is the result of an explosion that occurred on April 20 aboard the Deepwater Horizon oil rig, 50 miles off the coast of Louisiana. The thick, black ooze is threatening miles upon miles of coastline in four states, and putting hundreds of species of wildlife in danger. Experts say the spill could become one of the worst environmental disasters in U.S. history.
"It is of grave concern," says David Kennedy, of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. "And the efforts that are going to be required to do anything about it, especially if it continues on, are just mind-boggling."
One Big Mess
There were 126 workers aboard the oil rig at the time of the blast. An oil rig is a large, offshore platform that is used to house workers and machines needed to drill oil wells in the ocean floor. Most of the workers escaped. Eleven people are missing. The cause of the explosion is under investigation. The rig was owned by Transocean Ltd., and operated by the energy company BP.
Since the blast, an estimated 210,000 gallons of oil have been spewing daily from an undersea well, located 5,000 feet below the disaster site. By Monday, the sticky spill had grown to more than 1,800 square miles. That's larger than the state of Rhode Island. Oil from the leak began oozing up on Louisiana's shores on Thursday, and could reach the white-sand beaches of Florida as early as this weekend.
"We've never seen anything like this magnitude," said George Crozier, executive director of the Dauphin Island Sea Lab in Alabama. "The problems are going to be the beaches themselves. That's where it will be really visible."
Scientists and environmentalists worry about the huge impact of the slick on sea life in the area. The waters are home to a variety of marine animals, including dolphins, sea turtles and sea birds. Plant life can also suffer from the spill. "It's already a fragile system," says Mark Kulp, a geologist at the University of New Orleans in Louisiana. "It would be devastating to see anything happen to that system."
Cleaning Up
So far, remote-controlled submarines have been unable to shut off the oil well. Workers will begin drilling a relief well to reroute the oil on Thursday. The process could take months. Crews have been working since last week to skim oil from the water's surface, but time is starting to run out.
In a last-ditch effort, the Coast Guard performed a controlled burn of the oil slick on Wednesday. Workers used fireproof containment booms, or a string of floating barriers, to rein in some of the thicker oil. Then they set it on fire. This causes the oil to harden into balls of tar that can be removed from the water more easily. Authorities do no expect the burn area to affect marine life. The total cost of the cleanup could add up to $1 billion.
The oil rig in The Gulf of Mexico had blasted, the pipes were broken. There were a lot of oils spilled out from the pipes. An estimated of 210000 gallons of oil had spread out from the broken pipe. The black oils had spread all over the coastlines miles and miles. The oil caused a lot of effects on the environment and the wildlife; it even caused effects on the economy. The spread oil had put a lot of marine species were in danger. The ocean had been polluted by the oil. A lot of fishes and marine animals such as sea turtles, dolphins, sea birds, crabs, shrimps, and sharks had died because the oil floated on the ocean. A lot of birds had oils on their feathers. The wildlife and the environment had been damaged. The government needed to cost 1 billion to cleanup to ocean and the environment.
Workers race to contain an oil slick that is threatening wildlife in the Gulf of Mexico
BY VICKIE AN
Cleanup crews are racing against the clock to contain a massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. The slick is the result of an explosion that occurred on April 20 aboard the Deepwater Horizon oil rig, 50 miles off the coast of Louisiana. The thick, black ooze is threatening miles upon miles of coastline in four states, and putting hundreds of species of wildlife in danger. Experts say the spill could become one of the worst environmental disasters in U.S. history.
"It is of grave concern," says David Kennedy, of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. "And the efforts that are going to be required to do anything about it, especially if it continues on, are just mind-boggling."
One Big Mess
There were 126 workers aboard the oil rig at the time of the blast. An oil rig is a large, offshore platform that is used to house workers and machines needed to drill oil wells in the ocean floor. Most of the workers escaped. Eleven people are missing. The cause of the explosion is under investigation. The rig was owned by Transocean Ltd., and operated by the energy company BP.
Since the blast, an estimated 210,000 gallons of oil have been spewing daily from an undersea well, located 5,000 feet below the disaster site. By Monday, the sticky spill had grown to more than 1,800 square miles. That's larger than the state of Rhode Island. Oil from the leak began oozing up on Louisiana's shores on Thursday, and could reach the white-sand beaches of Florida as early as this weekend.
"We've never seen anything like this magnitude," said George Crozier, executive director of the Dauphin Island Sea Lab in Alabama. "The problems are going to be the beaches themselves. That's where it will be really visible."
Scientists and environmentalists worry about the huge impact of the slick on sea life in the area. The waters are home to a variety of marine animals, including dolphins, sea turtles and sea birds. Plant life can also suffer from the spill. "It's already a fragile system," says Mark Kulp, a geologist at the University of New Orleans in Louisiana. "It would be devastating to see anything happen to that system."
Cleaning Up
So far, remote-controlled submarines have been unable to shut off the oil well. Workers will begin drilling a relief well to reroute the oil on Thursday. The process could take months. Crews have been working since last week to skim oil from the water's surface, but time is starting to run out.
In a last-ditch effort, the Coast Guard performed a controlled burn of the oil slick on Wednesday. Workers used fireproof containment booms, or a string of floating barriers, to rein in some of the thicker oil. Then they set it on fire. This causes the oil to harden into balls of tar that can be removed from the water more easily. Authorities do no expect the burn area to affect marine life. The total cost of the cleanup could add up to $1 billion.
The oil rig in The Gulf of Mexico had blasted, the pipes were broken. There were a lot of oils spilled out from the pipes. An estimated of 210000 gallons of oil had spread out from the broken pipe. The black oils had spread all over the coastlines miles and miles. The oil caused a lot of effects on the environment and the wildlife; it even caused effects on the economy. The spread oil had put a lot of marine species were in danger. The ocean had been polluted by the oil. A lot of fishes and marine animals such as sea turtles, dolphins, sea birds, crabs, shrimps, and sharks had died because the oil floated on the ocean. A lot of birds had oils on their feathers. The wildlife and the environment had been damaged. The government needed to cost 1 billion to cleanup to ocean and the environment.
2009年3月22日 星期日
Geography Genius
May 23, 2003
Geography Genius
Fourteen-year-old James Williams puts himself on the map with his geography bee victory
BY NEEPA SHAH
Goa, a state in southwestern India, was owned by which country until 1961? Don't know? Well, knowing that Portugal owned Goa at that time and other geography tidbits helped 14-year-old James Williams become the 2003 U.S. National Geographic Bee champion.
Williams missed just three questions during the two-day tournament this week. During the competition, he took virtual journeys everywhere from island countries in the Persian Gulf to volcanic formations in Tanzania.
A Busy Bee
Williams, a homeschooled student from Vancouver, Washington, said he studied up to five hours a day for the competition. After beating out 55 local champions (from a field of more than 5 million participants nationwide) and 10 finalists, Williams headed to the White House to meet the President! He also appeared on NBC Today show and CNN.
His first place finish earned him a $25,000 college scholarship, a lifetime subscription to National Geographic and a week at SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Adventure Camp.
On top of being a geography ace, Williams is also a science wiz. He participated in a science olympiad in Ohio this year, and will go on to compete as a member of the Washington-Oregon science bowl team later this year. He not letting the success get to his head, though. "I wasn expecting this at all, it really exciting," he said politely after his big win.
Where in the World is? Can the rest of the world keep up with Williams? According to a recent study, it looks like most Americans can learn a thing or two from Williams. About 11 percent of Americans aged 18 to 24 cannot find their own country on a map, according to last year's National Geographic-Roper Global Literacy Survey. Another 50 percent could not properly identify China, the United Kingdom or Japan. Top scorers, according to the study, were young adults in Sweden, Germany, and Italy.
I think that geography is a very important subject. We should study geography to help us know more about the earth. There are a lot of countries in the world. If we want to learn more about it, read geography. Geography is very interesting it is also very helpful. 14-year-old James Williams was the national Geographic Bee champion in 2003. I think that James Williams might do a lot of efforts on studying geography. He traveled to a lot of places to know more geography. James Williams survived from the competition and win the geography bee. It is a great honor to win the geography bee competition. If I have a chance to go traveling I will go everywhere too.
Geography Genius
Fourteen-year-old James Williams puts himself on the map with his geography bee victory
BY NEEPA SHAH
Goa, a state in southwestern India, was owned by which country until 1961? Don't know? Well, knowing that Portugal owned Goa at that time and other geography tidbits helped 14-year-old James Williams become the 2003 U.S. National Geographic Bee champion.
Williams missed just three questions during the two-day tournament this week. During the competition, he took virtual journeys everywhere from island countries in the Persian Gulf to volcanic formations in Tanzania.
A Busy Bee
Williams, a homeschooled student from Vancouver, Washington, said he studied up to five hours a day for the competition. After beating out 55 local champions (from a field of more than 5 million participants nationwide) and 10 finalists, Williams headed to the White House to meet the President! He also appeared on NBC Today show and CNN.
His first place finish earned him a $25,000 college scholarship, a lifetime subscription to National Geographic and a week at SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Adventure Camp.
On top of being a geography ace, Williams is also a science wiz. He participated in a science olympiad in Ohio this year, and will go on to compete as a member of the Washington-Oregon science bowl team later this year. He not letting the success get to his head, though. "I wasn expecting this at all, it really exciting," he said politely after his big win.
Where in the World is? Can the rest of the world keep up with Williams? According to a recent study, it looks like most Americans can learn a thing or two from Williams. About 11 percent of Americans aged 18 to 24 cannot find their own country on a map, according to last year's National Geographic-Roper Global Literacy Survey. Another 50 percent could not properly identify China, the United Kingdom or Japan. Top scorers, according to the study, were young adults in Sweden, Germany, and Italy.
I think that geography is a very important subject. We should study geography to help us know more about the earth. There are a lot of countries in the world. If we want to learn more about it, read geography. Geography is very interesting it is also very helpful. 14-year-old James Williams was the national Geographic Bee champion in 2003. I think that James Williams might do a lot of efforts on studying geography. He traveled to a lot of places to know more geography. James Williams survived from the competition and win the geography bee. It is a great honor to win the geography bee competition. If I have a chance to go traveling I will go everywhere too.
2009年3月20日 星期五
What Makes the Red Planet Red?
What Makes the Red Planet Red?
New data suggests Mars' rusty color may have come from tiny meteors, not water
BY NEEPA SHAH
Why is Mars red? Scientists have widely believed the planet's rusty color comes from a past when water existed on the Red Planet's surface. But new data suggests the red hue is caused by something else: Meteor showers! Now, scientists are rethinking theories they have long held to be true about Earth neighbor.
Creating the Red Glow
The commonly held view was that Mars' rusty color was the result of a chemical reaction between iron in rocks that dissolved into the planet's oceans, lakes and rivers over billions of years. But a new study that appeared in The New Scientist magazine suggests that water was not needed to create rust on Mars.
The study's leader, Dr. Albert Yen, found that rust could have been created by exposing iron in rocks to ultraviolet light and exposing the iron to the gases and temperatures found on Mars.
The study does not suggest water never flowed on Mars. Yen says the Red Planet's dry valleys and channels show that there once was water on its surface. But the water may have played a smaller part in creating the reddish color than scientists had thought.
Why Is Water So Important?
Even though Mars is now as dry as a desert, the possibility that there once was water remains an important discovery. Water is one of the most important ingredients of living things. Scientists believe that evidence of water also points to evidence of life that may have once existed on Mars. In 2001, scientists found such evidence but they don know if the water existed long enough to support living creatures.
Earth’s neighbor-Mars is a very mysterious planet. Scientists have widely believed the planet's rusty color comes from a past when water existed on the Red Planet's surface before. But now scientists think that there is another reason of the planet's rusty color. They think that it is because of the meteor shower. The meteor showers are with dirt so it made Mars red. Scientists also believe that there was water on Mars before. Water is the most important thing to let living creatures live. In 2001, scientists found such evidence but they don’t know if the water is enough for the creatures on Mars to live. The space is a very mysterious place we don’t know if there are any aliens on other planets and we don’t know if the other planets have high technology. So we need to put more efforts on investigate more things.
New data suggests Mars' rusty color may have come from tiny meteors, not water
BY NEEPA SHAH
Why is Mars red? Scientists have widely believed the planet's rusty color comes from a past when water existed on the Red Planet's surface. But new data suggests the red hue is caused by something else: Meteor showers! Now, scientists are rethinking theories they have long held to be true about Earth neighbor.
Creating the Red Glow
The commonly held view was that Mars' rusty color was the result of a chemical reaction between iron in rocks that dissolved into the planet's oceans, lakes and rivers over billions of years. But a new study that appeared in The New Scientist magazine suggests that water was not needed to create rust on Mars.
The study's leader, Dr. Albert Yen, found that rust could have been created by exposing iron in rocks to ultraviolet light and exposing the iron to the gases and temperatures found on Mars.
The study does not suggest water never flowed on Mars. Yen says the Red Planet's dry valleys and channels show that there once was water on its surface. But the water may have played a smaller part in creating the reddish color than scientists had thought.
Why Is Water So Important?
Even though Mars is now as dry as a desert, the possibility that there once was water remains an important discovery. Water is one of the most important ingredients of living things. Scientists believe that evidence of water also points to evidence of life that may have once existed on Mars. In 2001, scientists found such evidence but they don know if the water existed long enough to support living creatures.
Earth’s neighbor-Mars is a very mysterious planet. Scientists have widely believed the planet's rusty color comes from a past when water existed on the Red Planet's surface before. But now scientists think that there is another reason of the planet's rusty color. They think that it is because of the meteor shower. The meteor showers are with dirt so it made Mars red. Scientists also believe that there was water on Mars before. Water is the most important thing to let living creatures live. In 2001, scientists found such evidence but they don’t know if the water is enough for the creatures on Mars to live. The space is a very mysterious place we don’t know if there are any aliens on other planets and we don’t know if the other planets have high technology. So we need to put more efforts on investigate more things.
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