The Birmingham Fair

Tomorrow I am going to the Birmingham Fair! I will post pictures of it on Monday. A poem:

Everything there,
At the Birmingham Fair.

Win a goldfish,
or eat a french fry dish.

You'll have a reputation to redeem,
on the rides that will make you scream.

There are plenty of games,
that have many different names,
with prizes,
of all sorts of sizes.

If you came to play,
then you'll have the best day!

History of the Disco Ball

Many people do not know that there is more to a disco ball then just flashing lights. You may not realize this but it got invented and updated throughout the years.

First of all let's start with who invented disco balls, it's said that Charles and Logan McGrath did, of Basildon England, in 1859. They ran a popular party place and they were experimenting how to enhance the light in in the dance room so they came up with the disco ball. Meanwhile it originated and got popular in nightclubs in the 1970's. Back then it was known as the mirror ball. Later on in the disco era, sound-chaser lighting was developed because of music's four beat rhythms. Sound-chaser lighting uses four lights instead of one, when using four the light is thrown all over the space and results are captivating. Many people use that lighting today. The disco ball has survived the death of the disco dance era and is now as most people know commonly used at parties.

I have a mini disco ball that I won at the BCS Blast.

Chains Journal Entry 5/29/14

How are you alike/different from the main character? Be specific! Choice 13

Isabel and I are alike because we both do not like people being unfair to us. Unlike her I do not argue with people in disrespectful tones I calmly converse with the person. We both also have younger sisters and like to make sure that they are safe. I wouldn't want my sister getting hurt either. She just like me uses her knowledge as a tool. For example, since Isabel can read she decided to practice it even though taking chances, and when I go on vacation I decide to try to learn as much as possible about the place even though it sometimes it involves getting out of my comfort zone. We are different because she lived at a different time of course. And she is a slave under the rule of a master meanwhiles I am free. Her life is in constant jeopardy every choice she makes either ends with a punishment or the reward of your life. I on the other hand, don't have life or death worries I am more concerned on grades which don't hurt you. That is how we differ and how we are similar.

Gone Bowling

I went bowling today! actually about 1 and a half hours ago. I went because Shin Be won going bowling with Mrs. Roberts and Mr. Joseph in the Blast auction. I got to leave choice hour 7 minutes early since I was going home with her, and Mia G came, too. So, Shin Be's mom drove us to Thunderbird Lanes and we sung songs of of iTunes for 15 minutes on the way there. Actually Mia and Shin Be did most of the C+ worthy singing. When we got there we left our backpacks in the car and swung open those glass doors and saw Mrs. Roberts and Mr. J waiting for us in lane 19. They waved us over, Mrs. Roberts' son, Jack, was there, too. Jack went first, then Shin Be, then Mia, myself and Mrs. Roberts, Mr. J went last. When it wasn't our turn we would mimic other bowlers and cause them to get a strike or totally miss! Or we danced around and played follow the leader and ring-around-the-rosie. We nick-named ourselves the "Bad Luck Ballet Bowlers". Bad luck for how we would make people win or lose, ballet for our elaborate dancing and mimicking, and bowlers for bowling. ON our first game I got in first place. In the second Shin Be won, I got in third. In the second round Mrs. Roberts and Mr. J had to leave early so we finished of the game for them. Since they played without bumpers they got really bad scores because of us! For dinner we had pizza, root beer, and orange soda. That time flew by when it was tim to leave I sort of wanted to stay longer. At least I got to type this. I know that I will be prepared for the end of the year party!

Chains Journal Response 5/28/14

I chose choice B. From Chapter 18
Put yourself in the shoes of one of the main characters. Write a diary entry that shows the character's inner feelings and thought. Do not summarize the events; add thoughts and feelings that are not actually written in the chapter.Your entry should be written in first person point of view, and signed with the character's name.

Dear Diary,
Today I saw something that I had never seen before! I saw the hanging of Thomas Hickey! Becky said that there is nothing like a good hanging. I disagree, unlike most hangings, I caused this one because I ratted him out to the general. Inside the thought of seeing someone die made me sick, but Becky said to go on. On our way to the hanging we found ourselves in a tangle of thousands of people, Ruth was beginning to get claustrophobic and reached for me. As the Commons filled with the sound of voices my sister and i settled in a game of cat's cradle. Suddenly I heard the drums thrumming by the jail, the sound of my heart beating. I saw the rows of officers standing proud. They were looming over a small black slave girl, so important, so known and respected. Curzon surprised me with one of his not even funny "country" jokes. He nodded to the gallows, I followed his gaze and noticed that Thomas Hickey was making his way to the hangman, no the preacher! I knew what he flat like: forced to obey beaten to death taking actions for his good, just like me and Ruth with slavery and Madam Lockton. I stopped pitying him; he tried to kill General Washington! He stepped to the preacher, crying. The preacher mumbled some prayers to him, and said, "May god have mercy on your soul." May god have mercy on  my soul and Ruth's! Why was the hangman hanging him! They should be hanging slave owners who do kill, plot against, hurt and starve us. I know that what Thomas Hickey did was wrong, but how can I be growing sympathetic. I covered Ruth's eyes and wished I had another pair of hands to cover my own as the hangman kicked away the barrel under Thomas Hickey's feet.

Signed,
Isabel

The Mockingjay Literary Essay

Intro:
"My name is Katniss Everdeen. Why am I not dead? I should be dead." Katniss might not realize this but others need her even though she doesn't want herself. In the Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins, Katniss becomes less selfless and wants to save more people as more of her loved ones die.

Reason 1: Paraphrase
At the beginning of the book when Katniss is still living in District 13, she agrees to be the rebel's Mockingjay. President Coin knew that eventually Katniss would agree but she didn't come so easily. At that time Katniss wanted good for all of Panem, she wants to give certain Victors immunity from the rebellion, otherwise she won't be the Mockingjay. Normally this would not be anything like Katniss, she was very selfish. But, the Hunger Games influenced her, she saw that the Districts deserve a chance of life, it isn't their fault that the capitol is so cruel. And giving them immunity means that Katniss pities the Victors and thinks that saving some precious lives can make a difference. So, as Katniss speaks with President Coin she now found out that she is changing.

Reason 2: Direct Quote
When the rebellion is coming to a close and the remaining Victors are deciding on wether to make a Hunger Games for Capitol children Katniss sort of is getting revenge on President Snow. Peeta and Annia say no for the Hunger Games. Before her sister and so many of her loved ones died she, too would say no, but she is remembering that the rebellion has to end and she has all of the districts to worry about. To almost get revenge on Snow and the Capitol she says, "I vote yes… for Prim.", and I inferred that Katniss, in her head was probably saying, I vote yes for Prim and everyone I have caused to die, and because of the Capitol, because of everything that has happened to her.

Reason 3: Quote
In her head Katniss always says, My name is Katniss Everdeen. Why am I not dead? I should be dead. It would be best for everyone if I were dead… I think that she is putting al of the deaths that she caused on her, so that no one else can feel the pain. Never in her life has she felt such depression, Katniss realized that she has feelings for all of the Districts and of course her loved ones. She has such emotion for them that she is willing to sacrifice herself for the common good. As the novel suggests, Katniss is dealing with changes and she is growing sympathetic and selfless.

Conclusion:
In the the Mockingjay, Katniss grows love in her heart for people that she touches around her and wants to save more lives as a change for her bad actions. Overall she has been using herself for the common good, and has saved many citizens of Panem. Katniss appreciates the gift of life, liberty and happiness more than she did before the rebellion and Hunger Games.

In May

May

In May 

I truly think in best

to be a robin

lightly dressed

concocting soup 

inside my nest.

Mix it once

mix it twice

mix that chicken soup with rice.

Chicken Soup With Rice -Maurice Sendak

Principal for the Day!

Last Friday I had a chance to be principal for the day! (Sorry I didn't write about this earlier I was busy over the weekend.) I got to do this because my mom won it in the Blast. My almost typical Friday started of emailing my teachers that I would miss certain classes and then Mr Morawski and I wen outside on that chilly day and said good morning the everyone and gave high-fives while the kids were walking in. Shortly after when we were in the office (I normally would have been in academic lab) I had to hall school visitors get situated in the school. Those visitors were staff of the Court in School assembly for 7th and 8th graders, Microsoft cameramen and set-up crew for our Project COPE assembly later that day, and guest parents.

It was time for court! As the principal I was allowed to view the REAL court going on in school for kids that are 2 to 3 years older than me! It was actually guide interesting, the cases were all drinking while driving and being addicted to drinks, from my understanding. And the judge told the 7th and 8th graders that their choices in the future do matter. During the session I frequently had to leave to help more visitors and kids weren't allowed to come in (unless you are the principal). But, they were only allowed to come in between the cases and three kids had to get in so we had to figure that out.

When the court was finished we assisted to usher students wandering in the hallway now and then. The next thing that I did was help set up the George Sherman/Project COPE assembly. I carried two Windows 8 tablets and helped carry the giant $15,000 check. By the way, the check was almost as tall as me when it was on its side and twice as wide! After that we had some more ushering to do - to get the whole school's students into the gym. It is not as easy as it seems, because you also have to keep the kids entertained and in control. When it was time Professor Sherman and his wife gave a brief thanks and intro to what we did. Finally it was my cue! When I walked up with that huge check in my hand I heard the audience saying, "What's she doing there?" or "That check is huge!" or just plain gasps. I then handed the check over to Professor Sherman saying my line, "On behalf of Birmingham Covington School I would like to present Project COPE Zambia with this about $15,800 check.", and of course everyone clapped and cheered. I sort of felt my cheeks turning rosy at that point. But, I was more proud than afraid. We were supposed to Skype in with Zambia during it, but the connection wasn't good and we ended up having a five minute Skype after the assembly.

When the whole assembly ended this guy cam up to me and asked me for my name, grade and who Victor in Zambia was, and took a photo graph of me. I forgot while I was handing over the check about three people were taking photos of me at the same time, crazy can't just one person do it and share the pictures - that's not how it works. I then went with Mrs. Chinn to get the office members orders for lunch and I was told that I was going to be interviewed.

For lunch we ate in Mr. Morawski's office, I got to sit in the comfy chair. I had Brooklyn's cheese pizza with a chocolate cupcake and three Oreos from the office. Time for the interview! It wasn't really very exciting and it wasn't going on TV just some where in the records of Microsoft in their website or something. I was just answering questions about Project COPE, the questions were similar to the ones that they asked in the WeDay interview. Lastly I got another cookie from the office, said good-bye to the people that I had fun with today and finished off math class. Everybody on the Joberts team wanted to know what I did. So I just typed it down. Being principal...

Math Talk!

Algebraic Expression
An expression that includes one or more variables. Examples: 7b, 10(a+b), 4x(12)

Coefficient
The number part of a term when the term is a number times a variable or product of a variables. Examples: 56n, 2(x*x)

Exponent
In a power, the small raised number that indicates how many times the base is used as a factor.

Equation
A statement that includes two expressions that are equal. They are separated by an equals sign (=). Examples: 2+3m=17, 123-12=w

Basic Ratio
A ratio in its simplest form, using whole numbers. Examples: 2:3, 4:5

Inverse Operation
Operations that undo each other. Multiplication and division are inverse operations.

Far From Earth

Do you ever feel like you are stuck in outer space? Is there anyone that would be able to help you? Does it ever happen when you feel like you are never coming back to Earth? What I can say is that you have a severe case of "lonely-idus". The symptoms are: abnormal loss of speech, slow breathing, negative actions, and has their mouth positioned in an upside-down "U". Sometimes "lonely-idus" can last for years, sometimes only for a few hours. But, there aren't many cures for it. No medicine is able to cure this out-of-this-world sickness. Only two celestial objects in the entire universe can cure it. Those two are: friends and family (pets count as family). Now, do you feel like you have come back down to Earth? Or have successfully carried your internal spaceship back to safety. If yes, then that's great! Friends and family bring you happiness and a lifetime of memories. And no other intergalactic object can do this.

Dancing with the Stars Finals

Tonight I am hopefully going to watch Dancing with the Stars! I want Meryl Davis to win. She should she is an Olympic skater, of course. She has inspired so many people to do things with courage. I also really like to figure skate. But, I think that she has some pretty tough competition. I don't know who I would want to win second though.

How does one stay upright on a surfboard?

I am not a very good surfer. I actually belly-surf or boogie-board on small waves that are very close to the beach. But, many people want to know the trick in standing up on a surfboard. So this is how you do it:

1. Lay your stomach down on the surfboard. But don't get to far forward. Stretch out your arms and hold the sides of the board.
2. Slide your hands back until they reach the level of your shoulders. Then, do a sissy push-up and extend your arms.
3. Move your body and get into a crouch. If you are a righty bring your left foot in the front and the other way around if you are lefty. Your front knee should be lined up with your chin, but not touching it.
4. Start to stand up slowly, but keep your legs bent. And just like in your crouch keep your feet in the same position. Move your back foot downwards.

Don't try this in the water until you have practiced or taken lessons.

Field Hockey

Today might be a typical Sunday for most people but I on the other hand have quite a few things to do:

1. Field Hockey Practice
2. My friend from my street might come over to my house
3. Homework. Math, German, Reading (actually fun), Guitar Practice (fun too), and helping my sister with her homework.

That's it but all of the things I am doing take some time. And normally I would have ice-skating lessons today but the skating season is over. My favorite thing that I am doing today is Field Hockey. Not everybody knows about this sport, this sport is for girls! What you do is, well it is sort of like ice hockey but on turf. You have a long stick and the end of it is curved, instead of a puck we use a heavy round ball about the size of a baseball. 

   I have practice each Sunday. We do basic drills at the beginning, in the middle we practice our hits, traps and techniques, here and there we play games, and at the end we scrimmage! I like the scrimmaging the most because it it like playing an almost real game.

Literary Essay Start

Intro:
"My name is Katniss Everdeen. Why am I not dead? I should be dead." Katniss might not realize this but others need her even though she doesn't want herself. In the Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins Katniss becomes less selfless and wants to save more people as more of her loved ones die.

The Endless Maze

A never ending series of twists and turns. Only one way out. The possibilities may seem endless but it can be achieved with a wise mind that looks ahead for the obstacles that behold. Choice after choice. Fail after Fail. Not even a fortune teller could make it through without a mistake. Take your chances see if you can find your way to the end of the maze. If you start at the beginning and do not quit then at a point you shall achieve your goal that might have been a short distance away.

Two 100%

Today I had two tests and I feel pretty confident about them. In my math test we were doing an easy unit on volume but the test only had 10 questions so we are getting the tests back tomorrow. Meanwhile my social studies test was pretty much the same as the review we got. So, I am expecting 100%.

River Rascals

Today is the day that we went to the river. When I was at the benthic station I caught a crayfish! It was cute, it started climbing hip my net. Oh, and right after I got it I fell into the river because I tripped on a log. I was soaking wet. Someone caught a fish, too. At the chemical station we found out that the overall water quality was classified as "good" but very close to excellent. And finally at the physical station I sat by to fill out our packet of information while my group splashed around and measured the speed of the water. Unfortunately I had to leave early for a doctor's appointment, so I didn't get a chance to go in at that station. But, what we did there supports the river and helps the community learn about their environment. We did research that is for scientists and learned while keeping the river in top health.

Tomorrow's Field Trip

Tomorrow my class and partner class are going to the Rouge River! We our going to do tests in the water. There will be a chemical station where we take samples of the water and measure the levels of PH, dissolved oxygen, phosphorus and nitrates which will tell us about the pollution. At a benthic station we will be fishing out micro-invertebrates and other aquatic animals and identifying them. That will tell us about how clean the water is, as in we want to see animals that don't tolerate pollution. At the physical station we will be measuring water speed and the river's length from bank to bank and depth, and water level. This will tell us how much the river is eroding. Speaking of eroding, the water level must be really high right now, because it was raining all day today! That would mean danger if we go there. I hope it is safe so we get to go. I really want to get my toes wet!

Mother's Day

I thought that Mothers' Day would be more relaxing, but I ended up doing a lot more things than I thought. First, I had to do German homework in the morning. Then, I had field hockey practice starting at 11:45 which lasts 1 hour and 30 minutes. Next, I probably shouldn't mention this but I had to take a shower once I got back from practice and had to help my sister with the computer. Finally we were about to have a relaxing Mother's Day lunch when my friend from my block showed up and asked  if I could go to her house and see her new pet turtles. Of course I did that, I love turtles! When we got back at 4:15  my mom had a great idea! It was to have the lunch that we planned out as an appetizer and eat have a picnic in our backyard. After that I started typing this post and doing math homework. What we are going to do is have a special dinner then have my mom open her presents from me and my sister. That's all! (Oh, I forgot: then go to sleep <3)

Eye on the Geyser

"Oh, my gosh this is taking so long!" I complained to my mom. My have been waiting for almost half an hour at the Old Faithful Lodge. "I can't wait to see the geyser erupt," my sister said in a squeaky voice - clearly too excited to speak normally. I have had enough! "That geyser is called Old Faithful. Let me tell you that waiting is getting really old and I am faithful that this old thing won't erupt anytime soon!", I said maybe a bit too sarcastically. My mom gave me a hard stare telling me to be good. Suddenly just to my surprise I heard a gurgling, and a sloshing. About 70-100 yards away I saw tiny splashes of water squirting out of the geyser. My previous attitude was forgotten I screamed with such joy, "Yes, it's erupting this is going to be awesome. The crowd leaned forward and held their breath when the bubbling stopped. And then the biggest 100 foot tall spout of water sprouted out of the geyser. The crowd cheered, and camera's popped out to capture the moment. That stream continued for 6 more minutes then slowly started to die off. I knew that I had my eye on that geyser.

5 minute timed writing

A Long Night

Today at 7 pm I was performing my declamation piece at the forensics showcase. There we listened to many different performances. Some were funny, some melancholy, some just… boring, some fun to watch. At most 20 students performed. I think I did an excellent job - I feel that the clapped a bit louder and smiled a bit more when I was onstage. Stage-fright is the 2nd most common fear in the world. But I feel almost comfortable under the stares of hundreds of eyes. Every time a new person went upstage I didn't know what to feel, always at the end I ended up smiling. We got home late, I still had homework to do.

My Bedroom

My favorite room of the house is my room because it is like a sanctuary to me. I do all of my homework  is in there and I keep all of my special things in hidden boxes inside my room. In my own house, I would never want to sleep anywhere else! My room is quiet and away from all of the commotion in the house it lets me read and be myself. It is also big enough so that I can do cart-wheels inside of my room, and other spacious starches and movements, too.

AHW

An Unknown Biography

Probably not many people know about Samantha Smith. Well, I do. I know who she was (She passed away decades ago) because in my forensics  (acting team) I am in the category declamation where we perform speeches. And the speech that I am performing was written and spoken by her.

I am going to write a summary of that part of her life.

When ten year old Samantha Smith, from Maine, wrote a letter to a Russian (back then Soviet) premier Yuri Andropov over her concern of the possible nuclear war between America and the Soviet Union. She received a letter back and a personal invitation to visit as a quest. That fall in the year of 1983, she was invited to address the Children's Symposium held in Kobe, Japan in 2001. Sadly, Samantha and her father were killed in a plane crash, just 2 years later.

Deutsch Sprechen

(A tale of last Summer - AHW)

Ich bin im Urlaub im Yellowstone Park, Grand Teton Park, Hawaii, North Carolina, Chicago and Schifahren gewesen. Als meine Familie auf Hawaii gewesen sind, sind wir mit einem Hubschrauber über einem großen Vulkan geflogen. Das war aufregend. Dann Durfte ich noch im Pool mit 2 süßen Delfinen schwimmen. Sie hießen Kona und Nagele - das war auch ganz toll!

   In North Carolina sind wir mit einem Boot über den James Lake gefahren. Und in Chicago haben wir die Stadt gesichtet.

Fingers

AHW

I know! This is the worst possible thing that can happen! Oh, I forgot to say: I bruised my finger's bone right before it was time to leave for a school trip to Williamsburg, VA. It was last Friday. This is how it happened:

"Ania, may you get the chap-stick for your bathroom bag?," my mom said in a casual tone. Me not knowing what would happen next I replied, "Sure, it'll take a minute though." I walked to my bathroom and pulled out the drawer. There it was, my favorite tutti-frutti flavored kind. So, I grabbed it with my left hand, and since we were kind-of in a hurry I yanked the door a bit to fast and a bit too strongly. I happily strutted forward with a millisecond of time left when my right hand was still behind me, next to the wall...

Suddenly, SLAM! the door crushed my pointer finger about one hour before it was time to leave for the trip. I didn't know what to do! It took me 2 seconds to digest what had happened. My eyes swelled with tears, both hands shaking, I couldn't think, I couldn't feel my finger, and my chap-stick fell to the ground. "HELP ME, PLEASE! SOMEONE HELP ME!", I was saying the first thing that came to mind. What would you say if you just slammed your finger in your door unwillingly? The pain was so unbearable like 200 knives slicing into me and I felt like it was on fire, and really burning. "It hurts! Help! My finger is bleeding! I'm turning purple!" Within moments my mom rushed up with my sister close behind and soon after my grandparents (who were visiting). Indeed a stream of blood pooled on my finger and slowly dripped down to my palm. The side with the nail had a black line on it and my finger was turning purple. There I lay whimpering, crying, motionless besides my quivering hand.

"Get up! Put your hand in cold water!" Someone yelled to me. I was still in my room. Even though I was crying I managed to shove my finger in the freezing, cold water. "Ah, it still hurts!", I moaned, it felt as if a needle was poking itself all the way through. I couldn't tell who was speaking because my eyes were clouded and my and all I could hear was my heart pounding. But, I did hear someone say, "You are putting it in the cold water so it will numb, and so it won't swell up." I guess they were right - I didn't want to feel the pain and I didn't want it anymore purple than it was.

My sister came to me with a ice-pack, so I put it on the wound and whimpered to myself for the next 20  minutes, laying on my bed. "Let's rap your finger.", my mom soothed me. She took me to the same bathroom where it all happened and got an ace-rap, non-stick bleeding pad, and medical tape. Soon enough we had a make-shift finger cast going and we were ready to go.

I ended up having a good time in Williamsburg. Other kids were worse, for example: a boy broke their arm, and a girl broke their ankle, so m finger was not as bad as it seemed.
This is what my finger looks like, one week from that Friday:

A New Audience

This is my "audience" of page views. My goal is to get at least 20 views from most of the countries in Europe. And a note to all viewers I might sometimes write in a different language, please don't judge - it won't be perfect, but it will be really good!

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United States

1571

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Germany

62

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China

12

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Malaysia

8

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Russia

8

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United Arab Emirates

6

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Ukraine

5

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Spain

3

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France

2

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South Korea

2