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.html
Posted By
2009 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12日 星期三
2009年8月7日 星期五
A High-Flying Adventure
August 7, 2009
A High-Flying Adventurehttp://www.timeforkids.com/TFK/kids/news/story/0,28277,1915220,00.html
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.
Summer Camp
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!!
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!!
A Mobile, Green Museum
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
http://www.timeforkids.com/TFK/kids/news/story/0,28277,1891055,00.html
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.
ANN PITCHER
Students visit the Clean Air Club Bus in Chicago, Illinois.
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.
The Clean Air Club Bus teaches kids in Chicago, Illinois, what they can do to help the environment
By Vickie An
http://www.timeforkids.com/TFK/kids/news/story/0,28277,1891055,00.html
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.
ANN PITCHER
Students visit the Clean Air Club Bus in Chicago, Illinois.
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.
Lady Liberty's Crown Reopens
July 6, 2009
Lady Liberty's Crown Reopens
Visitors climb to the Statue of Liberty's crown for the first time since September 11, 2001
By Laura Slot
http://www.timeforkids.com/TFK/kids/news/story/0,28277,1908850,00.html
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.
DAVID GOLDMANOOL/GETTY IMAGES
The skyline of downtown Manhattan, seen from the top of Lady Liberty.
A Big ClimbAnthony 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.
DAVID GOLDMANOOL/GETTY IMAGES
Visitor Chris Bartnick and his daughter Aleyna enjoy the view from the Statue of Liberty's crown on July 4.
Symbol of FreedomBefore 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 forJuly 6, 2009
Lady Liberty's Crown Reopens
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.
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
Visitors climb to the Statue of Liberty's crown for the first time since September 11, 2001
By Laura Slot
http://www.timeforkids.com/TFK/kids/news/story/0,28277,1908850,00.html
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.
DAVID GOLDMANOOL/GETTY IMAGES
The skyline of downtown Manhattan, seen from the top of Lady Liberty.
A Big ClimbAnthony 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.
DAVID GOLDMANOOL/GETTY IMAGES
Visitor Chris Bartnick and his daughter Aleyna enjoy the view from the Statue of Liberty's crown on July 4.
Symbol of FreedomBefore 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 forJuly 6, 2009
Lady Liberty's Crown Reopens
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.
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.
Ants Invade!
July 8, 2009
Ants Invade!
Scientists have made some amazing discoveries about one species of ant
by Joyce C. Tang
http://www.timeforkids.com/TFK/kids/news/story/0,28277,1909337,00.html
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
http://www.timeforkids.com/TFK/kids/news/story/0,28277,1909337,00.html
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.
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.
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