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.
2009年8月7日 星期五
A High-Flying Adventure
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.
Walruses
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.
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
http://www.timeforkids.com/TFK/kids/news/story/0,28277,1902215,00.html
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
http://www.timeforkids.com/TFK/kids/news/story/0,28277,1902215,00.html
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.
2009年8月6日 星期四
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
Rated PG (Movie Theaters and IMAX 3-D July 15)
http://www.timeforkids.com/TFK/kids/specials/articles/0,28285,1903433,00.html
What's the Story?
In the series' sixth film, the wizarding world openly goes to war against the evil Lord Voldemort. The Dark Lord and his loyal Death Eaters have been causing destruction left and right. Meanwhile, Dumbledore gives Harry private lessons to help the "chosen one" in his upcoming battle with Voldemort. In these sessions, Harry learns some important things about his enemy's past.
If facing off against dark wizards isn't enough, Harry must also fight a growing crush on Ron's younger sister, Ginny. She is played by actress Bonnie Wright, 18. Ginny has blossomed into a confident and talented witch. Everyone at Hogwarts takes notice, especially Harry. "It's really nice to see how Ginny has come into her own," Wright told TFK. "She's grown up a lot throughout the films." Check back soon to read our full interview with Wright.
Did You Know?
One scene in the movie shows a team of Death Eaters setting fire to the Weasleys' home, where Harry and his friends are staying. This scene was not in the book. It was written into the film to amp up the action. --Vickie An
Michael-This is the sixth episode of Harry Potter. Voldemort is alive again. Voldemort wants to kill Harry. But every time he doesn’t make it. In Hogwarts everyone is going to defense Voldemort’s attack. Harry learns from Dumbledore of the dark defense. He is going to battle with Voldemort. This movie is going to be very excitied.
Rated PG (Movie Theaters and IMAX 3-D July 15)
http://www.timeforkids.com/TFK/kids/specials/articles/0,28285,1903433,00.html
What's the Story?
In the series' sixth film, the wizarding world openly goes to war against the evil Lord Voldemort. The Dark Lord and his loyal Death Eaters have been causing destruction left and right. Meanwhile, Dumbledore gives Harry private lessons to help the "chosen one" in his upcoming battle with Voldemort. In these sessions, Harry learns some important things about his enemy's past.
If facing off against dark wizards isn't enough, Harry must also fight a growing crush on Ron's younger sister, Ginny. She is played by actress Bonnie Wright, 18. Ginny has blossomed into a confident and talented witch. Everyone at Hogwarts takes notice, especially Harry. "It's really nice to see how Ginny has come into her own," Wright told TFK. "She's grown up a lot throughout the films." Check back soon to read our full interview with Wright.
Did You Know?
One scene in the movie shows a team of Death Eaters setting fire to the Weasleys' home, where Harry and his friends are staying. This scene was not in the book. It was written into the film to amp up the action. --Vickie An
Michael-This is the sixth episode of Harry Potter. Voldemort is alive again. Voldemort wants to kill Harry. But every time he doesn’t make it. In Hogwarts everyone is going to defense Voldemort’s attack. Harry learns from Dumbledore of the dark defense. He is going to battle with Voldemort. This movie is going to be very excitied.
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen
Rated PG-13 (Movie Theaters and IMAX June 24)
http://www.timeforkids.com/TFK/kids/specials/articles/0,28285,1903430,00.html
What's the Story?
In the sequel to the 2007 hit film Transformers, ordinary teenager Sam Witwicky (Shia LaBeouf) must once again help the Autobots save humankind from the villainous Decepticons. That is, if the Decepticons don't capture Sam first. The teen has been experiencing uncontrollable mental flashes filled with strange symbols. The mysterious visions hold the key to the Transformers' ancient alien origins. When the Decepticons learn of the secrets inside of Sam's mind, they will stop at nothing to retrieve it. Can the Autobots take down the bad guys before it's too late?
Did You Know?
Peter Cullen has voiced the Autobots' fearless leader, Optimus Prime, since the original Transformers cartoon debuted in 1984. You might also recognize Cullen's voice from several other popular animated series, including The Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. He's the voice of Pooh's gloomy stuffed donkey friend, Eeyore. --Vickie An
Michael-This time Sam has to help the Autobots again. Megatron comes back, he is going to revenge. They are trying to capture Sam. Then the fight begins. Optimus Prime was dead but he becomes alive. When the villains lose Megatron runs away again. So in my opinion I think that there will be anthor epsode of Transformers.
Rated PG-13 (Movie Theaters and IMAX June 24)
http://www.timeforkids.com/TFK/kids/specials/articles/0,28285,1903430,00.html
What's the Story?
In the sequel to the 2007 hit film Transformers, ordinary teenager Sam Witwicky (Shia LaBeouf) must once again help the Autobots save humankind from the villainous Decepticons. That is, if the Decepticons don't capture Sam first. The teen has been experiencing uncontrollable mental flashes filled with strange symbols. The mysterious visions hold the key to the Transformers' ancient alien origins. When the Decepticons learn of the secrets inside of Sam's mind, they will stop at nothing to retrieve it. Can the Autobots take down the bad guys before it's too late?
Did You Know?
Peter Cullen has voiced the Autobots' fearless leader, Optimus Prime, since the original Transformers cartoon debuted in 1984. You might also recognize Cullen's voice from several other popular animated series, including The Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. He's the voice of Pooh's gloomy stuffed donkey friend, Eeyore. --Vickie An
Michael-This time Sam has to help the Autobots again. Megatron comes back, he is going to revenge. They are trying to capture Sam. Then the fight begins. Optimus Prime was dead but he becomes alive. When the villains lose Megatron runs away again. So in my opinion I think that there will be anthor epsode of Transformers.
Moko gives swimmer the runaround
Moko gives swimmer the runaround
NZPA July 27, 2009, 1:21 pm
http://nz.news.yahoo.com/a/-/top-stories/5753546/moko-gives-swimmer-the-runaround/
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.
NZPA July 27, 2009, 1:21 pm
http://nz.news.yahoo.com/a/-/top-stories/5753546/moko-gives-swimmer-the-runaround/
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.
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
The different phases of the total solar eclipse, as seen from Varanasi, India.
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
The different phases of the total solar eclipse, as seen from Varanasi, India.
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.
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.
KYODA NEWS①P
Eri Yoshida smiles with Yoshihiro Nakada, the manager of her new baseball team.
A knuckleball pitch dips, dives and sometimes moves from side to side. It is very difficult to throw铘nd 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.
KYODA NEWS①P
Eri Yoshida smiles with Yoshihiro Nakada, the manager of her new baseball team.
A knuckleball pitch dips, dives and sometimes moves from side to side. It is very difficult to throw铘nd 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.
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
http://www.timeforkids.com/TFK/kids/news/story/0,28277,1912992,00.html
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.
AP
After years on the bottom of the sea, this vase is still 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.
AP
These vases aboard the ships carried wine, and are 2,000 years old.
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 steal valuable treasures.
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.
Underwater Treasures
Archaeologists have discovered the wrecks of five ancient ships, and their cargo is in perfect condition
By Laura Slot
http://www.timeforkids.com/TFK/kids/news/story/0,28277,1912992,00.html
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.
AP
After years on the bottom of the sea, this vase is still 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.
AP
These vases aboard the ships carried wine, and are 2,000 years old.
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 steal valuable treasures.
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.
An Amazing Rescue
January 16, 2009
An Amazing Rescue
All passengers are safe after a plane lands in the Hudson River
By Andrea Delbanco
http://www.timeforkids.com/TFK/kids/news/story/0,28277,1872281,00.html
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.
ERIC THAYER⑱EUTERS
Rescue workers bring passengers safely aboard a ferry.
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
http://www.timeforkids.com/TFK/kids/news/story/0,28277,1872281,00.html
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.
ERIC THAYER⑱EUTERS
Rescue workers bring passengers safely aboard a ferry.
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.
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.
A Rare Dolphin Discovery
A Rare Dolphin Discovery
Scientists find thousands of Irrawaddy dolphins off the coast of Bangladesh
By Vickie An
http://www.timeforkids.com/TFK/kids/news/story/0,28277,1889420,00.html
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.
CHOR SOKUNTHEA⑱EUTERS
An Irrawaddy dolphin swims in a river in the Kratie province of Cambodia.
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.
CHOR SOKUNTHEA⑱EUTERS
A fisherman casts a net on the Mekong River in Kratie province.
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
http://www.timeforkids.com/TFK/kids/news/story/0,28277,1889420,00.html
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.
CHOR SOKUNTHEA⑱EUTERS
An Irrawaddy dolphin swims in a river in the Kratie province of Cambodia.
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.
CHOR SOKUNTHEA⑱EUTERS
A fisherman casts a net on the Mekong River in Kratie province.
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.
Blobal warming
Blobal 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.
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.
Cheesecake
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 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.
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.
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
http://www.timeforkids.com/TFK/kids/news/story/0,28277,1909865,00.html
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.
WIN MCNAMEEETTY IMAGES
Zach pulls his little red wagon filled with letters to President Obama.
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."
WIN MCNAMEEETTY IMAGES
Zach Bonner walks the final mile to the White House.
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
http://www.timeforkids.com/TFK/kids/news/story/0,28277,1909865,00.html
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.
WIN MCNAMEEETTY IMAGES
Zach pulls his little red wagon filled with letters to President Obama.
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."
WIN MCNAMEEETTY IMAGES
Zach Bonner walks the final mile to the White House.
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
http://www.timeforkids.com/TFK/kids/news/story/0,28277,1894138,00.html
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.
FRANCISCO ESTRADAAM MEDIA/GETTY IMAGES
Soldiers hand out face masks in Mexico City.
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
http://www.timeforkids.com/TFK/kids/news/story/0,28277,1894138,00.html
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.
FRANCISCO ESTRADAAM MEDIA/GETTY IMAGES
Soldiers hand out face masks in Mexico City.
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.
A Big, Bright Idea
A Big, Bright Idea
What's the best way to celebrate National Inventors' Month? Build a giant Lego light bulb!
By Laura Slot
http://www.timeforkids.com/TFK/kids/news/story/0,28277,1914688,00.html
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 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.
?009 THE LEGO GROUP
The completed light bulb was built with hundreds of thousands of bricks.
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.
?009 THE LEGO GROUP
Kids and parents help build sections of the light bulb with Legos.
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.
What's the best way to celebrate National Inventors' Month? Build a giant Lego light bulb!
By Laura Slot
http://www.timeforkids.com/TFK/kids/news/story/0,28277,1914688,00.html
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 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.
?009 THE LEGO GROUP
The completed light bulb was built with hundreds of thousands of bricks.
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.
?009 THE LEGO GROUP
Kids and parents help build sections of the light bulb with Legos.
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.
Night at the Museum ll
Night at the Museum: Battle of the SmithsonianRated PG (Movie Theaters and IMAX May 22)
http://www.timeforkids.com/TFK/kids/specials/articles/0,28285,1903423,00.html
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.
http://www.timeforkids.com/TFK/kids/specials/articles/0,28285,1903423,00.html
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.
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