A Big Holiday, Thanksgiving

By Rebecca

Today, I would like to share my first experience of Thanksgiving in the US. I was invited by two families to join Thanksgiving holiday, and one is the Christian and the other is the Catholic. There are certain traditional dishes I ate such as mashed potatoes, stuffing, pumpkin pie, sweet homemade cookies or jelly, and baked or roasted turkey, which is the most feature dish on Thanksgiving. Although they had the different approaches to cook food, the taste was delicious and my stomach seemed a boundless hole. Therefore, I overate and I felt my pants a little tight on these two days.

As I knew, Thanksgiving is a religious holiday following by “Black Friday.” Additionally, Thanksgiving is a four-day or five-day weekend vacation for schools and colleges, so students can return to their hometowns to reunite with friends and family. Then some of them will go traveling during Thanksgiving weekend. With regards to “Black Friday,” you can get the greatest deals in stores on this day, so it’s not surprising to see the number of people line up after midnight. Compared to Taiwan, it just might happen on the eve of a concert which a famous superstar held.

Before eating abundant meals, it is a custom to begin by giving praise and grace. The Christian circled around the table by hands and prayed. Afterwards, we ate and chat with food and a daily life. One of families that I visited firstly is Lisa and Brain, and they introduced their family members and expressed their ethnic background. I was extremely interested in this kind of topics, for I like history; the other is Linda’s family, my conversation partner, and I’ve already been familiar with her and others.

After dinner, we played table hockey with Lisa’s niece, and she was an excellent player. At the same time, she told me some American jokes and games. However, in Linda’s house, we talk a chat and played with the one-year-old nephew, Nicky. He is so cute and innocent full of his eyes. I had a wonderful time during Thanksgiving, and my weight can proof that as well. How about your Thanksgiving holiday? I hope you have better experience than me.

Beaujolais Nouveau

By Wataru Ito

I will introduce a specific and strange Japanese event of wine, “Beaujolais Nouveau.”

Do you know “Beaujolais Nouveau”? It means one of French wine, and its release day or the season has become one of event which attracts Japanese people to enjoy it every year. I also enjoy Beaujolais Nouveau every year, and I looked for it in Riverside. Because it is said that the 2009 harvest in Beaujolais is the best vintage in 50 years, I looked forward to taste it. But I’m sorry to say I couldn’t find it in spite of looking around six supermarkets.

First, let me introduce about Beaujolais Nouveau briefly. Beaujolais Nouveau is a wine which made in “Beaujolais Region” of France. Nouveau means “new wine” in French, so Beaujolais Nouveau is a wine which produced in the year. The wine features a very smooth, fruity flavor, so it is easy to drink because of short ripening period. It is decided that Beaujolais Nouveau must be released on the third Thursday of November all over the world by the French Law; therefore, many Japanese fans are eagerly waiting for the opening day every year and it is fixed as a seasonal event.

There are many evaluations for Beaujolais Nouveau, and it is praised for its vintage every year especially by retailer’s advertisements. For example, it was valued as “the best product in the last ten years” in 2001, but the evaluation in 2002 was “the quality is much better than 2001” and the praise for 2003 was “the best product in a century.” It sounds strange somehow its vintage is the best each year and I have never heard bad expressions and it raises consumer’s expectations. Anyway, it seems that there is less concern for Beaujolais Nouveau in U.S, but in Japan, it has taken root as foreign cultures like Christmas.

Many people enjoy Beaujolais Nouveau; however, there are also many negative comments from wine fans. They state its bad points such as a higher price, less flavor, too commercialism, and some people criticize that it is silly of Japanese to thank the poor wine. Actually, it is only few moments event and it will be paid no notice in few weeks since its release. But I think it is good event to enjoy a seasonal taste.

I’m not an expert of wine, but I just enjoy it. How about your home country? Do you enjoy Beaujolais Nouveau as Japan?

The Three Ways To Invest

Investment is a channel of financial opportunity that allows investors to put in their capital for a certain period of time and get them back with more profits. The investment is useful for each family and everyone who looks to improve his live and live comfortable. Currently, there are many types of investments structured by highly qualified people and published by many financial institutions or banks. The investment includes many types like the following: real estate, stocks, and low risk investments.
The first type of investment is real estate funds. Real estate funds are funds that invest in real estate sector by buying real estate properties and developing them by lighting, utilities ,and general services. When the development is done, the fund’s manager sells the propprties again to the public for a good margin. The fund’s period starts approximately from one year to three and it depens from one bank to another. At the end of period , the manager gives the capital profits back to the investors and gets his commission. Conditions for real estate funds are generaly the same and have the following characteristics: closed fund, which means the investor can not get his money back until the end of period and fund’s profit, which is high in this sector.
The second investment is investment in the stock market funds. This type of fund is very common for the most investors and is considered as a flexible fund based on flexibilty of entry and exit. The nature of this fund is basically defined by by investment in the companies which are listed in the market. Every manager has his own strategy and his plan to invest the capital of fund which was gathered by many investors and placed his profit and fund’s bonus based on that. The fund’s period is classified into three categories: short term, medium term, and long term. The term of any fund is determined by the fund’s manager. In general, there is a positive relationship between the fund’s period and the fund’s profit. When the period is long, the profit for the fund will be high and reverse. There are some conditions having the same nature for stock’s fund like period term, profit rates, redemption fee, manager’s profit. The conditions are determined at the fund’s launch. This type of investment is open to all invetors and approachable by any capital.


The third type of invetsment is low risk investments or bonds. These investments are generally published by government organizations or ministries of finance for any country. The risk in this investment is always low and garuanteed by government. Also, the profits rate comes low and related to the period of bond’s period. The conditions on these investments are accessible for the public and have a special markets which allow the investors to buy and sell the bond quickly and easily. The common period for government’s bonds is from 1-7 years.
In conclusion, as I mentioned previously , the investment concept is a critical matter for most of us and for our futures. Each type of investment has its own conditions and its requirements. But in my opinion, the investment in real estate is good for the investors who have big capital and are patient. For the people who have good income, the investment in low risk bonds is a good choice due to the rate of risk. Finally,my recommendation is to invest in stock funds is for people who have no idea about the market and are looking for quick profits.


Prepared by:

Munif

The Happiest Place on Earth~Disney!!~~from Greta

what come to your mind when you hear the word "Disney"? I went to Disneyland last week on Halloween. I have never been Disneyland in any other countries before. Everyone knows Mikey Mouse, sleeping beauty etc..., someone might think dislandland is for kids; however, I quite enjoy there and don't want to come back.I wonder what make me prefer staying there, why so many people came from different countries just for Disneyland, why disney is so successful, the disney goods are so expensive but I still want to purchase....
When I was there, the Disney animated cartoon turely came to my life; it was the dream when i was a little girl. I think the Disney stories and cartoon do influence most people childhood. When we are there, it seems let us go back to be child. Without doubt, there ia less trouble in childhood; that might be a reason that adult (me) want to stay here. Moreover, Disney make some good movies (such as the Indiana Jones) which also attract adult, and the characters are famous around the world. Recently, there is a well-known "the pirates of caribbean", it is clear that Disney continually create new successful and attractive thing for everyone; it might be the main reason Disney would contines to be successful.
There is a kingdom of fantasy and imagination place where we can venture up jungle rivers, pirates and interact with the Disney animated cartoon. Disneyland is truely "the happiest place on earth". have you been Disneyland and what do you think of Disneyland?
The following video was the fireworks of Disneyland, it is relating to Halloween. Even it was recorded by my mobile phone, it was really great. Suggest you turn on your speakers and enjoy it!!

St. Andrew Catholic Newman Center

Every Sunday morning, I usually go to Catholic Church with Edmund and Rica. Do you know who they are? Both of them are RA in Extension center. I received baptism 6 years ago. Actually, I was an atheist. However, 6 years ago, at that time was so hard time to me. When I was walking on the street, I saw a Catholic Church that I used to go with my mom in my childhood. Waking up early in the morning is very hard for me. Especially, Sunday morning is huge hard to wake up. However, the atmosphere of Church makes me comfortable, so I can wake up very fresh. The first day, I was little bit nervous, because everything was new for me. It’s a real American Church, not Korean Church. I had a hard time, because of trouble with the language. But soon, I felt easy, because the ceremony was very similar to Korean Church’s. The only different thing is the holy bread. American Church’s holy bread is bigger than Korean’s. I think everything is bigger than my country, even the holy bread. Edmund taught me some words for me, so I could make a greeting to other people during the ceremony. I can’t remember the whole prayer yet. I hope I can memory it perfectly as soon as possible. If you want to feel peace of mind, join us!

http://newman.unlv.edu/
http://newmancenter92507.parishworld.net/

By Mira Oh

ice princess -by Zhang Mengchu(Judy)

Now I'm going to introduce an old movie which is called ice princess. Cathy is a girl who is the best student in the class, she is very good at physics and chemistry. All the time she thought her dream is going to Harvard University until she found that skating is the only thing she loves and insist in. However, her mother doesn't like this sport, because she thinks that skating is just a sport show girls' pretty and grace. Cathy used the chance she studied for her physics program to practice skating every day. At last, she found that she has already loved skating and can't stop do that.
All the movie is talking about that this girl and how she get her own dream, it was really a big challenge for her, when you have to decide what you are going to do without any friends and parents have agreements with you. During the process to go to successed, Cathy met every kinds of troubles like she didn't have money to buy ice skates and clothes, and she can't tell anyone about this thing. When she almost wanted to give up her dream, her inner heart told her not to give up and keep doing that. I really appreciate her courage and perseverance. Sometimes we met a lot of setbacks, at that time we always want to give up, so just think about Cathy, she told her coach she can do that because she believe that only keep her perseverance can make her dream come true.
After watching this movie, I really want to be that way like Cathy did, finding my own dream, and try my best to make my dream come true. Maybe that is a hard way to me, but if you want to get the successed, that is the only way to do.

My Opinion

by Kodai
I once belonged to consumers a group. Before I decide on which power plant I prefer- solar or nuclear power- I have to think about which power plant is better for consumers.
I would prefer to build a solar power plant because it is safer than a nuclear power plant. Nuclear power plants are insecure and difficult to keep safe. If something went wrong, it would do damage to people and creatures’ health who are around nuclear power plant. Moreover, it needs a lot of land and it cost a lot when we throw away waste. Nuclear power plants cannot be used for a long time because they become too old too soon.
Solar power plants are safer. Because they use only solar energy, it does not have waist, and it is easy to keep safe. Consumers would only need to place solar panels on top of their houses. We need to pay a lot of money for equipment, but solar power plants can be used for a long time. Moreover, if you make too much electric power, you can sell superfluous power. You can get more profit than what you paid for the equipment.
Furthermore, you can keep the electric power for days when the sun does not shine. If it becomes wet during winter, and you cannot promise to make power, you can use power which you have saved. In conclusion, we consumers expect that they should build a solar power plant.

My Opinion

By Munif


There is a discussion about launching a new Power Co. in one city. The proposal of this company was on table to be reviewed by four parties. These parties include company management, city official people, residents, and finally consumers. Every party has his own point of view and it is looking by different angle.

I was acting as one of the city official people in the proposal. I considered many different points and conditions in my study and I came up with a lot of ideas which should be covered and written between the company and the city official people before the beginning.


Here is my suggestion about the technology which must be used to run this power company. I recommended solar energy as a source for this company. With looking to bad effects of the using of solar energy comparing to others on environment and health of human, we can recommend solar energy strongly. For sure, the setting up a new power company with solar system or solar energy need big amount of money and big land to be built on as well as sunny area to get the energy smoothly. As official person I will recommend this technology and people who live near will be more comfortable with this proposal more than other sources like nuclear or coal.


From the company point view, it is cost a lot of money to launch new power with solar energy. The financial part is so important for any company and profit for the company is the main reason to start a new business.

Power Co. Debate—Consumers

By Rebecca

As for consumers, we would like to get the most remarkable benefits and cost the less. So what we concerned is the consistency and the stability of the electricity. Furthermore, the crisis of unexceptional situations is also a significant issue to manage. The power company describes that it will build up plants either the nuclear energy or the solar energy. I choose to establish the solar power plant. Then, I care about how much I must pay and what benefits I get from other people who don’t use this form of energy. If I take advantage of it for a long time, do I need to afford extra fares such as the cost of the transmission? How the company can guarantee to generate electricity continuing even if there is in bad weather?

On the other hand, the company expresses the work can not only make the city wealthy but also raise the citizens‘job opportunities. In my opinion, the interactions can promote the economy of the local city as well as the income of residents here. Thus, I agree completely that the solar plant sets up here. As I mention above, on the basis of energy consumption, I prefer to emphasize on the cost along with the sustenance of the electricity and it ought to be reasonable and rational.

City hall meeting

Nearby Residents

I agree that a solar power plant maybe gives some advantages for us, but rather than that I think it brings more dangerous things. First of all, solar power energy plant can’t generate energy at night of cloud day. That is weather has a huge influence on generating energy. But I think the government over look the fact. They didn’t mention about that during discussion. And also, this is a clear fact that construct materials are expensive. It maybe wastes our tax, because as I mentioned previously, it depends on weather. So it has huge risk. Next, a case of nuclear energy plant’s construct fee is more expensive than solar power energy’s construct fee, because of nuclear energy plant are must built accurately. We cannot even think about appropriating a sum to your project. About this problem, the energy company said, giving some money to us as compensation. Also, the government said to us reducing the burden of taxation about 20%. But I think it is unfair to solve our problem by money. It is huge dangerous because of radiation effects. It might destruct water, because we know when the plant generating nuclear power, it generate heat. Then the plant needs water in our hometown, in the process, nuclear maybe exposed in the water. Also, dispose of waste materials are serious problem to our soil. It makes us get into danger. Nevertheless; you didn’t mentioned about our safety and environment. As you know, we can’t change our life to money. So I can’t accept your suggestion.

By, Mira Oh

My idea for nuclear powe plant

By Wataru Ito

I was belonged the group representing Energy Co, so I will write my opinion for building a power plant.

My idea is building nuclear power plant. The merit of nuclear power is “we can provide cheaper electricity” and “it gives people job”. Of course there are some risks as explosion trouble. I had idea for indemnity for residence; “build plant far from residence area” and “protect noxious industrial wastes with thick concrete”.

There are some important comment from the group representing residents and consumers. Their concerns are “the cost for building and transmitting electricity from far plant become enormous” and “the fear for safety”.
Their care is natural, of course the running cost becomes huge. And I know there are still some risks for nuclear energy and no one prefer to live nearby power plant. So I would like to introduce my opinion for these risks.

First, if we build nuclear power plant, we can get enormous electricity. Selling the electricity, it makes large profit for us. And thinking the production in long –term, we can expect the benefit exceed the cost. Moreover, there are ripple effects for the local society, for example, employment is effect for people. And when company becomes rich, the city official gets enough tax. The raising tax revenue can be used for social welfare, so nuclear power plant brings us many shapes of merit.

Second, the profit can be used for compensation in case troubles harm residents. I’m sorry to say, I cannot take away risks completely. But we can prepare for supposed accidents. In addition, the technology of nuclear power is incomplete, but we can expect technological innovation for the next decades.

It is required that shift the energy source. We insist it is appropriate way and stage now.

City Hall Meeting
I, Karen Maciel, representing City officers, had against idea about install a power company in our city. First of all, I tough that this city doesn’t need this and build a big company could give us some financial and/or environmental problems.At the city hall meeting occurred last Friday, November 6, some ideas were showed by different points of view, such as the power company, the consumers, population who lives near to the area where is suppose to be build the company and us, the City Officers. The company gave us a choice between built a solar or nuclear power company. The population was against with these ideas because the solar could be expensive and it needs a large area to be built; also, the nuclear idea was against because the company couldn’t give us a clear solution for the contaminate garbage produced.After all this discussion and balance about advantages and disadvantages, The City Officers get a conclusion that maybe the solar power could be a good idea for our city, because in the summer we have a good solar radiation that can give us enough energy for the whole year. Thus, our bills were be reduced 20% (amount combined in contract) given us decrease in our spending.On the other hand, the nuclear power is definitely a bed idea. If it were building, could cause risks to our population because we live in a place where many earthquakes occur and also cause risks with the radioactive garbage produced by this kind of company.

Consumer

By Liang
We are the consumers. I don't support the power company to build a nuclear plant. Building a nuclear plant is worse than making a bomb. It is dangerous to build a nuclear plant at anywhere in California. If there is a earthquake, it is likely to cause an explosion. In addition, the equipment must be very expensive and it will completely pollute the land. I don't think we can offard that.
Although using solar to make electricity is clean and safe, the transmittion rate of a solar plant is very low. If they want to make a large amount of electricity, they will need a large piece of area. If the residents don't mind it and the prize is acceptable, we will agree them to build a solar plant in Riverside. And also, the company must promise to keep providing the electricity. We expect that they can solve these problem as soon as possible and give us a acceptable prize.

By Grace

Nearby Residents

I didn’t agree that solar power plant has some advantages for us, I think it will be a big problem. First of all, solar power plant will make a lot of noise at night, the people like me living around there will not sleep very well. Second, is it will make huge air pollution. The air will be worse and we will feel so uncomfortable, because of the bad air some people will get some dieses, such like fewer and nose dieses, it is very bad for our health. Next, the solar power plant also makes water pollution. When the “dirty” power pull into the river, it likes a poison and the “dirty” power will kill the fish that in this river, and the other worse thing is when people drink the “poison” water, maybe they will change themselves’ DNA. So when the people who change the DNA get married, the new baby will have a lot of born dieses. Or maybe some people who drink the “poison” water will be die. Of course, no one wants to see these things happen, we need to stop the bad thing before it begin. Then, the government said to us reducing the burden of taxation about 20 percent

By Jason

Power Co. Debate

We don’t like Power Company near by our house. First, the Nuclear Energy is expensive to build. Also, the Radio active materials are not good for our health. If the Nuclear Energy excretes, we need about more than 100 years to clean that. So we don’t like that near to our place. The power company told us if we get the sick. They could pay the cost but we thought our healths are more important. We disagree that near our house. Second thing, the Solar Energy right now can’t replace much energy. We don’t have lot of area to get solar energy. The cost is too high. If the whether is rain, that’s will not work. The power company told us if they build the solar energy building, they could give us cheaper cost. But we thought about that if they build our place we had to move other place. They said they can help us to find the cheaper place. We lived our hometown many years. We have so many recollections. So in this case we disagree. In my opinion, we spent a lot of energy. The company wants to help us but some people disagree their ideas. In fact, they should give us better ideas.

Power company Debate (the city Hall meeting from the resident ~Greta)

I represent the resident of this town where you are considering building the new power plant. We don't want to have the instrument nearby our houses:" NIMBY".
Here are some feedbacks to you.
1. For energy company:
Even though you said nuclear power source cost inexpensive and the nuclear waste can be stored in the ground, it is still the potential dangerous because no body can make sure it won’t come out. In addition, its radioactive substance can extend very big area and won’t disappear. It is certainly clear that the result can not be counted by money.
Moreover, there is another option, which is the solar energy. It is nonpolluting energy but it is not cheap, it is hard to grasp the solar energy and different to maintain. In other words, it does not have economic effects; it will waste people’s money.

2. For energy consumer:
In fact, we all are the consumers; it is better to think about how to decrease our billing for daily electric cost. Therefore, we should consider the electrical appliances that can really economize the use of energy. To choosing which new power plant isn’t helpful for us, it doesn’t matter what we choose because the energy still make money.

3.For government officer:
> 20% off for our tax, it is not enough. We require tax is free, and we should get the pension back.
>We don’t want the simple health check; we require free insurance and cover all health care; because no one knows how serious the power plants influence our health.
>we really don’t want to live with such huge building; we suggest that it is better to examine which place the big consumer is for electric power; if is not here, so don’t build here.
>It is government’s responsible to make the policies in order limit energy wasting.

the cityhall meeting

hassan

i represent the company
My first opinion was that the soler enrgy is the best enrgy for the pwoer plant because hare in riverside we don't have much enrgy to use like: geothermal energy, hydroelectric, tidal power,wind power and biomass fuels. Also, we can't use fossil fuel because it's too expensive and make a lot of pollution and we have not to forget that we need to build it neer the city. the city hall meeting said " the soler energy is too expensive and not enough for the hole year". Also, they reject the nuclear idea which is wrong. We the company put the wrong idea of nuclear energy to support the soler power so they think about the soler power. The soler energy is expensive if we whant to build it but as benfit we are going to have a clean energy. Has no pollution and have no waste. The citizen said " we whant an energy that is clean and have no pollution " we gived what they whant but they refused it because it's going to be expensive. We searched for other options and we that the soler energy is the cheapest for what they require. They asked us how much we have to buy for building it. The goverment offered us 20% from the tax and we acceptaed the offer so i think it is the company porblem not the citizens.

City hall meeting(by Zhang Mengchu)

About this city hall meeting, our company plan to built a power plant to provide power for people in the city.
Frist of all, we plan to choose a place where is far from our city, in that case people will not be suffered by pollution and noise. Secondly, considering about the problem that most sources are very exoensive to people, our company will provide two plans for people in the city, one plan is using nuclear sources, another one is using renewable sources. About the first plan, we will use fluel or another sources, although they have some disavantages like dirty, not health to people, they are still very useful. Another plan is using renewable sources, which are very expensive, but they are very clean, so we plan to use solar energy to be our source, because sun is expected to shine for another 5 billion yearsor so, is a totally renewable and easily obtainable energy sources. What's more, we think if we can built this power plant, it means that we can provide more chances to people who want jobs.
Actually, the government, the people who will use these power, and the nearby people didn't agree with us. Because they think nuclear sources are so dangerious, renewable sources are so expensive. About this point, our company give some solutions, but we won't change our plans, bacause we have given people two choices, amd we think it will fit different kinds of people. Some people claim that do they have to pay for solar energy, oue answer is that if you decide to use solar energy, then you have to pay for that, but you still have any choices like using nuclear sources.
In my opinion, I think we can invite another methods to find some new and not-expensive energy, like use science method to invite new sources.

City Officials's Opinion by Harry

Original Opinion :

We can't help supporting the company's power plant construction because we think recent supply of energy is not enough to provide electricity. However, we also can't help supporting
residents' opinion because we think that residents are the greatest sufferer. If Nuclear power plant will be build nearby residential area, residents will feel dangerous. Therefore, we , the city officials, determine that we will give several benefits to residents.

First, we will construct welfare facilities for the residents if residents permit the power plnat
Second, we will reduce taxes for the residents (about 20%)
Third, the company have to offer special insurance against some disaster(Nuclear explosion etc.)
Fourth, the company have to offer jobs to the residents.

Perhaps, comsumers who will use energy don't want expensive payment. However, they have to pay expensive fee at first because plant construction fee is marvlous.

Changed Opinion

Our opinion was changed because each group had different opinions about building powerplant. Especially, company insisted that their nuclear powerplat is safety because they will build in safety area. Also, if nuclrar powerplat is dangerous seriously they will build other plnats like solar energy. First of all, Company didn't think that residents are sufferer because they will offer enough advantages for residents and consumers. Therefore, they told that company don't need to reduce taxes for the residents. However, we, city officials, thought that it is related to company and it is our business. Residents told that we can't approve powerplant building in our area strictly because of danger. Consumer insisted that cheap utilities and it was already expected.
In conclusion, residents required more benefits for them and company promised their building is safety. Consumer wanted that cheap utility fee.
Perhaps, we need to talk about this problem and city officials have to control seriously among them.

diving

by : hassan

hi, im hare to tell you about scopa diving. Did you ever try diving before? if you didn't you are missing a lot. You can see other world under the water. What you saw in T.V is 5% only, you have to get under the water to see the full of it. There you can see too many creature in differnt colours, shaps and sizes. Some of the fish is small as a fingr and some big as you !! . Also, some of them living in groups if one of them turn, they all turn in the same way. the sea bream is outstanding. I can't even discraip it. Do you knaw that it take's milions of years to grow like that. The optomes is realy amazing they chang there colour to look like the sea bream. And if you got lucky maybe you will see whales. I was not brave to get neer them but my trainee was playing and holding them like pets. I realy recomend you to try diving. if you have a chanc, don't miss it and make sure you aren diving in a shark free area :p

Brazilian Carnival

By Karen


The Brazilian Carnival is an annual festival in Brazil held four days. It is celebrated throughout the national territory and is the most expected holiday in Brazil.
Rhythm, participation, and costume vary from one region of Brazil to another. For example, in the southeastern cities of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, organized parades led by samba schools vie for prizes on the "sambodromo" open stage. Only samba-school affiliates participate in the shows.
Smaller cities often have no public events but promote balls in recreational clubs.The northeastern cities of Salvador, Porto Seguro and Recife have organized groups parading through streets, but watchers are also welcome to dance. They follow the "trio elétrico" floats through the city streets.
São Paulo carnival originated from Rio de Janeiro which started using the same style. It's used to be at the streets with the "blocos", but now they are organized as a samba schools.
Blocos parades are groups that often compose their own music themes that are added to the performance and singing of classic "marchinhas" and samba popular songs. On the other hand, samba schools are very large groups of performers, financed by respected organizations and perform in the Sambadrome, which runs four entire nights. They are part of an official competition, divided into seven divisions, in which a single school is declared the winner, according to costume, flow, theme, and band music quality and performance. Some samba schools also hold street parties in their neighborhoods, through which they parade along with their followers.
More than just a competition Carnival is a big party that evolves whole country in amazing happy feelings. It attracts a lot of tourists. If you have a chance to visit Brazil, I recommend this holiday, I’m sure that you will love it.

for who want to see more about Carnival there some videos on YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3mYDwRTALo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lAH5HQmDFgk&feature=PlayList&p=21EBA3F5E0153A3C&index=2

My Dog By Charlene

I will introduce my dog to you. First, I love dogs because they are cute and intelligence. I was always relaxed. My dog is female and mixed kind of
dog but my dog is intelligent. For example, When I walked with my dog I
have never held my dog with lope because she always followed me. Second,
when I was elementary school student, I picked her up in the park which is
located closed my house and I took her to my house. But my father rejected
having a dog first time but I kept saying that I want to have a dog and my father forgave me having a dog. After that , she become to be my family. Third, we have always take care my dog since my dog came my home.
Especially, my father who rejected having a dog first time loves my dog
and she become to be popular around my house. The kids who live around my
my house take care my dog some time . For example, before they went to the
school in the morning, they played or walked with my dog though my dog is
not theirs. In conclusion, my dog is loved by many people, so I feel proud
about my dog.

The Heritage House in Riverside

By Rebecca

Today, I would like to introduce the first place, Heritage House, where I visited when the first week came in Riverside. It’s a beautiful mistake because I was originally on the way to Riverside Metropolitan Museum. But I didn’t write down the address, I asked the bus driver, and then he took me to this place. It is located at 8193 Magnolia Avenue. Admission is free, but donations are welcome. It opens between Friday 12-3 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday 12-3:30 p.m.; otherwise, it closes in July and August as a result of lack of air conditioning. Afterward, I found this building is owned by Riverside Metropolitan Museum now. Whatever I wander, I try to inspect some particular viewpoints presented to Riverside, and it is the target I looked for. After I surrounded the yard together with the front walkway, the following action was knocking the door. The lady dressed clothing with a style of the19th century welcomed and impressed me. It’s amazing to stay here, and I seemed to fall into a hole like Alice experiencing everything from the nineteenth century. The lady expressed the history related to the house along with the owner.

Mrs. Bettner, a wealthy orange-ranching widow, built up this house in 1891 which is a historical landmark of a typical Victorian architecture as well as the City of Riverside. The architecture reflected craftsmanship of the late 19th century and the interior is furnished in period revealing a glimpse of an earlier lifestyle. There were two stories having a variety of functions; the ground floor was mainly hosted guests by Mrs. Better and her son; the second floor was their and the servants' bedrooms. The former included a parlor, a library, a kitchen, a laundry area, and storage space for food and kitchen utensils. They were decorated more luxury texture than the latter, especially in a polar and a library.

It is unique to point out that there is no A.C. to the upper floor of the home and this is the reason why it doesn’t open in summer. However, there was usually a celebration for the late date open before summer; the Heritage House hosted an old fashioned ice cream social that was absolutely FREE to the public. I admired its Victorian sophistication. Looking at them made you image the prosperous era. If you are interested in the Victorian architecture, you should go there. Recently, a traditional Victorian Christmas Celebration will be held on December 13, 2009 (11:00 am - 4:00 pm). There are some connections that you can preview it. Enjoy it!

http://www.inlandarts.com/event/detail/39749/member_reviews/past
http://secondselfvirtualassistance.wordpress.com/2009/06/29/318/
http://www.riversideca.gov/museum/
old fashioned 4th of July Ice Cream Social photo：http://www.resbons.com/HeritageHouse2006/

Some features of Japanese Anime

By Wataru ITo

I will write about Japanese comics and animations (anime).

It seems that comics or animations are for kids, but it is not true. For example, the former Japan’s Prime Minister Aso is known as a fan of comics as delivering a speech in Akihabara, where is the center of Japanese anime culture. Of course, there are many good works around the world, but in this time, I would like to introduce some features of Japanese comics and animations with general and my idea.

It is said that one of good point of Japanese anime is its depth story. Its contents are including personal growths or social problems, not just adventurous or romantic story. They are kind of thought-provoking fictions, so we can enjoy the story even for adults. On the other hand, sometimes kids cannot understand its contained theme or message until they grow up.

Then, various characters also seem to be popular. There are many characters in the story and they make story more emotional. Each character has unique personality, and they show their feelings. One of fun in the story is character’s mental representation, change or growth. Because of rich characters, sometimes it produces their fan.

Moreover, beautiful and detailed description is acknowledged by fans or critics. We can see the elaborate description not only in movies but also daily TV programs. Scenes and characters are represented with subtle touch, so some people say it is sort of art. I have heard "DRAGON BALL" is appeared in some school textbook as example of art or design.

However such good animations or comics have popularities, it is pointed out its educational risks. Anime often include violent scene, so it might influence children’s personality. And it is possible that passive information stunt brain growth. In addition, watching fictions too much make kids difficult to distinguish fantasy from reality, and it becomes murder, sometimes. Thus, it is in question the way of watching animations or comics.

The attitude for animations or comics is different in individuals. Actually, some of my friends were not allowed to watch TV animation when I was elementary school student. But I think it is useful to learn life lessons from the story, or the favorite characters motivate us to make effort. For example, “ONE PIECE”, which is one of famous anime, includes various messages in the story and it makes us energetic. I expect they are treated proper way of fun.

Trip to Parker Strip

Trip to Parker Strip
By Liang Nov. 3 2009
I went to Parker Strip with my host family last weekend. Parker Strip, a part of a branch of Colorado River, is on the dividing line between California and Arizona. A dam on the upper, another dam on lower reaches.
My host mum told me the plan a week before we stared, so I felt excited for a whole week. After finishing class on Friday, I quickly packed my bag waiting for leaving. I played games for hours until 3 A.M. We put ice-cases, bags and chairs at the back of truck and got everything prepared. It took us almost 4 hours to get there. We went through a piece of desert and finally saw a water. Then my host mum and her grandsons cleaned the trailer while my host father and I went to get the boat. After hooking up the boat and the truck, we took it to a gas station and also had the boat washed. It was the first time to put a boat into a river, so I was really careful. We put more than a half of the trailer into the river, and the boat started floating. When I started the engine, the boat started getting rid of the trailer. Finally we took the truck and the trailer to another trailer which we lived in.
The river is clear and we could see the bottom of the river. First we went sightseeing to the upper reaches. It is really nice and I couldn't find a word to describe how beautiful it is. There are a lot of villas on one side of the river. A lot of people do water skiing on the river. We drove to somewhere queit and stopped the boat. We all jumped into the river although it was cold. We spent 2 days there and enjoyed the scenery. Before leaving there, we made a 'T' bracket and covered the boat.
It is really beautiful and I want to go there again in the future. I even want to buy a house on the side of the river. On the way home, we saw a big sand strom flow from right side of freeway to left. It was a nice trip and I enjoyed it.

Group Story Finalists-5

"Honey, we need to talk!"
By Wataru (with Grace and Kohdai)

That was special night for him, because he intended to propose to his girlfriend. He quickened his steps and when he got home, as he entered the house, he realized everything had changed. A cupboard fell down, and many other things were mess as if the room was ransacked by someone. He was surprised the scene and went into his room to confirm his girlfriend’s safety.

When he entered his room, there was his girlfriend standing in amazement. He tried to approach her, but she silently pointed to his back. As soon as he looked back, he found strange green monster that was standing behind him. He screamed without moving. Then, the monster said to his girlfriend, “stop pretending and reveal yourself.” Then, her body began to shine and her appearance transformed into green skin and big wings. He lost his words, just frightened.

After a mutual silence of few moments, former girlfriend gently started to tell him, “I’m sorry to keep the secret, I’m an alien. Since I’m a princess in my world, I have to go back to my world…” He broke into and said unconsciously, “wait!! However you are the alien, I still love you. If you go back, I’ll follow you. Marry me.”

Now he is a king of the alien’s world, and the king and the princess live happily ever after.

Group Story Finalists-4

Where's my home?
By Judy (with Mira & Charlene)

When John got home and as he entered the house, he realized everything had changed. Tonight John hang out with his old friends and they drunk a lot of beer because today John had a raise in his work. But looking at the situation, he felt a little shocked because he thought he was in his dream. He kept asking himself where all my new furniture are. “A thief came in?”But why did a thief have to exchange my furniture because he was supposed to steal expensive stuff, such as money or diamond. He felt very confused and then he went to his room to check whether the money was still here. Fortunately, the box with his money was still in his room. After all check, he thought nothing expensive and important got lost and he was ready to go to bed. But one minute later, he woke up urgently. Finally he noticed that his son was not in the house. It was 2 A.M. He shouted and cried suddenly: “ Where is my son?”

He felt so worried about whether his son was kidnapped. And he also felt helpless and then decided to call the police. After a while, the police came to his home and he explained everything to them, listen his explanation, the police promised him they will do their best to get his son back so the only thing can he do right now was to pray and be patient. At that time, someone knocked into the house and asked John :“what are you doing in my house?” This man whose name is Mike insisted that this is his house… At that moment, everybody kept silent and felt more confused. We even could hear a pin drop. All people wanted to know who the real owner is. Suddenly, John’s cell phone rang and it was his son!!! “Dad, where are you right now? When will you come home?” Finally John got awake from drunken and realized he already moved to the new house. He was in his old house now. Everything was clearly at that time, he felt so embarrassed about everything since he was the person to cause this huge and ridiculous mistake. He apologized to everyone and went back to his new home.

Group Story Finalists-3

Where's my home?
By Karen Wolf Maciel and Rebecca Huang

When he got home, and as he entered the house, He realized everything had changed. He was pretty sure that the living room was different such as from the morning when he left home. He saw the wall painted as the abstracts draws. His eyes hurt while he looked at it. There was a mixture of strong colors as well as geometrics symbols, like circles, triangles, squares, and irregular lines. In addition, the colors and symbols made he fell dizzy, uncomfortable, and with a kind of headache. After that, he steps into the living room and found all furniture such as the sofa, the lamp, the central table, and the TV set looks different alike as normal, those looked darker and the living room seemed smaller than before, what made he feel choked, he couldn’t breathe. Then, he began to take into account that who could change everything. His brain showed a lot of faces, including his colleague, friends, and relatives, and even many people who he didn’t recognize.

When he was almost moving to another room, something made he look behind. He turned his body and he was surprised to see his ex-girlfriend seated in the coach. She wore a white dress and appeared to be a ghost. It made he feel scary and much more confused. In his mind come several questions, “what’s happened? Why is everything strange? Why she looks like a ghost? Is she dead? Or I’m dead?” He was trying to talk to her and asking what’s happened, but she didn’t respond anything. She just still looked at him and started to walk on his way. He was afraid and stepped back slowly, but she continued to reach him. When he was conscious, he was stocked between her and the strange wall. She stared at him silently. Suddenly he couldn’t bear the fear full of his heart, bursting into screams, but his voice didn’t go out of his mouth. Any feelings weren’t realized on her face and she started to talk. ” Who are you? Why are you here? Where is it? Who am I? Why am I here?” It’s apparent to present her loss memory in terms of questions she asked.

He felt puzzled by her and a little annoyed. “You don’t know why you are here!” the words within his thoughts. However, loud noises bothered him to and froth, consequently, here come a storm with thunder and lightning, and he waked up with sweat. He looked around his surroundings, getting up and walked out of the bedroom. Hence, he sighed with relief while inspecting the wall in the living room. Everything is the same what he considers orderly. The weather outside the window looks bright and glorious. He figures out the fact that he made a horrible dream.

Group Story Finalists-2

Susan’s Revenge
By Harry (with Hassan and Jason)

Susan’s last boyfriend had been a total jerk, so as she headed to meet this new guy, she was nervous. Because she had a bad experience but that new guy was opposite, he was handsome and rich.

He seemed to become the best man to her. They had good time; sometimes they went to movies, had a dinner, and went back to the new guy’s home together. One day they drunk much alcohol and talked a lot something about each other in his house as usual. Her new gorgeous guy became exhausted and went to take a shower. While she was waiting for him, she noticed his cellular phone. Suddenly she wondered whether he loves her and checked out his messages and contact list carefully. She surprised that there were many girl’s names and messages from them badly, but she ignored that and believed her guy only had loved her.

Two days later, Susan went to a restaurant which was close to her lover’s company for lunch. When she came to the restaurant, she found that her lover was with her best friend. Before she went to talk to them, she was enraged because they were kissing. She didn’t want to believe that situation and ran away home. She cried all night and talked herself insanely. Unfortunately, it seemed that she was already crazy. She said, ‘I will kill him cruelly’

After Susan decided to kill her lover, suddenly she went to a gun store. However, she couldn’t buy a gun for the murder because she had no qualification to buy it. Inevitably, she got one gun from gang through illegal route. Getting a murder weapon took a long time but her anger didn’t subsided. The more the process was difficult, the more her madness was getting bigger.

Finally, the day which Susan had decided to kill him came. She was as crazy as ever and was waiting for her lover in front of his company’s entrance. At that time, she could see her lover who was going toward her. At once, he found out his forgotten lover who was grasping a gun in hand. The crazy girl was coming up to him slowly and stretched out her arm to shoot the gun. She didn’t ask anything to him and just pull the trigger toward his heart without hesitation. Susan said to herself as she smiled sadly.

Group Stories Finalists-1

Who is the joker?
By Greta (with Munif and Liang)

When the boss called him to his office, Steve wasn't too worried, since he's a good worker. But he was in for a big surprise.

On the way to boss’s office, Steve felt very confident about himself. He used to contribute to the company. His boss had said he is the best accountant in the company so many times. He was quite certain of he will be promoted. When Steve watched outside of windows, there seems to hear the birds singing, the flowers smiling and the grass cheering. Everything was so wonderful.

However, when he entered the boss's office, he can smell something wrong, the time seemed frozen, and he even couldn't breathe. The boss was writing something with a serious expression in his face. Steve was almost stark there, and there is a blank in his mind. The boss cleared his throat and said: “Steve, have a seat, I got something have to discuss with you.” After he sat down, the boss continued, “Steve, we all know you used to do superb job in last few years, you know I am not trying to comfort you, everyone noticed that. However, our company got an effect by the financial crisis, and I even don’t know if I can pull it off. So, I'm sorry to say you got to go, but you can get the whole salary of this month."

Steve didn't want to explain anything. He just felt disappointed and moved out slowly. He wondered how it came to him. He was in a shock for a while and expected to good news, but nothing happened. After that, he returned to his seat and sat thinking about how to pay the bill and keep the pot boiling.

"Don't be silly, Steve. You are still the best accountant in this company. You didn't make any mistake. Why not try to find another job? It's lunch time, just have a break to enjoy the lunch." Steve told himself. He looked at his watch: 11:30, April 1st. April 1st !! A gentle smile appeared on his face. He quickly returned to his boss's office and nervously said: "I had a bad news for you, boss. I have just checked the account of our company. We are out of money. Now, we really got into trouble " ... (Steve is smiling and walking away.)