Rockhopper Room 19

Manali's Post

2012-02-07T15:36:00.000-08:00

My Telugu Play

By: Manali

Do you know Akbar? He was a very famous emperor in India There are tons of stories about him and Birbal, his Minister, and, I am not exaggerating there are actually tons of stories about him. Birbal is a very smart person and sometimes even Akbar would get jealous and try to embarrass him in front of everybody but, Birbal always outdid him.

My favorite story is when the king wanted to embarrass Birbal so he gave all the ministers an egg except Birbal because he was not present at that time. Then when Birbal came the king told everyone to find a egg at the royal pond, secretly the king told all the people he had given the egg to give the eggs back as if they found it so that's what they did while Birbal was still trying to find an egg. Birbal couldn't find any eggs. Then he realized the king was playing a trick on him so he went to the court room crowing like a cock. The king asked him to stop making that annoying sound and to show him the egg. Birbal smiled and said that only hens could produce eggs and that he was a cock and he couldn't produce eggs. Everybody laughed then Akbar knew Birbal can't be tricked easily.

Okay, now I think your wondering why I am talking about Akbar and Birbal. I'm telling you because I go to a Telugu language class. Telugu is my mother tongue. Manabadi, my Telugu’s school's name, is celebrating its anniversary on February 4th.

Me and my best friend in my class, wondered "What are we going to do on the day of the anniversary?" Then the teacher suggested "Maybe we can do a dance." Then soon a lot of parents started sharing their ideas with the teacher then at the end the teacher said that we are going to do a play about Akbar and Birbal. The teacher told the parents he would email the story and the characters each student will be playing.

That week my dad got the email. When I saw what role I was going to play I got very excited because in one of the scenes I got to play Akbar!

I practiced every Saturday with my class and I started to improve a lot. Now we are practicing more frequently because the play is this Saturday!

I am really excited and I hope my scene will stand out the most because I have been practicing for such a long time. I just hope I don’t look bad because I have to dress up like a man with lots of jewelry. I just hope I do good. Do you have any performances coming up? Do you think you will do good?

2012-01-30T08:19:00.000-08:00

First Impressions
By Courtney

My dad just told me that we are going to get a new car tonight, a 1967 Mustang! He told me that it was coming late at night, so I would have to wait to see it in the morning. I had to go to bed, but I was planning to stay up until it came and run downstairs to see it. I crawled into my bed, but next thing I knew my dad was telling me to wake up and get ready for school. “Aw, I didn’t stay up,” I thought. I quickly got dressed and went downstairs to see our new car. Before I opened the door, I imagined a beautiful shiny new car. I opened the garage door and I saw this old, ugly, maroon colored car that was full of spider webs. I pretended that it was the nicest car in the world because my dad was really excited and I didn’t want to hurt his feelings.

Soon, my dad started working on it every weekend. He took out the engine, built a new one, and put it back in the car. He changed almost every part in the car! Soon it was painted a shiny dark blue color and getting new wheels and tires. Now it was looking better and better!
After three years of hard work, my dad is finally finished! It is now the most fun car to ride in because it is loud, I can sit in the front seat because it has no airbags, and I can plug my IPod in and listen to all my favorite music. Now, the car is even more than I ever dreamed it would be! Have you ever had a bad first impression of something that later turned out to be great?

2012-01-26T07:35:00.000-08:00

Chinese New Year
by Kleo

It is a special day for Chinese on Jan. 22nd. That date is Chinese New Year. Some families put up red signs to keep away bad spirits, and there is a story to come along with it:
Every year, a monster will wake up to eat: people. One day, the monster was waking, and an old couple were losing hope to live. A young boy insisted that he would protect them, but they dismissed it.The boy found out that the monster only feared loud noises and the color red, so he covered their house with red paper.The monster came, and the couple was terrified, but the monster was as well. He saw the red paper, and he heard the loud crackle of the fire the boy was making. He ran away, to scared to come out of his home again.
What to you think of this story? Do think it is true?

2012-01-25T11:48:00.000-08:00

My New Puppy
By: Ryan

One of my Christmas presents was a Shih Tzu mix puppy. The other breed is a Lhasa Apso. The puppy was bred by a breeder named Kelly. It started when I was taking the SCAT test to maybe get into a summer school taught at Stanford by the school John Hopkins. When I was done testing, my mom told me my aunt had bought one of the female puppies. My mom wanted to see it, so we went to her house. When she saw it, she thought it was really cute, so she wanted to go buy one from the breeder. When we got there, there was much to choose from. There were 5 puppies. (three were already bought, including my aunt. In all, there were three male and the 5 female. (Extra Credit: Find both ratios for these two numbers and write them in all three forms, and the fractions for both of the numbers.) I picked the only male left, which was black and white, and was ginormous and much bigger than all the others. It cost $300.( Extra question: If any of you have a dog, how much did it cost to buy it?)

When it came home it was really afraid to walk on anything, and during the night, he kept whining because the breeder sleeps with her dogs, so he doesn’t like being in a cage. But right now, after a few weeks, he knows when to sleep and is now almost potty trained, but is mischievous and likes to bites things. Shoes, shoelaces, clothes, paper, leaves, tanbark, towels, hands, feet, and anything that looks appealing to him. If you already have a dog(s), or another pet(s), do you like it(them) and would you get another once he passes away? If you don’t have a dog, would you want one? If not, what pet would you want? Also try to do the extra questions!!!

Rohan R.'s Post

2012-01-09T17:35:00.000-08:00

Resolutions for the New Year
by Rohan R.

Welcome to 2012!!! I bet you have many resolutions that you are wanting to accomplish, well here are some of mine.
My first one is to get better at soccer and basketball. To do that, I am going to try to practice three times every week. My second resolution is to advance to the state finals in Destination Imagination (DI). To achieve that, I’m going to work hard with my team. My final resolution is to do a better job in school.
Well those are my resolutions. Now that you have seen them, I bet you got a clear understanding of what you want.
New Year's Eve has always been a time for looking back to the past, and more importantly, looking forward to the coming year. It's a time to reflect on the changes we want to make and to try to follow them.

The top resolutions for the new year are:

1. To spend more time with family and friends.
2. Get fit by doing your exercise regularly
3. Quit smoking
4. Enjoy life more
5. Don’t drink alcohol
6. Get out of debt
7. Learn something new
8. Help others
9. Get organized

Okay, so some of them aren’t meant for you to accomplish like to quit smoking and to stop drinking alcohol because you anyways aren’t allowed to smoke or drink, but for the rest of them, you can still use them as a resolution. Now that I think about it, what are your resolutions? How will you achieve them? These are the things that I will be waiting to see.

Aayush's Post

2012-01-09T17:25:00.000-08:00

New Year's

By: Aayush

New years must have been fun with your family and friends. you might have been in the state or not. You could have been in a different city, but you were able to experience new years of 2012. What I did in New years was watch the ball drop with my family and later go to sleep. You all may have done something different. Oh yes and talking about New years its time to get those New years resolutions or as I would call them goals for the year. You may want goals like doing your homework on time or studying some more, but in the end you just want to reach your goal. Also a new year means new things like new technology or more new science has been discovered. Soon even the way we live might change! In all the year of 2012 might change or stay the same and we may get to experience even more. So what did you do on New Year's Eve and was it fun?

Zoe's Post

2011-12-14T15:23:00.000-08:00

Christmas

By: Zoe

Christmas is coming, and each day I count the number of days until the break. Christmas is one of my favorite holidays, even though I don’t put up decorations of any sort. I sing Christmas carols, look at lights, and do other things to celebrate the holidays. Every year, I receive many presents, not from Santa. I do not believe in Santa, because I think there are no such things called elves or flying reindeer. Also, my parents sometimes write From: Santa on the presents in their handwriting. I have not yet planned to do anything over the winter break. I usually go skiing with some friends, or have dinner with my relatives. Even if I don’t go anywhere, I am positive that I will have a good time over the break. Happy holidays everyone! Do you celebrate Christmas? Do you decorate your house for Christmas? What are your plans for the break?

Jamie's Post

2011-12-14T15:18:00.000-08:00

Winter-land Fantasy!
By: Jamie

Snowflakes falling all over town..........that is, the towns in the mountain. In Lake Tahoe and areas similar to there, it is snowing. And most of us are probably going there over the winter break! When it is snowing, there is a lot we can do. Sleds, skis, snowmen, snowshoes, snow angel, ice skating (isn't it weird that most of the things we do during a traditional winter break mostly begins with “s”?), and best of all, HOT CHOCOLATE!!!!!!! If I were going to Lake Tahoe, then I would definitely go skiing, try to go ice skating, and attempt to find hot coco. What I would love to do would be to try out snowshoes and learn how to make snowmen. I can’t even make a ball out of snow! Eventually I should learn. What would you do if you went somewhere snowy like Lake Tahoe? What would you like to do?

Aayush's Post

2011-12-07T15:46:00.000-08:00

The Legend of Zelda

By: Aayush

It all started with the Gameboy Advance (GBA). One great mind started it all. Now it is one of the most famous game in the world. The game is the awesome Legend of Zelda. Its been here for 25 years and is so popular that there was a new game and a special orchestra just to go with it. So lets start with the Gameboy Advance. The fist game was realesed in Japan called Zeruda No Densetsu ( or in english The Legend of Zelda). It was created by a mastermind named Shiguru Myamoto. Shiguru Myamoto created nintendo. (The DS and Wii) This game is about a boy named Link you will have to guide him through dungeons and battle monsters. You are up against a evil man named Ganon (also known as Ganondorf). you have to find the Triforce. The Triforce is three yellow triangles attached together by their ends. Link must retreve the Triforce before Ganon does and stop Ganon before he destroys mankind with his dark magic. You will also need to save the princess of Hyrule. Zelda. You will become a knight of Hyrule in some games. There is also a few games about Toon Link. He tries to stop a man named Vatti. Vatti is a man with dark magic (like Ganon). Vatti wants to rule the wold and gain ultimate power. Now there is the Ocarina of Time. This was one of the best Zelda games. This game starts with young Link ( Link as a boy) and adult Link ( Link as a man). They are both strong, but adult Link is better.

So now let me tell you about the games including the 25th anniversary game. The first game was Called The Legend of Zelda on the Gameboy Advance. Soon came out the Adventure of Link, and A Link to the Past. These were all on the Gameboy Advance. They were all on young Link. Now then a all new way to gaming came out. The nintendo 64. It let players play in a cool type of 3D 2D. the Zelda game that was first realesed on that was the famous Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time. Then came out the Majoras Mask. People say that this the is the hardest of all. Now the Gameboy returns with The Oracle of Seasons. Now the Oracle of Seasons. These two games are part of “The Triforce Trilogy” There are only two games unfortunately. now will come The Windwaker on the Nintendo 64. Soon came the four sword on Gameboy Advance. This game was remade on DSi. Now comes The Four Sword adventure on nintendo 64 with Gameboy Advance controller. Soon the Minish Cap on Gameboy Advance with better graphics. Now the game that is rated Teen The Twilight Princess. It is one of the best games yet. Now on the DS, The Phantom Hourglass. This game is the sequel of the Windwaker. Now again on the DS The Phantom Hourglass. Now finally the 25th anniversary game The Legend of Zelda Skyward Sword. This game is on the Wii unlike any other Zelda game. This has complex dungeons and strong battling. This is the best Zelda game Yet! So if you want to learn more about a Zelda game what would it be and why?

Kelly's Post

2011-12-07T15:39:00.000-08:00

Wonder Struck

By: Kelly

For the next book on your reading contract, I recommend that you read Wonder Struck, by Brian Selznick (the author of The Invention of Hugo Cabret). It is a complex, realistic fiction novel expressing the adventures of two young characters; Ben and his grandmother Rose. Rose’s story is showed in pictures, and Ben’s story, set fifty years later, is described with words. I think the cool part of the book is how their stories are connected and synchronized.
Ben, a young boy who is deafened by a strike of lightning, is searching for his father, whom he has never met, and after his mom passes away, he feels like he doesn’t belong anywhere, so he runs away from home and, with a few clues, finds himself in New York.
Rose has been deaf from birth, but she can communicate well with sign language. Her mother is a famous actress and doesn’t seem to have time for her, and she feels like she doesn’t fit in.
In part three of the book, we speed up to current time- Ben’s time- and Ben finally meets his grandmother. Will Ben find his father? Can Rose ever feel accepted? It may seem predictable now, but wait until you see the twists and surprises the author hides from you in the pages of this book. Thank you for reading my blog post- please comment on any other book you recommend to your peers.

Manali's Post

2011-11-16T18:40:00.000-08:00

Christmas

By:Manali

Christmas is a great holiday! You can wish for what ever you want and Santa will probably give it unless you were on his naughty list! All of the gifts are wrapped beautifully and put under the Christmas tree. Many people ask me if Santa is real. I think so and so do many other children too. This joyful holiday was created to celebrate Jesus’ birthday. Did you ever know Jesus’ name is in Christmas? Back then only Christians celebrated Christmas but know the happiness has spread to us all. You can’t say that some people don’t celebrate Christmas, because even if they don’t put up a Christmas tree they still go to meet family, eat dinner, and buy gifts because they still have that holiday season in their heart.

This Christmas I am going on a cruise to Mexico so it will double fun, because instead of just celebrating at home I can share my joy with everybody and if I am lucky enough I can get lot more presents! Merry Christmas! Do you believe in Santa? Where are you going for Christmas?

Audrey's Post

2011-11-16T18:36:00.000-08:00

Feast time!

By: Audrey

http://naturesbountycafe.com/organic-thanksgiving-feast/thanksgiving-feast/

Happy Thanksgiving! Many people celebrate this national holiday with a feast. The feast usually has pumpkin pie, turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing and more to celebrate. As you may know, Thanksgiving is about giving your thanks. To be thankful, say thank you to your parents for having a roof over your head and having food on your plate. The world will be a kind place if you recognize the work someone has done for you. Thanksgiving was started from the Pilgrims. The natives fought with the Pilgrims, but in the end they reunited into one happy group, and they celebrated with a feast. Most schools are out during that week. And many kids take advantage of this free week of school, like me. I am going to Hawaii with my family.
What are you thankful for? What are you doing this Thanksgiving?

Mayanjali's Post

2011-11-14T18:54:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving Break

By: Mayanjali

http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/birds/wild-turkey/

Thanksgiving is drawing near and the holidays starting. I am going to be doing a lot of things. In my free time over the Thanksgiving break, I am going to be practicing for my oral presentation and reading, but in the meantime, I am going to be attending classes and working on my native tribes. I am also going to start doing more physical exercises and yoga. To tell you the truth, I’m more keen on playing with my friends, which I will also be doing, of course. I’m going to be attending the birthday of my friend, too. To sum it up, I think that my week will be pretty fun.
What will you be doing over the Thanksgiving break, and do you think your week will be fun?

Morgan's Post

2011-11-14T18:16:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas!
By: Morgan K.

Don’t you just love Christmas? It’s my favorite holiday because in the morning I get to wake up and open my presents. Ever wonder how Christmas started? Well, I do. Christmas wasn’t originally made by Christians, but it was originally from the ancient Romans. Every year in December, they held a festival called “Saturnalia” in honor of their god, Saturn. Saturnalia was a time of freedom and pleasure without consequence. People could do anything they wanted to do, they can steal, they can hurt others (which no one should ever do), and they can threaten others.

The Christmas customs for most us now is sing carols such as We Wish You a Merry Christmas, The 12 Days of Christmas, Jingle bells, and Dashing through the Snow. But, as we all know, there are so many more Christmas carols in the world. Most people also put up Christmas trees to celebrate; they put up ornaments, candy canes, a star or angel, some Christmas lights, and even their own decorations. Over all, I think Christmas is the best holiday because you get to spend time with your family.
Every Christmas evening, my family and I go over to my great aunt’s house to have dinner. After dinner we give each other presents and open them all together. Over all, we have lots of fun just seeing each other on a very special occasion. Do you celebrate Christmas and what is your favorite part? If not, what winter holiday do you look forward to and why?

Cody's Post

2011-10-26T16:26:00.000-07:00

T.V.

By: Cody C.

(Drawn by Cody)

Hi! I know everybody have a favorite T.V. show or movie and a one that we dislike. Even me. I like Pokemon Black and White. (The movies.) I dislike mythology movies. I dislike it because I think the Medusa is to creepy and scary. I also dislike Harry Potter. Many people say it's a good movie, but to me it's to creepy and scary.
What is your favorite movie or T.V.? What is the movie or T.V. you dislike? Why?

Jasmin's Post

2011-10-25T09:02:00.000-07:00

Halloween

By: Jasmin W.

http://recipes.slides.kaboose.com/76-halloween-candy-trivia

Halloween is coming up on Oct. 31, and I can't wait to dress up and go trick-or-treating! Every year, my brother and I get lots of candy, either from my church or from my neighbors. One of my favorite costumes was a fairy princess dress. It was aqua-ish with golden-lined lace on the puffy sleeves and skirt. It was very beautiful but it felt very itchy when I wore it. I outgrew it quickly so I passed it on to my little cousin, hoping that she would also enjoy Halloween wearing this dress.

This year I am going trick-or treating, but I haven't decided what to wear yet. What are you planning to do for Halloween this year? What is your favorite costume so far for Halloween?

Bonus from this week's TFK

2011-10-03T12:28:00.000-07:00

If you could interview the students from the article, what two questions would you ask, and why? (Be sure to explain yourself!)

Niraj's Post

2011-09-29T16:38:00.000-07:00

Falling Satellite!

By: Niraj

Did you hear about the satellite that fell back to Earth last Friday, the 23rd of September? This was an old satellite of NASA called Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite (UARS). It was launched in 1991 and was in use till 2005. The satellite weighed 13000 pounds! When the news about the satellite's falling became known, many people panicked. However, NASA reassured everyone that there was one in 3,200 chance of it hitting any object on earth. Most of the satellite was expected to burn before reaching the earth.

NASA's predictions were correct. The satellite broke into pieces during re-entry, and most of it up burned in the atmosphere. Twenty-six parts, weighing about 1,200 pounds, may have reached the surface of Earth. The satellite entered the atmosphere over the Pacific Ocean, far from any major land. NASA has not found any debris so far.

When my mom was in school, the Skylab space station fell down to earth. Skylab was about the size of a house and was much bigger than UARS. Many people(including my mom) were worried that the satellite would fall on them. When bits of Skylab fell in western Australia, no one was injured but the local authorities did fine NASA $400 for littering.

How would you feel if you found a piece of Space Debris?