Let Mother Nature Help Us

There is only one planet we truly know can support life. Earth is a home to more than 2 million species. If our world ends, no life would exceed to exist. If this happens, we humans are the cause of this destruction.

Burning coal is the number one source of creating electricity that cause greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide to harm our environment. Unfortunately, it is used to power more than half of the United States' electricity, along with natural gas, oil, nuclear, and hydropower. Hawaii depends too much on these nonrenewable resources for providing electricity, therefor leading to many issues in the environment. Due to this crisis, natural resources are starting to drop dramatically.

Hawaii is a chain of islands that are well-known for their tradewinds. Since wind is a natural resource, Hawaii can use the renewable resource to create electricity. This can happen by using a machine called a wind turbine. A group consisting of a great number of wind turbines is called a wind plant. A wind turbine takes the kinetic energy of wind and transforms it either to mechanical enrgy or elecrical energy. The outcome of all of this is WIND POWER. Wind power is capable of supporting 20% of the United States' electricity. The power that electricity produces is measured in watts. (Kilowatts= 1,000/ Megawatts= 1,000,000/ Gigawatts= 1,000,000,000,000)

A wind turbine that produces five megawatts can power 1,400 average American households. American households consume 10,000 kilowatts per hour each year. Using this type of turbine, more than 15 million kilowatts per hour can be produced. Though, the best parts of using wind power is that it does not form greenhouse gases, and it will not be affected by inflation. The installment of wind turbines in the U.S.A. will cost $7 billion. It is always better ti invest in this source of energy, than to invest in nonrenewable energy.

Wind power contributes to the whole world by producing affordable, inexhaustible energy. It will create new jobs for those who are in need. It will not harm our beloved Earth. Using wind power or other types of renewable resources for electricity is a step closer to making our world a better place for everyone.

Journal #14 Thesis Statement

Topic: Renewable Resources
Sub-Topic: Wind Power
We need to use new renewable and inexhaustible ways in creating electricity.

The Theater OFFICIAL DRAFT

We have all been rehearsing for weeks, until everything was perfectly copacetic. There are two main parts to a theater. The front stage is where the performers would give their talent to the audience, and make everything that they do look effortless. Then, there is the back stage, where everything is crazy. The backstage is nothing compared to the front stage. In the Hawaii Theater, the backstage is much larger. It's basically like two differnt worlds.

The call time for the show was at 5:00 p.m. As my dad drives through the crowded street, you can see an endless line of performers, carrying their bags, suit cases, and make-up sets, getting ready to sign in. As soon as my dad tells me that Czarina and I can get out, we immediately grab everything, scramble out of the car, and race to the end of the line. When we finally arrive, my friends are already huggung and greeting us. Finally, we are all signed in and through the door. We walk all the way up to the fourth floor, hauling our items to where our dressing room is located. As we walk up, people are changing right in front of you, and clothes are flying over your head to get to the performer. You get a big whiff of hairspray on the first floor. As you pass each dressing room, every performer organizes their clothes by the scheduled performances.

When we were, finally at our dressing room, we also did the same. Time flew by so fast! I gazed at the clock that read 5:45. We only had 15 minutes until the show started. The speaker went on and announced that all of the performers were to report to the stage. Everyone was scattered on the stage. You can see all of the performers in bright colored costumes. Some were scary, while others seemed authentic. The keiki performers look so cute with their curly heads, and butterfly wings. Then, the manager of the show shouted over the talking ,"Everyone get into a circle!" I grabbed my neighbors' hand, as soon as the prayer started. My teacher led the prayer, blessing all of our performers, and thanking God for all that he has given to us. We also prayed that we give all of our energy to the audience as we shared out talent and passion with them. We thanked God that all of the hard work we put in this production paid off. Then, as my teacher looked up, she started what we call a "pulse", in which we squeeze the person's hand next to us. The pulse travels throughout the circle. When the last person's hand is squeezed, everyone screams at the top of the lungs to get rid of the nerves. Then we all hug each other, saying backstage terms such as "break a leg".

As each performer heads back to their dressing rooms, the speaker goes on again and announces that the audience is now heading into the theater. We all wait for the speaker to signal when the show will begin. Then, a quick pitched buzz sounds out saying "The show is beginning, HAVE A GREAT SHOW!" If you're quiet enough, you can hear the music of the number that is performing. We all stretch, warming up our muscles. Then, the stage manager announces, "First number on deck!"

When we are finally behind the curtains, the stage lights start to dim. Then we make out way to the stage. Slowly, as the red curtains make their way to the top, you can see the still audience. Nervous and exilharating is what you feel at time. It is as if nothing mattered in the world, except for this moment.The spotlight is on you, and on the people who you and the people you have created a friendship with. The music starts to flow throughout everyone in the theater. We all start to make the first move. I feel the nerves moving through my spine. This is when the adrenaline starts. You feel so energetic, and wanting to give the audience more. This is the best feeling anyone could ever have. On stage, I feel as if anything could happen. It is a time for me to show what I have, and what is important to me. You don't feel like an entertainer, you feel like an artist. You express your emotions through your facial expressions, and your body, that it feels so real. The audience, is amazed, and feels what we are conveying.

Wild Meat and the BUlly Burgers

This book relates a lot to culture. First of all, this book's "language" is Hawaiian Pidgin. It relates to a local family born and raised in Hawaii. The book describes their identity, by details. Such details include what they eat, what they do, how they handle problems, and how they act in everyday life. Lovey's idenetity is a girl who is so ashamed of who she is, and how her family acts like. She wishes to be sophisticated. In this book, she wants to have a "haole last name" or she wants to be like "Shirley Temple".

A Theater

There is a place, that feels like a home to me.
It is not a place where I dwell in, but a place where I can be myself.
On the stage, I feel like anything can happen.
I can express who I am, in any way.
Hearing the performers backstage, getting ready.
Hearing the stage managers yell, "First number on deck".
Then the orchestra or song opening by playing it's first musical piece.
I see the curtains opening slowly, lifting high to the ceiling.
You feel different emotions. Nervous and exhilerating.
Chills moving down your spine.
It is as if nothing mattered in the world, except for this moment.
The spotlight is on you, and on the people who you and the people you have created a friendship with.
There is a great energy that moves from the performers to the audience.
It's the best thing anyone could offer. It's talent.
Anywhere, in any theater.....there is nothing that can't happen.

(rough draft) a filipino dessert to crave for

On a scorching hot day, what do you tend to eat? Sure some of you might say creamy vanilla ice cream, or artificial flavored popsicles. Oh boy, you're speaking for yourself. My family and I make BUKO PANDAN. Now, I can sense different questions arousing in your head. Let me try to guess. One question that firsts pops up is, "What in the sane heck is buko

pandan?!" A ha! The answer to your question is a sweet creamy dessert with slippery rectangular jello, shredded pieces of coconut, and chewy tapioca balls. I can see it right now as if I was actually staring at it with my mouth wide open, and my shiny eyes wide with hunger.

Flashes of memories popping up one by one in my head, slowly remind me how important this dessert is to my family. In my head, I see my mom wiping her forehead before that drop of sweat beats her, as she makes the jello. I see my dad scoring a coconut shell, and the little white pieces of coconut fall into the bowl like the first break of snow in the winter. Then I see my grandma taking the finished jello and coconut, mixing them together along with the sweetened milk, tapioca balls, and nestle cream. Then I am the one who puts the oversized heavy bowl into the refrigerator.

Everyone is so tired and sweaty. I am the first one who jumps in the shower, and takes a long cold bath. My dad banging on the door impatiently yells out, "You've been in there for 15 minutes! When are you coming out!" "UGH", I squeal in my head. "I'll be out in like a minute dad! Be patient", I respond back. I feel his heavy foot steps shaking the tub slowly fade away as he stomps angrily back to the couch.

When everyone is now fresh, clean, and with a better attitide, the reward we have been waiting for is now on the table. The buko pandan sits there looking lip-smacking. We all grab our plates, but before we do the eldest in our family stops us. "We must first pray and thank the Lord for all of the blessings he has given us, especially this dessert." So we all listen to "Nanay Cleofe" ( meaning mommy cleofe) and take each others' hands and pray. Then we all say together "AMEN". Then my uncle shouts,"LET'S EAT!" And all of the kids grab their bowls, and take as much as they want. I fill up the small styrofoam bowl to almost to the top. I like to observe my food before I eat, making sure everything is perfect. I stare at it retraining myself from devouring it. The jello is a shade of light green. The creamy sauce and milk looks thick and white. I bring the bowl closer to my nose, and sniff the sweet smell of the sauce, and the tiny hint of coconut. Then I take my first bite. MMMmmmmmmm........I feel the jello slideing from side to side in my mouth, and the tickle it creates as it goes down my throat. I gnaw on the chewy taro balls. I can taste the individual flavors, and at the same time together. THe combination of them is like a parade in your mouth. Flavors moving all over on your tongue making sure you can taste them on every part.

At the end of the day, we all critique on how the buko pandan tastes, whether it needs a little bit of this, or a little bit of that. But this time, no one has anything to say. The buko pandan was PERFECT. You could tell by the silence that filled the air, that everyone was full. We then all tell stories about what happened to my family over the week. And sometimes we reminisce about the past. I think quietly to myself that this dessert not only is delicious, but it brings the people you love together.

A Filipino Dessert to Crave For

Interviewed: My mom, Victoria on August 30, 2009

1. What is Buko Pandan?

Buko pandan is a Filipino dessert that includes coconut, gelatin, and other ingredients. Buko means coconut, and padan is a type of leaf usually used to add flavor food.

2. What is the best part of making this dessert?

The best part of making this dessert is eating it. You really need a dessert after a hard work from making this.

3. How did you find this recipe?

Well actually, your Tita Amy (tita means aunty) found it in the Philippines. We first made the original recipe, but weren’t satisfied. So your Tita Amy and I added extra ingredients. And it turned out that our version of buko pandan was better than the original recipe.

4. Name one memory you have at a party with this dessert.

Well, I remember your nephew, Zac, who loved this dessert so much, that he had five bowls of buko pandan. He wanted to take more, but his mom scolded him for eating most of the dessert.

5. Would you tell me what the ingredients to this recipe?

Well, there are many secret ingredients in our version of buko pandan. But I will tell you what the original recipe requires. First of all, you need shredded pieces of coconut. You need taro balls, and gelatin cut in any shape you want it to be. You also need pandan, which I a kind of plant. And for the sweet sauce, you need carnation milk and Nestle Cream.

6. Do you prefer to eat it during the winter, or during the summer?

Well, I prefer both seasons. It is a cold refreshing dessert, which is usually eaten in the summer, but who says you can’t eat it during the winter.

7. Is it better to work by yourself in making this dessert, or with someone?

It is always better to work with someone else, especially friends and family. You can create wonderful memories together. That’s the magic of making buko pandan. It brings the whole family together.

Steps For Making Buko Pandan

Step 1: Take 2 boxes of “Alsa Jello”.

Step 2: Make the jello in a pot.

Step 3: When you are finished making the jello, let it cool.

Step 4: When it is cooled down, place the jello in the refrigerator for it to turn solid.

Step 5: Take the jello out of the refrigerator and cut the jello into squares (using a knife)

Step 6: Pour the jello into a different bowl.

Step 7: Add in the shreds of coconut, along with 1 can of sweet milk, nestle cream, and tapioca pearls.

Step 8: Mix everything together.

Step 9: Place the bowl in the refrigerator.

Step 10: You may now take out the the buko pandan, and start eating :D

STEP 11: ENJOY

Note: If there are any left overs, place them back inside the refrigerator to avoid spoilage.

Roots and Recepies

1. The name of my food that I am sharing is called Buko pandan. This is one of my mom's specialty. I have eaten this dessert on many special occasions, such as birthdays and on many holidays.

2. I will be interviewing my mom, Victoria Sayno on August 30.

3. questions

• what do you enjoy about making this dessert?
• what special memories do you have in making this dessert?
• is making this dessert a tradition in the family?

Buko Pandan :D

1. What food will you be describing?

A Filipino dessert called Buko Pandan.

2. What are some special memories it has for you?

All of my family gatherings, usually at a birthday party, Thanksgiving, or Christmas.

3. What are some sensory details that will help bring the food "to life" for your readers?

The sweet smell, the slippery gelatin, and a little hint of coconut.

4. Who will you be interviewing about your food?

My aunty and my mother.

my very first post for menemac :D

Through the years, I have gained skills in writing. From stories to poems, even to plays. I also have myspace, facebook, and twitter, in which  I can write about myself for my friends to see. I have a lot of writing goals, but I will only name a few. My first goal is to engage my use of words. I want to have a stronger vocabulary. I want to learn different ways to express a sentence. I want the public readers to be in awe when they read my work. Well, that's all for now...BYE ^_^