The Diver Issue Two - Page 1 - The second issue of the english newspapaer of the Lycée Louis Massignon in Abu Dhabi Issue 02 The DIVER Editorial Interviews Writers' Corner Gourmet's Delight Young Talents Short Story Sharing A Vision Author's Inspiration Miscellaneous Around The World Advice Column Entertainment January 2010 CONTENTS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 C O N T A C T Send us your ideas, comments, and suggestions about our next issue of The DIVER to the.diver@llm.ae For more information about Lycée Louis Massignon please visit the LLM website at www.llm.ae In the year 2010, many events will celebrate the 20th anniversary of the AEFE (Agency for French Education Abroad). All educational institutions belonging to the AEFE are invited to take part in this anniversary to celebrate the actions and contributions the agency has made to promote the French language worldwide for over 20 years. To achieve these targets, the involvement of the educational community, along with the different partners who are helping with its smooth functioning, the managing and the pedagogical organization of this network made of 460 educational institutions, will be the subject of many presentations and communications. We will discover the diversity of our network which the sun never sets on. The Lycée Louis Massignon will play an important role during this event; we are currently working on the production of a short film and an anniversary song to mark the occasion. The 2nd issue of the Diver, which I would like to underline its quality and the involvement of its writers, is one of these achievements that are evidence of the constant dynamism of the students and their teachers. Before honouring our commitment on these events, every member of the educational community would like to express to you and your relatives the best wishes for the New Year 2010. Gérard Aubertel Headmaster of Lycée Louis Massignon Special Thanks to those involved in this issue of The DIVER : - Mrs. Maryse Tabet - Mr. Victor E. Dubau - Mr. Fadi Edwan - Mrs. Mona Abou Chakra - Mrs. Brigitte Le Quellec - Mrs. Catherine Royer - Mr. Philippe Féry - Adriana Diab If seeing is believing then there is no denying that, with this second issue of the Diver, the bases of the 1st English newspaper in the Louis Massignon School are sound, the interest it raises is lively, and its future is bright. This explains why I am so happy to be part of this project by writing this editorial. I hope that these few lines will be able to convey my joy and pride to see such a great project being carried out by enthusiastic students, committed teachers especially the founder of the newspaper Mrs. Tabet Maryse, and the devotion and great sense of team and cross-disciplinary work that Mr. Dubau embodies to perfection. Many thanks to all of you “little” writers and I hope with this issue many others will join the team and make sure that their voices, ideas, and opinions are heard thanks to the Diver. Let this excellent project be the catalyst for many other interesting projects that will help us enhance the standards we set for the English department. Mr. Fadi Edwan Coordinator of the English Department Page 1 The DIVER INTERVIEWS Mr. Guerif Students’ Education Counselor 1. Do you like working at LLM? Why? Yes, I do because the school needs a person who takes care of the students if they ever need anything, and I need to verify that everything is going well at LLM. 2. Why did you choose LLM to pursue your career? Well, I didn’t choose LLM; LLM chose me, actually. 3. How did you find the students, in general? I found them fun to work with because they are from different countries and all have different cultures, and I find it very exciting to learn about different cultures through students. 4. How did you find the general atmosphere at school? I found it very relaxing and very nice. When I first walked in here, I felt it was a very welcoming atmosphere. Mrs. LeRoy Students’ Education Counselor 1. Do you like working at LLM? Why? I like working here because the students are very friendly and so are the teachers. Students have creative ideas about school projects and after school activities, and interesting ideas on how to improve the school. 2. Why did you choose LLM to pursue your career? It’s a French school, and I like the French education system and the way students are taught to live in one community. 3. How did you find the students, in general? I found them very open-minded. At the beginning, it was not easy for me to adapt with the students, but now I have a better relationship with them. 4. How did you find the general atmosphere at school? Generally speaking, it’s a very fun atmosphere, but at times I feel it gets stressed because of the students' constant fear of exams. In conclusion, I like working here. John Farah & Lara Soufane Grade 9 I’m Alexandre Mikhail grade 12, and I’ve been at Lycee Louis Massignon for over ten years. I’ve been a class representative since I was in the sixth grade. I also took my role very seriously, trying to represent my class efficiently and thus became a solid link between the teachers and the students. At the beginning of each school year, all of the class delegates meet to elect two school representatives (délégués d’établissement). Each delegate willing to assume such a role would present his ideas in front of the other representatives during the meeting. Afterwards, two representatives are elected and become the famous school delegates. I applied to this role several times since the sixth grade but without success since the priority is given to the elder students. Finally and during this year, my last year at school, my last chance to achieve such a target, my dream came true : I and Emna (Grade 10) have been elected by the assembly of class representatives after presenting our goals for this school year. We both intend to make life more enjoyable at school, with projects such as the Valentine’s Day flowers or other activities that you might be aware of. I personally intend on developing the sports sector in our school by encouraging competition between schools in the area. Nevertheless, our ultimate goal is to represent all of you during the school meetings such as the conseil d’établissement. In order to do so, communication is important; every single one of you can make a difference, can express his opinion or can suggest projects. You simply talk about these projects to your class representative that can either communicate it to me or to Emna. We then take your project in consideration during the school meetings or even directly talk to the headmaster to put your ideas forward. If you have any queries do not hesitate to contact me directly or through your class representatives. I wish you all a Happy New Year 2010. Your School Representative Alexandre Mikhaïl Grade 12 My name is Claudia Khoukaz, I am in grade 12 and I was an LLM student for 5 years from grade 6 to grade 10. This school brought a lot to my education; with all the great teachers there, I learned lots of things through my school years. I am now in another college in Canada and thanks to LLM, I have a great standard of knowledge here. I also keep good memories of this school and will never forget the wonderful five years I spent with my friends. I just want to say hello to all those who are still learning there. I am still in touch with many of them but I miss them all and wish them luck for the rest of their lives. As we all know grade 12 is the last year before entering university and friends will all be seperated and go to different countries, or different universities. But http://copainsdavant.linternaute.com/etablissement/419742/1/lycee_louis_massignon is a site where all LLM students can keep in touch, the ones that left and also the ones that are still there, by sharing old pictures and good memories of the years they spent together! Claudia Khoukaz Grade 12 Page 2 WRITERS' CORNER Alien's Invasion Max: Hello listeners, and welcome to our weekly radio program “Incredible but Real!” A big welcome as well to our guest who saw aliens in the desert. Hello, and what’s your name? Robinson: Hello! My name is Robinson. Yes, in fact, I saw some strange yellow lights in the sky. Max: When was that? Robinson: It was Friday, the 13th of June 2008 at 1 am Max: How were the lights? Robinson:They were blue and yellow. Look, I took a picture. Max: Oh my God! How many were they? Robinson: They were 5 and suddenly I realized that they were flying saucers so I ran to my car but it was too late... Max: Too late? Why? What happened!? Were you scared? Robinson: Oh yes I was !!! The flying saucers were landing on the ground and the aliens were getting out! Max: How were they? What did they look like? Robinson: They were slim, green, bald with small ears. They had long arms and big black eyes. I took a picture; have a look! Max: How tall were they? Robinson: They were very tall, around 2 meters. Max: Did they see you !? Robinson: Yes. Max: Did you try to escape? Robinson: No, I coudn’t because they were all around me. Max: Did you try to talk to them? Robinson: No, impossible! They didn’t speak our language. Max: How did you know ? Robinson: I knew because I heard them. The DIVER Max: Did they attack you? Robinson: I don’t know because I fainted ! Max: Where were you when you got up? Robinson: I was in my car, but there was no more fuel and no more water. Max: How did you survive alone in the desert? Robinson: I saw another light in the sky. Max: Aliens?! Robinson: No, this time, it was a helicopter that came to save me! Max: Thank you for joining us and don’t forget our dear listeners next week, we will be talking about the Lokenes monster. Max Manchon & Robinson Kasparian Grade 7 The Comic Book Hey ! Miss look That kid took My comic book It deals with a man who has a hook He has a name Respect it or burst out of shame Don't be lame Just say his name Please give it back Wright Or I wouldn't sleep at night It should be right Say please and he might Give you your belonging But I said please without hesitating Okay then be a darling And give it back without wining Here you go See it comes to show Those children do know When they shouldn't be shallow. Pop Music History: Pop music was created in the mid 50s. It originally appeared in U.S.A and the U.K but it is dominated by the Americans who are mostly good and popular at music. This type is a mix of rock and roll, jazz, folk and dance music. The term “pop song” was first recorded as being used in 1926 in the sense of a piece of music having “popular appeal” which means that it’s popular. Characteristics: In pop music, many typical instruments are used, such as electric guitar, bass guitar, drums, drum machine and sequencer. A pop song often lasts between two to three minutes long. The lyrics of modern pop songs typically focus often on love and romantic relationships but there are exceptions. For example Lady Gaga’s “Love Game” talks about LOVE: it’s a modern pop song. My opinion: I like this style of music because it gives me energy, but I generally listen to it while I’m drawing. It relaxes me and gives me inspiration. Claire Marcel Grade 7 Carl Ghanem Grade 10 Page 3 The DIVER Basic Meringues GOURMET'S DELIGHT This easy to follow recipe takes the anxiety out of making meringue for pavlovas and individual dessert treats. Ingredients 3 large eggs 175g castor sugar 1 teaspoon cornflour 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar few drops vanilla essence Instructions Step 1: Place egg whites in a glass bowl and allow to stand for 15-20 minutes, then whisk using an electric mixer on a low speed. Step 2: Increase mixer speed as eggs begin to froth. Increase speed to maximum. The egg whites will become thick and creamy. Step 3: Continue whisking until egg white forms stiff peaks. Step 4: Add a third of the sugar while continually whisking. Repeat until all the sugar is added. Step 5: Fold in cornflour, vinegar and vanilla essence. Step 6: Place mixture in a piping bag and pipe swirls using a suitably-sized star nozzle to create large or small bite-sized meringues. Step 7: Cook meringue at 130°C for 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 hours, until meringue is firm and crisp on the outside. Cool meringue thoroughly before removing from paper. Fill as desired. Candice Curlier Grade 6 Teacher: Now, Simon, tell me frankly, do you say prayers before eating? Simon : No sir, I don't have to, my Mom is a good cook. Typical food in South Africa South African cooking has its roots in the many cultures that have visited the country over time. Therefore you will find the main dishes include a mixture of Eastern flavours, Western tastes and healthy dose of bushveld ingredients. Bobotie The Cape Malay society are famous for cooking this dish and it is usually served with yellow rice. Boerewors Boerewors or Farmers Sausage is a traditional BBQ sausage. There are many secret recipes on how to make boerewors but here we provide you with the traditional recipe. Chicken Curry Potjie Chicken Curry Potjie (pot) is a great way to be able to entertain and still enjoy a great meal by simply adding all the ingredients into a huge pot over the fire place and leaving to simmer. Frikkadels Frikkadels are like South African meat balls. This recipe is based on a tomato frikkadel. Glossary "Amasi" (sour milk) "Tshwala" (beer) "Uphutu" (maize- meal porridge) "Isithambu" (stamped maize) "Isit shulu" (lamb stew) "UmZumbe" (kidney bean stew) "Ithanga" (pumpkin) "Isithelo" (fruit) Karen Choufani & Marie-Laure Duneau Grade 7 Page 4 YOUNG TALENTS My Best Friend Her name is Natacha. She is eighteen years old. She lives in Italy, in Rome. She is Italien and French. She speaks three languages : Italian, French and English. She doesn't work but she studies at university. She doesn't have any children. She is very clever and funny. She likes pets. She is my best friend because she is big, very clever and very funny. My Imaginary Classroom My imaginary classroom is simply the best ever; it makes school life smoother and enjoyable for all students. It is a huge place where everything we dream of having is there. As your enter the classroom you feel like you are stepping into an electronic paradise. Laptops and computers are placed in a decorative way in the classroom. Touch-screen The DIVER Zoia Rot Grade 6 desks for all students are connected to the digital display board. All students have access to high speed internet. There are no books, no pens and no notebooks. We do not have to carry our heavy school bags; we just have to bring in our pockets a twelve terabyte USB stick that has all the programs we need. A relaxing room is also connected to my classroom. It is 100% sound proof and has the most comfortable beds and relaxing lazy-boy chairs in the world. Beside each bed and chair, there are headphones connected to all kind of music you want. As you slip into the comfort of the sheets you feel like you are riding on a cloud and you can also smell the aroma of the roses. An executive lounge that has TVs with interactive games is available as well. Very tasty snacks and soft drinks are placed on a bar, free for all. Next to the lounge, you find a disco room that has a disco ball, a DJ and a large dancing floor. My classroom is every student’s dream; I just wish I could make it come true. Elie Abou-Zeid Grade 7 Festivals and Holidays On Wednesday November 25, as part of the oral presentations done during the English periods, we discussed festivals and holidays that take place in the world. First, we talked about festivals that happen in Abu Dhabi, most specifically the National Day, celebrated on December 2. We projected a short documentary about Abu Dhabi. Our classmates were able to join and sing the National Anthem, while we flew the flags. Next we talked about the Formula 1 event that took place at Yas Island on the 1st of November. We then talked about some holidays in Hawaii. We started by the geographical location, then the way people dress. We were even dressed like Hawaiian girls: skirt, necklace made up entirely of flowers, flowers in our hair… After that, we talked about Halloween, celebrated on the 31st of October. Students were asked to do an activity Page 5 for Halloween and it was a small box with a picture of a pumpkin on it. We also talked about some of the Religious Festivals, like Ramadan, Eid Ul Fitr: we brought fawanis (lanterns). Finally, we talked about Christmas. We put on Santa's red hats and we got Christmas stockings filled with chocolate bars and candies for everybody. Cindy Sakkal & Maria Zraibi Grade 6 The DIVER SHORT STORY the absolute happiness she craved for. As soon as her eyes met his, she felt the love swirl inside of her, shaking her into absolute awe at the beautiful scenery. She kept her eyes on his beautiful blue ones. She felt the awed stare of the audience, but to her, they didn’t exist, they weren’t there, because it was only him that she could see, her white angel. He wore a gray suit, and on its front pocket, a little yellow tulip was tugged neatly. His beautiful blond hair was combed and trimmed for the occasion and his smile, his breathtaking smile, made her heart soar. The glow in his river-blue eyes made her wonder how anyone can be as beautiful as he was right now. Sean looked adoringly into his love’s eyes, and felt the overwhelming sensation moving through him, the one sensation he had so much thought an illusion. The love he felt was real, pure and fought through all the barriers imaginable. His Anna looked ravishing, he couldn’t put words to her beauty. He saw how she was almost dragging her father to the end of the altar, and he smiled wider. He too, wanted her to be near him. He strained himself from just running to her and kissing her passionately. It took all his willpower to stay in his place. She approached closer, nearly begging her father to go faster, until he finally sent her a mobilizing stare. Almost there, she thought. Her heartbeat quickened, and she felt the goose bumps transfer to her entire body. As she got nearer to her destination, she realized what it was true love, to love, and to be loved in return. It was the most rewarding emotion she’d ever felt, and she knew she’d only feel this happy with her Sean. Only a foot away now, she mused excitedly. When her father stopped walking, she stopped with him and turned to face her now soon-to-be husband and lifetime companion. Samuel placed his daughter’s hand in the man that made his little Anna happy, he was giving her away, he realized, as both their hands met. He saw the glow of love torch between them, powerful and young. He had faith with his daughter; she had made the right choice. But as far as the young lovers knew, they were soaring – soaring in love’s intertwining maze. The End Page 6 Soaring A one-shot by A’zza El-Masri Grade 10 All characters are fictional and belong to me; they are not part of any novel or story whatsoever. As she descended gracefully down the marble staircase, Anna felt the nervousness edge through her, the anxiety creeping into her soul. But she knew that he would be there at the end of the altar. To her, she walked in an obscured abyss, with the only reassurance as a kind of glow, a white light that prodded her to march confidently, without any care in the world because soon enough, they would finally be together, for all eternity. After the long sufferance they’d gone through, she was relieved that they’d have their happy ending, as she’d believed that long time ago, when hope had been such impossibility. She took deep breaths to calm herself into serenity, she reminded herself that he was there, waiting for her. It was their day, their moment. She tugged on her father’s arm frantically; he rubbed her arm soothingly. “Don’t worry, honey.” His voice, a sonata of words, rolled gracefully from his mouth as a calm whisper. He had always been there for her, Anna mused, as she looked deep into her father’s grey eyes. He’d never betrayed her, and he’d respected her decision unlike her mother. Her heart wheezed as she remembered the dark memory. She shook her head, as though to clear her mind from that obscure thought, and sighed. “How do I look?” she asked nervously. It was about the tenth time she’d asked him, but that was how brides were, Samuel thought, always seeking perfection for their perfect day. He couldn’t believe that he was looking at his beautiful young daughter; her red hair fell in loose waves to her back. Under the veil of anxiety her deep grey eyes showed the distinguished, the pure happiness and love his unique daughter was feeling. He kissed her soft cheek lightly. “Gorgeous, absolutely gorgeous.” He answered almost instantly, even though gorgeous didn’t as nearly describe how his lovely daughter looked today. In this small part of Hawaii, he knew that his daughter was the most breathtaking women of all. It was made of the traditional Hawaiian white fabric, the sleeves dropped to just below her shoulders, but the dress, so simple but yet exquisite, kissed his daughter’s body perfectly and flowed gracefully to her bare feet; she looked almost like a mermaid, his little mermaid. No matter how old she was now, she would always be "his little mermaid"; he loved her dearly; she was his only refuge. Anna felt her heartbeat race as she realized that it was time to finally join her lover, her angel, her life, her world, her Sean. Calm down, she commanded herself and informed her father that she was ready. On cue, Wagner’s traditional march floated in the air as Anna and her father started walking down the sand altar, bare foot while the wind blew, a hint of salty air stroked her pale skin. She looked for him, hoping to find what she was looking for, SHARING A VISION The Power Of an Individual The DIVER A Greek philosopher once wrote : “ I, a stranger and afraid, In a world I never made”. It all started when I moved to LLM, 3 years ago. I didn’t know anyone. I was nervous. It was noisy. I thought : “ this place is so big”; I took a wrong turn and got lost. Navigation through a maze of unfamiliar hallways is just the first of many challenges a new kid like me experiences. Pile on a sea of strange faces and a sky of demanding classes, with one certain thing: being a new kid can be rough. They mimic me because I had been in Lebanon for a long time. They say : “ Why do you speak like that?” They made fun of my accent and my clothes. It all rushed through my veins. It can be like an overwhelming tornado. I felt like an outsider and I missed my old friends. At a time when I wanted so desperately to fit in, I had often to struggle to adapt to my new surroundings. The first days of school were indeed stormy. While most kids worried about such things as homework and tests, my list of concerns stretches far longer. I was the type of person to read books under the table. And I preferred spending most of my free time in the library hiding behind books, rather than face those cruel judgmental teenagers. There was this pretty outgoing girl named N.S, kind to everyone, girls and boys, small or big ; everybody loved her. She approached me one day with a big innocent smile on her face saying : “ Tears don’t help problems and whining won’t make things better. Have faith, but understand that faith makes things possible not easier. Have hope, but understand that without doing anything, nothing gets done. Never give up! You only fail when you fail to try! Never compromise your standards for anyone. Do it for yourself.” Those words, however small, made a huge impact on my life and its path. It takes a moment of your time to change someone’s life. When you tell a friend that they matter to you, when you smile for someone that most people consider as invisible, when you help a small child find his mother in a store or stand by an old lady’s grocery cart to prevent someone from stealing her purse. We all influence people everywhere we go. There’s always this friend who makes life-work balance seems effortless, your former boss whose advice was always spot on , or a third grade teacher whose encouraging words are remembered 30 years later. Almost everyone has stories of how someone else’s confident wisdom made a real difference in their lives, and in my case it was N.S. The key is to remember that we all bring light into a room; some do it when they enter, while others when they leave. Which one will you be ? Mira Al Marzouki Grade 9 Tiki Sunshine G'day mates! My name is Kareem Bahlawan and I'm in a band called: « Tiki Sunshine ». David F.G, Paul Hiver, Mohammed Charfeddine, Walid Feghali, Dennis and myself here, we jam together at my place or David's. It's been almost a year till now that we're in this band. David and Mohammed are the ones who came up with the idea. It was all about the fact that I play the drums, David plays the guitar, Walid and Dennis both play it too, Mohammed on the Keyboard and Paul on the bass and that we're good friends so why not have a band trial. It worked! We don't actually have any specific singers because we have no unique style of music; sometimes we go for some hard rock; sometimes slower and from time to time we may play some jazz. We've been practicing at the school auditorium lately, so if anyone wants to try any instrument with the band that he (or she) shall bring to the school auditorium. Thank you! For more information, please contact: 055/6082005. An appointment shall be accorded with Mr. or Mrs. C.P.E. As a personal experience, I believe being in a band is pretty cool especially while starting it. But when you're in the band your mates would most probably be your schoolmates or friends from the skate park, the mall... So you'll keep saying to each others: "Dudes, let's keep it this way, we don't need a band leader right? After all we're friends!" The ugly truth is that you really need a leader no matter how high your friendship level is, because you're never going to take it seriously this way. So get over it, set a target on your band-plan and just say to yourself: "I wanna jam, the boss I am." Kareem Bahlawan Grade 9 Page 7 The DIVER The Thrill... AUTHOR'S INSPIRATION I will never forget the day it happened...The biggest thrill I've ever experienced... It was at a scout camp in Bedfordshire. The chiefs had organized a great game in the woods involving two teams who had to capture the enemy's flag and bring it back to their own base. Everyone had to put their scarves in the back of their trousers so that they dangled somewhat alike to a tail. You could capture an enemy by catching the person which would then start a fight. To win the fight, you had to catch the adversary's "tail" one hand behind the back. If you had been attacked and had won, you could go on unmolested by the other person for 30 seconds; if you had lost and were holding the flag, whichever it be, you had to surrender it to the winner. Our team had been out of luck and we were hard pressed around our flag being assaulted from every side at the same time. After 10 minutes of intense combat, we managed to repel them and they fled back in the woods to regroup at their base to launch an attack. It would be the eighth and we were getting too tired and knew it might be the last one we would have been able to withstand. Tired, panting, bruised, it seemed hopeless. It was then that we made the decision, a couple of my friends and I to make a last head-on attack. It was kind of a "die with honour" decision fuelled by the fact that we only had that option or endure a futile "last stand" which didn't really achieve anything else than being worn down by a superior number. So we started running, the six of us who decided to go. There was Geoffroy, Louis, Augustin, Cedric, Ludovic and myself. I remember my arms pumping with the rhythm of my pace, my lungs burning, my legs feeling like there were going to collapse under my own weight. I was going to give up when I felt it coming, an adrenaline rush at the precise moment when I needed it most sorely. Then, suddenly, my feet seemed like they had sprouted wings. I picked up speed effortlessly and started sprinting like if all hell was snapping at my heels. I seemed to notice a similar change in my friends. With this renewed energy I felt like the world had suddenly become clearer. Everything was crystal clear to my eyes and I even remember noticing for no particular reason a small brook gurgling a few dozen meters away. It felt... good. An intense energy so big I felt like it was seeping through me, soothing my pains as well physical as moral. It felt like if every problem, every bad thing in my life had been washed away, set aside. And for one instant, I wanted to cry with happiness... So we ran on, the world flashing by in a blur. Then suddenly, shouts. We knew we had been spotted and that it was the time to give it all. The rest happened so quickly even though I can still feel it in my bones. We arrived at their base unscathed only to meet their whole team waiting for us. We didn't even slow down. The result was a great crash I can still recall that it was going and even after having won multiple fights sending half of their team to our prison, they were capturing us one after the other. First Geoffroy then followed Louis, finally Augustin, Cedric and I eventually ended back against back encircled by them. All seemed lost when a miracle happened. Our team had arrived. Having heard the echoes of the fights, they had decided to come to our aid. I recall feeling joy, relief and renewed strength. Like a pack of wolves our teammates came running from all sides shouting like crazy and submerged our adversaries. After a great number of fights, we gained the advantage, seized the flag, turned around and ran. After a couple of ambushes during which we successfully browbeated them back, we arrived at our base. To officially win, we had to plant the flag in the ground on a hillock not far away. It was then that the captain of our team came to Cedric and me and told us. "Without you guys, we couldn't have won. You deserve to be the ones to plant it." With that, he handed us the flag. When we reached out our hands, they were shaking, not from fear or exhaustion, but with suppressed joy and pride. It seemed so beautiful in way, they had said it was impossible, we were going to lose, and by not giving up and trying to the end, we had won. We had gone defeated and "veni vidi vici". We were victorious. Since that day, when all seems black and utterly hopeless, I remember that day when we had fought on and finished victors, as the song says, "N'aie pas peur et prend courage, l'esperance est un trésor". Marc De Noblet Grade 9 Page 8 MISCELLANEOUS Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle The Earth is getting warmer and warmer each day; it’s being polluted, endangered animals and vegetation are disappearing, trees are getting cut down! And what do we get from all this ? GLOBAL WARMING! POLLUTION! And that’s all because of the things WE do! Time is running out! We have to act fast! REDUCE, REUSE, AND RECYCLE! Even the smallest thing can make a difference! Here are some everyday steps that you can make a part of your life until you don’t even realize you’re taking them. 1-Rather than buying bottles of water just use a single bottle again. 2-Carry a bag that you can use for purchases, rather than using the stores plastic bags. 3-Turn off computers when not in use: don't keep them on. The DIVER 4-Turn off the lights even when leaving a room for a short while. 5-Turn off lights, computers and other appliances when not in use. 6- Copy and print on both sides of the paper. 7-Reuse items like envelopes, folders and paper clips. 8-Reuse items like bags and containers when possible. 9-Unplug appliances when not in use. For example, if you are not using a charger, unplug it from the wall outlet. This will save money on your electric bill. Other good appliances to unplug are computers, televisions, and lamps. 10-Carpool or walk to reduce carbon dioxide pollution in the air. 11-You should not only recycle, but also buy products that are recycled. By purchasing these products, you are helping to conserve natural resources, and to protect the environment. Myriam Bunni Grade 8 Mao's Last Dancer It is an autobiography written by Li Cunxin. Li Cunxin was born on January 26, 1961 in a commune village (Qingdao) in Northern China. He comes from an extremely poor peasant family. He's the sixth son in a family of seven sons. The author wants to show the readers that nothing is impossible: Li knew his destiny was to work in the fields like his father but he still had hope to change his future: In 1972 Madame Mao (Chairman Mao's wife) sent men to the country side to find suitable children to attend the Beijing Dance Academy. At 11 years old, Li, with no former experience, was chosen to become a dancer on the basis of his physical appearance. After seven years of hard training at the Beijing Dance Academy, he received one scholarship to study in America at the Houston Ballet Academy. He spent sixteen years of his life in America and became then a famous ballet star. After making a career transition, he is now a senior manager at a large stock broking firm. He decided to call his book Mao's Last Dancer because he was one of Chairman Mao's red guards, and was part of the last generation to graduate from the Beijing Dance Academy. Mao's Last Dancer, published in 2003,took Li two and a half years to write and was a huge best seller in Australia (where Li currently lives) reaching number one in non-fiction. This is an inspiring story of courage and determination. Kids in school think quickly Teacher: Maria, go to the map and find North America. Maria: Here it is! Teacher: Correct. Now class, who discovered America? Class: Maria! Teacher: John, why are you doing your math multiplication on the floor? John : You told me to do it without using tables! Teacher: Why are you late, Elie? Elie: Because of the sign. Teacher: What sign? Elie: The one that says, "School Ahead, Go Slow." Teacher: Samy, how do you spell "crocodile?" Samy: K-R-O-K-O-D- A-I-L" Teacher: No, that's wrong Samy: Maybe it s wrong, but you asked me how I spell it! Teacher: Rim, name one important thing we have today that we didn't have ten years ago. Rim: Me! Teacher: Paul, what is the chemical formula for water? Paul: H I J K L M N O!! Teacher: What are you talking about? Paul: Yesterday you said it's H to O! Teacher : Isabelle, your composition on "My Dog" is exactly the same as your brother's. Did you copy his? Isabelle : No, teacher, it's the same dog! Céline Kamar Grade 9 Page 9 The DIVER AROUND THE WORLD Weddings are the celebration of love that couples share. This union starts on the wedding day. It’s a special time for family and friends to come together and watch this magical journey called marriage begin… No matter when or where, weddings are the same, guests gather around to dance, have fun and EAT!!! All you have to do is sit and relax as we take you around the world for 8 different weddings… Scotland Tropical Land of Hawaii Traditional foods include Modern Hawaiian cuisine is a fusion of many cuisines brought by multi- smokies (wood-smoked haddock), Scottish beef, Scotch ethnic immigrants to the islands, particularly of American, Chinese, Filipino, Japanese, Korean and Portuguese origins, and including food broth or hotch potch (mutton China At a traditional Chinese wedding there are eight courses served. Peking dish which is a red dish is often served at this type of wedding. The Chinese usually only pick fowl to serve that mate for life such as duck or geese. Chicken and sources from plants and animals imported for Hawaiian agricultural use broth with vegetables), black bun duck are served because it can symbolize a man and a (really rich fruit cake), woman in their new relationship. The chicken feet is served from all over the world. The wedding feast might include some of these regional favorites: sweet colcannon (stew with broiled cabbage, carrots, turnips and and sour pineapple, country ribs, creamy Portuguese grits with sauted shrimp, Crabmeat, ikayaki, poached or fried moi with shoyu sauce, vegetable tofu, chicken salad, shrimp, crab cakes, lobster and salmon. Fresh fruit might include pineapple, mangos, coconuts, kiwi, oranges and star anise. potatoes), Scotch pies (meat pies). as well, it is difficult to eat because of the small bones. A sea cucumber that is served represents harmony and lack of conflict between the marriage. Drinks served consist of tea, alcohol, and 7-Up since “up” sounds like happiness in the Chinese culture. Around the world in 8 weddings Japan Traditionally, certain food which indicate happiness are served at traditional Japanese weddings. Japanese wedding cakes used to be large and tall. But the size of Mexico Traditional foods include spicy rice, beans, tortilla dishes, using chicken and beef. Sangria is served. It is a cold drink made from red or white wine mixed with brandy, sugar, fruit juice and soda water. Japanese wedding cakes tend to Africa Coconuts, stewed vegetables, and meat are often found at traditional African weddings. Also, a bread called “injera” is often provided. Flatbread is supplemented in place of utensils to scoop up the meat or veggies stews. The Liberian Coconut Bread is often served which is similar to having a cake. Majority of traditional African wedding drinks include pineapples or coconuts. For examples: pineapple spice drink or spicy ginger beer. Italy In Italy, baby pigs are eaten in their weddings with its heart still inside as a symbol of the couple's love. be smaller in recent years. It is said that the number of dishes served at a wedding should be odd numbers to avoid the couple to be divided. Rice wine is an alcoholic beverage made from rice. Unlike wine, which is made by fermentation of naturally sweet grapes and other fruit, rice "wine" results from the fermentation of rice starch converted to sugars. Quebec (Algonquin) Food items for the feast include fry bread, venison (can be described as meat of any mammal killed by hunting. But in Algonquin, Venison is deer meat), squash, beans, corn, corn soup, potato soup and many desserts. Fresh fruits such as blueberries, raspberries, and the 'heart' berry, strawberries, are served if available. There may also be a wedding cake. In a traditional wedding, the food is placed on a blanket, served buffet style. Sami Saab & Mario Haddad Grade 7 Page 10
The Diver Issue Two - Page 1
The Diver Issue Two - Page 2
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