How We Killed P.A.M. by Waylon (Grade 11)
Josh and I were upset that Even and James didn’t come and get us to go to the movies. Being royally ticked off because we weren’t able to go and watch Wreck it Ralph, we were looking for trouble in the outskirts of Cydonia, the boundary of the village of Cydonia. Because of the trolls that lurk in the forest and the sprites that casts spells upon you that will send you into a crazy haze, Josh and I thought that the forest would be the perfect opportunity to prove to the village of Cydonia that we are more than peasants living in an old hut next to Taco Bell.
As Josh and I walked through the forest, I saw Josh holding his bandaged ear that, underneath, looked like a pizza roll. He was still trying to recover from being bitten the last time we were in the forest.
“Still hurts, huh?” I asked.
“Yes, Waylon! A flying blue fairy mouse bit me; that’s not an everyday event you know? I hope I’m not pregnant or have some weird disease. I still have a life to live, man. I was supposed to be the lead singer of Flaming Diapers. It’s been my dream for years.”
“Jeez man, you won’t get pregnant; it wasn’t a red one. I’m not sure what the blue one does though. You just need to calm down. This was supposed to be a fun adventure.”
“Fun?” Josh retorted, “Fun is when we throw snowballs at each other in the back yard, not getting attacked by gnomes and being slimed by angry Smurfs. By the way why did Auntie give you the Sword of Destiny and I got the Fly Swatter of Justice?”
“She obviously knew I was the sole leader of this adventure.”
“Sole leader! You were hiding behind a pizza delivery car while I tried stealing honey from that green and red bee’s nest that smelled raunchy. The only heroic thing you did was save that pink gypsy fairy thing.”
“Exactly, I had a sword, you had a fly swatter you had a much better chance against the bees. And the fairy was choking on candy she needed help.”
“Whatever, man, I still think it’s unfair.”
“Quit being such a big baby, and lets just enjoy this adventure.”
As we ventured on through the forest, there was no trouble to be found, so Josh finally exclaimed, “Hey Waylon not like this isn’t fun or anything, but we should turn back and head home.”
With a surge of disappointment I agreed: “Yeah, I guess your right.”
As we ventured back in our old tracks, Josh stopped us. “Hey, Waylon did you hear that?”
“Hear what?”
“I swore I heard something breathing.”
“Man, whatever just keep walking you’re freaking me out. That mouse bite is making you hear things.”
“Yeah, you’re probably right.” Josh rubbed his ear.
When we reached a grove of trees to take a break, I started to hear what Josh was hearing. It sounded like heavyset breathing. As we walked around the thick clump of trees, there it was. The creature was huge. We were speechless at the sight of this beast. The head was the size of a SUV, and armored over like a warrior’s helmet, the torso was covered with beautiful purple armor plating, and on his back were large golden wings. He looked like a bulletproof dragon, but really obese. The Pyro-maniacal Armadillo of Mayhem; we just call it P.A.M.
We were so flabbergasted by the beast’s features that we completely forgot we were standing out in the open. When we came back to our senses, we went into a full sprint for the closest tree.
“Waylon, we have to get out of here now!”
“No way, Josh, this is the most exciting thing to happen since that lady found out her foot long Subway sandwich was only 11 inches.”
“Those are two totally different things man. We can actually die here. P.A.M. can fly, breath fire, out run a horse, and their armor can’t be cut!” A tear rolled down Josh’s dirty face.
“Exactly! We can make something of ourselves; nobody has ever killed a P.A.M. before. Cydonia might make us their king, or just give us a hug, I don’t know, but we’ll be the first and I want to be remembered for that.”
Josh looked at me with an odd smile, which I knew meant, “lets do this, bro!” Either that or he was going to hit me with his swatter and run for it. The ground began to rumble, and the tree that was behind us was plucked out of the ground and thrown into the air like a rag doll. As it soared through the air, the beast blew fire that engulfed the tree in black flames. As we stood their amazed by what we just saw.
“Josh, you have to agree that was pretty awesome. I really wish I had my camera.”
“Shut up man! We’re going to die, I didn’t wanna die with soiled underwear!”
I seen sparkles out of the corner of my eye and I turned to see the beautiful pink gypsy fairy that I had saved earlier that by a nearby tree. She used her wand and turned us into black knights on top of two white Percheron stallions.
As I looked at Josh I started to laugh.
“What’s so funny?” Josh demanded
“You’re a black knight on top of a huge horse with soiled underwear about to fight P.A.M with a fly swatter.”
“Waylon! Can we just beat this thing and go home.”
So we charged the creature, full of energy ready to kill and claim what is rightfully ours. Then we screamed “ For Cydonia!” Suddenly, P.A.M. was gone and there was only dirt to be seen. As my face slid across the ground, I realized that our horses had nose dived and that my body had been thrown to the ground with such impact and force that my helmet flew off and I landed in a pool of mud. Meanwhile, Josh landed in a bush of thorny roses. As we stood at the feet of the beast I whispered to Josh.
“Don’t make a sound.”
Then he yelled. “WHAT DID YOU SAY?”
The beast bent over and plucked Josh whole from the ground. The beast through his head back and swallowed Josh with one gulp and the only thing you I could see was where his feet last were. As tears flowed down my muddy face, I fell to my knees and yelled: “Why the guy with the fly swatter and not me. I’m the one who deserves to be eaten, at least I can fight my way out with the sword.”
So I got up wiped the mud from my face and charge at him like a Rhino and I stabbed him in his big toe. P.A.M. let out a horrible war cry and puked out Josh right before it flew away. As it flew through the air it wobbled, swerved and crashed into Emerald Mountain. I ran up to Josh with tears still running down my face. I hugged him
“How are you still alive? I thought he ate you.”
Josh was breathing very heavily and shaking.
“Well, he did try to eat me, but when she threw her head back, I hit that dangly thing in the back of his throat and hung on to that for dear life. I kept hitting it with the fly swatter, I’m guessing that’s why he puked.”
“The uvula you mean?”
“An armadillo nearly ate me. You really think I want to talk about body stuff right now?”
When we got back to the village of Cydonia, the people had great immense parade ready for us. The people had banners with our name on it saying “the Almighty P.A.M Slayers.” Children even had flyswatters in honor of Josh. There was even a mural of Josh inside of P.A.M’s mouth hanging on to the uvula and me stabbing P.A.M in his big toe. As the mayor of Cydonia came over to give us our crowns Josh unexpectedly fell over in a seizure. As I bent over to check on him, blue sparkling wings grew out of his back. The people ran away from Josh, but the mayor stood there, eyes wide open and jaw nearly touching the ground, crowns still in hand. Josh got up from the ground.
“Why do I have wings?” Josh squealed.
“That’s what it was! When a blue mouse bites you, he injects you with venom, which makes you sprout wings. We may be able to use this to our advantage.”
“How is this possibly ok?”
“Well, its not to late to go to the movies.”
THE END
Procrastination by Waylon (11th Grade)
Our world is filled with a certain sickness. It’s like a cancer for your mind. You probably suffer from this illness like everybody else. Do you put things off that need to be done, like dishes, taking out the trash, or just doing homework? I know I have this problem, that’s why I’m writing this essay. Do you know what this epidemic of a problem is called? This horrible sickness is called procrastination. Many people don’t understand the causes of procrastination but understanding them can help people surpass this problem and get things done.
One cause of procrastination is just being lazy. You don’t want to do anything besides lay in your bed for hours on end and rot. You don’t want to hang out with friends, play video games, or even eat. When being lazy you tend to slack off at school or at your job, which is not good for students because you get behind in your work, and for an employee, you’ll most likely lose your job. To overcome laziness, just think of all the freedom you’ll have when the task is done and how happy you feel having it over with. When you realize that your being lazy and you don’t want to do anything, just remember the consequences that will happen for not living up to your duties, and get started.
If your not feeling lazy, it’s possible you’re just angry and being rebellious. Rebellion is usually when you don’t want to be told what to do, so you fight it and argue. You feel like you lost power, and you want that power back. You can get it by being rebellious, but actually it’s most likely making things worse. What actually has power is called the amygdala, a primitive part of the brain mainly used for survival. When that part of your brain takes control, the reality is that you’ll fight back out of emotion. So the best way to avoid this is to schedule a time when you’ll finish it and go work on something else until you’re ready to go back to the previous task. Just remember the task is not your enemy; it’s the senseless amygdala.
It is not always the choice to procrastinate that stops a person from working. Sometimes people just have no idea where or how to start. Being disoriented is another reason why procrastination is a problem for people at work. For example, a student needs to write an essay, and they are trying to come up with a topic; however, as soon as he or she gets that topic, they blank. They cannot think of anything; this is called writer’s block, and it is one reason why people procrastinate, everybody has this problem. The best thing to do is to research and find the knowledge that you need to get your project done.
Another cause of procrastination is perfectionism. Some people want to make sure that they get a task right the first time, so they don’t have to do all the corrections a second time. This issue can lead to procrastination because it slows them down and prevents people from taking useful risks. Waiting for the right idea may take longer than making the mistakes and trying again. Also, you don’t know what a good idea is until you try it out. Sometimes it’s ok to see your ideas in action; you might be right, or you can get it right the next time.
Procrastination causes many issues. The main issue is that procrastination stops people from doing something that needs to be done. the four major causes of procrastination are laziness, rebelliousness, disorientation, and perfectionism. By taking the initiative, one step at a time, and putting in a little energy, you should be able to wipe away this sickness we call procrastination.
Works Cited
"3 Powerful Techniques To Beat Procrastination." YouTube. YouTube, 15 Apr. 2009. Web. 18 Feb. 2013.
"Marc and Angel Hack Life." Marc and Angel Hack Life RSS. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Feb. 2013.
Jabbawockeez History LVL 9 Biographical sketch.
Martial arts, a dragon, white gloves, mime masks, and hip-hop are the elements that make the Jabbawockeez famous. The Jabbawockeez is an all-male, 6-person dance crew from San Diego, California. They developed their name from a dragon called the Jabberwocky from a book entitled Through the Looking Glass by Lewis Carol. The Jabbawockeez are famous for wearing masks and gloves inspired by mimes, and they named their dance style “Beat Kune Do” named after Bruce Lee’s style of martial arts called “Jeet Kune Do”. They paint beautiful imagery through intricate, creative, and athletic choreography in flabbergasting synchronization that amazes their crowds.
Gary Kendall, also known as G-one, is the man that formed this multitalented group from scraps of other hip-hop groups in the California area. Sadly, he lost his life to meningitis and pneumonia before seeing the Jabbawockeez become one of the best dance groups of all time. Three of the current six member got their start in the group Three Muskees, who were the original users of the gloves and masks. The Three Muskees separated until a new group Mind Tricks formed and reunited the three. Mind Tricks eventually evolved into an 11-person dance group called the Jabbawockeez.
Though the group began with 11 well-trained performers, they had to cut it down to 6 so they could make the cut for the American’s Best Dance Crew television series. ("Jabbawockeez - The History.") Jeff Nguyen is one of those six. He is a Vietnamese hip-hop instructor that has been dancing since he was 15. God, family, and friends inspires him. Ryan Paguio is a professional break-dancer who started at the age of 11. His inspirations are God his family, Gary Kendall, and his crew. Ben Chung, or B-Tek, is from Missions Hills, California, who started dancing before he graduated from high school. This born again Christian is motivated both by his faith and music. Kevin Brewer, the oldest of this group at the age of 31, is from Sacramento, California and is a certified Apple Technician. His inspirations are God, his family, Bruce Lee, and his crew. Phil Tayag at the age of 23 is the youngest of the group from Sacramento, California and is a father of two that enjoys creating music. Gary Kendall, Michael Jackson, and his crew, inspire him but his sources of encouragement are God, his family and life itself. Chris Gatdula, a 26-year-old graduate with a degree in video production, he reminds himself to strive and stop to stop on top of his game to show that he is as well talented as the rest of the group. (“Jabbawockeez Biography.")
The Jabbawockeez first became famous on the 2nd season of America’s Got Talent, but they were eliminated during the Las Vegas callbacks on July 10th, 2007. However, another opportunity came for the Jabbawockeez on the show America’s Best Dance Crew (ABDC). In 2008, after trimming the group to six dancers and working hard for 8 weeks, they won $100,000 as the winners of the first season of ABDC, beating out another highly talented dance group called Status Quo. The Jabbawockeez went from a locally known dance group to being a well-known name in many homes. ("Jabbawockeez - The History.")
Even though this six-man group has already accomplished so much, they are still growing and travel the world dancing in front of millions of people. The Jabbawockeez are still doing what they love to do every day because one man’s love of hip-hop culture formed this group from the beginning. Their love for their God, hip hop, and each other are what unite them as a crew, and their intricate, athletic, and theatric creativity have amazed people around the world. The Jabbawockeez well be remembered till the day they die and for centuries more.
Bibliography
"Jabbawockeez Biography." Jabbawockeez Biography. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 Feb. 2013.
"Jabbawockeez - The History." YouTube. YouTube, 02 Feb. 2010. Web. 07 Feb. 2013.
Research Essay - Alaskan Native Cultures - Waylon Abyo (February 2013)
The cultures of Alaska have evolved over thousands of years, spread out over the land at an average of one person every square mile. All native Alaskan people groups use their environment to survive the harsh climate in amazing ways, but they all have different beliefs, traditions, and languages. These Native people groups are intelligent and skilled enough to thrive and raise their children near and above the arctic circle with only the raw resources around them.
The Athabascans tribes lived mainly in interior Alaska from the Brookes Range in the north to the Kenai Peninsula. There are eleven linguistic groups of Athabascans that live all around the globe. The Athabascans live off the resources they have, and they are taught for all living things. Interestingly, Athabascans believed the kids belonged to the mother’s side rather than the father’s side.
Natives that live in the southwest region are called Yup’ik or Cup’ik named after two dialects of the Yup’ik language. At the time of contact with western people, the populations were nearly 17,000. Just like the Athabascans, Yup’ik and Cup’ik learned their traditions from there elders. The Yup’ik and Cup’ik were highly mobile traveling to follow their various food sources. The Yup’ik and Cup’ik males in the community lived in a qasgiq, which is a man’s housing and community center. The women of the Yup’ik and Cup’ik lived in an Ena, which was smaller then the qasgiq. A man’s tools were associated with hunting and were decorated with spiritual symbols to help in hunting success, the hunting and warfare tools were a mixture of spears, harpoons, goggles, ice cane, and a bow and arrow. The modern Yup’ik and Cup’ik can still be found in southwest Alaska where they still live out yheir heritage.
The Inupiaq or St. Lawrence Yup’ik people live in the north and northwest regions of Alaska. They traditionally lived in families of 20 to 200, in rectangular, 12 ft. by 15 ft houses that could fit 8 to 12 people each. The region as a whole had nearly 10,000 inhabitants despite the extreme climate. They are hunters whose lives revolve around the whale, walrus, seal, polar bear, and fish. The Inupiaq and St. Lawrence Island Yup’ik used a tool kit that had a variety of stone, wood, bone, and ivory tools made for butchering, tanning, carving, drilling, and sharpening. The bow drill was an important tool for starting fires, making holes in wood, and ivory. Hunting gear and tool kits were kept in different containers so as not to confuse the people. These people traveled with their groups using large skin boats, sleds, and snowshoes. The Inupiaq and St. Lawrence Yup’ik people valued all life, and believed all spirits were reincarnated, even the animals that they hunted. As a result, they valued all life.
The Aleut and Alutiiq territory stretches from Prince William Sound to Kodiak and to the end of the Aleutian Islands. These people lived in one-room, subterranean homes in coastal villages and a few island villages, while a select few lived on the rivers and lakes of the region. They live largely from the water, harvesting seals, sea lions, halibut, cod, beaver, otter, birds, plants and driftwood. The Aleut and Alutiiq are highly influenced by the Russians in the 18th century. The Russian Orthodox Church is still present in most villages today. The Aleut and Alutiiq made large boats with split bows that increased the speed of the boat used for transportation. These Aleut and Alutiiq hunters used bentwood visors with sea lions whiskers, which represented how successful they were as hunters, the visors, also were used to protect your eyes from glare. It was very important to have waterproof clothing because of the wet climate, so garments were made of skin and guts were sewn with unbelievable precision to be very effective against wet weather.
The Eyak, Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian are subcultures of the Northwest Coast Culture that stretches from Southeast Alaska to Northern Oregon. These people share a common Northwest Coast environment and culture but with significant differences in languages. The Eyak owned the lands into the Southeastern corner of Southcentral Alaska. Their territory goes along the Gulf of Alaska to the Copper River and to Ice Bay. Until the 18th century, the Eyak were often linked with their neighbors the Athabascan. Customary Tlingit territory in Alaska includes the southeast panhandle between Ice Bay in the North to the Dixon Entrance in the south. The Haida group originally came from the Queen Charlotte Islands, in British Columbia, Canada. Before the Europeans came a group migrated north to the Prince Wales Islands in Alaska, this group was called “Kaigani” also known as Alaska Haidas. This group lived in two villages named Kasaan and Hydaburg. The Tsimshian also moved from Canada to Alaska to Southeast Alaska’s Portland Canal Area. The Tlingit were very skilled builders who made summer and winter houses that were the size of basketball courts which could fit 25 to 50 people in one house. Wood was a very important building tool to these people because it allowed them to build large homes, canoes, tools for logging, fish traps, harpoons, spears, and totem poles. There were no large governments each clan solved there own differences. The Haida, Tlingit, Eyak, and Tsimshian have many similarities, but they are each amazing in there own ways.
Each of these cultural groups survived off the land in difficult environments, but environments that had many resources. Alaska native groups had many different traditions, languages, skills, and beliefs. Despite their many differences, they are still thriving to this day with the same beliefs, values, traditions and languages that were founded by their ancestors many years ago.
Bibliography
"Alaska History and Cultural Studies - Alaska Native Heritage Center - ATHABASCANS - 01-01-2000." Alaska History and Cultural Studies - Alaska Native Heritage Center - ATHABASCANS - 01-01-2000. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Jan. 2013.
"Alaska History and Cultural Studies - Alaska Native Heritage Center - YUP'IK AND CUP'IK - 01-01-2001." Alaska History and Cultural Studies - Alaska Native Heritage Center - YUP'IK AND CUP'IK - 01-01-2001. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Jan. 2013.
"Alaska History and Cultural Studies - Alaska Native Heritage Center - INUPIAQ AND SAINT LAWRENCE ISLAND YUPIK - 01-01-2000." Alaska History and Cultural Studies - Alaska Native Heritage Center - INUPIAQ AND SAINT LAWRENCE ISLAND YUPIK - 01-01-2000. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Jan. 2013.
"Alaska History and Cultural Studies - Alaska Native Heritage Center - ALEUT & ALUTIIQ - 01-01-2000." Alaska History and Cultural Studies - Alaska Native Heritage Center - ALEUT & ALUTIIQ - 01-01-2000. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Jan. 2013.
"Alaska History and Cultural Studies - Alaska Native Heritage Center - EYAK, TLINGIT, HAIDA & TSIMSHIAN - 01-01-2000." Alaska History and Cultural Studies - Alaska Native Heritage Center - EYAK, TLINGIT, HAIDA & TSIMSHIAN - 01-01-2000. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Jan. 2013
The cultures of Alaska have evolved over thousands of years, spread out over the land at an average of one person every square mile. All native Alaskan people groups use their environment to survive the harsh climate in amazing ways, but they all have different beliefs, traditions, and languages. These Native people groups are intelligent and skilled enough to thrive and raise their children near and above the arctic circle with only the raw resources around them.
The Athabascans tribes lived mainly in interior Alaska from the Brookes Range in the north to the Kenai Peninsula. There are eleven linguistic groups of Athabascans that live all around the globe. The Athabascans live off the resources they have, and they are taught for all living things. Interestingly, Athabascans believed the kids belonged to the mother’s side rather than the father’s side.
Natives that live in the southwest region are called Yup’ik or Cup’ik named after two dialects of the Yup’ik language. At the time of contact with western people, the populations were nearly 17,000. Just like the Athabascans, Yup’ik and Cup’ik learned their traditions from there elders. The Yup’ik and Cup’ik were highly mobile traveling to follow their various food sources. The Yup’ik and Cup’ik males in the community lived in a qasgiq, which is a man’s housing and community center. The women of the Yup’ik and Cup’ik lived in an Ena, which was smaller then the qasgiq. A man’s tools were associated with hunting and were decorated with spiritual symbols to help in hunting success, the hunting and warfare tools were a mixture of spears, harpoons, goggles, ice cane, and a bow and arrow. The modern Yup’ik and Cup’ik can still be found in southwest Alaska where they still live out yheir heritage.
The Inupiaq or St. Lawrence Yup’ik people live in the north and northwest regions of Alaska. They traditionally lived in families of 20 to 200, in rectangular, 12 ft. by 15 ft houses that could fit 8 to 12 people each. The region as a whole had nearly 10,000 inhabitants despite the extreme climate. They are hunters whose lives revolve around the whale, walrus, seal, polar bear, and fish. The Inupiaq and St. Lawrence Island Yup’ik used a tool kit that had a variety of stone, wood, bone, and ivory tools made for butchering, tanning, carving, drilling, and sharpening. The bow drill was an important tool for starting fires, making holes in wood, and ivory. Hunting gear and tool kits were kept in different containers so as not to confuse the people. These people traveled with their groups using large skin boats, sleds, and snowshoes. The Inupiaq and St. Lawrence Yup’ik people valued all life, and believed all spirits were reincarnated, even the animals that they hunted. As a result, they valued all life.
The Aleut and Alutiiq territory stretches from Prince William Sound to Kodiak and to the end of the Aleutian Islands. These people lived in one-room, subterranean homes in coastal villages and a few island villages, while a select few lived on the rivers and lakes of the region. They live largely from the water, harvesting seals, sea lions, halibut, cod, beaver, otter, birds, plants and driftwood. The Aleut and Alutiiq are highly influenced by the Russians in the 18th century. The Russian Orthodox Church is still present in most villages today. The Aleut and Alutiiq made large boats with split bows that increased the speed of the boat used for transportation. These Aleut and Alutiiq hunters used bentwood visors with sea lions whiskers, which represented how successful they were as hunters, the visors, also were used to protect your eyes from glare. It was very important to have waterproof clothing because of the wet climate, so garments were made of skin and guts were sewn with unbelievable precision to be very effective against wet weather.
The Eyak, Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian are subcultures of the Northwest Coast Culture that stretches from Southeast Alaska to Northern Oregon. These people share a common Northwest Coast environment and culture but with significant differences in languages. The Eyak owned the lands into the Southeastern corner of Southcentral Alaska. Their territory goes along the Gulf of Alaska to the Copper River and to Ice Bay. Until the 18th century, the Eyak were often linked with their neighbors the Athabascan. Customary Tlingit territory in Alaska includes the southeast panhandle between Ice Bay in the North to the Dixon Entrance in the south. The Haida group originally came from the Queen Charlotte Islands, in British Columbia, Canada. Before the Europeans came a group migrated north to the Prince Wales Islands in Alaska, this group was called “Kaigani” also known as Alaska Haidas. This group lived in two villages named Kasaan and Hydaburg. The Tsimshian also moved from Canada to Alaska to Southeast Alaska’s Portland Canal Area. The Tlingit were very skilled builders who made summer and winter houses that were the size of basketball courts which could fit 25 to 50 people in one house. Wood was a very important building tool to these people because it allowed them to build large homes, canoes, tools for logging, fish traps, harpoons, spears, and totem poles. There were no large governments each clan solved there own differences. The Haida, Tlingit, Eyak, and Tsimshian have many similarities, but they are each amazing in there own ways.
Each of these cultural groups survived off the land in difficult environments, but environments that had many resources. Alaska native groups had many different traditions, languages, skills, and beliefs. Despite their many differences, they are still thriving to this day with the same beliefs, values, traditions and languages that were founded by their ancestors many years ago.
Bibliography
"Alaska History and Cultural Studies - Alaska Native Heritage Center - ATHABASCANS - 01-01-2000." Alaska History and Cultural Studies - Alaska Native Heritage Center - ATHABASCANS - 01-01-2000. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Jan. 2013.
"Alaska History and Cultural Studies - Alaska Native Heritage Center - YUP'IK AND CUP'IK - 01-01-2001." Alaska History and Cultural Studies - Alaska Native Heritage Center - YUP'IK AND CUP'IK - 01-01-2001. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Jan. 2013.
"Alaska History and Cultural Studies - Alaska Native Heritage Center - INUPIAQ AND SAINT LAWRENCE ISLAND YUPIK - 01-01-2000." Alaska History and Cultural Studies - Alaska Native Heritage Center - INUPIAQ AND SAINT LAWRENCE ISLAND YUPIK - 01-01-2000. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Jan. 2013.
"Alaska History and Cultural Studies - Alaska Native Heritage Center - ALEUT & ALUTIIQ - 01-01-2000." Alaska History and Cultural Studies - Alaska Native Heritage Center - ALEUT & ALUTIIQ - 01-01-2000. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Jan. 2013.
"Alaska History and Cultural Studies - Alaska Native Heritage Center - EYAK, TLINGIT, HAIDA & TSIMSHIAN - 01-01-2000." Alaska History and Cultural Studies - Alaska Native Heritage Center - EYAK, TLINGIT, HAIDA & TSIMSHIAN - 01-01-2000. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Jan. 2013
Cover Letter. Waylon Abyo (11 Grade)
Waylon Abyo
Taco Bell Avenue
Pilot Point, AK, 99649
1-907-797-2441
[email protected]
Dear Mr. Johnson:
My name is Waylon Abyo from Pilot Point AK. I’ve had the privilege to observe you and your crew for the past few years as I grew up, and I would love to work for your company.
I have many skills that I believe would help your company I’m hard working and determined to get things done. I’m a well-known community leader. I am pursuing a position as a contractor, and my experience as a contractor is growing well. After high school I will be attending a program that will teach me the advanced skills I need to work for your crew. It’s my hope to be working side with you and your crew very soon after my internship.
I look forward to receiving your call in the near future. Thank you and have a good day.
Sincerely,
Waylon Abyo
Waylon Abyo
Taco Bell Avenue
Pilot Point, AK, 99649
1-907-797-2441
[email protected]
Dear Mr. Johnson:
My name is Waylon Abyo from Pilot Point AK. I’ve had the privilege to observe you and your crew for the past few years as I grew up, and I would love to work for your company.
I have many skills that I believe would help your company I’m hard working and determined to get things done. I’m a well-known community leader. I am pursuing a position as a contractor, and my experience as a contractor is growing well. After high school I will be attending a program that will teach me the advanced skills I need to work for your crew. It’s my hope to be working side with you and your crew very soon after my internship.
I look forward to receiving your call in the near future. Thank you and have a good day.
Sincerely,
Waylon Abyo
Football, The King of Sports. Waylon Abyo (11 Grade)
There are many sports in America, but football is King of all—and baseball is his Prince. Football is more watched on TV and in the stadium and is more played as a sport then baseball. Even though baseball is called America’s pastime, football is America’s favorite sport.
One evidence that football has surpassed baseball is that football is more watched than baseball (Volin, Benjamin). The World Series in 2011 earned 25.4 million viewers, but the Super Bowl in 2011 drew in over 111 million viewers, nearly four times as many as the World Series ("World Series Gate Receipts…”). The World Series set its rating record with 35 million viewers in 1991 but has dropped viewers since then, while the Super Bowl breaks their viewer ratings record every year.
Baseball is also falling behind football in attendance. Actually, attendances at the World Series have been going down for the past three years. At the 2011 World Series in one game there were 51,539 fans in attendance. While at the 2011 Super Bowl there were 103,219 in attendance, nearly twice the attendance during the World Series.
Another reason why football is better than baseball is that it’s easier to play. People who enjoy football can be any size or shape and still be able to play Football’s many positions allow people to play in a variety of ways. If a person is larger in size, he can play on the offensive line or defensive line. A smaller person who’s quick and agile can play as a receiver or a running-back. In addition, there are many ways to play football: flag football, two-hand-touch football, four-down football, college football Arena football, and even the NFL.
While football seems to be more popular, some people don’t like football because of its violence, but the violence is what draws so many people to watch it. To be able to see the quarterback get crushed by a 260 pound, muscle-bound linebacker fires up the crowd that is what the fans come for; But its not all violence. Players wear gear to protects themselves from injury, and despite the many hits during the game, there are usually only about two or three injuries.
Football and baseball are both popular sports in America. Some Americans like the slow paced non-violence of baseball. While other Americans get excited watching crushing hits on the Astroturf of football. Whatever someone’s opinion is, for the time being, football has replaced baseball as America’s favorite pastime.
Bibliography
Volin, Benjamin. "Super Bowl 2012: Official Super Bowl Attendance Is 68,658." SB Nation Boston. N.p., 5 Feb. 2012. Web. 18 Sept. 2012. <http://boston.sbnation.com/new-england-patriots/2012/2/5/2774071/super-bowl-2012-official-super-bowl-attendance-is-68658>.
"World Series Gate Receipts and World Series Player Shares." World Series Gate Receipts and World Series Player Shares. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Sept. 2012. <http://www.baseball-almanac.com/ws/wsshares.shtml>.
There are many sports in America, but football is King of all—and baseball is his Prince. Football is more watched on TV and in the stadium and is more played as a sport then baseball. Even though baseball is called America’s pastime, football is America’s favorite sport.
One evidence that football has surpassed baseball is that football is more watched than baseball (Volin, Benjamin). The World Series in 2011 earned 25.4 million viewers, but the Super Bowl in 2011 drew in over 111 million viewers, nearly four times as many as the World Series ("World Series Gate Receipts…”). The World Series set its rating record with 35 million viewers in 1991 but has dropped viewers since then, while the Super Bowl breaks their viewer ratings record every year.
Baseball is also falling behind football in attendance. Actually, attendances at the World Series have been going down for the past three years. At the 2011 World Series in one game there were 51,539 fans in attendance. While at the 2011 Super Bowl there were 103,219 in attendance, nearly twice the attendance during the World Series.
Another reason why football is better than baseball is that it’s easier to play. People who enjoy football can be any size or shape and still be able to play Football’s many positions allow people to play in a variety of ways. If a person is larger in size, he can play on the offensive line or defensive line. A smaller person who’s quick and agile can play as a receiver or a running-back. In addition, there are many ways to play football: flag football, two-hand-touch football, four-down football, college football Arena football, and even the NFL.
While football seems to be more popular, some people don’t like football because of its violence, but the violence is what draws so many people to watch it. To be able to see the quarterback get crushed by a 260 pound, muscle-bound linebacker fires up the crowd that is what the fans come for; But its not all violence. Players wear gear to protects themselves from injury, and despite the many hits during the game, there are usually only about two or three injuries.
Football and baseball are both popular sports in America. Some Americans like the slow paced non-violence of baseball. While other Americans get excited watching crushing hits on the Astroturf of football. Whatever someone’s opinion is, for the time being, football has replaced baseball as America’s favorite pastime.
Bibliography
Volin, Benjamin. "Super Bowl 2012: Official Super Bowl Attendance Is 68,658." SB Nation Boston. N.p., 5 Feb. 2012. Web. 18 Sept. 2012. <http://boston.sbnation.com/new-england-patriots/2012/2/5/2774071/super-bowl-2012-official-super-bowl-attendance-is-68658>.
"World Series Gate Receipts and World Series Player Shares." World Series Gate Receipts and World Series Player Shares. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Sept. 2012. <http://www.baseball-almanac.com/ws/wsshares.shtml>.
The Manning Brothers - Waylon Abyo - 10th Grade
In the NFL, there are many brothers, but the Manning brothers are the most recognized. They have similarities ranging from Super bowl victories to being first round draft picks and differences ranging from injuries to different body weights. As individual and as a family these two brothers have made a permanent mark in American football.
Both Peyton Manning and Eli Manning were born in New Orleans, Louisiana. They are both quarterbacks in the NFL and were both first picks in the first round of the NFL Draft. They each have won a Super Bowl, and they were named Super Bowl MVPs. In addition, they have both been selected to the Pro Bowl.[1]
There are also differences between the lives and careers of these two brothers. Peyton Manning was born on March 24th 1976. Peyton went to the University of Tennessee for college and was drafted to the Indianapolis Colts in 1998. In Peyton’s NFL career, he has thrown a total of 54,828 yards, 399 touchdowns, and 198 interceptions. Peyton won Super bowl XLI, against the Chicago Bears, and has been selected to the Pro Bowl eleven times. Sadly, Peyton Manning was put on Injured Reserve for the 2011 season because of a scheduled neck surgery. [2]
Eli Manning, the younger brother of Peyton Manning, was born on January 3rd, 1981. Eli went to Ole Miss for college, and was drafted to the Chargers, but soon after the draft, he was traded to the NY Giants because his father Archie Manning said he didn’t want his son playing for San Diego. In Eli’s NFL career, he has thrown a total of 25,023 passing yards, 171 TD’s, and 119 INT’s. Eli Manning faced the Patriots at Superbowl XLII and won. Like Peyton, he was named the Super Bowl MVP. He was also selected to his first Pro Bowl in 2009. Eli Manning’s worst injury was a three-inch laceration on his head. He was getting ready to pass the football when his running back ran into him which knocked his helmet up and then a defensive end sacked him, which forced the helmet into his skin. The cut required 12 stitches.[3]
Every four years, Eli and the Giants and Peyton and the Colts face each other in an NFL game jovially called the Manning Bowl, Peyton has won both Manning Bowls in 2006 and 2010. When these two retire, the NFL will never be the same. These two brothers are the most well-known among NFL players. It’s incredible that two amazing people can come from the same family and be successful enough to break records ranging from yards thrown to oreos eaten. There may never be a pair of brothers with as much respect and class to play the game ever again.
[1] "Brotherhood And Sibling Rivalry Featured at On Sunday Night Football « Waiting For Reality."
[2] "Peyton Manning."
[3] "Eli Manning."
Both Peyton Manning and Eli Manning were born in New Orleans, Louisiana. They are both quarterbacks in the NFL and were both first picks in the first round of the NFL Draft. They each have won a Super Bowl, and they were named Super Bowl MVPs. In addition, they have both been selected to the Pro Bowl.[1]
There are also differences between the lives and careers of these two brothers. Peyton Manning was born on March 24th 1976. Peyton went to the University of Tennessee for college and was drafted to the Indianapolis Colts in 1998. In Peyton’s NFL career, he has thrown a total of 54,828 yards, 399 touchdowns, and 198 interceptions. Peyton won Super bowl XLI, against the Chicago Bears, and has been selected to the Pro Bowl eleven times. Sadly, Peyton Manning was put on Injured Reserve for the 2011 season because of a scheduled neck surgery. [2]
Eli Manning, the younger brother of Peyton Manning, was born on January 3rd, 1981. Eli went to Ole Miss for college, and was drafted to the Chargers, but soon after the draft, he was traded to the NY Giants because his father Archie Manning said he didn’t want his son playing for San Diego. In Eli’s NFL career, he has thrown a total of 25,023 passing yards, 171 TD’s, and 119 INT’s. Eli Manning faced the Patriots at Superbowl XLII and won. Like Peyton, he was named the Super Bowl MVP. He was also selected to his first Pro Bowl in 2009. Eli Manning’s worst injury was a three-inch laceration on his head. He was getting ready to pass the football when his running back ran into him which knocked his helmet up and then a defensive end sacked him, which forced the helmet into his skin. The cut required 12 stitches.[3]
Every four years, Eli and the Giants and Peyton and the Colts face each other in an NFL game jovially called the Manning Bowl, Peyton has won both Manning Bowls in 2006 and 2010. When these two retire, the NFL will never be the same. These two brothers are the most well-known among NFL players. It’s incredible that two amazing people can come from the same family and be successful enough to break records ranging from yards thrown to oreos eaten. There may never be a pair of brothers with as much respect and class to play the game ever again.
[1] "Brotherhood And Sibling Rivalry Featured at On Sunday Night Football « Waiting For Reality."
[2] "Peyton Manning."
[3] "Eli Manning."
EUROPEAN UNION
After World War II, The European Union (EU) was formed to bring the countries of Europe together financially and to stop future wars. The EU helped countries with issues like trade, rights for citizens, and security. Originally, The members of the EU simply wanted to improve their economies, but in the end, they did much more than that.
The European Union consists of five main parts. First, the European Parliament makes the laws. Second, the council of the EU is the main decision-making body, which is directed by representatives of the governments of member countries. Third, the EU Commission puts EU policies into action. The fourth part of the EU is the Court of Justice, which holds trials and interprets laws, and last, the Court of Auditors make sure that the EU’s money is managed correctly.
In 1952, France, West Germany, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg formed the European Coal and Steel Commission (ECSC), which made wars between these countries almost impossible and which made each countries’ coal and steel business a success. Because of this success, the ECSC looked for new ways to work together. In 1958, ECSC set up the European Atomic Energy Community that they named Eurotom, which allowed them to produce nuclear power together. They also formed the European Economic Community, which helped eliminate tariffs and rules that limited trade in Europe. The ECSC and the EEC merged in 1967 forming the European Community (EC). Several more countries joined the EC in the 70’s and 80’s.
The EC was becoming so successful in economic matters that it caused member nations to start working together in other areas as well. In 1991, members agreed to form the European Union. In 1993, the EU became official. More members were added in the years that followed. In 1999, The EU developed a currency, called the euro. Most member countries switched their currencies to the euro; however, the United Kingdom and a few others did not. On the other hand, Andorra and Monaco were not EU member countries, but they used the Euro.
If the EU hadn’t formed to bring the countries of Europe together more wars could have broken out, and the economy of Europe would be weaker. Still today, the European Union is functioning well and growing, and undoubtedly, it will still be growing strong well into the future.
Bibliography
“European Union”. Britannica Student Encyclopedia: Volume D-E. Encyclopedia
Britannica: Chicago. 2007.
The European Union consists of five main parts. First, the European Parliament makes the laws. Second, the council of the EU is the main decision-making body, which is directed by representatives of the governments of member countries. Third, the EU Commission puts EU policies into action. The fourth part of the EU is the Court of Justice, which holds trials and interprets laws, and last, the Court of Auditors make sure that the EU’s money is managed correctly.
In 1952, France, West Germany, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg formed the European Coal and Steel Commission (ECSC), which made wars between these countries almost impossible and which made each countries’ coal and steel business a success. Because of this success, the ECSC looked for new ways to work together. In 1958, ECSC set up the European Atomic Energy Community that they named Eurotom, which allowed them to produce nuclear power together. They also formed the European Economic Community, which helped eliminate tariffs and rules that limited trade in Europe. The ECSC and the EEC merged in 1967 forming the European Community (EC). Several more countries joined the EC in the 70’s and 80’s.
The EC was becoming so successful in economic matters that it caused member nations to start working together in other areas as well. In 1991, members agreed to form the European Union. In 1993, the EU became official. More members were added in the years that followed. In 1999, The EU developed a currency, called the euro. Most member countries switched their currencies to the euro; however, the United Kingdom and a few others did not. On the other hand, Andorra and Monaco were not EU member countries, but they used the Euro.
If the EU hadn’t formed to bring the countries of Europe together more wars could have broken out, and the economy of Europe would be weaker. Still today, the European Union is functioning well and growing, and undoubtedly, it will still be growing strong well into the future.
Bibliography
“European Union”. Britannica Student Encyclopedia: Volume D-E. Encyclopedia
Britannica: Chicago. 2007.
Kids and Homework by Waylon Abyo (grade 9)
Level 6 Problem-Solution
Students at your school are expected to complete their homework every night. In the morning, when your teacher asks for kids to hand in their homework, only half of the kids hand in their assignments. This happens every day. What can you do to encourage your classmates to complete their assignments? What ideas do you have for your teachers to help fix this problem?
Kids and Homework
Teachers, have you wondered why students don’t do their homework? Maybe because it’s too hard for the student, they don’t know what to do, or just don’t want to do it. Seven hours of school is hard, but the students still need to do their work. Teachers should enforce the rules and make students do homework on a daily basis. If the students do their work, they should get something out of it.
An easy way for teachers to make students finish their assignments is, tell them you will give them candy. In my opinion, that is the weakest way to make kids do their work, because the kids are working but not to finish their work but for the candy. The bad thing about it is, the teachers need to give away their hard earned candy away just so kids could pass assignments, but there are many ways to make kids work harder to finish their assignments.
The teacher can also tell the kids who ever finishes all their assignments in a year will go on a school field trip. That way, the student will work a lot harder. The problem with that, is the cost of it is expensive, also you would need permission from their parents. There are many others ways to make the kids finish their assignments.
Kids need help from their teachers, getting help from the teacher will help the kid understand the question more. Also, the student will finish his work faster. The teacher will need to stop what he’s doing and help the student.
Another method for teachers is to get the parents involved in the students work; the parents will motivate the student to work harder. Also the kids will have the pressure of somebody watching them, and they will work harder. Parents would like to help more, but they can’t, because their either too busy, don’t know what to do, or they just don’t want to.
If a kid doesn’t finish his homework for a week, the teacher should make him or her stay after school until he or she catches up on his or her work. The student will catch up on all his or her work and even finish some tests. The kid may whine or moan, but the student will catch up on his or her work and maybe graduate on time.
Kids should do their homework so they don’t get all the special attention. I would know, because I’m having that special treatment, I’m really far behind. Teachers in general should take this advice and students should too. Staying after school isn’t that bad, If kids don’t do their homework on a daily bases they will get so far behind, there’s a point where a kid needs to man up and get his work done, if you don’t youll get buried under all this work, and they won’t be able to dig themselves out of it. Student might actually get something done, and they deserve candy, hey everybody has a sweet-tooth.
Bibliography.
"Homework Motivation." WikEd. 3 Mar. 2010. Web. 12 May 2011. <http://wik.ed.uiuc.edu/index.php/Homework_Motivation>.
Students at your school are expected to complete their homework every night. In the morning, when your teacher asks for kids to hand in their homework, only half of the kids hand in their assignments. This happens every day. What can you do to encourage your classmates to complete their assignments? What ideas do you have for your teachers to help fix this problem?
Kids and Homework
Teachers, have you wondered why students don’t do their homework? Maybe because it’s too hard for the student, they don’t know what to do, or just don’t want to do it. Seven hours of school is hard, but the students still need to do their work. Teachers should enforce the rules and make students do homework on a daily basis. If the students do their work, they should get something out of it.
An easy way for teachers to make students finish their assignments is, tell them you will give them candy. In my opinion, that is the weakest way to make kids do their work, because the kids are working but not to finish their work but for the candy. The bad thing about it is, the teachers need to give away their hard earned candy away just so kids could pass assignments, but there are many ways to make kids work harder to finish their assignments.
The teacher can also tell the kids who ever finishes all their assignments in a year will go on a school field trip. That way, the student will work a lot harder. The problem with that, is the cost of it is expensive, also you would need permission from their parents. There are many others ways to make the kids finish their assignments.
Kids need help from their teachers, getting help from the teacher will help the kid understand the question more. Also, the student will finish his work faster. The teacher will need to stop what he’s doing and help the student.
Another method for teachers is to get the parents involved in the students work; the parents will motivate the student to work harder. Also the kids will have the pressure of somebody watching them, and they will work harder. Parents would like to help more, but they can’t, because their either too busy, don’t know what to do, or they just don’t want to.
If a kid doesn’t finish his homework for a week, the teacher should make him or her stay after school until he or she catches up on his or her work. The student will catch up on all his or her work and even finish some tests. The kid may whine or moan, but the student will catch up on his or her work and maybe graduate on time.
Kids should do their homework so they don’t get all the special attention. I would know, because I’m having that special treatment, I’m really far behind. Teachers in general should take this advice and students should too. Staying after school isn’t that bad, If kids don’t do their homework on a daily bases they will get so far behind, there’s a point where a kid needs to man up and get his work done, if you don’t youll get buried under all this work, and they won’t be able to dig themselves out of it. Student might actually get something done, and they deserve candy, hey everybody has a sweet-tooth.
Bibliography.
"Homework Motivation." WikEd. 3 Mar. 2010. Web. 12 May 2011. <http://wik.ed.uiuc.edu/index.php/Homework_Motivation>.
Opinions: Vietnam War by Waylon Abyo (Grade 9)
The Vietnam War is the only war that America has ever lost. Over 58,000 troops died, just to keep South Vietnam from coming communist[1]. Even so, America was right to send troops to Vietnam. Military advisors feared that South Vietnam would fall to the North and become a communist country, and if that happened, a domino effect of other Asian countries might have gone down with it. Another fear was that countless South Vietnamese citizens would have been mistreated or killed under North Vietnam’s communist rule. Instead, the U.S sent troops to Vietnam to stop the spread communism.
It was the right idea to send troops to war, first, because the U.S was trying to stop other countries from becoming communist, which might have cause a domino effect in South Asia. Eisenhower called this idea the Domino Theory. In Cambodia in 1978, a third of the population was killed in three and a half years by a communist regime. Millions of Cambodians fled from the communists, and they risked their lives doing so. Cambodia and Vietnam are in the same region in Asia. Eisenhower thought that if one country became communist, then more countries would become communist. If the U.S didn’t participate, the non communist people of Vietnam would have been persecuted more than they were in 1978. As it is millions of Vietnamese fled and a million more were killed after the war.
Another reason the U.S, needed to go to war was because North Vietnamese authorities violated the Geneva Convention by not allowing their own people to leave to South Vietnam. The Geneva Convention in 1954 brought together many countries to rejoin North and South Vietnam, but the two didn’t do that. In fact, North Vietnam didn’t even let citizens leave to South Vietnam. North Vietnam violated the Geneva Convention and U.S had to act.
In light of the many reasons, a large percentage of Americans agreed with the U.S war; theses people were often called “hawks”. However, many others opposed the war earning them the name “doves”. The doves thought that the war was immoral since. The U.S. army was shown on T.V killing ununiformed Vietnamese troops. Americans were killing ununiformed soldiers because the North Vietnamese didn’t have money for uniforms. It was very difficult to tell if someone was a civilian or an enemy soldier.
Anti-war protesters said it was wrong to drop Agent Orange, a poison, into the jungle. However, Americans needed to do that because the North Vietnamese guerrilla forces were hiding in ambush in the trees, and they were killing many Americans. Agent Orange was a great help to U.S soldiers, because Americans didn’t need to attack guerrilla forces on the ground; instead, they could attack from the air. Without Agent Orange, many more Americans would have died.
Many argued that North and South Vietnam wanted to unify already and that the U.S was in a misguided effort to keep North and South Apart; however, not everyone wanted to unify. The Geneva Convention said that North and South Vietnam were to join back together. North Vietnam didn’t want to unify. They wanted to be dominant, which should be obvious, since they attacked South Vietnam and took their land.
Many protesters believed that it wasn’t our war and that we should just stay out of it, however, it was our war. If we didn’t fight, South Vietnam would have quickly fallen and other Asian countries might have followed soon after into communist.
Another reason why people were opposed to the war was because America was depicted as killing kids. Sadly at times, this was true because the North Vietnamese were teaching children to use guns and grenades, American soldiers didn’t know if a kid was just a kid or a soldier who was going to kill them[2].
Whether one chooses to believe that the war was a good thing, or a bad thing, it’s too late to do anything now but to talk about it. People said that it was wrong to go to war, while others said it was right to go to war. The people that supported the war effort wanted to stop the spread of communism, while the anti-war advocates didn’t believe it was right to be involved in someone else’s war. Even though it was terrible to lose all those lives, imagine what might have happened if we hadn’t gone to Vietnam to fight. Thousands more people would’ve died under communist rule and there would have been a much larger group of communist nations. The Vietnam War was the only war America lost, thousands of people died and South Vietnam still became a communist country. The bright side of America’s loss is that the war ended, and South Vietnam was the only country that became communist. America may have lost the war, but they stopped the spread of communism.
Bibliography.
"Vietnam War Casualties." Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. 3 May 2011. Web. 09 May 2011. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vietnam_War_casualties>.
"Was the Vietnam War Justifiable?" Debatepedia.idebate.org. 20 Sept. 2010. Web. 9 Apr. 2011. http://debatepedia.idebate.org/en/index.php/Debate:_Vietnam_War.
It was the right idea to send troops to war, first, because the U.S was trying to stop other countries from becoming communist, which might have cause a domino effect in South Asia. Eisenhower called this idea the Domino Theory. In Cambodia in 1978, a third of the population was killed in three and a half years by a communist regime. Millions of Cambodians fled from the communists, and they risked their lives doing so. Cambodia and Vietnam are in the same region in Asia. Eisenhower thought that if one country became communist, then more countries would become communist. If the U.S didn’t participate, the non communist people of Vietnam would have been persecuted more than they were in 1978. As it is millions of Vietnamese fled and a million more were killed after the war.
Another reason the U.S, needed to go to war was because North Vietnamese authorities violated the Geneva Convention by not allowing their own people to leave to South Vietnam. The Geneva Convention in 1954 brought together many countries to rejoin North and South Vietnam, but the two didn’t do that. In fact, North Vietnam didn’t even let citizens leave to South Vietnam. North Vietnam violated the Geneva Convention and U.S had to act.
In light of the many reasons, a large percentage of Americans agreed with the U.S war; theses people were often called “hawks”. However, many others opposed the war earning them the name “doves”. The doves thought that the war was immoral since. The U.S. army was shown on T.V killing ununiformed Vietnamese troops. Americans were killing ununiformed soldiers because the North Vietnamese didn’t have money for uniforms. It was very difficult to tell if someone was a civilian or an enemy soldier.
Anti-war protesters said it was wrong to drop Agent Orange, a poison, into the jungle. However, Americans needed to do that because the North Vietnamese guerrilla forces were hiding in ambush in the trees, and they were killing many Americans. Agent Orange was a great help to U.S soldiers, because Americans didn’t need to attack guerrilla forces on the ground; instead, they could attack from the air. Without Agent Orange, many more Americans would have died.
Many argued that North and South Vietnam wanted to unify already and that the U.S was in a misguided effort to keep North and South Apart; however, not everyone wanted to unify. The Geneva Convention said that North and South Vietnam were to join back together. North Vietnam didn’t want to unify. They wanted to be dominant, which should be obvious, since they attacked South Vietnam and took their land.
Many protesters believed that it wasn’t our war and that we should just stay out of it, however, it was our war. If we didn’t fight, South Vietnam would have quickly fallen and other Asian countries might have followed soon after into communist.
Another reason why people were opposed to the war was because America was depicted as killing kids. Sadly at times, this was true because the North Vietnamese were teaching children to use guns and grenades, American soldiers didn’t know if a kid was just a kid or a soldier who was going to kill them[2].
Whether one chooses to believe that the war was a good thing, or a bad thing, it’s too late to do anything now but to talk about it. People said that it was wrong to go to war, while others said it was right to go to war. The people that supported the war effort wanted to stop the spread of communism, while the anti-war advocates didn’t believe it was right to be involved in someone else’s war. Even though it was terrible to lose all those lives, imagine what might have happened if we hadn’t gone to Vietnam to fight. Thousands more people would’ve died under communist rule and there would have been a much larger group of communist nations. The Vietnam War was the only war America lost, thousands of people died and South Vietnam still became a communist country. The bright side of America’s loss is that the war ended, and South Vietnam was the only country that became communist. America may have lost the war, but they stopped the spread of communism.
Bibliography.
"Vietnam War Casualties." Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. 3 May 2011. Web. 09 May 2011. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vietnam_War_casualties>.
"Was the Vietnam War Justifiable?" Debatepedia.idebate.org. 20 Sept. 2010. Web. 9 Apr. 2011. http://debatepedia.idebate.org/en/index.php/Debate:_Vietnam_War.
Giants Win Super Bowl LII by Waylon Abyo (Grade 9)
With thirty seconds left in overtime, the score was 17 to 21. The Jets had the lead over the Giants, and it was 2nd and ten; Jets’ ball. Mark Sanchez went into shotgun mode while the Giants were ready to blitz. Mark hiked the ball. He looked for an open man, and ran the clock down to ten seconds. He was about to get sacked, but he got the ball away in time and passed it to Braylon Edwards. But Waylon Abyo, #31, the cornerback for the Giants’, intercepted the ball and ran it all the way back for a touchdown. Mark Sanchez was flabbergasted.
The crowd roared while Waylon did a victory dance in the end zone. The sports announcers were yelling, “Giants won the Super Bowl! Giants won the Super Bowl!”. The team’s reaction was great: they picked Waylon up on their shoulders, they poured Gatorade on the coach, and they passed the Vince Lombardi Trophy around.
Journalists approached Waylon after the game and started interviewing him. “How did you know Sanchez was going to pass it to Braylon?”
“I knew that he was going to pass it to him because he was passing it to him the whole night, so I waited for the perfect moment to intercept it.”
The journalist replied, “Were you scared coming into this game?”
“Not really, but I was upset that my cousin couldn’t make it.”
“Thank you, Mr. Abyo that’s all the questions we have for you.”
“No problem.”Waylon said while walking away to the locker room.
For some time, there have been rumors that Mr. Abyo might switch from defense to offense, from cornerback to wide receiver; however, those rumors were not true.
While at a press conference, Abyo stood up and spoke, “Now that I have won the Super Bowl, I’m going to retire. I know this is going to be hard for many of you, but my plan was to win a Super Bowl and retire. Who knew it would be my first year to do so, a lot of you are going to be upset, but I had the time of my life being with my favorite team, it was a dream come true.”
Journalists asked, “What are you going to do now that you’re retired?”
“I’m going to go home and spend time with my family.”
In the end, Waylon retired in a ceremony at the end of the month and his jersey and number will be hung in the Giants stadium. He will be well-known as one of the best cornerbacks in NFL history. One day, hopefully we will see his name in the Hall of Fame.
The crowd roared while Waylon did a victory dance in the end zone. The sports announcers were yelling, “Giants won the Super Bowl! Giants won the Super Bowl!”. The team’s reaction was great: they picked Waylon up on their shoulders, they poured Gatorade on the coach, and they passed the Vince Lombardi Trophy around.
Journalists approached Waylon after the game and started interviewing him. “How did you know Sanchez was going to pass it to Braylon?”
“I knew that he was going to pass it to him because he was passing it to him the whole night, so I waited for the perfect moment to intercept it.”
The journalist replied, “Were you scared coming into this game?”
“Not really, but I was upset that my cousin couldn’t make it.”
“Thank you, Mr. Abyo that’s all the questions we have for you.”
“No problem.”Waylon said while walking away to the locker room.
For some time, there have been rumors that Mr. Abyo might switch from defense to offense, from cornerback to wide receiver; however, those rumors were not true.
While at a press conference, Abyo stood up and spoke, “Now that I have won the Super Bowl, I’m going to retire. I know this is going to be hard for many of you, but my plan was to win a Super Bowl and retire. Who knew it would be my first year to do so, a lot of you are going to be upset, but I had the time of my life being with my favorite team, it was a dream come true.”
Journalists asked, “What are you going to do now that you’re retired?”
“I’m going to go home and spend time with my family.”
In the end, Waylon retired in a ceremony at the end of the month and his jersey and number will be hung in the Giants stadium. He will be well-known as one of the best cornerbacks in NFL history. One day, hopefully we will see his name in the Hall of Fame.
LBJ by Waylon Abyo (Grade 9)
Lyndon B Johnson became president through one of the hardest time in U.S. history, but before that, Johnson fought in WWII and was elected as both representative and senator from Texas. He became the 36th President of the United States of America after JFK’s assassination, and as President, he opposed poverty in America and communism during the Vietnam War.
Lyndon Baines Johnson (LBJ) was born on August 27, 1908 in Stonewall, Texas. He was the oldest of his five siblings, and they were all involved in politics. After graduating from high school, he went to Southwest Texas State College. After graduating from college, Johnson worked as a teacher at Houston High School. He fought in WWII, serving as a lieutenant Commander in the U.S Naval Reserve. He was elected as Senator for Texas by only eighty-seven votes. After serving as representative for ten years, Johnson was elected as the United States senator from Texas in 1948 and served two terms as senator. He was named both minority leader and majority leader of the Senate. The Democratic Party wanted Johnson and Kennedy to be presidential candidates, so Johnson started a Stop Kennedy Coalition Club. While LBJ wanted to be nominated by the Democratic Party, he lost to JFK; however, JFK asked LBJ to be his running mate to bring in southern votes. He was Vice President for JFK until the day of President Kennedy’s assassination.
Two hours after JFK’s assassination, Johnson took the oath of office; he became the 36th President of the United States. After finishing JFK’s term as President, he ran for the Presidency again, and he won a full-term for presidency against Barry M. Goldwater earning the nickname “Landside Lyndon”. As President, He was in a campaign to fight against poverty; two actions he took was to start the food stamps program and to improve education. Two other creative ideas from Johnson were Medicaid and Medicare. In 1965, LBJ signed the Voting Rights Act, which stopped people who tried to prevent African Americans from voting. Although he did good things for America, he also did things that Americans did not agree with. Many Americans thought it was wrong to send thousands of U.S troops to the Vietnam War. Many also complained that prejudice and poverty were still big problems during LBJ’s presidency.
LBJ retired from politics in 1969 and went to his home in Texas. On January 22, 1972, a couple years before the Vietnam War ended, Johnson passed away from his third and final heart attack in San Antonio, Texas.
Lyndon Baines Johnson will be known forever because of his quick actions when JFK was assassinated. During his short sixty-four years, he had a great life as a politician. He will be remembered for his courage during JFK’s assassination, his struggle to help the poor and elderly, and for sticking to his word during the Vietnam War.
Works Cited
“Johnson, Lyndon B.” Britannica Student Encyclopedia. J-K-L Chicago; Britannica. 2007
“Lyndon B Johnson”. Wikipedia. 2011. 26-Jan-11. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lyndon B. Johnson>.
Lyndon Baines Johnson (LBJ) was born on August 27, 1908 in Stonewall, Texas. He was the oldest of his five siblings, and they were all involved in politics. After graduating from high school, he went to Southwest Texas State College. After graduating from college, Johnson worked as a teacher at Houston High School. He fought in WWII, serving as a lieutenant Commander in the U.S Naval Reserve. He was elected as Senator for Texas by only eighty-seven votes. After serving as representative for ten years, Johnson was elected as the United States senator from Texas in 1948 and served two terms as senator. He was named both minority leader and majority leader of the Senate. The Democratic Party wanted Johnson and Kennedy to be presidential candidates, so Johnson started a Stop Kennedy Coalition Club. While LBJ wanted to be nominated by the Democratic Party, he lost to JFK; however, JFK asked LBJ to be his running mate to bring in southern votes. He was Vice President for JFK until the day of President Kennedy’s assassination.
Two hours after JFK’s assassination, Johnson took the oath of office; he became the 36th President of the United States. After finishing JFK’s term as President, he ran for the Presidency again, and he won a full-term for presidency against Barry M. Goldwater earning the nickname “Landside Lyndon”. As President, He was in a campaign to fight against poverty; two actions he took was to start the food stamps program and to improve education. Two other creative ideas from Johnson were Medicaid and Medicare. In 1965, LBJ signed the Voting Rights Act, which stopped people who tried to prevent African Americans from voting. Although he did good things for America, he also did things that Americans did not agree with. Many Americans thought it was wrong to send thousands of U.S troops to the Vietnam War. Many also complained that prejudice and poverty were still big problems during LBJ’s presidency.
LBJ retired from politics in 1969 and went to his home in Texas. On January 22, 1972, a couple years before the Vietnam War ended, Johnson passed away from his third and final heart attack in San Antonio, Texas.
Lyndon Baines Johnson will be known forever because of his quick actions when JFK was assassinated. During his short sixty-four years, he had a great life as a politician. He will be remembered for his courage during JFK’s assassination, his struggle to help the poor and elderly, and for sticking to his word during the Vietnam War.
Works Cited
“Johnson, Lyndon B.” Britannica Student Encyclopedia. J-K-L Chicago; Britannica. 2007
“Lyndon B Johnson”. Wikipedia. 2011. 26-Jan-11. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lyndon B. Johnson>.
The Manning Brothers (Grade 10)
In the NFL, there are many brothers, but the Manning brothers are the most recognized. They have similarities ranging from Super bowl victories to being first round draft picks and differences ranging from injuries to different body weights. As individual and as a family these two brothers have made a permanent mark in American football.
Both Peyton Manning and Eli Manning were born in New Orleans, Louisiana. They are both quarterbacks in the NFL and were both first picks in the first round of the NFL Draft. They each have won a Super Bowl, and they were named Super Bowl MVPs. In addition, they have both been selected to the Pro Bowl.[1]
There are also differences between the lives and careers of these two brothers. Peyton Manning was born on March 24th 1976. Peyton went to the University of Tennessee for college and was drafted to the Indianapolis Colts in 1998. In Peyton’s NFL career, he has thrown a total of 54,828 yards, 399 touchdowns, and 198 interceptions. Peyton won Super bowl XLI, against the Chicago Bears, and has been selected to the Pro Bowl eleven times. Sadly, Peyton Manning was put on Injured Reserve for the 2011 season because of a scheduled neck surgery. [2]
Eli Manning, the younger brother of Peyton Manning, was born on January 3rd, 1981. Eli went to Ole Miss for college, and was drafted to the Chargers, but soon after the draft, he was traded to the NY Giants because his father Archie Manning said he didn’t want his son playing for San Diego. In Eli’s NFL career, he has thrown a total of 25,023 passing yards, 171 TD’s, and 119 INT’s. Eli Manning faced the Patriots at Superbowl XLII and won. Like Peyton, he was named the Super Bowl MVP. He was also selected to his first Pro Bowl in 2009. Eli Manning’s worst injury was a three-inch laceration on his head. He was getting ready to pass the football when his running back ran into him which knocked his helmet up and then a defensive end sacked him, which forced the helmet into his skin. The cut required 12 stitches.[3]
Every four years, Eli and the Giants and Peyton and the Colts face each other in an NFL game jovially called the Manning Bowl, Peyton has won both Manning Bowls in 2006 and 2010. When these two retire, the NFL will never be the same. These two brothers are the most well-known among NFL players. It’s incredible that two amazing people can come from the same family and be successful enough to break records ranging from yards thrown to oreos eaten. There may never be a pair of brothers with as much respect and class to play the game ever again.
[1] "Brotherhood And Sibling Rivalry Featured at On Sunday Night Football « Waiting For Reality."
[2] "Peyton Manning."
[3] "Eli Manning."
In the NFL, there are many brothers, but the Manning brothers are the most recognized. They have similarities ranging from Super bowl victories to being first round draft picks and differences ranging from injuries to different body weights. As individual and as a family these two brothers have made a permanent mark in American football.
Both Peyton Manning and Eli Manning were born in New Orleans, Louisiana. They are both quarterbacks in the NFL and were both first picks in the first round of the NFL Draft. They each have won a Super Bowl, and they were named Super Bowl MVPs. In addition, they have both been selected to the Pro Bowl.[1]
There are also differences between the lives and careers of these two brothers. Peyton Manning was born on March 24th 1976. Peyton went to the University of Tennessee for college and was drafted to the Indianapolis Colts in 1998. In Peyton’s NFL career, he has thrown a total of 54,828 yards, 399 touchdowns, and 198 interceptions. Peyton won Super bowl XLI, against the Chicago Bears, and has been selected to the Pro Bowl eleven times. Sadly, Peyton Manning was put on Injured Reserve for the 2011 season because of a scheduled neck surgery. [2]
Eli Manning, the younger brother of Peyton Manning, was born on January 3rd, 1981. Eli went to Ole Miss for college, and was drafted to the Chargers, but soon after the draft, he was traded to the NY Giants because his father Archie Manning said he didn’t want his son playing for San Diego. In Eli’s NFL career, he has thrown a total of 25,023 passing yards, 171 TD’s, and 119 INT’s. Eli Manning faced the Patriots at Superbowl XLII and won. Like Peyton, he was named the Super Bowl MVP. He was also selected to his first Pro Bowl in 2009. Eli Manning’s worst injury was a three-inch laceration on his head. He was getting ready to pass the football when his running back ran into him which knocked his helmet up and then a defensive end sacked him, which forced the helmet into his skin. The cut required 12 stitches.[3]
Every four years, Eli and the Giants and Peyton and the Colts face each other in an NFL game jovially called the Manning Bowl, Peyton has won both Manning Bowls in 2006 and 2010. When these two retire, the NFL will never be the same. These two brothers are the most well-known among NFL players. It’s incredible that two amazing people can come from the same family and be successful enough to break records ranging from yards thrown to oreos eaten. There may never be a pair of brothers with as much respect and class to play the game ever again.
[1] "Brotherhood And Sibling Rivalry Featured at On Sunday Night Football « Waiting For Reality."
[2] "Peyton Manning."
[3] "Eli Manning."
Thanksgiving Dinner
I woke up with a smile on my face, hearing the sounds of football on the big screen TV. The crowd was screaming like a herd of wild animals, hoping that their team would win on Thanksgiving Day. Each team scored touchdowns and the kickers made field goals. I watched the air being knocked out of the quarterback as he was thrown around like a rag doll. Players dove onto the astro turf to fight for the loose ball. Referees blew their whistles and threw their bright yellow flags wobbling through the air on a penalty. The sound, color, and violence of the gridiron is one of the great experiences that make Thanksgiving remarkable.
As I looked outside, I saw the white snow fall from the sky. The drifts rolled over like waves in the ocean, tall as castles and as cold as Antarctica. The magpies flew through white flakes of confetti that fluttered through the air. Steam rolled off the glacier-jammed river below the snow-buried mountains. Despite the beautiful outdoors, it’s still great to be inside with the family.
As I watched football, a jaw-dropping smell caught my nose; it was the smell of the turkey that was just coming out of the oven. It smelled so delicious and looked so satisfying. The moist, golden bird was placed on the table beside a mountain of mash potatoes, steaming corn on the cob, and cranberry sauce that smelled and tasted so sweet. We set the table, and finally the meal was ready for everyone.
We heard knocking on the door, so I checked to see who it was. It was my grandparents who had come to join us, like they do every year. Finally, we’re able to sit down at the table and enjoy Thanksgiving dinner. As we ate, we had fun family conversations. Then, we clean up by wiping the tables down, doing the dishes, putting the leftovers in the oven or fridge, and sitting down to finish watching the football games. When the games were over, my grandparents going home and we sat down as a family to watch TV as we lounged on the couch.
From waking up to looking outside and seeing the beautiful weather, to watching football with my family as they cook the Thanksgiving dinner; having my grandparents come over and eat with us and talk with us, cleaning up as family, and enjoying football games. this holiday is filled with all the things that I love
I woke up with a smile on my face, hearing the sounds of football on the big screen TV. The crowd was screaming like a herd of wild animals, hoping that their team would win on Thanksgiving Day. Each team scored touchdowns and the kickers made field goals. I watched the air being knocked out of the quarterback as he was thrown around like a rag doll. Players dove onto the astro turf to fight for the loose ball. Referees blew their whistles and threw their bright yellow flags wobbling through the air on a penalty. The sound, color, and violence of the gridiron is one of the great experiences that make Thanksgiving remarkable.
As I looked outside, I saw the white snow fall from the sky. The drifts rolled over like waves in the ocean, tall as castles and as cold as Antarctica. The magpies flew through white flakes of confetti that fluttered through the air. Steam rolled off the glacier-jammed river below the snow-buried mountains. Despite the beautiful outdoors, it’s still great to be inside with the family.
As I watched football, a jaw-dropping smell caught my nose; it was the smell of the turkey that was just coming out of the oven. It smelled so delicious and looked so satisfying. The moist, golden bird was placed on the table beside a mountain of mash potatoes, steaming corn on the cob, and cranberry sauce that smelled and tasted so sweet. We set the table, and finally the meal was ready for everyone.
We heard knocking on the door, so I checked to see who it was. It was my grandparents who had come to join us, like they do every year. Finally, we’re able to sit down at the table and enjoy Thanksgiving dinner. As we ate, we had fun family conversations. Then, we clean up by wiping the tables down, doing the dishes, putting the leftovers in the oven or fridge, and sitting down to finish watching the football games. When the games were over, my grandparents going home and we sat down as a family to watch TV as we lounged on the couch.
From waking up to looking outside and seeing the beautiful weather, to watching football with my family as they cook the Thanksgiving dinner; having my grandparents come over and eat with us and talk with us, cleaning up as family, and enjoying football games. this holiday is filled with all the things that I love
EUROPEAN UNION
After World War II, The European Union (EU) was formed to bring the countries of Europe together financially and to stop future wars. The EU helped countries with issues like trade, rights for citizens, and security. Originally, The members of the EU simply wanted to improve their economies, but in the end, they did much more than that.
The European Union consists of five main parts. First, the European Parliament makes the laws. Second, the council of the EU is the main decision-making body, which is directed by representatives of the governments of member countries. Third, the EU Commission puts EU policies into action. The fourth part of the EU is the Court of Justice, which holds trials and interprets laws, and last, the Court of Auditors make sure that the EU’s money is managed correctly.
In 1952, France, West Germany, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg formed the European Coal and Steel Commission (ECSC), which made wars between these countries almost impossible and which made each countries’ coal and steel business a success. Because of this success, the ECSC looked for new ways to work together. In 1958, ECSC set up the European Atomic Energy Community that they named Eurotom, which allowed them to produce nuclear power together. They also formed the European Economic Community, which helped eliminate tariffs and rules that limited trade in Europe. The ECSC and the EEC merged in 1967 forming the European Community (EC). Several more countries joined the EC in the 70’s and 80’s.
The EC was becoming so successful in economic matters that it caused member nations to start working together in other areas as well. In 1991, members agreed to form the European Union. In 1993, the EU became official. More members were added in the years that followed. In 1999, The EU developed a currency, called the euro. Most member countries switched their currencies to the euro; however, the United Kingdom and a few others did not. On the other hand, Andorra and Monaco were not EU member countries, but they used the Euro.
If the EU hadn’t formed to bring the countries of Europe together more wars could have broken out, and the economy of Europe would be weaker. Still today, the European Union is functioning well and growing, and undoubtedly, it will still be growing strong well into the future.
After World War II, The European Union (EU) was formed to bring the countries of Europe together financially and to stop future wars. The EU helped countries with issues like trade, rights for citizens, and security. Originally, The members of the EU simply wanted to improve their economies, but in the end, they did much more than that.
The European Union consists of five main parts. First, the European Parliament makes the laws. Second, the council of the EU is the main decision-making body, which is directed by representatives of the governments of member countries. Third, the EU Commission puts EU policies into action. The fourth part of the EU is the Court of Justice, which holds trials and interprets laws, and last, the Court of Auditors make sure that the EU’s money is managed correctly.
In 1952, France, West Germany, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg formed the European Coal and Steel Commission (ECSC), which made wars between these countries almost impossible and which made each countries’ coal and steel business a success. Because of this success, the ECSC looked for new ways to work together. In 1958, ECSC set up the European Atomic Energy Community that they named Eurotom, which allowed them to produce nuclear power together. They also formed the European Economic Community, which helped eliminate tariffs and rules that limited trade in Europe. The ECSC and the EEC merged in 1967 forming the European Community (EC). Several more countries joined the EC in the 70’s and 80’s.
The EC was becoming so successful in economic matters that it caused member nations to start working together in other areas as well. In 1991, members agreed to form the European Union. In 1993, the EU became official. More members were added in the years that followed. In 1999, The EU developed a currency, called the euro. Most member countries switched their currencies to the euro; however, the United Kingdom and a few others did not. On the other hand, Andorra and Monaco were not EU member countries, but they used the Euro.
If the EU hadn’t formed to bring the countries of Europe together more wars could have broken out, and the economy of Europe would be weaker. Still today, the European Union is functioning well and growing, and undoubtedly, it will still be growing strong well into the future.