THE CIRCLE GAZETTE Volume 3, Issue 3
DECEMBER 2011
A Newspaper by Children, of all Ages, from all Over the World! Your Work can be Published too!
Remembering the Innovator Steve Jobs by Ismail Ercan, Age 14 Coral Springs, FL “Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose… there is no reason not to follow your heart.”-Steve Jobs during his Commencement Speech at Stanford Graduation 2005. Steve Jobs was that type of guy. Bold, daring, not afraid to take risks, creative, demanding, charismatic, innovative….the list goes on and on. It has now been over a month since former Apple CEO, icon, and innovator, Steve Jobs died of pancreatic cancer at the age of 56 in his home in Palo Alto, California. His death was met with great grief not only from Apple fans, but throughout the nation and the world. Thousands of people left candles and flowers outside of his home in California as well as at the 357 Apple stores worldwide. Past enemies and rivals such as Microsoft co-founder, Bill Gates, also paid respect to the fallen icon. “For those of us lucky enough to get to work with Steve, it’s been an insanely great honor. I will miss Steve immensely. ” Gates said.
Jobs affected the world in so many different ways and his legacy can be found in everyday life. For example, take a walk in your nearby mall or park. How many smartphones or iPhones do you spot? Do you spot any iPods or iPads? Steve Jobs innovated all of these items; he completely changed technology the way it is seen today. The music business was altered with the introduction of the iPod and iTunes, cell phones were improved into smartphones with iPhones, and more recently the iPad tablets have stolen away the technology world. In addition, Apple has recently become the world’s most valuable company after jostling for the top spot with Exxon Mobil. Few people could have predicted how a college dropout from California would shape entire industries and redefine the digital age. Jobs’ journey to success was a long, winding road, with many bumps and curves, but at the end, he emerged as one of the largest, most influential figures in the world. His path was somewhat similar to Gates’, his respectful rival billionaire. Both men were born in 1955, became college dropouts to pursue their passion and start a business, and were
Green Tip of the Month Under the Sea is the
Place to Be!
Steve Jobs shows off the white iPhone 4 at the 2010 Worldwide Developers Conference. Source: Wikipedia Commons. partnership between the two. Soon Steve was off to Reed College in Oregon, where he dropped out after only taking a semester of classes. But Jobs persisted for another year and a half, auditing calligraphy classes, sleeping on his friends’ dorm floors and living off of money
My Girl Scouts Camping Trip by Vienna Greenlee Brown, Age 8 Hollywood,FL
by Aaron Cross, Age 14 Boca Raton, FL In the middle of the Atlantic Ocean there is a floating trash pile so big it can be seen clearly from outer space. A trash island as big as Texas can be found in the Pacific Ocean. Only 1% of Earth’s water is normally drinkable for humans, but that number is shrinking fast. The Wyland Foundation is on a mission to fix all these and more problems. The Wyland foundation is a non-profit organiza-
technical geniuses who immensely improved technology the way it is viewed today. Unlike Gates however, Steve took a few detours on his way to the top of the tech world. Steve was quickly introduced to basic electronics as a young boy. His father, Paul Jobs, who adopted Steve, was a mechanist for a laser company and taught his son the rudiments of electronics. His neighbor, who worked for Hewlett-Packard (HP) also taught young Steve some small technology tricks. During high school, Steve often attended after school lectures at HewlettPackard headquarters; he would eventually work there at a summer job. But most importantly, he met Steve “Woz” Wozniak a young adult five years his senior, when he was sixteen. The two men would invent the Apple I and II computers and start Apple five years later. But before that, Jobs and Wozniak got together and started to produce products. Their first invention was a “blue box,” a device that tapped into phone systems and allowed the user to make long distance calls for free. They tested its ability by prankcalling the Vatican and they made $6,000 from the illegal device. This would begin several years of
tion dedicated to keeping our planet’s water clean and fresh. Wyland, the famous artist who founded the Wyland Foundation in 1993, sponsors the annual Living Green Fair at Mizner Park in Boca Raton, Florida. The Wyland Living Green Fair is an event where environmentally friendly companies get together to promote their green products. There was a $10 per
Wyland Mural
Please turn to page 3
that he collected from turning in Coke bottles. Jobs also found an interest in Buddhism and experimented with different diets including eating solely figs, nuts, horseradish, and honey. Eventually, Jobs raised enough money to
Please turn to page 4
Special Art by students of the British School Caracas Pages 8-9
Is There Pride in Serving in the Military? by Diondre Noel Page 5
Camp Welaka. Art by author. On October 27th to the 30th, my troop of Girl Scouts went camping at Camp Welaka. We got there in the dark. Nicki, Natalya, an adult, and I picked a cabin. Then Natalya said, “If I see another bug, I will leave the cabin for the night and go to Cabin ScaredyCats.” Then she decided to leave and Nicki decided to go with her. We had to leave the Creepy Cabin and go with them. On Friday, we did all the things to get the Camp Welaka patch. First, we had to sing our Girl Scout song. Then we had to go on a hike and see all the things that Girl Scouts do, like the peace grove and walking the catwalk. Twice – one time in, and one time
out of the island. On Saturday, we took a very short hike before it started to rain and then played in and out of the pavilion while a patrol cooked. Then we swept the pavilion so we could make s’mores. Later we carved pumpkins, took showers and decorated for the Halloween party in our Halloween costumes. Miss Mindy did our hair for the party. That night, the wind blew the windows in our cabin open and then they slammed closed. Then the door opened and closed by the wind. It was cool. On Sunday, we drove back. We were eaten alive during the camping trip by mosquitoes, but it was still fun.
Living Healthy Calories are good, as long as you don’t have too many by Sara Cross and Daniela Gómez Page 10
Holiday Season Pages 6-7
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THE CIRCLE GAZETTE
THE CIRCLE GAZETTE
DECEMBER 2011
Celiac Disease-Learn How to Live Life to the Fullest
seek a support group, there is alchanged forever. Food has become the focus ways strength in numbers.” When I ended the discussion I for J. Label reading, reinventing A Newspaper by Children for Children recipes, learning new recipes and was so impressed with both J and Food is the center of our world. Monthly Independent Publication available to children of all ages. trying to have her daughter feel her daughter’s ability to accept It helps us survive, encourages This publication is an initiative of THE ENRICHMENT CIRCLE, INC. part of every party and function their fate and embrace it. I hope socialization and brings families A Non-Profit Organization for the Advancement of Education is a full-time job. Dinner needs that those reading this realize that together for the holidays. What 7551 Normande Ct. Margate FL 33063 to be cooked every night, and so Celiac disease, while not easy, happens when the very food that Phone:954-9182541 while they save money on eat- doesn’t need to be life crippling. is supposed to sustain you coninfo@enrichmentcircle.com There is help, support and tons of tributes to pain so excruciating ing out less, gluten free meals information to make this journey Editor in Chief are expensive. Celiac is part of you feel like crying all the time. PATTY GOMEZ much easier. their daily vocabulary and even Meet the millions of people who I have included a gluten free 1/8 of a teaspoon of non-gluten have been diagnosed with CeEditorial Board recipe for a yummy holiday desfree products could cause a huge liac Disease. Serena Serrano Sandra Wolkov Pedro Gómez Robyn Rader Christie Voss Sandra Damas sert. Hope you have a healthy What is Celiac disease? Celiac intestinal flare up. and wonderful Thanksgiving. How do you have a child overProduction disease is a condition that damagGluten Free Pumpkin Cake come the stigma, the loss of evPatty Gómez Sandra Wolkov Christie Voss Sandra Damas Serena Serrano es the lining of the small intestine with Cream Cheese Frosting eryday “fun” foods and just live and prevents it from absorbing Cake Prepress Technician the life of a normal girl? The anparts of food that are important Christie Voss ½ cup White Rice Flour swer I received from J was simfor staying healthy. The dam½ cup Tapioca Starch age is due to a reaction to eating ple: get them to buy in. J asked Graphic Designers ½ cup Potato Starch her daughter to write up her fagluten, which is found in wheat, Dora Font Christie Voss ½ cup Whole Grain vorite foods and they experimentbarley and rye. Symptoms are so Brown Rice Flour ed with many recipes until they Cartoonists and Illustrators various that it is often difficult to ¼ tsp Allspice found the right taste and textures. Matias Sosa Wheelock Daniela Gómez Emma Gómez Sofia Serrano tell a classic case, however many 1 tbsp Pumpkin Pie Spice symptoms experienced are intes- J and her daughter plan snacks, 1 tsp Xantan Gum Regular Columnists tinal distress, weight loss, joint meals and desserts and then they Daniela Gómez Aaron Cross Bilal Amodu Sara Cross Sarah Thompson cook them together. When there 4 whole Eggs pain, and feelings of fatigue. 1 cup Unsweetened I had never heard about Celiac is a party at school, J asks what Regular Contributors Applesauce is being served and then just disease until I heard that Elisabeth Maria & Natalie Schlecht, Daniela & Emma Gómez, Aaron & Sara Cross, Liora Elkoby, Sofia Serrano, Danny & ½ cup Agave Nectar brings in a gluten-free version. Hasselbeck from “The View” had Andy Hernández, Shadya and Bilal Amodu, Ismail Ercan , Matias Sosa Wheelock 1 cup White Sugar and Alizdair Ray it. Now, I have discovered that Her daughter is never left to feel 1 lb Canned Pumpkin Proof Readers people all around me have this isolated or deprived. What about her birthday? What Cream Cheese Frosting Serena Serrano Sandra Damas condition including one of my could you serve? J decided to do a 6 oz Cream Cheese (softened) friends, who I shall call “J.” I Website Master tea party for her daughter and served 1 tbsp Vanilla Extract wanted to learn more about how Victoria Martinez gluten free scones, cakes, sandwich- 3 cups Confectioners’ Sugar to deal with this condition that I DIRECTIONS: decided to have a discussion with es, and, of course, tea. The other Circulation Preheat oven to 350º F. Sift the J about this and was amazed by children were none the wiser that The Circle Gazette is available online and it’s distributed in paper via individual, classroom and library flours, starches and spices togethher passion to help others learn they were eating gluten free and the subscriptions. Free copies are available at community partner institutions (libraries, museums and educational er in a bowl and set aside. In the party was a huge success. organizations). This publication is currently distributed in more than twenty cities in South Florida and has how to not only cope, but thrive. bowl of an electric mixer, comsubscribers and contributors from California, Kentucky, New York, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas, New Mexico, Virginia, Life on a daily basis is all about J had been experiencing lots of Caracas-Venezuela, Rivas-Nicaragua and San Jose-Costa Rica. bine agave nectar, white sugar, preparing food that is nutritious, stomach pain and extreme anemia eggs, pumpkin and applesauce. for 15 years. She finally found a delicious, and gluten free, and Blend on low until combined. doctor who did a Celiac disease that includes the holidays. There Free Copies Available at Slowly add in flour mixture, beatpanel and discovered that she did are gluten free turkeys and as for The Coral Springs Museum of Art The Fort Lauderdale Children’s Theater ing until flour is moistened. Pour have this condition. I thought she the sides, desserts and other trimThe Northwest Regional Broward County Library The British School Caracas into a 10” bunt pan sprayed with mings, just follow a gluten free would be upset, but she was rea cooking spray. Bake for 50 recipe and you too can have a lieved -- now she understood how Sales, Advertising and Sponsorship minutes. While the cake is bakyummy holiday meal. to stop the pain. Mindy Joseph Jodi Jaffe I asked J what she would tell ing you can make the frosting. In Unfortunately, Celiac is a he954-684-9096 954-253-6584 TO SUBMIT WORK reditary disease and when J dis- parents who are told their child the bowl of an electric mixer, beat TO SUBMIT WORK The Circle Gazette is a publication available to public school, private school and homeschool students. Email a copy of your work, as a major word processor file or as a jpeg file, at info@enrichmentcircle.com. All entries should be accompanied by the parent/gua covered that her daughter also has Celiac and she said: “Prepare cream cheese and vanilla on meThe Circle Gazette is a publication available to public school, private school and homeschool students. Email a copy dium speed until smooth. Slowly had this, she was devastated and for a roller coaster ride of emoof your work, as a major word processor file or as a jpeg file, at Information info@enrichmentcircle.com. to contributors All entries should be add the confectioners’ sugar. Circle Gazette theonline right toat edit, accept and refuse articles in the interest of brevity, clarity and appropriateness of subject matter. accompanied by the parent/guardian consent to print.The Submission Form toreserves be found tions from anger, to sadness, and sad. However, she refused to Beat until light and fluffy. www.enrichmentcircle.com. wallow. J had sprung into action. finally acceptance. Never take a YOUNG CHILDREN PROVIDE A WEALTH OF WISDOM, FRESHNESS Robyne Friedland has a Masters in Her family joined a local Celiac victim stance and don’t give into Elementary Education and is the OwnAND NEW PERSPECTIVES Information to contributors group that also has a kids’ corner guilt -- keep it gluten free and just er of Book N Cookin, LLC, a children’s The Circle Gazette reserves the right to edit, accept and refuse the interest of brevity, claritytoand Thearticles Circle inGazette is packed from cover cover with the latest and creations of children all ages; aboutand local affairs, the environment, sports, entertainment puzzles that engage and inspire young minds! work harderart,to make sureand your andstories found support forof herself program combining storytelling, cookappropriateness of subject matter. gluten free snack matches or is as ing, music, and movement. For more The Circle Gazette is a one-of-a-kind publication because: her daughter. Mom and daughter have a special bond; they are good as the ones being served to information, go to www.bookncookin. YOUNG CHILDREN PROVIDE A WEALTH OF WISDOM, FRESHNESS • It transcends school/homeschool community. It goes beyond a state or a country. It’s about widening writer’s and reader’s horizons! the gluten-free girls andonelife has the com or bookncookin@gmail.com rest of the children. Finally, AND NEW PERSPECTIVES • • The Circle Gazette is packed from cover to cover with the latest•stories and creations of children of all ages; about local affairs, the environment, art, sports, entertainment and•puzzles that engage and inspire young minds! •
by Robyne Friedland Guest Editor
It is addressed to children and the content is created by children It involves a multi-age/multi-level group of contributors The editorial team keeps a holistic and nourishing quality in the selection of content and design It’s a high quality mix of a variety of styles and topics It offers valuable feedback to authors
The Circle Gazette is a one-of-a-kind publication because: • It transcends one school/homeschool community. It goes beyond a state or a country. It’s about widening • • • • •
writer’s and reader’s horizons! It is addressed to children and the content is created by children It involves a multi-age/multi-level group of contributors The editorial team keeps a holistic and nourishing quality in the selection of content and design It’s a high quality mix of a variety of styles and topics It offers valuable feedback to authors
Creative journalism at its best
Articles, stories, poems, art and much more… From and for children of all ages and from everywhere
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The Circle Gazette is an international publication The Enrichment Circle is a Non-Profit Organization for the Advancement of Education
DECEMBER 2011
THE CIRCLE GAZETTE
Green Tip of the Month
3
Grandpa and Grandma’s Backyard
Continued from page 1 by Aaron Cross, Age 14
by Sofia Serrano, Age 5 Frankfurt, Germany
person admission fee into the fun and entertainment that also occurred at the fair on the fifth and sixth of November. But this column is not about the Living Green Fair. It is about the Wyland Foundation. Wyland first got interested in water and the ocean when he was visiting his aunt in California. While he was there he went scuba diving and happened to see a breaching whale. Since then, he has dedicated his career to helping keep our water clean. He is now a painter, scuba diver, and head of the Wyland Foundation. He also visits and sponsors events to help raise awareness of the need for clean water. At these events, Wyland paints 50 feet murals of the ocean and marine animals. He invites the children at the event to paint at the bottom part of the mural while he paints at the top. That is one of Wyland’s goals – get the children involved because they are the population of the future. He is trying to produce a whole mile of murals that he painted with children. When viewed in a line they will blend together and look like a wavy ocean full of sea life. He has already painted almost half of his mile-long mural and is still adding new additions all the time. Jennifer Small is Wyland’s executive assistant and marketing manager. Since Wyland was not at the Living Green Fair at the time I went, I spoke with her instead. “Wyland went to the Center for Creative Studies in Detroit, Michigan. He is a trained sculptor so he does have a background in art. He loves the painting and sculpting but he is also into underwater photography,” Jennifer Small said when I asked her what Wyland is professionally. “He does paint his murals from the pictures he takes, but most of it comes from his memory,” Ms. Small continued. As an added bonus for the end of this article, I will tell you a cool fun fact that you will not
My Grandpa and Grandma have a big, beautiful green garden
find on the internet or anywhere else! An exclusive fact about Wyland’s life that you will only find in this article. After visiting his aunt in California, Wyland was so inspired by the whales that he painted a whale on the back of his parents’ headboard! And his parents did not know about it until Wyland moved out and they moved the bed! There are many things you can do to help keep water clean. Not littering is a good place to start. When you dump your trash on the ground it can flow into rivers and streams when it rains. The rivers and streams then carry that trash directly to the ocean where it collects in an area encased by surrounding currents. Putting your trash in dedicated containers or, better yet, recycling bins can reduce the amount of garbage washed out to sea. Also, picking up litter you see on the ground and either recycling it or throwing it away can reduce the amount of garbage that gets washed out to sea. Another big problem is chemical runoffs from pesticides and other toxic waste. They can get into the oceans and poison the marine animals. Using natural pesticide can significantly reduce the impact on the environment both on land and in the ocean. For more information about the Wyland foundation visit wylandfoundation.org. Visit the Living Green Fair next year to find out about products that can make it easier to be environmentally friendly. I will give you details on next year’s fair the month before it is scheduled to run, so you can be prepared to go. Be clean, go green! Under the sea is the place to be!
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in their backyard. It has red, blue, and purple flowers, shiny green grass, and roses, too. Their dog and two cats like to lie down and relax in the sun. Lots
of other animals come to eat and have their babies, including butterflies and cardinals. They love my Grandpa and Grandma’s garden. And so do I.
Illustration by author. Stamps and tempera on paper.
Sharing Recipes CARROT CAKE by Isabel Rodríguez Vera, Age 11 Maracay, Venezuela Preparation time: 30 minutes Baking Time: 45 minutes Baking Temperature: 350º F or 180º C Ingredients 3 eggs 1 cup of vegetable oil 1 cup of sifted sugar 1 ½ cups flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon ¾ cups chopped walnuts ½ lbs (250 grams) freshly grated carrots A pinch of salt Preparation In a medium sized bowl beat the eggs. Keep beating and slowly add the sifted sugar and the oil. Make sure to add the oil so slowly that it looks like a liquid thread. In a different bowl mix the dry ingredients: flour, cinnamon, baking soda and the salt. Sift the mix of dry ingredients and add it to the wet ingredients. Mix together with the freshly grated carrots. Grease a baking pan of your choice and bake at 350º F for about 45 minutes.
Isabel lives in the beautiful city of Maracay, Venezuela and enjoys baking in her free time.
Did You Know... … that every year approximately 14 billion pounds of trash including tires, cardboard boxes, plastic cups, bottles, cans, and other trash are dumped into the ocean every year. Some of the trash sinks, and some of it is eaten by ocean creatures. Most of this trash, especially plastic, floats and eventually this floating refuse, carried by ocean currents and waves washes up on beaches. Even in remote areas like Antarctica, researchers have found plastic bottles, bags, and sheeting washed ashore. Almost all of this trash can create problems for wildlife and people. The plastics, which can persist indefinitely, can be especially harmful to the environment.
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THE CIRCLE GAZETTE
4
1st Anniversary Whiz at Bricks 4 Kidz by Sara I. Cross, Age 11 Boca Raton, FL
I’m bringing you back to the Sample Road Bricks 4 Kidz for their first anniversary celebration. Hosted by manager Helene Fos-
ter, the event took place on the fifth and sixth of November. There were lots of activities to choose from. The activities included a ‘name that building’ challenge, a spin art and crinkle paper craft, a high tower challenge, a ‘build the bridge’ challenge, a paper football catapult launch, and a conveyor belt
DECEMBER 2011
challenge. When we entered, we received a first anniversary ‘passport’ --a list of the activities. After we experienced them all, we got a chance to guess how many LEGOs were in the jar on the counter. A free class session was rewarded to the closest guesser. The staff was very child friendly and helpful with the challenges.
I had a great time and I hope you will come next year to celebrate two years of the Coral Springs Bricks 4 Kidz storefront. Check their website www.bricks4kidz.com for info about classes and events. We learn, we build, we play, with LEGO bricks!
Figure Skating HOCKEY My Favorite Sport
by Annaleisa Matzirakis, Age 7 Davie, FL
Hi, my name is Annaleisa and I do figure skating. My favorite hobby is being on the ice. The first thing you should do when you get on the ice is warm up. Then you should get used to skating around. Next you can have some fun! Try doing the moves. The first move you probably want to try doing is a two foot spin. Then you should try doing a one foot spin. After that you should try a spiral. A spiral is when you push and lift up your leg but don’t let it go too far up or else that’s the sign that you’re probably going to fall over. And the last move is a check out. This is how you do a check out: You do a one foot spin and then a backward spiral. Last, but not least, the holiday show! Oh what fun a holiday show is! Doing the dance, being with friends, getting costumes and watching other routines! Well I think that’s all you need to know about figure skating. Oh! and feel free to try it. Remembering the Innovator
Steve Jobs
Continued from page 1 by Ismail Ercan, Age 14 go take an “enlightenment” trip to India for seven months, where he shaved his head and learned more about Buddhism. He returned refreshed and renewed to continue what he loved most, inventing and innovating. Woz and Steve got to work immediately and invented the Apple I computer on April Fool’s Day, 1976, in Paul Job’s garage. The construction and design of the computer was done solely by Woz, but it was Steve’s idea to sell the computer and start a business. The small computer was a success for the two men and they sold over 200 of them over a year and a half. But Steve would not stop there; he wanted to create a computer that would be user-friendly, unlike most computers at the time. As the Apple Company grew, he constantly reminded his employees that computers should be tools used by the public, not just tech nerds. He also wanted the next computer, (which would be the Apple II) to be “beautiful” and “appealing to everyone.” His ambition for perfection was demanding and, at times, irritating, but it made the next lines of computers and the company prosper. The Apple II, which was also designed by Wozniak, was an instant success for Apple and it completely financed the company for seven years. Steve was a new millionaire by this point and had no plans of stopping. His presentations of his products on stage were already being hailed as brilliant, and his hold on people was given a name: the “reality-distortion field.” The “reality distortion field,” as described by former Apple employee, Andy Hertzfeld, was Steve’s ability to make people,
by Nicolas Matzirakis, Age 9 hockey is that it’s a team Davie, FL sport. You know why? There In my free time I like to are certain plays to help your play sports. One sport in team win like assistances and passes. Every position has particular is ice hockey! The a certain technique that can equipment is hard to get on help the team. And your team and annoying. Even with always cheers for you when this, I still love ice hockey . . . you Wscore a goal! Being on the ice is so much Last but not least, I like fun. Skating on the ice is so playing defense. I really like nice and breezy. You can playing defense because I feel go fast or slow. Sometimes happy and proud when I stop it’s cool to jerk around. You goals and drives. know, not like being a jerk; I love hockey because it’s like cutting around. a team sport and you’re on Another thing I like about the ice.
“I really like playing defense because I feel happy and proud when I stop goals and drives.” Nicolas on the ice. Photo Courtesy of J. Matzirakis.
Did You Know...
Annaleisa on the rink. Photo courtesy of J. Matzirakis.
(customers, employees, and himself) “believe in almost anything” by using his charisma, persistence, and appeasement to convince them. He was able to lower an audience’s sense of difficultly to make them believe that the task at hand was possible. Although his “distortion field” has been heavily criticized as an “antireality,” former Apple employees who were close with Steve have claimed that the “reality distortion field” was real and that it helped Apple accomplish many things. An example would be when Steve managed to convince himself and his employees that they would be able to complete a very demanding month project from start to finish in a week. Although it was not “possible,” Steve would be able to convince his workers that it was and come Friday, the project would be complete. Steve’s reality distortion field is a great example of Steve’s demanding persona as CEO. However, it was this too that caused Steve to be fired from Apple. Once his colleagues left the “reality distortion field,” they realized what the task was at hand, how outrageously demanding it was, and of course, that Steve could be such a jerk. Steve also at times could be an arrogant knowit-all and soon CEO John Scully (and most other Apple employees) had had enough of Steve. Jobs was fired in May of 1985; he would later say in 2005, “Getting fired from Apple was the best thing that could have ever happened to me.” Steve was now a beginner again to the tech world, but he quickly came up with plans to start a new computer and software company named NeXT Inc. He also bought The Graphics Group a sub-company of Lucas Films (owned by George Lucas, creator of Star Wars and Indiana Jones) for 10
... that ice hockey made its Olympic debut at the 1920 Summer Olympics in Antwerp, Belgium? The first Winter Olympics didn’t take place until 1924. The Olympic Games were originally intended for amateur athletes until 1988, and the National Hockey League (NHL) did not allow its players to compete until 1998. From 1924 to 1988, the tournament started with a round-robin series of games and ended with the medal round. Medals were awarded based on points accumulated during that round. The games of the tournament follow the rules of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), which differ slightly from the rules used in the NHL.
million dollars. Steve used his charisma and “reality distortion field” to convince Lucas to sell the sub-company to him for well under his demand price. Both companies started off slowly, but surprisingly the Graphics Group (now known as Pixar) won the race to success, while NeXT Inc. never really got going. After partnering with Disney and renaming The Graphics Group to Pixar, the animating company came up with Toy Story in 1995, with Steve as executive producer. Notable movies that followed include Toy Story 2, Monsters Inc., Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, Cars, Ratatouille, WALL-E, Up, and Toy Story 3. Disney would eventually purchase Pixar from Jobs in 2006, for 7.4 billion dollars, making Steve the company’s largest single shareholder. Meanwhile NeXT and Apple were suffering; NeXT was on the brink of bankruptcy and Apple had not made a profitable gain in a long time. Then Apple made a gamble; they purchased NeXT for over $400 million, kicked out their CEO Gil Amelio, and named Jobs as interim CEO of Apple. Hopefully Steve would be able to bring the company out of this mess. Everyone knows the answer to this one: he delivered. After a few adjustments within the company, Apple was thriving once again under its founder. Apple workers and fans sighed a sigh of relief as profits started to pick up again. Soon Jobs dropped the interim CEO title and became the permanent CEO of his beloved company. Following the release of the iMac, which was a very successful computer, came the two inventions that shook the music world. The iPod and iTunes -- revolutionary new ways to listen and purchase music, games, movies,
and more -- quickly took over the music industry. Although there were MP3 players preexisting the iPod, Steve’s desire for “consumer friendly” and “beautiful” devices paid off. He had the music industry in the palm of his hand and he was in the driver’s seat. After introducing the iPod Touch, Steve went a step further and now entered the cell phone industry. Rival companies such as Microsoft and Blackberry watched with dismay as in 2007 Steve introduced the iPhone, now one of the most dominant smart phones on the market. It allowed for users to listen to music, watch movies, text and call, use social media devices like Facebook, play games, and have access to the app store. Apple was thriving. Yet, Steve’s innovative ideas still had one product to release… the iPad, a touch screen tablet that was similar to the iPhone, but was larger and easier for office use. Rival companies such as HP and Motorola have tried to mimic this popular device, but to no avail: the iPad is too good. Unfortunately, unlike Apple’s success, Jobs health began to weaken. In 2004, a few years before the iPhone was released, Steve was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He refused to undergo surgery for nine months and instead tried special diets to fight the cancer. When this did not work, he finally had surgery and it appeared that the tumor had been
successfully removed. During his absence, Tim Cook (current CEO) took over Apple as temporary CEO; Jobs returned to his position after he was pronounced healthy. Despite constant rumors from then until 2009, Jobs remained head of Apple and continued introducing many of Apple’s new products. In the beginning of ’09 however on Apple.com, Steve announced a six month leave of absence due to his health. In April of that year he had a successful liver transplant and resumed his normal job. By 2011 however, it was apparent that Steve’s health was declining rapidly. In front of the Cupertino City Council in which Jobs was presenting the plans for the new Apple headquarters building that will be built, he looked frail and gaunt, despite being in high spirits. In August of this year, he stepped down as Apple CEO and appointed Tim Cook, long-time employee and friend, to become head of his company. Jobs continued working for Apple until October 4th, the day before he died. Steve Jobs has touched millions of lives throughout the world, whether it is through Apple or not. His contribution to our present and future generations will be remembered and honored forever. He has taught the world how important perseverance and the pursuit of perfection really is through all of his inventions. He will be dearly missed.
Did You Know... … that in 1976, when Steve Jobs started Apple Computers Inc. with Steve Wozniak in his parents’ garage, there was a third member, Ronald Wayne? After two weeks Ronald left for a one-time payment of $800 for his share of Apple stock. Reportedly this stock would be worth $22 billion today!
THE CIRCLE GAZETTE
DECEMBER 2011
Veteran’s Day by Liam Louis Fisher, Age 10 Pompano Beach, FL Like bullets on parade, they penetrate my sand bag cover! Blinded by blood soaked sand, all I can feel is the burning sensation of my bullet riddled body. Unable to see, I cannot even notice the lights going out. I awaken sometime later to find out my time is done and I have served my country well. Deep in my heart I know I’m not finished with my fight for freedom. I placed my cards on the table, my hand was dealt and it’s time to finish the game. I may not be able to go into combat anymore, but I can still contribute my time and my life in many other ways! Armistice Day (also known as Remembrance Day) is on November 11th, and commemorates the armistice signed between the Allies of World War I and Germany at Compiegne, France. After World War II, the name of the holiday was changed to Veterans Day in the United States and to Remembrance Day in countries of the British Commonwealth of Nations. (Wikipedia) For a long time, Veterans Day didn’t exist as Americans know it today. Celebrated initially as Armistice Day, November 11th was a day to honor veterans of World War I. And up until 1953, Americans continued to follow that tradition -- even though the country saw waves of veterans return from World War II and Korea. But Alvin King, a shoe store-owner in Emporia, Kansas, refused to accept that our country should honor only one generation of veterans. Why wouldn’t our country recognize the service and sacrifice of all generations of veterans? From his store in Emporia, King rallied fellow shopkeepers to trans-
form Armistice Day into something much bigger. Word spread through town, the community put pressure on Emporia’s elected officials, and before King knew it, the movement spread like wildfire across the nation, and Veterans Day was born. (TMPCafe.com). On October 8th, 1953, President Dwight D. Eisenhower issued the first “Veterans Day Proclamation” which stated: “In order to insure proper and widespread observance of this anniversary, all veterans, all veterans’ organizations, and the entire citizenry will wish to join hands in the common purpose. (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs) Veteran’s Day is a great day indeed! It helps commemorate all those who have died or become injured fighting for our freedom.
Did You Know... … that the founding of the Marine Corps occurred during the American Revolution at one of the many important political discussions that took place in the inns and taverns of Philadelphia? A committee of the Continental Congress met at Tun Tavern to draft a resolution calling for the establishment of two battalions of Marines that would be able to fight for independence at sea and on shore. The resolution was approved on November 10, 1775, officially forming the Continental Marines. Each year, the Marine Corps marks November 10th with a celebration of the brave spirit which compelled these men, and thousands since, to defend our country as United States.
We should not forget these heroes who have fought so hard not just for themselves but for all of us! As civilians, it’s sometimes easy to forget how much other people are suffering unless it’s one of us or someone close to us. I am not a veteran. I am just a ten year old boy trying to make it through the fifth grade, I could not even imagine trying to make it through a war and hope I will not have to. People should not be so harsh on veterans; if not for them we would not be where we are today as Americans. I am sure most military personnel will tell you they never want to go into war any more than we would want them to. If it was not for the brave men and women of our military we would not be the great nation that we are today.
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Is There Pride in Serving in the Military? by Diondre Noel, Age 15 Coral Springs, FL Is there pride in serving in the military? Most definitely, yes! Being able to serve one’s country is not only one of the greatest opportunities but one of the highest prestige any American citizen can be a part of. Any chance there is for an individual to serve and give back to a good cause is a blessing and serving in the military gives a person such privileges. When serving in the military one holds the role of protector. Protecting and defending not only the lives of one’s own loved ones, but the lives of many others. Attached to serving in the military are various benefits. Benefits that can bring
about growth as well as personal and collective rewards. As a member of the American military, you have the privilege to serve at home in different states assisting in many areas, as well as the opportunity to serve abroad. For example when Japan got hit by the duo of an earthquake and a tsunami earlier this year, the United States sent troops and supplies over to help the Japanese people. Due to the devastation and destruction of their agriculture and homes, the supplies and aid were able to feed the people, and to help rebuild. The United States military assisted Haiti in a similar manner after it too, was destroyed by earthquakes. The United States military protects and defend its own country as well as allied nations with little to no military forces or countries who need help protecting themselves. A perfect example of this is when the twin towers where bombed by terrorists. The United States sent troops to the Mideast to monitor and protect activities. Alongside the military, services and security were tightening in our own country. The military also provides protection for Americans by patrolling the borders and coastal lines for illegal immigrants, drug smuggling and pirates, and by relaying information to other countries that lack technological equipment to assist in weather and protection. Military service offers great benefits. It pays for college, dental and medical insurance, pays rent or mortgage, and adds a large sum of money to service members’ pensions depending on how long the service person served for. Finally, do I think there is pride in serving in the military? Yes. It allows an individual service opportunity, protection of their love ones, and the love ones of others, and great benefits. It is a position of honor that any one should be proud to be a part of.
Adventures of a Police Explorer by Ryan Smith, Age 15 Coconut Creek, FL The winter months are when the Coconut Creek Police Explorers are most productive. We have a multitude of events we participate in, ranging from various 5k runs to city hosted festivals. During those events, we assist in parking guests and patrolling the area and reporting any issues that may arise. At one point during an event, a non-disabled woman parked in the handicap ramp area, which is illegal. She was reported to the lead advisor, along with a description of her. The advisor later apprehended her and or-
5
dered her to move her vehicle. Our stellar work prohibited a potential issue for any disabled patron that may have attended the event. Other times, we just have to sit at a table and hand out giveaway items. There are generally two explorers manning the table, while others are walking through the crowds. Sometimes, we are in charge of the parking detail. Many explorers have the most fun doing this. We use the radios to communicate across large parking lots. We coordinate our efforts to direct the
Coconut Creek Police Explorers cars along the line to the last explorer, who directs them into the parking spot. We are a very versatile group of kids who handle a variety of situations quickly and efficiently. If you want to join us, you can email our lead advisor at MZombek@coconutcreek.net.
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DECEMBER 2011
Leaving Behind... Radical Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups by Reagan Olenick, Age 11 Weston, FL It’s Halloween and I just came back from trick-or-treating. The air smells of candy as I bolt into my house with my bag of loot. I quickly spot the gold and orange wrappers and yank them out of the pile. To many people Halloween means candy; to me it means Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. There are many delicious candies that can be found all around the world. Of every kind there is, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups really fill me up. Reese’s have an extraordinary texture and an un-
forgettable center. To start off, Reese’s have an unheard of texture. Bumpy ridges coat the outside, while a crunchy – yet smooth – filling resides on the inside. When it meets your tongue, the ridges slowly melt away, and the filling oozes all over your mouth. The texture is complimented by the taste of peanut butter and chocolate. It’s as if a present has been opened and the gift inside has been taken out when you embark on this wonderful adventure. To continue, Reese’s have a center that will make you jump for joy time and time again. The golden center within the dark-
brown chocolaty coating is like a gorgeous pearl, hiding inside a clam at the bottom of the sea. The filling is smooth, crunchy, salty, and sweet all jammed into one little piece of chocolate. It’s like putting a chocolaty clown car inside your mouth, and becoming completely stunned when the peanut butter clowns come out and start to do their amazing tricks. To conclude, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups are the best thing since sliced bread. The out-ofthis-world texture and the luscious center always cure my cravings. “Hey, you got peanut butter in my chocolate!”
“Hey, you got peanut butter in my chocolate!”
The Perilous Journey to the New World
by Raevin Dockery, Age 11 Coral Springs, FL
In 1620 a group of English people who are now known as Pilgrims, fled to America so they could worship God freely. They took a very small boat called the Mayflower. During the long journey there was a perilous storm. They heard the booming thunder and the lightning flashed in front of their eyes. The tiny boat was thrown askew from its destination by the hostile waves. The frightened pilgrims rushed below to the gun deck. Slowly, the water seeped in through the cracks in the walls. As it dripped, the Pilgrims could taste the salt
water. They were drenched and felt terribly cold. They were scared to death. After the storm ended, Goodman John Howland decided to explore the boat. Boldly, he climbed up the ladder to the upper deck. He presumed that he had a firm grasp on the side of the boat, but suddenly the captain made a sharp turn, and he lost his grip. He almost fell into the ocean. He was so close that his boots dipped into the icy-cold water, and he could smell the salt. As he fell, his arms reached for the thick rope which was hanging from the upper deck. The impotent Goodman John was dangerously
dangling from the side of the boat and could not save himself. He was greatly frightened. Thankfully, the sailors observed what happened. They instantly grabbed him with a boat hook before he could fall into the shark-infested water. Goodman John was relieved to be back on the boat. He felt indebted to the sailors. He reverently hugged those who saved him and he slowly returned back to the damp, secluded gundeck. In the gundeck, his friends hugged him tightly while his family cried and thanked God for his safety. They all knew that the journey to the new world would be a perilous one.
Thanksgiving Feast by Kate Maier, Age 8 Sunrise, FL
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My buttons say no, But I say I do To a piece of pumpkin pie. Um . . . two. I’ve had my fill On Thanksgiving Day. I think I’m done. Unless there’s parfait?
Illustration by author. Color pencils on paper.
THE CIRCLE GAZETTE
DECEMBER 2011
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... And Welcoming
Happy Holidays! C H A N U K A H by Nathalie Thelemaque, Age 12 Coral Springs, FL Well, it’s that time of the year again! The air is getting chillier (I, myself, don’t think it’s getting too cold. It seemed abnormally hot today), people are just seemingly nicer and more joyful, and the smell of gingerbread cookies and minty candy canes are parading the streets. It’s the holidays! Whether you’re celebrating Pearl Harbor Day, Christmas, New Years Eve, Kwanza, Human Rights Day, Boxing Day, or Forefathers Day, you’ll feel the holiday spark going around. But no matter what you celebrate, it isn’t always about the gifts. Sure, those are nice (and usually desired in a kid’s mind), but these holidays are more about being around loved ones who will care for anything that you do. The holidays are the special time in December where you’re nice and jolly around old friends and family that you haven’t seen in ages.
When I asked people, “What do the holidays mean to you?” I got many, and I mean many, comments about gifts. But one comment really stuck out from the others: “The holidays are something really special to me,” said Sakura Klein, age 14. “It means spending time with family and even that third-cousin you haven’t really met…. I love the holidays, mostly because everybody is just noticeably more kind-hearted. And no matter what holiday you celebrate(I celebrate Christmas and Hanukah), you’re around the people you love.” This year for the holiday that you celebrate, don’t think about the gifts. Be glad with what you already have and cherish your family, friends, home, and even your school! Enjoy your celebration, your two or three weeks off school (another good thing about the holidays!), and just enjoy yourself! Try not to eat too many sweets! Happy Holidays!
by Elizabeth Abrams, Age 7 Fort Lauderdale, FL
C H A N U K A H
andles’ flames bring us light, appy holiday for eight nights.
ntiochus said: “Bow down to Zeus!” o! the Maccabees did choose.
nderground in caves they had to hide, eeping holy things inside.
mazing how a small group fought, oping for their freedom of thought.
Christmas Movies Recommendations by Sarah Thompson, Age 12 Boynton Beach, FL
For the December issue of the Circle Gazette, I thought I would share with readers, some of my favorite holiday movies. Isn’t it amazing how certain movies will always make you feel happy and festive, no matter how many times you watch them? How The Grinch Stole Christmas (1966) The Tangerine Bear (2000)
The Polar Express (2004) The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992) Mr. Magoo’s Christmas Carol (1962) A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965) Frosty the Snowman (1969) Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964) The Santa Clause (1994) A Christmas Story (1983)
by Emily Greenfield, Age 5 Coconut Creek, FL
Emily packing boxes.
Operation Christmas Child… is What We Do for the Holidays by Alizdair Sebastien Ray, Age 8 Davie, FL
Playdate at Sabal Pines Park My friends asked me to come to the park and pack Christmas boxes for other children. My mom brought extra newspapers to put in all the boxes. I packed socks, paper, pens, toothpaste, stickers, lip gloss, lollipops and other stuff. I packed 3 boxes. I hope they write me back.
“Menorah” Oil pastels on paper by E. Abrams.
Christmas box My friend brought cookies for us to decorate and eat after. It was the most beautiful day ever.
I’m 8 years old and this is my third year doing Operation Christmas Child with my parents. We heard about it through our homeschool group and I’m glad that we did. I learned a lot after researching for my article about OCC. I found out that on October 10, 1990, Dave and Jill Cooke of Wrexham,Wales, started the project of sending supplies, food, clothing and gifts to children in Romania. In 1993, Franklin Graham, International President of Samaritan’s Purse, adopted Operation Christmas Child. Since then, more than 61 million shoe boxes have been delivered to hurting children in more than 135 countries. On Nov. 5, 2011, we arrived early on Saturday morning. I was excited to get started with the boxes. I’m glad that my parents take me here to learn what is important in this world. It makes me feel proud that I’m making a difference for
kids in other continents. We take it for granted that we get lots of gifts for Christmas and they are happy to get one box. The first year I was proud that we were helping so many people get their first Christmas gift. We saw a film and it showed a boy getting his first shoe box. I was shocked that he was happy to get a toothbrush but it was his first one. I thought that everyone had a toothbrush. It taught me to be thankful for the little things and never take anything for granted. I had a great day meeting our old friends, new friends and getting a lot of boxes filled. I look forward to packing shoe boxes in 2012.
Did You Know... … that millions of people in the United States don’t celebrate Christmas? Tens of millions of Americans don’t celebrate Christmas religiously, either as followers of nonChristian religions (Buddhists, Muslims, Hindus, Jews) or as individuals with no religious affiliation. Christmas is perceived as the most dominant festival celebrated during this time of the year because of the focus many stores put on the cash value of ornaments and Christmas fanfare -- overlooking the depth of diversity present in America. Many different celebrations exist: spiritual, religious and tradition based, and are celebrated in many different ways during the holiday season. What do you celebrate?
Alizdair packages shoe boxes with other volunteers at Operation Christmas Child.
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DECEMBER 2011
by Andy and Danny Hernández, Age 12 Caracas, Venezuela
Introduction (Danny)
Vincent Van Gogh (March 30, 1853 - July 29, 1890) is considered the greatest Dutch painter after Rembrandt, although he had little success during his career. He produced all of his work (about 900 paintings and 1100 drawings) in 10 years. He then suffered mental illness and finally, committed suicide.
“Sunflow by Alexandra Hen ers” Acrylics on Canvas ríquez, Age 12, C aracas, Venezuela
Childhood (Andy)
“Van Gogh Macaw” Color pencils on paper by Danny Hernández, Age 12, Caracas, Venezuela
Life as an artist (Andy)
Vincent Van Gogh didn’t begin to paint until his late twenties. In just over a decade, he managed to produce around 2,000 artworks. These were around 900 paintings and 1,100 sketches and drawings. Among all his artwork, Van Gogh included self portraits, landscapes, flowers, portraits, wheat fields and sunflowers. After his death, Vincent Van Gogh has been recognized in all parts of the world, and is now one of the most famous artists in history.
Vincent Van Gogh was the oldest child of Theodorus Van Gogh. He had two brothers, Theodorus and Cor. He also had three sisters. Elisabeth, Anna and Willemina. He attended the Zundert village school, where the Catholic teacher taught around 200 pupils by herself. One year later, Vincent and his sister Anna were taught at home by a governess for three years. In 1864, he attended boarding school at Zevenbergen. Vincent Van Gogh was interested in art from an early age. As a child, he used to love drawing, and throughout the years, he finally took the decision of becoming an artist.
“Van Gogh Flowers” Watercolors on paper by Andy Hernández, Age 12, Caracas, Venezuela
Death (Danny)
“Van Gogh Inspired” Watercolors on paper by Alexandra Henríquez, Age 12,Caracas, Venezuela
In May 1890, Van Gogh dropped out of a clinic, and went to see Dr. Paul Gatchet, a physician. On July 27th of the same year, at the age of 37, he shot himself in the chest after a session of painting. He died two days later, with his brother at his side, and reported his last words: “The sadness will last forever.” His brother Theo died six months later, and was buried at his side. After his death, he became a famous worldwide painter.
Did You Know... … that Vincent van Gogh only sold one painting during his lifetime? The painting he sold is known as the Red Vineyard. A Dutch Post-Impressionist painter, Van Gogh was a self-taught artist with little formal training; he attended an art school for a few months in Antwerp, in 1885, which was four years before his death. Vincent van Gogh’s most famous work is Starry Night, c.1889 and was created while staying in an asylum in Saint-Remy-de-Provence, France. Vincent van Gogh suffered from temporal lobe epilepsy, hallucinations and mental illness. Van Gogh only became famous after his death.
DECEMBER 2011
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Painting Analysis
nvas Starry Night Acrylics on Ca e 12, Caracas, Venezuela by Alexandra Henríquez, Ag
Starry Night
“Starry Night.” Photo of original work by V. Van Gogh. Courtesy of Wikipedia Commons.
(Andy) This painting is oil on canvas. This is a nocturnal picture, painted by Van Gogh while he was in a psychiatric hospital. It is exhibited in the Modern Art Museum in New York. Starry Night is a fight between a man and his anxiety. A scream for hope, light and love. This is because of an argument he had with his friend Gaugin. In desperation, he cut off his right ear. This picture was painted at night, with only two candles lighting Van Gogh’s work in the dark. In my opinion, this is a very colorful and lively picture that I really like.
“Sunset at Pui Puy Beach Watercolors on paper by Andy Hernández, Age 12 Caracas, Venezuela
“The Night Café.” Photo of original work by V. Van Gogh. Courtesy of Wikipedia Commons.
The Night Café (Danny)
The café depicted in this picture is the Café de la Gare, run by Joseph-Michel and his wife Marie Ginoux. The painting was made on an industrial primed canvas of size 30, the average French size. The picture consists of four customers sitting at the sides, and a slightly opened curtain leading to private quarters. In the center sits a pool table with a maid on the right side of it, facing the viewer. Some people described the customers as “three drunks and derelicts in a large public room, huddled down in sleep or stupor.” In a letter Van Gogh wrote to his brother Theo, he said that Ginoux had taken so much of his money that he’d told the cafe owner it was time to take his revenge by painting the place.
“El Ávila” Watercolors on paper by Danny Hernández, Age 12 Caracas, Venezuela
“Sunflower” Watercolors on paper by Danny Hernández, Age 12 Caracas, Venezuela “Poppy Field Watercolors on paper by Andy Hernández, Age 12, Caracas, Venezuela
Did You Know... … that el Ávila is the name of the mountain in front of which lies the city of Caracas? Caracas is the Capital City of Venezuela. This mountain is part of the last stretch of the Andes, the world’s longest continental mountain range. Also knows as Cerro el Ávila, this mountain was declared a national park in 1958. It separates the city of Caracas from the Caribbean Sea and serves of artistic inspiration to poets, songwriters, composers, painters and citizens alike. At its highest point, Cerro el Ávila is 9,071 feet above sea level.
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Living Healthy
Calories are good, as long as you don’t have too many by Sara Cross and Daniela Gómez, Ages 11 South Florida Hi kids! And welcome to Living Healthy, a column that talks about how to keep your body healthy and energized. This month, we are going to talk about obesity, its causes, what it can cause, and how to prevent it. According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 16-33 percent of kids and teens are obese. That makes them at a higher risk of problems like heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Certainly, some unwanted health problems. Here is some information on obesity and on how not to become overweight: A person is considered obese when they weigh 20 percent over their healthy weight. Obesity is caused by two things. One being an increased intake of fat-full foods, the other being a lack of exercise. To maintain a healthy lifestyle, your input of fat/calories should equal your output; your input meaning food, and your output meaning energy usage. To lose weight, your input should be smaller than your output. Calories have to be burned at some point or your body will turn those calories into fat, and store it. When your body does this, you gain weight. A nine to thirteen year old girl should consume about 1,600 calories per day, a boy, 1,800 per day. For every extra 3,500 calories you consume, you gain one pound. There are 210 calories in a normal size Hershey’s milk chocolate bar, and a Carvel flying saucer is 240. It is very easy to eat calories, but not as easy to burn them… To burn calories, you have to be active. Sports are the most fun way to get rid of calories you don’t need. Swimming, running, biking, dancing; all these activities will help you shed unnecessary calories. If you are active and moving, you are burning calories, and the more intense your activity, the more calories burned;
walking the dog burns less calories than sprinting across a field to score a goal or racing your friends on a bike, around the block. Here is a fun activity that will make you burn some extra calories: SHADOW TAG: WHAT YOU NEED: A few friends An open place where you can clearly see each other’s shadows. HOW TO PLAY: You pick a person to be “It.” This person has to tag someone else’s shadow with his/her shadow to make the other person “It.” The shade of a tree or building can be the base since it’s impossible to tag a shadow that’s hidden in a shade. Obesity not only makes you look unhealthy, but you can suffer from some diseases including: · Cardiovascular diseases · Type 2 Diabetes · Obstructive Sleep Apnea · Cancer · Osteoarthritis · High blood pressure · Gallbladder disease · Gallstones · Gout · Bad mood · Drop in energy levels
“Eat just what you need!” Photo courtesy of Broccoli City. According to MayoClinic.com, obesity is caused, among other factors, by: · Lack of sleep · Certain medications · Medical problems · Inactivity Unhealthy diet and eating habits Stay tuned for next month’s article where we will talk to you about making some easy New Year’s resolutions! So stay fit, burn some calories and we will see you next year!
DECEMBER 2011
SARAH’S CINEMA A Monthly Movie Review by Sarah Thompson, Age 12 Boynton Beach, FL Movie: Puss in Boots Rated: PG The plot Fans of the widely popular movie franchise Shrek, will most likely recognize this furry, adorable, and dangerous kitty as Puss in Boots, who has appeared in three of the four Shrek films. Now, Puss has the spotlight all to himself in his own spin-off movie, Puss in Boots. Puss is a swashbuckling hero in search of two outlaws, Jack and Jill, who are making off with the magic beans he has been searching for, for years. Puss gets some help from thieving Kitty Softpaws, and his old childhood friend Humpty Dumpty, in a quest to retrieve the beans, plant them, and climb the beanstalk in search of the legendary Golden Goose. The verdict After reading the plot of this film, you probably realize that this movie is going to be…well…a little crazy. But if you’re a fan of the Shrek movies, as I am, you will most likely enjoy the craziness. Chris Miller, who directed the 2007 Shrek installment, Shrek The Third, also directs this film, and uses the same fairytale mayhem mixed with modern humor that made Shrek a hit, with Puss.
There are plenty of funny moments similar to ones you might see in a Shrek movie, but at the same time the film follows an entirely original plot. My one major complaint about the movie was that at times it got very boring and repetitive. I started to feel like I was watching the same scene over and over again, when that familiar background music would start playing, and another wild rooftop-chase or sword-fight would begin. It felt like the filmmakers were trying to decide between a comedy and an action-adventure movie, and couldn’t make up their minds. The movie picks up a little more near the last hour or so, but if the kind of humor and fun we see in that part had been used in the beginning of the movie, it would have held my interest more. All in all, I really enjoyed the film, but if you go into it expecting it to be as funny or funnier than Shrek, you may be slightly disappointed.
Did You Know...
“A person is considered obese when they weigh 20 percent over their healthy weight.”
... that the story of Puss in Boots started in France and is over 300 years old. The first Puss in Boots movie was made in 1903, The French title was Le chat botte’ Today there are over 1,000 Puss in Boots books listed on Amazon.
Write Right by Ari Swift, Age 14 Boca Raton, FL The purpose of this column is to provide a conservative perspective on current events, politics, economics, and foreign policy. I am going to respond to readers’ questions and comments. As I am just starting this up I will ask myself the first question. Q: If people can get guns so easily, will not the criminals and unstable people get them easier? A: We have seen in operation Fast and Furious that big time criminals have no problem getting their hands on guns. Even common street thugs, gang members and unstable people can get guns very easily off the black market. If an armed criminal attacks a place and there is an armed legal gun owner
present, it is more likely that the attack will be stopped very quickly. However, if nobody is allowed to own a gun, then that same individual can kill 50 people easily before the police arrive. As the saying goes, “when seconds count, the police are only minutes away.” The only thing that gun regulations do is stop the potential “good guy” gun owners from protecting themselves and others from the “bad guys.” To contact me with questions, arguments, etc. email at emus90959@mypacks.net.
Opinions mentioned in this article are strictly those of the author and do not reflect the opinions of the paper, editor or anyone affiliated with this paper.
Empowering children to help others by offering opportunities to be of service, locally and globally.
BEACH CLEAN-UPS BOOK CLUBS NURSING HOME VISITS & MUCH MORE visit www. one-beautifulworld.org Email: info@one-beautiful-world.org
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Nature by Sara I. Cross, Age 11 Boca Raton, FL
Colorful flowers, Beautiful green trees, Brown furrowing vines, And menacing weeds.
BIRDS by Elizabeth Abrams, Age 7 Fort Lauderdale, FL
Bn the forest, I esting in branches, Rancing on trees, D inging. S
Colorful flowers, Such wonderful things, A rainbow of life, And the joy it brings.
eautiful…
Leaves by Emma Gómez, Age 8 Margate, FL
“Chickadees in the Fall” Acrylic paint on canvas, mixed technique by Sofia Serrano, Age 5 Frankfurt, Germany
December by Emma Gómez, Age 8 Margate, FL (Poem written when author was 7)
L nding dreaded hot days E beginning to a new season Aiolet replaced by gold Vmerging out of nowhere Eelected in different colors. Light S eft sitting there
The wind whirls into the room While the pencil in my hand goes Up and down, up and down. December coldness is coming soon. I am ready to feel the cold winter breeze Or the first fresh air that comes to me. Gray clouds slip across the sky in December And the frosty winter is tender.
Leaves are everywhere
Winter Feeling
by Sumayyah Shareef, Age 12 Miramar, FL
Coral Springs, FL
The smell of candy canes fill the street People sing and smile at one another Even if they are complete strangers. Gifts are being given and received. Christmas trees are tall and shining Menorahs are glowing brightly Kwanza candles flicker like the sun. Everybody is laughing and smiling under warm blankets and wool sweaters in the winter’s chill Drinking hot cocoa next to an open fire Like we’re all one big loving family That is what winter is supposed to be.
Brown furrowing vines, Crawl along the ground, They circle and curl, Mother Nature’s crown. And menacing weeds, Failing to wither, Watch plants struggle, as From dirt they slither.
America by Raevin Dockery, Age 11 Coral Springs, FL
America, land of… Vast, shining seashores That greet all who reach them. Foggy, intriguing forests,
Absorption, Reflection, and Refraction, by Nathalie Thelemaque, Age 12
Beautiful green trees, Like a soul within, They reach to the sky, And sway in the wind.
The properties of Light! When used with sound,
Sparkling, radiant mountains, Rapid, rhythmic rivers With winding pathways.
Reflection deflects the sound, making sound waves.
Broad, spacious plains.
Refraction
America, land of…
Is similar but unique on its own, for while reflection bounces sound back
Loving and colorful people
Refraction makes sound bend if it is traveling from a not very dense object
That are kind and caring.
Such as air, to a dense object such as a diamond, sadly refraction is not as
Godly, righteous people
Important to sound as it is to light, but it has its purposes.
Absorption the last of the three, and the most interesting, For you see, when sound hits a surface, some of its power is lost...
That are very resourceful. Inspiring, productive People.
Thus this is Absorption... And thus the effects that reflection, refraction, and absorption have on sound
The free and the brave.
Hath been told, by yours truly…
God bless America, My home sweet home.
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THE CIRCLE GAZETTE
Turkey Time by Nicolas Matzirakis, Age 9 Davie, FL
Pandemonium “Huuuuu”…. sighed Bloober as he laid on his bed made of hay. “Kids, Mom, Dad, wake up!” “Let me go check the calendar,” Bloober said to himself as he strutted across the farm, and took a deep breath. “Aaahhhhhh!” “What’s going on?” his family frantically exclaimed. “Check the calendar. It’s the day before Thanksgiving,” Bloober announced. “Nooooooo!” his family cried. The Plan “Alright everyone, let’s have a little meeting. Listen up, we gotta make a plan now or never. You
see tomorrow is Thanksgiving which means one of us is leaving. So we have to make a plan.” “Why?” the kids cried. “WHY, we’re turkeys!” Dad yelled. “All in favor, say ‘Aye.’” “Aye, Aye, Aye, Aye, Aye,” everyone replied. “So it’s a plan,” Bloober said happily. Past Bedtime “All right, everybody set up the equipment. Binoculars, check. Saw, check. Stink bomb, check. Big bags, check. Lawnmower, check. Lookout tower, check. Now, let’s mess up some house! Shhhhhhhhhhh! We gotta be quiet. Dad, stay up in the lookout tower. Mom, you come with
me. Thalma you are gonna take the kids to loosen up the gate in case we have to breakout. Alright Mom, you’re gonna have the saw and stink bombs, ok, and I’m gonna have the lawnmower and the big bags.” As they were approaching the house, Blooper was nervous that his mom was gonna over-do it and freak out. His mom, chopping down the legs of the chairs, looked like some sort of ninja. Meanwhile, Blooper was driving the lawnmower through the house and was grabbing everything in sight. Once he saw the floor, the chairs, and realized he had collected all the décor from the house, he knew they had ruined the whole house. So he headed
out of the house and told everyone to come to the base. “We did it. We ruined the house! I can’t believe the lawnmower didn’t wake up the family.” Bloober said in excitement. “Yeah, or the stink bombs!” his mom burst out. “Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!” “ I think they just found out,” Bloober said nervously. Let’s Do It “While we got them confused, let’s attack!” “Gogogogogo gobble gobble goo goo gogogogobble…” “Oh no! They have guns,” Bloober said in fright. POW! BOOM! BAM! “Ahhhhhhhhh…” “Retreat, retreat, retreat,” Bloober yelled! “Thalma, please
DECEMBER 2011
tell me you loosened the gate.” “Don’t worry, I did.” “Everyone to the fence,” Bloober said nervously. “Are you kidden me,” Dad exclaimed. “No. Trust me.” “Alright,” Dad said, concerned. BOOM, the gate sounded when they ripped through it. “We did it! We broke out!” Bloober said proudly. “Yippee!” The kids yelled. Never Going Back “Let’s throw a big party,” the grownups said. “Yeah!” the kids yelled. “Wait, first we must make a new zip code and it’ll be 76496. That way they’ll never find us,” said Bloober, “now we can throw a party!”
Cherry Blossom: Christmas - The Finale by Nathalie Thelemaque, Age 12 Coral Springs, FL about it.” She gasped quickly It was finally winter. Well, and stabbed her finger at a picit hadn’t felt like it. In Florida, ture. “Oh my gosh, look at these there’s practically only two sea- cute little decorations!” “The ones with the tiny ginsons; sunny and rainy, but for once it seemed a bit colder in the gerbread men?” Tori asked, exatmosphere. It was so cold that citingly. “They’re adorable!” I we could see our breaths, which could tell that they clearly were I thought was pretty cool, seeing changing the topic for a reason, but I didn’t feel like pushing it. how I’d never seen it. Going to school, we’re forced I just sighed, and let them orgato wear layers above layers of nize the party. “Happy Holidays!” Tori and clothing. I had to practically buy a whole new wardrobe; Nicole said at the same time seeing again, I never went out- once I opened my front door. I side during winter. To me, it’s hadn’t seen them in a week, but hard to believe that someone it seemed like they had gotten could wear knee length shorts taller. They attacked me with a outside in weather like this. bear hug and then slowly filed in “I don’t get cold,” Ryan says with Jason and David coming in whenever I ask him. And ev- behind them. “Carpooling,” Niery time I ask him, his teeth are cole stated. Chris emerged from his room chattering. Yeah right. But it was finally the Friday and greeted our friends. Eyeafternoon before winter break ing around, he asked, “Where’s when we actually decided to do Ryan?” Jason shrugged. “He said he’d something together, kind of like a winter party. Well, it was gen- be a little late and to start the erally Tori, Nicole, and I who did party without him. I say, we play the planning inside my bedroom some Modern Warfare.” Chris while Chris, Ryan, David, and and David nodded as they paJason played some type of vio- raded into the living room. Tori watched them, laughing to herlent video game on the Xbox. “We should order this,” Tori self as she grabbed a candy cane stated, pointing her finger at a from the bowl on the counter. “I wonder what he’s doing,” I picture of a reindeer limbo set in the Oriental Trading magazine. said aloud. Nicole shrugged and said, “It’s ideal for any party.” Nicole rolled her eyes, sub- “Don’t worry, he’ll come. Don’t merging herself deeper into worry about a thing.” Tori nodmy plush chair. “We aren’t five ded, agreeing with her. I just years old anymore, Tori.” She sighed, looking out of the foggy narrowed her eyes at her copy window one more time before of the magazine and pointed following after Nicole and Tori. We gathered around and out, “What about the Christmas watched the boys play their punch bowls?” I nodded slowly, glancing at video games for at least an my reflection in the mirror. The hour before we decided to just brown dye was coming out slow- start eating. Stef had baked us ly and revealing my natural jet gingerbread cookies and other black hair in some spots. “That treats before she left to go to her all sounds good, but don’t we party and we devoured those in need a tree? Maybe a Menorah? less than 30 minutes, only saving two for Ryan. Jason is Jewish, you know….” I started to get worried at 6 Tori looked at Nicole quickly before saying, “Don’t worry. We o’clock. “Where is he? Should got that covered.” I raised my we call him?” I asked. David waved his hand in my eyebrow at them but they just resumed flipping through their direction, “Don’t worry about it, he should be coming…” He was colorful magazines. interrupted by a sudden knocking “What do you mean?” Nicole shrugged, still not at the door. He nodded over at me looking up at me. “Ryan said and grinned. “See, that’s probathat he’s doing that. Don’t worry bly him.” And it was, thankfully.
Ryan stood at the door holding a menorah in one hand and a water bottle in the other. His knees were shaking, but then again, he was wearing shorts. “Sorry for being late,” he stuttered, walking inside. He handed Jason the menorah. “Set that baby up.” Everybody found this practically normal as they went into the dining room to help Jason set up the menorah until it was just Ryan and I in the room. “Why were you late?” “I was busy.” was his reply. I didn’t believe a single word. “Doing what?” He gave me one of his famous smirks. “You’ll see, don’t worry.” I wanted to say something else but he already followed the rest of my friends inside the room. I watched him move closer to Nicole to help her turn on the lighter and light the Menorah. “Aren’t you gonna join us?” David asked, finally noticing me leaning on the door frame. I shook my head, coming back to Earth. “Um, yeah,” I said quickly, but I stayed where I was. “I was just wondering, where’s the Christmas tree?” Ryan shared a knowing look with everyone around the table, including my brother. When Tori nodded at him, he smiled at me and tossed me a coat. “C’mon, we’ll get it outside.” Before I could object, he pulled me towards the door and out into the hurdling cold. I looked at him, exasperated. “Ryan, I’m wearing flip-flops!” I said, pleading, looking down at my cold feet. They seemed like they were turning blue. “It’ll only take a minute, I promise,” he said, trying to assure me. “Now close your eyes. I want you to open them when I say “go” okay?” I was about to argue again, but he put one hand over my mouth and gently moved down my eyelids. His fingers were warm. After a while, when I couldn’t feel my feet at all, I heard rustling and hushed voices. Finally, Ryan whispered to me, “Go” and my eyes fluttered open. And that was quite a shock. Yes, it was a tree, I’ll give them that. It was decorated with vibrant red, blue, green, and white
ornaments, and popcorn strings. But the tree wasn’t a Christmas tree. It was about as tall as I was, with long branches reaching out. It held rosy pink petals, some of which fluttered down in the harsh wind. I recognized it immediately. “Cherry blossoms,” I said, walking closer. I heard my feet crunch on the frozen dirt. “Sakura.” Nicole smiled and said, “You always try your best to do something for us. And you’re a really great person and we’re glad that you chose us to be your friends; to help you learn about the outside world and what not.” “So Tori, Chris, and I helped with the research,” David continued, pointing at the two others. “And we managed to order one just in time for the party.” Jason nodded agreeing with him, his hands deep inside his pockets. “I even helped decorate it.” Everybody laughed. “And then last but not least…” “I picked it up from Fort Lauderdale, brought the menorah, and came here about an hour or two late,” Ryan said. I could see his breath in the air. I watched it for a few seconds before looking down at my feet, which I still couldn’t feel or move. “Thanks…so much, you guys,” I said slowly. I looked up at all six of them, grinning even though they must’ve been as cold as I was. “It probably was so much of a hassle to do this for me. And thank you for doing this… I haven’t seen these trees since I was born.” I stroked a soft pink pedal that had fallen off seconds before. Putting it in my pocket, I slowly walked over to my friends and gave them each a long hug, which warmed me up the most. “How about we move this inside,” Ryan said, after a couple of minutes. Everybody looked at each other, and then quickly went inside. “…Or not.” I shrugged. “It’s okay, I’ll help you.” Ryan effortlessly lifted the right side of the box as I struggled with the left side. It was heavier than it seemed; but then again, I had never tried carrying a tree before. One of the ornaments hung dangerously close to my face, to make it even worse. “Thanks, a lot, for doing this,”
I said, once we plopped it in the living room. I immediately slammed the front door closed and put the temperature on heat. I could start to feel my toes again. “It’s really special to me.” “Well,” he said, smirking. “It’s for a very special person.” I paused when he said that, looking at him. He grinned slightly and was just about to say something when someone hollered, “Oh my gosh! Snow!” “What?!” Ryan said, grabbing my arm and running towards the nearest window. Sure enough, there were flurries coming down from the cloudy sky. Ryan turned to me and asked, “Wanna experience your first snow day?” During this time, I had already put on a beanie and a pair of Stef’s snow boots. “Let’s go!” He grabbed my hand, our fingers intertwining, and ran out the door with the rest of my friends and brother close behind. They were flurries, which apparently wasn’t quite snow, but there were more and more falling. They fell slowly towards the ground like the cherry blossoms had moments earlier. The lawn was now littered with dots of white, green patches of grass, and a few remaining petals. I couldn’t help but stick out my tongue and let it all in. Jason, David, and Chris launched themselves in a snow war while Tori and Nicole danced around like there was no tomorrow, throwing the white substance into the air. I couldn’t help but think how numb their hands must’ve felt. Ryan joined them after a couple of minutes, laughing right along. But, I just stood there, taking it all in. I took in the sense that I was in a welcoming place with all of my friends, the flurries rushing down at our faces, the cherry blossoms on the floor, and all the memories we had together; all the experiences. But right now, I was missing an experience, something that had never happened to me in Florida. So when Ryan looked over at me, and held out a hand, I grabbed it immediately, ready for another experience on my journey.
DECEMBER 2011
THE CIRCLE GAZETTE
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The staff of The Enrichment Circle & The Circle Gazette wishes a
Happy and Restful Holiday Season to all our young writers and artists, to our subscribers and partners and to all our sponsors. We appreciate your work and your support, without which there would be no paper. We close the year 2011 with a vibrant sixteen-page issue full of relevant and interesting stories, moving poetry and breathtaking art. Through the last twelve months we have featured more than 1000 pieces of high-quality work from children of all ages and from everywhere. We keep on dreaming! Find more information about us on page 2 or online at www.enrichmentcircle.com.
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THE CIRCLE GAZETTE
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DECEMBER 2011
“Katherine” the Vermillion Fairy by Daniela Gómez, Age 11 Margate, FL
Leaves That Sway, Play, Then Fall
Name: Katherine Age: 357 Color: Vermillion Size: 2 inches Hobbies: Baking, painting and gardening Least Favorite Thing to do: Not have fun Favorite Bird: Vermillion Flycatcher Favorite Insect: Viceroy Butterfly Animal Friend: Ariana (Viceroy Butterfly) Favorite Season: Autumn Home: Hollow cypress tree in the Everglades Favorite Flower: Western Australian Flowering Gum Favorite Accessory: Her falling leaf porcelain clasp
Did You Know... … that vermillion is an opaque orange red pigment, similar to scarlet? As a naturally occurring mineral pigment, it is known as cinnabar, and was in use around the world before the Common Era began. Most naturally produced vermilion comes from cinnabar mined in China, and vermilion is nowadays commonly called ‘China red’. The name ‘vermilion’ is derived from the French vermeil (indicating any red dye) and from Latin vermiculum, the ancient insect dye from Kermes vermilio.
by Jay, the Blue Fairy, and Katherine, the Vermillion Fairy Leaves in the autumn are a sight to behold Each one reminds me of creatures that are nature, I am told A winged girl, a fairy Very delicate, very kind Each one has a color and a special mind Soft breezes lift the fairies and the leaves, dancing, leaping through the trees. Tiny bells and rustling noises Happy trees that shake their heads and strike their poses And the fairy standing there, is clothed in orange-red, The fairy standing there is Vermillion, Katherine is her name. Soft and loud sounds, mouth-watering smells Wafting up the path of wells, And leaves and fairies, one in particular Young, yet old, striking, tall Playful, sweet and painting life, Leaf or fairy, who is it? A person or a thing? Yet it is both, both swaying, playing. Turning sharply, riding winds Halting at nothing; faces with grins Ending nowhere, stopping when? Never, ever Flipping, flying and hanging on tight, A fairy and her leaf, soaring till night Leaving only when the sun has set, Leaf and fairy, always best friends!
“Katherine.” Illustration by author. Soft pastels on paper.
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DECEMBER 2011
THE CIRCLE GAZETTE
THE MARK Chapter 1 J.C. Narrated by Jamie C. by Daniela Gómez, Age 11 Margate, FL Why did I believe her? Why did I come with her? Why did I trust Jeanette when what she said was so, so unbelievable? Because part of me knew it was true. Because I think I remember something, as odd, as crazy as her story; something that I can’t prove wrong, even if it belongs to my darkest moments. Even if I didn’t believe Jeanette, the proof came soon enough. When Mrs. Hampton ran into the room, pale as ever and brandishing a deadly looking sword, it was enough to know something was going on. Had she ever been a kind, ordinary person? No, never. But it was still surprising for me when she actually tried to kill us. Here’s what happened: Since she had already been threatened by Mrs. Hampton, Jeanette knew that the faded scar on her left palm that I’d only recently learned about had something in it that could temporarily defeat our enemy. But it didn’t start glowing or anything; instead, my own secret letter-shaped scar on my right elbow started to feel warm. I suddenly lost control and feeling of my right arm. All I could feel was an intense burning on my elbow and for a second, my C-shaped scar felt like it had split open, I was too overcome by the pain to make a sound! Then, as the pain ceased, a dangerous jet of red light shot from my elbow that I now realized was pointing at Mrs. Hampton. The red light hit the bony woman square in the chest and she stopped, not
breathing but definitely alive. What happened next not only repulsed me and freaked me out to the point that I wished I were anywhere else, but it also proved true what Jeanette had said only minutes ago: that Mrs. Hampton was a monster, not a human… Mrs. Hampton screamed and it was a high-pitched, ear-splitting shriek, like an eagle’s war call magnified 100 times and without the beauty and elegance. Her arms grew longer and skinnier and her bones, which had seemed so pronounced just a second ago, were apparently shrinking into nonexistence. Jeanette was right; Mrs. Hampton was starting to look like a jellyfish. Other tentacles shot out of her chest which was disappearing, replaced by writhing, slimy, wormlike limbs. Her legs were undergoing the same transformation as her arms had and were now slipping and tumbling on the cold marble floor. Her head was growing rapidly larger and a hole opened in her neck. It spread and spread, her head becoming transparent. And there in front of us: our very own jellyfish monster… I raised my arm and bent it so my elbow and the “C” on it faced the monster and, bracing myself for the pain, I channeled all my anger and fear into the scar and it burst with red color, this time without the painful part, shooting at the tentacles of the jellyfish. A blue light joined mine and I realized that Jeanette had raised her left hand and had pointed her “J” at the monster. We escaped but we’ve been running away ever since that day and we started out by mov-
ing as far away from the orphanage as possible. “Hey look at this!” Jeanette beckoned to me and pointed at the book she was reading. Of all the things we had to leave behind, Jeanette and I had managed to take a pair of shoes each, an extra pair of clothes, and a satchel that contained a collection of journals, scrapbooks, and diaries written by Jeanette’s mom, Mia Coral. Jeanette had opened one of them and was now sitting cross-legged on the hard floor of our tent. The diary was opened to about the middle and Jeanette pointed to a large photo covering most of the page. She quickly flipped to another page before I could see what the creature was. She showed me a photo of two baby girls laughing into the camera. One was Jeanette and the other must have been her twin sister. There was an entry written in curly, measured cursive that read “This is one of the last pictures of my girls together. Jeanette is staying with us. I’ll miss my baby “I didn’t even know her name,” my friend sighed and softly ran her hand over the picture. “That’s me,” she said and touched the girl on the left. “And that’s her,” she indicated the other baby. “I just know,” she answered my questioning look and I nodded: even if she didn’t know her, she was her sister. “She reminds me of you a bit,” Jeanette sighed and flipped a few pages. “This is super important.” She was back to the page she had first showed me. I realized with a start that it was the monster we once knew as Mrs. Hampton. “She wrote something, look!” My friend urged me to look at the tear-splattered page and I read a small entry: “Jeanette
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wants to be by the Ocean but because of Sahær, we can’t take her there. I miss the Ocean too but what can I do?” More about Jeanette having a twin sister and, I don’t know why, more cause for me to be uneasy… “Sa—what?” I asked, perplexed, “The monster’s real name” Jeanette said softly. I looked at the curious word. “It looks like ‘sa-hair,’ but I think it’s pronounced differently,” I voiced. Jeanette had already thumbed to the very end where Mia Coral had made a sort of glossary. In the “S” section, we found Sahær and read the following next to it: “Sahær (sa-ha-AIR), a creature of evil, a monster; the queen of jellyfish and a well-known tyrant of the Carcege world.” We found Carcege in her little dictionary too. It looked like this: “Carcege (car-sai-JEE), the world of magical creatures and monsters.” We also found a picture of a large green sea turtle. It looked beautiful and graceful. Next to it was only this: “You are our only hope. Help us!” Weird.… Except that a journal isn’t necessarily a reliable source when it comes to fictional (yet real) creatures; Mrs. Coral could have made up a story about these sea turtles. Yet, the photo of Sahær looked so much like the real one, it seemed impossible that it could be a coincidence; and why would she put a picture of Jeanette and her twin and write that it was the last photo of them together if she was making the story up? Jeanette and her sister must have been separated when they were little because my friend didn’t even know her name. I think we agreed that this particular part was true. But once again, if we had doubted Mrs. Coral’s journal, that feeling was soon dispersed. Jeanette and I were walking close to the beach, back to our current hideout, when we saw it, a giant green sea turtle, its head the size of a normal turtle. There was no mistaking that the turtle we saw was the same one in the book. “Oh my God, Jamie! Look over there!” Jeanette was pointing, but not at the turtle. Her arm
was in the direction of a human head bobbing above the surface of the water next to the buoy that marked the start of the open ocean. Who would go that far with the water in such a rough state? Then I suddenly got a good feeling and started walking up to the water’s edge, not paying attention to the fact that the waves could have been baby tsunamis, or that the water wasn’t a safe place for me since I’m being hunted by jellyfish. Instead, I ignored my common sense and Jeanette’s calls and just walked until the high leaping waves drenched me head to toe. I realized that my faithful best friend had followed me and that the girl by the buoys was staring at us from the now suddenly still water… “Um, hi!” Jeanette said with forced cheeriness. The girl’s intense blue eyes searched our eyes and when she spoke, her voice was the ocean itself: “Hello Jeanette, hello Jamie, and welcome.” She smiled slightly and her black curly hair ballooned around her face in slow graceful circles. “It is not safe for you here but in my home, it will be; come with me.” She pushed herself out of her wave a little, but not enough to reveal her legs. She was wearing a sea-green dress that seemed unaffected by the water and swirled in the wind, dry as ever. She stared at us, and I trusted her, blind to all the opposing evidence, to the fact that we were supposed to be wary of those connected to the sea, to the fact that she was sitting in a wave that was frozen mid-jump. I just thought: ‘We have to go with her,’ and, as if she read my mind, she held out her hand to me and I grabbed it, taking hold of Jeanette’s unwilling one as well. Before anything else, I suddenly thought: ‘Jen has a J and I have a C. That makes J.C. Does that stand for anything important?’ Then the girl flipped in the air and splashed back under the wave, her navy tail gleaming in the setting sun for a second, then disappearing within the now reactivated wave and we followed the Mermaid into darkness…
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Daria Noel
DECEMBER 2011
“Fish” Soft pastels on paper by Elizabeth Abrams, Age 7 Fort Lauderdale
“Self Portrait” by Daria Noel, Age 7 Coral Springs, FL
“Fish” Soft pastels on paper by Abigail Abrams, Age 5 Fort Lauderdale, FL
“:The City” Acrylics on canvas Inspired by the art of artist L.S. Lowry by Ana Elisa, Age 13 Caracas, Venezuela
“Rainbow Fish” Multimedia art inspired by the story Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister. by Yousef Eltokhy, Age 4, Sunrise, FL. Art developed at ESE/Pre-K class at Welleby Elementary School.
“Sunburst” Painted Mosaic . Acrylic paints on canvas inspired by the works of Antoni Gaudi on display in Barcelona, Spain. by Sofia Serrano, Age 5 Frankfurt, Germany “Woman walks in the woods in a rainy day” Multimedia Art. Inspired on the technique Drawing with Scissors original of French artist Henri Matisse. by Ellie and Emma Gómez, Ages 5 and 8, Margate, FL “Frog” Watercolors on paper by Elizabeth Abrams, Age 7 Fort Lauderdale, FL
“Buttons” Mosaic by Anthony Mata, Age 4, Sunrise, FL. Art developed at ESE/Pre-K class at Welleby Elementary School.