Merry Holidays, 401!

Now THIS is something to be drooling over. But perhaps some of you would much rather hang out inside that Port-a-Potty from my last post? And since that's a live, actual-sized person walking in the background, it's HUGE. No, the gingerbread house,...not me. (But after a few holiday weeks, things may change.) This brilliant architectural madness is made with real cookies, Lifesavers, candy-coated candies, sugary gum drops, pastel-colored, floral-scented wafers, candy canes, frosting, ginger bread, and blah blah. There's enough room for our whole class to fit inside, I swear. My dentist is going to f-r-e-a-k.

Anyone stop at this place to gawk at other silly Americans, take family portraits, eat bad food, and buy unnecessary gadgets and gizmos of plenty? What you all doing now?! I miss you all! Stop by!

Merry Christmas, happy holidays and New Year and all that good stuffings. Mmmmm...yummm.

Stuffing.

Finally!

The proud City of (insert temporary name here) has installed what has been missing all this time. Perhaps my temporary place can now be called HOME forever. But honestly, who even needs a real house when you can have this to snuggle up in? What more clever things can they possible think of now? Great job (temporary name)! Absolutely brilliant. Jealous anyone?

A true meaning of the phrase home sweet home!

Miss Lou had a Thanksgiving Adventure

First it snowed, then we lost power and water, so we boiled snow for coffee and bucket showers.

Talk about a fabulous holiday!

Guess where Miss Lou spent her Thanksgiving week?

(Hey! No researching necessary!)

1. One of my favorite authors works in this state.

2. The name of its capital city is also a city in France.

3. This city is best known for their cheese.

4. The author writes for both children and adults.

5. The capital has 10 letters

6. It makes award-winning cheddar.

7. The name of the state comes from the French words "green mountain."

8. You better get it by now without Googling.

9. Monarch butterflies are native to this state.

10. The first log schoolhouse in this city stood at the foot of Shepard Hill.

11. Okay, enough hints already!

12. Time to guess!

Now, your turn.

Mr. Pumpkin wonders...

What's up, people?! What did you do for Thanksgiving?

Furry Friends

Who's ever heard of an albino squirrel?

In my neighborhood, there lives a furry white creature just this one. No, she did just fall into a bucket of flour. No, she did not get into a fight with a can of paint, but it does come in handy for a game of Hide & Seek during the snowy winter days.

What the heck is albino?

Albus means "white" in Latin. Albinism is a lack or complete absent of melanin pigment in your skin, eyes and hair. It is a form of hypopigmentary congenital disorder. Albinism results from inheritance of recessive gene alleles. The condition is known to affect mammals (including humans), fish, birds, reptiles and amphibians. Humans with this condition often get sunburned if they spend too much time under the hot sun. (Either way, you should always wear sunblock and hats!) Has anyone seen an albino squirrel frolicking in their neighborhood? Keep a look out and check this little furry friend out Facebook!

Can you guess what city this albino squirrel hangs out?

Inventions

There are some things in this world that are unnecessary. In some cases, people can make a fortune off those seemingly unnecessary and ridiculous things.

Don't waste your time. Don't waste your money. Don't be ridiculous.

Unless of course you can make a fortune too.

:(

Boston mourns. New York celebrates. Miss Lou remains passive.

Anyone wanna guess why?

Happy Halloween 2009!

Did you fill the night with hairy scary wigs, velvet capes, semi-permanent face gunk and fake blood?

Gosh, I hope so.

Did you eat all your candy yet? Did you lapse into a sugar coma after jumping off the walls like a psycho? Did you steal all your brother or sister's candy after s/he wasn't willing to trade all your Almond Joys away for Twix and Reeses?

Gosh, I hope nobody caught you.

What did you wear? Did you see anyone else sporting your same store bought costume? Did you steal all their candy?

Gosh, I hope not.

SEND ME YOUR CANDY!

Okay, jk. I never eat junk, remember? Ha.

Miss you all and wish I got to trick-or-treat with you that night!!!

Half

Happy 18th Sunday!

I'm off to brave the 49 degree-windy, rainy weather for my second to last half marathon race of the season. After this one, it's the LAST before the weather drops to ugly.

Wish me luck...

Miss Lou

My usual goals: 1) Embrace every mile, 2) finish without dying and finally, 3) finish without killing anyone. Oh, and 4) Smile at the cameras.

Nobel Peace & Other Wild Things

Congrats to our fabulous President for winning and accepting the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize! Congrats to Spike Jonze and Dave Eggers for writing and releasing the film from Maurice Sendak's infamous Caldecott-winning children's book "Where the Wild Things Are." (You better remember that book from FP!) I suppose it makes little sense to merge these two diverging pieces of news together, but for President Obama's daughter Malia, that may not be so unusual.

On the day of the award ceremony, Malia, age 10, congratulates her father then proceeds to remind him it's Bo's birthday and that it's going to be a 3-day weekend. (Named after the singer/performer Bo Diddly, Bo is the Obama family dog.) Never mind that her father is the fourth president to ever win this prestigious and honorable prize. Never mind he's the third sitting president to win, or that he's the very first to receive the award as a freshman in office. In winning, President Barack Obama joins the elite group of others such as Mikhail Gorbechav (in helping end Cold War) and Nelson Mandela (in his great efforts to end apartheid.) But to his daughters at home in the White House, President Obama is just a good ole' humble and fun loving dad. Aw, shucks...

As a 48-year-old first year president, Obama has more pressure and expectations to take on now. Many believe he was undeserving of such prestige. Some believe it wasn't enough to be selected for simply his efforts and inspiration. But the President was chosen for his “extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples" and he accepted the award as "a call to action." He continues his efforts for change and charity by donating his $1.4 million to charity.

President Obama hasn't yet decided where the money will go...who should he donate this money to? (Sorry, video games, trendy footwear, new sports equipment and junk food fails to fall under the category of charity!)

Three loud cheers for our great and Noble President! King of the Wild Things!

Let the Wild Rumpus Start!

Choices

Happy Sunday, Kids...(or are you now teens? Pre-teens? Yikes.)

What will you do today? Some of you will make warm sticky buns for your family, stay indoors to master that last pre-algebra problem, tinker keys on the piano to warm up those stiff fingers, tackle a few chapters in that (required) book by choice, or decide that today will be the day to build a rocket ship, finish writing your fancy research paper on AEROSPACE ENGINEERING or learn Arabic. Keep IT up, geniuses (and don't forget my bank account number when you make the millions!)

While the rest of you...will sleep in, scarf down a bowl of lucky Captain Crunch or crunchy Lucky Charms in front of cartoon reruns with sleep still tangled in your eyelashes and then spend the rest of your lazy Sunday playing video games in comfy pajamas. But unfortunately, most of you have strict parents that would never allow for sugar cereals, but instead give you a bitter lecture about your lack of work ethic while forcing plain soggy oatmeal, fried eggs with oozy yolks, spinach pancakes and more nagging down your throat. Prizes don't come with those healthy foods and if it did, your little brother or sister would probably have beaten you to it anyway. And if so, you are one of those students who are then dragged to church with ungroomed hair only to get another lecture in the car when you've forgotten your bibles - yet again! You will then try to keep awake during Sunday school, putting more effort in disguising those uncontrollable yawns, only to wish you were still under warm covers and slumber.

Life as a pre-teen can sure s-u-c-k.

Which kind is your Sunday? And how would it be different if you didn't have unreasonable parents and annoying brother and sisters and strict teachers and God down your back and under your skin?

Jai Ho and Jia Yo!

Miss Lou

6-7th Grade: Above & Beyond!

Hello 401,

Thanks for keeping me updated on the dis/likes of your lives and filling me in on the wonders, curiosities, emotional mysteries of your great adventure at Middle/Junior High School (M/JHS). It gets more competitive and harder as the years add on, but once you get used to the different subject and periods, varying personality of teachers, mastering the transition minutes between classes and hours of endless assignments and projects and readings and calculating and dissecting, it's not so so bad, right? (Phew, I'm tired just thinking back on my experiences...zzz.)

In no time, M/JHS will all be over. Some of us love school: the smell of newly sharpened pencils, the hopeful feel of blank white paper and the sour smell of student lockers (ew). Some choose to continue onto more school voluntarily while others loathe at the mere thought of heeding to annoying bells, getting pushed and shoved through crowded hallways, and cringe at the sight and smell of lab goggles and used textbooks.

Advice? Well, you'll just have to continue feeling all these wondrous sensations, giving into each teachers' expectations and trying your absolute best in discovering what you enjoy and do best. (Really, the key is to find out what the teacher wants and begin first by abiding, then adding your own personal and brilliant flare.)

Once you find * IT * - school life will turn into something you look forward to, rather than despise. The IT factor is something that you can't wait to keep on doing. IT instills passion and interest. Once you find IT, time will no longer exist. Great artists feel IT when they draw, paint, play music or write. Biologists and doctors feel IT when they look inside a microscope, splitting cells or holding a scalpel against flesh. Athletes feel IT when they pass through the finish line and break their Performance Record. Musicians feel IT when they write a new song or feel the high energy of their fans on stage. Origami enthusiasts feel IT when they discover a whole new fold, or complete an impossible structure with paper. Animal activists feel IT when they save a whale from endangerment, or cast a broken bone on a naughty puppy. Chefs feel IT when they "wow!" their customers with new recipes and wake the taste buds with great sensations.

Teachers and professors feel IT when their students discover their very own IT. Eaters feel IT when they eat. Sleepers feel IT when they sleep. Veda Bee feels IT when she passes out after eating too many stolen treats. Well, you get the picture...

When do you feel IT? Not happening? Give it time. Explore more. Take more risks. Work hard. Play hard and don't forget to take time for a(n) (un)healthy snack and a long nap as reward.

Keep writing!

Miss Lou

S is for Shediac

Great job Daniel for getting the answer for the last posting. Yes, it helps to research! Now that school is well into it's first weeks, how is middle school?!

Hope all is fabulous!

Miss Lou

F is for Fisherman in...

What C-letter country is this brave lobster man looking out to? He just left a dozen lobster pots out to sea and is checking out if the buoys are still floating safely.

Behind him lives the largest lobster in the ___ but no worries, he's friendly.

What city/country did Miss Lou visit this summer?

Hint: Country starts with C. City starts with S. One of the Maritime provinces. (I think I gave you too many hints!)

Miss Lou's Back!

Yes, this is me. Just lounging around doing my usual summer reading and enjoying the warm weather in my flip-flops. Where is Miss Lou hanging out on this rickety rickshaw? Guess!

The last entry was the Golden Gate Bridge! Congrats Pichu, and yes...let's get together!

Miss you all and we're in the middle of summer!

You can do it!!!

Guess again! The last one is hard, I'm telling you. Two words. South Asia. Oh, so close! Keep trying. I suppose the rule for this is...I won't post new until the last is guessed.

Come on! Don't give up.

S is for a country in...

South Asia. Try again!

This one is tricky. You may think it's one country, but it does not begin with an I. Guess again! If you have been to this place, what does this entrance take you? A museum? Theater? Jail?

Congrats to Anonymous for getting the last post!

N is for...

Many of you have visited this famous tourist sight. Much like Iguazu, these rushing waters share two countries. Name this attraction and its dual nationalities.

Congratulations to Bryan for getting the last entry!

S is for...

Here is an easier one. This city is most important for it's country's silk industry. It is nicknamed "Heaven on Earth" by its people and "The Venice of the East" by foreign travelers. It is one of the oldest cities where students attend embroidery school - both competitive and ranked Top 4. Where is this God sent place?

*If you get this one, where is Venice?

What is this structure called and what is this specific one built for?

Name the city and country!

S is for....?

What parts of the world interest you? I know most of you have been to at least two countries in your lifetime. (China, India, Philippines, Switzerland, Vietnam, Canada...) At my ripe age of... (oh, let's stay on topic here), I would like to now dedicate the next 26 blogs to the 26 countries I've visited in MY "short" lifespan.

Please add to any news, events, famous people/sites, political or arts interests to the comment!

Challenge: Before we begin with the 26-country research, would anyone like to take a shot at guessing where this lion is shooting water? Huh? I was in this country during my Summer 2007 travels.

Countries upon request!

Welcome Mini-Moo!

This sweet cat was rescued off Center Street in the midst of the traffic-filled chaos by my friendly neighbor (aka) Dr. Doolittle. Once he stepped inside, he began exploring into all the rooms and up and down the furniture. We assume he is still a young kitty cat and will soon grow twice its size. MEEE-OOW!

Much like the life of Veda Bee, this curious kitty cat will have a home. Dr. Doolittle will post signs around the neighborhood, but if nobody claims him (fingers crossed!), he will live in our building with plenty of space of choice to sleep, food, water, kitty litter, treats, toys and lots of love!

Tips on Adopting (Cats or Dogs):

-Make a visit to nearby shelters or check online for adoption shows. Some animal rescues bring all their cats/dogs to your local pet supply stores on Saturday or Sunday mornings.

-Make sure your family, your physical house and backyard is suitable for the size of your new furry friend.

-Make a list of things you need and need to know before adoption. (*Example below.)

-Search online for the furry face and e-mail for a visit!

-Ask Miss Gilbert or Mrs. Gifford for more suggestions. They volunteer at Furry Friends Rescue and often times foster dogs before they are adopted.

-Get involved in volunteering, donating (time or $), or fostering. Ask parents first before bringing home a large furry creature!

-If you or your family is not ready but you still love animals, you can always volunteer on weekends for your own interest OR add to your community service hours. They need all the help you can give them.

Enjoy!

*Miss Lou's Questions before Adopting the Infamous Veda Bee:

-Am I ready? Yes! I have no plans to travel or live abroad anytime soon and I would be willing to take her with me if plans change.

-Can I afford a pet? Yes! I take full financial responsibility for vaccinations, adoption fees, food, shelter, treats, toys, travel expenses, emergency medical treatments, flea meds....more treats.

-Who will take Veda if something happens to me? Miss Gilbert is Veda Bee's Godmother since she is an animal lover also. In the last two years, Veda has acquired three more Godparents - on both coasts! Lucky girl!

-How much exercise would you be willing to provide? Everyday! As part of my daily routine, Veda will get more exercise than her laziness is willing. (Sometime I have to drag her!) During the long winter months, Veda gets her exercise by chasing after her doggie food.

-How much space? Lots! Since my old place didn't have a backyard, I took Veda out each day to the dog parks and coastlines. But now she is lucky to have a big, big yard and a wild park just two blocks away!

-How much love are you going to give? LOTS! Neverending cuddles, kisses and pets...of course!

-How will you potty train and discipline? With lots of treats and strict routine. As long as you set initial ground rules and follow them, your pet should eventually follow. Refer to obedience training books, videos and classes...and always ask the previous foster parent for extra help. One of the greatest things about online rescue, is that you can choose a pet that has already been trained!

Good luck!

DM on Stage!

Last night, I had this crazy dream. I was sitting in front of my computer, trying desperately to decode a bunch of silly numbers and letters while the fast-paced Time Bomb ticked along with my pounding heart. The minutes and seconds remaining dwindled fast and like every terrible nightmare, my task had to complete in order to save the world from drowning teenagers! I tried and tried to figure out what the numbers were supposed to mean, but no such luck. Aaah! In my dream, I just sat in front of the computer, panicking and pulling my hair out. What is all this?! How do I stop the clock?!

Did the Absent-Minded Female Heroine save the day? Not sure since she woke up in sheer relief that the weight of the young adult world was no longer her responsibility. (So why were my shoulders still feeling heavy?) Ouch! Very strange indeed. WHAT was in my dinner last night? Geez... (Word of advice: As tempting as it sounds, please stay clear away from marinated tofu cutlets and Fuji apples before bedtime. How about a pint of ice cream instead?)

Before I ramble on, let me introduce Today's Special x-401 Guest. Here's introducing another Superhero in the making...... starring ...... dimming lights ...... flashing spotlight .... drum roll please...

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * DM! * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

DM is inspiring the world in a unique and clever way. He is designing his very own sculptures with paper. Go Origami!

Check out DM's Origami Gallery!

Thanks for sharing ! We wish you best of luck in building Miss Lou & Veda Bee a new house! I mean, building your next fabulous creation. Who needs fancy store bought materials when you've got recycled paper and your clever fingers? Careful of cuts and callouses.
Can you guess how many pieces of pink paper were cut and folded to create this spiky flower design? What color paper did DM use to make this pink spiky thing? (No, it's not a trick question.) Most importantly, how does it all stay together without glue? Help!

Is this magic or an optical illusion? Is this his hand, or a figment of your imagination? If it really is his hand, is it really DM's or a hired hand model?

Is this edible version made out of banana skins and Twinkies? And is it REALLY yellow and white? Ask these mind-boggling questions to the Origami King himself, but first...check out his gallery and order your very own masterpiece! Or watch his YouTube video and try it out yourself. Can you build the designs above? Other kinds?

Thanks DM and hope you return as our guest very soon!

Happy Post 4th Weekend, Kiddies!

Good morning and happy Post 4th of July Weekend!

Where did you end up going?

On the Esplanade in Boston, my friends and I found an empty spot on the grassy spot not far from the Hatch Shell and parked ourselves on blankets, pulled out our many unhealthy snacks (yes, even me!) and listened to the music blaring out of Sound Tower #4. Can you find us on the Charles River Map? (Don't ask how many there were, but boy, were they loud! But fab choice of music indeed.) We played cards and ate until our tummies felt sick. People brought their tents, tarps, guitars, children and well-behaved doggies. (No, Veda prefers to be away from crazy crowds.) Others hit beach balls while some even took naps. (Not a great combo - beach balls and naps. Yes, some fights broke out! Call the Boston PD! What's the #?!) The sky was clear blue with scattered clouds to hide the sun during moments of intense heat. It was fabulous with no thunderstorms or rain, hooray!

At eight o'clock after the National Anthem, the Boston Pops performed with Neil Diamond. But I'm sure your favorite part would've been the Supersonic Jets blasting across the sky - when they near blown out my eardrums. Vaaaaa-rooooomroaaar! Scary...but what a sight! Fast and furious.

Neil Diamond sang his infamous "Sweet Caroline" to the audience of 500 million and repeated his trademark song after commercial break while dancing his old legend body away. There's just something to be said about thousands of different kinds of people of all ages singing along one song. Talk about unity! What songs did you play during your picnic-party-noise-polluting BBQ?

Around ten-thirty in the evening after the sky grew dark, the crowd inched toward the Cambridge side of the water to view the strategically-designed, ever beautiful crackling sky. The Sound Towers played a well-thought out arrangement of popular songs to add to the already crowd-pleasing excitement. (Yes, that is Grease you hear blaring in the background.) What other songs do you recognize as the fireworks flash and pop? What other songs would go with works?

In hopes all your fantastic celebrations were filled with good eats, music and NOISE!

Always,
Miss Lou

Happy 4th Weekend!

So much to see and so little time! Thanks for all your e-mails! I loved hearing about all your summer adventures, classes and downtime.

Keep writing, kids!

Now before this becomes an official food blog, let's see what is in store for all the kiddies around your area on this special Independence Day weekend. Will you be hiking and picnicking with the fam? BBQ-ing in the backyard with your 100 million Asian relatives? YouTubing the flight of the monarch and matching it with your favorite tunes? (Ashank? You know what I'm saying...) Or will you be venturing out to the Great Big City to see the works explode on fire?

On this side of the world, the fireworks and crackers have been setting off each night. In the same area each night - yup, right outside of my window. Loud and clear, and scaring the pee pee poo poo out of poor Veda. She shivers like a cat and hides under the croak of my arms. (Ribbit!) Some watch dog she is, but I find it rather endearing and enjoy the cute cuddle.

Here are some of the greatest things to do on this sunny 4th weekend:

1. Blow up a rafts, buy lots of cold drinks and crunchy snacks. Drift down the American River with friends and family. Don't forget the life vests and sunblock!

2. Hike up on feets with a picnic basket of treats to Coyote Hills or Mount Diablo to watch the sun go down and the fireworks fly up. Leave your iPods at home!

3. Fire up the BBQ and grill the corn, burgers and buns. Yums!

4. Alameda will host their annual parade with theme: Clean & Green!

5. Cupertino will host a pancake breakfast to set off their AM parade.

6. And if you're wiling to make the small drive to Santa Cruz county, you can celebrate with parades and events in Watsonville, Boulder Creek and Aptos (this last parade features Great Pyrenes dogs in their parade!)

7. How about a parade with live music and fireworks? The 11th Annual Hometown parade will take place in Antioch at 7pm. Firework show will begin at 9:30pm. Free Admission!

8. If you enjoy music, Vallejo Symphony Orchestra will perform in Vallejo with an after party from 2:30-6:30.

9. Or how about just some quality time to catch up with your fun ones?

Miss you all!

Fiddle Heads & Dilly Beans

Bet you can't guess what these curly suckers are! Yup, you guessed it! The Almighty Fiddleheads!

On our weekend adventure to Cabot, Vermont, my friend's family served these amazing greens called fiddleheads. Not quite sure if they're written as a compound word, but I must say, they were deee-licious! (That is, if you're into veggies like me. Roar!)

Fiddleheads seems to be a wild, forest grown vegetable - a cross between an artichoke, an asparagus and bean. Pick before it uncurls, and you've got yourself a tasty treat. It tastes buttery and nutty. Some say that fiddleheads are everywhere, but I have yet to find one growing in my backyard. The Amazing Fiddly Fiddleheads only existed in rare areas during a short period of the year. Thanks to the Daniels' Family, they gathered and picked the very last of the freshest bunch.

Veda Bee and me will not give up our search in the Greater Boston area - rubber boots...check! Flashlight (check!), basket (check!), treats and Wild Plants for Dummies - check, check! (Wait says we need three bags of treats? VEDA! Dah dah!)

But what about the Great Dilly Beans, you ask? Well, they were delicious as well, but I liked the fiddleheads better. Beans, beans...good for the heart. The more you eat, the more you...well, you know. Let's just say that beans are beans especially if they are pickled. A bit tangy and one can't consume too much without having to shovel a large pile of lasagne or glass of water to quench the tang of your tongue. So enjoy the Great Dilly Bean one small delicate bite at a time!

What are your favorite vegetables? (Miss Lou: Artichokes, fiddleheads, kale, ice cream, pea sprouts, brussel sprouts)

What are your least favorite? (Miss Lou: green bell peppers, alfa alfa sprouts)

Which ones do you wish would just go extinct like the dinosaurs? (Miss Lou: Okra - bleh!)

For all those who don't get enough greens for your genes, you best be making up for the vitamins, minerals and chlorphyll elsewhere, or BEWARE!

Miss you all & be good to the body!

Miss Dr. Healthy Heart

Dim Sum for Everyone!

It's Sunday! And the perfect day for a family dim sum hang out. Where will you go? Fremont? San Jose? Sunnyvale? Oakland or San Francisco Chinatown? What is your favorite dish?

Dim Sum is literally translated to mean "a pinch or dab of heart" and the light dishes are served with Chinese tea. The meal is consumed in the morning until noon (or two o'clock for some places.) It's like the equivalent of a Chinese-style brunch. The dishes are stacked in bamboo bowls. Shrimp dumplings, pork dumplings, rice noodles, onion pancakes, chicken feet, fruit, sweet or salty buns are some of the many examples for dim sum.

My fondest memory is meeting all my relatives in Oakland Chinatown for a Sunday dim sum. My dad would order a few main dishes, pour the tea and us kids would point to all our favorites. I loved the rice noodles with shrimp and all the vegetable dishes (go figure!). My dad loved the duck and oily pork. My mom would gnaw on the oxtail soup bones and my brother would eat anything. Though I was a picky eater, I still inhaled those chicken legs and spit out the bones all all once. Man, it's been a long many years since I've done that! And to be honest, I don't really miss it.

I love to go to Sunday dim sum on occasion, but not often since the food isn't necessary all that healthy. But just like ice cream parlors, fast food and all-you-can-eat buffets, it's the fun of eating and the happy family get-togethers...

Hope you're enjoying this beautiful, hot Sunday - dim sum or not day.

Boston Marathon

Is this not one of the coolest athletes ever? On that gloriously gray April day, thousands of participants braved the challenging 26.2-mile stretch. There was a little rain, but it was almost perfect weather for a nice long run across the city of Boston.

I took this photo at the last five miles because it simply brought tears to my eyes. It reminded me that anything is possible with hard work, dedication and lots of passion - just like our athletes: Bryan, Kat C, Osi, Samuel, Andrew, Felix, Jake and all you others playing tennis, wall ball and basketball.

If you're ever feeling down, know that there are so many people working extra hard to get to where they want to be. Know that can, no matter what. You can and you will.

Miss Lou is always so proud of each and every one of you as you embark on a new journey.

Enjoy and send me photos to post!

Michael Jackson is DEAD...

Shocking, sad, predictable, or are you mad at the media for not protecting this once child star from all the craziness and fame?

Michael Jackson dies at 50. Last night, "The King of Pop" was rushed to the hospital after five decades of hard work, fame, lawsuits, possible drug addictions, too many plastic surgeries gone wrong and lastly, failed rescue from a collapsing cardiac arrest.

The Los Angeles hospitals tried to perform CPR, but Pop Star was not able to recover from the heart attack. Some say it was too much pill-popping, his delicate health, or trying too hard to get back in shape for his upcoming concerts. Some just say it's time. Most people are sad and mourning his too early death.

Fifty years of irreplaceable child talent now gone.

In honor of his death, I have added a few of his most memorable...and a few other perspectives.

-Time: His past, present and future
-Young Michael Jackson, a true performer
-More on Michael oh, wait...that's not...
-The New Michael? Or Beatles?
-Mini Michael
-A Different Kind of Mini Michael

We'll miss you, kid genius!

Go Bry! Future Gold Medal Champ!

Congrats Future Olympian!

Bryan might attend the North American Challenge Cup race in Los Angeles, California. As his fellow number ONE fans, we cheer him on! However, if Bryan doesn't make it, he will be going to Hawaii for a Western Zones race. Either way, it doesn't sound too shabby for a young, hard working swimmer.

After all these races in August, Bryan will be off for some down time away from the chlorinated waters to visit relatives in China.

We're proud of you, Bry and will be cheering for you the whole way!

Keep us updated!

Music & the Art of Race Meditation

All athletes take moments of downtime to focus, go over race strategies, stretch, hydrate & meditate. This young athlete pops in his iPod and listens to his favorite tunes in preparation to win it all...What is Bryan's favorite tunes before a race? Can you guess which race he was preparing for? What were his results? Does he ever sing those tunes when he streams through the clear water?

Wait to find out!

Go Champ!

Guess who is swimming?

Hey!

No

cheating!

Guess

before

scrolling!

Nope! It's not Bryan...

...he doesn't have this much facial hair yet. Before that happens, Bryan is already well on his way to becoming the next Michael Phelps. Mr. Phelps looks pretty satisfied in this shot.

All photos have been a courtesy of Frank S. Thanks Bryan's Dad!

Amazing photos!

Rain, rain...go away!

Sun-starved Veda Bee is tired of the rain. It's been raining none stop for almost two weeks! Since she hates the cold and getting wet, Veda has been hiding under down comforters and barking at the sky. You can't blame her, right? It's JUNE, for goodness sake. It's supposed to be summer!

Drizzle, drizzle, drizzle...but at least this is Miss Lou's favorite kind of weather. Gray, grey skies, thick bloated clouds and wet sidewalks make her smile and appreciate life. This kind of weather is perfect for a long run along the Charles River, hot chocolate with lots of cinnamon, reading on the couch with a great book (Check out "Hunger Games!") and of course, writing writing writing!

What would you do on a rainy day? Listen and download your favorite tunes? If so, make a request and I will add it to our list of 401 Favorites on the side bar! (Thanks Jordan and Claire for your requests!) Or do you prefer reading? If so, start a list of 401 Reading Favorites and your request is on demand. It's amazing what dogs can learn to do when they are bored to death.

Any thing else you recommend?

I'm off for my longest run of the season - 11 miles! Wish me luck that I don't fall flat on my face!

Miss you all and comment soon!

Fremont Gossip Girls (Asian-Style)

If I could write the Asian version of the middle grade Beacon Street Girls, or the young adult Gossip Girl Series, I would most definitely have faces to put on the cover. Phani, Amanda, Kat, Char and Alyssa are far more sweet and caring, but what personality they all have!

I hope all of you are enjoying your summer and tell me your plans!

Zzz...Alyssa, wake up...and comment below!

Miss you all!

Happy Father's Day!

Hi Kids!

I hope all your dads and fathers and babas and blah blahs are having a great time with you. You didn't make him take you out to eat and then force the poor guy to pay, did you? Shame, shame! But I guess you'll make it up later when you become rich or famous or successful or have a job and a salary to pay for a boba tea or movie or something.

My dad is sadly more than 3000 miles away, but I did manage to still surprise the old guy. Since my dad goes to Peet's coffee EVERY morning for coffee and croissants, this plan was easy. I warned my mom to make sure to let him order. This is how it went at the coffee shop...(or at least what he told me after the fact).

Dad: Two medium coffees, an almond croissant. Oh yes, and an apple turnover for my wife, please.

Coffee Barrista Guy: Here you go, Mr. Chinese Harry Potter.

Dad: Thank you. How much will it be? The usual?

Coffee Barrista Guy: No, no. It's FREE today.

Dad, speechless: Whaaat? What is this?

Coffee Guy: Your daughter already paid for it. Happy Father's Day! And here's a $20 gift card for your next visit!

Mr. Chinese Harry Potter, (a.k.a my dad): What? But she is all the way on the other side of the...huh?

C.B.G: Hahaha...Enjoy!

So yes, I called the really accommodating assistant manager (named James) and he let me prepay over the phone with my card. What a nice guy! If you're ever needing an extra jolt,...okay, maybe if you're craving a whipped cream and hot chocolate...you know where to go!

According to the US Census Bureau, there are 64.3 million fathers in the US; 1.8 million of those are custodial single fathers. There are millions more fathers who don't live with their children every day but are actively involved in their lives. All of these dads deserve our love, honor and respect for all they do.

Happy Father's Day to all those hard working papas, babas, da das and blah blahs...you rock!

Enjoy!

Yum, yum...yum!

Hi again,...

I've made a few changes as you can clearly notice. Since you have all moved forward in YOUR academic careers, I've decided this website needs to do some growing up too. Sigh. What do you think about the new design and colors and fonts and styles and gadgets and photos and...?

Let me know if you want a different color. If you have a blog, be a follower! Add your favorite song and stay awhile for a friendly game of Sudoku.

See you soon and don't get into too much trouble,

Enjoy!
Miss Lou

First Official Day of Summer!

This is Miss Lou and Veda Bee. For my first official week of summer, my friends and I drove to Vermont to visit David Macaulay's art studio, eat ice cream and spend the weekend in a big, big cabin in the forest. Hooray! Congrats on completing yet another successful year!

What are YOUR plans for your first official day?

First off, I would like to assign homework if that's OK.

Assignment 1: Check this blog.

Assignment 2: Stay up late to

a) Watch a great movie
b) Read a fantastic book
c) Listen to music or talk with a friend
d) Spend quality time with the fam
e) Stare in the mirror and laugh hysterically

Assignment 3: Do all of the above.

Assignment 4: Go outside and take in the fresh afternoon air.

Assignment 5: Comment on this blog.

Assignment 6: Get sick eating too much ice cream or chips.

Assignment 7: Try to make up for eating something healthy.

Assignment 8: Play with your dog or cat. (Borrow one!)

Assignment 9: Gather up your friends and play b-ball.

Assignment 10: Swim, laugh, hang out, daydream and eat!

Enjoy your first days of freedom!

Miss Lou

Summer Suggestions

1. Update on Oldie but Goodie News Coverage

2. Fun Stuff

3. Have any other suggestions?

You are about to...

embark on a new journey...

School is done! Where will you go now?

The next challenge is up ahead!

The road feels long, unfamiliar and kind of...haunted!

You feel scared, but courageous and somewhat excited.

Get on your bike and check it out!

Are you brave enough to continue,
or will you wait for the next moment?

Will you take a friend, or go alone?
Who is brave and fun enough to go with you?

Will you plan first, or just go and see what happens?

Enjoy the journey and return safely!

What will you do this summer?

Some of you will make art, origami, crafts...

...some will garden....







while some will just stare in space and daydream.

Many of you will travel and explore new things either at home or away,


But of course, some would just rather be left alone and sleep....zzzzz!

But regardless what you do...

Keep searching for what makes you feel strong and happy!

Last Day Countdown!

Smile!

I know this is the Last Day before some of you will say good-bye to Forest Park forever. (Andrew...I said SMILE!) Okay, maybe some of you are feeling a bit sad, scared, happy, angry (not sure why you would), stressed, remorseful (why?), grateful, relieved, confused…(anyone have a thesaurus?).

Questions to Comment:

What is your greatest memory of your FP experience?

What is your worst memory?

I won't ask your favorite teacher since that's obvious...haha. But I will
ask what you hope to take with you when you leave. For those of you
with a one or a few more years left, what do you want to do next/last year
at this fabulous school?

My greatest memory of Forest Park is the 8AM morning runs around the school with our bright yellow shirts and music breakfasts. I remember when our dear friend J had to move away and how we call made these wonderfully kind speeches to her (and ate lots of junk food - in honor of her). I enjoyed the Talent School try-outs and hosting for the parents and student body. I loved sitting with all of you during lunch to make sure you were all eating healthy foods...(but of course, even the teachers crave junk sometimes!) Most of all, I miss listening to your everyday stories, dramas, watching you athletes playing basketball, listening to music and laughing with you all.

My worse memory is...those times when emergency Circle Time moments had to take place. I didn't like seeing others feel angry or sad, but I just remember how well we openly discussed our problems and anger and craziness. (Even Miss Lou has plenty of those moments.) And then we would go out and play for extra recess!

In hopes we will continue to keep in touch and thanks for all those students still writing me to catch me up with your lives (JH, AS, DC, ED, CY, KJ, CC…)

Congratulations to ALL graduates of Forest Park 2009!

Always,
Miss Lou

A Picture Tells A Story

Each student received a piece of construction paper with a code written on it. When I shouted BEGIN, the students opened to a photo and wrote a 5-minute reflection piece. It could be a description, a narrative, a fantasy or realistic story, notes, song, poem or letter. Here is a beautiful example of a fabulous 5th grade writer...
__________________________
Title: The Typhoon
Author: Alyssa

"Dear Diary,

I was at home taking care of my 6-month little sister. Mother and Father were at work and I was hoping they would bring home some yummy crab. Then I felt a sudden draft. Cold wind isn't good for babies so I walked around looking for the open window.

"A typhoon is coming!" screamed someone. I didn't give it a second thought because last time they cried out a typhoon, it turned out to be a light rain. Besides, we learned that there hasn't been a typhoon in over 50 years. I picked up my sister and walked outside. There I saw a huge wave towering over us. Katie started crying but I could hear nothing. Suddenly, it went down. I ran as fast as I could.

On the way, I saw people running to the boat shack where extra boats are stored. I prayed to God hoping that my parents will make it to safety. I know that a small canoe couldn't stand a chance but all I could do was to hope. I reached the boat shack. Katie looked up into my face as to ask where we were headed, or if she counted on my to help us survive. I pulled out a narrow, long boat. There was some back up food and a bucket of water. I grabbed two oars and put Katie on the seat. So far, the village was just lightly flooded, but the water was still coming down strong. Only two feet of water hugged my ankles as I started to row toward the waters. I wanted desperately to find my parents.

"Don't go there!" shrieked the neighbors, but I kept rowing. A huge wave came when I realized what I was doing. I tried to row back, but the current of the barreling waves got too strong. I grabbed my sister and held her tight. As the waves continued to splash harsh against my face, I made sure Katie's eyes and mouth were closed. I pinched her nose to keep the water from drowning her. Everything blurred from the burn of the water clouding my sight. As I came up for more air, I checked to make sure Katie was still alive. I saw a large boat. I waved. I screamed for help and that is all I remember.

Next, I woke up looking into Mother's kind face. She was holding Katie who was fast asleep. Then Mother told me father was dead. I cried and cried. This horrible typhoon took the innocent life of my father. My mother took my hand and gazed at me with her sad, tired eyes. "You have always been my brave little girl. You saved Katie's life and I am so proud of you." It's hard to think about what I could've done for my father, but I am praying everyday that God is taking good care of my father as He is taking care of us.

I will keep writing because it is the only thing that helps me keep my mind clear."

3 More Days!

Thanks Kevin, Kat and Jordan for keeping me updated.

In the last days of Forest Park, you have:

1) Baseball Game (Go Teachers!!?)
2) Basketball Tournament (Go..?)
3) 501 Idol (Go 401'rs!)
4) Cleaning out your desks (ew)
5) Returning textbooks (Good riddance?)
6) Signing yearbooks (Hooray!)
7) Saying goodbye to teachers and Mr. Ford :(...
8) Making summer plans - bbq, parties, trips
9) Exchanging e-mails, phone numbers, etc...
10) What else?

Summer is almost here! Veda Bee plans to sleep, eat,
sleep, play, sleep, eat, nap in the sun, hide from the
rain, eat, run in the park, take road trips on the
east coast, sleep, eat...

We miss you all and congrats on your last days!