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

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!

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!

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!

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

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."