PM -- Blogmeister

Introduction
Hi! Are you bored out of your mind, and looking for an interesting book? Then grab Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. But I’m warning you, this horror, fantasy, and action-packed book will blow your mind! So, brace yourself.
Summary
HE’S BACK! The Dark Lord has risen again, stronger and more powerful than ever, for now he has a weapon that he didn’t have before. Poor Harry is tortured all summer, wondering about what Lord Voldemort is plotting. He’s desperate to get back to Hogwarts, and find out what Ron and Hermione have been so secretive about all summer. However, what awaits for him at Hogwarts is about to turn his world upside down…
Well, okay, Harry’s going out with the girl he liked for ages, so you might think it is not that bad. But if almost everybody thinks you’re a nutter and a liar, trust me; you’re not going to have fun. That’s exactly what’s happening with Harry. It doesn’t help that Professor Umbridge, the spy for the Ministry of Magic, is now Headmistress, instead of Dumbledore. Fudge, the Minster of Magic, accuses Dumbledore of something he hasn’t done! Same goes for Sirius, Harry’s godfather. So, the paranoid Cornelius Fudge, wants to arrest Dumbledore and Sirius to take them Azkaban. Only for Sirius, it will be his second time in Azkaban. The Ministry wants to recapture him.
Meanwhile, what is Lord Voldemort doing?? What with all the drama, most people have forgotten him. However, this is a dangerous mistake. The Dark Lord is the only enemy the good side is supposed to have. He exists to stir resentment and chaos. But does everybody know that?
Harry’s mind is about to explode with questions and worry. What is going to happen to Dumbledore? What is going to happen to Sirius? But there is one question that no one who wishes Harry well, including himself, considers. What is going to happen to Harry?
Reflection
I adored this book!!
It really hooked me! Time really flied while reading this book. My mom told me to go to bed at around 9:00 P.M. ‘Okay, mom,’ I promised her, ‘just 5 more minutes!’ When I finally stopped reading, I glanced at the time. It was 1:00 A.M. on Tuesday morning. I didn’t even feel tired, adrenaline was still flowing through my blood. The adventures I experienced… I can’t even begin to explain how it felt like with words, apart from utterly exhilarating. That still isn’t enough. It’s sort of like being on a first class plane ride but you go through turbulence. You board the plane and sink into the plush seats. That’s just the beginning of the good parts. Then, comes the food. Oh, the heavenly food! You don’t want this to end. However, there comes a scary part that makes the trip memorable, if you live to tell the tale. Turbulence. The plane starts rattling so much, the wing threaten to detach themselves. You start to think Oh My God. We’re all going to die. After you pass through, and everything is fine, you just feel that the scary part just made the whole trip more interesting. When you land, you’re sorry to go. All in all, it was an amazing flight!
Character Analysis
There are two main characters. They are Harry Potter and Lord Voldemort.
Harry Potter is the son of James Potter. Potter is very much like his father. He is always bold, because when he has to face an obstacle, he stands his ground and faces it, no matter how intimidating it is. Also, Harry is innovative, because he always uses his resources, and helps others and himself to escape danger, or to get to what he needs. Unfortunately, sometimes this trait can be used against you. In addition, Harry is a hero, because he defeated the Dark Lord repeatedly, and saved many lives by telling everyone that the Dark Lord had risen again.
Lord Voldemort’s actual name is Tom Malervo Riddle. He murdered his own father. Voldemort is ruthless because he killed, tortured many people just to get what he wants. In a way, Voldemort is a coward because he tried to kill Harry when he was a baby, just to save his skin. Just because there was a prophecy about him and Harry. Last but not least, the Dark Lord is devious because he sets up traps that nobody knows about. The traps are unfortunately successful, most of the time.
Conclusion
Well, thanks for listening to my book report. I hope you enjoyed. I’m not exaggerating when I tell you this. This book is totally amazing. I really hope that of you ever do try it, you’ll enjoy it as much as I did.
By: PM

By: PM
Hello! I’ve read this awesome book called Mister Monday, by Garth Nix. If you’re ever bored and fed up with all the books you read, then you know what to do. Grab this book, and kick back and relax!
Summary
Arthur Penhaligon is destined to die an early death. However, his life is spared by the Minute Hand Key – called that because it is shaped like the minute hand of a clock. For now, Arthur is safe – but his family, friends and world is far from that. With the Key come the Atlas and a terrible plague – named the Sleepy Plague – brought by Fetchers, strange creatures from an unknown realm. Mister Monday wants the other half of his key back. He has the Hour Hand, while Arthur, the Rightful Heir and the chosen one by the Will, is now the wielder of the Minute Hand. Monday, his Noon’s goons, and the Morrow Days will stop at nothing to retrieve the Key, even if they have to destroy Arthur and the Secondary Realms with him.
In desperation, Arthur enters the mysterious House – of which is only visible to his sight. Inside, he befriends Suzy Turquoise Blue, a mortal, like Arthur. Arthur also meets the Will, and follows his orders. As he adventures through the House, Arthur begins to unravel his true fate and the secrets of the Key.
It is up to Arthur to find a cure for the plague. Once he is captured, his hopes begin to crumble. Will Arthur ever make it back to the Secondary Realms, his home? And if he does, will he ever find a cure for the Sleepy Plague? Or will he watch everyone in his dear world die…
Reflection
I adored this book. With all the twists and turns, there isn’t a dull page. It all fits together like an extraordinary jigsaw. In a way, it’s sort of like playing chess. You never know when the match is going to end. The Will is using Arthur, Suzy, Sneezer etc., and even Monday’s Dusk as pawns, while Monday is using Noon, Commissionaires, Fetchers, Denizens and many more as pawns. Monday and the Will are the two Kings. One King gets into check. Then the other gets into checkmate. After that, the game’s over. That’s sort of how the book goes. Anyway, I would recommend this book to children my age.
Character Analysis
 Arthur is an asthmatic young boy. He is adopted. Arthur is gallant because he dared to near the Old One, despite all the warnings people had given him. He knew very well what risk he was taking and yet he took it. Added to that, Arthur is persistent, due to the fact that, against all odds, he never gave up in finding a cure for the disastrous plague. Furthermore, he is a bit lonely, as a result of having no friends, until he met Leaf, Ed, and most of all Suzy.
Suzy Turquoise Blue is an ink eradicator in the Lower Atrium of the house. She is a valiant girl, because she took on Pravuil, even though she would probably die. Suzy is a loyal friend, because she never deserted Arthur. Moreover, she is smart because she tricked both Monday and his Noon.
 Mister Monday is a selfish man, because he only thinks about himself. He is also a law-breaker, considering he broke many laws of the Architect and interfered with Arthur in the Secondary Realms. Lastly, Monday is guileful, because he is crafty and/or artful.
Conclusion
Well, thanks for listening to my book report! And I’m serious, if you ever happen to stumble across this book, grasp it with both hands. Trust me, you will NOT be disappointed.

Hello! Merry Christmas! My name is Petra. Today I will be making double chocolate chip cookies. It is an amazing recipe that doesn’t take long to make.
To make about 12 cookies, you will need:
• 100g butter or margarine .100g chocolate chips
• ½ teaspoon of vanilla .A large bowl
• 80g of sugar
• 80g brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 45g cocoa
• 200g flour
• ½ a teaspoon of baking soda
• A small pan
• Two wooden spoon
• A piece of parchment paper
• One large plate
Method
Step 1) First of all, preheat the oven to 180℃.
Step 2) Next, melt the butter in a small saucepan.
Step 3) Then, mix together the melted butter with the sugar and brown sugar in a large bowl using a wooden spoon. Cream together well.
Step 4) Afterwards, add the egg, vanilla, and baking soda. Mix well.
Step 5) Once that is done, slowly/gradually add the cocoa and flour while mixing.
Step 6) After that, stir in the chocolate chips.
Step 7) Now, place the parchment paper on a tray.
Step 8) Using a tablespoon, carefully spoon the batter onto the parchment paper.
Step 9) Then, place the tray in the oven. Leave it to bake for 10-15 minutes.
Step 10) Later, once you have taken out the cookies, gently lift the parchment and cookies onto a plate and let it cool for several minutes.
Step 11) And finally, bon appétit!

By: Petra

Hello! For my book report, I have been reading The Titan’s Curse by Rick Riordan. It was published in New York, 2007 by Miramax books.
Main Characters + Characteristic Traits
The main characters of my book are Percy/Perseus Jackson, Annabeth Chase, Thalia Grace, and Grover Underwood.
Percy is courageous because he is willing to take the sky because it would save his friends, even though he knew the sky would crush him. He is also a loyal friend because, no matter what the extremities, he never gave up on his friends, such as when they were fighting Dr. Thorn. Percy is persistent because he never gave up, he always ploughed through his problems, for example when a whole pack of undying skeletons attacked, he stood his ground and fought. He did not surrender because he was sure he could do it and he did. Percy is also a survivor because he survived fighting a manticore.
Annabeth Chase is wise because she knows and understands structural supports, facades, how to place them etc. In addition, she is only in eighth grade. She is also a great architect for the same reasons, plus she is great at math. As for being wise, Annabeth’s mother is Athena, goddess of wisdom, and Annabeth has inherited some of her wisdom. However, she is too proud. Annabeth thinks she can fix/do anything. That affects her life, for instance, she thinks she can carry the sky easily, but that didn’t work as planned.
As for Thalia Grace, she is greedy for power yet loyal to her friends. She is greedy for power because she tempted to kill the Ophiotaurus and sacrifice its entrails to fire to gain enough power to kill the gods, while Zeus, her father, is a god. Thalia is loyal to her friends because she would protect them until final breath, such as when Zoe, Percy and she were fighting on Mount Tam. She can’t control her temper very well, because at the creek she attacked Percy because of a sarcastic remark and calling her ‘Pinecone face’.
Finally, Grover Underwood the satyr, is scared most of the time because half the time he is walking around with the end of his T-shirt in his mouth just because they are in minor danger. The satyr is also sensitive because he cries buckets when Bianca di Angelo dies even though he only knew her for two days. Grover is known for having out of the box ideas such as having a burrito fight against skeleton warriors.
Summary
When Percy receives a call from Grover he, Annabeth and Thalia head to Westover Hall. Grover had made a discovery – he had found two demigods, Bianca di Angelo and Nico di Angelo. As they fight the powerful manticore, Artemis and her Hunters offer their aid. Unfortunately, as the manticore jumps off the cliff, Annabeth goes down with him. When Artemis, goddess of the Hunt and moon, goes missing, Zoe, lieutenant of the Hunters becomes agitated, as is her fellow Hunters. Far away, on the Mountain of Despair, Annabeth is in trouble and Luke is responsible... Zoe, Thalia, Bianca, Grover and Percy – the five questers set out and face the horrible prophecy of the Titan’s curse...
I think this book was called The Titan’s curse because it is mainly about Atlas and his curse.
Response
Personally, I think this book is amazing for kids around my age. Throughout the ups and downs of this book, Riordan has the perfect balance of hilarious and action. From my point of view, what Rick is trying to tell us is not to be greedy or proud. We should not be too proud, for we face terrible ordeals later on like Annabeth. Little pride is good but too much is bad. As for being greedy, that brings on problems as well. Therefore, Riordan shows us how to be loyal and co-operate as a team.
About the Author
Rick Riordan is he author of the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series and The Red Pyramid. The Tres Navarre series for adults are hugely popular. It won the top three awards for mysterious genre. He was born on June 5 , 1964 in san Antonio. He received 4 awards – the Hampshire Book Award, Anthony Award for Best Paperback Original etc. Riordan is an American author. Rick Riordan is most known for Percy Jackson and the Olympians series.
Connections
T to S= I understand how Thalia feels when she lashes out at Percy because he annoyed her because I get that feeling all the time thanks to my brother.
T to T= In The Salamander’s Spell, Grassina has to fight a manticore with magic. In this book, Percy and his friends fight the manticore with magic.
T to W= All around the world now, just like in The Titan’s Curse, humans are ignorant. We are in danger but in a different way. The people who can see through the mist are the people who are aware of what is happening to the world. The Oracle is the person who warns. The demigods are the people who take action.

Hello! I have been reading The Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan. The genre is Mysterious fiction and Greek Mythology. It is an amazing, action – packed book, filled with heart stopping moments, suspense, and irony.
The main characters in this book are:
Percy/Perseus Jackson
Annabeth Chase
Jason Grace
Piper McLean
Leo Valdez
Percy is the son of Poseidon (god of the sea), and is one of the seven to unite the Greeks with the Romans. In addition, he is to unite the seven himself, with the help of another Roman demigod, for the seven are from a mix of Greek and Roman camps. Percy Jackson is from the Greek camp called Camp Half-Blood. He is an unerringly loyal friend because he stood by Annabeth, even though several times, it almost cost him his life. Percy is courageous in the same way, plus he was ready to take on two immortal giants that can only be killed by a god and demigod working together while he was at verge of collapsing. He is also insubordinate because he and Annabeth Coach Hedge’s strict orders.
Annabeth is the daughter of Athena (goddess of wisdom and battle). She is from Camp Half-Blood, and is Greek. Annabeth is valiant, for she is going on an epic solo death quest, following The Mark of Athena, to retrieve the Athena Parthenos – a statue. It would bring peace among the Greeks and Romans. In that way, she is persistent because she didn’t give up on finding and retrieving the statue even when she broke her ankle in the cavern of Mithras. Also, like Percy, Annabeth is insubordinate because of leaving her cabin at night.
Jason is the son of Jupiter Maximus Optimus (Lord of the Sky), and like Percy, he is to combine the Greeks with Romans. He and Percy are like the jam and the demigods – Greek and Roman – are the slices of bread. Jason comes from Camp Jupiter, the Roman Camp. Unlike the other two Greeks, he is obedient because he abides the rules such as when he could have stayed with Piper but left her to be on time for lunch – which is another strict order from Hedge. Jason is authentic; otherwise, he wouldn’t have been so admired by the Romans or have been such a good praetor. He is also gallant because he to fought against Ephialtes and Otis.
Piper is the daughter of Aphrodite (goddess of love and beauty). She is from Camp Half-Blood. Piper is persuasive because she has the ability to charmspeak people – a blessing bestowed upon her by Aphrodite. However, she is intent on not using it against people, or a weapon, or even as a way to gain power, unlike Drew. Piper only uses charmspeak when necessary. In fact, she is cordial, because she makes friends with people quickly – such as Hazel and Frank. Piper barely knew them for half an hour, but they were already like family. In addition, she is vigilant, because she is always looking at Katoptris – looking glass- examining the dagger for signs of danger and was the most aware of them all about the eidolons.
Leo is the son of Hephaestus (god of blacksmiths and fire). He is from Camp Half-Blood. Leo is high-strung, due to the fact that he is seriously diagnosed with ADHD. He is filled with integrity, as is the others, because when was possessed, and fired on New Rome against his will, he could have blamed it on Octavian – a Roman demigod who wants to start a war between the Greeks and Romans – but instead he told the truth. Leo has an endless supply of humour that annoys Frank occasionally.
Summary
Argo II has headed to New Rome, with Leo, Annabeth, Piper, and Jason aboard, to retrieve Percy Jackson from Camp Jupiter, to collect the other two Roman demigods, and be off on their quest. But does everything go smoothly? I guess you know the answer to that. No. Sure, Annabeth and Percy are reunited, the Argo II does not get blasted out of the sky, and New Rome have their old praetor back, yet when Ella spits out a prophecy about her, Annabeth feels that cold feeling more than ever. That’s just the start of things. Leo fires on New Rome. The Romans start a war against the Greeks etc. However, they do manage to get Percy, Frank, and Hazel aboard Leo’s warship after the mayhem in Camp Jupiter... And so the Prophecy of Seven begins. Climb aboard the Argo II and face eidolons, Kate and Porky, eagles, etc., and worst of all, the Earth Mother, if you dare!
Reflection
I really liked this book. Once again, Rick Riordan has the balance of action, humour, and suspense. I think that one of the messages that Riordan is trying to tell us is that every gift comes with a price – like Leo and the cookie. In addition, it does not matter what nationality you are to trust or co-operate with someone – just like Jason and Percy. Jason is Roman and Percy is Greek. The grudge between those two empires goes thousands of years back, and yet they trust each other and co-operate with each other well. In addition, holding grudges is a fatal flaw. Anyway, it feels like I am an eidolon inside the characters but I don’t make them go berserk, or toy with their feelings. I live inside them, see everything, and feel the pain, happiness, sorrow they feel but don’t do anything. I can never forget the exhilaration, pain, sorrow, joy, and loss I felt while reading this book.
Connections
1) T to T= I can connect to Esperanza Rising when Abuelita says; “There is no rose without thorns.” That stands for “There is no joy without sorrow.” Leo Valdez receives a fortune cookie. If he cracks it open, it will give him the answer to any problem. However, there is a sacrifice. Therefore, Leo feels happiness but sorrow as well – like a rose with thorns.
2) T to P= When Percy and Jason are fighting as one, they are stronger – better. This reminds me of the proverb “Two heads work better than one.”
3) T to S= The way Leo feels he can’t solve a problem is familiar because I get that feeling all the time when I can’t solve a math problem.
About the Author
Rick Riordan is he author of the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series and The Red Pyramid. The Tres Navarre series for adults are hugely popular. It won the top three awards for mysterious genre. He was born on June 5, 1964 in san Antonio. He received four awards – the Hampshire Book Award, Anthony Award for Best Paperback Original etc. Riordan is an American author. Rick Riordan is most known for Percy Jackson and the Olympians series.

The African-Americans were migrating from the North to the South for many reasons, mainly for better job opportunities. The crops in the South were ravaged because of floods and beetles. Migrants wanted to send their children to school, something they couldn’t do in the South. The reason they African-Americans were transmigrating to the North in the first place was because the Northerners were at war so the factories needed workers to replace those who had left. The African-Americans were promised better housing, better salaries and freedom. They were allowed to vote in the North, another thing they were deprived of in the South. Southerners were displeased with the turn of events. Their solution to stop the flow of workers from travelling was to apprehend any migrant trying to flee the South during the night. Unfortunately, not all their promises were answered. Sure, they could send their children to school, and were allowed to vote, but they had other problems to face. Much to their dismay, segregation thrived in the North as well. They were looked at with disdain by not only the Americans, but by the African-Americans who originally lived there. Personally, I think no one should be segregated because of their, colour, features or looks. Stereotyping should languish, just like Jews languished in concentration camps, except this is for our own good. We integrated the topic of segregation and stereotyping in morning meeting. We all agreed that everyone was made with the same rights, dark-skinned or pale-skinned, Jew or non Jew, everybody is the same, but in a way different.

Done by: PM

Have you ever pondered on why we perspire? This question has been irritating me for years! Before I explain WHY we perspire, kindly allow me to inform you WHAT perspiration means. Sweat is a salty liquid that is released by sweat glands. Now, I know you are brimming with questions and that you’re thirsty to know the answers so read on to quench your thirst!

Why Perspiration is Good for Us

“First of all, perspiration is our body’s way of cooling down.” Our body’s normal temperature is 37degrees Celsius so in order for it to stay that way we have to perspire. We can’t tolerate the heat without sweat because we may suffer a stroke. We perspire on cold days even though we’re not doing anything strenuous. Take the process of burning food, for instance. Although we are not doing anything, burning food generates warmth and triggers the brain to start the body’s cooling process. Since we lose a lot of water because of perspiration, we have to drink two litres of water a day.

Sweat Glands

There are two million sweat glands in our body. The long twisting tubes made from cells are called sweat glands. There are two types of sweat glands – the Eccrine and the Apocrine glands. The Eccrine glands are more common than the Apocrine and are found in our forehead, palms and in our feet. The Apocrine glands are found under our arms and at the ends of hair follicles. Perspiration that is secreted the Apocrine gland is thicker and has a slightly yellowish colour. This is because the perspiration contains fatty acids and proteins. It is this type of sweat that can stain clothing yellow.

Excessive Sweating

When we put deodorant, it is to counteract the smell of the perspiration from the Apocrine glands. Although most people do not know this, perspiration doesn’t smell, but when it starts to decompose and bacteria attack, the odour becomes quite nasty. “Sweat pads are used to stop excessive under arm sweat from sweating or dampening their clothes.” Washing everyday and wearing loose fitting clothes decreases excessive sweating because our skin can breathe.

Conclusion

The common elements of sweat/perspiration are sodium and water. The disease palmar hyperhiderosis is overactive sweat glands inside the hand. One% of the world suffer this disease. Most people think sweating is embarrassing and gross, but actually, it is essential for our survival. I hope your thirst has been quenched. Mine has been, at least. Anyway, the point was to have your questions answered, which they have been. Haven’t they....

By: Petra

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If only I could speak, oh how freely the insults would fly out of my mouth. I don’t even get any sunlight during the day because someone’s butt is permanently planted on me for HOURS on end. How am I supposed to tan of you are indelibly glued to me all day? Some dump their obese bodies onto my poor stomach and overflow me, suffocating my plump self, smothering me. Some plop onto me in the most impudent way, shove me back onto my hind legs, and rock me back and forth, without a care in the world. Now, how would they like it if I plopped myself down on THEM and rocked THEM back and forth. I presume they wouldn’t like it AT ALL!

If only I weren’t a chair, people would actually care when I break one of my precious legs. I can handle only so much weight. Of course I’m going to collapse sometime, geniuses! Therefore, when I flop onto the floor you don’t have to kick and berate me . I thought we were finally became acquainted. Added to that, I just broke a leg! You could treat me with compassion, folks. Especially when one of my legs is officially out of use!

If only I were disabled, different my life would be. Hours of sunlight (I actually tan!). Lot’s of air instead of my usual meagre gusts. Most of all, no heavy weight! No pressure! No injustice! I look upon these types of chairs everyday. How I envy these chairs! Well, that is until Sukleen marches over to take them to some revolting place. Listening to their anguished howls as they catch sight of the trucks brimming with rubbish is torture.

If only, if only, if only...

By: Petra

Oct 4 2012
ACS school
Beirut, Lebanon
Dear President,
I am glad that you have been elected as our leader, because you have qualities that other nominees don’t have. While you are transparent, genuine and modest, other nominees were arrogant. Your fellow campaigners didn’t believe in democracy, and the leader before did not listen to our needs or view us equally unlike you. You don’t divide and conquer.

Our country believes we can rely on you to offer free education and appropriate shelters for the underprivileged whereas we are ill at ease with the others to not only help the underprivileged but to provide us with safety as well. You are trustworthy and give us freedom of expression. The other nominees are cowards whereas you are courageous and stand firm, ready to sacrifice your life for your country. For our lives. None of your fellow campaigners are willing to do that.

So, you can see why our country and I are overjoyed that you were elected. We foresee a good with you as our leader. The underprivileged see a new spark of hope. Your election has done us all good.