The Rare Blood Moon: Why It Occurs And When

A blood moon occurred beginning in the evening of September 27, 2015 at 8:11pm and ended on September 28, 2015 at 1:22. The full eclipse took place at 10:47pm. It could be seen in western Africa, western Europe, and North and South America.

If you are not familiar with the term “blood moon”, it’s a rare event. The last one happened in 1982, and it won’t happen again until 2033. During a blood moon, instead of appearing its usual grey color, the moon appears a rusty red color instead.

A blood moon happens during a total lunar eclipse, which happens when the sun, Earth, and moon are aligned like the picture below shows.  

Because there’s a tilt in the lunar orbit, it normally passes above or below Earth’s shadow. When it does pass through Earth’s shadow, the only light that gets to the moon is from the sun’s rays passing through Earth’s atmosphere.

The scattered blue light in Earth’s atmosphere leaves what little light that does hit the moon predominately red. The closer the the Umbra (refer to picture above) the moon gets, the more of a rusty red color it gets! Blood moons appear 14% larger and 33% brighter the other full moons.

Bibliography:

"Lunar Eclipses." September 27 / September 28, 2015 — Total Lunar Eclipse – Where and When to See. Timeanddate.com, n.d. Web. 27 Sept. 2015. <http://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/lunar/2015-september-28>.

Royal Astronomical Society (RAS). "Total lunar eclipse will bring big red Moon to early morning sky." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 23 September 2015.

<www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/09/150923103405.htm>.

Shari Rudavsky, The Indianapolis Star, Indianapolis, Ind. "What You Need to Know about the Supermoon Lunar Eclipse." USA Today. Gannett, 25 Sept. 2015. Web. 27 Sept. 2015. <http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2015/09/25/blood-moon-lunar-eclipse-super-moon-need-to-know/72790162/>.

 

To Kill A Mockingbird--- A Book That Can Change The World

I love to read.  I will read anything you put in front of me.  Most people my age focus on unrealistic book series like The Harry Potter, The Percy Jackson, and The Mortal Instruments Series.  I cannot say that I do not like those books.  They are very good, and I do read a lot of fantasy and mystery.

    Along with the popular books, I also tend to occasionally read books that have a deep meaning to them.  For instance, The Giver and The Help are some recent books I've read.

To Kill A Mockingbird is the most recent book I’ve finished. It is a high level book, and I struggled with the terms at times, and had to often remind myself what I was reading.

Book: To Kill A Mockingbird

Author: Harper Lee

Genre: Historical Fiction

Summary: The book is narrated by a girl named Scout Finch.  Scout lives in Maycomb, Alabama during the time of segregation.  The white people did every possible thing they could to make themselves more superior than the black people.  Fortunately, there are a few people who didn't care for skin color, race, religion, etc.  Scout’s father, Atticus, is a lawyer.  Atticus tries his hardest to raise Scout and her brother, Jem, to understand that you do not judge people because of their appearance.  Calpurnia is the Finch family’s black maid, and Jem and Scout treat her like a mother.  As she may scold them and come down hard at times, Scout and Jem respect her and like having her around.  Scout and her brother think everything is good.  The siblings and their friend, Dill, spend most of their time talking about a strange man named Aurther Radley, though he is commonly refered to as Boo.  Boo hasn’t came out of the house in as long as anybody can remember. It is Scout’s dream to meet Boo, and become his friend.  While the three children waste their life dreaming about the impossible,  Atticus is working on a court case.  He is defending Tom Robinson, a young man accused of beating and raping Mayella Ewell.  But, Tom is black, and Mayella is white. Never has it been heard of a black person winning a case against a white person.  It is up to the jury to decide the outcome of the case.  If Tom wins, he is a free man.  If he loses, he will be executed.  Racial tensions spark up, and many other minor side problems occur. What will the verdict be?  Either way, bad things are guaranteed to happen.  And after a rumor spreads that Boo walks out at night and looks for a woman named Stephanie Crawford, and when it snows for the first time ever in Maycomb, it seems as if downhill is the only way things can go.  The whole book keeps you wondering nonstop.  What will happen to Tom Robinson?  Will Boo ever come outside?  Even the ending still left me wondering.

Characters: Scout Finch-The main character

                   Jem Finch- Scout’s older brother

                   Atticus Finch- Scout and Jem’s father; a Lawyer

                   Calpurnia- The Finch family’s maid

                   Aunt Alexandra- Scout’s “so called perfect” Aunt; Atticus’s sister

                  Uncle Jack- Atticus’s brother

                  Dill- Scout and Jem’s friend who gets passed throughout the family all year; Stays in Maycomb with his Aunt Rachel during the summer

                  Tom Robinson- The person accused of beating and raping Mayella Ewell

                  Mayella Ewell- The daughter of Bob Ewell; Person Tom is accused of harming

                  Heck Tate- The Maycomb Sheriff

                   Boo Radley- The person who rarely comes out of his house and Scout wants to meet really bad; Real name is Arthur Radley

Setting- Maycomb, Alabama

Messages- Before you judge someone, walk around in their shoes first

                  Don’t harm anyone/anything that does not do harm to you

                   

This is an important quote in To Kill A Mockingbird. Atticus says this to Jem when he lets him learn to use a gun.  This passage from To Kill A Mockingbird means that no matter what you do, harming the innocent is the worst of all.  Tom Johnson is the mockingbird Atticus is referring to.  Atticus believes that Tom is innocent in every possible way, and if Tom loses the case, his death will be a burden the jury will be forced to carry for the rest of their lives.

This book has had a huge impact on my life.  If you read it, I  am willing to bet it will impact your life as well.  This book was very emotional, also.  In America, at the time this book set in, 1933, this kind of stuff actually happened.  It still does!  I’ve always known about these kinds of issues, and that they happen everywhere. But, it was a huge eye opener.  I would recommend this book to mature, high level readers.  Even now, I still have trouble believing the horror of this book, yet it happens right under our noses, every day.  Harper Lee knew what she needed to do: Make citizens get a grip on the world and create equality for ALL to enjoy.  Even today, it is known as a great American novel.  

Please comment books that have had an impact on your life, and books you would recommend.    

                  

                       

This is the trailer for the movie of To Kill A Mockingbird. Watch this for a little more information.

Ann E. Dunwoody: The First Female 4 Star General

This is General Ann E. Dunwoody 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ann_E._Dunwoody

Dunwoody in the March For Equality http://beyondthebox.org/military-womens-long-ongoing-march-to-equality/

      

Seneca once quoted, “Success happens when preparation meets opportunity.”  As a child, Ann E. Dunwoody prepared to be a physical education teacher.  But, she joined the United States Armed Forces instead, and was eventually promoted to the first ever female 4 Star General.  General Ann E. Dunwoody is a smart, inspirational woman because she prepared for what was to come, followed her passions, and proved to all people that anyone can do anything.

Background

Ann E. Dunwoody prepared for the future.  She was born on January 14, 1953 in Fort Belvoir, Virginia.  Her family history includes serving in the military.  Even her father was an Army Officer.  Dunwoody, as a child, was a hard core athlete and quite a tomboy.  At a young age, she decided she wanted to be a physical education teacher.  All her free time was spent getting physically fit.  She had absolutely no interest in joining the military.  That is, until she went to a 24-day arm training camp in her Senior year.  Ann got a 2 year contract and joined the army in 1974.  In 1975, she was commissioned as Second Lieutenant in the Women’s Corps. Army.  Her long career had only just begun.  

Ann E. Dunwoody 2012 ITA Achievement Award Laureate   http://www.itatennis.com/AboutITA/News/Archived_News/2012_News_Archives/General_Ann_E__ Dunwoody_to_Receive_2012_ITA_Achievement_Award.htm

              Event

As I mentioned before, Ann was always physically fit.  Being fit was her passion, the passion she followed to accomplish her dreams.  Just like anyone else, when Ann’s mind was set, she could do anything.  In fact, her mind was set on the Army so much, she served for 33 years! Ann loved the military so much, not only did she become the first female 4 Star General, but she also became the first female battalion commander.  That takes real passion.  So much passion, that President Bush nominated her as 4 Star General.  By law, the Army can have no more than eleven 4 Star Generals at a time.  General George Casey promoted Ann E. Dunwoody to 4 Star General on November 4, 2008.  It takes great passion to succeed at accomplishing both accomplishments I have informed you about.

Dunwoody getting promoted to 4 Star General   

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/veterans-day-grand-marshal-article-1.1507551#

Impact/Changes Since Then

Ann E. Dunwoody is a worldwide inspiration that proves anybody can do anything.  Since Dunwoody’s promotion, women have made up 14% of 1.4 million active personnel.  An order was made offering more positions to women in the military.  The Army is now allowing women in all ground positions.  Over 280,000 women served in combat zones during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.  This means women aren't excluded from combat anymore.  The new order could create military jobs for over 230,000 women.  Don’t you think it is amazing what can happen after one person?    

Percentage of military officers who are female, 2000-2011  http://s-walker1215-dc.blogspot.com/2012/11/research-and-delivery-further-research.html

Click the video above to see Ann E. Dunwoody get promoted to 4 Star Genral

About The Author

Jessica is a 6th grader who loves literature.  Though she loves reading and writing, playing softball, music (particularly singing and playing the violin), learning, and being outside are also her hobbies. One day, she hopes to work for NASA (The National Aeronautics and Space Administration) or be in the United States Air Force. She has no pets, but she does have one sister.  One day, she hopes to travel the world.

Works Cited

Albert, Melissa. "Ann E. Dunwoody (United States General)." Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Encyclopedia Britannica, n.d. Web. 13 May 2014. 

<http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/1 559968/Ann-E-Dunwoody>

“Ann E. Dunwoody.” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 5 Nov. 2014. Web. 15 May 2014 <http://e n.wikipedia .org/wiki/Ann_E._Dunwoody>

Brown, STEPHEN R. “Veterans Day: Gen. Ann Dunwoody, Grand Marshal of America’s Parade.” NY Daily News. New York Daily News, 10 Nov. 2013. Web. 14 May 2014. <http://www.ny dailynews.com/news/national/veterans-day-grand-marshal-article-1.1507551>

“First Female 4-star U.S. Army General Nominated” CNN. Cable News 

Network, n.d. Web. 15 May 2014. <http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/06/23/woman.general/index.html?iref=storysearch>

Kraus, Stephanie. “Women in Combat.” Time For Kids. Time For Kids, 21 Feb. 2013. Web. 22 May 2014. <http://www.timeforkids.com/node/80371/print>

Lopez, C.T. “ARMY.MIL, The Official Homepage of the United States Army.” First

Female Four-star General Retires from Army. N.p., 15 Aug. 2012. Web. 14 May 2014. <http://www.a rmy.mil/article/85606/>

Lowen, Linda. “First Female Four-star General Ann E. Dunwoody.” About.com 

Women’s Issues. About.com, n.d. Web. 16 May 2014.   <http://womensissues.about.com/od/moveshakers/ig/%20Influential-Women-of- 2008/Ann-E--Dunwoody.html>

“Military Factory- US Army Ranks.” Military Factory. N.p., n.d. Web. 

14 May 2014 <http://www.militaryfactory.com/ranks/army_ranks.asp>

Stegon, David. “38 Years of Service: First Female General Retires.” FedScoop 38 Years of Service First Female US Military Fourstar General Retires Comments. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 May 2014. <http:/ /fedscoop.com/38-years-of-service-first-female-u-s-military-four-star-general-retires/>

“Sunday Standard- Online Edition. “Sunday Standard- Online Edition. Sunday Standard,  

n.d. Web. 15 May 2014. <http://www.sund aystandard.info/article.php?NewsID=3993&GroupID=4>

We Will Rock You: A Musical by QUEEN and Ben Elton

On Sunday, April 6, 2014, I went to see We Will Rock You: A Musical by QUEEN and Ben Elton.  

This musical is about the iPlanet.  The iPlanet is the land ruled by Killer Queen.  In this land, nobody knows how to play an instrument because all the music is made on computers.  Everyone is wrapped up in their iPhones, iPods, iPads, etc.  Everyone thinks and acts the same.  Making your own music is illegal, but there are rebels.  The rebels call themselves the Bohemians.  Galileo, a teen who hears sounds in his head, goes on a quest to find the spot the legend describes.  The legend describes the spot where the last instrument on this planet, (an electric guitar), is hidden. Galileo believes that this place will help him show people what they are missing out on by not playing instruments.  Meeting people like Scaramouche, Oz, Brit, and Buddy, he works to find the Dreamer.  The Dreamer will help them complete the legend, help them defeat the Killer Queen, and bring true Rock and Roll to all the land.  But there are challenges that must be faced.  Killer Queen will do anything to stop him.  At every minute, he is in danger of being caught and punished for rebelship.    

The music in this musical is all by QUEEN.  There are songs like Somebody to Love, Crazy Little Thing Called Love, Who Wants To Live Forever, We Will Rock You, and We Are The Champions.  I have inserted links so you can hear these songs for yourself.  These are not all of the songs, but some of my favorites.

Another big thing in the show was the comedy.  Song titles and song lines were used in context they wouldn’t normally be used in.  There were jokes about the songs, like, “I think of questions like ‘Who Let The Dogs Out!?’ “  Or, “You can’t change me, cuz ‘baby I was born this way!’ “  

I do not recommend this to young children, there is mild language.  But I really enjoyed how well the acting was.  It was amazing.  If you love Rock and Roll, you will enjoy this performance.           

The costumes were also fantastic.  The two main characters dressed in black.  The Bohemians dressed in hippie like clothing.  They wore bandanas, bright clothes, and had long hair.  Killer Queen had a dress that fit her personality.  And everyone else was dressed to emphasize the character and their ways.

I definitely recommend seeing this.    

This is QUEEN, the band the songs are from

This is a picture from the performance

This is me next to the poster before the show started

Links To The Songs:

Somebody To Love

Crazy Little Thing Called Love

Who Wants To Live Forever

We Will Rock You

We Are The Champions

King Tutankhamun: Curse Or No Curse

King Tutankhamun was born around 1357 B.C.  Though we do not know a lot about him, we do know he was once the king of Egypt.

King Tut’s real name is Tutankhaten, which means the living image of Aten, or the life of Aten.  The ancient Egyptians believed Aten to be the Sun God.  

A pharaoh named Akhenaten wanted to change the traditional religion in Egypt.  The Egyptians worshiped many Gods in their traditional religion.  But Akhenaten thought that Aten was not only the Sun God, but the only god.  Tutankhamun fixed the religion and the people once again worshipped many Gods.

    

Just before Tutankhamun became king of Egypt when he was 9 years old, he married Ankhesenamun.  Tutankhamun ruled from approximately 1332 B.C. to approximately 1323 B.C.  

King Tutankhamun was a good king.  But unfortunately lived a very short life.  He died when he was about 18.

Tut was mummified and put in his tomb.  During mummification, the priest wore a mask of Anubis, the God of the Dead.  Pyramids are tombs of Egyptian kings.  Mummification took place like this:

1. Using a hook, the brain was pulled out of the nose
2. Near the left side of the body, near the tummy, a cut was made
3. All internal organs were removed
4. The internal organs were dried
5. The lungs, liver, intestine, and stomach were placed in a canopic jar
6. The heart was placed back in the body
7. Inside the body was rinsed with wine and spices
8. The corpse was covered with salt for 70 days
9. The body was stuffed with linen or sand to give it a more human shape after 40 days
10. The body was wrapped in bandages from head to toe after 70 days
11. Finally, it was placed in the coffin

King Tut was buried in The Valley of Kings, which is on the eastern bank of the Nile River near Luxar.  His death is a modern mystery.  Was he murdered?  Did a chariot hit him?  Did he catch a deadly disease?  We may never know.

Tutankhamun’s tomb is also filled with treasures.  The tomb is made up of 4 rooms, or 4 chambers.  One of which has over 5,000 treasures!

Tut’s life is a complete mystery.  We don’t even know who he is related to.  But his death is also a curse.  Or is it?           

Rumor has it that anyone who opens a Pharaoh's tomb will die.  That curse is called The Pharaoh’s Curse.  But people say that the curse is very strong in Tutankhamun’s tomb.  Some say there is evidence the curse exists, but others disagree.

It all started on February 17, 1923, when about 20 people went into Tut’s tomb to uncover its secrets.  Howard Carter led the expedition.  The tomb was filled with treasures.  But, now comes the controversy.  Two months after uncovering the tomb, the project’s financier, George Herbert, (Lord Carnarvon), died because of a mosquito bite.  His dog died shortly after.  Other people related to the dig started to die suspicious deaths. Such as Howard Carter’s canary being eaten by a cobra. Also, Carter’s friend Sir Bruce Ingham died due to his house burning down twice.  Some argue that it was just bad luck that can be explained by science.  Others believe the curse is real.  

What do you think?  Would you go to The Valley of Kings and uncover Tutankhamun’s tomb?  Or would you let The Pharaoh's Curse get the best of you?  Comment your ideas about the curse.  How can it be explained?  Or is it even real?

        

A Worldwide Hero With A Message For The World

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was born on July 18, 1918 in Mvezo, South Africa.  He was a brave, courageous man that spoke out against segregation and racism.

Mandela was thrown in prison for 27 year because he tried to overthrow the pro-apartheid government of South Africa.  He was first imprisoned in the year 1962, and was released in 1990.   

Immediately after he was let out of prison, Mandela began working in order to make life better for ALL South African’s.  

Finally, in the year 1994, after a long, hard fight against the government, Nelson Mandela became South Africa’s first black president.  After being president for 5 years, Mandela retired.

He won lots of awards, including the Nobel Peace Prize and the Freedom of the City of Aberdeen.  Along with winning multiple awards, he also quoted multiple quotes, including these quotes:

• Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.

• I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.  The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers the fear.

• Let freedom reign.  The sun never set on so glorious a human achievement.

• Courageous people do not fear forgiving, for the sake of peace.

• Forget the past.

But, unfortunately, on December 5, 2013, he died in Houghton Estate, South Africa, of lung illness.  Nelson was 95 years old.

The world lost a great man, a man with great courage and a dream of fair treatment for all people.  And, just like the people before him, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr., and many, many more, he fought for his beliefs nonviolently.

Right now, take a minute to think about things you are thankful for.  Then, think about things other people are in great need for.  Visualize a perfect world.  How can you change the world to make it perfect?

You could do something simple, like, reduce the amount of trash you use.  Or, you could do something big, like show people that skin color, culture, and other reasons people are discriminated, are reasons to like them.

How would your perfect world look?  Would people be happy, and stop dying?  Will the greedy give to the poor?  How great would it be to live in a world where nobody was in danger?  I think that is the kind of world I want to be in.  Follow the dreams of people like Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela.  There is always room for a positive change.

Thinks about this:  What can you do to change the world and make it a better place?  Comment your ideas, and maybe you can inspire someone else to make a difference.