Happy Birthday to me！！！

Today is my "21th Birthday"！

Happy Birthday to me！！！ : )

Thanks all of my friends give me an unforgettable memory.

I like the presents that you give me very much. Each one is so special !

And thanks my parents drive a long distance just in order to send a Birthday Cake for me.

Many many many thanks for all of you.

You know, I love you so much！！！！ ^__^

My impression about the article：Five Digital Camera Mistakes

Nowadays, the digital camera is the very popular thing in the modern life. Almost everyone has it. But the one who buys a digital camera starts out as a digicam newbie. So in the article, the author describe the common five digital camera mistakes, and if we can avoid these five blunders, I think we can not only won’t look like a newbie, but also can take plenty of beautiful and splendid photos.

In the following, I list the five mistakes about using the digital camera which the author suggests us. To my way of thinking, it is so useful, and needed to learn. Share with you.

1. Not learning the equipment.
2. Using low quality settings.
3. Using digital zoom.
4. Misusing the flash.
5. Sending gigantic photographs through e-mail.

Otherwise, I think to learn how to fully use the “digital camera” is truly the essential thing. Since now we all spend more money to get a digital camera, but we use it just like the traditional camera.

So, how can we use it with its worth？ In my opinion, it is important for us to learn the usage of a digital camera, not just possess one.

p.s. The article which I read is from the Advanced magazine (October 2005).

New Words~

The following are the words which I learn from the article, "Five Digital Camera Mistakes".

1. Gimmick(n) something that is not serious or of real value used to attract people’s attention or interest, especially to get them to buy something.

2. ambient (adj) relating to environmental conditions existing in the surrounding area.

3. unflattering (adj) making someone or something look less attractive or seem worse than usual.

4. aperture (n) a small and often narrow opening, especially one that allows light into a camera.

5. deer in the headlights (idiom) describes a subject that is lit too brightly with the background completely dark, or someone with a surprised or frightened look on his or her face.

Words

I learn these words from the article , "Mother's Day is More Than Flowers".

1.customary (adj) relating to something done because of tradition or common practice.

2. preference (n) the favoring of someone or something over someone ore something else.

3. spontaneous (adj) happening or done in a natural, often sudden way without any planning.

4. pamper (v) to treat with a great amount of care and attention.；to make someone as comfortable as possible and give them whatever they want.

5. have/ get one's ducks in a row (idiom) to be very efficient and well-organized；to get organized.

My impression about the article：Mother's Day is More Than Flowers

To me , it is an interesting article. It reminds me try to take into consideration my mother's personal preferences when selecting something special can let the present be more meaningful contrast to the customary card, or bouquet of flowers.

Here, the author separates the moms between four personality types.
1. The Take Charge Mom
2. The Party Mom
3. The Serving Mom
4. The Details Mom

And also, the author gives suggestions for gifts that might please moms.

So if you are interesting in the article, you can take a look at the Advanced magazine(May 2005). In the page 12, you will see it.

Have fun！And let us be more sensitive in the next year's Mother's Day. : )

My Vocabulary

Archipelago (n) a large group of islands.

Atoll (n) a coral island in the shape of a ring.
Coral (n) a pink, red or white rocklike substance that is formed from the bones of small marine organisms.

Scuba (n) the sport of swimming under water while breathing from a container of air on your back; the equipment used to breathe under water.

Reef (n) a line of hard rocks formed by coral, found in warm, shallow ocean water.

Snorkel (v) to swim using a tube that allows one to breathe air from the surface while under water.

E1 Nino (n phr) a warming of the Pacific Ocean's surface near the west coast of South America, affecting the weather around the world.

Divemaster (n) a very experienced scuba diver who is qualified to instruct and lead others on scuba diving trips.

*~ New Learn Vocabulary ~*

Flotation vest (n phr) an item worn to help one float in the water.

Head lamp (n phr) a light-producing device, worn on the head.

Stalactite (n) a long, pointed mineral deposit hanging from the roof of a cave.

Fluted curtain (n phr) a grooved, hanging screen made of minerals deposited in a cave.

Commercialize (v) to be used for business, or making a profit.

Peninsula (n) a piece of land almost completely surrounded by water but still joined to a large mass of land.

Spawn (v) to produce many eggs at the same time.

Cruise (v) to move at a fast, steady speed.

The Joys Of Southern Belize

This time, I read the article which talked about the "The Joys Of Southern Belize". And the following is the main idea that I arrange.

Belize, a destination which is still mostly undiscovered and not over commercialized place in Central American.

In the beginning, the author took us in the jungle of Belize where animals just high above their heads in the dark shadows of thick trees. But it’s also told them that in Belize the civilization and jungle just divided with a thin line. The residents here need to protect themselves all the times.

Also, they come to Belize was not only for scuba dive but also for more activities. For example, they stayed at The Inn at Robert’s Grove where they got fresh lobster and fruity drinks. Did ruin visits, jungle walks and fishing. Also, The Inn provides an assortment of kayaks, canoes and bikes.

What is more, the deep blue sea hid lots of brisk lives. The author said if they come four days early, they where had the opportunity to watching the 18-meter long whale sharks cruise through this living fog, sifting billions of eggs out of the water.

The next day, they were off to visit some Mayan ruins, including The Mayan ceremonial site of Lubaantun, intimate ruins. Then they went to Blue Creek Cave for a swim. But it’s not an easy way for them to arrive the destination. They walked, climbed, then putted on flotation vests and head lamps before sliding in. Beside, their Mayan guide Pedro Lcal had pointed out trees and plants that have been used for centuries by his people. Along the way, they also had a chance to up-close-and- personal birds in the mangrove swamp. However, they all think it’s worth their while to do the explore.

Finally, they enjoyed the last night in Belize, and started making plans to return next year.

My New Learn Vocabulary

Fork out (v phr) to give something , usually money, as a payment.

Mayhem (n) an extremely chaotic situation

Azure (n) a light purplish blue.

Iridescent (adj) brilliant or colorful, glowing.

Thatched bungalow (n phr) a small, one-story house with a roof made of dry straw, reeds or leaves.

Mount (v) to gradually increase in size, amount or strength.

Jaunt (n) a short trip for pleasure.

Aromatic (adj) having a sweet, pleasant smell.

Maldives, The Limits of Luxury

After reading the article, "Maldives, The Limits of Luxury" in the magazine. I arrange the main idea of it. And I really hope use this way can let me get more familiar with the article which I have ever read.

The article started with a couple whom discovered the tropical island retreat: the Maldives.

In the beginning, they described the component of Maldives: 1190 coral islands grouped together in 26 atolls. And it's exotic makes many European and Asian tourists think it's as well known as Majorca in Spain or Koh Samui in Thailand. Also, the author told us the reason of this trip was that he and his wife, Michele in order to escaped the mayhem of the city, the pollution, and the work.

When they arrived, the beautiful see view and the carefully designed thatched bungalous attracted them so much .

The author did some underwater adventures: he quickly signed up for the scuba activities. And he saw many colorful reef residents, parrotfish, surgeonfish, and a huge moray.

He observe lots of fascinating animals, and he realized that the best policy to close them is wait, without moving, until they filled with courage, they will emerge and let you see!

Otherwise, Michele used her time to got up early to join for a sunrise jaunt in a sea kayak; spent all afternoon snorkeling on the house reef.

They used this great opportunities to do water ski, windsurf and sail. But these exciting activities required plenty of relaxation to balance, so the spa which meet their individual meets really cure the fatigue.

One week later, it's time to back to the real world, they left this paradise longingly. But somehow, they think knowing that places like paradise is really and still exist, will make it much easier to live in this real, and constantly changing world.

My New Words

Sift (v) to separate something from other things; to filter.

Dwindle (v) to gradually become smaller and smaller.

Slither (v) to slide smoothly across a surface, twisting or moving from side to side.

Torrent (n) a large amount of water rushing in one direction.

Revel (v) to greatly enjoy; to take pleasure in .

Up-close-and-personal (idiom) close enough for someone to interact with.

By the dozen (idiom) used to show that there is a lot of something.

Ditto (adv) used to say that what is true about one thing is also true about another.

American and Greek Culture

It's my impression which about after seeing the movie, "My Big Fat Greek Wedding.

Nowadays, the world is a melting pot. But there are still many problems between culture to culture. For instance, American and Greek cultures are exactly different.

To my way of thinking, first, Greeks are so passion to their guests. They use hard drink to welcome guests, and if the guest do not accept it, it’s shame on them. In contrast, Americans will give their guest a big hug and slightly kiss the both cheeks. Second, it's impolite to discuss salary or age questions with an American, since it is their privacies. However, Greeks dislike people to ask questions about their polity. Third, Greeks are all full of patriotism. They think it is so honorable to born in Greek. So in the movie "My Big Fat Greek Wedding", we can see that the Greek family's house are filled with things which are about Greece. On the other hand, America is a freedom place, so it is not so common to see Americans doing so. Finally, most Greeks all have the same faith-Greek Orthodox Church, but in America society, it is free to have other faiths, because they think all religions are equal.

All in all, no matter how many culture differences between Greek and American, in my opinion, , the problems will become small and small in this constantly changing world.

My Opinion of Convenience Stores

It's my writing which is about my opinion of convenience stores, share with you.

One of the greatest advantages of life in the city is the number of convenience stores. Because of those convenience stores, we can buy things which we want more conveniently and easily. It helps us to save our valuable time. To my way of thinking, it is really an eventful thing, for a city to have any convenience stores.

Nowadays, no matter where we are, if we have money in hand, there is nothing we cannot buy. In the convenience stores, everything we can imagine can be found there. But there is one thing I want to say that the prices are always higher there. If the price tag could be scaled back a little, I think we would get more convenience from these convenience stores.

All in all, if life was without those stores, we would not lead happy and easy lives. So, thanks to them, because they really bring us so many convenience in this constantly changing world.

The abundant culture of Taiwan---About Festivals (5)

Finally, I talk about the "Mid-autumn Festival".

The Mid-autumn Festival, on the fifth day of the eighth lunar month. It’s a day for the family get together.

But different to the Chinese New Year, people in this day will eat pomeloes and mooncakes ( a Chinese cake shapes like the full moon, in it have egg yolk, jujube paste…etc.) Also families will go out to enjoy the glorious full moon.

In Chinese, there is a proverb , "When the moon is full, mankind is one", it’s means”the full moon has always represented the gatherings of friends and family. Thus, Mid-Autumn Festival is a time for family reunions.”

The abundant cultures of Taiwan---About Festivals (4)

This time, I talk about the "Ghost Festival".

The seventh lunar month be known as "Ghost Month ".

During this month, Chinese believe that the Gate of Hell will open, and the "Good Brethren"(In Taiwan, ghosts without descendants to care for them are euphemistically called the "Good Brethren," and Ghost Festival is thus often referred to as "Praying to the Good Brethren."), ghosts from the underworld, come back to earth to feast on the victuals offered by the living.

We also burn “paper money” for them to use in the hades.

The abundant cultures of Taiwan---About Festivals (3)

Today, I introduce the "Dragon Boat Festival" to my foreign friend.
And this is my writing.
Share with you.

Dragon Boat Festival is celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, and together with Chinese New Year and Mid-Autumn Festival forms one of the three major Chinese holidays. Since the summer is a time when diseases most easily spread, Dragon Boat Festival began as an occasion for driving off evil spirits and pestilence and for finding peace in one's life.

The festival was later enriched by the legend of the patriot Chu Yuan. Dragon Boat Festival is highlighted by the dragon boat races, in which competing teams drive their boats forward rowing to the rhythm of pounding drums. This lively and colorful tradition has continued unbroken for centuries to the present day.

The festival's significance as a time for warding off evil and disease is symbolized by a number of customary practices such as hanging calamus and moxa on the front door, and pasting up pictures of Chung Kuei (a nemesis of evil spirits). Adults drink hsiung huang wine and children are given fragrant sachets, both of which are said to possess qualities for preventing evil and bringing peace.

Another custom practiced in Taiwan is "fetching noon water," in which people draw well water on the afternoon of the festival in the belief that it will cure illness. And if you can successfully stand an egg on its end exactly at 12:00 noon, then the coming year will be a lucky one. The most popular dish during Dragon Boat Festival is tzung tzu (wrap rice in leaves to make a pyramid-shaped snack) , originally eaten in memory of the patriot Chu Yuan.

The abundant cultures of Taiwan---About Festivals (2)

My introdution about the "Lantern Festival ".

In Lantern Festival (also known as "Shang Yuan Festival"), it takes place on the fifteenth day of the first moon. Last in a series of springtime celebrations, this "second New Year" is widely celebrated by families all around Taiwan. Many beautiful decorative lanterns show around the street. And we eat Tang Yuan (also called "yuan Hsiao", eaten during the winter solstice, too) to symbolize peace and unity.

The abundant cultures of Taiwan---About Festivals (1)

Recently, I introcuce the festivals of Taiwan to my foreign friend.
I am definitely proud of "The abundant cultures of Taiwan".
The following is my introdution about the "Chinese New Year".

Talking to the festivals, there are five import Chinese holidays.
And the essential one must be the Chinese New Year. It is a holiday that make everyone has warm and cheerful feelings. According to the Chinese traditions, the family will get together on this meaningful festival. Therefore, people working far away will all go back home on Lunar New Year's Eve. Everyone sits together around the table with a burning stove under it, and enjoys a big feast except for the married daughters. Since they are supposed to spend the eve with their husbands' family and come back to their parents' on the second day of the New Year's Holiday. During the Chinese New Year, there are many folk activities around the streets, like "do lion-dancing", children will set off firecrackers, enjoy the " dragon-dancing show", people exchange good wishes or play "mah-jong", parents and elders will give kids a red envelope with lucky money in it.

The Introduction of Taiwan

These days, I introduce more things about Taiwan for my foreign friends.
We talk about weather and scenes spots in Taiwan.
The following is the the introduction of Taiwan which I write to him.

The weather in Taiwan is warm for all seasons, since it is an island in the subtropics. But according to the "La Nina", our summer is becoming harder and colder in winter. (However, still no snow falling.) And you? What is the weather in your country?

About scenes spots in Taiwan, I think there are many good places worthy to visit, like the Mountain A-Li( the most terrific scenic spot to see sunrise), Yangmingshan National Park(where you can see the volcanic topography clearly), Yushan National Park( Yushan is the highest mountant in Taiwan), Kenting National Park(a place where surrounding coral reefs), Taroko National Park(Taiwan’s “ Grand Canyon”)…etc. If you interested in Taiwan's scenes spots, I will be happy and tell you more later ^____^ )

The day before yesterday......

The day before yesterday is my first time to wear high heels. Becasue of the professor of a course asked us to wear a formal dress when we have a report.And the day before yesterday is my turn.

However, I usually dress casually in my daily life. I rarely wear shirts and skirts, say nothing of high heels. So it is quite difficult for me to make this new change. To say the truth, I was so uncomfortable when I wore the formal dress. Add insult to injury, my feet ached seriously since wearing the high heels.

Oh~, I think I should take the course which is about "how to wear formal dress comfortable", and the lesson of walking "normally" with the high heels.

There are so many things I have to learn, and it is a long way to go.