Clever Names

Does Oscar The Cat Have A Sixth Sense?

Does Oscar The Cat Have A Sixth Sense?

When the administrators of the Steere House Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Providence, Rhode Island, adopted six 'therapy' cats from an animal shelter, they had no idea that among them was one that possessed an uncanny sixth sense to predict the impending death of terminally ill patients.
Oscar the tabby cat's story begins in 2005, when the newly born kitten was placed on third floor of the nursing center, home to patients that are in the last stages of illnesses like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and cancer. The kitten spent the first year lazing around and watching the bustling activity around him. Then, just before his first birthday, Oscar began visiting each of the 41-patients on the floor regularly, just like the doctors and nurses did.


Initially, the hospital staff did not pay much attention to the feline's behavior. However, after some of the people that Oscar was snuggled next to passed away, they began to notice a pattern - the cat only went close to those that were a few hours away from dying. Otherwise, he would curl up on a desk and spend the day sleeping.
To test if it was just a coincidence, the staff tried to place Oscar next to a patient they believed was close to dying. But the paranormal cat refused to stay put and decided to snuggle next to someone else. Turns out he was right because 'his' patient died that same evening, while the one whose death the nurses had thought was imminent, lived on for another two days.

Movie Challenge Reflection

Movie 

(My computer is under safety mode so I can not view the video and get the proper link)

Movie Challenge reflection

What your group did well? Working well together.

What would YOU do differently next time? Spend more time editing our movie and Make sure everyone has a job to do.

Based on the criteria, how would you improve your movie if we gave you time. Do some different camera angles.

Criteria:

Teamwork

Able to work collaboratively as a team to produce a movie

Quality of message -

Life Ed theme. Shows understanding or learning from Life Ed programme

Able to use film making conventions

Camera angles, dramatic intention

Sound quality

Ability to ensure all dialogue is heard

Felt rock video.

Waimarino

I can hear people screaming as they jump of the wooden platform into the freezing cold water, I start to shake as people are scrambling to get up onto me. I can see other people on the blob and when they get blobbed into the water a big wave comes and rocks me around and I hear all the people on me scream, then I hear a big splash as one of the people that where on me falls off. Suddenly I hear someone shout "Times up!!" Then I hear a splash then another as people are jumping of me or sliding down me. Once everyone is off me I float back up to the surface until I hear another splash, and start shaking again.

Life Ed

Addiction is when you have something for the first time and you feel fantastic and then it makes you feel bad then you have another and another so you feel good then bad good then bad until you feel the same every time.

Methamphetamine (P) and the story of William and Coral

Methamphetamine (P)

Methamphetamine (P) is potentially a very addictive drug. It belongs to a group of drugs known as ‘Stimulants’ and works by releasing high levels of the brain chemical dopamine, stimulating brain cells, enhancing mood and body movement. It is classified as a Class A drug.

The short-term and long-term impact of the individual
When taken, meth and crystal meth create a false sense of well-being and energy, and so a person will tend to push his body faster and further than it is meant to go. Thus, drug users can experience a severe “crash” or physical and mental breakdown after the effects of the drugs wear off.

Because continued use of the drug decreases natural feelings of hunger, users can experience extreme weight loss. Negative effects can also include disturbed sleep patterns, hyperactivity, nausea, delusions of power, increased aggressiveness and irritability.

Short-term effects
Loss of appetite
Increased heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature
Dilation of pupils
Disturbed sleep patterns
Nausea
Bizarre, erratic, sometimes violent behavior
Hallucinations, hyperexcitability, irritability
Panic and psychosis
Convulsions, seizures and death from high doses

Long-term effects
Permanent damage to blood vessels of heart and brain, high blood pressure leading to heart attacks, strokes and death
Liver, kidney and lung damage
Destruction of tissues in nose if sniffed
Respiratory (breathing) problems if smoked
Infectious diseases and abscesses if injected
Malnutrition, weight loss
Severe tooth decay
Disorientation, apathy, confused exhaustion
Strong psychological dependence
Psychosis
Depression
Damage to the brain similar to Alzheimer’s disease, 3 stroke and epilepsy

Here is a before and after photo of a lady that had used P

The story of William who killed his daughter Coral.

They arrived at the South Featherston School about 8.17am. It was pouring with rain. Storm got out and ran inside but Coral refused. Williams later told police she got cheeky to him and he "lost the plot". The police summary of evidence records that he "flew into a rage such as he had never before experienced". From the driver's seat he reached into the back, half climbing over the seat to punch Coral repeatedly, holding her with one hand while hitting with the other. He broke her jaw in two places, just below the right ear and on her chin.

 Her jawbone was protruding on the left-hand side of her face. Her blood was everywhere, including all over his hands and her face. The autopsy concluded that the bleeding from her mouth would have been "torrential". When Williams' rage abated, Coral was collapsed on the car floor unconscious. None of the other parents arriving with their children apparently noticed what had occurred. In a panic Williams drove off, heading south away from town.

Current Events

America's Favourite Giant Panda Celebrates First Birthday

Every animal turns one so why was Bao Bao's first birthday so special? 

While first birthdays are always special, this one was even more so, given that only one other giant panda born at the National Zoo, Bao Bao's brother Tai Shan, has survived to celebrate this all-important milestone.

How did the zookeepers celebrate it?

In keeping with ancient Chinese tradition, the party commenced with the young panda being offered a choice of three honey-dipped bamboo shoots. Next to each, was a colorful hand-painted poster labeled 'Long Life,' 'Good Health' and 'Many Cubs'. Given that the panda's first choice is believed to predict its future, it was fortunate that Bao Bao immediately gravitated to the 'Long Life' bamboo.

They also made her a cake that was crafted from frozen diluted apple juice and dyed various shades of pink, with beet juice. Frozen in between, were slices of Bao Bao's favorite fruits - apples and pears. Flower appliques carved from carrots and sweet potatoes adorned the top and a large number '1', carved from frozen apple juice, completed the perfect treat. 

What are some of the things Bao Bao has learnt during his first year? 

The smart panda who now weighs a healthy 44lbs, has even learnt to respond to her name and stand tall on the scale, during her monthly weigh-ins.

What are some of the things in store for her before she turns two?

As the year progresses, she will gradually stop drinking her mother's milk and then just like pandas in the wild, move away from 'home', which in Bao Bao's case means shifting to a separate enclosure. Of course, this will only be a temporary home

Rimu Homework

Improve your swimming skills: Swim a total of 1000m Non-stop

On Saturday 30th August I went to Baywave and swam 1000m, My mum took photo's of me swimming and she also timed me. I took 19 minutes and 7 seconds to swim 1000 meters; Here are some photos.

Current Events

Mining Cavern Transforms Into World's Largest Underground Trampoline Park

How is Bounce Below different from other trampoline parks?

Trampoline parks are sprouting up all across the world However, they all pale in comparison to Bounce Below - the world's biggest underground trampoline park that opened in the historic slate mining town of Blaenau Ffestiniog Nestled in a massive cave that is located inside a 100ft deep and 60ft wide former slate mine, it provides visitors with a bouncing experience like none other. They have to wear overalls and safety helmets and embark on an old mine train for the short ride into the mountain.

What are some of the things visitors will experience at Bounce Below?
A series of trampolines spanning a whopping 10,000 square feet

What are the two ziplines called?
Velocity
Titan

What is special about each one?

Velocity: The mile-long Velocity, which stands 500 feet above the ground is not just Northern Hemisphere's longest zipline, but also, its fastest, allowing daredevils to fly across at speeds exceeding 100mph.

Titan: Titan is no slouch either. Besides being the largest of its kind in Europe, it is also the first in the world to feature four lines, side-by-side. This means that families and friends can experience the thrill of flying across at 70mph, simultaneously.

Dangerous Decibels

Dangerous Decibels

25.8.14

Today my class went to Dangerous Decibels, Dangerous Decibels is a class that teaches you about sound and what is too loud to be around and what is safe. These are some of the things we learnt, up to 85 dB is safe to be around, 90-120 dB may result to hearing loss, 125 dB + pain can begin and 130dB + can cause instant hearing loss. In your ears are little hairs you have about 80,000 to 100,000 of them, they should be standing up straight for your hearing to be good, the only way that they could fold down is if you are listening to something really loud.

We used a thing called a tuning fork, you whack it against the ground then if you hold it up to your ear you could become deaf straight away. We got given a tuning fork and a ping pong ball on a string, first we whacked the tuning fork on the ground then we put it against the ping pong ball then it bounces off the tuning fork like you were hitting it like you were.

Rimu Homework

Excellence in the Arts

Perform (at Rimu Hui) a dance that you have learnt

I have performed my Aims hip hop dance at in front of the whole house (not at house hui). I performed with the whole of the aims group, our hip hop teachers name is Eru he has just been to worlds for hip hop and he got back last week and came 2nd in the world.

Rimu Homework

Compete in a sport for an entire season

I have competed in netball for the entire season, I have had player of the day and I got a certificate and a free voucher for Mcdonald's. We have been in 1 tournament but I could not make it because I went up to Auckland to see my family but we won 5/5 games. 

Rimu Homework

Join a dance school/team during the year

I have made it into the Aims hip hop team and so far we have competed in 2 competitions and I still have Impact which is a hip hop competition on Friday 8th August then we have Aims which is a big competition with the whole of BOP.

I also do the after school hip hop and we learn a dance then at the end of the year we perform at Bethlehem Collage which is also very big, every school and every dance group performs there. There is also a thing called the performance group which performs at a lot of things including competitions, openings... and I have been picked to be in the Performance group for 2 years in a row.

Current Events

Japanese Scientist Builds Robots That Look Eerily Human

What are androids?
Androids are robots that act like humans and look like humans.

Name the three robots Professor Hiroshi Ishiguro has created for the 'Android: What is Human' exhibition?
The team of robots being exhibited including females - the adult Otonaroid (Otano means adult in Japanese) and the juvenile Kodomoroid (Kodomo means child in Japanese) as well as a tiny cuddly infant-like robot called Telenoid.

What are their respective roles?

All three have a specific purpose. The Otonaroid will act as the museum's robot science communicator for the exhibition. Her duties include having one-on-one conversations with visitors. Kodomoroid who is being touted as the world's first robo newscaster can skillfully tell us the latest news gathered from around the world via an internet feed. The young girl can also speak several languages in a variety of tones ranging from a girly squeal to a deep male voice. Telenoid was built to behave like a child, he resembles a cuddly baby that visitors can pick up for a quick hug and even have a conversation with.

Why are androids more difficult to build then normal robots?
Because they talk, blink and look like humans.

Current Events

Video Of The Week - British Competition Honors Naughty Pets

Why did Direct Blinds ask people to post pet pictures on their Facebook page?

The contest, organized by Direct Blinds an online supplier of custom window coverings, asked owners to upload photos of their pets caught performing their naughtiest deeds, on the company's Facebook page.

What title did Yodie win?

While the mess took weeks to clean up, it is also the reason the naughty dog earned himself the title of Britain's Naughtiest Pet

What did he do to deserve it?

Yodie decided to attack every cushion he could put his paws on and distribute the shreds all over the house.

What are the 2nd and 3rd place winners known to do frequently?
In second place was another dog called Harry, whose favorite hobby is to shrednewspapers and magazines. The funniest and most talented however was Stoops, a black cat who came in third place - She apparently loves to open the fridge and hop in to lick the tops of the cold milk bottles.

Te Reo Maori

RUA

Leisure Island - Moturiki Island

Peach Island - Motuopae Island

Rat Island - Motuopuhi Island

Mayor Island - Tūhua Island

These islands are well known to locals but to Maori of Tauranga these island have their own respective Maori names. Find out these names.

Te Reo Maori

RIMA 

The Story of Ranginui and Papatuanuku

1. Who is Ranginui and Papatuanuku?
Ranginui is the sky father and Papatuanuku is the Earth Mother.

2. Who is the god of the forests?
Tane-mahuta.

3. Who is the god of the winds?
Tawhirimatea.

4. Who is the god of war?
Tumatauenga.

5. Who is the god of the sea?
Tangaroa.

Current Events Reading

Joey Chestnut Wins Hot Dog Eating Contest 

For Eight Consecutive Year!

Who was responsible for making Nathan's hot dog contest famous?

The contest which is now streamed live on the ESPN channel, has become a July 4th tradition - one that is watched by millions of people every year.


How many hot dogs did he eat?
Joey Chestnut 61 franks in the allotted ten minutes.


How many years has Joey Chestnut won the contest prior to this year?
Joey Chestnut has dominated this competition for the last seven years.


What significant event occurred before the contest began?
Joey Chestnut proposes to his girlfriend before Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest.

What happened in the women's contest?

Three-time defending women's champion Sonya Thomas did not fares well. She was defeated by Miki Sudo from Las Vegas, who inhaled 34 frankfurters, far outpacing Sonya's 27.

Bali Inquiry

1. These little parcels are left outside everyday. You see them everywhere. What are they for?

Canang sari is one of the daily offerings made by Balinese Hindus to thank the Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa in praise and prayer. Canang sari will be seen in the Balinese temples (pura), on small shrines in houses, and on the ground or as a part of a larger offering.

2. It was the first day back at school when we arrived. These kids meet their teachers at the beach. They were about your age. Find out about school in Bali

Most schools in bali start at 9am-11am they finish vary from 1pm-4pm. They go to school 6 days a week Monday-Saturday but in New Zealand we go to school 5 days a week Monday-Friday.

3. They have tanks of these fish everywhere. You pay $3 to soak your feet in them for 15 mins. The fish nibble at your feet. Find out what type of fish they are and what they are doing?

Garra rufa fish are a tiny, toothless carp native to Turkey, Syria, Iraq and other parts of the Middle East. Also known as 'doctor fish', they thrive in the hot springs of Kangal, Turkey, where they suck and nibble away at the dead-skin cells of tourists and health pilgrims.

 

4. This was taken at a batik factory. What is batik?

Batik is the Traditional Fabric of Indonesia, The word batik is thought to be derived from the word 'ambatik' which translated means 'a cloth with little dots'. The suffix 'tik' means little dot, drop, point or to make dots. Traditional colours for batik were beige, blue, brown and black.

5. This is the Saraswati Temple in Ubud. Who is it dedicated to?

Saraswati temple Kingdom of Ubud is dedicated to honor the Hindu Goddess Saraswati, the goddess of learning, literature and art.

My reflection to term 2

Current Events Reading

Caveman poo suggests they may have eaten vegetables

SC:

- Use at least 3 of the 7 servants
- Questions must make sense
- Question MUST have a question mark.

How many years ago were there caveman? 50,000

Where did they live? Southern Spain

What did all the samples contain? Traces of meat

What else did the eat besides meat and veggies? Plants, such as tubers, berries, and nuts. 

Who is from the University of La Laguna in Spain? Anaira Sistiaga

What kind of teeth were microfossils trapped in? Neanderthal teeth

Neanderthals were close evolutionary cousins of what? Homo sapiens

Current Events Reading

Australia's Favourite White Humpback Makes A Rare Appearance


What is so special about Migaloo?
Migaloo was the world's first documented white humpback whale.

Cite a few facts from the article that tell you how precious Migaloo is to the people of Australia?
Migaloo means 'White Fella'. Experts believe that Migaloo's colour is caused by a genetic skin condition called albinism. Migaloo is 26-years-old. Boats and jet-skis have to keep a distance of at least 500 meters, while airplanes have to be more than 2,000 meters away from the mammal. Anybody caught violating this rule is subject to a fine exceeding $12,500 AUD.


Why is Migaloo known as a 'hypo-pigmented' humpback? 

Experts believe that Migaloo's colour is caused by a genetic skin condition called albinism. They have been unable to confirm it with scientific evidence. They therefore refer to him as a 'hypo-pigmented' humpback.


Is he the only one?
Though Migaloo was the first white humpback whale ever documented, he is not the only one. September 2011, Alan Fewings and his family reported seeing a white calf amongst a pod of migrating whales, near Cid Harbor off the coast of North Queensland.

Current Events Reading

114-Foot Tower In Budapest Is The World's Tallest Lego Structure


1. Where was the most recent tallest Lego structure built?
In front of the Saint Stephen's Basilica in Budapest.


2. Who built it?
The elementary students in Budapest collected a team of official Lego builders from Denmark to help them build one that would surpass the existing record holder - a 112-ft 11-inch tower which is built in front of the Saint Stephen's Basilica in Budapest.


3. What are the two requirements imposed by the Guinness World Records before a Lego tower can be eligible for inclusion?
You are not aloud to use the wires once the tower is finished you must take the wires out and let it stand up on it's own with out any support for it to be in the world record book.


4. Why does the author believe that a new Lego tower record will be attempted soon?
The author believes that because the record was broken/attempted 3 times in 2012.

Current Events Reading

13 Year Old Girl Conquers Everest 

1. What did Malavath do?

She climbed Mt Everest and became the youngest girl to climb Mt Everest.


2. Why does the author believe it is so admirable?
Because she is so young and she did not give up even when she got sick she kept carrying on.


3. What did she have to do to get selected for the Mount Everest climb?
Malavath impressed the instructor Parmesh Kumar, with her determination and grift.


4. What happened when Malavath reached the advanced base camp?
Malavath was sent back to bas camp after she experienced altitude sickness when she got to the advanced base camp set up at an altitude of 6,400 meters.


5. How long did it take the team to get to the summit?
It took 52 days


6. What does Malavath hope her achievement will do to help other people?

Inspire underprivileged people and girls all over the world, to try and achieve there dreams.

Battle of Gate pa

Willie Apiata, he is famous because he got awarded the Victoria Cross.

Jerry Mateparae is Governor General to the Queen and he was the 2nd Maori person to hold the Office. He was Chief of the New Zealand Defence Force between 2006 and 2011.

Student Led conferences

 

On Thursday 3rd April we had our Student Led conference my dad was away so just my mum and my little brother came along. After I introduced my mum to my teacher Ms Mills we started to talk about my maths, I am really proud of myself because I have learnt allot of things in maths that I had never been able to do. I enjoyed my mum coming into my classroom to see all of my things on the wall that I have done and because she has not seen my classroom before. My mum liked that she got to meet Ms Mills and that she got to see my new classroom. She also liked to see what level I was at for all my subjects and what I am trying to achieve for the rest of the year. I enjoyed showing my mum my writing sample because last year writing was my worst subject and this year I have really improved. I would not do anything different next time.

Prototec Maths

These are the results of my stage

             







and the are my timed ones

Battle of gate pa crossword

This is my Battle of gate pa crossword

Prototec maths

These are the results of my stage

and these are my timed ones

Prototec maths

These are my results of my stage

and these are my timed ones