Saturday, December 6th, 2008, 1:30 - 3:30 pm &
Saturday, January 10th, 2009, 1:30 - 3:30 pm
at Chinatown Community Room
Come to celebrate Christmas & New Year by playing Wii, Playstation, X-box and more.
It's a part of Teen'Zine program, free to teens ages 12-18.
Light refreshments will be served in the community room.
For more information, contact Jewel at Chinatown Library (415)355-2888 or jewelchen@sfpl.org
Monday, December 1, 2008
歡迎參加Teen'Zine電玩遊戲活動日
星期六, 十二月六日 (2008) 下午1:30 - 3:30 pm 及
星期六, 一月十日 (2009) 下午1:30 - 3:30 pm
地點在華埠圖書館一樓會議室
提供免費遊戲: Wii, Playstation, X-box 及其他
並備有免費餐點, 供參加者享用
查詢請洽華埠圖書館館員Jewel (415) 355-2888 or jewelchen@sfpl.org
星期六, 一月十日 (2009) 下午1:30 - 3:30 pm
地點在華埠圖書館一樓會議室
提供免費遊戲: Wii, Playstation, X-box 及其他
並備有免費餐點, 供參加者享用
查詢請洽華埠圖書館館員Jewel (415) 355-2888 or jewelchen@sfpl.org
Monday, October 6, 2008
Lunar July Ghost Month and Zhong Yuan Pu Du
adapted from Ghost Festival-Origin
According to folklore, the gates of hell are opened at midnight on lunar July 1st, allowing all the suffering spirits to return and see their living descendants, and enjoy grand feasts. The vacation ends on July 30th, when all the ghosts must return to the underworld. Therefore, lunar July is called the Ghost Month.
Most folk activities in lunar July are related to wandering spirits, who are called good brothers. From July 1st to July 30th , the Pu Du activities, designed to placate wandering ghosts, are seen everywhere, and are the culmination of religious ritual for the entire year. In Chinese, Pu Du means universal deliverance.
Zhong Yuan Pu Du originated from the ancient ritual of offering sacrifices to malicious ghosts. In order to keep from being bothered by those who died of unnatural death, people would burn paper money and spread starch liquid to bribe and placate the fierce spirits. Fear of ghosts has resulted in a variety of rituals designed to ward off evil.
The term Zhong Yuan originated from Taoism. To Taoists Zhong Yuan, or the 15th day of lunar July, marked the birthday of Di Guan - Di meaning land, Guan, official - the god believed to be in charge of land. On this day, sacrifices are offered to Di Guan to thank him for his protection of crops. Di Guan has been referred to as Xung, a legendary virtuous ruler around the year 2200 BC.
The concept of Zhong Yuan Pu Du developed from a popular Buddhist story concerning Mu Lian who was the eldest monk disciple of Buddha.
After learning of the sufferings of his mother in hell, from the spirit of his deceased father, Mu Lian visited his mother and tried to alleviate her pain, with rice and water. But the rice and water turned to fire soon after reaching the mouth of his mother. Mu Lian then turned to Buddha for help, and was told that his mother's sins were so great that it would take the combined power of thousands of monks to save her. Acting on Buddha's advice, Mu Lian held a massive ritual on the 15th day of lunar July, chanting liturgies and providing abundant sacrificial offerings to save his mother's suffering soul from hell. Now, large-scale rituals are held on this day for the deliverance of all suffering souls.
According to folklore, the gates of hell are opened at midnight on lunar July 1st, allowing all the suffering spirits to return and see their living descendants, and enjoy grand feasts. The vacation ends on July 30th, when all the ghosts must return to the underworld. Therefore, lunar July is called the Ghost Month.
Most folk activities in lunar July are related to wandering spirits, who are called good brothers. From July 1st to July 30th , the Pu Du activities, designed to placate wandering ghosts, are seen everywhere, and are the culmination of religious ritual for the entire year. In Chinese, Pu Du means universal deliverance.
Zhong Yuan Pu Du originated from the ancient ritual of offering sacrifices to malicious ghosts. In order to keep from being bothered by those who died of unnatural death, people would burn paper money and spread starch liquid to bribe and placate the fierce spirits. Fear of ghosts has resulted in a variety of rituals designed to ward off evil.
The term Zhong Yuan originated from Taoism. To Taoists Zhong Yuan, or the 15th day of lunar July, marked the birthday of Di Guan - Di meaning land, Guan, official - the god believed to be in charge of land. On this day, sacrifices are offered to Di Guan to thank him for his protection of crops. Di Guan has been referred to as Xung, a legendary virtuous ruler around the year 2200 BC.
The concept of Zhong Yuan Pu Du developed from a popular Buddhist story concerning Mu Lian who was the eldest monk disciple of Buddha.
After learning of the sufferings of his mother in hell, from the spirit of his deceased father, Mu Lian visited his mother and tried to alleviate her pain, with rice and water. But the rice and water turned to fire soon after reaching the mouth of his mother. Mu Lian then turned to Buddha for help, and was told that his mother's sins were so great that it would take the combined power of thousands of monks to save her. Acting on Buddha's advice, Mu Lian held a massive ritual on the 15th day of lunar July, chanting liturgies and providing abundant sacrificial offerings to save his mother's suffering soul from hell. Now, large-scale rituals are held on this day for the deliverance of all suffering souls.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
鬼月及中元普渡
摘自Ghost Festival - Origin
在民間的流傳中，每年陰曆七月初一凌晨，地府開鬼門，讓所有在陰間受苦受難的鬼魂，能夠趕回陽間去探望生前的老家和後世子孫，並且享宴一番。到了七月三十，假期結束，這些鬼魂又得重返陰間。因此農曆七月就被稱為鬼月。七月的民間行事中，大部分都跟被稱為「好兄弟」的孤魂野鬼有關，所以，從七月初到七月底各地的普渡活動不勝枚舉，這也是我們一年的祭祀活動中的高潮。
「中元普渡」的起源，根據記載就是古代的「厲祭」，「厲」指惡鬼。人們怕橫死凶亡的「強魂厲魄」來作祟，因此就燒些紙錢，灑些江水來賄賂他們，叫他們不要干擾人們。也由於這種怕鬼的心理，才有了這些各式各樣的祭祀祈求消災。
「中元」的名稱來自道教，而中元指的就是道教信仰的最高神祇「三官大帝」中的地官，因此七月十五這天，民間都會祭祀地官大帝，而地官大帝相傳也就是古代賢君大舜，所以民間就以祭祀地官大帝，感謝大地的福佑，作物得以生生不息。
「中元普渡」的觀念是來自佛教的「盂蘭盆會」。相傳佛陀的大弟子目犍連，也就是民間傳說中的目連，到了地獄，看見母親置身在餓鬼道中受苦，趕緊用缽子盛飯給母親解餓充飢，但是沒有想到飯一到母親口中，立刻變成火炭，不得下嚥，目連悲痛不已。
於是就以百味五果供養佛僧，廣結十方僧侶，舉行「盂蘭法會」，誦經施食，把母親的靈魂從地獄中救出，福報無量。宗教的慈悲精神，借著超渡的活動，來表達人世間的善意。
在民間的流傳中，每年陰曆七月初一凌晨，地府開鬼門，讓所有在陰間受苦受難的鬼魂，能夠趕回陽間去探望生前的老家和後世子孫，並且享宴一番。到了七月三十，假期結束，這些鬼魂又得重返陰間。因此農曆七月就被稱為鬼月。七月的民間行事中，大部分都跟被稱為「好兄弟」的孤魂野鬼有關，所以，從七月初到七月底各地的普渡活動不勝枚舉，這也是我們一年的祭祀活動中的高潮。
「中元普渡」的起源，根據記載就是古代的「厲祭」，「厲」指惡鬼。人們怕橫死凶亡的「強魂厲魄」來作祟，因此就燒些紙錢，灑些江水來賄賂他們，叫他們不要干擾人們。也由於這種怕鬼的心理，才有了這些各式各樣的祭祀祈求消災。
「中元」的名稱來自道教，而中元指的就是道教信仰的最高神祇「三官大帝」中的地官，因此七月十五這天，民間都會祭祀地官大帝，而地官大帝相傳也就是古代賢君大舜，所以民間就以祭祀地官大帝，感謝大地的福佑，作物得以生生不息。
「中元普渡」的觀念是來自佛教的「盂蘭盆會」。相傳佛陀的大弟子目犍連，也就是民間傳說中的目連，到了地獄，看見母親置身在餓鬼道中受苦，趕緊用缽子盛飯給母親解餓充飢，但是沒有想到飯一到母親口中，立刻變成火炭，不得下嚥，目連悲痛不已。
於是就以百味五果供養佛僧，廣結十方僧侶，舉行「盂蘭法會」，誦經施食，把母親的靈魂從地獄中救出，福報無量。宗教的慈悲精神，借著超渡的活動，來表達人世間的善意。
Saturday, July 12, 2008
A Traveler's Journey
(Winner of the High School Group, Teen Essay Contest 2008)
“Blink Twice, Look Once”
by Melissa Tsang
Living in a world filled with terror and fear. We all want to break loose and cast out the world once and for all. The scorching summer is to burn in rage and havoc.
As I lay down in the open grassy plains, I look up to see the clouds above. Then, I close my eyes one last time, before I drift away. Until Armageddon, the sun will never rise in my world every again. Not ever, again.
A little while passed until I awoke to the sound of chimes in the distance. It rang in my ear like no other sound I have ever heard before. Still partially sleeping, I rose and brushed off my pants. But there was no grass on it like I expected. I looked at the floor and was astonished to see that I was really sitting in the middle of what looked like an open ocean not far from ashore. But how? I stood there pondering on the spot because I did not know what would happen if I walked across the completely still transparent water. I could see the bottom of the ocean. I didn’t know that to do. Three more chimes sounded and I desperately searched for where they came from. I couldn’t quite locate the sound, but I then saw something shiny. The shiny object reflected on my eyes and I cautiously took one step towards the shore. That was a big mistake. A gaping whirlpool opened up under me and I felt like I was being pulled into the depths of the unmerciful waters. I figured that one step off my spot would trigger this and shatter the shatter the enchantment the water was under. My last memory before I was completely sucked in was that I could not trust anyone, or anything.
Am I conscious? Well, I don’t really recall how I got to wher
ever I am now. Did I drown in the abyss? I am here, alive? My surroundings felt different this time. I felt calm and relaxed sitting on a soft surface. I opened my eyes and saw that I spit out onto what appears to be a giant mushroom. I see the sun high overhead. I can infer that it is around noon. A monstrous caterpillar peered out of the leaves above. It towered over me menacingly. The caterpillar wasn’t gigantic, it’s just that I was small. I quickly hopped off the mushroom and dashed for a nearby swamp. I wasn’t quick enough. The next thing I knew, I was swallowed up, but not chewed, by the caterpillar I thought would give me a break. Everything was pitch black and I did not want to keep reliving this cycle over and over.
My eyes automatically flung open and my sense of awareness grew sharper because of the constant environment shifts. Under the large fronds of a palm tree which provided me shade, I laid on the soft silky sands of time. It felt somewhat familiar to my touch. A coconut dropped and barely missed me. I looked up and atop the tree stood a half-monkey, half-bird like creature. It spotted me and jumped on my head, digging its talons into my scalp. I tried to swing it off, but it didn’t work. It suddenly hopped off and dashed into the forest of palm trees ahead. I thought it was nothing to worry about so I kicked back and absorbed the sun’s rays and the tropic air. I couldn’t care less where I was or how I got here. I just wanted to relax and be left alone. As I was about to close my eyes and doze off, I looked into the waves in the distance. It seemed like they were rushing faster and faster to touch the shores. The currents blew harder and I was almost blown away. The powerful crashes against the cliff increased. The tide was coming in, a lot more than I expected. I turn around to see a 60 feet wave heading towards the shore about to smother me. Tsunami! I ducked behind the palm tree and crossed my fingers and hoped for the best. I said my prayers one last time before I was swept away again. The roaring waters engulfed and I gave in to Poseidon.
An instant impulse caused me to awake once more. This time it was different. I had landed atop a tall skyscraper in a more modern era, but not even close to my time. It was nighttime and I was trying to stay steady. I balanced on the tip and held on tight. The gusts of wind sent dust in my eyes and I could not hold on much longer. From where I was standing, I could tell it would be a far jump up here down to the busy city streets below. The lights illuminated the darkness of the night. The weather shifted, I could tell. Suddenly, I slipped and before I know it, I had scaled down 80 floors of darkness. I shut my eyes, trying not to look, but I didn’t need to see to know my fate was sealed.
The vast field of colorful flowers spread over the terrain. And I could make out gophers hard at work and butterflies fluttering the air. Bees were busy pollinating and making honey. I was safe and unscarred from the fall. How did that happen? Leaping up on my feet, I slowly danced through the beautiful petals, but watching carefully to make sure I don’t fall into a hole or anything. It felt like no one was here on this side of the world with me. After dancing, I was exhausted, so I flopped on the ground care freely. Staring into the clouds above once more, I saw the wisps of white cotton candy that I long to devour. I reached up and try to grab it by the handful, but that didn’t work. My eyes dropped and I heard a hymning melody of a bird I don’t recognized nearby. As I was lulled, I couldn’t resist but to dose off.
Floating amidst the clouds, I was actually just walking on thin air. Disbelievingly, I pounced on a cloud and it was stable enough to hold my weight, yet it looked so light and airy. The tickly sensation overcame me and I felt like I could do anything. The clouds formed a pattern that seemed like they were stairways. I was curious, so I walked up on each cloud that spirals up into more clouds. I hope the Giant isn’t up there. Well, this isn’t a beanstalk anyways. There was a key hovering straight ahead and I grasped it with two hands to ensure that it won’t slip away from me. The key glowed in my hands and I held on tight and kept following the increasingly narrow clouds up to the beyond.
As I climbed higher and higher, I approached two silver gates. I wonder where they lead to. To the left of the gates, there was a keyhole. And where there’s a keyhole, there’s a key to go with it. The key I was carrying matched the keyhole, so I slowly slipped it in and turned it. The lock clicks, and the gates open. I am free, to another realm where I can escape to. This is my home. There is no danger. There is nothing to hide from or be afraid of. This is my subconscious. This is the world we recoil to when there is nowhere else to go.
“Blink Twice, Look Once”
by Melissa Tsang
Living in a world filled with terror and fear. We all want to break loose and cast out the world once and for all. The scorching summer is to burn in rage and havoc.
As I lay down in the open grassy plains, I look up to see the clouds above. Then, I close my eyes one last time, before I drift away. Until Armageddon, the sun will never rise in my world every again. Not ever, again.
A little while passed until I awoke to the sound of chimes in the distance. It rang in my ear like no other sound I have ever heard before. Still partially sleeping, I rose and brushed off my pants. But there was no grass on it like I expected. I looked at the floor and was astonished to see that I was really sitting in the middle of what looked like an open ocean not far from ashore. But how? I stood there pondering on the spot because I did not know what would happen if I walked across the completely still transparent water. I could see the bottom of the ocean. I didn’t know that to do. Three more chimes sounded and I desperately searched for where they came from. I couldn’t quite locate the sound, but I then saw something shiny. The shiny object reflected on my eyes and I cautiously took one step towards the shore. That was a big mistake. A gaping whirlpool opened up under me and I felt like I was being pulled into the depths of the unmerciful waters. I figured that one step off my spot would trigger this and shatter the shatter the enchantment the water was under. My last memory before I was completely sucked in was that I could not trust anyone, or anything.
Am I conscious? Well, I don’t really recall how I got to wher
ever I am now. Did I drown in the abyss? I am here, alive? My surroundings felt different this time. I felt calm and relaxed sitting on a soft surface. I opened my eyes and saw that I spit out onto what appears to be a giant mushroom. I see the sun high overhead. I can infer that it is around noon. A monstrous caterpillar peered out of the leaves above. It towered over me menacingly. The caterpillar wasn’t gigantic, it’s just that I was small. I quickly hopped off the mushroom and dashed for a nearby swamp. I wasn’t quick enough. The next thing I knew, I was swallowed up, but not chewed, by the caterpillar I thought would give me a break. Everything was pitch black and I did not want to keep reliving this cycle over and over.My eyes automatically flung open and my sense of awareness grew sharper because of the constant environment shifts. Under the large fronds of a palm tree which provided me shade, I laid on the soft silky sands of time. It felt somewhat familiar to my touch. A coconut dropped and barely missed me. I looked up and atop the tree stood a half-monkey, half-bird like creature. It spotted me and jumped on my head, digging its talons into my scalp. I tried to swing it off, but it didn’t work. It suddenly hopped off and dashed into the forest of palm trees ahead. I thought it was nothing to worry about so I kicked back and absorbed the sun’s rays and the tropic air. I couldn’t care less where I was or how I got here. I just wanted to relax and be left alone. As I was about to close my eyes and doze off, I looked into the waves in the distance. It seemed like they were rushing faster and faster to touch the shores. The currents blew harder and I was almost blown away. The powerful crashes against the cliff increased. The tide was coming in, a lot more than I expected. I turn around to see a 60 feet wave heading towards the shore about to smother me. Tsunami! I ducked behind the palm tree and crossed my fingers and hoped for the best. I said my prayers one last time before I was swept away again. The roaring waters engulfed and I gave in to Poseidon.
An instant impulse caused me to awake once more. This time it was different. I had landed atop a tall skyscraper in a more modern era, but not even close to my time. It was nighttime and I was trying to stay steady. I balanced on the tip and held on tight. The gusts of wind sent dust in my eyes and I could not hold on much longer. From where I was standing, I could tell it would be a far jump up here down to the busy city streets below. The lights illuminated the darkness of the night. The weather shifted, I could tell. Suddenly, I slipped and before I know it, I had scaled down 80 floors of darkness. I shut my eyes, trying not to look, but I didn’t need to see to know my fate was sealed.
The vast field of colorful flowers spread over the terrain. And I could make out gophers hard at work and butterflies fluttering the air. Bees were busy pollinating and making honey. I was safe and unscarred from the fall. How did that happen? Leaping up on my feet, I slowly danced through the beautiful petals, but watching carefully to make sure I don’t fall into a hole or anything. It felt like no one was here on this side of the world with me. After dancing, I was exhausted, so I flopped on the ground care freely. Staring into the clouds above once more, I saw the wisps of white cotton candy that I long to devour. I reached up and try to grab it by the handful, but that didn’t work. My eyes dropped and I heard a hymning melody of a bird I don’t recognized nearby. As I was lulled, I couldn’t resist but to dose off.
Floating amidst the clouds, I was actually just walking on thin air. Disbelievingly, I pounced on a cloud and it was stable enough to hold my weight, yet it looked so light and airy. The tickly sensation overcame me and I felt like I could do anything. The clouds formed a pattern that seemed like they were stairways. I was curious, so I walked up on each cloud that spirals up into more clouds. I hope the Giant isn’t up there. Well, this isn’t a beanstalk anyways. There was a key hovering straight ahead and I grasped it with two hands to ensure that it won’t slip away from me. The key glowed in my hands and I held on tight and kept following the increasingly narrow clouds up to the beyond.
As I climbed higher and higher, I approached two silver gates. I wonder where they lead to. To the left of the gates, there was a keyhole. And where there’s a keyhole, there’s a key to go with it. The key I was carrying matched the keyhole, so I slowly slipped it in and turned it. The lock clicks, and the gates open. I am free, to another realm where I can escape to. This is my home. There is no danger. There is nothing to hide from or be afraid of. This is my subconscious. This is the world we recoil to when there is nowhere else to go.
A Traveler's Journey
(Winner of the Middle School Group, Teen Essay Contest 2008)
by Anna Skovajsa
Imagine, being able to travel to many places on a hot summer’s day or cold winter’s day. Instead of just being at home playing video games, or watching television, imagine yourself traveling to far away, exotic places that can be both pleasant and horrific for you. A traveler has to both give up their time to go travel to these places, and may carry so little things with them, or lots of things. Travelers are very lucky to go traveling and meet new friends, or even just to taste delicious foods they never had before. They can have it very tough, although it may be very exciting.
I have traveled to Japan, the country where my mother is from, and it is very beautiful there. They have good food, cool monuments, and even wonderful places to shop all you want! Traveling is very exciting, and very fun but is very tiring since in order to go to Japan, it takes about ten hours to get there. After a while, you get used to the long flight, but the first time I went there, I could not stand it and wanted to get off the plane. Excluding the plane flight, when you get there, you land at: Tokyo, Osaka, etc, you can go shopping after a long plane flight, and get something yummy to snack on as well.
Japan has a lot of history behind it, and has monuments that are over 100 years old! Like other Asian countries, Japan contains primarily a Buddhist religion, and a little bit of Christianity. Japan also has temples, that have Buddha in them, and there is this one temple in Kyoto that is famous for touching Buddha’s belly to grant you a wish if you are being good. Green tea, a famous tea in Japan, is very healthy for you, and originally comes from Shizuoka. Kyoto is famous for a lot of good green tea, and as well as sweets that go well with the tea. Not only does the tea in Japan sparkle, but the entertainment is so towering, it can blow you away starting from Rakugo, a Japanese comedy. Kabuki is a theatre performance, and people participating in this event, wears heavy white makeup with red makeup all over their faces. The costumes of kabuki are very elaborate and sometimes can show emotions like anger, sadness, or happiness.
Now, to the shopping or mall experience, you need to have myriad amounts of money on you, or you will miss out on things. Everything in Japan is so cool, that you will want to buy it; you will spend your money on things that you may not even use, but think it’s so cool, so you buy it. For example, there is everything “smelly” there, like a smelly pen, a smelly eraser,
markers, and pencils, high lighters, led for led pencils, staples, and things you can’t even imagine. The clothes there are funky, and groovy, and not so much like American outfits, but is very cool. Nail salons usually have long lines outside of them since a lot of the nail salons hold fake nails that every Japanese female would want since it is the “in” thing in Japan, currently, Anime, or manga stores sell many comic books, and is really popular in Japan; likes in America, manga and anime is very popular, that they sell out as fast as Japan does these days. The shopping is pretty tiring after a while, but it’s worth it because you can get many things that you have never seen before.
When you’re too tired to go shopping, and look at things on sale, why not just relax at the restaurants, or cafés? Again, the restaurants and café’s are excellent, but are pretty expensive. There are things like cola floats, melon floats, gigantic parfaits, cream puffs, gelatin that can refresh you on a hot summer day in Japan. Sushi is really good, but don’t just look at
the sushi course, but you should try the “donburi” course. A donburi is basically a rice bowl with numerous amounts of toppings, likes eggs, chicken, fish, etc. There are many restaurants that do special things on your birthday, graduation, and many other events and even special things like eating near the window from the 13th floor, and enjoying the magnificent view. There are many famous restaurants that have “all you can eat buffets” that are kind of different than other country’s buffets because in Japan, there are lots of them that you can make your own ice cream, or sweets, or eat all for a very low price like $5! Make sure to stop by at the little booths at the cellar of Japanese malls since there are booths filled with food that have free samples for everything they sell. Don’t get too carried away, or the power of food will swoop you away into being full.
When you are pretty tired from all the hard shopping, and easing, or traveling alone, there is always wonderful hotels, and resorts to stay in. The spas in Japan can put you to an ease from a long day. The hotels are gorgeous, and room service can be enjoyable. Some hotels even have a special thing to them like having a raffle to people who stay in the hotel the longest, and many more.
When you know you loved Japan so much, and don’t want to leave, you know that you have to leave; you can store memories from there. Whichever season you plan to go there, each season is very wonderful. Traveling is really fun, and can be tiring, but it’s worth it, and instead of just staying home and not wanting to do anything but watch TV, traveling can be very educational at some point, and can put smiles to the faces of each family member. Talking about traveling makes me want to go somewhere even more! Sayonara, a Japanese word that means goodbye, I say to you, and hopefully you can enjoy the fantastic experience I enjoyed; all you need to do to travel is to get a suitcase, and some family members to enjoy it with or alone, along with a traveling ticket, and a great attitude!
by Anna Skovajsa
Imagine, being able to travel to many places on a hot summer’s day or cold winter’s day. Instead of just being at home playing video games, or watching television, imagine yourself traveling to far away, exotic places that can be both pleasant and horrific for you. A traveler has to both give up their time to go travel to these places, and may carry so little things with them, or lots of things. Travelers are very lucky to go traveling and meet new friends, or even just to taste delicious foods they never had before. They can have it very tough, although it may be very exciting.
I have traveled to Japan, the country where my mother is from, and it is very beautiful there. They have good food, cool monuments, and even wonderful places to shop all you want! Traveling is very exciting, and very fun but is very tiring since in order to go to Japan, it takes about ten hours to get there. After a while, you get used to the long flight, but the first time I went there, I could not stand it and wanted to get off the plane. Excluding the plane flight, when you get there, you land at: Tokyo, Osaka, etc, you can go shopping after a long plane flight, and get something yummy to snack on as well.
Japan has a lot of history behind it, and has monuments that are over 100 years old! Like other Asian countries, Japan contains primarily a Buddhist religion, and a little bit of Christianity. Japan also has temples, that have Buddha in them, and there is this one temple in Kyoto that is famous for touching Buddha’s belly to grant you a wish if you are being good. Green tea, a famous tea in Japan, is very healthy for you, and originally comes from Shizuoka. Kyoto is famous for a lot of good green tea, and as well as sweets that go well with the tea. Not only does the tea in Japan sparkle, but the entertainment is so towering, it can blow you away starting from Rakugo, a Japanese comedy. Kabuki is a theatre performance, and people participating in this event, wears heavy white makeup with red makeup all over their faces. The costumes of kabuki are very elaborate and sometimes can show emotions like anger, sadness, or happiness.
Now, to the shopping or mall experience, you need to have myriad amounts of money on you, or you will miss out on things. Everything in Japan is so cool, that you will want to buy it; you will spend your money on things that you may not even use, but think it’s so cool, so you buy it. For example, there is everything “smelly” there, like a smelly pen, a smelly eraser,
markers, and pencils, high lighters, led for led pencils, staples, and things you can’t even imagine. The clothes there are funky, and groovy, and not so much like American outfits, but is very cool. Nail salons usually have long lines outside of them since a lot of the nail salons hold fake nails that every Japanese female would want since it is the “in” thing in Japan, currently, Anime, or manga stores sell many comic books, and is really popular in Japan; likes in America, manga and anime is very popular, that they sell out as fast as Japan does these days. The shopping is pretty tiring after a while, but it’s worth it because you can get many things that you have never seen before.When you’re too tired to go shopping, and look at things on sale, why not just relax at the restaurants, or cafés? Again, the restaurants and café’s are excellent, but are pretty expensive. There are things like cola floats, melon floats, gigantic parfaits, cream puffs, gelatin that can refresh you on a hot summer day in Japan. Sushi is really good, but don’t just look at
the sushi course, but you should try the “donburi” course. A donburi is basically a rice bowl with numerous amounts of toppings, likes eggs, chicken, fish, etc. There are many restaurants that do special things on your birthday, graduation, and many other events and even special things like eating near the window from the 13th floor, and enjoying the magnificent view. There are many famous restaurants that have “all you can eat buffets” that are kind of different than other country’s buffets because in Japan, there are lots of them that you can make your own ice cream, or sweets, or eat all for a very low price like $5! Make sure to stop by at the little booths at the cellar of Japanese malls since there are booths filled with food that have free samples for everything they sell. Don’t get too carried away, or the power of food will swoop you away into being full.When you are pretty tired from all the hard shopping, and easing, or traveling alone, there is always wonderful hotels, and resorts to stay in. The spas in Japan can put you to an ease from a long day. The hotels are gorgeous, and room service can be enjoyable. Some hotels even have a special thing to them like having a raffle to people who stay in the hotel the longest, and many more.
When you know you loved Japan so much, and don’t want to leave, you know that you have to leave; you can store memories from there. Whichever season you plan to go there, each season is very wonderful. Traveling is really fun, and can be tiring, but it’s worth it, and instead of just staying home and not wanting to do anything but watch TV, traveling can be very educational at some point, and can put smiles to the faces of each family member. Talking about traveling makes me want to go somewhere even more! Sayonara, a Japanese word that means goodbye, I say to you, and hopefully you can enjoy the fantastic experience I enjoyed; all you need to do to travel is to get a suitcase, and some family members to enjoy it with or alone, along with a traveling ticket, and a great attitude!
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Post Secret: Extraordinary Confessions from Ordinary Lives
Is the Book Suitable to Teenage Readers?
Written by: Mona Meng Xin Zhao
I believe the book "Post Secret: Extraordinary Confessions from Ordinary Lives written by Frank Warren" should not be removed from the teen sections in my opinion because of these following reasons (coming from a seventeen years old perspective):
- The book is a collection of myriad emotions and experiences people of all ages been through. The book can serve many purposes in teaching teens and adults about who they are, how they feel, and others' emotions.
- This book shows different sides of a human. Though it can not conclude that's how everyone would feel in a certain situation, but it will help us realize how many of our lives are so alike.
- This book can also help teenager realize not only most of us go through similar experiences, but we also have similar mixed emotions. This realization can help us break our barriers we built towards our unfamiliar classmates, rivals at school, and our parents.
- This book can benefit teens by opening their hearts and minds. Some people might think this book is inappropriate for teens because of various reasons. This book is raw, deep, taps into our most secret thoughts and "secrets". This book, in my opinion, will not desecrate teenagers' minds. It will not badly influence teenagers to "do bad things" or be rebellious, but instead it'll take us out of our comfort zones in life and be more mature.
In conclusion, I read this book and truly enjoyed it. Sometimes I will burst out laughing, but the next page can bring me to tears. This book is cathartic and simply human.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Chinese Lunar New Year
Chinese New Year Traditions
Written by: Jennifer Zhang
"Out with the old and in with the new” is the definition of Chinese New Year. The goal of this holiday is so everyone can have a fresh start and so everyone can start off the New Year with positive energy that will last for the rest of the year. Other names for Chinese New Year include: Lunar New Year or the Spring Festival.
Written by: Jennifer Zhang
"Out with the old and in with the new” is the definition of Chinese New Year. The goal of this holiday is so everyone can have a fresh start and so everyone can start off the New Year with positive energy that will last for the rest of the year. Other names for Chinese New Year include: Lunar New Year or the Spring Festival.
Chinese New Year falls on a different date each year because it is based on the combination of the lunar calendar and the solar movements. It usually occurs in January or February. For the year 2008, Chinese New Year will be on February 7, which is the year of the rat when associated with the Chinese Zodiac.
Chinese New Year is so everyone may get a fresh start in life with positively flying around, but the events that people do on New Year's Day can impact someone's whole life for the rest of the year. Some things to watch for are to: be careful with one's actions, be selective with what one eat, greet people with joy and wish them prosperity. If these guidelines are followed, the chance is that one's life would be prosperous and healthy for one's family and work place.
Everything associated with the New Year should represent good fortune. There are different wishes for different people. One should wish for the best for everyone on this day. To singles, it may mean love and romance, while students would look for good grades. The sick may look for a healthy year and a cure, while the unemployed would look for jobs.
To make sure that one may have a good year, there are guidelines that one must follow. There is a process of how to act and what to do before New Years and on the day of the New Year. Before Chinese New Year a family should: clean the entire house, put away all brooms and brushes, pay all debts, resolve differences with families and friends, buy red envelopes, oranges, tangerines, Chinese candy, flowers, and new clothing. On New Year's Eve a family should have a reunion dinner, pay respects to ancestors and household gods, and open all windows to dispose of the old year. At Chinese New Year a family should decorate their house with symbols of good fortune (use colors like red, which stands for happiness and orange for wealth). Other symbols include oranges (good health and long life), persimmons (happiness and wealth), circular candy (togetherness), flowers (blooming year), and red banners with good wishes written on them.
Chinese New Year is not only about a new start, but it is also about family and the togetherness of one's family. It is a great time for reunion. Relatives come together to cook a simple meal and laughter is shared in the room. It is a really warm feeling and plus the food is great. Teen'Zine would like to wish everyone a Happy Chinese New Year 2008, year of the rat.
The Alcatraz Island
The History of Alcatraz
Written by: Jennifer Zhang
Alcatraz was the home for violent and prisoners that don't follow the rules at regular prison. It was a frightening place to be, but it did not always started out that way. The island Alcatraz was founded by a Spanish explorer called Juan Manuel de Ayala and was also the first to sail in what is known as the San Francisco Bay. It used to be called Alcatraces, but it's now shorten to Alcatraz, which means“strange bird" in Spanish.
In 1850, the president wanted to set aside the island for use of the U.S. military reservations, but because of the California Gold Rush and the
growth of San Francisco, the need for protection of the bay grew and the Army made plans to install 100 cannons on Alcatraz and it became a defense for the entrance of the bay. It also became the first lighthouse in the West Coast of the U.S. With Alcatraz as a military site, it also became the first military prisoner house. The necessary for defense died down after the Gold Rush and so in 1909, Alcatraz became a military prison. The nickname for this prison house became“The Rock". In 1993, Alcatraz was transferred to the U.S. Department of Justice and for use by the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Alcatraz was then decided to be used to deal with the most incorrigible inmates in the Federal prisons as a threat to the public about stopping rampant crimes in the 1920s.
Alcatraz is actually not as bad as books and movies portray. The average amounts of prisoners are around 260-275 and the prison never even reached its capacity of 336. Alcatraz did not held that many prisoners because only the most violent ones were chosen to go and the conditions were not all that bad. For instance, there is always one man to a cell and it is better than the other Federal prisons. Several inmates requested to be transferred to Alcatraz. Prisoners that are sent to Alcatraz are mostly ones who refuse to conform to the rules and regulations at the other Federal prison houses and not all are like Al Capone and other big life gangsters. The prisoners there are mostly considered violent, dangerous, and had great
escape risks.
The four rights that a prisoner had in Alcatraz are: food, clothing, shelter, and medical care. There are other privileges that are earned through working including: family visits, prison library, and recreational activities. Once a prison official felt that a man is no longer a big threat and can follow rules, the prisoner is usually sent back to a Federal prison to finis
h his/her sentence or will be released. Prisoners usually stay at Alcatraz for about five years or so.
Even though it is about five years, there still were escape attempts made. Over the 29 years of working Alcatraz, there were 36 men who attempted to escape and had 14 separate escape attempts. Of these men, 23 were caught, 6 were shot and killed, and 2 drowned. Of the 2 men that attempted, but were caught, they were later executed in a gas chamber for death of an officer during their attempt.
Alcatraz may seem to a eyes of a person as a frightening place, but it was better off than most Federal prisons. I would say that the most frightening part is where a prisoner would look out and only see water. The feeling of isolation of land is pretty scary if you asked me.
Written by: Jennifer Zhang
Alcatraz was the home for violent and prisoners that don't follow the rules at regular prison. It was a frightening place to be, but it did not always started out that way. The island Alcatraz was founded by a Spanish explorer called Juan Manuel de Ayala and was also the first to sail in what is known as the San Francisco Bay. It used to be called Alcatraces, but it's now shorten to Alcatraz, which means“strange bird" in Spanish.
In 1850, the president wanted to set aside the island for use of the U.S. military reservations, but because of the California Gold Rush and the
growth of San Francisco, the need for protection of the bay grew and the Army made plans to install 100 cannons on Alcatraz and it became a defense for the entrance of the bay. It also became the first lighthouse in the West Coast of the U.S. With Alcatraz as a military site, it also became the first military prisoner house. The necessary for defense died down after the Gold Rush and so in 1909, Alcatraz became a military prison. The nickname for this prison house became“The Rock". In 1993, Alcatraz was transferred to the U.S. Department of Justice and for use by the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Alcatraz was then decided to be used to deal with the most incorrigible inmates in the Federal prisons as a threat to the public about stopping rampant crimes in the 1920s.Alcatraz is actually not as bad as books and movies portray. The average amounts of prisoners are around 260-275 and the prison never even reached its capacity of 336. Alcatraz did not held that many prisoners because only the most violent ones were chosen to go and the conditions were not all that bad. For instance, there is always one man to a cell and it is better than the other Federal prisons. Several inmates requested to be transferred to Alcatraz. Prisoners that are sent to Alcatraz are mostly ones who refuse to conform to the rules and regulations at the other Federal prison houses and not all are like Al Capone and other big life gangsters. The prisoners there are mostly considered violent, dangerous, and had great
escape risks.The four rights that a prisoner had in Alcatraz are: food, clothing, shelter, and medical care. There are other privileges that are earned through working including: family visits, prison library, and recreational activities. Once a prison official felt that a man is no longer a big threat and can follow rules, the prisoner is usually sent back to a Federal prison to finis
h his/her sentence or will be released. Prisoners usually stay at Alcatraz for about five years or so.Even though it is about five years, there still were escape attempts made. Over the 29 years of working Alcatraz, there were 36 men who attempted to escape and had 14 separate escape attempts. Of these men, 23 were caught, 6 were shot and killed, and 2 drowned. Of the 2 men that attempted, but were caught, they were later executed in a gas chamber for death of an officer during their attempt.
Alcatraz may seem to a eyes of a person as a frightening place, but it was better off than most Federal prisons. I would say that the most frightening part is where a prisoner would look out and only see water. The feeling of isolation of land is pretty scary if you asked me.
*Some pictures come from alcatraz-island.visit-san-francisco.com.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
The Passing of a Singer
Selena: One of the Best
by Jennifer Zhang
Selena Quintanilla Perez was a famous star from April 16, 1971 to March 31, 1995. The time when she was a little girl to the time of her death, she showed everyone that she was able to succeed in this world no matter who told her what with nothing shot her down. Since she was Spanish/American, both Spanish speaking and English speaking songs arose from her albums that showed pride in her nationality. She had a tragic death that brought everything to an end, but no one would every forget Selena.
Selena was born in April 16, 1971 in Lake Jackson, Texas. Selena was the young one of a family of three siblings to her parents of Marcella and Abraham Quintanilla II. She was part of a musical group already called the Los Dinos. Abraham practiced music in his home. Abraham knew she had a voice for singing. Selena started singing only in Spanish, though she spoke English originally. In 1980 they started to succeed. Los Dinos moved on to Corpus Christi, Texas, and traveled around Texas playing everywhere to earn money. Choosing the Freddie label, they came out with their first album. Selena met Chris Perez in 1988. At the Nueces County Courthouse on April 2, 1992, Selena, at the age of 20, secretly married Christ. The once Selena Quintanilla was now Selena Quintanilla Perez to the public. In 1990, a fan from San Antonio, Texas eagerly wanted to open a fan club in honor of Selena. Since this fan, Yolanda Saldivar, knew Selena personally through a friend of hers, her request was approved and granted. The prosperous fan club was set up, but later the club along with another company started many troubles between Yolanda and Selena, leading to Selena's death. In 1995, Selena was approached by a record label to start recording her first English album. It was what she had wanted for a long time because English was her native language. Also in this year, Selena Ect. Inc. was soaring. Another boutique was opening up in San Antonio. Up to this year, everything seemed to be going right. Selena had a wonderful career in singing Spanish and now English albums, and her fashion business was expanding. Though, this same year, problems originated with Yolanda Saldivar leading to her death. Selena died on March 31, 1995, in Corpus Christi, Texas, after being shot by Yolanda Saldivar, the founder of the Selena fan club. Saldivar had been managing Selena's boutique in San Antonio and was about to be fired for embezzling money. Selena's murder sent shockwaves through the Latino community and her fans around the world mourned the singer's passing.
by Jennifer Zhang
Selena Quintanilla Perez was a famous star from April 16, 1971 to March 31, 1995. The time when she was a little girl to the time of her death, she showed everyone that she was able to succeed in this world no matter who told her what with nothing shot her down. Since she was Spanish/American, both Spanish speaking and English speaking songs arose from her albums that showed pride in her nationality. She had a tragic death that brought everything to an end, but no one would every forget Selena.
Selena was born in April 16, 1971 in Lake Jackson, Texas. Selena was the young one of a family of three siblings to her parents of Marcella and Abraham Quintanilla II. She was part of a musical group already called the Los Dinos. Abraham practiced music in his home. Abraham knew she had a voice for singing. Selena started singing only in Spanish, though she spoke English originally. In 1980 they started to succeed. Los Dinos moved on to Corpus Christi, Texas, and traveled around Texas playing everywhere to earn money. Choosing the Freddie label, they came out with their first album. Selena met Chris Perez in 1988. At the Nueces County Courthouse on April 2, 1992, Selena, at the age of 20, secretly married Christ. The once Selena Quintanilla was now Selena Quintanilla Perez to the public. In 1990, a fan from San Antonio, Texas eagerly wanted to open a fan club in honor of Selena. Since this fan, Yolanda Saldivar, knew Selena personally through a friend of hers, her request was approved and granted. The prosperous fan club was set up, but later the club along with another company started many troubles between Yolanda and Selena, leading to Selena's death. In 1995, Selena was approached by a record label to start recording her first English album. It was what she had wanted for a long time because English was her native language. Also in this year, Selena Ect. Inc. was soaring. Another boutique was opening up in San Antonio. Up to this year, everything seemed to be going right. Selena had a wonderful career in singing Spanish and now English albums, and her fashion business was expanding. Though, this same year, problems originated with Yolanda Saldivar leading to her death. Selena died on March 31, 1995, in Corpus Christi, Texas, after being shot by Yolanda Saldivar, the founder of the Selena fan club. Saldivar had been managing Selena's boutique in San Antonio and was about to be fired for embezzling money. Selena's murder sent shockwaves through the Latino community and her fans around the world mourned the singer's passing.
Friday, March 14, 2008
The First English Colony in America
Ever Heard of Jamestown?
by Jennifer Zhang
Jamestown was the first English colony that first settled four hundred years ago. It was established on the North America continent that we see today. This was a really big event in history. When Jamestown was finally created, it affected a lot of people other than the English like the Native American population. The English started to take over the place and of America's east coast. Jamestown was a really new and special place, so a lot of stories were created there to explain the live of the people like Captain John Smith, Pocahontas, and Powhatan.
One of the first things that happened in Jamestown was when tobacco growth started. When the town was created, the people had to also create their first representative of 1619. They needed people and helpers, so slaves were transported there from Africa. There was also the first Anglican Church. The times were also tough for the people since they were not that familiar with everything. They only, just started a new place after all. They had problems with health and disease, hunger, and death. In the year 1609 was of the winters that the people of Jamestown had to endure. 70% of the settlers died because of this. Jamestown did survive through all of this because the English really wanted an empire and wanted to explore and kept the colony going because they were in a competition with Spain.
The expansion continued on May 1607 when Englishmen dropped their anchor in Virginia and built a fort on the peninsula of the James River and named it James Fort. James was the King in London that granted for the Englishmen to go there and named them the Virginia Company. After that day, they made a new settlement and invest in money from the colonization. The company had all the power to provide all the essential needs. They also wanted to open more new land and had the hope of finding gold. To make more profits, they had to build industries and they wanted to get lumber as their resources. They wanted to make a profit by sending things like lumber to England. To do this, they needed to discover a quick and safe route to the Orient to England.
Jamestown was actually a bad investment for the Virginia Company because the early people were not willing to do work for themselves and just wanted to make a profit. There was also a lot of disease with the marshy and swamp area that they were at and the fort that they build was not even that old. Jamestown was really unstable with all of these self factor, but they also have to deal with the warfare with the Indians and many other disputes. They were losing and was about to have a shortage of supplies.
Something that saved both settlements was new settles that came in at June 1611. A year later, tobacco was planted and profits were finally coming in from the exports. The Virginia Company organized all of the new families. Virginia Company got a royal control after that.
Jamestown was destroyed in 1676 at the Bacon's Rebellion and then was taken over by Williamsburg, which was the new capital in 1699. James Rive r is still shown as a historic place and is being preserved where people can see it and remind the old Jamestown history.
by Jennifer Zhang
Jamestown was the first English colony that first settled four hundred years ago. It was established on the North America continent that we see today. This was a really big event in history. When Jamestown was finally created, it affected a lot of people other than the English like the Native American population. The English started to take over the place and of America's east coast. Jamestown was a really new and special place, so a lot of stories were created there to explain the live of the people like Captain John Smith, Pocahontas, and Powhatan.
One of the first things that happened in Jamestown was when tobacco growth started. When the town was created, the people had to also create their first representative of 1619. They needed people and helpers, so slaves were transported there from Africa. There was also the first Anglican Church. The times were also tough for the people since they were not that familiar with everything. They only, just started a new place after all. They had problems with health and disease, hunger, and death. In the year 1609 was of the winters that the people of Jamestown had to endure. 70% of the settlers died because of this. Jamestown did survive through all of this because the English really wanted an empire and wanted to explore and kept the colony going because they were in a competition with Spain.
The expansion continued on May 1607 when Englishmen dropped their anchor in Virginia and built a fort on the peninsula of the James River and named it James Fort. James was the King in London that granted for the Englishmen to go there and named them the Virginia Company. After that day, they made a new settlement and invest in money from the colonization. The company had all the power to provide all the essential needs. They also wanted to open more new land and had the hope of finding gold. To make more profits, they had to build industries and they wanted to get lumber as their resources. They wanted to make a profit by sending things like lumber to England. To do this, they needed to discover a quick and safe route to the Orient to England.
Jamestown was actually a bad investment for the Virginia Company because the early people were not willing to do work for themselves and just wanted to make a profit. There was also a lot of disease with the marshy and swamp area that they were at and the fort that they build was not even that old. Jamestown was really unstable with all of these self factor, but they also have to deal with the warfare with the Indians and many other disputes. They were losing and was about to have a shortage of supplies.
Something that saved both settlements was new settles that came in at June 1611. A year later, tobacco was planted and profits were finally coming in from the exports. The Virginia Company organized all of the new families. Virginia Company got a royal control after that.
Jamestown was destroyed in 1676 at the Bacon's Rebellion and then was taken over by Williamsburg, which was the new capital in 1699. James Rive r is still shown as a historic place and is being preserved where people can see it and remind the old Jamestown history.
Help Prevent Television Violence
The Marriage Counselor
by Jennifer Zhang
Meet Bob and his family. He has two children named Andy and Anna. They are the typical American family in the photo that was shown to me. The family is smiling in front of their brand new house. They even have a Golden Retriever. Who would have thought that this family was having so may problems inside?
Bob received a large amount of cash just by investing in the stock market for a year. He got a brand new car, a house, and a nice pack of cigars to hold around in his pocket. From the money, we decided to buy the good stuff for his family. His wife got the best fashion style with all the 18 Karat jewelry and his children got the latest video games. For Bob, he always wanted a large screen television set. He got that with ease. After Bob got his set, all he did was stay at home and watched all he can watch. He was a millionaire now and can just live out the next 40 years of his life on the couch with the stock listing on the side of his new television and that was exactly what he did. He would watch sports programs to drama shows everyday for seven days a week and have another screen just for the stocks. He would sleep and eat at his mini theater and ignore everyone around him. His health habit changed from golf to television programs.
His wife would come in and ask him to take a walk with her and the children, but his mood changed compared to before. He was grumpy most of the time and seems to have mood swings. He would talk, but everything he says had an example behind it that came from a television program. His wife annoyed with him and told him he was addicted to the screen and asked him to marriage his theater instead. This will cause big fight and Bob will end up throwing chairs at his wife and then locking himself in his theater. "He seems to think that what he sees on television is where all the excitement is. He thinks he can get all the experience he can get by looking at the drama shows.", says his wife.
It has been half a year and Bob didn't connect with Andy or Anna at all. They are teenagers, but he acts more like a media freak than they do. Bob finally began to see that looking at the television is not a good thing for him. His vision is blurring and his wife is mad at him. He notices his mood swings which he blames on the family that was forcing him to do things that were not of their business. He also notices that he dreams a lot more of vivid events that feels so real, but it was actually something he can recall back on a program that he watches. He starts to notice that he tries to be the characters on the programs and he can see these imaginary fighting scenes in his head. His family notices that he likes to act tough at times after an action movie or he would be sweet after a chick flick.
Bob's health and mood started to change only after half a year of his relaxation period because of his television programs and mini theater. Because the things shown on television are so feel and the emotions are something that we can feel, we love to watch it. Everyone loves stories and so does Bob. What Bob doesn't notice at first was how he started to actually be the characters that he can never be. He finally notices this and instead, quotes the television characters without knowing he is doing it. Even when he was sleeping, he dreams and recalls the events that happened, not in his life, but from a television program.
by Jennifer Zhang
Meet Bob and his family. He has two children named Andy and Anna. They are the typical American family in the photo that was shown to me. The family is smiling in front of their brand new house. They even have a Golden Retriever. Who would have thought that this family was having so may problems inside?
Bob received a large amount of cash just by investing in the stock market for a year. He got a brand new car, a house, and a nice pack of cigars to hold around in his pocket. From the money, we decided to buy the good stuff for his family. His wife got the best fashion style with all the 18 Karat jewelry and his children got the latest video games. For Bob, he always wanted a large screen television set. He got that with ease. After Bob got his set, all he did was stay at home and watched all he can watch. He was a millionaire now and can just live out the next 40 years of his life on the couch with the stock listing on the side of his new television and that was exactly what he did. He would watch sports programs to drama shows everyday for seven days a week and have another screen just for the stocks. He would sleep and eat at his mini theater and ignore everyone around him. His health habit changed from golf to television programs.
His wife would come in and ask him to take a walk with her and the children, but his mood changed compared to before. He was grumpy most of the time and seems to have mood swings. He would talk, but everything he says had an example behind it that came from a television program. His wife annoyed with him and told him he was addicted to the screen and asked him to marriage his theater instead. This will cause big fight and Bob will end up throwing chairs at his wife and then locking himself in his theater. "He seems to think that what he sees on television is where all the excitement is. He thinks he can get all the experience he can get by looking at the drama shows.", says his wife.
It has been half a year and Bob didn't connect with Andy or Anna at all. They are teenagers, but he acts more like a media freak than they do. Bob finally began to see that looking at the television is not a good thing for him. His vision is blurring and his wife is mad at him. He notices his mood swings which he blames on the family that was forcing him to do things that were not of their business. He also notices that he dreams a lot more of vivid events that feels so real, but it was actually something he can recall back on a program that he watches. He starts to notice that he tries to be the characters on the programs and he can see these imaginary fighting scenes in his head. His family notices that he likes to act tough at times after an action movie or he would be sweet after a chick flick.
Bob's health and mood started to change only after half a year of his relaxation period because of his television programs and mini theater. Because the things shown on television are so feel and the emotions are something that we can feel, we love to watch it. Everyone loves stories and so does Bob. What Bob doesn't notice at first was how he started to actually be the characters that he can never be. He finally notices this and instead, quotes the television characters without knowing he is doing it. Even when he was sleeping, he dreams and recalls the events that happened, not in his life, but from a television program.
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