the bird on fire

The Palm Valley School Student Blog

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

“WeChat Pay or Alipay?”

by Leave a Comment

By Jeremy Cheng

 

When having dinner at the restaurant, buying goods at the mall, or shopping online, what is your favorite way to pay for the check?

Credit card, currency, or mobile payment?

Currently, there have been increasing numbers of people who use the mobile phone to pay for everything.

The two biggest mobile payment companies in China are WeChat Pay and Alipay.

For instance, this is how you pay for the bill at the restaurant.

This is how you pay for the fruit at the market.

This is how you pay for something at the mall.

Even when shopping at the Sephora on El Paseo, you can see an Alipay sign when you check out.

Even the less fortunate people in China will print out the QR code, which is a barcode that helps people receive or send money to others.

The use of cash and coin currency is declining rapidly in the Chinese economy. Surprisingly, four years ago, this payment method didn’t even exist because everyone used paper money.

In most of the mainland cities, most of the people use their smartphones to pay for all different kinds of fees. In a restaurant, the server may ask you, “WeChat Pay or Alipay?” as opposed to asking,  “credit card or debit card?” This is because paper money is not as popular in China anymore.

WeChat, a Chinese social media app not unlike Facebook, brings a lot of convenience to the daily lives of the people who live in China. One function of the app is WeChat Pay, which is one of the two main payment methods in China.   

In the past four years, Hong Kong used to post a news report that said that in the year of 2016, Chinese mobile payment reached 5.5 trillion dollars, which is 50 times of the American marketing model (112 billion).

I came to America and studied here in 2015. WeChat Pay was not that popular yet. When I went back to China for Christmas break, my mom told me that in order to pay someone for something, one simply sends money from their WeChat account to another. At that moment, I asked my mom, “Are you serious?”

My mom laughed at me and said, “Yep.”

When having dinner or afternoon tea at a restaurant or cafe, I can pay for something with my phone quicker than I can pay with paper currency.

Street artists in China can print out their QR code and display it, which makes it easier for people to give them money for their hard work. It is the same for everyone, from the wealthier people to the people with less money.

Some other countries are also currently trying to reduce the usage of cash-and-coin currency. In China, they have almost totally switched from cash-and-coin currency to mobile payment. Recently, a Chinese woman was called by the bank she uses. They told her that she forgot her credit card in their ATM machine for three weeks, and she didn’t even notice!

 

Editor: Leo Milmet

The Unquestionable Ranking of Every Pixar Movie

by 3 Comments

By Luke Langlois

Pixar has released twenty movies. If you are looking for a proper and critical ranking of all twenty of those movies, this is not the place. However, if you are looking for my highly opinionated ranking of all twenty Pixar films (because who isn’t?), then this is just the post for you. Warning: Some Pixar Spoilers Below

  1. The Good Dinosaur: This is a good movie. While the big lizards known as dinosaurs frequently emerge from extinction to grace the cinematic universe, they are usually characterized as big meanies. This time though, they were friendly big lizards. I rank it as the worst Pixar film because I forgot this was a movie, until now.

 

  1.  Coco: This movie was good and, of course, critically acclaimed. However, I thought it was kind of “bleh.”

 

  1. Finding Dory: Pixar has lived off of the fame of Finding Nemo for fourteen years now. When a studio releases a sequel to an excellent movie, the pressure is on to somehow raise the bar. This sequel was great, but it did not live up to my set expectations. Therefore, #18.

 

  1. A Bug’s Life: A Bug’s Life is essentially the cult film of Pixar’s empire. This is an awesome movie, and it inspired one of the greatest attractions at Disneyland, the “It’s Tough to be a Bug” production. I put it at #17 because nobody should ever sympathize with ants.

 

  1. Cars 2: Critics really hate this movie. But, it’s a spy thriller with cars! This movie has been the recipient of a lot of flack, but I really do not think it is warranted. The critics are wrong. Go Tow, Mater!

  1. WALL-E: This is a great movie minus one thing. It’s too realistic. How am I supposed to enjoy a movie that depicts something so awful?! Therefore, I’m not a huge fan of it. Although, who can truly resist the story of two robots falling in love in a post-apocalyptic world?

 

  1. Monsters University: James P. Sullivan and Mike Wazowski in college! This is probably the most average movie Pixar has made. I do not believe anyone actually wanted or asked for a prequel to Monsters, Inc., but it was done, and it was done well.  

 

  1. Toy Story: This was the first movie ever to be released by Pixar, which gives it a special spot in the heart of all. Released in 1995, this movie set new precedents on just about every law of cinematic animation. Pixar said, “This is what we can do. What can you do, other movie studios?” The characters have definitely proven to be timeless. The animation is showing some age, but this does not take away from the enjoyment of the movie.

 

  1. Cars 3: When I was watching this movie in theaters, I really enjoyed it…until the end. They ruined a possible classic with the ending of this movie. I expected an epic comeback from the greatest Pixar character in existence, Lightning McQueen. What ended up happening was his trainer finishing the race for him. It was a lame ending to an otherwise thrilling movie.

 

  1. Brave: Brave, to me, is the most underrated Pixar film. The red-headed archer, Merida, is probably the most down-to-Earth protagonist in the Pixar universe. Plus, the Scottish medieval setting is my FAVORITE setting in any Pixar film. “If you had the chance to change your fate, would you?”

 

  1. Finding Nemo: Similarly to Toy Story, Pixar has been riding off of the coattails of Finding Nemo for years. The plot is oh-so heartwarming (if you forget the annihilation of 500 fish eggs along with the mother of said eggs), and it is the only Pixar movie to take the audience to the upside-down country known as Australia. Overall, this movie is a classic for a reason.

  1. Toy Story 2: I like this movie far more than I like the first one. Pixar managed to make a sequel that not only was on par with the first one, which is quite the achievement. Unlike most sequels, it simply feels like a better movie all around, with regards to animation and storytelling. My one gripe with this movie is the inclusion of a ridiculous sequence in which a toy horse is able to keep up with a real-life, full-size airplane going full speed on a runway.

 

  1. Ratatouille: Only director Brad Bird could make an excellent movie about a chef in Paris, who happens to be a rat. Besides the uniquely comedic and well executed storyline, this movie is another one that stands out due to its setting. I’ve never been to Paris, but my limited (yet extremely accurate and unquestionable) knowledge of Paris comes largely from Ratatouille. Somehow, watching a movie about a rat in Paris makes anyone feel elegant.

 

  1. Inside Out: After a series of Pixar “misses” (such as Cars 2, Brave, and Monsters University), Pixar took a two-year gap before putting out another movie. The movie they put out was Inside Out; it did not disappoint. I think this film is going to continue to be the best original universe of the “modern” Pixar era. It is also the only Pixar movie to include hockey, and I am a big hockey fan.

 

  1. Toy Story 3: In a critical ranking, I would give all the Toy Story movies the exact same ranking. I put Toy Story 3 above the other two on my list because Pixar again manages to improve the franchise, even with the third movie. Again, I bring up the fact that sequels usually do not top the original. However, the Toy Story franchise once again proves to be an exception to the rule. After all, the strawberry bear villain is without a doubt the most menacing villain the toys have ever faced. On June 21st, 2019, Pixar is releasing a fourth Toy Story film. We will have to see where that is destined to end up in my rankings.

 

  1. Up: Up is such a critically acclaimed movie due to how well it seems to touch the “human” part of being a human. The first few minutes of this movie are beloved by most and bring many to tears. While that’s great and all, I simply like the main character, Carl, and the dog, Dug. Plus, I could listen to the main theme all day. ♫♫♫♫

 

  1. Cars: For some reason, many people dislike this movie. They are wrong. The movie is just short of perfect. Lightning McQueen has brought forth joy to millions, perhaps even billions. He could not have done this without this fantastic addition to Pixar’s collection. Owen Wilson, the voice actor who played Lightning McQueen, would say one thing about this movie, “Wow!”

 

  1. Monsters, Inc: Monsters, Inc. brought the green, one-eyed Mike Wazowski and the big blue dude James P. Sullivan to the spotlight. The fresh monster universe portrayed in this film almost feels like science fiction. The whole concept of an entire monster factory having doors that lead to different locations is, as an understatement, clever. The scene near the end that has the protagonists running from the law through a massive factory of doors will always be one of the most iconic scenes in the Pixar universe. Also, monsters use the screams of children to power their cities. Who knew?

 

  1. Incredibles 2: I am not often excited about movies being released. I was incredibly excited for Incredibles 2. I have been waiting for this movie for as long as I can remember, and it fully lived up to my expectations. That should say something by itself. The animation is gorgeous. The soundtrack is art. The plotline was dark enough to keep both kids and adults entertained. The true achievement of Incredibles 2 is its ability to maintain all of the characters of the film. Not a single beat was skipped between the original and the sequel, regardless of the 14-year gap.

 

  1. The Incredibles: This movie not only tops Pixar movies, it tops all movies. The Incredibles is an enthralling film that brings in family turmoil, high-flyin’ super-powered action, and a rich backstory that is jam packed into a movie less than two hours long. I could probably write an entire post about this movie, so I’ll send it off with one word: incredible.

Editor: Leo Milmet

Review of “Your Name”

by Leave a Comment

By James Zheng, thebirdonfire.org Game and Animé Reviewer

Hey guys, today I bring you a different type of animé–which I call, the most successful animé movie ever! As you see, “Your Name” (or Kimi no Na Wa) is a really simple title. But it achieved several awards and a highest rank on the history of animé. It achieved the first prize of the eighth Newtype Animation Award, the Best Animated Film from the 42nd Los Angeles Film Critics Association Awards; plus it won more than ten other awards. It’s not exaggerating; it’s the fact that “Your Name” is truly amazing.

“Your Name” was published by Toho Company, Limited, a major Japanese film company. It took three years to prepare the story and script of “Your Name.” Production was led by a really famous director, Makoto Shinkai. “Your Name” is a masterpiece. Shinkai thought about every detail and design of character for a long time. It reached the expectations of many people.

“Your Name” has a realistic style. Most scenes in “Your Name” are taken from the image of Tokyo. The imagery is so real it appears a picture of Tokyo. There is intense presentation on the changing of color and combination of color.

“Your Name” is a romantic animé. But the story of “Your Name” is not hackneyed. It has some fantastical parts, which could actually catch an audience’s attention. Let me tell you more; the story between hero and heroine is really dramatic. The story is set in a small village in Japan; a girl who lives in that village is weary of living in a such tiny village with old traditions. One day, she dreams that she becomes a boy who lives in Tokyo. She is confused, and she suddenly has some unfamiliar friends. At the same time, the hero also has a strange dream. What happened in the dream brings them together.

 Well, when you start to watch this animé, you will notice that it is even more fascinating than what I have described! Although there are no fighting scenes in “Your Name,” it can still shock you with the storyline!

Editor: Makena Behnke

Review of “The Good Place” — Becoming a “Good” Person

by Leave a Comment

By Dayton Kennard

The Good Place is an ongoing NBC/Netflix show that’s currently in its third season, with each new episode being uploaded to Netflix a few hours after its original airing on NBC. The series starts off with Eleanor Shellstrop waking up in “The Good Place,” a heaven-like town where only the kindest of the kindest people go when they die. She’s introduced to the town, shown her new home (which has been made and styled to perfectly match her personality), and matched with her soulmate, Chidi. In this perfect place, the only problem is her. Eleanor quickly figures out that she’s been mistaken for someone else, as the memories shown to her are not her own and there’s no way that she was as good a person as anyone around her.

This sets up the main theme of the show: becoming a good person. As Eleanor doesn’t belong in “The Good Place” due to her actions when she was alive, she sets out to become a good person and fit in with the rest of her neighbors. Each episode will have a specific problem that needs to be faced, and there will be flashbacks that allow us to see the difference of how she handled a similar problem in the past compared to how she’s handling it now. We get insight into how she’s evolving emotionally as she feels guilt over bad decisions and actions rather than just passing it off as someone else’s problem. Without spoiling much, I can say that these flashbacks are often amusing and absurd, providing a good break between the serious situation and the attempts to fix the current problem. Even though this seems like just a comedy at first glance, the show does teach its viewers better morals, whether it’s little acts of kindness or learning when to take one for the team.

I don’t want to spoil anything about the show, but I can tell you that they pack tons of action and plot into the 22-minute episodes, and the plot twists at the end of each season leave you shaking in your seat anticipating what will happen next. I recommend taking a day of relaxing on the couch with your blanket and snacks to binge the first two seasons in around 10 hours if you’re watching on Netflix with no ads. I hope you have fun watching it, and remember, you’re constantly being watched and judged for your every action to determine if you’ll spend your afterlife eternally suffering! 😀

Editor: Makena Behnke

Confused? Here are the Propositions in a Nutshell

by 2 Comments

By Political Correspondent Senior Blogger Holden Hartle

I’ve seen several ads throughout my life saying “Vote yes on Prop 5” or “Vote no on Prop 11.” But what is the “prop” I’m voting for? I know the majority of us can’t vote this midterm, but it’s nice to know what’s on the ballot and what may happen to our state, or even our country. Also, there is some terminology that was confusing to me, such as a bond is like another word for debt. Below are the propositions that will be on the 2018 midterm ballot.

  1. Authorizes bonds to fund specified housing assistance programs. This helps veterans, farmers, and homeless people in general.
    •  

      Proponents argue that Prop 1 gives housing to those who can’t afford to buy housing on their own. And, what’s more, proponents say, Prop 1 would not raise taxes.

    • Opponents argue that this is on the ballot because there is such an influx of people coming into California, and to solve this problem requires a much larger solution.  
  2. Authorizes bonds to fund existing housing programs for individuals with mental illnesses. The state will use $140 million per year in mental health funds in order to pay back the $2 billion in bonds.
    • Proponents argue that Prop 2 doesn’t raise taxes. It will also provide help to those who previously couldn’t get help for their mental illnesses.
    • Opponents argue that the actual logistics of how the project will be funded would put many more people onto the streets.
  3. Authorizes almost 9 billion in bonds to fund projects for water supply and quality, watershed, fish, wildlife, water conveyance, and groundwater sustainability and storage.
    • Proponents argue that there will be more clean water in California, fixing of unsafe dams, and drought protection.
    • Opponents argue that the bonds go to private organizations and none of it directly goes to creating clean water.
  4. Authorizes $1.5 billion in bonds to fund construction for better children’s hospitals.
    • Proponents argue that Prop 5 will provide the latest technology for children battling all sorts of diseases.
    • Opponents argue that we are giving these bonds away with interest and that we need to find a better way to get children better care.
  5. Okay. So I’m gonna be completely honest with you, I’m not sure what Prop 5 is about. It has something to do with senior citizens paying property taxes and how this takes away from funding in other areas.
  6. Eliminates certain road repair and transportation funding and requires certain fuel taxes and vehicle fees to be approved by Congress.
    • Proponents argue that Prop 6 will lower gas prices, repealing the last tax instituted via the state legislature. Do you really need anything else?
    • Opponents argue that if you vote yes, roads and bridges will continue to deteriorate, clean-air laws will stagnate, and it is possible that more accidents will happen due to deteriorating roads and freeways.
  7. Conforms California Daylight Saving Time to federal law, and it allows state legislature to request a change to Daylight Saving Time Period.
    • Proponents argue that the act of going through a time change is detrimental to the human body, and that fewer injuries and deaths will happen if you were to vote yes.
    • Opponents argue that people will go to school/work in the dark. That’s it? Really?
  8. Regulates the amounts clinics charge for kidney dialysis treatment.
    • Proponents argue that companies are making bank from the costs of dialysis treatment, but they don’t invest in basic needs like sanitation. Voting “Yes” means costs will be regulated.
    • Opponents argue that Prop 8 will put many clinics out of business, which means that fewer people will get treatment, which means that more people will die.
  9. Prop 9 was taken off of the ballot by the Supreme Court, but basically it said that California would be split up into three different states.
  10. Expands local governments’ authority to place regulations on rent control of residential properties.
    • Proponents argue that Prop 10 will make rent increases more fair. Voting “Yes” will help the tenants.
    • Opponents argue that Prop 10 will make the housing situation worse. It also gives the government access to place fees on top of your rent.
  11. Keeps the past regulations of private emergency ambulance employees on call during work breaks so as to respond to emergencies.
    • Proponents argue that Prop 11 will continue saving lives and that seconds matter in a life and death situation. Therefore, we should keep the process in place.
    • Opponents argue that this could mean EMT’s are less likely to be available during emergency situations, which could lead to less immediate emergency care.
  12. Establishes new standards for confinement of certain farm animals as well as bans the sale of non-complying farmers’ products.
    • Proponents argue that the current way we treat animals is inhumane and that establishing minimum requirements would be a step in eliminating this cruelty.
    • Opponents argue that Prop 12 would not eliminate cruelty, as animals, such as hens, could be enclosed in as little as a one-square-foot cages.

 

If you would like to know more about any of these propositions, go to http://voterguide.sos.ca.gov/propositions/

Editor: Bella Bier

HowFashion 04: TikTok Edition

by Leave a Comment

By HowFashion Blog Correspondent Jeremy Cheng

Nowadays, there are increasing numbers of youngsters who use their phone to watch short videos. Therefore, Musical.ly was produced.

Musical.ly provides a chance for people who like to perform and pay nothing to do it.

In September 2016, TikTok was produced, an app which also makes short videos for social media.

TikTok users are able to choose music, take video, and produce their own video. This app was released on the Android App Store and the Apple App Store.

Since video recording technology was produced, the most popular type of short video in the whole world is MV (music video), and it is the most difficult type of short video to produce of all the short videos.

A music video is the most difficult type of short video to film. The majority of people can’t make their own music, and they have to borrow others, pretending to act and sing or play music anytime, anywhere.

Dubsmash performance solved this problem using audio, music, and script. Users only need to act, and each video is no longer than 15 seconds. It lowers the difficulty of making a video, increasing the fun of content; thus, they are easier to spread.

(An Example of Dubsmash use) http://v.douyin.com/dVoKgQ/

There are two ways to film a short video. The first one is TikTok, which provides everything that users need, and the second is for users to make their own music, script, and video.

Dubsmash is PGC (Professionally-generated Content) music combined with UGC (User-generated Content) video.

TikTok is also a social media app. Users can share their daily life on TikTok, and at the same time people can make more friends and learn different anecdotes from them.

(Examples) http://v.douyin.com/dVt6jY/

Users can edit their video speed and special effects (slow-motion, repeating, flashing, reversing), which not only makes it seem like they are the one singing but also makes it a more creative video.

(Examples) https://www.iesdouyin.com/share/video/6602192209418652935/?region=US&mid=6490330650472942349&u_code=h8b64ac1&titleType=title&timestamp=1538022597&utm_campaign=client_share&app=aweme&utm_medium=ios&tt_from=copy&utm_source=copy&iid=44841159240

However, note, from March 1st to March 31st, 2018, there were 27,231 videos, 8,921 songs, and 15,234 accounts banned because of copyright infringement.

 

Why did TikTok become popular?

“Populars” effect is the one most important key that makes TikTok popular.

In mid-March, TikTok became well known. Many people think that TikTok invites influencers to advertise their application.

On March 13, a famous comedian published an article with the TikTok Logo, and after the day he posted, the numbers of views increased rapidly.

Content operating is the foundation of appeal with users.

With content operating, TikTok has created a special algorithm that can distribute views to everyone, which means if a normal person does not have fans, one can have many fans if one films a good video. Therefore, there has been an increasing number of people who are willing to join TikTok and use it.

Stephanie, a fellow student, had taken a vlog and uploaded it to TikTok. She got 40k views and 1.5k likes.

http://v.douyin.com/dVGUeL/

TikTok operators are good at combining real-time hot spots and change it to what teenagers like. For instance, teenagers were interested in ThugLife, a famous trend of wearing sunglasses with a big gold chain, which appeals to many young adults.

http://v.douyin.com/dVs4hK/

http://v.douyin.com/dVph1p/

TikTok, on average, gets 6 billion hits daily!!!

Why are so many people addicted to TikTok?

According to Sensor Tower, TikTok was downloaded 35 million times in August 2018!!

Some people would claim short videos are boring, while others would claim the short videos of TikTok make people want to keep watching more videos. People think that the next video will be more interesting, and because of this belief it acquires 6 billions daily hits!

 

Editor: AJ Patencio

Short Halloween Horror Story Competition

by 2 Comments

By Harlow Berny

BOO! Halloween is only two weeks away, and in order to help people get in the spirit of things, thebirdonfire.org staff decided to hold a competition with a prize that any kid would dream of when out trick-or-treating: 12 ounces of chocolate! That’s right, the 1st-place winner will receive nearly a pound of milk chocolate in the form of a giant Hershey’s Kiss!* The 1st, 2nd, and 3rd-place stories will also be published on thebirdonfire.org for everyone to see, as well as potential runner-ups.

In order to qualify for this competition, you must follow these rules and guidelines:

  1. You must be a student in Palm Valley Upper School, as we only have permission to give the absurd amount of chocolate to a student in 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th grade. You many still submit a story and qualify as a runner-up if you’re in Middle School, but you will not be able to win the Hershey’s Kiss.
  2. Your real first and last name MUST be attached to the story you’re submitting so that we know who to give the prize to. If you wish to be anonymous or go by a pseudonym if you win, you must attach a note when submitting your story stating such (and you must provide your own pseudonym if you wish to go by one).
  3. While you may submit multiple stories, only one may be chosen as a winner/runner-up.
  4. All stories should have proper grammar and spelling. Errors will affect how you are judged.
  5. The story must not contain “adult” content or profanity.
  6. The main focus of the story must not be graphic violence or gore.
  7. All stories must be submitted to apatencio@pvs.org by Wednesday the 31st-Halloween! as the winners and runner-ups will be posted to thebirdonfire.org on Friday the 3rd–ScareFest!

Happy Hauntings!

 

*Note: This competition is not sponsored or endorsed by the Hershey’s company in any way, shape, or form. This competition is independently run by thebirdonfire.org blog staff.

 

Editor: Bella Bier

The Chinese Fashion of the Qing Dynasty ala Opera

by 2 Comments

By Blogger Fashion Expert Jeremy Cheng

 

Chinese Fashion Element of Qing Dynasty

 

The story of Yanxi Palace is a Chinese soap opera which talks about the Qianlong Emperor in the Qing Dynasty.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FjVLUYrT4YU&t=22s

 

Before starting this article, I highly recommend you click the link above, and listen to the music from this opera.

This opera is good at using filters and colors to create noble, grandiose, and peaceful vibes for the audiences.

Film directors and producers read and searched a lot of books about the furniture of the Qing dynasty.

They used Chinese traditional classic color and Chinese elements for composition of the following pictures.

With the costumes, they tried to create a costume most accurate to the time period.

They also looked for the people who worked in the Imperial Palace to make the authentic-looking costumes.

The producers referenced different historical data and ancient paintings.

JinYan Wu is a leading female role in the Story of Yanxi Palace.

She plays Ling Consort.

 

Some people think her appearance is not good for this character.

While watching the ancient painting of this character, we can tell there are some similarities such as her eyebrows, earrings, and lips.

 

The fan that the Mother of the Emperor holds is copied from the Qing Shamian Tiejuan Xianhe Taoshu Tutuan Fan.

The fan is made by using traditional Chinese needlepoint.

The hairstyle was called Erba Tou.

This hairstyle was not popular under Emperor Qianlong’s control, but during Emperor Xianfeng.

Qing dynasty females liked to make their hair bigger so as to insert more hair decorations. In their opinion, it shows they are high in status.

China has 56 nations. Most of the people in China are in the Han nation.

Qing dynasty is under the Rule of Manchu. Females need to wear three earrings in each ear.

One ear with three earrings is a symbol of Manchu (One of the nations in China) females.

The materials of the earring are based on the person’s status in society.

The Empress uses gold, and consorts use silver and emeralds.

Usually, the Empress is allowed to use the most valuable jewelry, others are not.

 

The Story of Yanxi Palace uses a lot of intangible cultural heritage, such as embroidery, silk, velvet flowers, etc.

Velvet flower is pronounced the same as “荣华” (Rong Hua) in Chinese with“绒花” (Rong Hua) meaning auspicious and rich. Chinese is the only country to make money as their belief.

The procedure of making velvet flowers is a special and complex work. Nowadays, we don’t have any machine to produce it. They can only be handcrafted.

 

According to Wikipedia, Kunqu, also known as Kunju, Kun opera or Kunqu Opera, is one of the oldest extant forms of Chinese opera.

Six hundred years ago, Kunqu started in the south of China. It was the “ancestor of all kinds of operas” that inspired the whole world. The music was popular among scholars and the literati in the South of China. Kunqu was famous for gorgeous singing, elegant reading, and graceful dancing.

Tea culture is one of the most significant elements of Chinese culture.

In this opera, over ten different famous Chinese tea appear.

The tea can present the status and personality of people.

 

Chinese culture is broad and profound, and words cannot be explained clearly.

Experiencing is the best way to learn about it.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0vNVjFBTHU&list=PL0oIhHqnHf4mzfNQEIaR4r6o8oVwH9Glo&index=31

(Experience some music right here. All music that comes from the opera)

Editor: Makena Behnke

The Nail–A Fairy Tale Re-Telling

by 1 Comment

Retold by Harlow Berny

Centuries ago, in a long forgotten kingdom, a merchant had finished his business at a local fair. He had sold all his trinkets and toys, leaving his money sacks filled with gold and silver. He packed his trunk with money and mounted it onto his horse before he traveled homewards, hoping to be back home before nightfall.

At mid-day he stopped in a town, leaving his horse in a stable while he rested and ate. When he went to collect his horse to continue on his way, the stableboy told him that one of the nails on its rear shoe was loose. “Let it stay loose,” the merchant said; “it only needs to stay for another six miles. I’m in a hurry to be home.” In the afternoon when he stopped to eat again, another stableboy told him that his horse was missing a shoe on its rear foot. When asked if his horse should be taken to a blacksmith for a new one, the merchant said, “Let it be missing. The horse can hold out for the last few miles until I’m home.”

He rode along the path again, but soon after departure his horse began to limp, and soon it was stumbling. The horse eventually threw the merchant off its back before falling down and breaking its leg. The man unbuckled the trunk from the horse’s saddle and hiked back home, leaving the steed behind. He got home after midnight, and found that much of his gold had fallen out of a crack in the chest that formed when his horse fell. “Damn that loose nail!” he shouted, furious at his loss.

Let this be a lesson; the bigger the rush, the worse the results.

 

Editor: Holden Hartle

A Re-Telling of Grimm’s

Holden Hartle’s NBA Power Rankings

by Leave a Comment

By Holden Hartle, Blog Sports Correspondent

The NBA is starting again, and most major news sources, such as ESPN and Bleacher Report, have released their power rankings (or their opinions on how teams are ranked). I feel that most rankings are just trying to get a response out of people for publicity, so I have gone in and made my own.

*Disclaimer: these are my opinions. I am always prepared to argue, but don’t attack me.

 

Western Conference

  1. Golden State Warriors
    • They were already the best team in the league, and then they added Demarcus Cousins, arguably the best center in the league before his ACL injury.
  1. Houston Rockets
    • The duo of Chris Paul and James Harden proved that they could work together, as they took the best win-loss record in the league last year.
  1. Los Angeles Lakers
    • Any team can be a top 3 team with LeBron James on it, especially when they have such a good, young core, or key players on the team, to fill out the roster.
  1. Utah Jazz
    • Last year, the Jazz ended the year as the 5th seed in the west. With Rudy Gobert on the court, the Jazz were the best defensive team in the league. If the team can stay injury-free, they will for sure find success.  
  1. New Orleans Pelicans
    • Some may believe that the Pelicans are too high on this list, but they have MVP candidate Anthony Davis along with a young, promising Julius Randle. I think this team will surprise the league this year.
  1. Oklahoma City Thunder
    • Russell Westbrook will continue to be Russell Westbrook, and if Paul George can have a solid year, then one can be sure they will find some success in this stacked Western Conference.
  1. Portland Trail Blazers
    • The Trail Blazers are still looking for one more star player to be a genuine contender, but until they find that player, I predict that they will be fighting for a playoff spot.
  1. Denver Nuggets
    • They just barely missed the playoffs last year (by one game), and with Jimmy Butler potentially leaving the Timberwolves, this opens up a spot in the playoffs for the Nuggets.
  1. San Antonio Spurs
    • My concern with the Spurs is their lack of three-point shooting. Looking at their roster, no one stands out as a knockdown three-point shooter. DeMar DeRozan and LaMarcus Aldridge will definitely be amazing in the mid-range game, but to compete in the NBA, you need shooters.
  1. Minnesota Timberwolves
    • With Jimmy Butler potentially off the team, the Timberwolves have no one to play defense. Without Jimmy Butler on the court last season, they dropped to dead last in defensive rating. Without him, they will miss the playoffs.
  1. Phoenix Suns
    • The Suns made some moves to beef up their roster over the summer, drafting Deandre Ayton and picking up some veterans in trades/free agency. I hope they continue to do this next summer and become a playoff team.
  1. Dallas Mavericks
    • The only real moves that the Mavericks made was signing Deandre Jordan and drafting Luka Dončić, and I don’t think this will benefit them as much as other people are thinking. I feel as if they need a few more young players and solid veterans to become a playoff team.
  1. Memphis Grizzlies
    • Although Mike Conley is back from injury, with an aging Marc Gasol I predict that this team will be in no man’s land until they rebuild.
  1. Los Angeles Clippers
    • I predict that this team will tank and try to get a high lottery pick to rebuild around. They also need to hope that Tobias Harris and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will turn out to be valuable pieces of their offense if they want to have a playoff spot.
  1. Sacramento Kings
    • They’re the Kings; they’re bound to be the last team in the west.

 

Eastern Conference

  1. Boston Celtics
    • If Gordon Hayward wasn’t injured last season, they could have been the first seed in the east. A potential rival to the Warriors, I’m sure they will dominate the east.
  1. Toronto Raptors
    • The Raptors’ success depends entirely on Kawhi Leonard and whether he will bounce back to the top 5 player he once was.
  1. Philadelphia 76ers
    • The 76ers’ young core has developed beautifully, and now with a healthy Markelle Fultz, they are bound to be a contender in the east.
  1. Milwaukee Bucks
    • Giannis Antetokounmpo has the potential to have an MVP season this year. His numbers have improved each season, and if this growth continues, he could very well average 30 points per game this season.
  1. Indiana Pacers
    • I really hope that Victor Oladipo can have the same success he did last year on the Pacers. If he can keep that momentum, the Pacers should end up as the same seed as they did last year.
  1. Washington Wizards
    • If John Wall can stay healthy and prove that he is worth the money he was paid, the Wizards will definitely be a playoff team. Hopefully, Dwight Howard will be the missing piece they need in their starting 5.
  1. Detroit Pistons
    • Blake Griffin joined their team midway through last season and the team had to go through some adjustments. I think that with these adjustments in place, they could fight for a playoff spot.
  1. Cleveland Cavaliers
    • Now LeBron-less, they have to hope that an aging Kevin Love will revert back to his 24-year-old self, and that Collin Sexton will be the rookie-of-the-year candidate that people think he will become. Don’t be surprised if the Cavaliers don’t make the playoffs this season.
  1. Charlotte Hornets
    • The Hornets deserve a playoff spot. More specifically, Kemba Walker deserves a playoff spot. He has been absolutely ballin’ for the past several years, and I hope that the addition of Miles Bridges and veteran Tony Parker will get them that playoff spot.
  1. Chicago Bulls
    • Though I am partial to the Bulls, I am hopeful that they can compete for a playoff spot as well. They are the second-youngest team in the NBA, so even if they don’t make the playoffs this year, they can get a lottery pick and draft for next season.
  1. Miami Heat
    • I’m going to be completely honest; I don’t know how the Heat were so successful last season. I think that because the east is slowly getting more competitive, and because of the Heat’s overall dysfunctionality, they will miss the playoffs and hope for a high lottery pick to pair with their young core.
  1. New York Knicks
    • The Knicks are currently in no man’s land. They have way too many point guards and no star to pair with Kristaps Porzingis. They either need to draft well in the upcoming drafts or trade some of their core for a star to pair with Porzingis.
  1. Brooklyn Nets
    • The Nets gave away all of their assets a few years ago in what might go down as the worst trade in NBA history, but Sean Marks is doing the best he can with nothing. They have traded well and signed a few good pieces in the offseason. Also, they have enough cap room to sign a max contract this coming off-season.
  1. Orlando Magic
    • Oh, the Magic. They should probably tank, or lose games in hopes for a high draft pick, and aim for a top 5 pick in the draft. They don’t have the cap to sign a star, nor a point guard to lead their team. It will take a miracle to get this team to the playoffs for the next several years.
  1. Atlanta Hawks
    • The Hawks have no intentions of being good this year. They will put all of their chips in with Trey Young and John Collins, who will run the offense. Hopefully, Trey Young can find his stride in the NBA and become a player that the Hawks can build around.

Editor: Leo Milmet