Parent Teacher Conference

My teacher, Miss Lekam had a accident the week before our parent-teacher conference schedule, the class end up with no schedule on hand. It was unexpected, so we end up with first come first serve basis, whoever is available definitely can come for conference. I called my mom Monday morning to let her know about the time - second in line today at 2:00 o'clock and she agreed.

My teacher was telling my mom, how good I was doing in school, smart, and all. It started with a pleasant day to day conversation, like any other parents and teachers talking about their kids in the class. Like I did not exist, of course, I was there but my mind was busy cruising around the classroom, looking for books to read. I just can't get enough books to read, as opportunity arise when you're in a classroom full of books. I did not even bother listening to what they are talking but my mom insist I sit there and listen, as if it's going to make me listen.

My teacher, Miss Lekam is a little bit strict to be honest but she is great as a teacher. It is good for the students to have a little discipline, otherwise we will all be flying around like crazy and I like that she is just perfect for us. She has curly hair which I wish to have and a smile that scared me at first. Just kidding, I know what it is but honestly, to see those teeth line up with rubber bands? Ugghh!!! I think of my broken toys, held up with rubber bands to stay together. But, hey, this is the new world and brace is no longer a forbidden word but accepted and cool to have one. In fact, you can have  different colors, which is really cool!!! Let's leave that to Miss Lekam as I have no intention to have braces in my entire life. I have heard from people with braces how painful, inconvenient and expensive it is. For now, braces is out of my mind.

On the opposite side of the table is where my mom sits, nodding, absorbing all what Miss Lekam has to say. "Deena wants to skip a grade..." she said. What? I heard it just in time, it was something I did not expect but we've discussed this at home. I already skipped a grade  and yes, I would like to skip another grade to speed up my school time. I love to learn but hate to be confined in schools and especially having to wake up early in the morning when it's still darn dark outside and freezing cold too. Who does want to wake up? I ask myself. When Miss Lekam face me, "Deena, do you want to move up?" My body went stiff, "Oh no, is Miss Lekam talking to me? I smiled and nodded, like a little cute puppy, eyes all tantalizing and freeze. That is my way of saying "Yes! I finally nailed it!"

Miss Lekam seemed disappointing not hearing the word YES from me, turned to my mom and ask her the same question " Do you want her to move up?". My mom turned the table around saying, "I am not in the position to answer that. If I may ask you, being her teacher, what do you think?", my mom so composed and relax, look at me while waiting for Miss Lekam's response. My mom, who is my best friend and best enemy is on my side right now. She was wearing this brown leather jacket on top of a short sleeves, matching with her pants. She is a very strict mother, unlike Miss Lekam, and serves me well for I turned out to be a good kid. Maybe for now, who knows what I am going to end up someday. I looked at Miss Lekam, anticipating with curiosity what her answer will be. I really like to skip but it's all in the hands of my dear teacher at this moment. "Please, please, please, say yes!!!" I pray.

"I think she is capable of moving up. She is quick to learn. In fact, she can multitask. There was a time during my discussion where I noticed she was looking down, reading a book, I suppose. I have known that Jag and her were competing against each other for AR points during that time. I assume, she was reading a book, trying to read as much as she can to accumulate 100 points for the competition - whoever reach 100 first. Anyway, I called her attention, ask what I was talking about and she knew what it was all about. That day, I was impressed." said Miss Lekam, continued on to say "I'd like her to participate more in the class but other than that, she is one of my top students in the class".

My mom then said that if that is the case, she better move up. "I want her to be challenged and knows for a fact that she is capable."

"Well, I would talk to Miss Asem, her math teacher, about it. I am afraid she won't allow it but I'll talk to her." said Miss Lekam.

"I can also talk to Miss Asem if you need me to since it's good to know where Deena stands in school. I haven't talk to her lately thou I had a brief conversation with her few days after school year started. I'd like to communicate with my child's teachers so I can help in some ways if there is any need" my mom, gently ended her response.

"That's okay. I will talk to Miss Asem and will definitely keep in touch with you, Mrs. Yelsne." handing a paper to my mom to sign. My mom rose to walk to the door after the signature on the paper, indicating the conference is dismissed and everything has been discussed regarding my school performance.

Well, I am excited and hope to move up to 7th grade after this parent-teacher conference. Will I or will it be just a blurry excitement on my part?



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Buying a TV Needs a lot of Time

If you love watching shows and movies through the Internet on your big-screen television, welcome to the club. It has become the new normal thing to do. Big screen televisions that are internet capable are what to look for now as they are increasingly attracting techie and non-techie consumers. Why not? You can watch TV with Netflix, You Tube, Hulu or browse the net too.  And it is getting a bit complicated when buying a new TV with all the choices you can make with your new big screen TV.

Should you buy a "smart TV" or use and older TV become smarter by adding on some accessories? Maybe buying an adapter would make the TV smart, cheaper perhaps?  Televisions are heading to a different direction with the new “Smart” word added to it. I just hope TV won’t get too smart where they tell us what to watch and what not.
The smart TV is furnished with internet capabilities that connect to Netflix or Hulu, making it convenient to watch. Or should you make an older TV "smart" by attaching a box that includes Netflix? Or buy an adapter and beam Netflix wirelessly from your Smartphone or tablet if you happen to have them. And then, there are some choices to make; should you stream a movie or download it instead? Another thing to think about is the fee or free. Do you have to pay to get TV shows and movies from the Internet, or can you get them for free using an extra plug like the rabbit? So many things to think about, I am about to give up and just forget about TV. But my girl is growing up. I can live a life without TV but what about the new generation?

And there's no one right answer for everyone, or every situation. It’s like saying, “You can’t please everyone.” It is complicated to non-techie consumers, I am one of them, are facing right now. In fact, I haven’t had a TV for 7 years. And it’s time to get one before I end up so outdated with technology and have to leave the planet for coping up with technology becomes a problem. So, I ask a friend to help sort out my choices before deciding which TV to purchase.

Here’s a piece of it. This is aimed at average, non-techie consumers like me. Also, cluttering with cables and wires are something I want to consider. That is so old, according to my new generation household. It’s all in the box, no clutter, just one piece and can do a lot of things.

There are the three different way of providing – Downloading, Streaming and Beaming.
Downloading is the transmission of a file from one computer system to another, to request it from another computer (or from a Web page on another computer) and to receive it. Downloading is the method used by Apple's iTunes, means you are buying or renting a movie and storing it on your device. You can download it to your other computers using the same account. It seems worth the price you pay when more than once will enjoy the movie.

Streaming is another way and is used by services like YouTube or Netflix. It means you aren't buying a program or film, but will be watching it as it flows from the company's servers.  It is a technique for transferring data so that it can be processed as a steady, continuous stream and is presented to an end-user while being delivered by a provider.
Beaming is the communication of data between wireless devices using a beam of infrared light. Beaming simply means you're streaming the video from a Smartphone, tablet or PC to the TV, usually via an adapter device plugged into the TV.

But when watching Internet video on a TV, it isn't that simple. If you're using iTunes on an Apple TV, you're downloading the movie to your Apple cloud-based storage, not to the device itself. After a short amount of downloading, the device then allows you to start watching, which is essentially the same as streaming.

Beaming a movie to your TV thru Netflix on an iPad via an Apple TV means that you are doing it wirelessly by sending it from the IPad to the Apple TV, which then projects it on your television screen. But beaming the same show from the same iPad via Google actually triggers a streaming session directly from the cloud to the Chromecast, which projects it on the big screen. However, to the viewer, the watching experience on the TV screen is pretty much the same.

What's Free and What's Not

Some services, like YouTube, are free. YouTube is on most of the popular smart TVs and add-on boxes. Netflix and Hulu Plus charge a monthly fee for watching as much as you like. These two leaders charge $8 a month. The difference between the two - Netflix is commercial free while Hulu Plus has ads.

Some services like HBO Go or Watch ESPN are technically free, but can only be viewed if you are a paying customer of a participating cable service, which is much costlier compared to Netflix.

Apple's iTunes, as noted, charges for shows and movies individually. Amazon's Instant Video offers many free streaming shows and movies to members of its $79-a-year Prime service but also sells shows and movies individually.

Smart TVs
Leading television makers, such as Samsung, Sony and LG, offer high-end models that include apps like Netflix and other Internet-video sources built in.
Pros: You don't need an add-on device and you don't need to change inputs on your TV to watch Internet video. LG offers Google TV, which includes lots of Android apps.
Cons: They cost more than add-on boxes, often have confusing interfaces and tend to be updated less often.

Game Consoles
Many people don't know that Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Sony's PlayStation also have many entertainment offerings for users who belong to their online gaming networks.
Pros: Lots of homes already have them for gaming.
Cons: They are larger than add-on boxes and with Xbox, you have to pay $60 a year for the gaming network in addition to fees the Internet-entertainment services charge.

TiVo
Best known for pioneering digital recording of standard TV shows, TiVo is mainly a cable box that's a premium alternative to the boxes provided by cable providers. But many users don't know it also offers Internet TV services like Netflix, YouTube, Amazon and Hulu Plus.
Pros: It has a slick interface and combines a cable box and Internet TV, so you don't have to change TV inputs.
Cons: It costs more than an add-on box, charges a $15 monthly fee, has only a handful of Internet video services and can require tricky setup.

Apple TV
This $99 hockey-puck-sized gadget is the most popular pure Internet video add-on box.
Pros: It is the only contender with iTunes, integrates with Apple's photo and music cloud services, features all three methods of getting Internet video on your TV—downloading, streaming and beaming from Apple devices.
Cons: It has a limited selection of Internet services, beams to TVs only from Apple devices and lacks Amazon.

Roku
Similar in size to Apple TV, it offers many more Internet sources.
Pros: It has 750 Internet services, comes in four models starting at $50, and the top model, at $100, and has a headphone jack in the remote.
Cons: It lacks YouTube, and can't yet beam video from a mobile device.

Chromecast
This new Google offering is so tiny, the size of a USB flash drive, which plugs into the back of a TV.
Pros: It is small and costs only $35. It works with Android, Apple devices and Windows PCs.
Cons: It only gets beamed content from other devices and has no built-in services. It only works with four services on Android, two on iPhones, iPads, and the Chrome browser on PCs. There's no remote so you must have a mobile device to use it.

WD TV Play
A bit larger than Apple TV and Roku, around $70 device from Western Digital is much less well known, but similar.
Pros: It has dedicated buttons for Netflix, Hulu Plus and Vudu on the remote.
Cons: It has a limited selection of services and no Amazon.

With all this information, my head is throbbing from headache for the search is still on. It did complicates the situation for there are many choices that I am not aware of and cannot decide which one is best for our needs. Maybe it’s best to wait and see if my teenagers will go for hunger strike to get a TV. Eventually, I will purchase one but cannot guarantee everyone will be happy. Buying a TV needs a lot of time figuring out what the whole family wants and it's harder when budget is tight.

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Buying A New TV

If you love watching shows and movies through the Internet on your big-screen television, welcome to the club. It has become the new normal thing to do. Big screen televisions that are internet capable are what to look for now as they are increasingly attracting techie and non-techie consumers. Why not? You can watch TV with Netflix, You Tube, Hulu or browse the net too.  And it is getting a bit complicated when buying a new TV with all the choices you can make with your new big screen TV.

Should you buy a "smart TV" or use and older TV become smarter by adding on some accessories? Maybe buying an adapter would make the TV smart, cheaper perhaps?  Televisions are heading to a different direction with the new “Smart” word added to it. I just hope TV won’t get too smart where they tell us what to watch and what not.
The smart TV is furnished with internet capabilities that connect to Netflix or Hulu, making it convenient to watch. Or should you make an older TV "smart" by attaching a box that includes Netflix? Or buy an adapter and beam Netflix wirelessly from your Smartphone or tablet if you happen to have them. And then, there are some choices to make; should you stream a movie or download it instead? Another thing to think about is the fee or free. Do you have to pay to get TV shows and movies from the Internet, or can you get them for free using an extra plug like the rabbit? So many things to think about, I am about to give up and just forget about TV. But my girl is growing up. I can live a life without TV but what about the new generation?

And there's no one right answer for everyone, or every situation. It’s like saying, “You can’t please everyone.” It is complicated to non-techie consumers, I am one of them, are facing right now. In fact, I haven’t had a TV for 7 years. And it’s time to get one before I end up so outdated with technology and have to leave the planet for coping up with technology becomes a problem. So, I ask a friend to help sort out my choices before deciding which TV to purchase.
Here’s a piece of it. This is aimed at average, non-techie consumers like me. Also, cluttering with cables and wires are something I want to consider. That is so old, according to my new generation household. It’s all in the box, no clutter, just one piece and can do a lot of things.

There are the three different way of providing – Downloading, Streaming and Beaming.
Downloading is the transmission of a file from one computer system to another, to request it from another computer (or from a Web page on another computer) and to receive it. Downloading is the method used by Apple's iTunes, means you are buying or renting a movie and storing it on your device. You can download it to your other computers using the same account. It seems worth the price you pay when more than once will enjoy the movie.

Streaming is another way and is used by services like YouTube or Netflix. It means you aren't buying a program or film, but will be watching it as it flows from the company's servers.  It is a technique for transferring data so that it can be processed as a steady, continuous stream and is presented to an end-user while being delivered by a provider.
Beaming is the communication of data between wireless devices using a beam of infrared light. Beaming simply means you're streaming the video from a Smartphone, tablet or PC to the TV, usually via an adapter device plugged into the TV.

But when watching Internet video on a TV, it isn't that simple. If you're using iTunes on an Apple TV, you're downloading the movie to your Apple cloud-based storage, not to the device itself. After a short amount of downloading, the device then allows you to start watching, which is essentially the same as streaming.

Beaming a movie to your TV thru Netflix on an iPad via an Apple TV means that you are doing it wirelessly by sending it from the IPad to the Apple TV, which then projects it on your television screen. But beaming the same show from the same iPad via Google actually triggers a streaming session directly from the cloud to the Chromecast, which projects it on the big screen. However, to the viewer, the watching experience on the TV screen is pretty much the same.

What's Free and What's Not

Some services, like YouTube, are free. YouTube is on most of the popular smart TVs and add-on boxes. Netflix and Hulu Plus charge a monthly fee for watching as much as you like. These two leaders charge $8 a month. The difference between the two - Netflix is commercial free while Hulu Plus has ads.

Some services like HBO Go or Watch ESPN are technically free, but can only be viewed if you are a paying customer of a participating cable service, which is much costlier compared to Netflix.

Apple's iTunes, as noted, charges for shows and movies individually. Amazon's Instant Video offers many free streaming shows and movies to members of its $79-a-year Prime service but also sells shows and movies individually.

Smart TVs

Leading television makers, such as Samsung, Sony and LG, offer high-end models that include apps like Netflix and other Internet-video sources built in.
Pros: You don't need an add-on device and you don't need to change inputs on your TV to watch Internet video. LG offers Google TV, which includes lots of Android apps.
Cons: They cost more than add-on boxes, often have confusing interfaces and tend to be updated less often.

Game Consoles

Many people don't know that Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Sony's PlayStation also have many entertainment offerings for users who belong to their online gaming networks.
Pros: Lots of homes already have them for gaming.
Cons: They are larger than add-on boxes and with Xbox, you have to pay $60 a year for the gaming network in addition to fees the Internet-entertainment services charge.

TiVo

Best known for pioneering digital recording of standard TV shows, TiVo is mainly a cable box that's a premium alternative to the boxes provided by cable providers. But many users don't know it also offers Internet TV services like Netflix, YouTube, Amazon and Hulu Plus.
Pros: It has a slick interface and combines a cable box and Internet TV, so you don't have to change TV inputs.
Cons: It costs more than an add-on box, charges a $15 monthly fee, has only a handful of Internet video services and can require tricky setup.

Apple TV

This $99 hockey-puck-sized gadget is the most popular pure Internet video add-on box.
Pros: It is the only contender with iTunes, integrates with Apple's photo and music cloud services, features all three methods of getting Internet video on your TV—downloading, streaming and beaming from Apple devices.
Cons: It has a limited selection of Internet services, beams to TVs only from Apple devices and lacks Amazon.

Roku

Similar in size to Apple TV, it offers many more Internet sources.
Pros: It has 750 Internet services, comes in four models starting at $50, and the top model, at $100, and has a headphone jack in the remote.
Cons: It lacks YouTube, and can't yet beam video from a mobile device.

Chromecast

This new Google offering is so tiny, the size of a USB flash drive, which plugs into the back of a TV.
Pros: It is small and costs only $35. It works with Android, Apple devices and Windows PCs.
Cons: It only gets beamed content from other devices and has no built-in services. It only works with four services on Android, two on iPhones, iPads, and the Chrome browser on PCs. There's no remote so you must have a mobile device to use it.

WD TV Play

A bit larger than Apple TV and Roku, around $70 device from Western Digital is much less well known, but similar.
Pros: It has dedicated buttons for Netflix, Hulu Plus and Vudu on the remote.
Cons: It has a limited selection of services and no Amazon.

With all this information, my head is throbbing from headache for the search is still on. It did complicates the situation for there are many choices that I am not aware of and cannot decide which one is best for our needs. Maybe it’s best to wait and see if my teenagers will go for hunger strike to get a TV. Eventually, I will purchase one but cannot guarantee everyone will be happy.

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October 8th will be the Release of The Book of Hades

I went to Barnes and Noble bookstore today to find some good books to read. It was around 9:30 in the evening and they close at 10. That means, I have half of an hour to roam around, pick some books, pay for them, and go home. But as soon as I came in, there were books by the door on sale and I scan with my eyes to see if there is anything worth buying. I lost a minute or two just looking at the sale items. Maybe more than 2 minutes. Oh my! Books can really make me forget time but just can't stop doing it because I am a book addict, I admit. 

I went straight to the fiction section and quickly scan with my eyes for the second time any books that are worth my money and time. You see, books take time and money. That is why you need a good brain to think before buying a book. That way, you don’t end up with a hole in your pocket, trying to find some money that is not there. You know what I mean? Keep digging in one’s pocket when there is nothing to dig would lead to a pocket of holes. The fabric wears and tears because your hand is using force to find money that is invisible unless you got magic skills. You know how it is when you are hungry and happen to have no money to buy a cheeseburger, you wait outside hoping to see someone you know and beg for a dollar? Yes, a dollar is enough for a cheese burger if you are in McDonald but a book never costs a dollar unless it is on a yard sale. I found one I like “Asian Healthy Secrets” for $6. It is on sale and I only have $20. It’s a hardbound book that is small yet full of short sayings that make you feel good. Maybe it’s worth buying, I thought. Maybe the amazing words written in this book will make me rich so I have the money for buy more books! Well, words can be powerful at times, aren’t they? My $20 is all I have to make the most of this book shopping. I am not even sure if it’s enough to buy me the book I am hoping to purchase this time. Then next to the aisle is this little yellow book about reflexology. Let me see if the price is right. Oh my, it cost $3.99 for this tiny book. In it are ways to relieve pain and to attain better health with pressing those points. It seems to be an interesting book. What better way to be free from pain, no medication needed and all natural? This might be a good deal for the price. At least, I would be healthy and pain free. But then I remember my friend who told me about a book that is not only good to read but full of twists, according to him. The story is about Annabeth and Percy  who tumbles into a pit leading straight to the Underworld, do their part and escape?. My purpose tonight is to find that book. Hmmm… I am trying to remember the title of the book. Yes, it is fun and full of excitement because it’s a fiction book, my favorite books to read. Oh my, I am losing time here. Let me check my watch. It says 9:50 pm. I got 10 minutes to spare or should I just forget about it and buy the cheapest book I found just now? Reflexology. No. I have to look for that book. What was that book again? Oh no, I forgot the title. 

Rushing and panting, stressed and panicking, I went to the fiction aisle for teens. Oh no, it’s not here. Maybe it will be in the young readers section, holding my breath, as if time will stood still, I look at my watch and it is already 9:55 pm. Suddenly, the voice on the loudspeaker came on saying: “The time is 9:55 pm. The store will be closed at 10:00 pm.’’ Please let there be enough time, I pray….. I looked all over the store for help. Unfortunately I could not find a store helper. I wondered if all of them were gone except for maybe a cashier or two. Then, as I blankly stare for a minute in despair, my eyes caught a book. It was standing sideways but the title was perfectly clear, as if making sure I can see it. It was the only one and it was the one I am looking for. I ran with all my might, as if to win a race, to grab the book and pay for time is fighting against my opportunity to own this book. I would not allow opportunity to slip away for the last time, with the last minute I have, I grab the book titled “The House of Hades” without thinking, not looking at the price and sprint across the aisle to the front cashier. Put down my book and wait for the bill. The cashier scans the book, looks at me and said “$21.44 total”. I was dumbfounded. This can’t be real. I only have $20. No! I can’t leave without this book. I have to have it! Noooooooo! My mom was shaking me, sweat raced out through my pores, like it was summer on a heatstroke. I was unable to get up because my mom’s body bends close to me like she was almost hugging me. I said “Where is my book?” What book? She asks me back. The House of Hades book, I just purchase it but my money wasn't enough to pay the total including tax. At that time, my mom burst into LOL, saying calmly “Honey, it was a dream.” The book won’t be released till October 8th, remember?
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Open House in Middle School

Welcome to Middle School

It is our school’s open house; as an incoming middle schooler, I wonder what will happen today. We got there just in time a few minutes earlier but the parking lot was full, so we end up parking illegally, enough for others to get out without hitting our car.

I saw Harleen right away, an Indian friend who is very smart, a fast learner. She has thick long hair as long as mine except I got brown hair. She was carrying her backpack. I wonder if she stayed in school for the after school program and waited for open house. Beside her was a lady with long black hair to her waist, wearing traditional Indian dress. You know those silky dresses with matching pants and a scarf. She was on the phone, must be looking for their friends or other family members. I went up to her and said hi. We walk together, heading to the cafeteria but then I saw the band, playing or rather rehearsing on the side. They will be performing in front of the 6^th graders, as a welcome and perhaps encourage them to join the band. There have been some announcements every single day since school started and one of them is choir recruitment, which I never mentioned at home. I have been singing with my mom but not really into it or was I just shy to admit I love singing?  I totally forgot about Harleen but knowing her to be a quick learner, she should know me by now.

Harleen was stuck by the front door leading to the cafeteria, as if waiting for mom to finish her phone conversation. She is such a nice person, patient and respectful. I can say a lot about her since we have been in the same class last year. I kind of got to know her personality and we are on the same level. In fact, we got the achievement plaque last year. Anyway, I thought I’ll drag my mom to the music room to check it out. She is so clueless on what is going on in school. Can’t blame her, she did not go to our school. My mom obliged to my pulling, together we walk to the music room. She was wondering what is going on. There were several lines forming, like everyone doesn’t know what is going on, just like my mom.

Oh, there’s Miss White. She is the music teacher; a tall, lean and stunning red hair, holds herself well with dignity. Music teacher is like a success coach, coaching the students to be successful in singing. But my mom did not know until I told her. Actually, she needs to talk to her because she always have questions on hand, kind of making sure she get what is best for me. She is always up to date on my studies and always behind my back, sometimes it becomes annoying! Is she the music teacher? I nod. Ok, let me ask her something, she said. Oh dear, here we go again, I said to myself. She went to Miss White and asks about joining the choir and band. Well, I kind of blurted out that Miss White handles the band and choir. My mom wants to know what the difference of Grade Letter and Credit for those who will join the choir. I mean, she always want to know what benefits me the most. Aren’t all parents that way? Now, I am feeling proud to have a mom like her thou I was hiding behind her, trying to hide from Miss White. Miss White then explains that grade letter contributes toward GPA and credit is only credit. So, my mom told Miss White to choose grade letter and submitted the form to her that time. Then stand in line to inquire about the band on the other side.

While in line, my mom asks the one before us what it is all about. She did not know either. Well, she happened to ask the boy who was beside the lady what instrument he wishes to play and his eyes glow with happiness saying “I am interested in the drum”.  Have you ever played? No, but I would like to learn. You can see in his eyes the excitement of finally following his dream, hitting the drum with sticks. Actually, he is in my class too. I told my mom after she talks to him. Oh really? That is good then, you two will be in the band. I wonder how many in your class are going to join the band. Just then, my mom saw one guy on the left was free and rush to that guy to fire her inquiry. This guy, who is kind of big, looks younger than the other two guys. But I guess he should know more about what is going on. Again, my mom asks about how to join the band and he asks for my name. While he was looking for my name, my mom touched an open case clarinet that is on the table and asks how much the price for one, as the other guy in black t-shirt was explaining to the other parent, trying to show me what clarinet was. That was kind of my first choice thou I don’t have a clue what it is. My second choice would be flute thou my mom would rather have me learn flute because as she puts it, we can buy a flute in the dollar store for nothing. Hahaha… My mom is cheap. Really! He proceeded in asking if I have filled up the form which my mom did not even know about because I was keeping it from her. I know this day would come and know that my mom wants me to be in the band. The guy then points us to Miss White, to get a form.

Back in Miss White’s line, she asks how to join the band about schedules and things to prepare. Miss White gave her a stapled, two sheet paper containing all the information, pointing on the schedules of practice and information of the student who wish to join. When my mom asks about instruments, she pointed out to a row of guys who were busy talking to some parents in another line, the line where we just came from. That ended her inquiry and went to the other line again. As we were standing in line, the three guys in front were busy showing instruments, explaining and of course receiving payments. I wonder what it is all about. The instruments look shiny and in a case. It must be expensive and delicate instruments. This time, my mom asks more information on the instruments and found out it to be rent-to-own method. Now, my mom is stuck and needs my dad’s conjugal decision and off we left to met daddy somewhere in the school. I am excited at the same time concern about having to do extra work in school. But my mom is firm in her decision to put me in choir and in band. Oh boy, it’s going to be a tough year for me.

We waited a little bit at the cafeteria, my mind wishing for cinnamon rolls and as soon as the talk was done, the door flooded with people coming out. We headed to my classroom a bit late. The teacher was explaining about homework by the time we arrive at my classroom. My dad was right there by the door. He must have just got in a few minutes before us. I got bored I went outside to play with my classmates while parents are stuck inside the classroom, listening to Ms. M’s short talk about her class. Then there was a commotion. Everybody was heading one direction, full of excitement. I wonder what could be the reason behind this. Me and a few of my classmates turn to where the excitement is happening when someone was coming towards us. We decided to ask him what is going on and learned that the certificate from Miss M’s class means a free book. So, I went to get it from my mom and head to the area where books are disseminated. Grinning, I am just glad to get one more book, an addition to my ever growing library. I have all kinds of books because reading is what I do best!

After Miss M’s speech, we headed back to the music room to finish some unfinished business. I saw Melanie, one of my classmates, with her mom. She was deciding on a flute. She has brown hair like me and shy like me as well. I think we will get along really well. Our parents kind of know each other and maybe we’ll be good buddies because of a flute. Melanie showed me her flute while her mom was paying. We both played with it a little bit, trying to figure out how to put it together and so I decided to try flute instead of clarinet. You know, this will be my first instrument, a real instrument made of metal. There, my dad did a lot of talking to one of the guys and picked a flute for me. It came out a little cheaper than a clarinet. I was happy going home with a flute, a stand, and music book and care kit for the flute. Perhaps, I really like music but shy to admit it on our school’s open house!

We were the last ones to get out of the music room. 

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How to take snapshots on IPod, Laptop and Computer

When you find something on the screen that captures your eyes and want to keep it, take a snapshot or screenshot. There is an easy way to do this and save you a lot of time with a clean image. 

How to take snapshots on IPod

Locate the two buttons needed to enable you to take a snapshot. They are easy to find because you use them a lot – on/off button which is on top and the other button that is found on the lower front of an iPod or “Home” button.

PRESS and RELEASE "Home" button on the bottom of your iPod and On/Off" button on the top of the iPod at the same time for about a second. 

The screen will turn white like it flashed and a if the sound is loud enough, you can hear the clicking as if taking a picture. A picture was taken, and your screen shot will be saved in your image library. You can check it by clicking the camera button.

How to take snapshots on Laptop

You need to try the following to find out what works with your laptop.

Hold down combination of "Ctrl" and "PrtScn" keys or the "Fn" and "PrtScn" keys on your keyboard. The correct keys will depend on your laptop's layout.

Then open the "Start" menu. Click on "Accessories" and open "Microsoft Paint."

Hold down the "Ctrl" and "V" keys to paste the image.

Hold down "Ctrl" and "S" to save the file. Your screenshot has been saved.

How to take snapshots on Desktop

Press "Alt" and "Print Screen" simultaneously. The "Print Screen" button may be abbreviated to "Print Scrn," "Prt SC" or something similar.

Open Microsoft Paint by clicking the "Start" button in the lower left corner of your desktop, selecting "Programs" or "All Programs" and "Accessories," then clicking "Paint."

Press "Control" and "V" simultaneously to paste the screen shot into the program. If you want to save only part of the image, press "Crop" and the click and drag to create a box around the part you wish to save, and then hit "Enter."

Click the disk icon in the top menu bar of Paint. On some versions of Paint, you must click the "File" option in the top menu bar and select "Save As" instead. Type in a name for the file in the "File Name" field and choose a file type from the "Save as Type" drop-down menu, then choose the folder in which you want to save the file from the options in the left pane of the "Save As" window. Click "Save."

How to take snapshots on Mac

Press "Command," "Shift" and "4" simultaneously, then hit the spacebar.

Click the cursor, which now resembles a small camera, on the window for which you want a snapshot.

Open Preview, Mac's built-in image viewer, by clicking "Applications" and selecting "Preview."

Click the PNG file of your screen shot the earlier process created on your desktop and drag it into Preview.

Click "File" in the top menu bar and select "Save As." Choose the file type in which you want to save the image from the "Format" pop-up menu, name the file and click "Save."

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Discovery Channel Learning 3D with sounds View Master Review

My daughter was doing her Christmas shopping and went to the toy section to look for toys that are cool to show and tell in school. I let her pick a few toys to compare price and functionality for she can only buy one. It took time to decide but it’s alright. This is a time for her to learn decision making. Not just making decisions but a good one for she only has enough money to spend for everyone in her lists. She decided to purchase Discovery Channel View Master as part of her shopping lists. There are more toys she wants to get but buying toys has always been a good training for her spending wisely. She looks at the price, read the directions and finally evaluate which one would be worth buying.  

The view master comes in nice color combination and stylish. The difference with this view master is having sounds, explaining about the picture and in 3D images. It is a completely sensational 3D learning experience to show and tell in school for little kids. It is amazing experience to peek inside, see eye popping 3D images and hear cool sound effects for the little curious learner. The child will have fun in this view master while learning interesting facts about animals. The view master includes one learning sounds demo reel inserted and ready for exploring. You look into the view master, listen to the sounds and learn a few facts about the image shown.

You can look for more Discovery Channel Learning Sounds Reels with hundreds of exciting 3D images, sound effects and fun learning facts that works with the view master. It is also possible to use a regular reel for plain viewing, any learning reels and enjoy viewing the picture without the sound.

The view master has Reel Advance handle for changing the picture, a Sound Repeat button and Power/ Volume slider. It needs 2 AAA batteries which is included upon purchase and the design is neat, colorful and perfect for a child’s grip.

Mattel Canada, Inc

Mississauga, Ontario L5R3W2

For use with any View-Master reels. Sound activated when used with View-Master / Discovery Channel Learning 3D Reels

Now off with the view master commercial. We got home and she was excited to try the new reel, an extra purchase. She inserted it and was so eager to hear something when it never did. She pokes around it, hoping to make it work. Nothing happened. She asked me to check it for her and I did. I replace the battery, thinking it was the problem. You know how people try toys on the shelves all the time, testing it before buying. That was my first thought, the battery ran out from people trying before deciding. Nope. It still doesn’t work and my daughter is getting upset and agitated, she started to cry. Well, we might have bought a defective reel, I explained to her, and there is nothing we can do with the reel except to  return it. She felt disappointed but agreed to return it next time we go to the store. Whew! That was close to meltdown.

While I was putting it back to its original packaging, an ideal thought came. Maybe I should call their customer service and inquire what to do with this disappointing time for my child. The other line was pretty quick as the call went through. I explained to the customer service representative what happened. I am sorry for what happened, is the first thing she said after telling her about the toy. Isn't this a favorite line for all customer service representatives?  Maybe a cheat sheet is attached in front of them for quick reference to most situations, I thought. So, I kind of emphasized the disappointment my daughter felt, after buying and wanting to hear it for the first time. It was my cheat sheet too that is stuck in my head. Anyway, she was nice and accommodating. For this short conversation, the person in the other line look up at the item we purchased and made a decision right there to send us a $20 voucher to purchase a new one in place of the defective one. That was not bad. My only concern is that buying another reel and end up with a defective one is the same as having to call again and complain. But it’s not a bad deal to get more than the amount paid for this toy. So, there you go, if you have problems with your purchases, call the company and they sure would be happy to help get their customers back.

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