NHL 13 By Patrick

I am writing about the game NHL 13 for PS3.  NHL 13 is a 3^rd person hockey game where you can play as any hockey league team such as (OHL, NHL, AHL, CHL, International and more.) You can also get good checks, dekes and great goals. The types of games modes are career, franchise, Road to the Cup, GM mode, Stanley Cup mode, and NHL moments. You can also play online modes. I also like the game because there are new downloadable contents like extra challenges and old timer players like Bobby Orr and Wayne Gretzky.

 The reason why I like this game so much is because I love sports and they’re the best thing to play. This game compliments the real game of hockey because there are tutorial modes which are designed to play the game, but if you pay attention to the tutorial you can practice the moves and tricks outside on the road so you can learn how to do them in a real ice hockey game. For instance, if you want to learn how to shoot also you can watch it and learn how to do a slap shot, a snap shot, and a wrist shot which are the main types of shots you want to learn.

I recommend people to play this if they like hockey. The graphics are great and it is also realistic. Above all, it is fun.

Check out the EA Sports NHL 13 Webpage

The Fellowship of the Ring: Part 1 of the Lord of the Ring By Aadyn

The Fellowship of the Ring is the first book of the epic Lord of the Rings series by J.R.R.Tolkien. This is a well written book and a good read, although it can be challenging.

In The Fellowship of the Ring, a young hobbit by the name of Frodo Baggins is entrusted with the task of bringing the ruling Ring of Power to the cracks of Mount Doom in the land of Mordor. The story explains that the ring was forged by Lord Sauron, and it can only be destroyed from the place it was made. This fellowship is the only thing that prevents the dark lord’s dominion!

The story begins in a sleepy village in a place called the Shire, where Bilbo Baggins (Frodo Baggins’ uncle) celebrates his 111^th birthday. Bilbo passes down his ring to Frodo, and Frodo must leave the Shire before evil has crept back into the west and much that once existed has been lost.

I find this book to be very descriptive. You can really picture the story like it is a running movie in your head. You can see the old fords of the shire, the tall and wise trees in the valley of Rivendell, and the large bold Misty Mountains, a place where the dwarfs use to dwell.

I also like the variety of powerful words that J.R.R.Tolkien uses, such as argent (silver), eaves (the fringe of a forest), and boon (a gift). One thing I found difficult at times was keeping track of the family lineage of the Hobbits in the Shire, because there are many relationships in The Lord of the Rings.

I recommend that people read this book and really try to visualize the scenery that Tolkien describes of Middle Earth. Although Tolkien’s words can be tricky and uncommon in normal tongue, I think that persevering thought the difficulties is worth the reward.

Click to see what Tolkien books are available in the JRC library

All I Need for a Snowman By Mrs. Durston's Grade 1 Class

Katelyn and Emily's Report on Giving Back

For the past couple weeks our Student Advisory Group has been working on giving back to families in need for a wonderful Christmas. We have been having meetings every Monday, were we have been talking about the progress we have made. Some of the things we have been doing are a Canned Food Drive, Adopt a Family, and donating coats and such to Salvation Army. All of this ended on Friday December 14^th.

Today, Monday December 17^th the Times Journal came to our school to take pictures of what we have accomplished, and the reporter also interviewed one of the students from the Student Advisory Group. The main reason why we put all this together is because we feel like everyone should have a thankful Christmas even though Christmas isn’t all about presents. It’s about spending time with people you love. People may be asking why we did more then one thing to give back? The reason why we chose to do more than one thing is that even though doing the canned food drive is a lot to handle, we thought that we could take on more tasks to make four families' Christmas the best that we could.

With all the cans everyone brought in, we have collected over 300 canned goods. There was over 70 dollars of Canadian Tire money to spend on more presents for the families. Also we have at least 20 coats to donate to the Salvation Army.

We would like to thank everybody who brought in presents for the families, canned foods for the canned food drive, and Canadian Tire money to buy even more presents for the families. Also, we would like to thank Mr. Jackson, the Heath unit, and the rest of the Student Advisory Group. This would not work out if no one helped the families in need.

Thank you

The Difference Between a Paper Glider and a Paper Airplane By Eric

I am going to tell you the difference between a paper glider and a paper airplane. A paper glider is something that does not need an engine and it only uses moving air. A paper airplane is a plane that needs an engine to fly, which is more difficult to make from paper. I am telling you this because most people call a paper glider a paper airplane, and that is incorrect. 

In order to make a paper airplane you need an elastic band, scissors, and finally paper.  You take a piece of paper, and you fold the paper in a hot dog fold (lengthwise). Then you should have two corners.  You take one corner and fold it to the middle line that you just made, and then you push the corner line down. Repeat for the other side. Next, you take the first corner, fold it again to the center line, and do that for the other corner too.  After that, you fold the wings by folding the top long piece down to wherever you want and make the wing on the other side the same.  That’s how to make a paper glider. To make your paper glider into a paper airplane, you need to cut a slit on an angle on the bottom glider body about 10 to 15 cm from the front.  Put the elastic band into the slit. Pull the elastic back. Let it go, and it should fly.

I like paper gliders because they do not take as long to make as paper airplanes do. There are a lot of different types of paper you can use for a glider and not so many types of paper you can use for paper airplanes. The things I like about airplanes are that there are different  types of airplanes, and that not a lot of people make them. There are some people making different types of them now, and I like finding out about new new gliders and airplanes.

The Journey of the Hobbit By Owen

Today I will be talking about The Hobbit. The story began before Frodo and the Fellowship of the Ring, where Frodo went on the journey to destroy the one ring to rule them all. The story is about a hobbit named Bilbo Baggins of The Shire who one day meets thirteen Dwarfs. I am writing this post to express my anticipation for the movie because of what I have seen. What I have seen so far is the Lord Of The Rings trilogy that happened after The Hobbit. The Hobbit is a prequel to the Lord Of The Rings trilogy.

For those who have not seen The Lord Of The Rings trilogy, it is about Frodo ,the nephew of Bilbo, who was given the ring by Bilbo. Gandalf then tells Frodo he has to destroy it by taking it to Mordor, which is the only place to destroy it. I think The Lord Of The Rings trilogy was interesting because it has a lot of action. The other thing I liked about it was it was sort of a medieval movie. The movie has Orcs and Elves, Dwarfs, Hobbits, Ents, Goblins, Cave Trolls, Wizards, and last but not least, Black Riders.

I am excited to see The Hobbit because what I have seen so far is energetic. The trailer has a lot of interesting weapons like Sting the Elvish sword, a Double Headed ax, and Maces. It has new creatures like Wargs, which are wolf like animals. What is exciting for me about the story is that I will see the beginning of the story before The Lord Of The Rings. The Lord Of The Rings is a story set in caves and mountains, kingdoms and tunnels. What I specifically like about the story are Shelob the spider and Black Riders. The specific part of the story I liked was when the new king was crowned. Since The Hobbit is about the restoration of the Dwarf king, I think it will be the same but a bit different. The celebration was my favorite part because it represents peace to the new king and the land/subjects. My hope is that The Hobbit will be the same.

I choose to write this post because I want you to see the movie because I think you will love it. So see you at the movies.

Tobuscus Videos By Cameron

Tobuscus is Toby Turner on YouTube. He makes trailers for video games and funny comedy videos, like Tobuscus Canadian Adventures. Tobuscus Canadian Adventures is about how Tobuscus can't call his mom because he doesn't have a service plan on his cell phone, so he wants his brother Gabuscus to call her. The two guys get into an argument and Tobuscus and Gabuscus eventually go to Canada to get Tobuscus a service plan with a no-term contract from Rogers.

The whole point of the video is to be straight up funny. What is so funny is that when he makes a video, he usually fights with his brother (word fights, not fist) and his brother never fights back. Sometimes the stereotypes are funny. Tobuscus talks funny, too. (Fast and annoying sounding) Gabuscus is a different story. He is the big hulky guy that talks in a really low voice.

What makes these videos majorly funny are the endings. (Tobuscus and Gabuscus' big arguments result in physical contact in some of the videos.) They don't really have another way of finishing the fights because they are brothers, and brothers usually can't find out how to resolve a problem. Tobuscus makes something funny by taking our basic expectations and twisting them into something funny. One example of this is when Tobuscus is arguing that Rogers is going to sell his signature. Tobuscus says, "I think that my signature will go down in value." Then Gabuscus says, "I don't think it can be worth less than worthless." That is funny because he is making Tobuscus not understand what's ridiculous and what's not. We see the difference, and that makes us laugh. So, you guys and girls that are reading this blog, please watch the Tobuscus videos if you liked reading this.

(Note: The following video depicts one instance of animated violence and may not be appropriate for younger viewers)

About R.L. Stine and His Book Heads, You Lose (Goosebumps Horrorland #15) By Paige

R.L. STINE is the author of many children‘s books. He has written different series like Hall of Horrors, Goosebumps, and Goosebumps Horrorland. Mr. Stine also has some movies and cartoons based on his books. In Goosebumps Horrorland, R.L. Stine has many different children featured in his stories; for instance, Mickey and Amanda were featured in his newest book Heads, You Lose. This story is about a girl named Mickey who thinks she is being haunted because wherever she goes she is seeing people with no heads! Mickey is a fun tomboy.  She is very courageous and loves to go on many adventures. Mickey is an incredible character. She steps out of her league to get the heads to stop appearing places and for her family and friends to have heads again.

I like this book because if you change the names of the characters to your own, it feels like you’re going on that adventure. I felt like I went on that adventure because when I went down my stairs I could imagine that my parents had no head. That made me scream really hard. I would recommend this book because it is fun to pretend that you are in that story. The end of each chapter in this book leaves you hanging, which makes you want to keep reading. So, please try and read this book without losing...your head!

Click here to visit Heads, You Lose on Goodreads.com

Click here to see what Goosebumps titles are available in the June Rose Callwood Library

Is J.R.R. Tolkien Sexist? By Glenna

In The Hobbit, J.R.R. Tolkien has a major lack of female characters. Whether it was because of the time he wrote it, or because it is just pure sexism, I feel this is wrong.

The Bagginses were said to have been "very respectable people," and they were the type to always follow a strict schedule. On the other hand, there's the Tooks. The Tooks are described as a hobbit clan that often disappeared and went on adventures.

Tolkien says, "Tooks were not as respectable as the Bagginses, though undoubtedly richer."

Bilbo's father was a Baggins and his mother, Belladonna, was a Took. As you will notice, Belladonna is a woman being portrayed as irresponsible. The Took side of Bilbo is supposedly a "bad" trait to have.

Why is it that Tolkien made Belladonna seem naive and foolish?

Besides Gollum's grandmother, Belladonna is the only female character.

When Bilbo and the dwarfs got captured by the wood elves, they became prisoners of the Elven King. Why couldn't he be a she? I don't see why the rulers are always men. Maybe Tolkien stereotyped women as weak, considering that around when the book was written, men viewed females as delicate and powerless. Yet there were Queens before Tolkien wrote The Hobbit.

I personally read a lot of Manga/Anime which happens to be the exact opposite of The Hobbit. Women often take the lead role, proving to young girls that women are both strong and independent.

As a female, I definitely don't support Tolkien's decision to have few female roles. Manga/Anime has a much better balance of both sexes.

Aren't women and men supposed to be equal?

See if The Hobbit is in the June Rose Callwood Library
  

My Story: The Trenches: Billy's View By Ethan

I am reviewing a book called My Story: The Trenches: Billy Stevens, The Western Front 1914-1918 by Jim Eldridge. In this book, an underage boy named Billy Stevens goes into war and gets injured. He is sent to a General’s office until his wounds heal, and if he says a word of what goes on he will be shot for treason. I believe the author’s main massage is that there is a reason for the age limit to go in the army. Also, some war stories aren’t always fun like this one. This book is unique because a very young man is in the army, which is wrong because that’s too intense for a young person like himself.

I would recommend this book because it is a harsh, but thrilling story. Also it really goes into detail with World War I, and it was all true. It is harsh because Billy and his best friend were split up, and Billy does not know if he’s dead or not so he’s afraid for his friend. It is thrilling because Billy’s friend’s uncle is mining under the Russian and German lines and filling that mine with bombs. If you like this review you would probably like the book. It can be found at your local June Rose Callwood library. So check it out!

Click here to see if this book is available at the June Rose Callwood library.

What is Literacy? by Patrick

To answer this question, I went to this website called this IS literacy.ca created by the Child Youth Network of London, Ontario. This group is trying to help people understand what literacy is and it’s trying to develop people’s level of literacy. According to their About link, they explain that literacy is the skills, knowledge, and abilities to understand other people's ideas and to express our own ideas to other people. This website is trying to help people understand literacy by trying to get them to do literacy on their own.

How does this website do this? There are different links for specific groups of people, such as parents, children, teenagers, and professionals. In these links, you can find homework tips for kids, book reviews, like The Hunger Games, video game reviews, like NBA Jam (PS3), and websites, like an online library and a skateboard magazine.

Literacy is a highly difficult concept. This website has good navigation and it helps so you do not get confused or lost in the in the site. I would like it if the concept was easier to understand, but this website helped me understand what the word literacy means. The things I liked about this website were that there was a good variety of sections to look at, and there are lots of things you can learn about. I would use the skateboard magazine and the video game reviews too, in case I was looking for a new skateboard magazine to read, or a new video game to play.  If you’re looking for something interesting, look at the links on the website.

My First Book Review by Mikayla

I am reviewing Never Do Anything, Ever, a book form the series Dear Dumb Diary by Jim Benton. This book is about a girl named Jamie and her friend in middle school. In this book, Jamie tells us what has happened to her throughout the month. Also, the book is about what she likes to do; for example, Jamie and Isabella support an online charity this month. Her experiences are often funny. The author shares with us that you should be yourself. Jamie is jealous of Angeline, Jamie's neighbour and classmate, because she's smarter than Jamie. By the end of the book, Jamie realizes that she can do lots of neat things.

I liked this book because it's interesting. My favourite things about the book are the funny pictures and Jamie the main character. My favourite thing about Jamie is that she's goofy. If you like books that are humourous, then you will like this book too.

Check to see if Dear Dumb Diary is in the JRC library

Lead Out Loud By Emily

Miss. Brown, Ms. Basson, and Mr. Pearson's 7/8A and 7/8B classes are standing up to bullying!

Lead Out Loud is a program that tells you a little bit about being an upstander, not a bystander. Also, it is a pledge to stop bullying in school, at home, and with your friend(s).

I think everyone should be nice to one another, and it would make our world much better then it is right now. Just think, people have tried to kill themselves because of bullying.

When you go to school do you feel safe? When you go out for recess are you scared that someone is going to bully you? Maybe you don't, but a lot of people do. Maybe you do know how it feels. Maybe you are the one that is the bully.

My pledge is to stop bullying whenever and wherever I see it happening. If I see someone bullying another then I will say "Get real!" I know you think that telling the teacher makes you a tattle tale, but it does not. All you are doing is standing up to bullying by saying someone's feeling are getting hurt. Then the teacher will ask you for more information. That's what I will do. How about you?

So make the pledge!!(Click here to go to visit the Pledge website)

Quantum Diaries Shines Light Into Their World by Owen

“The time has come,” the Walrus said, “to speak of many things.”

These lines from the book Through the Looking Glass state the common interest in discussing intelligent thought, and with the world we have today there is a million intelligent things to discuss.

Recently the online blog Quantum Diaries (www.quantumdiaries.org) has caught my attention, and there is an aspect about the site that is interesting. The concept of the site is to present many blogs in one, all of which from the point of view of physicists around the world.

Its actually quite amazing, just drag the mouse over the bloggers at the top of the screen and you will see physicists from all over. These physicists are from places such as Canada, Japan, Germany, you name it.

Interestingly, it is not all about science, the blogs sometimes just describe where the scientists are and what they are doing. That is one of my favourite things about the blog: the fact that it’s not just about what happens in the lab, it is what happens out in the real world for these scientists. So whatever your interest try and visit the Quantum Diaries page and see what's new!

Mars One By Josh

(Photo from CBC.ca)

"One small step for man. One giant leap for mankind."   ~Neil Armstrong

Home page Mars One website states that "It is the mission Objective of Mars One to establish a human colony on the planet Mars in 2023. According to Mars One, we will accomplish this through the integration of existing technologies developed by aerospace corporations who have demonstrated expertise in space travel. Mars One explains that:

"During 2011, founders Bas and Arno laid the foundation for the Mars One Mission Plan through the creation of technical documentation, from astronaut selection through the first human landing. The primary providers of the complex infrastructure were engaged, top-tier aerospace suppliers from around the world enthused to work with an apolitical integrator whose intent is to conduct a manned mission to Mars." (Visit Mars One here)

The most interesting questions that this site poses is "Will you go?" and "Why?"

I find this topic intriguing because as a kid, I have had many ideas as to "will I ever go to Mars and live there?" Another question is "What would the public think?" I believe that the public's opinion would be scary, but I would like to find out.

JRC E-books by Dylan

At June Rose Callwood, they have made a new e-book section on their website. Although there are many books on it, there aren't many books that would be approved for a grade 7 or 8 reading level. Their e-book feature includes books like Juice, by Eric Walters and other selections. I did not find this website easy to use and it does not go on mobile phones. This feature should be used by people who have tablets or laptops to go mobile. To improve this website, they should have an app for Android or iOS devices.

Good-Bye To The Hobbit Hole By Aadyn

Good-bye to the comfortable Hobbit hole, and so Bilbo Baggins' adventure begins in J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit. The story is about Bilbo, Gandalf the Grey, and a band of Dwarves in an epic quest to raid the treasure hoard of Smaug, a large and very dangerous dragon. The story takes place in the second age of Middle Earth at a time of peace. This is a prelude to The Lord of the Rings, another exciting adventure story by J.R.R. Tolkien. The Hobbit is now a major motion picture coming out December 14th, 2012. Watch The Hobbit trailer here.

I enjoy the book because it is a story of long ago at a time when languages and letters were quite different, a time where men drew swords and fought for honour between Elves, Dwarves, and Orcs. I recommend this book for people with a taste for adventure and a love of languages.

The Cell Phone Game By Prachi

Wherever and wherever we go, we always carry a cell phone. Either if we are with our friends or out on a dinner or even at home on a couch, we always have our cells with us.

The time we spend with our family and with our friends is precious. We should spend our time with them wisely, but you are texting away when you are out with them. You are missing what is personal. You are not seeing their expressions or hearing their tone of voice.

So, I have created a game so we can enjoy every moment with the people we see but don't really see. The game is...

Whenever you are out with another or a group of people, put all of your cells in the middle of the table or somewhere. Don't pick up the phone if it rings or someone just texts you. Don't answer it. Whoever does should have to pay the restaurant bill.

Step into the Gaming Vortex By Aadyn

Step into the Gaming Vortex and experience thrilling live action PC gaming with Hakaro and Dark Relic. The PC Gaming Vortex is a video blog series reviewing MMO games such as Dungeons and Dragons online, World of WarCraft, Star Wars the Old Republic etc... As a veteran in gaming I enjoy reliving old stories and adventures of the past.

The PC Gaming Vortex was created to show case lesser known MMO games that get overlooked but are lots of fun. They combine lets plays and tutorial aspects to have an experience where viewers go on an adventure as well and learn things along the way. For more information, visit the PC Gaming Vortex Facebook page and their YouTube Channel.

http://www.youtube.com/user/ThePCGamingVortex

What Does Remembrance Day Mean To You? By Mr. Durston

This very important question received an artistic response recently in the 6M class. The class assignment was to make a drawing in a cross that reflected each student's vision of what Remembrance Day means; in addition, the assignment was to demonstrate the use of the artistic element called value. According to the website Studiocodex.com, value is "often described visually by a scale of varying shades of gray arranged between black and white" (http://www.studiocodex.com/value_tone01.html). Studiocodex.com also notes that colours have value too.

One notable Remembrance Day cross entry was submitted by Andrew. Andrew's favourite part of his cross is the dove featured in the centre. A dove is a symbol of peace. Have a close look at Andrew's cross, and see if it is your favourite part as well. Think about how Andrew used the placement of the dove to emphasize its importance. Also, consider how Andrew uses value in his dove. You might notice that the dove is the lightest part of his drawing. What might Andrew want you to understand about Remembrance Day from looking at his cross?

If You Love Tech, You'll Love Gizmodo! by Mr. Durston

Click here for Gizmodo!

For those of you who do not already know, Gizmodo is a technology blog that is part of the Lifehacker media family. It offers many posts per day on technology, reporting the latest news and product reviews on all your favourite devices like iPhones/iPods/iPads, Andriod devices, computers, laptops, and software...and even the mighty Zune!  (What on earth is a Zune, you ask? Click here to learn more about the Zune player and innovator of the squircle). Gizmodo offers both text articles and videos, which often demonstrate new devices and software, so you can always be in the know when a new device is released.

Why I love Gizmodo so much is that it is a one stop location on the web for getting news on all things technology. Secondly, there is an abundance of stories posted multiple times a day. It is more than one person can read, so I can choose the stories that are most relevant to me. Lastly, Gizmodo defines technology fairly broadly, so the content is not confined merely to computer related stories. For instance, check out this story on the 3D printing of an Aston Martin for the movie Skyfall . Any way you look at it, it you are interested in new technology, then you should give Gizmodo a try.

How Do You Learn To Be Courageous? By Mr. Durston

Only in the Movies

Courage is a virtue. It gives you the ability to stand up for yourself. It gives you the resources to live your life how you want. Some people say that there can be no true happiness without courage. Sorry, but I do not make the rules. If you ever want to learn how to be courageous, William Bell will give you an education in his Red Maple Award winning novel Only in the Movies. The story is about a boy named Jake Blanchard who discovers at the age of twelve that he wants to become a movie scriptwriter, after he watches a film being shot in his local park. The difficulty for Jake is in turning his desire into his reality.

Jake's story can show you what being courageous requires. The novel models a young man learning how to pursue the subjects he wants to in school, even though he may disappoint his parents in the process. Jake must also travel to a new school to learn screenwriting, a school where he experiences even more challenges in his schoolwork. Finally, Jake must learn to crawl across that rocky road called love. Now before you freak out and click away from this blog post, thinking to yourself "I'm not gonna read any book about love!", give me one chance to convince you otherwise. First off, the book is laugh out loud funny. Jake repeatedly tries to win the beautiful Alba's adoration in what can only be called a slapstick comedy of errors. But when Jake falls, he picks himself up again with the help of his best friend Vanni, a girl he meets at school who also happens to have the biggest nose he has ever seen. Jake and Vanni make a wonderful and memorable team in trying to help Jake find the courage he needs to face not only his love, but also his new life. If you are looking for a good laugh, and a little help in the courage department, pick up Only in the Movies by William Bell in the JRC library.

Finding Treasure In An Old Story By Mr. Durston

Treasure Island

With so many great new adventure books on our shelves like the Hunger Games, why would I write a book review of the classic novel Treasure Island (1883) by Robert Louis Stevenson? The answer is that the novel is just that good. For those of you who have never heard of Treasure Island, it is the adventure story and coming-of-age tale of a young man named Jim Hawkins. Jim is a teenager who begins the novel working in his parents’ inn. He then obtains a pirates’ map from one of guests, and he departs on an adventure to recover a hidden treasure. The novel follows Jim as the sole young person in the crew of a ship, a ship where not all of its members can be trusted. Jim tells the reader his tale of life-and-death encounters in negotiating the dangerous adult world of treasure hunting out on the open sea.

One of the reasons that I like this novel so much is that despite the fact that it is such an old book, Jim’s challenge in dealing with adults is so current. Just like Katniss Everdeen in the Hunger Games, Jim must also learn and survive in a world that is created and controlled by adults. Unlike Katniss though, Jim does not have any special skills, like Katniss’ hunting abilities, that will keep him alive when things get tough. Instead, Jim must learn on his own about who he can trust, about what is right and wrong, and about what it takes to hunt for treasure with some of the most dangerous people on earth.

Welcome to the new June Rose Callwood Library Blog

Hello everyone!

Welcome to the new June Rose Callwood Public School Library Blog. This blog is designed to publish library news, book reviews, and other media information created by our students. Best of all, this blog is for you. If you have an idea for a blog post that you would like to create, please talk to Mrs. Summers or Mr. Durston. Your post can be about a book that you have read, a television show or film that you have watched, or any other kind of media that you have seen on the Internet. If you have something you want to share with your school, let us know. We want to help you get your message out.

We hope to see hear from you soon, and make sure that you keep checking back because we hope to be frequently producing new, interesting, and fun posts soon.

See you soon.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Summers and Mr. Durston