P.E. Expectations vs. Reality

Samsung or Apple? What New Phone Should You Buy?

Right now, there are two brands of phones dominating the cell phone market. The names of these brands are very widely known and appreciated by many. They are Apple and Samsung.

Apple is probably the most well known phone brand on the market, and if you see someone with an iPhone you will most likely be able to instantly recognize it instantly. Any iPhone is good for the basic calling and texting, but the latest iPhones have the best features.

The iPhone 8/8 Plus is a great phone. While not being the newest iPhone, it has some new features that haven’t been on an iPhone before. Some of those features include wireless charging, a gorilla glass backing, and amazing new portrait photo abilities. These features make the iPhone 8 the second best iPhone on the market.

The next phone to talk about is the iPhone X. Contrary to popular belief, the iPhone X is actually pronounced “iPhone 10” the X is the Roman numeral for 10 and signifies the 10th anniversary of the iPhone. The iPhone X (10) is the latest iPhone on the market. The iPhone X is loaded with new features (lots on the inside for speed but I’ll spare you the nerd talk.) The phone is basically all screen on the front, apart from the little notch on the top. It has an amazing camera and it’s display is absolutely stunning. The iPhone X has no home button, so the front facing camera uses Face ID to unlock your phone instead of Touch ID.

The next phone brand were talking about is Samsung. Samsung’s main phone type  is the Samsung galaxy. Galaxies are amazing phones. The newest galaxy phone is the Samsung galaxy s9. The s9 is an amazing phone, loaded with countless amazing features.

The s9 is a phone for the tech nerds. It is loaded with features apple wouldn’t even consider putting on their phones. Samsung phones have had the ability to wirelessly charge forever and the camera takes amazing photos. The s9 has the ability to download games and applications from the internet, not just from the app store. The s9 also has a fingerprint reader, home button (in screen,) and the ability to use facial recognition. These features make the s9 an amazing phone for the tech nerds that love all the features.

Overall both phones are great. Apple designs phones for the people who love simplistic, easy-to-use phones. The iPhone 8/ 8 plus is a great phone for people who don’t want to worry about all the features, but wants a nice phone. The iPhone X is a phone for people who are devoted to apple, and still want all the features.

Samsung designs phones for people who love all the features and are tech nerds. They’ve built in several features including a home button, facial recognition, a fingerprint reader, an amazing camera, and their ever-famous, wireless charging.

 

10 Tips for Studying

We all have trouble focusing and remembering material before a big test. You stress and there is a worry of failure. This test could make or break your grade. There is no need to stress now because below are tips on studying.

 

1. Allow time to study-

Without allowing time you won’t have time to prepare for your test. Organize a time management table (either mentally or on paper) on the amount of time you take out of your day to study for each subject. Follow this strictly unless you feel you need more time to get the material memorized.

2. Organize Your Study Space-

Keep your books and materials spread out and organized in a way that you will learn the fastest. Make sure you can have access to references that you may need. Do not keep unnecessary items in your workspace.

3. No Distractions-

Get rid of all possible distractions. Make sure to remove them from your study space. Make sure you are comfortable and in a way where you will be completely focused. Some people enjoy the complete silence while other may decide to play soft classical music in the background. You decide what is best for your study habits.

4.Use Visual Aides-

Use models, charts, and pictures to help you study for a subject. Visuals can help memorizations because it links certain words with desired pictures. Gather all the information you know/need and gather diagram. This helps you because you only have one thing to study from instead of many.

 

5. Use Old Assignments as a Reference-

Although this is kind of a no-brainer it is very helpful. If you use old assignments you are looking at things you learned directly. Your findings might be more helpful than you thought originally.

6.Take Small Breaks-

You should take small breaks from your study time. You don’t want to overload your brain. Although the time may seem leisurely, you can’t waste your time. Use your available time wisely and figure out a good way for you personally to take your breaks from learning.

7. Snacks Are Food for Brain-

You deserve a treat while you eat. Keep a snack and/or drink near you when you study. This food in your body will help your energy levels and focus. Try to stay away from junk food though, it does not provide these benefits completely. Foods that are nutritious have been proven to increase concentration and memorization skills. Also, eat a healthy breakfast before a test.

8.Drink Water-

Don’t dehydrate yourself in the stress. Your brain cannot function without plenty of water.

9. Create Flashcards-

Use flashcards to study material if you need to remember exact words or phrases. Repeatedly studying these terms can get them stuck in your head. They will help you past the test.

10. Create a Quizlet-

Use the Quizlet website or app to create digital flashcards. You can also use these terms in interactive ways to learn such as games and a fake test using your terms. It is a really great way to study for a test in a short amount of time.

 

 

Top 10 smartest types of dogs

Lots of people all across the world have dogs. In the US around 44% of households have at least one dog, and if your like most people you think they are just too cute. Although they may not be that bright. The dogs listed below are more likely to be smarter than most dogs but that’s not a guaranteed. You still might of got the one that got dropped as a pup. These are the top 10 smartest types of dogs.

10.) Australian Cattle Dog

The Australian Cattle Dog is a very smart and active breed. They were made to help Australian settlers herd the cattle. They are still used for herding today but they are also very good in certain dog sports like rally, fly ball, and etc. Also besides there jobs and sports they are also very loyal and protective of their family.

9.) Rottweiler

Rottweiler’s were originally made to drive cattle from place to place. Later, they were used to pull carts of butchers. They were also some of the earliest police dogs and served in the military. Also, like the Australian Cattle dog they are strong, very loyal, and protective of their family.

8.) Papillion

Papillion are from the toy spaniel dog breed and are very nice and have a great personality. Papillion’s are not a work dogs but they are great in dog competitions especially in ones like agility and obedience and they are easier to train than most dogs.

7.) Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retrievers were bred to be both a work dog and to be mans best friend. In the olden days they were used to help fisherman by fetching ropes, retrieving fish, and etc. Now days they do more work with search and rescue, helping handicapped, retriever for hunters, and etc. They are also show dogs and very trainable. Today they are the most popular dog in America.

6.) Shetland Sheepdog

The Shetland Sheepdog was bred to protect farms in Scotland. Today they still do this but are also great competitors and great with families. They are very active, light on there feet, and graceful jumpers. These dogs are also are very good when they are given a mental challenge.

5.) Doberman Pinscher

Doberman Pinschers is a very good at protecting what’s theirs. They are used in police work, military, and canine sports. They are quick learners and pick things up with little training. Theses dogs can do lots of things.

4.) Golden Retriever

Golden Retrievers have one of the highest intelligence levels out of dogs, this makes them very good for work dogs. They are used for lots of jobs including, retrieving things for hunters, police work, therapy dogs, and etc. Since theses dog are so smart they pick tricks and stuff up easily and are very friendly.

3.) German Shepard

 

 

 

 

 

 

German Shepherds are highly intelligent and quick learners. They are used in the police and military work. These dogs were originally bred to herd and protect sheep. They are amazing at almost everything they do and are easy to train.

2.) Poodle

Poodles are very smart elegant dogs. They are used for dog shows and almost always come out on top. They are good with families and they are very obedient. They learn quickly especially in elegance.

1.) Border Collie

Border Collies were bred to herd and they herd everything, from sheep, to kids, to apples you dropped  on the floor. They are easy to train and get along great with other animals and families.

 

 

 

The Feud

Top #10 Hit New Books for Young Adults

Top #10 Hit New Books for Young Adults:
A New Literary Age
By: Nicolas Prince

 

Books have always been a way for kids, teens and adults to talk with each other. Books are very important to our society, so here are my top picks for books that any young adult could read!

 

Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon

Summary: Madeline was born with a rare disease called SCID. This condition does not allow her to leave her home. The only social contact she ever makes is with her mother and her nurse, Carla. When Madeline sees her new neighbor Olly, he unlocks a whole new world for her, forcing her to feel something very alien to her: love.

Review: This is a very heart-wrenching story that captures emotion and connections. It promotes social diversity and can really make you think to a deeper level. Nicola Yoon has done some amazing work here with ‘Everything, Everything.’ This is a story for any young adult who is prepared to laugh, cry, and love.

The cover of Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon

The Land of Stories #6: Worlds Collide by Chris Colfer

Summary: Now, things have gotten really bad, to continue this fantastical storyline. Villains have escaped their own stories thanks to Morina, the Wicked Witch of the West, the Queen of Hearts, and Captain Hook. To make it even worse, Connor must face these horrors BY HIMSELF, because Alex is missing! Can they be reunited before it’s too late?

Review: I have just fell in love with Chris Colfer’s ‘The Land of Stories’ and there has yet to be a book that disappoints. This is a jaw-dropping, action packed adventure that will transport you to a magical world, where all dreams (and nightmares) are possible! This is definitely a must-read for any magic-loving teen!

The complete collection of The Land of Stories series

The Girl From Everywhere by Heidi Heilig

Summary: With her Captain of a dad, and many ship-hands to help, teenaged Nix travels between dimensions and time, and between what is a reality, and what could be argued as not. By fresh, new, hand drawn maps, she can lead the ship anywhere described on the maps. Now with a mission involving the Hawaiian monarchy, Nix’s life is threatened

Review: This book is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat! This is sure to enfold you into new worlds that have yet to be explored!! Another good-read for any young-adult! I strongly recommend anyone who loves to venture through the pages of a book to try this one out!!

The book, The Girl From Everywhere

 

Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng

Summary: When an Asian-American girl named Lydia goes missing, the police, and her family, are on a mission for justice. She is found at the bottom of a lake and her cause of death is, well: drowned. It’s 1997 in a small town in Ohio, and this is an amazing murder-mystery. Mysterious things are happening, and it’s a race to figure it out.

Review: This a great book with many hooks to draw your attention in. This is a great murder-mystery that will really make you question, and take detective work to the next level! If you want a nice book to just sit down with and read, this is your book! I recommend you to definitely try this book out.

The author of Everything I Never Told You, Celeste Ng, next to her best-selling book

Wonder by Raquel J. Palacio

Summary: Auggie Pullman is a kind, caring boy with a unique face. He was born with a rare facial deformity, that held him back from going to a public school. Until the 5th grade that is. He is starting at Beecher Prep School, and he is struggling to convince his classmates that he is no different from them, on the inside at least. This will show to be the challenge of a lifetime.

Review: This is a very moving story, that, although cliché, teaches us a moral that we can pin to everyday life: it’s what’s on the inside that counts. This tells us of everyday struggles the human race faces. Although Auggie’s is a little more extreme, this is a book everyone who has been through middle school can understand.

The cover and marketing poster of the book, Wonder

 

Pax by Sara Pennypacker

Summary: Pax the fox was only a kit when his family was killed, and Peter, his ‘human’ rescued him from a devastating fate. They grew up together, and grew inseparable. When Peter’s father enlists, he is forced to live with his grandfather, and the bad news is, Pax can’t. They release him into the forest. Even after a night of separation, Peter runs aways and goes on a journey to reconnect with his best friend.

Review: This is one of the best books I have ever come across. It has emotion, love, character, inspiration, sorrow, and joy along with descriptive chapters and great writing techniques that draw the reader in every time they read it. If none of the others, this is the book that you just have to read.

Pax the Fox

The Trials of Apollo #2: The Dark Prophecy by Rick Riordan

Summary: Zeus has punished his son Apollo by casting him down to Earth in the form of an awkward, acne-covered teen named Lester. The only way that Apollo can finally reclaim his authority on Mount Olympus is by restoring some Oracles that have gone dark. To help his father out Lester (Apollo) embarks on a journey across North America that will change his families lives.

Review: For anyone who loves Mythology, or even just magic, this is a great book to checkout! It’s an action-packed journey-filled book with many exciting points and a jaw-dropping climax. This is certainly a book to read!

The cover of the book, The Dark Prophecy

Lessons In Falling by Diana Gallagher

Summary: LESSON ONE: Playing it safe beats taking chances.

After an injury ends Savannah’s dream of a college gymnastics scholarship, she quits
despite her parents’ protests. She doesn’t want to take the risk of injured or breaking anymore of her body–or her heart. Will Savannah ever get back in the game?

Review: This can be a great book for any struggling young adult of any age. Almost everyone can relate to the struggles of Savannah. This a book for anyone who needs a little help, or someone who just wants to sit down and read a good book. Lessons In Falling is certainly a book I recommend.

One of Diana Gallagher’s covers for her book Lessons in Falling

Carve the Mark by Veronica Roth

Summary: In a galaxy powered by the current, everyone has a gift. Cyra is the sister of a brutal tyrant and her currentgift gives her pain and power, which her brother exploits to instill fear into the people. Cyra want to be more than a sword at her brother’s disposal.–
–Akos is the son of a farmer on the Frozen world. Protected by his unusual currentgift, Akos is generous in spirit, and his loyalty to his family is limitless. Although, when he and his brother were captured by enemy soldiers, Akos is thrust into Cyra’s world; and they meet…

Review: Not only is this a good fantasy and adventure novel, but it shows much emotion due to family conflicts. It also shows how two teenaged children can try to work together to solve a lot of recent conflicts. If you’re looking for a nice magical adventure, then I suggest Carve the Mark.

Cyra & Akos – Follow the Current

365 Days of Wonder by Raquel J. Palacio

Summary: Mr. Browne has piled in his favorite precepts, or little life lessons to live by, into this one book. He has compiled 365 precepts he has gotten from children’s books and songs, ancient egyptian tombstones, and even fortune cookies! These precepts are filled with joy, hope, and laughter. You can also hear from previous Wonder characters through e-mails like Summer, Jack, Charlotte, Julian, and Amos.

Review: I know what you are thinking, ‘he added another R.J. Palacio novel?’ Well yes, I did because this book, along with its companion is a heart-tugging book that really lets you think to a deeper level. Although not a traditional ‘read, read!’ book, it can allow you to learn something new everyday. And that for me, is just as good.

The author of the Wonder books, RJ Palacio

9 Reasons English is the Best Subject

Everyone has a favorite subject in school, but it’s obvious why English takes the cake. Here are the top 9 reasons why English should be your favorite subject if it’s not already.

1. Movie Day

There’s only so many “math movies” that I can rattle off the top of my head, but English? If there’s a book version, then there’s probably a movie version, too. You youngsters may not remember the complete feeling of joy that washes over you when the rolly-cart was perched at the front of your classroom, but it triggers some of my fondest memories of school—and almost all of them were in English.

2. Class Debates

Characters. Themes. Ms. London’s favorite song. You name it, and we debate it. Everyone loves to share his or her opinions, and English class is where it happens the most. Was Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows better in book-form or movie-form? Was Katniss really in love with Peeta, or was it all just a show? This is a debate made in English nerd heaven…which brings me to #3.

3. There’s no right or wrong answers.

Maybe this makes some of you math-minded folks nervous, but us English nerds love the idea that you can explain your way out of anything. As long as there’s evidence in a text to support it, it could potentially be deemed a good answer! In math, if the answer is 6, it’s always going to be 6. But, in English, we might just talk about how it feeeeels for the answer to be 6, or what would happen if the answer were 7 instead. Not having to fit into a uniform box is pretty cool.

4. It’s rare that your teacher mispronounces your name.

English teachers love language. They live for the first day of school when their class lists are posted. I know I’ve spent some serious time pouring over students’ names to make sure I don’t sound like a Key and Peele sketch when calling roll, and it doesn’t hurt that my maiden name was Minutillo growing up. I spent my fair share of years as a student getting my last name butchered (and having teachers say it wrong for an entire school year), so I’d like to think my students appreciate the effort I put in to make sure that their names come out loud, clear, and correct.

5. Ain’t nobody got time for notes

This may not be true of all English teachers, but in my experience, there’s not a lot of note taking to do. You may have some vocabulary specific to a standard, but you’re not spending days on end taking notes. And the best part is that if you do take notes, they’ll probably be something you actually come back to more than once throughout the school year.

6. No intense studying

If you read the book, then there’s not a lot of studying to do. One of the best parts about English class is that a big chunk of assesments are about what you think about a text. Again, there may be some vocabulary you need to understand related to a topic, but you’re not going to be pouring over a textbook for hours.

7. You get to read about all of the other subjects

English isn’t just about novels, sentence diagramming, and essays. You may ask yourself, “When am I ever going to need this?” And the answer is ALWAYS! You have to read and write in every other subject, and you do it in your “real” life, too. I could give you an article about the best way to groom your cat or why the water cycle is important. No matter what subject is your “favorite”, English is creeping into it somehow.

8. Culture & Travel

Some smart person once said, “A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies… The man who never reads lives only one.” And isn’t that the truth? English class (and reading in general) allows you to travel the world, experience cultures you’d never get the chance to see otherwise, and develop a sense of empathy. You are confronted with problems and feelings that you yourself may never experience. Last year I read All the Light We Cannot See, which tells the story of a blind girl living in France during WWII. Not only did I read about a period of history that I cannot experience myself, but I experienced life with a disability in a way I’d never be able to otherwise. How. COOL!

9. Express yourself

What other class invites you (on a pretty regular basis, I might add) to share and write about your opinions? Not only does English class afford you that opportunity, but it’s also a great avenue to share about yourself as a person. Your teachers know that you are real people living real lives outside of the hours you’re in school. English is one of the few subjects where you get to share those real-life experiences frequently.

Every day in English class might not be a scene out of The Dead Poets Society, but some days it sure does feel that way. I love seeing my students get invested in a debate or make some monumental improvement on a writing assignment, which is why English is obviously the best subject.