Taipei 101

The Taipei 101 is the biggest building in the world. The huge 509.2 metre establishment has one hundred and one floors hence the name Taipei 101. The Taipei 101 is located in Taipei in Taiwan which is east of China. It costed $1,076,000,000 to make. Currently, the Taipei 101 holds these records
• Ground to highest architectural structure (spire): 509.2 metres (1,670.60 ft). Previously held by the Petronas Towers 452 m (1,483 ft).
• Ground to roof: 449.2 m (1,473.75 ft). Formerly held by the Sears Tower 442 m (1,450 ft).
• Ground to highest occupied floor: 439.2 m (1,440.94 ft). Formerly held by the Sears Tower 412.4 m (1,353 ft).
• Fastest ascending elevator speed: 16.83 m/s (55.22 ft/s) (60.6 km/h, 37.7 mi/h).
• Largest countdown clock: On display every New Year's Eve

I was lucky enough to be able to go to the Taipei 101 in my trip to Taiwan earlier this year. Next to the Taipei 101 is a shopping multiplex, it would be considered massive in New Zealand but in Taiwan it wasn’t really because its juxtaposition with the Taipei 101.

Another awesome thing about the Taipei 101 is the elevator. It is the fastest elevator in the world. It goes 60 kilometres an hour. On your way up the building your ears pop because your getting higher and the speed that your going at.

At the top you can go outside and look at the city. Me being afraid of heights and all wasn’t helpful. When I was outside I was holding onto anything I could get my trembling hand on. It was very windy up there and if you had weak legs, you definitely would be toppled over. Another scary thing is that the tower moves around with a five metre radius.

Inside the Taipei 101 there is a photo place. Where there is a blank ‘Blue Screen’ where you can choose photo and ‘stand next to’ the tower. I got one done, it was a night shot of the tower and I stood adjacent to it and kicked it. The photo only costed NT$300 which is about NZD$12.

My weapons of mass destruction...

These are my weapons that I have in my room...

I have one little Samurai Sword, don't be fooled by its size, this baby is one sharp blade. It has a case and a rope to tie around my waist. Its awesome.

I have a Lord Of The Rings sword. Its Frodo's sword 'Sting". This bad boy glows blue when orcs are around. Too bad I don't live around any orcs.

I have two shurikens. Most people refer to these as 'Ninja Stars'. These clip onto my belt for fast and easy access when needed.

I have on pair of Nunchakus. These are only practise ones but are very painful. Don't believe me? Ask Rory.

Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe is located in the southern part of Africa and it is surrounded by land in all directions (or landlocked). To it’s northwest is Zambia, to the east is Mozambique, Botswana to the south and South Africa to the south. The majority of people in Zimbabwe speak Shona, which is one of two native languages in Zimbabwe, although the official language of the country is English.

Zimbabwe used to be called Southern Rhodesia and it was controlled by the United Kingdom, up until after the civil war. On the 18th of April 1980, the country became an independent nation. It got it’s new name of Zimbabwe, a new flag, and a government led by Robert Mugabe. Mugabe became Prime Minister and Canaan Banana became the first president. In 1988 the government abolished the prime ministerial office, and Robert Mugabe became president. In 2000, Robert Mugabe began to reclaim land from the white population (mainly farmland) and redistributed it out to 250,000 Africans.

Zimbabwe is currently experiencing a shortage of funds, which has led to causing shortages of imported fuel and goods, and also hyperinflation. Critics blame it on Mugabe’s land reclamation programme.


Facts
· The capital of Zimbabwe is Harare, and it is also the largest city.
· Its total area is 390,757 km squared. The 60th largest in the world. Only 1%of the land is water.
· Zimbabwe’s population is 20,010,000. The 68th largest in the world.
· GDP= $400,000,000,000. The 80th largest in the world
· GDP Per Capita= $188. The 178th largest in the world.
· Zimbabwe’s motto is “Unity, Freedom, Work”

All Blacks vs England

On Saturday the 21st of June, the All Blacks played England in Rugby. The game was being played at AMI stadium, formerly Jade Stadium, in Christchurch. The conditions were pretty good, not much wind and not much rain. I was very happy to see Rodney So'oialo back at Number 8. I was very angry at Conrad Smith being dropped and Richard 'I'm the Man' Kahui replacing him. Conrad Smith played superbly against Ireland and in the first England test. He was on form and they had no reason to substitute him. It was quite irritating because Rory watched the game with me and kept saying how Tom Vardell was going to 'gas' everyone, failing to do so in the whole eighty minutes. There were two big blows to the All Blacks lineup when Richie McCaw and Ali Williams, two players of great quality, class and experience, went off the field early in the game due to injury. Their replacements were Sione Lauaki for McCaw, and Anthony Boric for Williams. I don't think Sione Lauaki should be McCaws replacement, I would much rather have Chris Masoe or Daniel Braid. The try-scorers were Ma’a Nonu, Dan Carter, Sione Lauaki, Jimmy Cowan, Richard Kahui and Adam Thompson

Leon MacDonald – 6/10
Lots of clever touches, several forward passes, not many decisive attacking plays. Best moment was shoving Varndell in touch.

Sitiveni Sivivatu – 7/10
Is obviously over the hill as a finisher, having spoiled his try-a-Test record (now 23 from 24 games). Deadly with Carter in setting up Nonu's try.

Richard Kahui – 8/10
Known as a hard tackler. The bloodied Tait will testify to that. A good sport, showed concern for Tait, and claimed a decent try on his debut.

Ma’a Nonu – 10/10
Matt Dawson said beforehand that Noon is a better attacker. Rubbish. Nonu has proved to be a perfect foil for Carter but a threat in his own right. Great try set up by mate at 10.

Rudi Wulf – 6/10
The latest sensation from the New Zealand wing factory, the debutant showed his clout by charging right over Ojo. Not many other opportunities, though.

Dan Carter – 2/10
He played his usual. I don’t know why New Zealand is obsessed with him. He played poorly under the English pressure. Good try though.

Andy Ellis – 7/10
Execution from five-metre scrum was faultless for Carter's try. He is tough, reliable and gifted, not a bad combination.

Rodney So’oialo – 7/10
Back in his favoured No 8 position, but had one of his quieter games. Upstaged by Thomson.
Richie McCaw – 7/10
Ripped the ball off Mears in the first minute and was his usual high-class self for all of 27 minutes until Flood bent his left leg double when tackling Nonu.

Adam Thomspon – 8/10
Reminds you that New Zealand are a nation of sheep farmers. Woolly-haired flanker was in uncompromising form, put Tait off when a try beckoned, and scored himself on his first start.

Ali Williams - 4/10
Suffered the indignity of being scragged by Tait and thrown to the ground. Hurt in the ensuing breakdown and limped off after only 15 minutes to damage the line-out further.

Brad Thorn – 6/10
His high tackle early on was about as high as he got all game, as the New Zealand line-out plumbed the depths.

Greg Somerville – 8/10
Feted all week for facing down Andrew Sheridan in the first Test. Payne was a puppy in comparison.

Andrew Hore – 5/10
The only problem they do have is the line-out, and that is Hore's problem. Solid enough in the tight, the hooker had a nightmare, again, finding his jumpers.

Neemia Tialata – 8/10
Was tearing into Stevens in the press all week and made his life uncomfortable on the pitch as well. New Zealand do not have many front-row problems.

Mathew Tait – 7/10
Decked Williams, threw try away, set up Varndell for his, then the clearest definition of a hospital pass spelt goodnight. But overall he had a good night.

Topsy Ojo – 7/10
Did not have two tries to show for his second Test, but still made progress. Lousy kicking, but otherwise good on the ball. Did feel the full force of the Wulf once.

Mike Tindall – 6/10
How long does he have left? Willing and brave, but when the battering ram is knocked back by Kahui, where does that leave him? And another yellow card.

Jamie Noon – 5/10
Picked to beef up the midfield, then missed his man as Carter danced through. Not his fault, but he needs a sparkling 10 and 13 to make him shine.

Tom Varndell – 6/10
Could have had two tries. Was squeezed out in the left corner before going over in the right. We did not see very much else, though.

Toby Flood – 6/10
Looked OK at 10 for a while. His kicking was decent until he put it down Sivivatu's throat. Was hurt in stopping a certain Kahui try and was off after half an hour.

Danny Care – 7/10
Some players look the part, and Care is one. Too inclined to chip in tight corners but scored a sharp try, and didn't celebrate much. Nice touch.

Luke Narraway – 7/10
Showed up well early on. Does not look like he is a presence but keeps nudging forward. Too quick to go to ground though, and Carter made him pay.

Tom Rees 8/10
He is well and truly back after his World Cup exclusion, and is getting better. Strongand smart at the breakdown, canny positioning. Came off very early.

James Haskell – 8/10
When he learns a bit of Dallaglio's nous, he will be even better. Never took a backward step, took several forward, and will have earned some Kiwi respect.

Steve Borthwick – 6/10
Never stopped urging his men on, and will feel satisfied with the line-out return. Will feel satisfied with his big hit on Hore too, but maybe not too much else.

Tom Palmer – 7/10
Johnson-esque steal at the front of the line-out should have got more reward. Palmer ruled the jumpers and put himself about.

Matt Stevens – 6/10
His problems are England's problems. Cannot be as dynamic in the loose as he is with Bath as England are often too static. Had no luck with Tialata either.

Lee Mears – 7/10
Some say he is too small to be a Test hooker. But better to be small and good than big and not. Did his job throwing in and is good on the ball. A forward step.

Tim Payne – 5/10
Big ask to fill in for Sheridan. Even the big man struggled last week. So did Payne. Pinged for stamping and for taking it down. Ponderous in the loose.

Whangaparaoa College vs Takapuna Grammar

On Saturday the 21st of June we played Takapuna Grammar at rugby at home. The score was 24-17. The try scorers were Woody, Taylor, Trent, ME. The other team was pretty aggressive and were ill-disciplined. This game was pretty important because I scored before Rory. I had made a promise to myself that I would not let Rory score before me. Rory stole the ball in the ruck, legally, and then I got it off the back off the ruck and ducked under the first player and dived for the line with one or two people trying to push me in touch. It wasn't an outstanding try but it got us 5 points. Some could say that it was the winning try. Taylor got man of the match which I don't agree with 100% but he was alright. The thing about Taylor was I dislike is that he NEVER PASSES THE BALL. Oh my god, its so irritating when you have a gap in front of you and if he passed you would have been through. Also when he runs, he runs away from the forwards, the forwards are the people who support you, your not meant to run away from them, Another thing is that when Taylor gets tackled, we never regain the ball in the ruck, he runs too far away from the forwards which results in us being unable to blow over the top and keep hold of the ball.
The starting lineup was:
1.Woody(captain)
2.Mat
3.Rory
4.Neil
5.James F
6.Hayden
7.Me
8.Taylor(Man of the match)
9.JT
10.Corby
12.Brandon
13.Jaime
14.Tom
15.Trent

Limerick

Frankie encountered some drugs,
For Luke in a profession for hugs,
While Tash and Bree,
Got high on green tea,
Drew’s best friends were bugs.

Lauren and Grace would rave,
And Isaac would misbehave,
While Scott craves pie,
Sėamus would spy,
On Vinay chilling out in his cave.

Courtney Rata can do the splits,
And Courtney Morgan despised nitwits,
While Cerise sings and dances,
Rory talks and prances,
And Stephanie chillaxes in Saint Kitts.

Gabrielle’s futures in construction,
Eve’s is in elections,
Bobbie and Brennyn,
Are always grinnin’,
When our class is in tension.

Steen and Zane are rocking,
Cassandra’s always striving,
While Hillary does her work,
Aleisha carries a smirk,
And Chelsea is amusing.

Would You Use this Toilet?

I personally would probably use this toilet, but it would feel pretty awkward if it was a busy day and heaps of people would be standing oustide the door looking at you. Well, not at you, for them, they would be looking at the door but it still looks like it from the inside. I myself would love this opportunity to go and embarrass someone. For example when someone walks into the restroom, Running up to it, smashing that window, pointing and laughing would be HILARIOUS. Also getting like a camera or something and taking a photo of the person, but really your taking a photo of the wall, would also be amusing. But it would be a scary thought, you will always have in the back of your mind that somehow, everyone can see you, but in reality they can't. Like you think that the wall somehow turns off. I wouldn't blame anyone for being obligated not to use this, just of the fear that someone out there can see your privates.

Would You Use this Toilet?

Whangaparaoa College vs Long Bay College

On the 14th of June we played Long Bay College in rugby at home. Today was our first win! I'm not to sure of the score but it was four tries to three. Try scores were Corby, who got two and he converted three of his conversions, JT who stole my try and Taylor who ran har at the defence. I played really well and in the end I received the man of the match. Long Bay had a consolation try through very weak defence from our team. Rory nearly scored two tries but he was short of about 20 cm on each occasion. The refereeing in this game was quite good. And he didn't feel intimidated to use his cards which we found out when he sent the opposition openside flanker off the field. Also I stepped a guy.
The starting lineup was:
1.Woody(Captain)
2.Mat
3.Rory
4.Jacob
5.James
6.Logan
7.Vinay(Man of the Match)
8.Taylor
9.JT
10.Corby(kicker)
11.Eamon
12.Jordan
13.Jassie
14.Jamie
15.Tim

Learners License...

I've done it. I have finally achieved my main goal for my childhood/young teenage life. I have got my learners license. On Monday the 9th of June, after school, I went to AA and sat my license test. I didn't study much, I don't even have a road code. It was pretty lucky that I took my glasses to the test because the eye sight test would have been a challenge without them. I don't know how long the test was but it wasn't ages. I passed my test and didn't get any wrong. I now drive to school in my mums red Kia Sportage and drive home.

Ma'a Nonu has probably secured his placed in the all blacks....I hope

Remember the date, June 7, 2008. That might be the date that Ma'a Nonu secured his All Black position, finally.

In these days of All Blacks haring overseas to take advantage of the huge pay cheques - oh, and let's not forget the "lifestyle" of Europe - few could have blamed Nonu if he'd decided to take the easy way out.

An in-again, out-again player since his debut against England, aged 21, in 2003, Nonu has been an equal measure of brilliance and frustration for many rugby fans and for his selectors.

Too often, his trademark runs and line-breaking crashes were followed by a dodgy pass or a run too far that ended with him spilling the ball - a heinous crime in today's recycled ball rugby. Fans, rugby writers, coaches and just about everyone who watched rugby would sound off about Nonu's lack of nous and his inability to make the right decision and to safeguard the ball.

But, last night, in a horribly wet and cold Cake Tin, Nonu produced a near-faultless display in the All Blacks' hard-fought 21-11 win over a gallant Ireland.

If he was ever going to make a bad blue or two, last night was the night. But Nonu took the ball up well, retained it and there were none of the hasty or unthinking attempts to offload when protection was the order of the day. He made a pretty watertight Irish defence creak and groan and, finally, was on hand after a searing Dan Carter break to slide up to and over the goal line for the winning try.

It wasn't quite a perfect night. He was caught out of position on defence - another of his weaknesses in the past - when his opposite, Ireland's Paddy Wallace, scored his try as the All Blacks tried unsuccessfully to plug the gaps.

But this seems a churlish complaint given that in all other aspects of his game, Nonu was measured and safe. His distribution - or what was possible on such a bleak night - was also good and he was one of the few backs to stand out on what was mostly a forwards' night.

This may not be the be-all and end-all for Nonu. After all, it was on his home park, in front of his home crowd and surrounded by five other Hurricanes in the All Blacks side - although Munster provided the huge majority of the opposition line-up.

But, five years and 18 tests after his debut, it was a sign the much-awaited maturing of Ma'a might be here.

It is also worth noting that he stuck it out this far, preferring to keep trying for his All Black status rather than opting for expatriate riches.

Whangaparaoa College vs Northcote

Today on the thirteenth June we played Northcote in rugby. The terrible day started off with my dad losing his car keys resulting in me not in the starting lineup for the match. They were a WAY bigger team but even though the score says so, they weren't that great a team. By the way the score in the end was 0-62 which was an absolute smashing. Rory was captain today and started at seven because of my truancy. The backs looked a lot better today but they were shabby at times. Corby got player of the match and rightly so but there were quite a lot of people who played well. I came on in the second half and I had about half an hour of game play. I thought I tackled exceptionally well but I only got the ball once. When I came on I came in for James who had just injured his ribs and Rory moved back into prop and Taylor into eight. I had one scrum at eight because Jaime came on for someone, I have absolutely no idea why he came on as a forward but he did well considering he didn't know what to do.
The starting lineup was:

1.Taylor
2.Mat
3.Mat
4.Hayden
5.James F
6.Corbin
7.Rory(captain)
8.James S
9.Brandon
10.Corby(POD)
11.Eamon
12.Jordan
13.Jasssie
14.Tom
15.Trent

Helen Clarke

Today our Prime Minister came to visit our school. She spoke to us initially about some stuff. Before Helen Clarke came in Mrs. Culiford and Ms. Wilson spoke to Adam, Drew, Josh and Bryn. They told them not to ask any stupid questions or preferably not ask anything at all. Helen Clarke initially told us her life story and then progressed on to more important stuff like the issues of our country. After her speech, it was time to ask Helen Clarke questions. The first question was pretty ridiculous I thought, and who other than Bryn would ask one. The question was “Do you ever get bored in parliament?” She replied with a pretty long answer which explained how she didn’t get bored and that the isn’t tired of her job. The second question was “Do you get tired of your job?” This was an even more ridiculous question and I thought it was quite irrelevant and that it wasn’t making good use of her precious time. The next question was Eve and she asked what subjects Helen Clarke studied at university, this was a great question and it is useful for anyone interested in being a politician. The next question was “Was it a hard road to getting to Prime Minister. Personally I think it was a stupid question because it is obviously a hard road to become the leader of a country. This question was followed by some random questions and then I asked the question of “What are the qualities you think someone needs to lead a country. She replied with “The fundamental quality to being the leader of a country is that you need to have a vision. This was a pretty boring thing but it was quite informative.

My Queens Birthday

This Queens Birthday was like every other for me. I celebrated my birthday. On Sunday my sisters came over and we spent the day out shopping. It was pretty boring and I only bought one jacket from Dressmart. At night time we went out to Valentines for dinner. I went up 4 times for dinner and once for desert. On my second turn while I picked up a piece of pizza a bit of tomato fell onto my plate and i flicked it off. The man behind me had a huge stress at me, I told him to get lost. He was a man probably in his 40's close to 50, he had a scruffy beard and orange teeth, and he was a midget. Anyhow, the staff at Valentines brought me a cake and then they started singing happy birthday to me. It wasn't the best of singing but it was a kind gesture. For my birthday I got money and I spent it yesterday on a new phone.

Reliever Experience

I walked into the hallway, fatigued after my intense game of wrap at lunchtime, preparing for what seemed like a normal science lesson. It way last period on a Friday afternoon and no one wanted to work intensely in silence. Everyone carried atrabilious faces and leant their unenergetic bodies up against the wall. Some people were talking about their lunchtime and others couldn’t be bothered. I saw an unfamiliar person coming up to open the door. When everyone knew that our regular teacher wasn’t teaching us that period, their languorous bodies and expressions became wild and dynamic. We took this period as a free lesson, time to do whatever you wanted to do and explore your imagination.

The substitute introduced himself and told us his life story in about 7 minutes, usually the relievers life stories range from 20 – 40 minutes, but most of them just continue to reminisce over the ‘good old times’. We took Mr. Pastablion for a typical, orthodox reliever. Before he told us our instructions, people handed out the books and were asking “What page, Sir?” He didn’t stop us, he waited until all the books were handed out. As soon as everyone had a book he said. “OK, now put the books back”. Confused, we all packed up. He told us that we could do anything our hearts desired as long as we produced something constructive. Instantly, we all broke out into conversations and over the top of us he exclaimed “GO YOUNG ONES! FLY!” I think this was his way of saying go.

Everyone broke up into theirs group and left the class instantaneously. I thought this would be a nice time to walk around and see how others spent their ‘free’ period.

As I walked outside I thought I would start by looking at how Seamus, Scott, Taylor, Rory, Gabrielle and co. Not to my surprise, Seamus had brought his paintball equipment. They were all fighting each other, no teams, no allies, no mercy. I knew that the longer I stayed the more tempted I would get to join in, and the more likelihood of me getting hit.

My next stop was the group of Eve, Frankie, Brennyn, Bobbie-Leigh and co. They were spending their time reading in the library. I swiftly moved on trying not to be ‘tempted’ by the reading.

My next destination was Cerise’s crib. In this ‘crib’ were Courtney, Bree, Tash and co. They were doing nothing but gossiping and talking about chick stuff. They were hidden behind the dental bus and their faces made me suspicious. As I passed them they immediately went silent and looked at me with an evil glare. I asked them what they were doing and they replied with “We’re doing……stuff.” I continued on, not to waste any time.

My next voyage took me to Erica, Cassandra, Hillary, Chelsea and co. They were playing netball on the courts and having meaningless conversation…Similar to the conversations on the show ‘Gilmore Girls’. I flowed passed unnoticed and continued my journey.

My next stop was back at class were Drew, Luke, Isaac and co were having a nice day dream.

At the end of the period we reported back to Mr. Pastablion, no one apart from Eve and her friends had achieved anything. My ‘constructive’ piece was “I took a walk around our school thinking about my future and how I can be more successful.” Mr. Pastablion failed everyone apart from Eve, Frankie, Bobbie-Leigh, Brennyn and me.