A Trip in the Sky

Last Tuesday, I had a wonderful trip in the sky through the Leitner Family Observatory and Planetarium located on the campus Yale university in Farnam Gardens. A young woman announcer guides everyone in the crowded observation room travelling from the earth to the solar system, then to the galaxy and then to the entire cosmic space through her sweet explanation.  The whole journey cost about an hour. Then, through the two permanently mounted telescopes, I reached some specific planets and stars. Through the historic eight-inch reed refractor mounted in the east dome, I arrived at the moon nearest the earth. Lots of pits on the surface immediately presented in front of my eyes, and the canary yellow of the surface like a mysterious veil raised rich imagination. The other computer-controlled, 0.4 meter reflecting telescope led me closer to the Saturn, which looked like a big red ball with a red fire circle, spectacular and beautiful. The mysterious world  is full of infinite charm.

A Cute Little Squirrel

Today, taking a walk after dinner, I encountered a cute little squirrel. At that time, the lovely squirrel was playing with a piece of dried grass, taking it up and then putting it down again and again. The setting sun was reflected in his body, which sketched out a beautiful scene. I couldn't help going up to him step by step

taking pictures, but he also ignored my action. He was not a bit afraid of humans, which is a good sign showing the harmony between humans and animals. This is what all the people who have awareness of animal protection want to see.

Wonderful Book Sale

Summer Book Sale at Pequot Library in Southport, CT is really an act of kindness. Last Saturday, I came here under the guidance of my instructor. There were various books, which almost met all the visitors' needs. The most satisfying was

the cheap price of the books. I bought a book named " Johns Hopkins Family Health Book" with 1657 pages, which is about medical and health services. It is a wonderful and valuable book that I have been looking for. But I only spent three dollars to buy it. It seemed to be a fantastic bargain. I absolutely appreciate the beneficial trip. 

Walking in the Street of New York

New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of one of the most populous urban agglomerations in the world. Coming to America, Anyone is considered as taking an invalid trip without visiting New York City. Last Friday, I decided to take a walk from Circle Line Sightseeing to Lexington Ave along the 42nd street of New York City. While walking in the street, I observed a lot of people busily coming and going, heavy traffic, high-rise buildings on both sides of the street, huge eye-catching billboards everywhere and all sorts of brand shops and large shopping malls. Especially my arrival of Times Square, I was attracted by the bustling scene to slow down. Some lovely people dressed themselves as Mickey Mouse, the statue of liberty and the Smurfs. They friendly invited the passers-by to take a group photo to make a living. Every time they embraced their customers showing thanks. Although I could not see their true faces, I could felt the bright smile on their faces and inner joy. I was deeply moved by their enthusiasm and optimistic attitude toward life. All hard-working people are worthy of respect. The short three-hour walk along one street seem to let me go into the heart of New York, feeling its activity, charm, boom and hope, which attract immigrants arriving from all over the world.

Statue of Liberty

·         Last Friday I finally saw the Statue of Liberty located on the Liberty  Island Manhattan, New York, U.S. I saw her previously only in the American film and television. I felt very shocked When she appeared in front of me. She is so majestic tall, 151 feet 1 inch(46 meters), ground to torch: 305 feet inch(93 meters). The statue of Liberty was carved with true to life likeness. The statue is a robed female figure, a torch in one hand, a broken chain around the feet. The color of the figure is green. Observing the statue, I was confused of the symbolic significance of the robe,the torch, the tabula ansata and the broken chain in the sculptor. Through access to some information on internet, I see. The statue of a robed female figure represents libertas, the Roman goddess of freedom, who bears a torch and a tabula ansata (a tablet evoking the law) upon which is inscribed the date of the American Declaration of Independence, July 1776. The broken chain at her feet implies  breaking

the shackles to pursue freedom . The statue is an icon of freedom and of the United States: a welcoming signal to immigrants arriving from abroad.  I had to say high praise to its sculptor, a famous French sculptor , Frederic Auguste Bartholdi who designed and dedicated it on October 28, 1886, and it was gift to the United States from the people of France. After visiting the statue of Liberty, everyone will create their own Statue of Liberty in their mind, which represents everyone's desire and ideal and inspires people to work hard to achieve the dream. I also have got positive energy from Statue of Liberty.

Beauty of Yale Compus in the Night

Walking on the way back home tonight, I was suddenly struck by the beauty of Yale campus in the night. Each building was dyed colors with a layer of mystery after glow of the sun. Like a beautiful bride wearing a gorgeous wedding, the compus looked more charming and attractive. At this moment, I fell in love with her.

Yale-China Association

This afternoon, I passed by Yale-China Association I often heard the name these years. My heart felt very warm,  because it has been sustaining good long-term partnership with our university-Central South University. Founded in 1901 by graduates of Yale University, the Yale-China Association is a private, nonprofit with more than a century of experience improving education, health, and cultural understanding in China and United States. My several friends had benefited from its help.Today, I encounter with it as if people met their relatives and friends far away from home. I was so excited that I took many photos showing my respect. 

Approached Mark Twain

Until last week, in my mind Mark Twain was just a America famous author writing "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer(1876)" and " The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn(1885)". After a visit of "The Mark Twain House and Museum', his image was more vivid, and I knew him more.

What's the most impression on me was the Twain Quotes in Museum Center.There were thirty Twain Quotes selected on the wall. The following shook my soul at sight of them.

_Man is the only animal that blushes. Or needs to.

_We ought never to do wrong when people are looking.

_Always respect your superiors, if you have any.

_An uneasy conscience is a hair in the mouth.

_Character is the architect of achievements.

_Always do right, This will gratify some people and astonish the rest.

These quotes showed people the direction of creating excellent quality and the attitude to handling events. We must value self-reflection and self-building in daily life. Approaching Mark Twain more, I deeply remembered: Do more right things, and you would get even closer to your life target.

Hiking in the Natural Oxygen Bar

Last Thursday's hiking in the natural forest would remain in the depths of my memory. under the guidance of our teacher, we began to walk at the entrance to Nature Center in Hammonasset Beach State Park along the trail marked in red on the map. Our trail followed a woods road and went straight for about 3 miles until to the exit of the forest. This forest was a mixture of eastern white pine, red pine, birches, oaks, maple, other deciduous or “hardwood” trees, and shrubs, whose fragrant unknown flowers could be smelled from a distance. Trees here were tall and straight with large healthy crowns. It was real natural oxygen bar. Hiking in it, and I enjoyed it.

A visit to Hammonasset Beach

  Last Thursday afternoon, 17 July, under the guidance of our lovely and loved teachers, my classmates and I came to Hammonasset Beach in Hammonasset Beach State Park in Madison, CT. Arriving here, I was fascinated by the beautiful sea view. The blue sky and white clouds, Purplish blue sea stretching as far as eye can see, and people busily coming and going at the beach became the main theme of the scenery. My teacher told us the story and history of Hammonasset Beach State Park. It was Connecticut's largest shoreline park, which offered over 2 miles of beach to enjoy swimming, strolling along the boardwalk, or just relaxing in the sun and surf, and the name "Hammonasset" meant "where we dig holes in the ground" and referred

to the place where a settlement of eastern woodland Indians farmed along the Hammonasset River. On July 18, 1920, Hammonasset Beach State Park was opened to the public. The first season attracted over 75,000 visitors. The park's reputation drew tourists from across the continent as well as the state.

    Today, over one million people come annually to enjoy Hammonasset Beach State Park. Visitors can enjoy the beach, the states' largest campgrounds, and a Nature Center. I really enjoyed the short and pleasant stay at the beach. 

Beautiful Stony Creek Beach

Last Friday afternoon we reached the beautiful Stony Creek Beach after more than one hour driving with laughter all the way. The first thing that caught my eyes was lots of white boats and some sightseeing boats in the harbour and the sea water was very clear and blue. We went aboard on one of singtseeing boats around the Gulf Tourism in a circle. The captain told us enthusiastically this harbor history and the story of each scenic spots. At sea I saw the giant ship laden with supplies, many kinds of private Yachts, and free floating boats. Stretching sea as far as eyes can see makes me full of imagination. The harbor was spoted with the megalith mountains, on some of which there were lovely houses. The blue sky and white clouds, the stony mountains with little huts, and the blue seawater constitute a amazing picture. I like the quiet beautiful bay.

Don't cry Messi

   

When the  spotlight of the world focuses on the German team, because Germany won the tournament thanks to a 1-0 victory over the Argentina with Mario Gotze scoring the winner, I want to give my respect and admiration to Argentina and their team captain, Messi. Argentina's persistence, superb skills and the spirit of reform and innovation impressed us deeply and gave us the power and pleasure. Argentina captain Lionel Messi scored four goals, despite being unable to inspire his side to World Cup glory, and created another in Brazil to help his nation to their first World Cup final since 1990. It was Messi who was named the competition's best player and has won FIFA's Golden Ball award.

    Argentina coach Alejandro Sabella said "He deserves it. He played an extraordinary World Cup and was a fundamental factor in the team. Messi has always been one of the greats."

    Don't cry, Argentina fans; Don't cry, Mess. Come on,  Argentina and come on Lionel Messi, and you will not be looked down upon in the future. In all fans's eyes, you will always be the best! 

I love Messi

At 27, Messi will have a chance in his third World Cup to take home his sport’s ultimate prize. And perhaps he will finally draw a full embrace from Argentine fans and an equal comparison to the great Maradona, who won a World Cup in 1986.

 Many in Messi’s country have found him to be a remote figure, given that he left as a boy to begin his magnificent career at Barcelona. But he has been reliable and rescuing at this World Cup, scoring a late winner against Iran and making a critical pass to help decide a second-round match against Switzerland. Messi has been superb, scoring four goals and carrying his team through arid moments. Coach Alejandro Sabella has called him “our water in the desert.”

Argentina reached the final in the most suffocating of matches. Messi no doubt is the most key of the victory. As one of diehard Messi fans, I want to shout it out loud:  I love Messi .

The Hero of Argentina

Argentina beats Netherlands on penalties, advancing to final. No doubt, the goalkeeper is the key to the final victory. Regulation and extra time brought 120 minutes of scoreless exasperation in a World Cup semifinal on yesterday afternoon that was by turns tense, cautious, clumsy, gripping and stubbornly unyielding. And finally, when grind and strain and labor could not bring a resolution, whimsy and caprice did. Argentina defeated the Netherlands by 4-2 on penalty kicks and advanced to Sunday’s final against Germany. Sergio Romero, Argentina’s goalkeeper, was poised in the shootout, unsettling the Dutch on the very first kick. He dived to his left, parried a shot by defender Ron Vlaar and kissed his gloves. Later, Romero repelled a shot by Wesley Sneijder and pounded his chest.

The hero Sergio Romero, the Argentine and Argentina fans thank you sincerely.