November 25, 2009

West Samoa

West Samoa is one of those places where tourists should go. There’s many reasons for that, maybe you want to lay on the hot sandy beaches, or surf on the fresh clear waters. Many people are interested in studying the culture of West Samoans. They have a great historical culture from the past and now. Samoans lived for thousands of year. I (Allen Brankovich) would love to go there and study about how the culture lived on, and how it is affected today.

Most Samoans move very slow, and the climate has a lot to do with it. Samoa is closer to the equator then Fiji, Tonga, and Raratonga. The average temperature is 79.1 F. May to October (winter) the days are cooled by the South East to North in the rainy season from November to April, which is summer. Its season is total opposite from Alaska. The seasonal variations are not great, and long periods of Sun are common during the “rainy” months. The rainfall feeds the Samoans many spectacular waterfalls and support the luxuriant vegetation.

West Samoa is very warm; it’s a tropical climate. The heaviest ran falls are between December and April. The very interesting part of West Samoa is that its easier living during the winter, (May to September) are when the moderate South East trade winds change. Then it gets a lot warmer.

The Coral Reef that surrounds the pacific Islands not only ensure that there is beautiful turquoise lagoon in which to swim in, but also contribute to the warmth, health, and safety of those people that live on the Islands. The Coral Reef can be found all around Upolu apart from The North East Coast. Tropical Corals can only live with in a very narrow temperature range. Events such as El Nino and general globe warming lead to increase in surface water temperature, which harmfully the growth of Coral. The Corals die, then many of the fish that live around the reef will disappear and the potential of raising revenue from tourists’ in diving will vanish.
On February 28th, 1998 a reef top survey found that between 60% and 70% of all reef top stage horn Acopora Coral at the Paolo Deep Marine Reserve, Near Apia, was suffering from bleaching. Corals at greater depths were unaffected. At about the same time, the Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary in American Samoa reported, that combination of low temperature (about 30 degrees centigrade) had also lead to bleaching.

In September 30, 2009 there was a magnitude of 8.0 in West Samoa. It brought a tragedy to American Samoan, and Samoa. Samoa was formally Western Samoa and is now independent and simply called “Samoa.” Sean Wooten, 29, donated things that people were in need of. He flew the 5,000 miles, about the distance to Hawaii from West Seattle. He arrived in the Capital of Pago Pago with a first aid kit, a tool kit, and two suit cases of clothes to donate to the people that didn’t have very warm clothes, and also to the people that were homeless fro the tsunami.

The same day September 30, Indonesia had an earthquake on Wednesday. Buildings collapsed causing landslides in Costal Cities, and Towns. Reports from the most affected areas place fatalities at more than 1,115, with hundreds still missing. Even today, November 23, 2009 Fire Fighters, Rescue Teams in Air born, and on the ground are still looking for the missing ones. Families pray, sit, and wait until their loved ones come back, or not.

The Culture and way of life of Samoans are greatly affected by the close contact to the equator. The Samoans move very slowly in contrast to the people of United States, Europe, or any counties that are not close to the equator. Most Samoans use flip-flops, trunks, and tank tops. In the traditional way, the man and woman dress up in Lava lavas. Which is made out of grass for style. As in Eskimos live near the North Pole, and the wear thick Parkas to keep warm in the winter time (August to March.) It would be great living in West Samoa. It’s pretty much summer all year long there. Interesting!

A fascinating and Unique Predator The Maned Wolf is a fascinating and unique predator of the South America. They also live in North America, Paraguay, Eastern Bolivia, and the Tropical Scrub Forests. What’s so unique about them is, they Stand three to four feet tall. The long reason why they stand so tall is because of their long legs, and stand on their stilts. Their long legs are really helpful when they’re hunting for food in the tall grasses. Because if they didn't have their long legs, they wouldn't Survive in the wild, but thanks to their long legs. They are really skinny mammals. The Maned wolf weighs about forty to fifty pounds. Its body is covered with gold and red fur, it has black long legs, and a black mane. The captive Maned Wolf lives twelve to fifteen years. And out of all the animals, and predators that live in The South America, they are the most successful hunting for pray.

The very interesting thing about the Maned Wolf is, they are Herbivores. What the eat is, plants, as in tomatoes, fruit, and what ever is tasty to them. The kind of meat they eat is, chicken, rodents, Pigs, and what ever they can catch. Ancestors of the Maned Wolfs are through to have spread from South America over two million years ago. They we're also broken away from another Wolf specie in North America, the Maned Wolf evolved into what is today. So whats so special about them is, it is its own specie. It is not a Fox, Dog, or a Wolf.

The Maned Wolf is vulnerable, they are nocturnal and most active at night preferring to rest forest during the day until Sunrise. And the only reason why they are so shy is because if there are any humans around or near, they will feel threatened or afraid. And when they do feel threatened by humans they will attack at anytime. The good news about the Maned Wolf is, they are Near Threatened. In 2005 the population and habitat viability assessment work ship held in 2005 estimated the total population of the Maned wolf at 23,600 animals, including 21,746 in Brazil, 880 in Argentina and 660, in Argentina (Paula etal. 2008.)Numbers in Bolivia are unlikely at exceed 1,000 animals. Thats whats so Fascinating and Unique about the Maned Wolf.

Survival Trip! Will I be a Hero any time?

About last week, JR, Edward, and Jim came to the school, and talked about people getting lost in the wilderness. So they decided to make a big change, but helping the Village out.. They wanted us to help with their program. They weren't getting payed for doing this job.. Thats great! So when they kept talking about the people getting lost here on the Island, I was thinking that I could help them.. It would make a big change, and the leaders, JR, Edward, and Jim would be proud of me, and all the other students that are helping.. And I was thinking that like what would the people be thinking about this hole thing.. I think they would be thinking that I'm a better person, helping, caring, and that I could be successful in life.. I really want to do this job.. Its like a job, but were not getting paid for it.. Its all cool with me.. I just want to help with this hole thing.. So they asked us if we want to help. I was the first one to raise my hand.. So they gave us papers to fill out.. And all the students that joined was, me, Jon, Jeremy, Harvey, and Ted.. And all the girls that joined was Corretta, and Erin.. Just two girls.. But thats great we have Ten people working for all this.. I feel taller, and more proud of my self.. We had 2 meeting before we went on a Survival Trip.. After we had those meetings, we finally went on one.. Wow, its my first time going on one of these trips.. I was really exited for it.. All the other people were experienced in this.. By going out in middle of no where, digging a tunnel with our hands in a blizzard.. I mean a really bad blizzard.. It was a white out.. But we met at the Fire Station at 7:00 P.M. straight.. We have to get there on time.. So we took couple of snow machines and sleds along, with all the food, and extra gear that we needed.. We went around 7:30 at night. The weather was bad out.. So we started going to the River.. When we got to the River, we stopped right on middle of the River with 3 inch water under us.. It was a bit scary at first.. So the only thing that Edward told us, was get digging.. I was stunned.. We didn't have any shovels with us.. We had to use our hands, and snow machines parts for shovels.. Its sounds like impossible to do it like that.. But just think about.. Its lots of help.. Use all the parts from your snow machine as possible.. Your snow go is worthless when your out out of gas, or if its not starting.. But we stared digging.. We had two teams.. I'm in team #1.. There's me, Ted, Corretta, and Jeremy.. And # 2 team, there's Erin, Harvey, and Jon.. So team 1 had so shovels.. We stared digging for like almost two hours with our hands.. The part that sucked the most was most of the snow was like ice.. But we just kicked it, and it broke.. We made the tunnel a success.. It would help us survive for days with the winds blowing at 60 miles per hour.. Our tunnel was about seven feet long.. As for the team # 2, they finished before us.. Well, yeah they had two shovels.. Its all cool with me.. I'm pretty experienced now by digging with my hands.. So after we were done digging, our Leader left us alone for a while.. He went back to town.. And now what? Well of course he came back after while.. Then we ate in our tunnels, and got ready to go back.. Just imagine..... What if you were by your self out there in middle of now where.. It's pretty scary just thinking about.. We have at least 2 people getting lost on this Island ever year.. Hope that dosen't happen this year.. We're there for them.. I'm glad I joined this hole thing.. Now I have a job to do.. But, will I be a Hero any time?

30,30,30,Middle,Middle,Middle.. Sigh*

Sorry I haven't been writing in my blog my readers.. If I have any readers. I really dont think my blog that interesting, because I really dont write about anything that interesting.. I dislike typing.. I'm a really slow typer. But when I start writing on a black paper, I'll start writing like crazy.. Well not really. Its just I have to, but its more easier to think when your writing on a paper, oh, and for me. I really cant think of what to write about today, but the weather out side is white.. Its a white out.. Thats what I say. The temp is 30 degrees out. Its pretty cold out for me. Over the the last week it has been like -30 with winds blowing up to 30 miles per hour.. HAHAHAHA 30, 30 ,30.. Well anyways.. I wish I can skate all the time here in Mekoryuk. Where can you skate in middle of the tundra? In middle of the bering sea? In middle of no where with 200 people living here on a deserted lsland.. Middle, Middle, Middle.. Not so funny at all dude! I skated a few times at the school in the gym.. it wasent so bad at all.. But I got into trouble for that some times when I'm on my break.. Hahaha just imagine skating in the lower 48's at a school with 2,000 students... In the gym.. I personally think, that the student will think that your a BADASS.. Hahaha what I mean by that is tying to get caught by teachers, and run away.. That really really big trouble right there. Thats fun to do, but try not to do that my fellow skaters.. Oh well, what ever!?! Thats it my readers.. If any one is reading this.. If you are, post a comment or some thing..
Peace! Don't do Drugz! You maybe herd that before..

My best friends..

My best friends are Ted, Jamie, Hazel, and my sister.. I grew up with them almost all my life.. There great to hang out with, its really fun, and funny..

First Ted is an awesome to hang with.. I remember how we became best friends.. We we're always enemy's when we were small. I always use to pick on him.. Like call him names, ignore him, and much to say.. But like one day we started talking to each other, and I wanted to sleep over at his house because his perents were out of town.. So I slept over at his house and we got to know each other.. We had lots in common.. I didnt even know how cool how and funny he was until that night.. So we started hangout out lots, and like every day.. I tough him lots of things, and he tough me lots of things to.. We we're always getting in to trouble.. Like braking glass windows, nigger knoking, climbing tall buildings and much more to name.. So today, and these years we still hang out.. His freaken awesome..

I dont remember how I met Jamie, but we went to school with each other and always been partners in class.. But shes out of school now.. And shes going to UAA.. Shes a really smart girl, fun to hang out with, and really funny at times.. She came here in Christmas break.. To see all her friends, best friends, and to have a break form Anchorage.. It was really fun.. We did lots of things here in MYU.. We mostly hung out at my house and watched movies and take pictures with Ted.. And last of all she's really pretty..

Hazel is freaken cool, mostly calm, mellow, shy at times, and really hyper.. Its a bit funny.. We always hung out when we we're small.. I dont even remember that.. Hahaha, the funny thing is we always held hands.. I really dont know why, but we did.. We were small at the time.. I love her.. One of my best cuzens here in town..

My sister.. I have way to much to say about her.. I grew up with her all my life.. She's really pretty, a brat, no affence there, umm, spoiled, and great to hang out with.. I love you Ashley.. I always laugh with her when we're hyper.. It sounds a bit funny for me being hyper.. But I just do all the time when I'm with her.. She's going to Mt.Edgumbe High School, shes in 10th grade i think.. But I really miss her.. I never saw her for like 7 months I think.. Goshers.. She wanted to stay with her boy friend over Christmas Break.. So she did, but she was trying to got her tickets back, and money to come here, but she couldent get it back.. So she stayed in St.Paul.. Far away from here.. But I'll get to see her in Summer time.. Goshers, can wait.. Love you Ashley..

Playing soccer in a Village..

Us students were playing soccer today and it was great.. First of all, when P.E. started we streached first and did all the work out we can.. We have like sections of what we have to do. Like push up, sit ups, jumping, sprinting, and we have to go up ugends the wall and sit there with no chair.. Thats out work out, and it pretty fun to.. I like the work out.. It helps every one with the muscles and keeping in shape.. So after we did all the work out.. We started playing soccer, and every one is getting pretty good at it. When we first stared playing most of the people were like standing around and not really playing.. And like after two days, people stared getting in to it.. Today was the best day of soccer. I think every one had fun today.. The students were laughing in a great way because they were having fun playing.. And I had a great time playing too.. I got a foul and it was time for me to kick off to the goal, and Mr.Iverson, Ted, and Aaron were standing in front of the goal.. And I was ready to kick off.. So I ran towards the ball and kicked it a bit hard and it went between Kale and Ted and I made the goal.. It was pretty intents to see that.. That was my favorite part of the game.. And my other favorite part was having fun with the students and the teachers playing soccer.. So I had a great day today.. Well thats it for now my fellow reading, if any one is reading.. Hahaha k later readers..