Iraqi police say a suicide bomber blew himself up at a gathering of Iraqi soldiers and civilians celebrating Army Day in central Baghdad Sunday, killing at least 11 people and wounding 17 others.
An Iraqi official said the dead include police officers, soldiers and civilians.
Witnesses say the blast occurred as soldiers were singing and chanting in the Karrada neighborhood. A U.S. military spokesman said two Iraqi soldiers flung themselves onto the bomber just before the blast, absorbing some of the impact.
Army Day is an official holiday that marks the anniversary of the establishment of Iraq's army in 1921 with military parades and other ceremonies.
In separate violence Sunday, Iraqi police say a series of bombs exploded outside Christian churches and a convent in Mosul, in Nineveh province, wounding four people.
Also in the Iraqi capital Sunday, police say at least three people were killed and 11 wounded when a vehicle exploded outside a restaurant in the northern district of Qahira.
And, the U.S. military in Baghdad reported Monday that three suspected al-Qaida in Iraq terrorists were killed in airstrikes near Maderiyah Friday night and Saturday morning.
In a statement, the military said the individuals were burying weapons in the ground when soldiers spotted them.
Separately, the U.S. military reported that a roadside blast in Diyala province on Sunday killed one coalition soldier.
vocabulary:
civilian-->A person following the pursuits of civil life, especially one who is not an active member of the military, the police, or a belligerent group.
convent-->A religious residence especially for nuns.
coalition--> A combination or alliance, esp. a temporary one between persons, factions, states, etc.
Well, i really admire those soldiers for they sacrificed themselves to avoid more damages to others. what they did really have to be recorded.
2007年12月20日 星期四
celebration party
Yestersay we held a party to celebrate our winning the second place in the drama contest.
We went to an Italian restaurant for dinner. After we ordered our meals,we started the party with watching our fabulous performance. No matter how many times I've watched, I just can't get tired of it. Our drama is so funny and touching!!
As we were having our meals, we played a game called "the king game" at the same time. Its rule is easy. First, pick out pokers cards counting on how many people play, usually we pick pokers having the same token. But notice, there must be a poker , no less, no more. Second, everyone picks out a card from the picked cards without watching. Then, person who has poker K will named one or two numbers and people who have those numbers on cards haave to do whatever the king ask them to do.
It was quite exciting, especially when there were both boys and girls. Some penalties were normal, like messaging each other or feeding each other. And some were terrible and disgusting, like licking other's ear, eating the same noodle or kissing on other's forehead( it was quite embarrasing between boys and girls) We played the game for a long time before changing to another.
In the second game, we parted into two groups. The game was about acting. Each team chose some people, and they have to perform a thing by moving their bodies without speaking. And their teamates had to figure out what they were mimicing. The team who figures out the most would be the winner. It was also a funny game. Afterwards, we played some more games and soon, it was time to go home . Although meals there weren't really delicious, we did have a good time, and we took a lot of pictures!!
We went to an Italian restaurant for dinner. After we ordered our meals,we started the party with watching our fabulous performance. No matter how many times I've watched, I just can't get tired of it. Our drama is so funny and touching!!
As we were having our meals, we played a game called "the king game" at the same time. Its rule is easy. First, pick out pokers cards counting on how many people play, usually we pick pokers having the same token. But notice, there must be a poker , no less, no more. Second, everyone picks out a card from the picked cards without watching. Then, person who has poker K will named one or two numbers and people who have those numbers on cards haave to do whatever the king ask them to do.
It was quite exciting, especially when there were both boys and girls. Some penalties were normal, like messaging each other or feeding each other. And some were terrible and disgusting, like licking other's ear, eating the same noodle or kissing on other's forehead( it was quite embarrasing between boys and girls) We played the game for a long time before changing to another.
In the second game, we parted into two groups. The game was about acting. Each team chose some people, and they have to perform a thing by moving their bodies without speaking. And their teamates had to figure out what they were mimicing. The team who figures out the most would be the winner. It was also a funny game. Afterwards, we played some more games and soon, it was time to go home . Although meals there weren't really delicious, we did have a good time, and we took a lot of pictures!!
2007年12月18日 星期二
A Nature Trip
This Sunday, i went to 基隆's 和平島 with my grandma, uncle and his family. Though it was sunny in Taipei, it was cloudy in 基隆. Our destination was 和平島's coast.
As soon as i got off the car, the salty smell of the sea reminded me how long i hadn't come so close to the sea.
It was really a good day for visiting the coast. Without fearing sunburnned and getting cold, we had a very wonderful afternoon at the coast.
The sea was calm and peaceful. Waves came and went rhythmedly; snowy sprays danced and cheered happily. Carved by wind, rain and sprays, rocks of srange shapes and sizes dotted the shore. Not too far away, we saw and island sit in the sea and a ship moving to the horizon.
All the things formed such a breathtaking view that even a camera couldn't store its beauty.
We sat on a flat rock, listening to the song of the sea, of nature until it was getting darker and darker.
Oh, what a refreshing nature trip!!!
2007年12月13日 星期四
Dram Contest
After nearly a month’s practice, the drama contest was held on the last Sunday.
Our topic was about a girl who could see what others are thinking, and she finally realized that the society was heavily sick. No one chased their dreams; what they caring about was only their creature comforts. But as the girl yelled out the terrible truth, everyone just ignored her and saw her as a freak.
The drama contest was the second significant activity I attended in university. We began with fewer than fifteen persons and ended up with more than thirty!!
Everyone spent lots of time and effort performing this fabulous play. During the month, we worked, had meals and laughed together. Everyone tried his/her best to conquer every difficulty we met. It was so great!!! I really felt as a member of a big family!!
As a result, we won the second place of the contest!!
We were not surprised as we put so much effort and time in it. On the other hand, even we didn’t get a prize, no one would be regret for it, because what we really cared wasn’t the result but the priceless memories we can keep forever!!
In the end, I just want to yell:
Congratulation, every drama fellows!! We are the best!!
Our topic was about a girl who could see what others are thinking, and she finally realized that the society was heavily sick. No one chased their dreams; what they caring about was only their creature comforts. But as the girl yelled out the terrible truth, everyone just ignored her and saw her as a freak.
The drama contest was the second significant activity I attended in university. We began with fewer than fifteen persons and ended up with more than thirty!!
Everyone spent lots of time and effort performing this fabulous play. During the month, we worked, had meals and laughed together. Everyone tried his/her best to conquer every difficulty we met. It was so great!!! I really felt as a member of a big family!!
As a result, we won the second place of the contest!!
We were not surprised as we put so much effort and time in it. On the other hand, even we didn’t get a prize, no one would be regret for it, because what we really cared wasn’t the result but the priceless memories we can keep forever!!
In the end, I just want to yell:
Congratulation, every drama fellows!! We are the best!!
2007年12月4日 星期二
A Creative Person
My favorite creative person is Neil Buchanan. I got to know him on one of the programs in Disney’s channel, Art Attack.
To my surprise, Neil was originally a musician instead of an artist. He used to be in a rock band called Marseille.
Neil grew up in Aintree, Liverpool. He has been interested in art since he was very young. However, when he entered the Liverpool Art College, they told him that he wasn’t good enough. As the result, he walked out without looking back.
Neil set up the program, Art Attack, about twelve years ago. And now, the program is seen in 32 countries, including six non-English speaking countries where there is a different presenter.
Whenever Neil comes up a new idea, he’ll sketch it down roughly, and his fantastic team working for the program will develop his idea and break them into the stage. His two daughters are also his helper. Neil will show his new idea to them, and if they give him a thumb up, the idea will stay in the program, and comes out if they give him a thumb down.
To my surprise, Neil was originally a musician instead of an artist. He used to be in a rock band called Marseille.
Neil grew up in Aintree, Liverpool. He has been interested in art since he was very young. However, when he entered the Liverpool Art College, they told him that he wasn’t good enough. As the result, he walked out without looking back.
Neil set up the program, Art Attack, about twelve years ago. And now, the program is seen in 32 countries, including six non-English speaking countries where there is a different presenter.
Whenever Neil comes up a new idea, he’ll sketch it down roughly, and his fantastic team working for the program will develop his idea and break them into the stage. His two daughters are also his helper. Neil will show his new idea to them, and if they give him a thumb up, the idea will stay in the program, and comes out if they give him a thumb down.
His program can be actually separated into two parts.
In the first one he’ll teach us how to do some little and easy art craft with easy usual materials, such as resin, expired news paper, milk bottles etc. it’s really interesting and useful when I have to make some decorations.
The other part is called “big art attack”. It’s my favorite part!!! In it, he’ll appear in a special place like a discarded house or a harbor, and then, he’ll use materials he can get from the place to puzzle a big picture. However, after browsing through his website, to me a little disappointed, those pictures have been designed beforehand. But still, it didn’t change my favor to it, after all, he will be a true genuine if he makes all those pictures right on the scene!!
From his experience, I learned that we can’t easily give up when we are defeated. We shall still stick to our thought but only change our way to present them. And also, even we’re genuine in something, we still have to listen to others’ thoughts, therefore we can do a better job than do it by ourselves.
2007年11月29日 星期四
English corner---Custom
After missing two classes, I finally went to the English corner on this wed.
The last two classes didn't actually have discussing topics; instead, they played special cards games to relax after the mid-term exams.
As I had a Chinese report last week, I skipped classes reluctantly. Yesterday's topic is about "customs". However, I didn't exactly meet cultural shocks or realize any special difference in culture when I was abroad (I have been to USA, Singapore and Japan). So, I spent most of time listening and asking questions.
From this class, what impressed me most is the origin about the Thanks Giving Day.
I used to think it as a festival for all American and a day to thank the Indians who helped them to survive in the poor environment when those pioneers first came to America. But from a Christian in my group, he told us that it's a festival for all Christians and they not only thank Indians but also the gods who protected them during their journey to the states.
Nest week there will be a speech contest held in English corner, so we won't have topic for it. And the topic for the next next week is about blogs!! I think this time I'll have lots to say!!
The last two classes didn't actually have discussing topics; instead, they played special cards games to relax after the mid-term exams.
As I had a Chinese report last week, I skipped classes reluctantly. Yesterday's topic is about "customs". However, I didn't exactly meet cultural shocks or realize any special difference in culture when I was abroad (I have been to USA, Singapore and Japan). So, I spent most of time listening and asking questions.
From this class, what impressed me most is the origin about the Thanks Giving Day.
I used to think it as a festival for all American and a day to thank the Indians who helped them to survive in the poor environment when those pioneers first came to America. But from a Christian in my group, he told us that it's a festival for all Christians and they not only thank Indians but also the gods who protected them during their journey to the states.
Nest week there will be a speech contest held in English corner, so we won't have topic for it. And the topic for the next next week is about blogs!! I think this time I'll have lots to say!!
2007年11月25日 星期日
Shopping In Shih-Lin Night Market
I went to Shih-Lin night market with friends last Sunday.
Shih-Lin night market is one of the biggest and the most famous night markets in Taiwan. Since there is a MRT station next to it, Shih-Lin is also popular scenery spot for tourist, not only for its night market but also the Lin-Jia garden, the building which was built in Ching dynasty. The night market is known for its delicious food and the low prices for clothes.
The last time I went there wasn't long ago, but as I lack a sense of direction, I had to follow my friends to find where we were and where we were heading. The first thing we did was……of course, buying food!! We were deadly hungry as soon as we got there and smelled those attracting aromas. I bought a big steak-like fried chicken; we called it "Ji-Pai", and my friend bought egg cakes.
And then, here we "shop"!! As we strolling from one street to another, a store to the next, and a vender to another, our wallets slowly became less and there were lots bags hanging on our arms. In it were lots of snacks and clothes. Although it was a little raining, people were still crowded the streets. We had to strike our way forward XD!!
Someone had said that you must know how to bargain when you go to a night market. Unfortunately, none of us dare to!! I thought we were like "walking money" to those sellers!! Therefore, as a way to save our money, we walked a long distance just to compare prices from one shop to another!! As a result, when we finally finished our shopping and stated to go home, our legs were sore and hurt. So, we found a vender to sit and took a rest before heading home.
The most interesting thing in that day was that sometimes we could hear a voice roaring "police" and then all the peddlers would pick up all their goods and ran away, no matter whether there were still customers watching goods!! Because it's illegal to sell things in the street without paying taxes!! But still, it's still funny to see all the peddlers running away at once!!
In this time, I bought a hat, cloth, jacket and lots of snacks, and it costed me no more than NT$1,000!! It's really cheap to shop in a night marketing, isn't it??
Shih-Lin night market is one of the biggest and the most famous night markets in Taiwan. Since there is a MRT station next to it, Shih-Lin is also popular scenery spot for tourist, not only for its night market but also the Lin-Jia garden, the building which was built in Ching dynasty. The night market is known for its delicious food and the low prices for clothes.
The last time I went there wasn't long ago, but as I lack a sense of direction, I had to follow my friends to find where we were and where we were heading. The first thing we did was……of course, buying food!! We were deadly hungry as soon as we got there and smelled those attracting aromas. I bought a big steak-like fried chicken; we called it "Ji-Pai", and my friend bought egg cakes.
And then, here we "shop"!! As we strolling from one street to another, a store to the next, and a vender to another, our wallets slowly became less and there were lots bags hanging on our arms. In it were lots of snacks and clothes. Although it was a little raining, people were still crowded the streets. We had to strike our way forward XD!!
Someone had said that you must know how to bargain when you go to a night market. Unfortunately, none of us dare to!! I thought we were like "walking money" to those sellers!! Therefore, as a way to save our money, we walked a long distance just to compare prices from one shop to another!! As a result, when we finally finished our shopping and stated to go home, our legs were sore and hurt. So, we found a vender to sit and took a rest before heading home.
The most interesting thing in that day was that sometimes we could hear a voice roaring "police" and then all the peddlers would pick up all their goods and ran away, no matter whether there were still customers watching goods!! Because it's illegal to sell things in the street without paying taxes!! But still, it's still funny to see all the peddlers running away at once!!
In this time, I bought a hat, cloth, jacket and lots of snacks, and it costed me no more than NT$1,000!! It's really cheap to shop in a night marketing, isn't it??
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