My School Holidays

My Holidays.

My school holidays started boring. I hung out with my friends on the first day and had lunch up town at Kowhai, the best Fish ‘n Chips shop ever. Through out my holidays I worked over 20hours at The 2Fish. A small cafe in Opotiki. I also texted, listened to music and watched T.V constantly.

One of the highlights of my holidays was moving house. This took place in the 1st week. We use to live in a small 3bedroom house just 3km from town now we live in a 4bedroom, 3bathroom, 1study and 2lounges, two story house up Woodlands. Another highlight was getting my hair cut. My mum was supposed to streak my hair but due to constant visitors we just never got there.

When I got bored I pulled out my skateboard and roller-skates and practised. I think I got a little bit better with the skateboard. The best part of my holiday was going to Rotorua. I had $245 to spend on new clothes. Money which I worked for. I went to Jay Jays, Supre and Glassons but couldn't really find anything. We ended up staying the night at our mates' house and stayed up till 2am playing pool. All the adults were a bit drunk so I ended up winning all three games. The next day after my five hours sleep, Sandy, our mate took me back up town to go to the shops. I spent just over $130.

Cruising home in our red statesman I fell asleep, waking up an hour later to realise it has come to the end of my holidays. I enjoyed them heaps but I also couldn't wait to go to school and see my friends and boyfriend.

My Holiday

The last school holidays were rather boring until the last two weeks. I had done nothing except hang out with mates and babysit. As we were not aloud to camp at Te Oni beach anymore, we decided to go to Lake Rotoma. We packed everything up into the boat and drove there. With me I took my best mate, Sigourney. We had fun snorkelling and sea biscuiting around the lake so we vowed that we would go camping there again.

How A Kite Flies

A kite is heavier than air, so to fly, it needs lift, an upward force from the wind that is greater than the pull of gravity keeping it on the ground. For maximum lift, position the face at the correct angle to the wind (the angle of attack) by setting the ring accurately on the bridle.

The best point for the ring is usually about a third of the way down the kite, but small adjustments can be made for varying winds. Even with the bridle pre-set, the angle of attack changes after launch, until the kite reaches its most efficient flying position.

Preparing to Fly
It is best to fly a kite on a flat, open site, which is free of obstructions, such as trees, buildings and overhead cables. If there are other flyers around - as there will be at festivals – choose the clearest part of the sky for launching the kite. Contrary to popular belief, you do not need a force of wind to make a kite fly: light to moderate breezes are best, although some kites, such as heavy boxes or more robust stunters, are designed for stronger winds. Always assess the wind speed before launching a kite.

Stunt Kites
Controlling a stunt kite in even a basic manoeuvre adds another dimension to kite flying. Once a single kite is launched, you can enjoy the spectacle, whereas a stunter needs constant steering to stay in the sky. As a rule, the kite lines should be 45-60m long. Although you may want to shorten them as you become more experienced; the shorter lines, the quicker your reactions will have to be. If this is your first attempt at flying a stunter, get the quick feel of the kite before trying any moves.

Materials and Equipment
Most of the materials are available from specialist kite stores and mail order companies, although mountaineering shops can be a good source of tapes and thick climbing rope. The choice or materials depends on the type of kite you are making. Fibreglass rod, for example is ideal for the flexible bow of a fighter, although inappropriate for the rigid frame of a box kit, where dowel is best. Kite making equipment can generally be found around the home; some tools, such as a circle cutter, give quick, accurate results but are not essential.

Ergonomics Posture

This is a picture of me showing the correct posture to have when using your computer.

•Your head should be 40cm-90cm away from the screen.
•Inward curve of the spine in the lumbar region.
•No pressure against the lower back of thigh.
•Feet flat on foot rest or floor.
•Head not excessively bent over, inward curve at neck.
•About 90°angle between the upper and lower arms; upper arm near vertical.
•Seat height adjustable 450mm-520mm.
•Angle between trunk and thigh between 90° and 130°.
•Leg at 90° angle to thigh.

These are some tips to keep a good posture when using your computer. When following these simple tips you also help your health.

My Typing Speed

*The 20th of March: I have accomplished getting to the typing speed of 43 wpm. It was not easy and I am still on the blue sheet but practice makes perfect.

*The 1st of April: I have accomplished getting to the typing speed of 45 wpm. Very, very hard, it took me 11days!!

Ergonomic Checklist

Ergonomics is the science that studies the relationship of humans to their working environment and seeks to improve working conditions and increase efficiency.

Whale Watching In Kaikoura

Why do Whales Beach Themselves?

Some whales, the Odontocetes family, use sonar to find their food and to navigate. The sound of a Sperm Whale is like an acoustic click. They make sounds that bounce off any obstacles ahead and tell the whale what is in front of them.

If there is a very gradual slope to the shore the whale may receive a confusing signal about the depth of water and become stranded. If they are sick they will also strand themselves. The problem is compounded because the stranded emits distressed calls that all the other whales in the group respond to, and then a mass stranding occurs.

Fortunately strandings of Sperm Whales in New Zealand are relatively rare. When they do occur there is never a shortage of people wanting to help refloat the whale. There are some important rules to follow if you do find a stranded whale on a beach.

· Call for help immediately – the Department of Conservation 04 471 1592.
· Keep the whale wet but do not pour eater into its blow hole. Drape wet sheets over the whale. Keep well clear of the tail.
· Remember that a whale is a mammal and therefore can drown. Make sure that its blowhole is not submerged under water.
· Do not try to move any whale until you have expert instruction. Whales are very heavy and their bodies are designed to be supported by water. Wait until there is sufficient water to support them.
· Keep calm. Whales known to respond to the soothing effects of a human’s voice.

© 1997 Whale Watch® Kaikoura Ltd.