The crack enlarges as we float silently down the river, rifles resting on our knees ... until finally the boat disintegrates and we are submerged in cool deep water.
We swim the sixty metres and drag ourselves up on to the shore, guns clinging to our backs. We lie there for a while, just regaining our breath, before hopping up and taking stock of our surroundings. We are in a clearing, surrounded by trees, with the calls of the birds and bugs loud in our ears. I take out my machete and slash a path further into the jungle.
Eventually we come to a farm with the barns burning and sheep and cows lying butchered in the paddocks. The young farm owner was throwing buckets of water on to the fire but to no avail. My men and I got bucket and helped put the fire out before asking questions.
"Who was it?'
"Why did they do it?"
Of the answer I was stunned. It was my old arch enemy Croc. Apparently he had broken out of prison and now he and his band of criminals were here in the Amazon on a gold finding mission. He deserved to be in prison and it was my job to take him there.
After fixing the boat I decide to go after him with my crew and my kid brother Roger. We prepare to hoist off but before we could depart the solemn young farmer hopped on with a cry of ... "Let's get him!!"
This was greeted with cheers of approval as we floated down the river. It wasn't long and we noticed smoke gently rising into the air before being whisked away on the wind. We beach our boat and head away to investigate.
Our arrival was greeted with yells of uproar and before we could blink we had twelve blow darts, tipped with lethal venom, levelled at our chests. We slowly raise our hands and after removing our guns and knives they shove us into a small wooden jail cell. We looked round at the flimsy door with the solitary guard behind it. Luckily they hadn't noticed the small black knife strapped to my thigh. On the strike of midnight we force the door and scramble through before clocking the guard unconscious with the butt of the knife. Rapidly we bolt over to the door where they had stashed our guns and machetes. It takes two hard smashes with a boot to send the door flying inwards. I quickly grab my Winchester 323 rifle and sling it over my shoulder before strapping my machete to my belt in preparation for what may lie ahead.
With a shock the lights click on and the alarm whirs into action as we are padding silently towards the cover and safety of the trees. We crawl back to the boat and continue our journey down the river. Suddenly we are thrust into the swirling crashing white water rapids.
"Push off the rocks with your oars!" I yelled over the noise.
Soon we come to calm still water where we notice, with a start that snaps me out of my sleepy daze, a boat rolling with the current down the river. I realise that the boat is Croc's. I quickly swing the gun up to my shoulder before pulling the trigger. With a crack a crew member slumped across the edge of the boat before plopping into the water. Then the force of the current pushes Croc's boat behind a cluster of grey rocks.
Suddenly we hear a Hippo as he stomps down on Croc's boat, forcing all of its occupants into the piranha infested water. We fly past, hoisting up Croc and his bedraggled crew members before imprisoning them in the make shift jail we had rigged up.
Wearily we start the long journey home.
Wednesday, November 19, 2014
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
Charles Upham
My inspiration, Captain Charles Hazlitt Upham, was a New Zealand soldier who fought in World War 2. He is mostly known for being awarded the Victoria Cross, which is the most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy. Amazingly later, he was awarded the Bar meaning he won the Victoria Cross again; making him the first New Zealander to win it twice and one of only three in the world!
He was born on the 21st of September, 1908. He was born in central Christchurch. On leaving school he became a farmer after getting a degree in agriculture at Lincoln University. At the outbreak of the WW2 he joined the 2nd New Zealand expeditionary force (2nzef) at the age of 30. He signed of as a private and was soon promoted to temporary lance corporal and then sergeant.
He won his first VC in the attack against Maleme. He was injured but took out numerous machine gun posts. When he heard of a platoon that had become separated, he immediately began a rescue attempt. He went 600 yards with a corporal, killing two Germans on the way, before leading the men back to his platoon. He went on the rescue attempt himself as he felt it was to dangerous for his men.
It was at Galatas, on the 25th of May, that Charles Upham was Platoon Commander. His platoon came under heavy machine gun and mortar fire. After his platoon went to the safety of a ridge he himself observed the enemy. Then when the Germans advanced he led his platoon forward and they killed forty and forced the rest to scramble away in panic.
When his platoon was ordered to retire, he sent it back with the platoon Sargent and went to warn the other platoon that they were being cut off. But while he was on his mission he came under fire by two Germans as they shot at him he fell down and faked death and then crawled under a tree. His arm was broken so he rested his rifle in the fork of a tree, shot one, reset the bolt and shot the other. The German actually fell on the muzzle of the rifle.
Once again he used his quick thinking and kept a calm head at a time of great stress. I admire the way Upham didn't give up and say ... "OK you've got me". He thought quickly and acted promptly doing all he could in the situation. I believe this is a skill you can apply in life where ever you are and what ever you are doing. For example if you are caught in a crashed car, would you give up and die or would you grab something and try to smash the window to get out? When you are playing a game of rugby you need to think and act quickly just like Charles Upham. If you are in an exam and it is really hard, would you give up and walk out all would you do all of the other questions and then come back to it and try to solve it?
Charles Upham received his bar from a battle for Ruseweit ridge. The citation from the king stated that in the battle Charles was wounded twice. He took out a truck filled with soldiers and also a tank and several machine gun posts. But after winning a couple of objectives his gallant platoon, now reduced to six survivors, was overrun by the enemy and Captain Charles Upham was captured and sent to a POW camp.
After several escape attempts he was sent to Colditz Castle. Here he made more attempts. One in particular was that he tried to climb the fence in broad daylight but he became entangled in the barbed wire. Unbelievably, when the guard pointed a pistol at his head and threatened to shoot he calmly lit a cigarette and had a smoke. On another occasion, he was travelling on a train guarded by two Germans. He was only able to go to the toilet when the train was travelling at high speed so that he didn't jump out the toilet window. Nevertheless he did ... jumping out and knocking himself unconscious.
Charles demonstrated courage and desire. He was determined to escape and set himself a goal to achieve this. He escaped in so many different ways. I aim to, like Charles, set myself goals and work to achieve them. If I fail, I will try and try again.
He was calm in times of difficulty. Charles took risks and accomplished a great deal. I question whether I would deal so well with these situations and really admire him for it.
In my future would like to be brave and look on the positive. He show that there are plenty of people out there who have been in worse spots than we have been in and have survived and been better for it. When we think times are tough we should always look on this and face our challenges.
He was born on the 21st of September, 1908. He was born in central Christchurch. On leaving school he became a farmer after getting a degree in agriculture at Lincoln University. At the outbreak of the WW2 he joined the 2nd New Zealand expeditionary force (2nzef) at the age of 30. He signed of as a private and was soon promoted to temporary lance corporal and then sergeant.
He won his first VC in the attack against Maleme. He was injured but took out numerous machine gun posts. When he heard of a platoon that had become separated, he immediately began a rescue attempt. He went 600 yards with a corporal, killing two Germans on the way, before leading the men back to his platoon. He went on the rescue attempt himself as he felt it was to dangerous for his men.
It was at Galatas, on the 25th of May, that Charles Upham was Platoon Commander. His platoon came under heavy machine gun and mortar fire. After his platoon went to the safety of a ridge he himself observed the enemy. Then when the Germans advanced he led his platoon forward and they killed forty and forced the rest to scramble away in panic.
When his platoon was ordered to retire, he sent it back with the platoon Sargent and went to warn the other platoon that they were being cut off. But while he was on his mission he came under fire by two Germans as they shot at him he fell down and faked death and then crawled under a tree. His arm was broken so he rested his rifle in the fork of a tree, shot one, reset the bolt and shot the other. The German actually fell on the muzzle of the rifle.
Once again he used his quick thinking and kept a calm head at a time of great stress. I admire the way Upham didn't give up and say ... "OK you've got me". He thought quickly and acted promptly doing all he could in the situation. I believe this is a skill you can apply in life where ever you are and what ever you are doing. For example if you are caught in a crashed car, would you give up and die or would you grab something and try to smash the window to get out? When you are playing a game of rugby you need to think and act quickly just like Charles Upham. If you are in an exam and it is really hard, would you give up and walk out all would you do all of the other questions and then come back to it and try to solve it?
Charles Upham received his bar from a battle for Ruseweit ridge. The citation from the king stated that in the battle Charles was wounded twice. He took out a truck filled with soldiers and also a tank and several machine gun posts. But after winning a couple of objectives his gallant platoon, now reduced to six survivors, was overrun by the enemy and Captain Charles Upham was captured and sent to a POW camp.
After several escape attempts he was sent to Colditz Castle. Here he made more attempts. One in particular was that he tried to climb the fence in broad daylight but he became entangled in the barbed wire. Unbelievably, when the guard pointed a pistol at his head and threatened to shoot he calmly lit a cigarette and had a smoke. On another occasion, he was travelling on a train guarded by two Germans. He was only able to go to the toilet when the train was travelling at high speed so that he didn't jump out the toilet window. Nevertheless he did ... jumping out and knocking himself unconscious.
Charles demonstrated courage and desire. He was determined to escape and set himself a goal to achieve this. He escaped in so many different ways. I aim to, like Charles, set myself goals and work to achieve them. If I fail, I will try and try again.
He was calm in times of difficulty. Charles took risks and accomplished a great deal. I question whether I would deal so well with these situations and really admire him for it.
In my future would like to be brave and look on the positive. He show that there are plenty of people out there who have been in worse spots than we have been in and have survived and been better for it. When we think times are tough we should always look on this and face our challenges.
When Colditz Castle was captured by the Americans, Charles was one of the few who instead of going home, got the Americans to give him weapons and went back out to fight the Germans.
When the war finished the people of Christchurch raised ten thousand dollars for Charles and his wife, Molly McTamny, to buy their dream farm but he refused and instead, organised a charity for the children of ex service men to go to Lincoln university.
I respect Charles thoughts. He believed that his medals were not just owned by him but were earned by his platoon. This shows selflessness and being a team player. He has good old fashioned values and wanted to be treated just like all of the other returning soldiers. I admire the way he wanted his money to be used to help children rather than just him. What comes around goes around. Because of him I have thought more about being selfless; giving to those who need it more than I do and thinking of others. I value being a team player and will continue to develop this as I feel it is important in life.
In November 2006 Charles' VC and Bar were stolen from Waiouru Army Museum. It is hard to imagine who and why would steal such a unique piece of New Zealand history. They were eventually recovered after a reward of 300,000 was offered.
Charles Upham is my inspiration because of his bravery, determination, courage and selflessness. I am blown away by his desire to never lie down and die. I respect the way the way he did what he knew was right and lived life to the fullest.
He inspires me to believe that good things happen to good people. He inspires me to be that good person.
When the war finished the people of Christchurch raised ten thousand dollars for Charles and his wife, Molly McTamny, to buy their dream farm but he refused and instead, organised a charity for the children of ex service men to go to Lincoln university.
I respect Charles thoughts. He believed that his medals were not just owned by him but were earned by his platoon. This shows selflessness and being a team player. He has good old fashioned values and wanted to be treated just like all of the other returning soldiers. I admire the way he wanted his money to be used to help children rather than just him. What comes around goes around. Because of him I have thought more about being selfless; giving to those who need it more than I do and thinking of others. I value being a team player and will continue to develop this as I feel it is important in life.
In November 2006 Charles' VC and Bar were stolen from Waiouru Army Museum. It is hard to imagine who and why would steal such a unique piece of New Zealand history. They were eventually recovered after a reward of 300,000 was offered.
Charles Upham is my inspiration because of his bravery, determination, courage and selflessness. I am blown away by his desire to never lie down and die. I respect the way the way he did what he knew was right and lived life to the fullest.
He inspires me to believe that good things happen to good people. He inspires me to be that good person.
Wednesday, August 6, 2014
Revised speech - Nelson Mandala
Hey black man, drink from
that tap ... go to that toilet ... don't stand in this line ... don't make it
dirty. I'm white. I'm way better than you, you dirty piece of garbage.
This my friends is apartheid. According to the oxford dictionary apartheid is 'discrimination or separation on the grounds of race'. The white people and the black people of South Africa were separated by the colour of their skin.
One man acquired the strength to break the chains of apartheid and lead his country, bloodlessly, to freedom.
Interestingly, around this time, Nelson Mandela was sentenced to prison. This was an attempt to silence him. He spent 27 years, over 1/4 of his life doing hard labour on Robbins Island; an island prison 7 km off the coast of Capetown.
He was kept in solitary confinement in a room 8 foot square, a bucket for his toilet, a mat on the floor his bed, stout bars blocked his way to freedom. His days were spent breaking blocks with a sledge hammer.
On four separate occasions, Nelson Mandela was offered his freedom on condition he stop challenging the government....But listened to his conscience and stood strong for what he believed in.
His release in 1990 meant freedom for all black South Africans; as finally they were able to democratically elect him their leader.
Everyone thought that South Africa would go into civil war with thousands dead and blood on the streets but Nelson Mandela chose peace.
He urged peace and reconciliation instead of revenge and bitterness. For his efforts, in preventing civil war, he received the Nobel peace prize. How could any of us question his eligibility for such a prestigious award?
But unlike so many other African leaders who cling to power, after just one term in office, Nelson Mandela gave up the presidency. He wanted someone younger to take the presidential seat. Once again he showed that he had both humility and integrity.
Nelson Mandela was an inspiration the world over. Why?
He was highly principled and fought for what he knew was right.
He urged peace, forgiveness and reconciliation.
Finally, he was a inspiring yet modest leader. One we can all learn from.
Nelson Mandela died last year...one of the truly great citizens of the 21st Century.
His words still echo today in the following quote:
"I hate race discrimination most intensely and in all its manifestations. I have fought it all during my life; I fight it now, and will do so until the end of my days." Nelson Mandela 1918-2013
This my friends is apartheid. According to the oxford dictionary apartheid is 'discrimination or separation on the grounds of race'. The white people and the black people of South Africa were separated by the colour of their skin.
One man acquired the strength to break the chains of apartheid and lead his country, bloodlessly, to freedom.
Ladies
and gentlemen....this man was Nelson Mandela.
Nelson Mandela was born in
South Africa during a time where apartheid ruled supreme.. He stepped up his anti government activities
after the Sharpeville massacre where the police shot and killed 69 unarmed
protesters, mostly in the back as they were running away.Interestingly, around this time, Nelson Mandela was sentenced to prison. This was an attempt to silence him. He spent 27 years, over 1/4 of his life doing hard labour on Robbins Island; an island prison 7 km off the coast of Capetown.
He was kept in solitary confinement in a room 8 foot square, a bucket for his toilet, a mat on the floor his bed, stout bars blocked his way to freedom. His days were spent breaking blocks with a sledge hammer.
On four separate occasions, Nelson Mandela was offered his freedom on condition he stop challenging the government....But listened to his conscience and stood strong for what he believed in.
His release in 1990 meant freedom for all black South Africans; as finally they were able to democratically elect him their leader.
Everyone thought that South Africa would go into civil war with thousands dead and blood on the streets but Nelson Mandela chose peace.
He urged peace and reconciliation instead of revenge and bitterness. For his efforts, in preventing civil war, he received the Nobel peace prize. How could any of us question his eligibility for such a prestigious award?
But unlike so many other African leaders who cling to power, after just one term in office, Nelson Mandela gave up the presidency. He wanted someone younger to take the presidential seat. Once again he showed that he had both humility and integrity.
Nelson Mandela was an inspiration the world over. Why?
He was highly principled and fought for what he knew was right.
He urged peace, forgiveness and reconciliation.
Finally, he was a inspiring yet modest leader. One we can all learn from.
Nelson Mandela died last year...one of the truly great citizens of the 21st Century.
His words still echo today in the following quote:
"I hate race discrimination most intensely and in all its manifestations. I have fought it all during my life; I fight it now, and will do so until the end of my days." Nelson Mandela 1918-2013
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
Commonwealth games day at Cheltenham
A rocket boosted me to the car as we got ready for the Commonwealth games day at Cheltenham school. We went there because we were invited by Jim and our friends. We did shot put, discus, gymnastics, archery, high jump, sprints and a mystery challenge. I was amazed by this and it helped me and others to get outside and socialise.
Thursday, July 24, 2014
Mr Mr sunny essay
The story about Mr Mr sunny a flargie who lives in Flargie city
who can never refuse a polite request.
Mr Mr sunny is a flargie hero because he can never refuse a polite request no matter how hard he tries. He's helpful and never stops part way through a job, like how he helped Glusty with his car. He always there ready and willing.
I wish I could be like Mr sunny with never saying no to a polite request.
*He has to be care full not to be taken advantage of.
*He will have lots of friends who will help him when he needs it.
Mr Mr sunny is persistent, which means he never gives up.
For example Mr Mr sunny was going to the store for some flour but everybody wanted help, he could have said that its to late for the sore to be open I'll just give up, but he didn't even though by the time the time he got there it was closed.
I reckon that persistence is a great attribute because you feel that you n;need to finish the job no matter what happens.
Mr Mr sunny is always bright and bubbly, he's always cheerful and doesn't put people down he always helps and does so with good spirits like how he was happy to help his friend by staying on a flag pole for ages.
I think its great how he is always cheerful because people would like to be around him.
My essay concludes that Mr Mr sunny is great and has many attributes which make him very popular.
who can never refuse a polite request.
Mr Mr sunny is a flargie hero because he can never refuse a polite request no matter how hard he tries. He's helpful and never stops part way through a job, like how he helped Glusty with his car. He always there ready and willing.
I wish I could be like Mr sunny with never saying no to a polite request.
*He has to be care full not to be taken advantage of.
*He will have lots of friends who will help him when he needs it.
Mr Mr sunny is persistent, which means he never gives up.
For example Mr Mr sunny was going to the store for some flour but everybody wanted help, he could have said that its to late for the sore to be open I'll just give up, but he didn't even though by the time the time he got there it was closed.
I reckon that persistence is a great attribute because you feel that you n;need to finish the job no matter what happens.
Mr Mr sunny is always bright and bubbly, he's always cheerful and doesn't put people down he always helps and does so with good spirits like how he was happy to help his friend by staying on a flag pole for ages.
I think its great how he is always cheerful because people would like to be around him.
My essay concludes that Mr Mr sunny is great and has many attributes which make him very popular.
Wednesday, June 4, 2014
Experience like - Verdion 2
EXPLORE!!!
Every country has a different vibe
But we are all part of the same tribe
Every country has something great to give
So get out there and live live live
Get out there and explore the nation
Get out there for some inspiration
Open your heart and open your mind
You'll be amazed at what you
may find
There are many places where you will see
Thousands of people in poverty
Their government does not care
How they live and what they wear
Great people great culture
Great great nature
But what are your values
What do you like
English it is but only one
All the languages are really fun
There are so many different ones to choose
I really don't know to pick whose
France is famous for its rich tastes
So when you choose don’t do it in haste
Croissants, ratatouille and camembert cheese
Looks so tasty I’ll eat it with ease
There are 5 different continents
So choose what to see
Guatamala Mexico
Samoa and France is
Where should you be
Celebrate our differences
Don’t Discriminate
What you see an what you have
Appreciate
By Zahn
Monday, June 2, 2014
exploring different places peom
Every country has a different vibe
but we are all part of the same tribe
Guatamala mexico
samoa and france is where you should go
guatamala is the place where you will see
thousands of people in poverty
their government does not care
how they live and what they wear
Mexico is where youll find speedy gonzales
wearing a yellow sombrero down to his knees
Mexican culture is rich and colourful
the peopole all smile and are really cool
the samoan alphabet is made up of 14 letters
not 26 which I think is much better
if you want to say hi
you just say feiloa i
if you want some kava just say ava
france is famous for its rich tastes
so when you choose dont do it in haste
crossants rattatoui and camembert cheese
looks so tastey ill eat it with ease
but we are all part of the same tribe
Guatamala mexico
samoa and france is where you should go
guatamala is the place where you will see
thousands of people in poverty
their government does not care
how they live and what they wear
Mexico is where youll find speedy gonzales
wearing a yellow sombrero down to his knees
Mexican culture is rich and colourful
the peopole all smile and are really cool
the samoan alphabet is made up of 14 letters
not 26 which I think is much better
if you want to say hi
you just say feiloa i
if you want some kava just say ava
france is famous for its rich tastes
so when you choose dont do it in haste
crossants rattatoui and camembert cheese
looks so tastey ill eat it with ease
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