#kyle wang

[kavikshiraj]

Inevitably, the bomb glasses the sand                            but nothing ever ends. Even haunting, you said once, is a language of permanence. Sometimes, I still walk through the desert looking for broken shards. I find only fossils; the wind chafes my lips. Our theory’s failed again.

. . . 

from “The Age of Discovery” by Kyle Wang, published in The Adroit Journal

[largethingslargerthings]

Meditative Week of Poetry: Kyle Wang

Trinity, New Mexico. 1945

The cloud rises skyward. As the nights lengthen the shadows that give the illusion of self- preservation, I think you’ve misinterpreted my silence for hunger. Up close, your silhouette becomes a vulture whose beak enters the torso of a still-breathing deer, wings bending not unlike two palms on dry skin, but it’s pointless, the birds have flown, their migration preordained by the changing light. I have an early meeting tomorrow, I say. Half-asleep, you mumble a line from Oppenheimer. The city flattens. Dust scatters against the heat. Still, I remain, insisting I have nowhere else to go.

Southern California. The late 70s

Utopia, deep space — we invent these ideas because we want to live forever. We split atoms in the reactor, unimaginable light shortening the saguaro’s shadow before heat swallows what’s left of the shape. Inevitably, the bomb glasses the sand but nothing ever ends. Even haunting, you said once, is a language of permanence. Sometimes, I still walk through the desert looking for broken shards. I find only fossils; the wind chafes my lips. Our theory’s failed again.

[coloursoftheuniverses]

Colours of the Universe: Do you still hate me?

"Do you still hate me?" Kyle said.

"Well all those time that you tortured me for at least 1 quadtrillion years. As a friend...I'll forgive you."

"You don't have any regrets on your life, Victor."

"You already know about my identity Kyle. Why don't call me as that?"

*flashback*

"You're weak! Get out of my way!" Victor said.

"No! I'm not!" Kyle yelled at Victor and swung half powered of Victor's lance at Victor's mask by the end part of his left eye ball. The mask broke apart and reveals  Victor's true face. "No it can't be?"

Victor took off the rest of the mask to let Kyle to see his true face. Kyle was in shock to see Victor's disorted right part of his face. A crimison eye with a white pupil. A black mass that covered a part of his right side of his face.

"Vincent Red! How...how are you still alive?"

"Sarah did...she did this to me Kyle!"

"Why?"

"She saved my life. My ring. I changed the stone of the ring to the stud of my right ear. It is for control this thing inside of me. But it will not stop."

"No! Please don't kill me!"

"I won't! Now get up. It is now lunchtime."

*flashback end*

"I don't want to call you as that name anymore. I'll call you as what is given in that form. But I got a question?"

"Yeah, what is it"

"Is that form you're in..."

"It's permanent. A faulty that happens all the time. But I guess it is fate."

[apachepowwow-blog]

Solar Chimney

Many AHS students spend their free time studying for standardized tests, volunteering at the library, and hanging out with friends. During the summer, we may go to AEF summer school in order to take an extra AP class the following school year, or do some kind of internship to explore our interests in possible future careers. However, not many of us have the ability to develop a way to improve the performance of solar chimneys like senior Aaron Togelang.

If this is your first time hearing of a solar chimney, it is a way to provide airflow to buildings by converting sunlight into airflow. It is usually used in modern homes to provide extra ventilation and air circulation. Aaron stated, “The research I did focused on finding an inexpensive way to improve its [the solar chimney’s] performance.”

For the research, Togelang and his team found a more efficient and cost-effective way to improve the efficiency of the solar chimney. Called the “Amusement Park Method,” the team experimented with increasing the distance that air has to flow through to the solar collector, which is where solar energy is used to warm the air. This results in the air having a higher temperature, thus generating more airflow since the air would be more buoyant. After testing out their new method, the results were astounding: while increasing the cost by just 3.1%, the solar chimney generated 55% more wind power!

Among the people in his team were Meishan Liang from Temple City High School and Daniel Chan from the Buckley School. “I did the research at Jisan Research Institute, an afterschool program that teaches students about scientific thought and research. I joined the research team through that program.” said Aaron. After working at the experiment for over a year since the summer of 2014, the results of their work have all been composed into a scientific paper titled Low cost solar chimney performance-improving enhancement. This summer, in August, Aaron had the opportunity to present his team’s findings at the 2015 International Conference and Exhibition on Clean Energy in Ottawa, Canada. In the future, Aari wants to pursue a career in aeronautical engineering. We already know that he will be great in that career since he has already made such a big contribution to the field of engineering!

By Kyle Wang

[apachepowwow-blog]

Music Genres: What do They Say About Personalities?

What genre of music do you prefer? Do you like listening to classical music? Maybe  you like rock n’ roll music from the 1950s. Perhaps even K-pop from your favorite group. According to Professor Adrian North, an expert on human psychology at Heriot-Watt University, the type of music you listen to can usually tell you about your personality and childhood influences. Here are some descriptions of different music genres; see if your personality matches with your favorite one!

Metal/Punk:

People who like metal or punk music are often outgoing and very expressive of their feelings. Although believed to be a type of bad influence during the late 60s, it has since gained widespread popularity for its unique rhythm. Contrary to popular belief, people who like listening to metal/punk musics aren’t all “punks”;  they are not aggressive or violent.

Classical Music:

People who like this kind of music are usually reserved and calm. Besides being a little introverted, classical music lovers tend to be creative and curious. Because of the peaceful nature of this genre, many people who have insomnia listen to this type of music to fall asleep. In correlation with the relaxing characteristic of classical music, fans of this style are said to be more at ease with themselves and their surroundings.

Country and Western Songs:

Yes, some of Taylor Swift songs are included in this category. If  you prefer country or western music, then you’re a hardworker and an outgoing person. Since most country songs are about heartache, researches found that emotionally stable people are drawn to this genre. Besides being an extrovert, you could also be considered conventional;  doing out-of-the-blue and weird actions may not suit you.

Dance Pop:

Perhaps the most prominent genre of music for the teen generation is dance pop. Pop songs are liked by many people for their catchy tunes, prominent choruses, and the dance moves that go along with them. Most dance pop songs are chart-toppers and constantly played on the radio. Someone who’s obsessed with this genre is outgoing and honest. These people are able to sing and dance along to their favorite songs like dorks. Fans of dance pop have high self-esteem and will not be swayed by other people’s opinions. In the end, it doesn’t matter whether or not you like punk or classical music or any other genre. It certainly portrays our external influences, but our personalities are unique. You can’t be judged based on the type of music you listen to.            

By Kyle Wang

[apachepowwow-blog]

Got Moves?

There are so many variations of dances around the world that they can even be put into hundreds of categories. Here are some dances that are not commonly known to many, but are unique in their own way!

Flamenco: No, not “flamingo”. The Flamenco. This type of dance requires movement from all parts of the body, but usually emphasizes the arms, hands, and feet. If someone wants to learn the Flamenco, they should be flexible with their wrists. 

Belly Dance: Although it is called belly dancing, this type of dance actually includes all parts of the body, not just the belly. There are three catagories to this dance: percussive movements, fliud movements, and shimmies and shivers.

Ballroom Dance: This is one of the few types of dance meant for pleasure, but has also been transformed into a competitive and professional type of dance. Ballroom dances are extremely coordinated with rhythm. For example, the waltz follows a set rhythm of 1-2-3-1-2-3. Learning this type of dance is considered to be fairly easy, usually only requiring rhythm and elegance for avid dancers.

Every dance has its unique features. Who knows what new types of dances will come in the future? There could even be one that has the Merengue and jazz as its core!

By Kyle Wang

[apachepowwow-blog]

Are You My Type?!

Blood type, that is. Although not a common question here in the U.S., asking for a person’s blood type in Japan is the equivalent of asking for one’s astrological sign. According to Japanese scientists in the late 1920s, your blood type determines your personality. Even though this concept has been disproven by later scientists, many people still believe in this theory.

There are four main blood types: O, A, B, and AB. Type O and A are common all around the world, with Type B a little less common. Type AB is by far the rarest. But having one of the rare blood types does not make you superior compared to the other blood types; it is just less common. Let’s take a look at the typical personality of each blood type.

Type A: People with Type A blood type are typically great listeners and make good friends. The best way for them to unwind is in a quiet place where they can sleep. They function best where it is neat and organized. Approximately 42% of the U.S. population has this blood type.

Type B: People with Type B blood type are outgoing and friendly. They are prone to doing things to help others at the expense of themselves. They function best in a friendly and social environment. Approximately 10% of the U.S. population has this blood type.

Type AB: These people are extremely rational, not letting emotion get into the way of doing their jobs. They are independent workers who love freedom. Because of this, they function best when working alone; due to this, villains in Japanese media are often given this blood type (though there is nothing inherently evil about being type AB!). Approximately 4% of the U.S. population has this blood type.

Type O: These people are practical, using finding the best way to do things in the shortest amount of time possible. They are typically seen alone, although they do have a group of friends. They excel at many things, including physical endurance and teamwork. Approximately 44% of the U.S. population has this blood type.

Want to see if your blood type fits your personality or  which blood type you would be most compatible with? Perhaps you just want to laugh at the inaccuracy of it all? No matter what your reasons,  if you don’t know your blood type, get your blood tested at your next doctor’s appointment and check back here. You just might be surprised!

By Kyle Wang

[apachepowwow-blog]

We Create Music ASCAP

“We create music.” The American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP) has been supporting the creation of art and music creators on a global scale for 100 years now. The ASCAP is the only non-profit performing rights organization in the U.S. founded and run by its members, and it is set on transforming art and music creators into well-known stars. Some of its most successful members include Katy Perry, Jay-Z, Beyoncé, and Lady Antebellum, and they have benefited greatly from ASCAP during the earlier stages of their careers.

For the ASCAP’s 100th anniversary, an exhibition titled One Hundred Years and Beyond was held at the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles. In its Library of Congress Ira Gershwin Gallery, the showcase opened its doors to the public on Aug. 23, 2014 and is set to run until Feb. 14, 2015.

One Hundred Years and Beyond will celebrate all that ASCAP has accomplished throughout the years, and the group’s alliances with other organizations in over 100 countries. The Library of Congress’ ASCAP Collection recalls remarkable times in its past, explores modern art and works, and sparks dreams in the younger generation.

The showcase features 45 objects including several artifacts that played a great role in the up and coming ASCAP. The first ASCAP license that was ever issued was a significant event in ASCAP’s rich history: it was in 1914 to Rector’s Restaurant in New York City. One Hundred Years and Beyond is also featuring original manuscripts, audio material, sheet music, and lyrics to several of the greatest hits from the past 100 years including “White Christmas”, “The Pink Panther”, and “Poor Butterfly” (which debuted on Broadway in the 1916 production The Big Show).

Free and open to the public, ASCAP’s One Hundred Years and Beyond is definitely bustling with intrigued spectators and energy. This exhibition is a place you must visit, so do not miss out! Take a weekend to go up to the Walt Disney Concert Hall by Feb. 14, and you surely won’t be disappointed.

By Kyle Wang