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KC3 Final Draft

            Money is a precious and valuable resource to the world today. These green slivers of paper can determine when our next meal will be, if we’ll have a house next month, or to get an operation that could save a life. Money can also control the environment- whether to cut down a rainforest and make room for the company or preserve it for years to come. Today, our nation’s international debt has accumulated to 16 trillion dollars thanks to unwise decisions and even frivolous spending. More than ever, people are trying to look for new ways to reuse what they’ve got and save their money. Recycling is a popular method that saves energy as well as the environment. Hawaii, a small part of our nation, has found a way to motivate the community to recycle. Thanks to HI-5, every recyclable item received is exchanged for five cents. Recycling as well as reducing the amount of waste we make benefits Hawaii’s economy one way or another.

            HI-5 is a program that motivates the people of Hawaii to recycle and care for the environment. Starting in January 2005, consumers could get five cents back per recyclable item at redemption centers. Since then, more than 4.2 billion containers have been recycled annually, increasing the recycling community overall to approximately 45%. Ever since you could get money back for recycling, more people have been going to nearby redemption centers and exchange their recyclables weekly. Now that people have a reason to recycle, many of them are thinking “why not?” Recycling also has a good effect on the community, encouraging them to engage in activities that are offered. Recycling is only one way to help the environment, and there are many more ways to. Once someone learns about recycling, they may want to learn about more ways to help the environment. This can lead to beach cleanups, replanting vegetation, and trash pick-ups in the park.

            Although most people don’t know it, recycling also saves energy. According to the History Channel, recycling aluminum saves 96% of energy. Glass saves 21%, newspaper saves 45%, plastic bottles and such saves 76%, and plastic yogurt containers saves 88%. Energy is saved because these products have already been made. A majority of these recycled items are melted down and reformed, so there is no need to make a completely new product. Since we save energy and energy sources cost money, this means we save money altogether. Currently, oil is the main source of energy needed for everything we do. Oil is a precious resource that is quickly depleting. As we did deeper into the earth to get more oil, it costs both more energy as well as money. Recycling saves a small bit of it; by using less energy than it would have originally needed to form a new product. The ancient Hawaiians figured this out and used this knowledge to their advantage. There was no currency in ancient Hawaii, so the only thing that they would save is energy. Energy was still a precious resource back then. Nothing was manmade; everything was made out of the natural resources that they had. Different parts of plants served as roofs for huts, clothes, food, and canoes for voyaging to different islands. Only one thing is used to make these many things that the Hawaiians took as a necessity, saving energy from the producer (trees, shrubs, etc) and the consumer (the Hawaiians).

            Creating less non-recyclable waste can benefit Hawaii’s economy as well. Currently, there’s no way to get rid of trash except for burning it or let it decompose for the next couple hundred years. We can’t just leave it in a huge heap to stink up the island, though. Landfills are dug to bury trash so they don’t rot out in the open. The Opala Company claims that it takes 6 million dollars to dig out a landfill, just to bury our trash. If we create less non-recyclable waste, this will eventually lead up to not having to dig unnecessary landfills and just have less waste altogether. However, if we do chose to reuse things that aren’t recyclable, it won’t be as easy to break down and mold. Ancient Hawaiians made sure that all the waste they created could be decomposed in the environment. A majority of the items were made using plants, and plants can decompose in nature without any extra toil. They didn't need anything special to help break down the waste that they created, all the needed to do was place their things down on the tropical forest floor, saving energy. More energy is used reshaping a non-recyclable item than a recyclable one. 70-80% of America’s trash is recyclable, but is tossed into the garbage can. If people took the time to sort through their waste, there would be a lot less of it.

            Recycling and caring more for the environment can benefit Hawaii’s, or any state’s economy in many ways. The ancient Hawaiians lived sustainably without the kind of technology we have right now. today, people are trying ti live sustainably as the they did hundreds of years ago. If you notice, big companies are starting to make their products out of plants and other decomposable materials. Hawaii is just a small part of the nation that can encourage people to recycle and take better care of the environment. In fact, if the entire world were to recycle, we’d have about a fourth of the waste from before. Instead of digging up landfills, the money could go to other uses, such as education or building homeless shelters. Land that isn’t used wouldn’t be cleared just to dig a hole in the ground and stuff trash in it. The land could have indigenous plants and animals, alternatively being turned into a reservation. This could ultimately save a handful of species from extinction or being sent to a lab for testing and kept in captivity. If we keep digging up the earth, it will literally be full of trash. 

KC3 Rough Draft

            Money is a precious and valuable resource to the world today. These green slivers of paper can determine when our next meal will be, if we’ll have a house next month, or to get an operation that could save a life. Money can also control the environment- whether to cut down a rainforest and make room for the company or preserve it for years to come. Today, our nation’s international debt has accumulated to 16 trillion dollars thanks to unwise decisions and even frivolous spending. More than ever, people are trying to look for new ways to reuse what they’ve got and save their money. Recycling is a popular method that saves energy as well as the environment. Hawaii, a small part of our nation, has found a way to motivate the community to recycle. Thanks to HI-5, every recyclable item received is exchanged for five cents. Recycling as well as reducing the amount of waste we make benefits Hawaii’s economy one way or another.

            HI-5 is a program that motivates the people of Hawaii to recycle and care for the environment. Starting in January 2005, consumers could get five cents back per recyclable item at redemption centers. Since then, more than 4.2 billion containers have been recycled annually, increasing the recycling community overall to approximately 45%. Ever since you could get money back for recycling, more people have been going to nearby redemption centers and exchange their recyclables weekly. Now that people have a reason to recycle, many of them are thinking “why not?” Recycling also has a good effect on the community, encouraging them to engage in activities that are offered. Recycling is only one way to help the environment, and there are many more ways to. Once someone learns about recycling, they may want to learn about more ways to help the environment. This can lead to beach cleanups, replanting vegetation, and trash pick-ups in the park.

            Although most people don’t know it, recycling also saves energy. According to the History Channel, recycling aluminum saves 96% of energy. Glass saves 21%, newspaper saves 45%, plastic bottles and such saves 76%, and plastic yogurt containers saves 88%. Energy is saved because these products have already been made. A majority of these recycled items are melted down and reformed, so there is no need to make a completely new product. Since we save energy and energy sources cost money, this means we save money altogether. Currently, oil is the main source of energy needed for everything we do. Oil is a precious resource that is quickly depleting. As we did deeper into the earth to get more oil, it costs both more energy as well as money. Recycling saves a small bit of it; by using less energy than it would have originally needed to form a new product.

            Creating less non-recyclable waste can benefit Hawaii’s economy as well. Currently, there’s no way to get rid of trash except for burning it or let it decompose for the next couple hundred years. We can’t just leave it in a huge heap to stink up the island, though. Landfills are dug to bury trash so they don’t rot out in the open. The Opala Company claims that it takes 6 million dollars to dig out a landfill, just to bury our trash. If we create less non-recyclable waste, this will eventually lead up to not having to dig unnecessary landfills and just have less waste altogether. However, if we do chose to reuse things that aren’t recyclable, it won’t be as easy to break down and mold. More energy is used reshaping a non-recyclable item than a recyclable one. 70-80% of America’s trash is recyclable, but is tossed into the garbage can. If people took the time to sort through their waste, there would be a lot less of it.

            Recycling and caring more for the environment can benefit Hawaii’s, or any state’s economy in many ways. Hawaii is just a small part of the nation that can encourage people to recycle and take better care of the environment. In fact, if the entire world were to recycle, we’d have about a fourth of the waste from before. Instead of digging up landfills, the money could go to other uses, such as education or building homeless shelters. Land that isn’t used wouldn’t be cleared just to dig a hole in the ground and stuff trash in it. The land could have indigenous plants and animals, alternatively being turned into a reservation. This could ultimately save a handful of species from extinction or being sent to a lab for testing and kept in captivity. If we keep digging up the earth, it will literally be full of trash. 

Graphic Card

Querencia- The Sense of Place (final)

Shuffling into my room, I drop my things and collapse on my bed. I lay there for a minute as the day’s events run through my head before it hits me: I have homework to do. Gradually sitting up, I sigh heavily as I pick up my books and papers splayed out on the floor. I wearily walk to my dad's office, pausing at the doorway. I breathe in deeply as the subtle scent of lemons wafts through the air. The sun’s rays warm my skin and blind my eyes as I make my way to the bumpy, grey swivel chair my fathers' had for years. Placing my assignments in a neat pile, I position myself at his dark wooden desk. Sitting for just a moment, I mentally prepare myself. It’s time to begin. I work my way through questions and math problems, essays and power points. 

            Stuck on the same math problem for half an hour, my brain begins to throb. I question myself why I would take Algebra 2 in freshmen year, but then remember that it's a junior class. Of course it would be harder. Staring at the problem, I groan and give up. I whip my head up to look at anything but the pile of assignments waiting to be completed with a frustrated huff.  

Leaning back in my father’s chair, I run my hand over the lumpy, threaded material and gaze up at the ceiling fan. Following the fan’s movements, I mindlessly begin to spin in the same direction. Picking up speed, I feel as if everything I have to do isn’t important. When I feel I’m going as fast as possible, I pull my legs in as my vision starts to blur. Hair softly fluttering behind me, it’s as if this magical vortex has taken all my worries and stress and flung them out the window, into the far distance.

            Steadily coming to a stop, I feel a little dizzy, but in a good way. The sun’s arms embrace me in warmth as I slowly stand up. Stepping closer to the window, I look down at Pearl Harbor. Reflecting the light of the sun, the water’s surface glistens so brightly that I can see it from the top of my little hill. Lights are scattered across the neighborhood, glowing dimly. I then think of the lamp sitting less than three feet away, staring intently at the pile of books I have on the desk. Taking a deep breath, the faint aroma of lemons surrounds me once again. I turn with a smile on my face, accepting the challenges that lay before me. Mind refreshed and wiped clean, I can pick up where I left off. No worries, no stress. No responsibilities, no parents yelling, no annoying siblings. Just… me.

            As far back as I can remember, this particular room has always been there for me. Since my dad wasn't home much, it was free for me to use at whim. It was and still is my escape from actuality; my sanctuary from the true world. Whenever I sit in that old lumpy chair, it's as if it drains all of my stress and worries. When my mind is clouded and overstuffed with thoughts, looking out to the sparkling harbor has a clearing effect. My dad's office has always been my safe haven when things have spun out of control. It's where I pick up the pieces and slowly but surely fit them back together. This plain, dusty room has been my refuge for the last 14 years, and most likely will always be. 

Querencia- The Sense of Place (draft)

Shuffling into my room, I drop my things and collapse on my bed. I lay there for a minute as the day’s events run through my head before it hits me: I have homework to do. Gradually sitting up, I sigh heavily as I pick up my books and papers splayed out on the floor. I wearily walk to my dad's office, pausing at the doorway. I breathe in deeply as the subtle scent of lemons wafts through the air. The sun’s rays warm my skin and blind my eyes as I make my way to the bumpy, grey swivel chair my fathers' had for years. Placing my assignments in a neat pile, I position myself at his dark wooden desk. It’s time to begin.  I work my way through questions and math problems, essays and power points.

            Stuck on the same math problem for half an hour, my brain begins to throb. I question myself why I would take Algebra 2 in freshmen year, but then remember that it's a junior class. Of course it would be harder. Staring at the problem, I groan and give up. I whip my head up to look at anything but the pile of assignments waiting to be completed.  

Leaning back in my father’s chair, I run my hand over the lumpy, threaded material and gaze up at the ceiling fan. Following the fan’s movements, I mindlessly begin to spin in the same direction. Picking up speed, I feel as if everything I have to do isn’t important. When I feel I’m going as fast as possible, I pull my legs in as my vision starts to blur. Hair softly fluttering behind me, it’s as if this magical vortex has taken all my worries and stress and hurled them out the window.

            Coming to a stop, I feel a little dizzy, but in a good way. The sun’s arms embrace me in warmth as I slowly stand up. Stepping closer to the window, I look down at Pearl Harbor. Reflecting the light of the sun, the water’s surface glistens so brightly that I can see it from the top of my little hill. Lights are scattered across the neighborhood, glowing dimly. I then think of the lamp sitting less than three feet away, staring intently at the pile of books I have on the desk. Taking a deep breath, the faint aroma of lemons surrounds me once again. I turn with a smile on my face, accepting the challenges that lay before me. Mind refreshed and wiped clean, I can pick up where I left off. No worries, no stress. No responsibilities, no parents yelling, no annoying siblings. Just… me.

Querencia- The Sense of Place (brainstorm)

            Whenever I feel like I can’t handle the world, I go up to my kingdom (more commonly known as my dad’s office). It’s not much. There’s a clock on the right wall, a lamp near his desktop, a small closet on the left, and opposite of his large, wooden desk is a window overlooking Pearl Harbor. Walking in, I can smell the subtle scent of lemons. As if scheduled, I sit down in his grey, bumpy chair less than a minute later. My dad isn’t home much, so I could come and go as I please. It’s a quiet place to think or dream, even imagine the craziest things ever. The almost silent hum of the fan encourages creativity and freedom, making me forget everything that’s been on my mind. It’s my personal liberation spot, and I truly couldn’t ask for more.

Roots and Recipes Final

  Ever since I was a little girl, I can remember sitting on the couch and watching television at noon on Independence Day. It was the exact same thing every year. The strong aroma of ginger and green onions would make its way toward me, luring me into the kitchen.  Then I saw it- my father's special kal bi. I smiled as I walked back to the couch, anxious for later tonight. For the duration of the afternoon, I heard the sound of chopping knives and sizzling pots. When the major components of this main course were ready, my parents would pack them into the car and drive over to my uncle’s house. I’d greet my cousins in a warm and friendly manner, ecstatic to see them again.

            While the adults unpacked the car and set up in the kitchen, my cousins and I would play with the sparklers and fireworks, lighting up the dark night sky with vibrant explosions. No matter what year it is, the 4^th of July was always exciting and fun when you were with my family. I remember one year where my cousin Noah and I took some smoke bombs and rolled them under police cars. The bright smoke slowly seeped out of the small, colorful sphere; the air thick and filled with laughter.  

Walking back to the house for a snack, I would sometimes peek into the kitchen where my uncle Mike was helping my dad out. Laughing gleefully, I would watch as they cut green onions with dead accuracy. As if they were dancing around the kitchen, they took each pan of marinated meat and sauce and placed them in the oven. 

            Excitedly, I burst out the door to where all the other kids were. “My Daddy’s almost done with the kal bi!” I’d exclaim. Each of my cousins turned to each other with a thrilled gleam in their eyes as I’d lead the way back to the house. 

            I found Noah in the crowd of my cousins and friends. Both of us cackling from earlier, we ran back to my uncle’s house; the smell of my father’s kal bi was wafting through the air. We looked at each other with delight as we raced to the kitchen, letting nothing stand in our way.

“Whatcha making, Daddy?” I asked.

“Kal bi. But don’t tell anyone, it’s a secret!” he tittered.

            We nodded yes and giggled as we headed back to the living room. All of my cousins were already inside and staring blankly at the television with no idea of what was to come.  Noah turned toward me and we both nodded knowingly. The best part of the night was almost here.Marching into the house, we’d all find a place on the huge couch my uncle owned and wait intently for the satisfactory “ding” of the oven.  Too focused on the television, the ding went unheard. Sighs of happiness were faintly heard from the kitchen. The padding of feet gradually got louder; smiles lit up the room as the food was brought to the table. 

             When everyone was gathered around the table, we all linked hands, closed our eyes, and said grace. Halfway through, I couldn't stand it any longer and I opened my eyes, scanning the room. The rest of the kids were getting antsy and couldn't wait to eat. The minute my uncle said "Amen," all the children rushed to the front of the line, anxious to get the delectable kal bi. 

            His father, my grandpa, had created the dish before he died fighting in the Vietnamese War when my dad was only ten: "My father taught me. As you know, your grandfather died fighting in the Vietnamese War. He died when I was ten, which is a young age to lose your father. These are one of the few things I have left of him, and I'd like to pass this on as a way to remember." Because of this, I see kal bi as a part of my father. There are some sweet sides that should be savored and some sides are a little bitter, but that's what makes them what they are. Without him and his kal bi, I feel that we would be incomplete as a family; we would be without a father and a tradition. It's like his own mini mascot; the one thing that completely represents him exactly for who he is. It's only a coincidence that he's the one that cooks it.

Roots and Recipes Draft

No matter what year it is, the 4^th of July was always exciting and fun when you were with my family. I remember one year where my cousin Noah and I took some smoke bombs and rolled them under police cars. The bright smoke slowly seeped out of the small, colorful sphere; the air thick and filled with laughter.  Both of us cackling, we ran back to my uncle’s house; the smell of my father’s kal bi was wafting through the air. We looked at each other with delight as we raced to the kitchen, letting nothing stand in our way.

“Whatcha making, Daddy?” I asked.

“Kal bi. But don’t tell anyone, it’s a secret!” he tittered.

            We nodded yes and giggled as we headed back to the living room. All of my cousins were staring blankly at the television with no idea of what was to come.  Noah turned toward me and we both nodded knowingly. The best part of the night was almost here.

            Ever since I was a little girl, I can remember sitting on the couch and watching television on the night of Independence Day. It was the exact same thing every year. The strong aroma of ginger and green onions would make its’ way toward me, luring me into the kitchen.  For the duration of the afternoon, I heard the sound of chopping knives and sizzling pots. When the major components of this main course were ready, my parents would pack them into the car and drive over to my uncle’s house. I’d greet my cousins in a warm and friendly manner, ecstatic to see them again.

            While the adults unpacked the car and set up in the kitchen, my cousins and I would play with the sparklers and fireworks, lighting up the dark night sky with vibrant explosions. Walking back to the house for a snack, I would sometimes peek into the kitchen where my uncle Mike was helping my dad out. Laughing gleefully, I would watch as they cut green onions with accuracy. As if they were dancing around the kitchen, they took each pan of marinated meat and sauce and placed them in the oven.

            Excitedly, I burst out the door to where all the other kids were. “My Daddy’s almost done with the kal bi!” I’d exclaim. Each of my cousins turned to each other with a thrilled gleam in their eyes as I’d lead the way back to the house. Marching into the house, we’d all find a place on the huge couch my uncle owned and wait intently for the satisfactory “ding” of the oven.  Too focused on the television, the ding went unheard. Sighs of happiness were faintly heard from the kitchen. The padding of feet gradually got louder; smiles lit up the room as the foot was brought to the table.

My Dad’s recipe:

-       kal bi sauce (the components of this are a secret, sorry L)

-       fresh green onions/scallions

-       fresh ginger

-       garlic

-       sesame seeds

-       sesame oil

-       meat

Roots and Recipes Brainstorm

1. What food will you be describing?
    I'll be describing my dad's kal bi.

2. What are some special memories that it has for you?
    Every 4th of July and on my birthday, my dad makes kalbi for me. When I was younger, we'd have people over and he'd cook for everyone at the house with my uncle Pauly. I remember playing with my cousins right before eating my dad's delectable kalbi. It tasted delicious after running around.

3. What are some sensory details that will help bring the food "to life" for your readers?
    I could describe how savory the meat tasted and how the texture felt on my tongue. The scent of the meat cooking wafting through the air, drawing you into the kitchen. I could help bring the food "to life" by appealing to the five senses in a descriptive fashion so they could easily imagine it.

4. Who will you be interviewing about your food?
    My father.