Amazing Atmospheric Phenomena

 

Have you ever gazed out the window after a rainstorm to see a rainbow, arching across the sky? If so, you were probably wondering why it was there-- and why you only see them after some rainstorms. In order for a rainbow to happen, there must be raindrops floating in the air, which always happens after a downpour. The sun must also be visible. What causes us to see the rainbow's vibrant colors? The water droplets act as tiny prisms, refracting, or bending light. The light rays refract because they are slightly slowed down in the water droplet, since it is denser than air. White light is made up of many wavelengths of light, where a different wavelength produces a different color. When refracted, those wavelengths, thus the colors, separate into a rainbow.

                

       However, the sun must be at the right angle in order for this to happen, which is why rainbows are quite rare. Why are all rainbows arch-shaped? The answer is, they are not! Rainbows are complete circles, but we can only see half of them from the ground. However, if conditions are right, the full circle can be seen from an airplane.

 

Another phenomenon, even rarer than a rainbow, is a double rainbow! Sometimes, you can see a second, fainter rainbow above the primary rainbow. This second rainbow is caused by a second refraction of light in the raindrops. The reason why the secondary rainbow is above the primary rainbow is that the re-reflected light exits the water droplet at a different angle.

One of the most amazing atmospheric phenomena, the aurora borealis, can only be seen at the North Pole! Violent storms on the sun send gusts of solar particles towards Earth, which get trapped at the magnetic poles. Earth has magnetic properties, and, just like the magnets you use in your classroom, the strongest magnetic points are at the poles. Thus, that is where the solar particles are drawn to. What creates the light? When the charged particles reach the molecules of Earth, they excite the atoms. This means that the particles are causing electrons to orbit the atomic nucleus at much faster speeds. Then, when the electron suddenly transfers to a slower orbit, a photon, or particle of light, is emitted. This reaction happens in millions of atoms, causing a spectacular light display.

 

Recycle and Save the Rainforest

 

Thousands of animals are being force to flee their only habitat of the rainforest due to deforestation. This massive removal of trees has caused nearly all the species living in the rainforest to become severely endangered. Even if only one species of frog dies off, the whole entire ecosystem is disrupted. Even before deforestation, rainforests were scarce. Now we must race to save our rainforests before all of their vast flora and fauna become extinct. Why are these forests cut down? One reason is to clear room for residential areas. However, another reason is for creating paper. How can you help prevent rainforest wildlife from vanishing from the planet forever?

The answer is... by recycling! Just in one day, you probably produce a huge stack of scrap paper. Instead of tossing it in the trash, recycle it! When you throw out a piece of paper, that is wasting a whole tree, thus all the animals that rely on it. When multiplied by millions, that amounts to all the trees in the rainforest. You probably receive newspapers daily or weekly. Instead of letting last year's news sit in your garage, recycle the paper! The animals in the rainforest will thank you for it! However, that also means that recycling this piece of paper, multiplied by millions, amounts to saving those trees. Another way to save paper is by writing on the backs of pages. If you are writing in a notebook, use both sides of the page. Twice as many words can fit on that one page if you use both sides! Why do we make animals become homeless when you could simply throw your paper scraps in the recycling or write on the backs of your papers?

Just imagine how many trees were saved by recycling these!

 As well as recycling paper, you should recycle cans, plastic, and glass. While recycling these materials does not prevent deforestation, it does conserve energy. During the process of making new cans and bottles, a great amount of energy is used at the factory. Thus, the machines produce waste-- toxic waste. This waste has contaminated streams, causing fish and frogs to die, thus the birds and larger fish that feed on them to also die. In addition, such pollution harms humans by inflicting damage on the lungs. Also, would you like to walk around a city shrouded in grey smog? In fact, recycling a regular aluminum soda can uses only 5% of the energy making a new one would use!

 

You can easily register for recycling, and spread the word. Encourage recycling at your school or subdivision. Create some posters explaining the benefits of recycling. Earth needs you to help preserve the rainforest. Are you afraid you will accidentally recycle the wrong thing? Here is a list of recyclables:

1. Aluminum and steel cans

2. Newspaper

3. Magazines and other junk mail

4. Paper scraps

5. Cardboard

6. Plastic(any plastic that is NOT a plastic bag)

7. Glass(just NO lightbulbs and mirrors)

Anything not on this list is not accepted by common recycling companies like what you may have at your subdivision. If you have other materials that you think you can recycle, you should research if any specialized companies will take it. However, if you are recycling containers that held food(for example, a glass jug that used to contain tomato sauce), you should rinse them out. They do not need a scrub, but just a rinse.

There's one more thing you can do to help the endangered animals in the rainforest! Please sign the following petition: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/442/835/296/?z00m=22226901&redirectID=1494203412  As well as for making paper, rainforests are cut down to create palm oil. Currently, many immense fast food companies are using palm oil from the rainforest. Please sign this petition to persuade the fast food industry to use responsibly sourced palm oil!

Note: If you are not comfortable providing your address, you can enter the name of your subdivision. 

Save the lives of animals with Beagle Freedom Project

 

Imagine having never seen sunshine, never been loved, living your whole life in a tiny cage. That is what life is like for some beagles used for medical and product testing. Instead of being loved for their affable, loyal and sweet nature, beagles are exploited for that-- thus causing them to trust the people who mistreat, or even kill them through testing products and drugs. These tests are meant to confirm that the drugs will be safe for humans-- but testing drugs on beagles is completely unnecessary. A shocking 106,000 people die from drugs tested safe on animals. Testing is extremely painful for animals, no matter what is being tested, and, in most product testing, the beagles are blinded. Beagles are given insufficient food, no room to move, not even a blanket to sit on.
Sadly every year over 20,000 cats are used and killed in laboratories. Cats are often subjected to neurological studies that involve placing painful electrodes into the brains. They also often endure intubation experiments that require hard plastic tubes to be repeatedly and painfully forced down their throats.

 

A new, happy life for a cat

The Beagle Freedom Project helps to end this cruelty for all lab animals. They free animals and give them homes where they are loved, and are given a chance to become real animals. They have rescued and freed hundreds of animals, all of which were adopted. Click the following link to read heart-warming stories of the Beagle Freedom Project's rescues: http://www.beaglefreedomproject.org/rescues. Just on May 6th, 2014, nine beagles' lives were transformed when they were released, seeing the sunshine, feeling the cool soft grass on their paws, and being able to run and interact with other dogs for the first time. Here is a link to the video of the beagles being freed :http://www.beaglefreedomproject.org/http://www.beaglefreedomproject.org/. 

   You can save the lives of animals used for lab testing by donating to the Beagle Freedom Project, and by not buying products tested on animals. You don't need to sacrifice an innocent beagle's life just for your shampoo. Click on the following link to see a list of brands that test on animals: http://www.beaglefreedomproject.org/cruelty_freehttp://www.beaglefreedomproject.org/cruelty_free. Commonly used brands of products test on animals, but alternative, cruelty-free products can be found. Download the Cruelty Cutter app on your phone, and scan an item before you buy it to make sure it is cruelty-free. Here is a link: http://www.beaglefreedomproject.org/cruelty_free. You can also sign the Beagle Freedom Project's petition here: http://www.beaglefreedomproject.org/we_owe_them. If you feel uncomfortable giving your phone number or address, you can simply leave the phone number spaces blank, and give only your state and city for address, instead of house location. This petition gets sent to every lab that uses dogs and cats for testing. Another excellent way to prevent animal cruelty is to spread the word about this project. Post links on heavily populated social networks, and tell your friends about it. Are you considering starting a summer business? You can make it a fundraiser for Beagle Freedom Project, and save animals' lives.

When you adopt a pet, please search for one that was released from a lab by the Beagle Freedom Project. If you want to help rescue animals with the Beagle Freedom Project, you can also use amazon smile. This donates half of what you pay to Beagle Freedom Project--- and you don't have to pay anything more! Here is a link to register: https://smile.amazon.com/ch/55-0882647. If you are already registered and want to change your charity to Beagle Freedom  Project, you can just look in your smile settings.

 You can also help prevent animal cruelty by subscribing to receive email updates from PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals). This will provide you with updates on recent successes and petitions you can sign on practices regarding animal cruelty. 

There's one more thing you can do to help prevent animal cruelty: Please sign the following petition: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/472/966/353/?z00m=22224131&redirectID=1494318628       If you do not want it to display your personal information, you can click 'don't display my name'. It still shows up as a signature (email and address are not displayed on the petition). 

By making small efforts like these, we may, together, eliminate animal cruelty.

Cat Adventures: Chapter 7: The Start of our Great Adventure

 

I cautiously tiptoed up the stairs of the caravan, a shiver of excitement penetrating my body. Butterflies of eagerness fluttered in my stomach and I felt like I could soar over the treetops.  Finally, the championships! We would be the most acclaimed acrobats in the animal kingdom! Cre-eaak. With a jolt and a groan, the caravan lurched forward, starting slowly and doubtfully, then gaining speed. I watched as Felicia rotated the steering wheel and peered at her map. I gazed at my surroundings. The only source of light appeared to be from the shafts of sunlight filtering through the windows and holes in the walls. Faded Flying Felinis posters hung, askew on the walls. I was surrounded by bulging bags of luggage, as well as the others. Trees were flying past as the carriage moved, and leafy branches occasionally jutted into our seating area. "I wouldn't sit so close to the window if I were you.", whispered Claude. As she was midway through saying this statement, a branch whacked me in the face. "Right", I giggled.

 

I huddled into a corner, only to get tangled in spider's webs. I beckoned to Sunny and demonstrated to her how to catch spiders. I moved her paw to slam down on the spiders, and demonstrated how to chew the rubbery body segments. After several tries, we had eliminated all the spiders of the caravan, and Sunny had legs and dusty silk strands dangling from her whiskers. She strutted around proudly, boasting of her 'great escapade of spider hunting'. I rolled over in loud guffaws, which only led to a pounce on my stomach. Pammy challenged me to a swatting bout, which I gladly accepted. We playfully smacked each other, claws retracted. Once we had played several matched, I settled into a corner with a dusty pillow in it, legs tired, mind racing. I clutched Sunny close to me, who, of course, objected. I did not want to lose her in the luggage.

 

I found myself drifting off to sleep, with Sunny's fluffy, puffed body huddled against me. A loud shriek woke me up. My head popped up. It was only Crackers, Crumbles, and Pammy engaged in a tussle. "Stop scaring me!", I groaned, and pulled a heavy bag to seal off my space. A few hours later, I heard a shrill scream-- this one of genuine panic-- and coming from Felicia. "Close all windows and lock them!" Terrified and bewildered, I obeyed her commands without hesitation. The whole train was a commotion of cats rushing to take precautions against the unknown danger and find out what was awry. Lanterns and candles flickered out. The room went pitch black. I started to squeal in shock, but was stopped by an icy whisper. "Make no sound. There are wolves." I snuggled close to whoever was next to me, which happened to be Crackers(I could tell by the nip). Thump. My heart pounded and sharp thorns of fear pulsed through my body. Sunny's wide eyes shone gold in beseeching fear. The wolves were on top of our cart. What if the roof could not bear their weight?

 

"Don't worry. That roof is really strong. We will repair it soon, though.", Crumbles whispered to me, her voice sounding not at all reassuring. 

Will the wolves break into the caravan? Find out in the next chapter!

Cat Adventures: Chapter 6: Mayhem and Preparations

 

We first stumbled into a bakery shop, which was a very lucky coincidence. Clouds of fragrant, fresh-baked bread filled my nostrils. The scent of golden crossaints wafted towards me. Crackers gazed at the glass cases full of glazed donuts, baguettes, and bagels in disbelief. My mouth watered audibly. I glanced around me, making sure no one was in sight. With synchronized motions, we jumped on the counter. I delicately licked a vanilla cupcake dusted with pastel sprinkles. A delightful, sweet taste flooded my mouth. I sucked the plume of white frosting off. Crackers had her head buried in a cake. I began tossing pancakes, bagels, macarons, and cream puffs into the provisions bag. I decided to preserve the rest of the bakery. We needed this scrumptious food, but a nagging guilt hung over me as I exited the shop.

 

"Wait one moment." I bolted back in the shop and scratched in the counter: 'The food was good, and I need to eat it.' I deposited some mushrooms, berries, mint, and dirt-caked quarters from the sidewalk onto the counter. Thump, thump, thump. I frantically searched for a place to take cover. There was no other choice. I dove straight into the trash. "Who did this?", a voice growled. I peered through the narrow opening. The employee plunked my offerings on another counter in disgust. His shiny, black sneakers inched closer to my hiding place. I felt the bag tightening and, to my horror, lifting out of the trash can. Frantically, I swam through the plastic wrapping and flour, groping with my claws. I had to escape before the bag, with its live contents, was thrown in the dumpster. Then, I heard a ripping sound. My head popped out. I was free! I scampered off to join Crackers, who was laden down with our acquisitions, as well as half a pizza, fish sticks, and chips.

 

Deciding that we had enough provisions, we returned to the camp. When we arrived, everything was in total chaos and tumult. Cats scurried about in a frenzy from hidden corners. At the center of what used to be our sleeping area, bags were heaped, the piles as tall as mountains. Sacks were splitting, revealing flashes of sparkles from the costumes. "Provisions: 10 bags of mushrooms, 15 bags of dry meat, 20 bags of dehydrated vegetables, 10 bags of dehydrated fruit, 5 bags of sweets and human food, 10 bags of cat kibble", Felicia's voice blared out icily. That was enough to last us for years... or so I thought. "You may go visit your families for the rest of the day. Be back precisely at 4:00 a.m.", Felicia mumbled. "Now get out!" She waved her paws in exasperation and exhaustion. "Felicia!", I called back. "What?", she snarled. "I said get out!" She raised her paw to swat me. "Do you want to come to my home?" Felicia sighed and stared at the piles of bags. 

 

"Well..Yes!", she said, first doubtfully, then eagerly. "I never had a home to return to, no family to welcome me. All I remember from being a kitten was peering out of metal bars. I was overjoyed when I found someone was taking me home, but my dream only lasted a few weeks. One day, they plunked me by the side of the road in a cardboard box, and I've never seen them since.", she explained forlornly. "I'm almost glad that happened, since now I have a fantastic future and an amazing group of cats... but sometimes, that sadness hangs over me, especially at time like this. Just...please don't tell anyone." I gazed at her sympathetically. "You'll love my family. Come this way!", I beckoned Felicia. "Pounce! Where have you been? I've searched my paws and whiskers out!", my sister, Blaze shrieked. We embraced each other. However, at the sight of Felicia, Blaze's mouth dropped open. "Who is this?", Felicia introduced herself. 

A buff ball came rolling down the hallway. Sunny uncurled herself and gazed eagerly and lovingly at me. "Pounce!", she screeched, and began beating at my sides. I scooped her up and twirled her in the air. Felicia began grooming Sunny's rumpled fur. She wriggled in delight. "Pounce! Where have you been?" My human servant scooped me and clutched me. In return, I gave her a nip. Then, I heard the pop of food cans being opened. The scrumptious scent of fish filled the air. We dashed to our room and found a huge multitude of food cans... every single flavor found in the store! That night, we had great fun sampling, and making a huge mess of the food. Felicia engaged playfully with Blaze, and was currently rolling on the floor with her in a tangle of claws. Finally, the clock struck 4:00 a.m. Thoroughly exhausted, we returned to camp. As I walked beside Felicia, I could almost feel her joy.

 

"Thank you for inviting me. Now, we need to load the travel cars. I'll show you where they are." We crept through the labyrinth of trees illuminated by silver moonlight. "Here it is.", she whispered. It took several moments for my eyes to adjust and distinguish the travel cars from the trees. When my eyes focused, my mouth dropped open in horrified disbelief. Vines dangled and entwined themselves around the large wooden boxes. It looked more like a pile of old lumber than a travel train. Cobwebs hung in corners, some deserted, others with alive, and huge, inhabitants. The wood seemed to be splintering, and appeared to have been home to nearly 5000 termites. I doubted if the wheels even turned. "It's stronger than it looks.", said Felicia, breaking the silence. I knew I wanted to go, but one small, nagging part of me doubted this. This meant leaving my family - perhaps forever. It was a long journey to the rainforest, and I might never come back. The thought chilled me. I thought of how devoted my human and mother were to me. And Sunny-- she relied on me, and was my responsibility. What if something happened to her? But then I thought of how much this freedom meant to me, of the hours I spent gazing out the window in longing. This had been my dream ever since I was two months old. I knew I would regret it later if I chose not to go. This was my future, my career. I knew I would feel homesick at times, but I knew I was making the right decision. I hopped on board the caravan, ready for adventure. 

 

I heaved bags onto the caravan, one by one. "Phweet!" The sharp sound of Felicia's whistle broke the enchanting spell of the moonlit night like a stick being hurled into calm waters. Cats suddenly appeared from hidden corners and came scuttling into view from the distance. "What's happening?", came a small voice...from my back. There was only one possibility to who that could be. "Sunny! Why did you come with me?" For a moment I was glad that someone in my family could come... but little did I know how fraught with danger this trip was to be.

Things start out normal on the journey... but the first moments can be deceiving. Find out how the journey begins in the next chapter! 

 

 

You can Save Someone's Life-- by Donating to Heifer International

 

Some people in developing countries receive only a single meal per day, and have always gone to bed hungry. Heifer International is a charity that donates animals to people in developing countries, providing them with adequate food and nourishment, as well as business opportunities. Millions of people have died of starvation and malnutrition--- but Heifer International has set 20.7 million families on a path towards prosperity by giving them animals. Heifer strives to end all hunger and poverty around the world--- and they need your help. Donate to Heifer-- and save someone's life. When you donate animals, it is not just a single family you are helping. When the animals reproduce, people can pass them on to their friends and relatives, or even their whole village. Passing on these animals have been known to last a family for nine generations.  Here is a link to Heifer's website:http://www.heifer.org/ending-hunger/index.html  Together, we can change the world.

  credit(for all images):http://www.heifer.org/gift-catalog/index.html

 

Imagine you've always been hungry, every moment of your whole life. Sadly, this is what many people in developing countries are experiencing. However, with Heifer, their hunger can be ended. With your donation, we become one step closer to the goal of ending poverty. In addition, your donation of $60 will become a donation of $120 without your having to pay the extra money. This money funds Heifer's project to provide impoverished families in Cambodia with business opportunities and food. Raising money is easy and fun, too. A flock of 20 chicks, ducks, or geese costs only $20, making it a simple, yet helpful gift to raise money for. If you enjoy baking, you can make cookies or chocolate pretzel sticks, and sell them at your school to raise money, as I have done. We can end poverty-- but only with your help, so make a donation to Heifer.

  

In addition, you can donate a day's worth of clean water-- without having to do anything or give any money!! If you visit this site:http://tap.unicefusa.org/ on your smartphone, you can give a child a day's worth of water by leaving your phone(without picking it up) for only 10 minutes! Whenever you're busy, leave your phone open to the app, and it shall alert you once 10 minutes has passes-- and the water has been given. Billions of people do not have access to clean water, and most of those people die due to diseases such as cholera, transmitted by bacteria in the water.You can go for a while without your phone, right? People can't go without clean water, so put your phone to a better use. It's super easy to activate, too!

 

 

Chapter 5: The Solo Dance

 

"Ready or not, I'm turning the light on", Felicia whispered. My jaws jittered and clacked against each other as I awaited my cue. A blinding flash of light signaled me to pose. Then, the light shone directly on me, emphasizing my sparkling, glittering costume. The crowd cheered wildly. I skittered back and forth along the beam... and flipped 360 degrees in midair, four feet high, landing on two paws. My mind raced and pounded as I tried to remember what came next and avert my thoughts from disaster. Somersault once... and again. Then, I compressed myself flat against the bar and braced myself. Taking a final deep breath, I sprang into the air. If I missed by one centimeter, I would come crashing to the ground.

 

My paw barely grazed the tip of the dangling, frayed rope. I swayed precariously as I gained a hold. I felt my claws gradually slipping, sliding... I was beginning to fall! Hastily, I spun, and came vaulting back onto the beam. I stuck a single claw into the rubber of the beam, and began to slowly twist. I felt my heart rise to the clouds above as I twirled, and leapt off, back arched, for a second try for the rope. This time, I did not miss. Giving myself an extra pump and thrust, I soared over the stage. I held my breath and squeezed my eyes shut as I braced myself to leap off the rope. My perspiring paws loosened their grip on the rope as I spiraled downwards. Arching my back, I twisted into a full backbend and split my muscles with a flip.

Now was the time for my grand finale. I reared upwards on two paws, and propelled myself forward in the air. Everyone else was hastily setting up an obstacle course of hoops on the ceiling. I zoomed forth, struggling to keep in the air. Placing my paws in front of my head, I used them as a rudder, steering myself through each hoop. At last, I reached the final ring, and landed gloriously on one paw. I beamed down at the audience. Cheers erupted from the crowd. "I've never seen a cat perform as well as you did, in the whole history of our group!" Felicia congratulated me, and even gave me several of her share of treats. "Autograph!" One stray call from the audience pierced the silence, followed by more frantic cries. I signed my name differently on each paper, all of them in an ostentatious manner with great flourishes. 

 

BAM! Bang bang! I groaned, then screamed. I glanced at the clock. "Can you leave me alone, whoever you are? It's 5:00 in the morning!", I moaned. "If it's not an emergency, go!" I accentuated this last word, but my visitor paid no heed. Felicia whipped open the door. I pulled the blanket over my head. "I'm asleep." In response, Felicia threw my silk blanket into a mud puddle. "We are leaving!", Felicia bellowed. "For what?", I asked, skeptically. "The rainforest!", she yelled even louder. "Stop playing pranks!" I turned my tail to her face. "I'm serious!", she shrieked several times. "We are in the championship!" "Really?", I asked incredulously. I felt as if a wet fish had slapped me in the face-- but in a much more pleasant way. That night, we had a scrumptious feast. I heaped my plate with succulent salmon and mouth-watering palm fronds. I gulped down the mushroom sauce( for which I was scolded). Then, Felicia led me to the place of honor at the table, in the golden throne. 

"For years, we have been waiting for someone to occupy this spot. That someone was to be the best acrobat, and not only the best acrobat in this group, but the best acrobat ever. That best acrobat is you." I gaped, stunned, unable to utter a word. Felicia draped a shimmering gold medal around my neck. Little did I know about the perils that lay ahead of us along our journey. The next day, it was time to go hunting for provisions along our several-month journey. I dragged Crackers along with me... into town.

 

What mischief will they make in town? Find out with the next chapter-- and how the journey starts---with an unexpected visitor. 

The Dangers of Pharmaceutical Waste in Water

 

How do you think excess pharmaceutical waste is disposed of? You may not notice it in your water, but pharmaceutical waste has been contaminating fresh water. When people need to dispose of drugs they are no longer using, instead of contacting a pharmacy, most people will simply flush the pills down the toilet. Where do they go after being flushed down the toilet? They do not go into a special treatment plant, but into our supply of water. When they drink a glass of water, some people are unwittingly taking pills that were not prescribed to them. This can be extremely dangerous because ingesting foreign medications can lead to extreme side effects, and possibly death. The waste of certain drugs have been identified to cause breast and prostate cancer, as well as some neurological disorders. Pharmaceutical wastes in the water supply do not occur only in developing countries. In the United States, many people are faced with this problem. Researchers have identified unwanted traces of pharmaceutical drugs in around 40 million Americans. When the Associative Press National Investigative Team researched the presence of pharmaceuticals in public drinking water in 2008,  they found that traces of anti-anxiety pills were found in water used by over 18 million people in California. They also found mood-stabilizing medicines in water used by 850, 000 people in New Jersey. According to the AP, pharmaceutical waste has been shown to impede the growth of kidney cells, cause inflammation of blood cells, and cause cancer cells to spread faster. These ailments can be fatal.

 

As well as harming humans, pharmaceutical waste in water can harm animals, disrupting ecosystems. Drugs ingested by fish cause feminization of male fish. This prohibits males(or former males) from mating thus causing a decrease in number of eggs and population. As well as impacting the fish, the decline of the fish population has a negative effect on the organisms who prey on them, causing those predators to starve. Species on which major food chains rely -- such as zooplankton and earthworms are also threatened by pharmaceutical waste. This is tremendously worrisome, because if the species at the bottom of the food chain are threatened, the rest of the food chain that relies on these species – including humans and much of the food we eat - is also in jeopardy. This is happening in not only one, small stream. According to the EPA, pharmaceuticals are present in “any water body influenced by raw or treated sewage, including rivers, streams, ground water, coastal marine environments, and many drinking water sources”.

The U.S. Geological Survey found low levels of pharmaceuticals in 80 percent of the rivers and streams sampled, in 1999 and 2000.

 If you have any unwanted medications, DO NOT flush them down the toilet or even throw them in the trash! Instead, contact the place where you purchased them from, or another pharmacy. Before trying to dispose of your excess medication, read the direction on the label, in case they provide some guidance. Most treatment plants do not have the technology to filter waste from water, which is why, even after treatment, chemicals from drugs still remain in the water. Hopefully, in the future, all residue of medications in water will be eliminated, and places to deposit unwanted remains of medications will expand to every pharmacy.

Chapter 4: Success ... or Not?

      

  I plummeted head-first towards the ground. I had to come up with something to do before it was too late! Then, I flipped so that I could land on my feet. I came down with sudden shock on my rear paws. Ignoring my tingling legs, I sprang off the ground and shot in the air towards the trapeze. I sucked in my breath. I sailed over the stage, and landed straight on the trapeze platform. It wobbled and teetered. I tried to soothe my violent jitters. I began pushing and rocking, starting the trapeze. Then, I flew over the audience, clinging tightly to the ropes. My ears whisked back in the whizzing air currents. Now was my only chance. As the trapeze swung back, I leapt straight off of the trapeze and landed on my front paws. My ears tried to block the sounds of the pounding paws of everyone else, performing vaults on the high beam.

           Reaching behind me, I stretched my body and let go, performing a perfect back flip. I felt myself gaining speed, until I was accelerating uncontrollably. Pressing hard, I slammed my feet into the wood, and felt myself rocketing and spinning through the air. The audience cheered wildly. I balanced myself on one claw, and began spinning on one leg. I inclined to one side as I struggled to maintain balance. The beads on my costume reflected the light, beaming prismatic patterns on the walls and ceiling. I gasped for breath. I couldn't hold this pirouette for much longer! Then, Felicia leaped to my rescue. I was swept up by a cloud of cats as they spun with me, motions synchronized. Then, using but one paw, Felicia flung me to the leaping platform.

            I angled my body in such a way so that the light from my costume could dazzle and blind the audience, who had fallen silent in anticipation. Pammy and Felicia jumped atop my outstretched arms and dove off.  Then, I catapulted through the air... and watched in horror as I approached the end of the stage. Unable to break my fall, I zoomed, twisting and turning into the audience. Tears welled up in my eyes at my failure. I would never be an acrobat! The Flying Felinis had been aspiring to reach the championships ever since they were founded, and I had crushed their desire. Then, a sudden sensation overcame my fear and sorrow. Someone caught me, and was passing me around! They did not even realize that I had made a terrible mistake! Renewed hope filled my heart. I sprang into the air, and landed right on the high platform. 

          The music drew to a halt. "Intermission!", Felicia blared through her bullhorn. "We did it!" I clashed paws with everyone. "You were sensational!" We triumphantly exited to enjoy some scrumptious spider sausages. Felicia scrambled after me, coin purse in hand. "Rides! 2 cars for 2 available!" "Come on!" I darted towards the sign and deposited some money. The roller coaster lurched forward. It gained speed rapidly, zipping over hills. I shrieked as I was turned up-side-down for a brief moment. With one final plummet, the roller coaster lurched to a stop. "The show will start! Hurry!" Felicia urged me forward, not minding my state of dizziness. Once we arrived, the lights were out, and I could barely discern the shapes of the other cats, setting out the sheet.

           The lights flicked on. The audience gasped to see a giant, white sheet in the center of the stage. Then, two cats darted from the sides. I sprang upwards, letting the sheet catch an air current. I began spinning, sheet swirling and spiraling above me. Then, Felicia leaped up, and snatched the top of the sheet away, straight from my grasp. One by one, we all leaped over Felicia and the sheet, forming a moving arc of cats. My mind pounded in concentration. If I made one tiny mistake, the whole act would be ruined. Then, Felicia let go of the sheet, and I sprang on top. I appeared to float gracefully on the sheet as it touched down with only the faintest sound. 

         Finally, it was time for the penultimate act. The group dance. I posed at the center of the group, radiating blinding beams of light. The music started abruptly as we began leaping over each other. Thump. Bounce. Thump. My footsteps fell into the rhythm of the music. Now came my most favorite part of the dance. I whirled around and tapped the closest cat. Coincidentally, I had tapped Crackers. We began swatting at each other to the beat of the music. I parried. Crackers, in turn, parried. At the final 'Boom' of the song, the dance was over. Now it was time for my solo. Before, when I was in a group, my mistakes would be masked. Now it was as if I were under a microscope. Every tiny mistake would be magnified. "Pounce, you've practiced this many times." Felicia gave e a reassuring pat and my favorite catnip-salmon treat. I politely refused it, for my stomach churned like a bucket of sloshing water. I groped in the dark for the beam, paws jittering. 

Will Pounce make it through this last act? Find out in the next chapter!

The Acrobatics Competition

       
 Crackers led me out of a dense thicket of trees, leaping over logs and small puddles. Finally, the forest came to an abrupt stop, and the tops of buildings were barely visible on the horizon. We dashed over as fast as our legs could carry us, until we arrived in the bustling streets, out of breath. We had happened to stumble into a restaurant. As I regained my breath, I overheard a snatch of someone ordering: "The giant grilled salmon, please." My mouth watered as I thought of the succulent steaming salmon. I dragged Crackers towards that table, licking my mouth in eager anticipation. "What are we waiting for? This way!" Crackers beckoned me towards the self-serve yogurt shop.

 I reached up, trying to grab the start lever. I braced my back legs, ready to leap. Then, my paws slammed down on the start lever. Out burst thick ribbons of mango frozen yogurt. Next, I repeated this process with the coconut, pineapple, and strawberry. We sneaked out of a back door and lapped up the contents of our overflowing containers. Once I had frozen my jaws shut, we headed back to the restaurant, where the server was just laying out platters of sizzling pink salmon. One platter was placed right before my nose! Quickly, I snatched the piece of salmon, and threw it down to Crackers, who eyed it greedily. We scampered into the bushes, where we playfully squabbled over it. I stared at the shop across from me. Those pillows in the windows appeared so inviting and fluffy -- the perfect bed! I found a particularly large black pillow and settled on it blissfully, turning it into a buff pillow. I woke up to a loud crash. 

Crackers stared up at me, guiltily, a shattered vase at her feet. "Crackers!" I tried to sound as harsh as possible, but the giggle in my voice escaped. I, too knew how hard it was to keep out of mischief. Then, I grew aware of the imminent danger. Footsteps pounded on the floor, approaching. "Quick!", I whispered. "Hey! Get back here!", someone shouted. Crackers flew out, an ironed, white sheet billowing out behind her. People stared, gaping wide-eyed. "Where on Earth did you get that thing?", Felicia asked. "I'll give it back. But not before we do a routine with it!" With that, everyone came running. We had great fun, hiding under it and using it like a parachute. I excelled particularly in riding that 'parachute'. After an afternoon full of surprise pouncing from under the sheet, the sun began to sink behind the clouds. "Come on, Crackers. We must return it. The manager will be gone." Reluctantly, we trudged to the shop. Immediately, I heard the sound of vacuuming and closing cabinets. The manager was still here. I decided to reveal my identity. Sheet in mouth, I leapt to the counter and thrust it towards the manager. 

"You are the thief? Just a mischievous cat? Keep your sheet. You don't have to pay. I can't sell this.", she said disapprovingly, scrutinizing the muddy paw prints. We returned, secretly delighted about our new routine. The next morning, I was rudely shaken awake. "The qualifying match is today!" "It's not even light out.", I groaned while slowly rising. "You are performing as the star! You've been practicing for months, now. I know you can do it." Felicia led me to a door barely wide enough for me to fit through. In the room, boxes of costumes littered the floor. In one corner, there were piles of claw polish, eyeshadow, fur enhancing mousse, and whisker extensions. Felicia launched herself into a box labeled 'Jackets' so that only her tail was sticking up. She tossed a jacket covered in dazzling, sparkling, prismatic beads. "Mine?", I hesitantly faltered forth. "Of course." I stepped into my brilliant costume and admired my reflection.

 "Pounce!" Pammy approached me, makeup in hand. I sat before her for hours, barely tolerating my whiskers being blackened, my eyes outlined in a smoky purple powder, and glitter sprinkled over my face. I gazed at myself. I looked spectacular! I had only been her for two months, but, before my arrival, the Flying Felinis had been practicing for years. I could not disappoint them. I pictured myself at the championships, performing the final 7-foot-high leap. "And in first place... our champion, Pounce!"  A sharp tug on my tail jerked me out of my daydream. "Time to paint our banner!", Isabella snapped. I drenched my paw in purple glitter paint and began to paint the embellishments. Isabella earned the role of painting the letters, due to her flawless calligraphy. In shining gold letters, she painted: "The Fabulous Flying Felinis Performing LIVE Tonight!" 

"Haha, Pounce! Watch out!" A gob of green paint landed with a splat on my head. In response, I loaded my brush and catapulted paint straight at Crackers' ear. After some black paint hit me right where my exquisite makeup was stenciled around my eye, I picked up the whole, full paint can and hurled it at Crackers. She was covered in paint. "Crackers started it!", I choked through the paint. I groaned and growled in dismay when I learned I needed to be bathed, with makeup re-applied. After waiting for an eternity, we were ready to leave. Once we arrived, the pervasive smell of succulent spider sausages caused avalanches in my stomach. I lingered behind, staring longingly at the roller coaster and cable car. I was jerked away. "We'll have fun later." After a great deal of inquiries, we were led to a huge stage, with all sorts of props --- even a fake smoke machine! Flashing lights proclaimed, "Flying Felinis!" 

I gazed at the pulleys, trapezes, and leaping launchpad on the ceiling. "Pounce! Go wire up the lights!" I scrambled for a small door in the wall. Orange, yellow, and red cords dangled from the ceiling. A dashboard of unidentified switches faced me. I flipped one switch, which was met by intense coughing fits. "Stop the smoke!", cam shouts from outside. I flipped another. "Help!" That was the wrong switch, too. Finally, I noticed the tag on one of the wires: "Pull for lights." I tugged it. Immediately, a display of vibrant, neon flashing lights appeared. We were almost ready to start. The seats were filled, and the crowd was roaring. Gangs of squirrels peered down from the trees. The pounding music began to start. I posed, and the lights flicked off. I knew how to do this routine. The lights suddenly flashed, and I sprang to action. I leapt headfirst off the starting platform and began plummeting downwards. My head whirled as all memory I had of this act departed from my mind. Spinning, I found myself heading straight for the ground ... and I was nowhere near the trapeze.

Will the Flying Felinis qualify for the competition they have been dreaming of reaching for years? Find out with the next chapter!