Small Rice, Big Dream

Central Taiwan News

May 13, 2008

Two years ago, a small town in Changhua started to grow healthy rice. The healthy rice was not grown by farmers but by students from a small elementary school of only about fifty people.

The idea of growing rice came from the school teachers. When making teaching plans, the teachers decided to teach students how to grow healthy rice on school land. They wanted the students to get closer to the land and learn to help each other when doing the rice farming outside the classroom.

What’s better, the school made money from selling the rice and giving farming classes to the public. With the money, the school could help students who wished to go to foreign countries some day. Today the dream is becoming real — the students are flying to Japan to share their special farming experiences, and have fun over there, of course!

"We all feel very proud that even students from a small town can make themselves seen in the world," said one of the teachers.

Words from readers

I couldn’t put the book down after I read some pages at my friend’s home. I borrowed it and read it over that night. I think it can help someone who is afraid to face family problems. — Sam Lee

The book saved my life. It opened a door that led me into a world of true love. I was able to look at the world around me with fresh new eyes. — Candy Vigor

The first part of the book really touched my heart and made me want to read on. However, I was getting bored when I came to the second part. In fact, I didn’t finish the book. — Rod Green

The book helped me forget about my worries. I laughed and cried with those people in the book. With its simple and clear language, people of all ages can enjoy it. — Vivian Lu

Flower Town in July

Summer is the most beautiful season in Flower Town. In the morning, take a walk in Vendo Park between First Street and Third Street. If you enjoy reading, there is a bookstore in the park.

For lunch, have delicious Hamburger Special in Googie’s. You can walk there from the park. It is just on the corner of Mension Road and Third Street.

When the weather gets hotter in the afternoon, go to the swimming pool on Fourth Street. It is next to Cage’s Café.

In the evening, movie fans move to Second Street. David Stone Theater has all kinds of movies!

Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor was born in London on April 21, 1926. No one thought one day she 36 the queen of the UK. After her grandfather, King George V, died in 1936, Elizabeth’s uncle, Prince Edward, became King Edward VIII. Edward 37 in love with a married American woman long before, and he decided to marry her after he became the king. However, Edward was asked to choose between the throne and his love. Finally, he decided to give up the throne.

38 . After Edward VIII gave up the throne, Elizabeth’s father became King George VI. As the oldest child without any brothers, Elizabeth became next in line to the throne. She needed to say goodbye to her good old life and prepare to be a queen. After her father died in 1952, she became Queen Elizabeth II.

Ever since she became head of her country, Queen Elizabeth II 39 : She has held meetings with important people in the UK, and has visited many foreign countries. In the few hours she keeps to herself, however, she reads and enjoys horseback riding.