From White to Black…well almost (By Ethan)

  If you are an artist fan, you know that of course blue plus yellow is green, red plus yellow is orange and blue plus red is purple, or even all the colors added together is black.  But sometimes, mixing and getting new colors can be hard. Especially if you are taking classes in the Pride Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) in Edmond. You will have to fight hard for all the colors, which happen to be surprise, surprise martial arts belts.

  The MMA center is a part of a long chain of many training centers. The inside is stifling hot, by hot I mean everyone is energetic. The facility is vast and roomy with a huge mat on which we run and jump and punch and kick while we train. Parents sprawl on sets of bleachers and watch us kids sweat by the gallon and our red and hot faces. The coaches there are quite strict and truly caring.

  Sparring and belt tests are the hardest.

  I punch my opponent.

  I think “Don’t give up!” I do a combo. Then a heavy right kick goes “crash” into my leg.

  I punch my opponent.

  A fast flurry of jabs and crosses meets my face. I return the same thing.

  I punch my opponent.

  The coach shouts “Time!” Feeling tired and dripping with sweat, I show respect to my rival and flop down beside the other kids who have fought before.

  Five years ago, I was a newcomer to the MMA. I was back then a white belt. Then, one test later, the white had yellow replacing it. Then it became orange, then purple, then blue, and now it is green. Although I have paid sweat and even a bit of blood, I have gained belts and excellence, perseverance and respect.

  Along the way to black belt, I will have to punch more and sweat more. But eventually, black belt will be within reach.

89.3 KPCC - Tour of National Public Radio Station in Southern California (by William)

If you listen to NPR in Southern California, you might wonder what the station looks like and sounds like, and may be curious about the hosts and their work area (cubicles).  

Take Two host A Martinez's cube

We went to KPCC Open House and had a terrific day there.  I tried everything from taking a self-guided tour of the station to eating mouthwatering Indian potato balls dipped in curry, and recorded a testimonial in the recording studio with non-parallel walls.  

The Open House converted KPCC parking lot into a carnival of vendors.  I was so blissful and was being maximum overloaded with treats such as a miraculous USB fan, fidget spinners, supper cool UV sun glasses, and a cowboy bandana.  At one point, I thought that my goodie bag was going to explode.   

Inside the station, I met A Martínez of Take Two, John Horn of The Frame, many other nice journalists and engineers, and recorded a testimonial.   While waiting in line to get into the recording studio, I noticed the signal light outside the studio, and when the recording is in session, the light turns on.  Inside the studio is more interesting.  The walls are covered with sound proof fabric, there are many knobs, switches, and buttons for editing and controlling the recording.  Close to the microphone are sound diffusers.  They look like wooden shelves for decoration, but are actually used for sending sound waves into different directions.

Thank you Doug with the recording

This is my testimonial – I am William and I am 10 years old.  I depend all the time on KPCC for news for LA.  My family loves to listen to KPCC and thank you so much for live streaming.  My dad and mom listen when they are driving to work and I like to listen to Morning Edition when I have breakfast.  Just listening to KPCC makes me feel that my breakfast is more delicious.  Join me and support KPCC at kpcc.org.

Someday you might hear my testimonial on the radio!