Blue April 2, 2015

Editor:
 Yes, we are lighting up blue today. I am not a personal fan Autism Speaks. I think before anyone tries to "cure" Autism, they need to understand it. As for my political views on the organization...well, maybe I'll talk about that another time. Anyway...

We are celebrating BLUE today for many reasons. Mostly because I just wish there was a bit more tolerance in the world.  Not just for autism, but for all people who are different. For Will, I'd like him to be able to be in public without feeling awkward and out of place. (There is a reason many Aspie's feel they are aliens.) I'd like him to have a friend outside the family. Maybe that's the biggest thing for him. It's a difficult thing. Sometimes it's hard for us to keep a conversation with him. He gets painfully focused on the minutia. It's hard to focus and keep an interest.....But, I'll let him explain again. Let's see if anything has changed in a year.....

Posted last year: http://wcbenz.blogspot.com/2014/02/what-its-like-february-11-2014.html?m=1

William:
My editor got a little teary eyed there. Ok, so let's get to the writing...

Well, only one thing has changed this year. I can read a book in just a week! I read the Harry Potter series in about a month. I read the Percy Jackson series in about 2 weeks. Reading makes me feel smart. Some of the character's are really funny. They amuse me a lot. I get to learn stuff out of books. For an example, I'm learning from Percy Jackson, Greek Mythology. I like Greek Mythology. One of my favorite gods is Poseidon.

One thing that hasn't changed, I still believe in Aliens.

I don't really mind not having any friends.

Math is a little easier this year. I don't really know why it's easier but, it is! It's cool. Maybe it because I get to learn at my own pace. Sometimes I want to work on it and sometimes I don't.

The world doesn't bother me as much because I'm not in it.

It's still a struggle for me because one side of my brain doesn't like to cooperate. Like at fencing and ballet. That's the right side of my brain. But the left side cooperates. It's hard to focus, but I don't know why. That's the hard part. I like fencing and ballet, but it's just real hard to focus. I think Coach and Marie get frustrated, but they don't really show it, or I just can't tell.

Asperger's, sometimes I forget I have it. But, I still keep it in a little storage cell in my brain, Maybe it doesn't bother me as much because I'm home schooled. I don't have to worry about what people think or how they react. I can just be ME at home. Well, sometimes. My teacher makes me focus on my work.

I like home schooling. It makes me feel good. I get to learn what I want to learn. And, nobody bother's me. Except for my Mom and Dad and dog, and fish....

And thanks Meg for the lights. Maybe I can get a picture later when it gets dark!

Well, that's all for now!

Stay tuned til next time!

BYE!!!!!

Part 1 - Grandmama's Story

Grandmama's Story 

By William Carl Benz 

Chapter 1

The Trip

One day, in Homosassa Florida, Grandmama, got an invitation to a party in Canada. It said to take a boat to get to a stable to get a horse, to get to the train station, to get to the aquarium where the party will happen. The aquarium was at Niagara on the Lake, Canada. 

The ride was rough. And a little bit bumpy. And not to mention LONG! The boat had to stop at a pier to pick up more people. And when she got the horse, it started bucking! It made her a little nauseous. But when she gave it an apple, it started to cooperate. Grandmama had some carrots on hand in case the horse got hungry. It was a nice white horse.  

She finally got to the train station for the last leg of her trip to Canada. The train took her north through the mountainous mid-west and up toward Niagara Falls. 

But, along the way, some robbers came! Grandmama hit them with her purse and threw them into the Mississippi River! She didn't want the train trip to take any longer than it already was.

Grandmama finally arrives at Niagara Falls, Canada. She hailed a taxi to get to Niagara on the Lake. The taxi driver seemed nice, but little did Grandmama know, he was a GHOOOSSSSTTTTT! When she figured that out, she got out her proton pack and blasted him away! She ain't afraid of no ghosts!

You see, Grandmama is a ghost exterminator. That's why she was invited to the party at the aquarium. The ghosts were scaring all the guests away from the aquarium and all the other places in Niagara on the Lake.

Grandmama has been at this for 65 years! She a pro. And the ghosts are the prey. She started becoming a ghost hunter because ghosts were her biggest problem. They annoyed her a lot. You see, almost everyone can see ghosts, but few can see them a lot. She started fighting ghosts 65 years ago because they became a nuisance in her house. Imagine having your teapot floating in mid-air and having books make a road in your house. She had a load of traffic jams. She couldn't get her favorite radio station because they ghosts kept moving her radio. Grandmama would find empty candy wrappers in her bed. And once, even an EMP (electromagnetic pulse) bomb in a drawer. That shut down everything electronic within a 15 mile radius. The power outage lasted for hours!

She finally hailed a real taxi and made her way to the aquarium. The scenery along the way was beautiful. She saw a plethora of grape vines along the way. She passed Fort George (and saw only one friendly ghost - wonder how Casper got in there?) She also saw the whirlpool. Grandmama finally arrived at her destination.

The taxi dropped her off at The Prince of Wales Hotel. She checked into a nice, bright yellow suite. She found it perfect. She decided to take a little nap. But then woke up to see a ghost moving the bed! So she quickly got her proton pack and got rid of the ghost and put her bed back where it belonged. After a quick snack, she went to the aquarium. 

End of Chapter 1

Chapter 2

The Aquarium

When Grandmama got to the aquarium, she went to see the boss at his office. He pulled out a chair for her to sit on and they talked about the problem. It seems that the ghosts have been over running the town lately and they can't have that with the grand opening of the new shark exhibit coming soon. It'll ruin the business! So Grandmama told him she would get rid of the ghosts. 

Grandmama decided she would do a stake out and wait for the ghosts to come at night. She would figure out what they were doing and then capture them. Sounds easy, right?
But what Grandmama didn't know is that these ghosts were a little smarter than the rest. They were listening when she told the aquarium manager her plan. So, the ghosts thought they would mess it up a it. But, Grandmama is smarter and you'll see what she does later in the book. 

Midnight, March 16th, 2015, today:

Grandmama set up the traps. She hid behind a bush and armed the traps with a special EMP that can trap ghosts into one little ball. So that the catcher can trap the ghosts into an anti-ghost ball. And so the stake out begins...


Strange things began to happen when it turned 1:00 a.m. Things begin to float. It time to set off the first trap! She set up a ghost cage made of pure titanium mixed with anti-ghost metal so that the ghosts can't escape or break out of the cage. She catches 2!! When she heard some thumping at 2:00 a.m., she set off the second trap. The second trap was a ghost incinerator. 3 ghosts got incinerated from that one. 

At 4:00 a.m. until 5:00 a.m., she set traps 3,4 and 5 up to catch some more ghosts. Only one ghost remained in the aquarium - the Big Boss. 

When he showed up at 5:40 a.m., she got ready the special EMP. Grandmama was saving this for the Big Boss. The special EMP emits a light that drives the ghosts away and into the ghost cage. Ghosts can go in, but not out. The Big Boss was afraid of the light and went right into the cage.

Grandmama saved the aquarium and the town!  Round of applause everyone!!!

End of chapter 2.

Chapter 3

The Party 

The next day, Grandmama went to the party and had a great time! In fact, she even got to sit next to the aquarium manager when he opened the new exhibit! The party was terrific! They had chips and dip. The had music and plenty of lights. There were beautiful decorations and dancing! Even a little documentary about sharks. The manager thanked Grandmama for saving the town and aquarium. She got to have her picture taken with the town's mayor! 

By the end of the party, everyone was pooped. Grandmama had a great day! But now, she went back to her room at the hotel. She found some flowers and candy in her room as a thank you. And she took a nice long bath. She finished up packing and went to bed. She slept well. No disturbances from ghosts. 

In the morning, she got to the airport by taxi. But, no ghosts.

End of Chapter 3.

Chapter 4

The Trip Home

When Grandmama got to the airport, she took the quickest flight to Homosassa. She got on the plane, and when they took off, she saw all of Niagara on the Lake, Niagara Falls, Buffalo and all the cities on the way to Florida. 

When she got to the Florida airport, Grandmama got a taxi - again - no ghosts. And when she got home, she unpacked and went to the movies. She had a fun time there! And then, she went home and took a nice long nap. She really enjoyed her trip to Niagara on the Lake, but catching all those ghosts made her REALLY tired! She had a nice dream and woke up and started her casual day. 

There was a knock at the door! But, that's for another story, another adventure and another book. 

End of Chapter 4. 

THE END.....

To be continued in my next book about Grandmama's adventures.

Author's note: This book is made in dedication to my Grandmama - the one on my mother's side. She is gonna be 85 on March 18th! So, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, GRANDMAMA! Hope you enjoy! (book close)

Petroleum......fuel or skin softener??

DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME WITHOUT ADULT SUPERVISION
DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME WITHOUT ADULT SUPERVISION
DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME WITHOUT ADULT SUPERVISION


Burning petroleum jelly:

Hypothesis: I think petrol will burn in it's jelly state.

Theory: Petroleum can NOT burn on it's own. We don't know why because we can't find an answer on the internet. So, feel free to give me suggestions as to why this is true if some of you are scientists.

What we used: Petroleum jelly, flame thrower (first time I ever used that), metal container, metal cookie sheet, a pan lid to put out the fire, dryer lint and water.

What we did: We put a tiny amount of petroleum jelly in the middle of the metal container. We attempted to light it on fire with the flame thrower. My observation was that it didn't burn, it just melted. Then we put a small amount of jelly on the lint. First we lit the non-petroleum piece of lint on fire. It burned FAST! Then we lit the piece of lint with petroleum on fire. It burned also, but slower than the piece of lint without any petroleum.

So, this explains the theory that petroleum cannot burn on it's own. My hypothesis was incorrect. We do know that people use petroleum jelly on lint to help start outdoor fires (as in camping) . Petroleum jelly is used as a fuel extender.

Cool, huh??


http://youtu.be/BpCDAAUb4cw

DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME WITHOUT ADULT SUPERVISION
DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME WITHOUT ADULT SUPERVISION
DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME WITHOUT ADULT SUPERVISION

My Dad

It's my Dad's birthday! I'm making him a nice card right now! But, don't tell him, he's still in bed! He's off today...so ssshhhhh!!!

My Dad is funny, huggable and very lovable. He's very smart! He knows tons of things that you may not know! 

My Dad takes me to the movies and stuff. He takes me to my Grandma and Grandpa's. He sits through fencing every single Friday! I don't think that's very fun for him. So, I need to do something nice for him today. So I'm writing a blog!

My Daddy means to me almost as much as Teddy (Bear) means to me! 

Daddy is as sweet as my favorite candy, Skittles! I personally like the strawberry kind.

Without my Dad, I would be bored. He tells very funny jokes. 

He lets me get away with things my Mom wouldn't let me do. Like sometimes, he let's me watch T.V and play games on my tablet.

Daddy is teaching me computer programming! I like that. 

Maybe someday I'll be like him. 

In other words,

Me and my Dad.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DADDY!! I LOVE YOU!!!!

November 27, 2014 Giving Thanks....

Happy Thanksgiving!

I'd like to give thanks to my Teddy Bear, Teddy. He's one of my favorite toys, you know. He keeps all the monster and aliens away that I believe in. Especially the Weeping Angels from Doctor Who.

Me and my teddy bear...

I'm also grateful for my Mommy and Daddy. Because I love them very much. My Mommy makes dinners and lunches and breakfasts. She does my blog with me. I help her at the store. And she helps me with my stories.

I'm thankful for my Daddy because he pays for all the special things we do. Especially the TV. I'm grateful that he does that because it's one of my favorite things to do. He also fixes stuff like my broken glasses. (Which of course I just broke again.)

I'm also grateful for my soft comfy bed. It keeps me warm at nights. Helps me rest my eyes. And helps me grow when I'm sleeping. It's also just comfy to lay on.

I'm happy about my creative mind. It helps me build forts in my room.

I'm grateful for my big brother and my big sister. When I was a little kid, my brother Brad took me to 2 movies, Iron Man and Avatar. I still have the picture we took at the Iron Man Movie! And I'm grateful for Meggie because she takes me to hockey games. I HEART hockey!

They only thing I'm grateful for my sister, Lilly is because she plays games with me.

And my Grandma and Grandpa? I'm grateful for them because they watch me while Mommy and Daddy are doing stuff. Like tomorrow night! Of which I can't wait! I get them all to myself!!

I'm also thankful for my Grandmama. She visits us almost every summer. She takes me places like Connors and the movies. Me and her went to the movies twice.

I'm grateful for ballet. It keeps me busy on Wednesdays. It helps me calm down and helps me think for my things for my stories.

I'm grateful for my little puppy dog! He's so cute and fuzzy. And apparently he's the only pet in the house right now. The fish died. RIP, little fishy....(Lilly cried but it didn't really matter to me that much.)

I'm grateful for the house we live in. Where else would I build my forts?? Not outside! It's too plain cold!

I'm grateful for the rest of my family. Of course they live all over the U.S.A. And some live up here. I have A LOT of relatives...

All in all, I'm just thankful that we have a nice place to live in and a nice planet to live on.

I salute you, America!!!!

William Carl Benz

November 25, 2014 We separated the "H2" from the "O".....

Welcome back, everyone! It is near the Nutcracker, so if you have enough money, please go!

So, in other words, it's a good ballet! Anyway...let's move on to the stuff I'm supposed to blog about...

Ok, so....we did an experiment that separated water. But, the water didn't really go away, it was still there. The hydrogen atoms just stuck to the end of the pencil (graphite). Graphite is an electrical conductor. Here is some pictures of what we did. Then I'll explain. 

The separation of hydrogen and oxygen in water is called Electrolysis. Electrolysis is "Physical Chemistry. the passage of an electric current through anelectrolyte with subsequent migration of positively and negatively charged ions to the negative and positive electrodes." (Source from Dictionary.com)

We got a 9 volt battery and attached bald electrical wire to the anode and cathode, or in other words, the positive and negative parts of the battery. We sharpened 2 pencils on each end and shoved them through a piece of thin cardboard. We placed that in a glass of water, salt water to be exact. Then we attached the wires are were attached to the battery to the graphite on the pencil parts sticking out of the water. After some adjustments, we finally got it to work. THERE WERE HYDROGEN BUBBLES ON THE END OF ONE OF THE PENCILS THAT WAS IN THE WATER!!! Hydrogen was collected around the cathode or the positive charged pencil. The other pencil had chlorine gas bubbles form because a secondary chemical reaction happens in experiments like this one. The oxygen atoms combine with the salt in the liquid and get stuck. They form hydroxyl ions. And well, that's pretty much all I got on this. But, it was a pretty COOL chemistry experiment..

chem dance

This is Mom's little bird friend. It's a mourning dove. They are called that because their cry is very sad. He hangs out on our deck. He even sleeps under the chair that's on the deck. We think he's doing that because he's hurt. Either that, or he just likes us....

Me on the tread mill. I listened to Daniel Defoe's Robinson Crusoe.

Anyway, see ya later, alligator! I've got other work to do. 

Stay tuned 'til next time!

TO BE CONTINUED......

P.S. I'm writing a story called, Once, Twice, 3 times the Imagining. Coming to a blog near you!

November 18, 2014 A snowy update....

It's really deep outside! Everything is completely colorless. It's completely white! I cannot wait to get in it. It's so fun! We're just waiting for it to slow down a bit. And I'm jealous because Little Rock, AR is getting sunshine!!!!! And I don't like the sun that much, but I would like some color.

We gonna watch a movie until it slows down a bit out there.....I recommend not going outside if you're in this area. If you have sensory issues like me, you'll get a headache. can barely see anything!!!!

I'll update later.

p.s. - I'm going to have a snowball fight with Lilly!!!

YOU WILL BE TRAPPED!!

We are behind the "wall" of snow. Buffalo (front of photo) has none!