Alex's Blog

God's Children

2009-06-15T20:18:00.000-07:00

Today we watched a movie about the poverty. There are a lot of poor people out there. They don't have enough money to buy food and go to school, even though they know education may be the only way to leave the poverty. Most of them live in the dirty dump, along with the garbage. One time, the garbage mountains collaped and it took many lives away. The government, however, shot down the dump. Instead of giving the poor people a place to stay and solve the problem, they decided to ignore and did nothing about it. In the end, the poor still did not have a place to stay, not to mention the healthy food and better living environment.

Aftering watching the movie, I feel that we are so lucky to have a good life here. Look around, we all have a decent place to live, all kinds of food that we can choose, and the more important thing is that we can choose which school to study. Compared to the poor people in the movie, I think we should appreciate more what we have right now, instead of complaining what we do not have.

Causes of Poverty by Anup Shah

2009-06-14T06:44:00.000-07:00

Author Shah on March 22, 2009 wrote an article about the causes of poverty. At the beginning of the article, there is a list of the facts of the poverty. For example, nearly a billion people in 21st century are illiterate. Shah stated that the brief causes of poverty were mentioned more often than the deeper and more global causes of poverty. In fact, the global causes played an important role in the causes of poverty.

The writer believed that the globalization was needed to put into account. Since the globalization made the world connected closely, it also marketed the captalism all over world. So it made the wealthy and powerful even more wealthy and powerful. The poor countries still stayed poor and poor. In the end, the poor countries will not have any chance to improve their life, health system, lowering the rate of the illiterate, GDP, and etc.

I think the author made a good point about the causes of poverty. The poor countries had little chance to improve their own life when the rest of the more wealthy countries are interconnectedness. They had hard time to get involved in the global activities since the poor countries had little money and power. The global point of view was actually an excellent point toward the causes of the poverty, instead of the internal causes.

http://www.globalissues.org/issue/2/causes-of-poverty

Aphorism #5

2009-05-25T19:22:00.000-07:00

“Be hopeful but not foolishly hopeful.”

We are used to and asked to be helpful when we are in the negative emotion or in a bad situation. We try to think of the bright side of the situation and look for the good things happen soon. For example, right now the economy is bad and lots of companied bankrupts. But we are still hopeful and think that the bad time will be over soon. The market will be back and everything will be good again. This is what we mean “hopeful.”

However, we do not recommend “foolishly hopeful.” What is foolishly hopeful? When people are foolishly hopeful, they are looking for something that is not going to happen or doing nothing to them. For example, people who are in their 40’s are hopeful to be like 20’s or go back to their 20’s. This is foolishly hopeful some people have. They are hopeful to something that is not going to happen. It is almost like these people live in the unreal world and at the same time, they waste their energy and time in hoping something that will not happen. So I think the aphorism tells us that we should be optimistic and hopeful but not hopeful for something will not do anything good to us or even will never happen to us.

How do electrolytes work in our body?

2009-05-22T23:23:00.000-07:00

There are electrolytes in our body and this is why we are conductive. Not only the electrolytes play the conductive role, but also play a very physical role in our body. If we are lack of electrolytes in our body, some of our body system will become imbalanced, such as our hydration and pH.

Electrolytes are mainly composed of sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), and chloride (Cl−) in our body. When they are released in the liquid, they will release the ions. Ions are the very important things to make the electrolytes conductive. So when our body is conductive, it also makes the heart beat, makes the muscle work and makes the nerve convey its messages. So electrolytes actually help our body keep working.

The sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), and chloride (Cl−) are also very important to keep our pH balanced. If there is an imbalance on the electrolytes, there will be an imbalance on the hydration and pH. So when we finish exercising, we need to replace some water and electrolytes. This is also the reason why electrolytes are usually found in sports drinks.

Aphorism #4

2009-05-18T19:18:00.000-07:00

“When you are utterly frustrated or angry, express these feelings. You don’t have to be nice all the time just most of the time.”

We are taught to be nice to people even though we are mad or angry. I guess this is so common in the Chinese culture. Sometimes I am so angry, but I still wear a smile to the person I am angry at. However, in fact, we do not have to be so nice all the time. Once a while, we should express what we really think and just behave like it. There is nothing wrong with it. I think this way is healthier to our body.

On the other hand, when we express our negative emotion, we should keep in mind that we do not mean to hurt anyone. We just show what the current state in our mind, not trying to harm anything or cause damage to our friendships and other relationships to different people.
So, when we are angry, once a while we don't have to keep it, we can express it on our face. We express it but don't mean to hurt people. We can shout out loudly, or hit something, just don't hurt other people or ourselves.

Lightning & Rubber Shoes

2009-05-18T05:21:00.000-07:00

It is believed that lightning is a form of static discharge. Static discharge means that some particles (usually electrons) leave its object and move to different place. So what does the lightning cause? It is has to do the static discharge in the storms. When there is a storm in the sky, it will make the clouds and particles in the sky dash to one another. When they push one another violently, their electrons and protons separate or the electrons move to somewhere else. After a while, all electrons and protons are separated. The positive charged will stay on the top of the clouds and the negative charged will move to the bottom of the clouds. When the negative charged are at the bottom of the clouds, it will induce the positive charged from the surface of the ground. Again, the negative charged from the bottom of the clouds move to the surface of the ground where the positive charged exist. When the negative charged move, there is some energy from the release of the discharging process. It is the releasing energy that causes the lightning.
During a storm, it is better to wear rubber shoes because rubber is one of the insulators. Insulator can make the charge difficult to move or pass. So when we wear rubber shoes in a storm, the charge cannot pass on our bodies and we can avoid the lightning or thunder on our heads.

Aphorism #3

2009-05-14T19:24:00.000-07:00

“Don’t assume that it’s too late to be involved in something.”

It's always not too late to get involved in something if you really want to learn. Just work hard, then you will be good at something even you were not good at before. Just start it right the moment when you feel like it. Like some old men and ladies that do not work hard or can't study when they were young. But they continue their education when they are old. In few years, they also graduate from the schools. Just work hard if you really want to do something.

Sometimes we think we are too old to do something and think we are too late to do something we really want to do. But we do not realize that we are so conditioned in the culture and we do what people think we should do. There is no right time to do anything, instead of investment in a bad market. My point is that people should do whatever they want to do even though they are old. It is always not too late to do things that can satisfy one self.

Aphorism #2

2009-05-11T19:24:00.000-07:00

“Learn forgive yourself and to forgive others.”

Human beings make mistakes. Everyone does some mistakes in his/her lifetime. So it's very important to learn about forgiving one self and forgiving others. We need to try control our emotion when we feel like blaming people’s or our mistakes because there is no need to put our emotion in the situation. Don't be mad when people makes mistake. Being angry and unhappy is not helpful to the situation where the mistakes are done.

Instead of blaming to ourselves or others, we should think about how to solve the problems. To be productive and optimistic is also important when we look at the bad things. If we do not forgive ourselves and others and we stay in the angry and negative emotion all the time, we will not be happy and probably live in a miserable life. Therefore, learning forgiving ourselves and others is very important in our life.

Aphorism #1

2009-05-06T19:29:00.000-07:00

“Get a much help as you can when you need.”

It means that when we need help, we should ask for it and don't be afraid of asking. We should get much help as we can. It can make things that we are working on more successful and easier. The more important is that we can solve the problem that we are not able to solve. Sometimes we are too shy to ask for help or we think it is a shame to ask for people’s help. In fact, asking for help and taking care of each other is one of the purposes that people live in a same community.

On the other hand, we can also help others. When people need help, we can help them as well.

what would a day be like without electricity

2009-05-06T05:21:00.000-07:00

If I don't have eletricity for a day, I can't use my phone and computer. The only thing I will do is sleep for the whole day, or read some books in the day time because it will be dark at night. It will be a big inconvenience for me. My schedule will depend on the sunlight since I cannot have enough light in the night time. So the only time I can do my homework is in the day. Also, the high speed railroad cannot run and operate since it needs electricity. If the high speed railroad is not running, how can I go to school on time every day. I may have to get up more earlier such as 3 am and head out to school. That is crazy.... Anyway, I think my life will be a mess and go crazy without electricity.

The Moral of The Pearl

2009-04-29T05:16:00.000-07:00

Steinback wrote an excellent story about how the Pearl of world changes the main character, Kino's life and his future. At the very beginning of the story, Kino and his family have a very smooth and simple life. Everything seems peaceful and nothing has to worry about. But once his son was poisoned, his life has a goal, to save his son's life. When he is not accepted by the doctor, he went to the ocean and tries his luck to see if he can find anything valuable. Fortunately, he finds the pearl of the world, a great grey pearl.

When he finds the pearl, he starts to dream about how different his life and his family will be. At the same time, people live in the same village also think about how to take the pearl away from Kino. That is because people only see the wealth the pearl will bring to them. They do not see other things else, such as the moral of being a good person, and not stealing things from their neighbors. People become greedy, so does Kino. Even though he is almost killed by a stranger, he still insists to keep the pearl. He also puts his family in danger and finally his son is killed in a fight. So Kino finally realizes the consequence of his greed and throws the pearl in the sea.

I think the moral of the book is to tell people that we should be satisfied what we already have and not be greedy of the things we do not have. If we can control our desire for money, we can have a more peaceful life.

The Diary # 5

2009-04-25T00:03:00.000-07:00

Date: April 25, 2009

Today is the third day since the day I won the lottery. I keep thinking how can I spend the money. But I decide to save the remaining money for emergency. Also I want to have a trip to France next Spring with my friends. So I think it is smart to deposit the money in my bank account.

However, I got a phone call from my close relative. She is my cousin. She told me that she needs some money to open a businese and she asks if I can lend some money to her. I was in a dilemma for a moment. I wonder if I can have my money back in a year if her businese is a success. But I do not want to be thought as rude or cruel. Finally, I denied her suggestion. I think I make the right choice in the end.

The Diary # 4

2009-04-24T23:54:00.001-07:00

Date: April 24, 2009

I woke up at the same time as usual. But I feel released because I think I do not have to study that hard and get a good job to make money. I already have the money in my pocket. But I still do the same things, going to school, doing my homework, and hanging with my friends. I just feel less pressure on my shoulder. I become more easy-going. Still, I appreciate all the things I have. I do not waste anything... I think I will, but in fact, I am still the same me.

Today I donate 10% of the money to the organization which deals with the students who do not have the money to pay their tuition. I always want to do something for these people but I did not have the extra money before. Now I can make it and make this move. I am kind of proud of myself. I also buy my friends and my family meals, lunch and dinner. I am not stingy at all. I like to share the extra fortune and lucky with my family and friends.

Earth day !!!!! :)

2009-04-23T19:22:00.000-07:00

April 22 is the day of the earth. It is also the day that reminds us of appreciating our earth. We should do our best to recycle items, turn off the air condition when it is not needed, ride the bike instead of driving the cars and so on. There are so many things we can do to save the earth.

Our earth is dying now, we should take more care of it. Let the earth extend its existence. On the other hand, we should think of our future and the next generation's. If our environment keeps worse, it is difficult for human beings, any animal and plant to live on earth. If the earth is destroyed, there is no way to replace it. We should think hard of it.

The Diary # 3

2009-04-23T07:46:00.000-07:00

Date: April 23, 2009
Today, I won the lottery and now I have a lof of cash in my pocket. People knew I won the lottery and I felt like they wanted to know how I spend the money. My friends asked me for help, of course money wise. My relatives who seldom talk called me to congraduate me for the locky and asked me what time I can have dinner with them. Good friends and "okay" friends called me today. I thanked for their care but now I just wanted to think for my own and figured it our how to make use of the money.

I felt I am still the same person. But people treated me differently, they always smiled to me and tried to know how I will spend the money. I am kind of not used to the changes and I just wanted to do my things without other people's attention, not at all. I was watched everywhere people knew me. In the late evening, I finally spent a little portion of the money to buy a new eletronic guitar which I had been looking for. But I dare not go out. I shopped online because I did not want to be noticed. So far, I just do like to be watched. So I went to bed a little early only because I was tired of being watched instead of being exhausted of fantasy.

Tha diary #2

2009-04-22T06:17:00.000-07:00

Date: April 21, 2009

This morning I got up 5 minutes late and almost missed my train. Today I finally noticed that my clock was 10 minutes late compared to the clock in the train station. No wonder I was always in a hurry when I caught a bus. I had my breakfast in the train and read the newspaper. I learned that the burned infant was dead. I spent 1 minute to wish their family fine.

I went to class as my schedule and talked to my friends. I was at home at the same time as usual. I had a good dinner today with my family. I watched a movie tonight and played a little bit guitar after doing my homework. I went to bed 1 hour late because I cannot fall asleep. I sensed something different in my room.

The diary # 1

2009-04-22T05:45:00.000-07:00

Date: April 20, 2009

I woke up at 5 and took a quick shower. I changed clothes, got on the car and waited till I arrived the school. I started the first class, and had lunch and played some guitar during break time with my friends. I went to class again. The all thing repeated every day.

When the school was over, i chilled out with my friends. then I got on the taxi and went to high speed railroad station. I got home, did homework, and had some chat with friends. Finally I went to bed and slept. I waited for the same thing happened tomorrow and the day after tomorrow, it will never change.

Hooters Girls Battle Man Hiding In Car

2009-04-19T01:36:00.000-07:00

Christopher Childers, 40, was arrested because he hided in two 19-year-old girls' car when they walk into a Wal-Mart to do some shopping. He liked the two girls so he waited in their cars and wanted to do something bad toward them. There was somehting interesting about the crime was that the male said that he thought the two girls are easy. I was not sure about what he said that. Did he mean that the two girls are easy to rob or easy to make friends with them. I think he was trying to do something sexual haraassment to the two girls. This news let me think that girls usually have more difficult time than men becuase females are physically inferior than men.
http://www.wsbtv.com/news/19208184/detail.html#-

5 Found Dead Inside Middletown Home

2009-04-19T01:17:00.000-07:00

At least five people are dead after relatives found them in a Middletown home.
Frederick County deputies said that a caller told police that there were five people dead in a house. They were a husband, a wife and three kids. The police said that the father killed all his family members and killed himself after murdering his family. The kids were still very young. I found the news is very sad and scaring. How could a father kill his own wife and young kids? The neighbors said that the father looked fine like usual and they could not imagine he killed his family. The news let me feel like human beings' life is so unpredictable. We should appreciate what we have and love our family, instead of destroying them.

http://www.wbaltv.com/cnn-news/19217140/detail.html

The Pearl #1

2009-04-15T04:55:00.000-07:00

1. How would you change if you had a lot of money? What your personality be different?
If I am rich, I may buy a lot of stuff and perhaps, waste the money I have. In other words, I may not appreciate my personal items that much compared to my current stage. If I have a lot of money, I may waste my money because I can always buys things even though I do not need them. In terms of my personality, I may be more proud of myself since I can easily get things I want. But I am still nice and friendly to my friends and relatives. I will not be mean or treat them in a bad way.

2. Would you ever take a risk to reach a goal?
I think I am the person who takes a risk to reach a goal. Once I find a goal for myself, I will try my best and overcome the obstacles come to my way. At the point, I will not think too much of my own safety and I will do everything satisfies my goal. I remember one day i'm so thirsty, and i want to go seven-eleven to buy a drink. So I don't care about the traffic light and the cars. I only want to go buy a drink. This may not completely describe my taking a risk, but can reveal something about myself.

3. Would you ever hurt members of you family just so you could be accepted by friends?
I would like not to hurt anyone in my family. If I do, there must be some reasons which make me hurt them. On the other hand, my friends are very important to me. Also I only accept something reasonable. So I will not hurt my members of my family only because I want to be accepted by friends. If I hurt my family, that is because there are some apparent reasons, instead of acceptance of friends.

5 dead in Florida boating accident, official says

2009-04-13T05:23:00.000-07:00

There were 12 people abroad the boat which was crashed because of a boating accident near Jacksonville, Florida, on Sunday evening. The were 5 people found dead and the remaining 7 people were serious injured, sent to the hospital.

When the accident happened, the rescuers were not able to arrive the dock because the dock was not finished. So they had to put some wood sheets on the water to rescue the victims.

I feel sorry to these people and think they are unlucky. I think they may not die if the dock is finished and people who had serious injuries may just have bruises. I wonder if they wear any life vest on the board. Maybe 5 people dead because they did not wear any life vest.

http://edition.cnn.com/2009/US/04/12/florida.boat.accident/index.html

L'Aquila Earthquake (2009)

2009-04-12T18:18:00.000-07:00

The wake of a deadly earthquake that killed nearly 300 people and left some 45,000 homeless, it's a poignant reality they must live with. "It is hard for us to believe right now," the Archbishop of L'Aquila told those assembled for an emotional Easter Mass. "But we must pray, we must pray that God gives us hope.

I think it is nice that the Pope and other bishops comfort the people and pray for them during the Easter. It shows that the world is warm and there is still hope for these suffering people. I think people all over the world should help them financially or pray for them.

But it is lucky that people from Taiwan travelled to Italy and got back safely without hurt. After this horrible stuff happen, many people go to the church and pray for people who were dead or became homeless. I hope people who lost their family or home can recover soon for the loss. God bless them.

http://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/science/topics/earthquakes/laquila_italy_2009/index.html?scp=2&sq=Deadly%20Earthquake%20Shakes%20Central%20Italy&st=cse

Taiwan’s Former President Goes on Trial for Corruption by Michael Wines

2009-03-31T08:05:00.000-07:00

The Taiwan former president is going to jail because of the corruption. Police has prove that he might use country's money to afford his own stuff. But he thinks he is good, and a perfect president. Before the trial, there was a statement from Mr. Chen and he mentioned that the whole trial was conducted by the current President Ma, Ying-Jiu, who wanted to win favor with China’s government. Mr. Chen said that it was a political suppression because he supported that Taiwan should be independent from China when he was the president of Taiwan. I wonder how much money did Ms. Wu take from the whole illegal matters? I wonder if all the former presidents “took” money as well. If they did, they must do something good in some ways so they were covered. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/27/world/asia/27taiwan.html?ref=world

Blood Red Horse Chapter 11

2009-03-31T06:48:00.000-07:00

Saracens in Acre surrendered because they were not able to defend Acre any more. The Saracen hostages were more than 3000 in Acre. King Richard tried to have an agreement with Saladin, the leader of the Saracens. But Saladin refused to pay the ransom money. So the Christian knights decided to kill the captives. It was a massacre. I think what the Christian crusaders did at Acre was terrible and immoral. It was cruel to kill the people who had no hostility and resistance. I will never agree with what they did at Acre. I do not think their God will open the door to heaven based on the massacre they did. Their behaviors only showed that they were barbarians. Through this event, I think the Christianity here is not a good model to follow because they only did whatever satisfied themselves and did not care for other kinds. I think the Christianity let its owe people do whatever benefited and satisfied themselves. While activating the massacre, Hosanna refused to move forward and joined the activity. I think Hosanna tried to tell William that it was a wrong thing to do. The horse had some intelligence and can sense what was good and what was bad.

In Trinidad, a Painted Lady in Distress by David Shaftel

2009-03-30T10:34:00.000-07:00

Port of Spain, Trinidad has a lot of historical buildings which can be traced to 1900. Even though they are beautiful and historically valuable, but they are not easy to maintain. Almost every rain season, there is a new leak in the building. In fact, the owners have to spend a lot of money to renovate the, sometimes three times of the expense to renovate than the price to buy. Right now, there are several buildings are for sale. Most of the owners rebuild the buildings with modern furniture and designs. Some run them as B&B. But there are also some preservationists calling for the preservation campaigns in Trinidad. They try to preserve the building as many as possible. There are also laws and fine for the owners and buyers who torn down the historical buildings. I personally agree to preserve the historical buildings. But the government or preservation organizations should help the owners fix their buildings down the line. Otherwise, when the owners cannot afford the expense, they will eventually tear the buildings down. On the other side, I also think everyone has the choice to rebuild his/her own house no matter what type of the building is. Is it fair to receive a fine by rebuilding one self’s house?
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/13/garden/13trinidad.html?ref=americas

A River Runs Through It

2009-03-28T05:08:00.000-07:00

The last sentence of the novel, the author says “I am haunted by waters.” I think he likes waters, especially the water his family and he went a lot when he was little. Also waters were the places his brother, Paul, and him spent most time together. Besides, they were waters he thought like stories. He mentioned that reading rivers was like reading stories. Also, the author started thinking of this story when he sat besides waters. So when he looked at waters, he also thought of his family, his parents, his brother, and his stories. Most the important events happened in his life were related to waters and rivers, such as his stories, fly fishing with his father and Paul, his mediation, and Paul’s death. So I think waters reminded him of his important moments in his life. So he said “I am haunted by waters.”

In the book the character I like the most is Norman. I think he is a very responsible person and he tries to take care of his brother. Also, he is a considerate person. Even though he does not like Jessie’s mother and brother, he is still polite to them .
The character I like the least is Neal. I think he is a selfish person who only cares about himself. He does whatever he wants and rude to people.

In terms of the major lesson we can take from this novel, I think it is about help. The major theme in the book is about giving helps to the person we think is in need. In the story, there are some people trying their best to help Paul live his life peacefully and happily. The story explains why the helps people need are not obtainable and why the helps people offer are not wanted. If the helpers and the people in need can understand the essence of the meaning of help, there will be a good chance to make a positive result of help.

New Status in Africa Empowers an Ever-Eccentric Qaddafi

2009-03-25T04:57:00.000-07:00

In the article “New Status in Africa Empowers an Ever-Eccentric Qaddafi “ by Michael Slackman, it mentions how Col. Muammar el-Qaddafi in Libya became a leader in “United States of Africa.” The africa has a new leader and his name is Colonel Qaddafi. Everyone expects good results from him at the very beginning, but right now people are concerned about their situation. Colonel Qaddafi tries very hard to be a leader in Africa and wants to be someone influential in the world. Last month, he was selected to leas the 53-nation African Union. He ran a campaign and made people believed that he will make their life much easier and they will all make money. However, the truth is that people suffer and the problem of illegal immigrants will slow down the progress of the civilization. Instead of sending these illegal people back home, Col. Muammar el-Qaddafi kept them in Libya and showed people he had the sympathy. In fact, he just wanted his mercy to be seen by the other countries, such as European countries. So one day they will allow these illegal people to live their countries. The more important reason he did not send these people home is because he can save money in this way. In the end, the ambitious leader wants to become more powerful in his leadership in the future. After reading this article, I wonder how people in Libya can empower Qaddafi since the life in Libya does not become better. It looks like it only benefits Qaddafi. I wonder if the consequence is related to the average degree of education in Libya. I think if people are educated, they will not allow these kinds of things happened. Or I should say that all the problems existed because of the economic issues in Libya, a poor country. I hope the situation will change a year later since Colonel Qaddafi will serve only a one-year term as chairman of the African Union.

Nations Near Arctic Declare Polar Bears Threatened by Climate Change” by Andrew C. Revkin

2009-03-24T10:44:00.000-07:00

According to the article “Nations Near Arctic Declare Polar Bears Threatened by Climate Change”, it mentions that the polar bears now are under risks of the global warming. The statement was from a three-day meeting in Norway, and the countries participating were the United States, Norway, Canada, Russia and Denmark. It is believed that the emission of greenhouse gases causes the global change and global change causes the climate change. Even though the polar bears are protected by cutting down the hunting, they are still in the danger of the climate change. From my viewpoint, no matter how we protect the polar bears from hunting, we still have to stop and slow down the climate change because the polar bears will not survive under the warm temperature. The polar bears are the icon for us to foresee what things will happen if the temperature continues rising. One of them is the extinction of many species. After reading this article, I wonder how and how much we can do about the climate change.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/20/science/earth/20bears.html?_r=2&ref=science

Taiwan Culture- Taiwanese Foods

2009-03-21T23:26:00.000-07:00

This video is from traveling channel, the Bizarre Foods. The host, Andrew, goes to different countries and tries different kinds of bizarre foods. This time he went to Shilin night market. Firstly, he tired oyster omelette. It's oyster with eggs, cabbage and sweet sauce on it. He thinks it's sweet, light and a little bit chewy. He also mentioned that it tastes wonderful. Personally, I like oyster omelette very much. I like the taste of the oyster with the eggs. Also the sweet sauce makes the flavor even better. I always have a oyster omelette every time I go to the Shilin night market. Later on, he tried fried chicken butts. He likes it too and he said it is delicious, even thought he was reluctant to try it at the first place. Somehow, I did not think he will try it again since he still resisted to the chicken butts after his first bite. I do not like chicken butts either, no matter how they were cooked. I just think butts are not clean and somehow I feel they are disgusting. In the end, he also tried coffin bread. It's made of bread that looks like coffin. The host, Andrew liked it and he said that it is crunchy outside and soft inside, the filling. Overall, it is brilliant. I personally like it very much and I agree with his statement. In the end, he likes the bizarre foods in Taiwan and said there are the huge variety of foods in Taiwan. I agree with him and I think the Shilin night market is also a place for families, couples, and friends to hang out. People will have wonderful time in this place.

Reading Journal #6 March 21, 2009

2009-03-21T00:22:00.000-07:00

Two Quotations:

1. How can a question be answered that asks a lifetime of questions? (p. 103)

2. Now nearly all those I loved and did not understand when I was young are dead, but I still reach out to them (p. 104).

Reflection:

In the last pages of the story, the writer reflected the last fishing with Paul and his father as their last time to go fly fishing together. In the end, Paul was killed and his body abandoned in the Big Blackfoot River. After their knowing of Paul's death, his father continued to ask if anything will change if he help Paul in some ways. So Paul would not die and be killed. This reminds me that sometimes I will ask myself if things will change if I do not or I do something beforehand. For example, when I stay up and try to finish my homework, I will tell myself" if I do this earlier, then I will not have to stay up late and do my homework. The interesting part is that even though I have experienced staying up late to finish my homework so many times, I do not learn my lesson. I guess I just like to stay up late and enjoy the quietness of the mid-night.

Questions:

1. Do you think Paul will not be killed if the writer and their father do something to help him?

2. Do you think the write tell everything about Paul's death to his father? Why?

Reading Journal #5 March 19, 2009

2009-03-19T02:10:00.000-07:00

Two Quotations:
1.Help is giving part of yourself to somebody who comes to accept it willingly and needs it badly (p.81).
2.When I was young, a teacher had forbidden me to say “more perfect” because she said if a thing is perfect it can’t be more so (p.88).
My Reflection:
After Paul and the writer went to their parents’ place from Jessie’s place, they had a great time with their parents. They first had a good dinner and a nice talk. The following day, the brothers went fishing with their father. During the fishing time, the writer mentioned that Paul always can catch every kind of fish he wanted to catch with very limited types of flies. The writer also said that Paul won over him because he never borrowed any flies from him. Well, I think some artists did a great job in their works with very limited tools. But I do not think this is the only criterion to judge their success. It is also based on the quality of the outcomes. Like in the story, Paul did catch good and beautiful fish and only used 4 or 5 types of flies. This is a success. However, I do agree that people who make use of their skill with limited tools and do an excellent job deserve more respect than those who have a lot of tools and materials. I guess it is also a good excuse when one fails catching big fish; just simply say that “I am short of flies.” I find out one of my friend used to apply the excuse every time he fails in doing something by blaming that he is short of the tools.
Questions:
1. If you were Neal, will you come back again and visit his family?
2.Do you agree that “more perfect” is incorrect? Have you ever experience “more perfect?”

Braveheart!

2009-03-17T02:18:00.000-07:00

The movie”Braveheart” is a story about a Scotsman called William Wallace (Mel Gibson) and his fight for the freedom of the Scottish people from the English. After seeing the death of his wife, killed by an English man, William got together the Scott people’s power to fight with the English. Very soon the personal revenge turned into a national crusade. In the film, it showed that people in Scotland had distinct social classes. The outfits of the lower class were always grey and ragged. They lived in the village and there were no tiles on the ground. They were mud. However, the people from higher class had a feast very often. They drank and ate meat. They dressed themselves nice and clean. From the very beginning of the movie, I think the society in Scotland was a little backward. There were some privileges for the nobility. One of them, I found it is ridiculous, was that the lord of Scotland can have the right to spend the night with any newly married Scottish bride on the wedding night. It can tell the nobility has some many power over the lower class people. In the very beginning, people were obedient to the rules. It can be told that the Scottish people lived in the society of repression and fear under the ruling of the nobility and the England. But their passion for the freedom was arisen when William had a campaign about their freedom. A lot people were convinced and joined the “crusade” in the end.

Reading Journal #4 March 16, 2009

2009-03-16T03:07:00.000-07:00

Two Quotations:
1.One of life’s quiet excitement is to stand somewhat apart from yourself and watch yourself softly becoming the author of something beautiful, even if it is only a floating ash (p.43).
2.Poets talk about “spots of time,” but it is really fishermen who experience eternity compressed into a moment. No one can tell what a spot of time is until suddenly the whole world is a fish and the fish is gone (p.44).
My Reflection:
The writer had a hard time to get along with his mother-in-law and his brother-in-law, Neal. So he decided to spend time with Paul and drove to their cabin away from his wife’s home. When they arrived there, the writer finally found a chance to ask if Paul needed help for money or anything else. This time, Paul did not answer and changed the subject to fly fishing. Later on, Neal and his companion, Old Rawhide drove all the way there to join the two brothers. Neal’s purpose for joining them was not that he liked to go fly fishing, but always from the home as well. Later, they went fly fishing together. This time around, Paul brought up an idea that he wanted to leave Montana and went to the West Coast. He wanted to go to a different place and do something different. Also, he wanted to be away from troubles, like the one he had few days ago. But a moment later, he decided to stay in Montana and will never leave the place. I think it is hard to leave a place where one is used to it. It is easier to live this way even though life becomes a cycle and every day seems the same. But I think maybe it will be fun to study abroad and experience something different. I spent couple years in Australia when I was younger and I found it interesting and enjoyable. If I had a chance, I will study abroad again.
Questions:
1.If you were Paul, will you make the same choice and stay in Montana forever?
2.On Page 45, the writer asked Paul directly if he needed any help. Would you do the same thing like he did, making the points directly? Why?

Reading Journal #3 March 15, 2009

2009-03-15T02:57:00.000-07:00

Two Quotations:
1.I took my time walking down the trail, trying with each step to leave the world behind (p.37).
2.The hardest thing usually to leave behind, as was the case now, can loosely be called the conscience (p.37).
My Reflection:
After the writer took Paul home from the police station, they did not talk about what happened in that night Paul had a fight with a guy. Once they had a chance to talk, there were third person around them and also Paul was away from all the people. He basically went fly fishing upstream, instead of joining other people. Therefore, the writer was thinking about how to break the silence between Paul and him and tried to figure it out how to help him. This reminds me that sometimes I try to talk about something important to my friends after there is a misunderstanding going on between us. It is usually difficult to have a start/opening. Or I should call it ice-breaker. Somehow I just do not know how to approach them and start a conversation, especially after we have an argument. I guess sometimes a sense of humor is very helpful in this case. Sometimes I think it is easier to talk to a stranger than a best friend.
Questions:
1.Page 32, “There was something deep in Neal that compelled him to lie to experts, even though they knew best that he was lying.” What do you think of the something? Alcohol? Arrogance? Stupidity?
2.Do you have an experience that you do not know how to start a conversation with your best friend/sisters/brothers? What was that about? If you made the start, how did you do?

Reading Journal #2 March 12, 2009

2009-03-12T07:11:00.000-07:00

Two Quotations:
1.Thoughts about fly fishing are often carried on in dialogue form where Hope and
Fear-or, many times, two Fears- try to outweigh each other (p.18).
2. Sunrise is the time to feel that you will be able to find out how to help somebody close to you who you think needs help even if he doesn’t think so (p. 28).
My Reflection:
During the reading from page 11-30, the writer mentions the relationship between Paul and him, including his experiences to go fly fishing together and to take Paul home from a police office after Paul hurt someone in a restaurant. It can tell that the write wants to help his brother to be optimistic to his own life, instead of street fighting and drinking alcohol. I think it is hard to help someone close to us if we, as helpers, do not understand the person who we are going to help. Or I should say that we want to help, but do not know how to do it. Sometimes we want to help the poor and the disable, but we do not know how to help them. So we choose the easier way, money donation.
Questions:
1.Page 11, the writer mentions that in his town, people know his brother and him are the Preacher’s kids, and most mothers prevent from pointing them out to their children. Do you think these women refrain from pointing them because they respect them as the preacher’s kids, or demean them because they are street fighters? Why?
2.If you were the writer, how could you help Paul? Go flyfishing?

After the Fall of the Roman Empire

2009-03-11T07:32:00.000-07:00

When the Roman Empire divided into Western Roman Empire and Eastern Roman Empire (Byzantine Empire) in 397 AD, people in Europe suffered from outside invasion. In 476 AD, the Germanic chief Odoacer successfully conquered the Western Roman Empire; it ended the history of the Roman Empire, which lasted for 12 centuries. During the period of Roman Empire, the emperors had absolute power in political and military aspects. In fact, Roman Empire was an autocratic empire and the emperors owned the empire. Therefore, after the fall of the Roman Empire, most people were confused because the empire/king lost the power. Somehow, there was no proud to be a Roman because the citizenship did not work. It was almost like that a membership in a club but cannot have any benefit. Therefore, people in Europe looked for comfort from the church and denoted themselves to their religion, Christianity. People followed the rules made by the Pope. In other words, the power of the empires transferred to the Church. In terms of the social class, there were different social classes in Roman Empire. They were divided based on the property and military force. For example, the richest class was Senatorial class because these people had political power and their own army. But the truth was that they had the wealth to own all the things. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the social status was ruled by the feudalism, which was the land-based system. The social classes can be easily divided into two, the upper class and the lower class. All in all, people in Europe changed after the fall of Roman Empire, as least from the governmental, religious and social aspects.

Reading Journal #1 March, 11 2009

2009-03-10T20:26:00.000-07:00

The River runs through it (page 1-10)
We read about ten pages today in class. It is the introduction of the main characters. The main characters are the brothers, Paul and Norman. They live in Montana. The popular activity there is fly fishing. There father is the person who teaches fly fishing.
Two quotations: "Power comes not from power everywhere, but from knowing where to put it on." "All good things-trout as well as eternal salvation-come by grace and grace comes by art and art does not come easy." While reading the section talking about the differences of the brothers, I wonder how it feels like when the siblings feel that they are different. Is it good to be different? Do the differences between the brothers make them apart and not that close to each other? I am the only child in my family and I do not know how it feels. I guess it is okay to be different from the siblings when there is no misunderstanding. I think the more important thing is to respect each other. Quesitons to discuss with my group: If you have younger brothers or younger sisters, do you think they are just kids? Why? If you have older brothers or older sisters, do you think they treat you as a kid? Why?

A Place I Like to Live

2009-03-09T20:05:00.000-07:00

The place that I want to live most is Australia. I was born there and studied there for 4 years. It is a beautiful place and it does not rain a lot like Taiwan. It has very pretty and natural mountains and desserts. I also remembered that I went to the beach a lot. People there like to go out and enjoy themselves during the weekend. Besides, Australia people I met over there are friendly and open-minded. Also, there are big shopping malls over there. I went there very often to buy candies and cookies when I was small. I had a lot of good memories in Australia. Therefore, if I can choose, I will love to live in Australia.

The Sun Also Rises!

2009-03-05T06:51:00.000-08:00

The title of the book “The Sun Also Rises” was from the Hebrew Bible. The complete sentence was "The sun also ariseth, and the sun goeth down, and hasteth to his place where he arose." This was just what Hemingway conveyed in this book. He tried to convince the “Lost Generation” to have hopes to their future. The time after WWI was bad but there were still hopes in the future. Therefore, the sun will also rise even though they had a bad time the day before. It also encouraged people to be optimistic to the future.

Nitrogen Passport Reflection

2009-03-04T18:35:00.001-08:00

1. Why didn't everybody go to the same stations in the same order?
Since everyone started at different stations and the different number everyone rolled, the chance everyone had the same was very low. Some may start at the animal waste, some river, and some atmosphere. Also, dies controlled where we wented and what cycle we headed to. We cannot conrtrol the order of the stations we went in this activity.

2. Did you go to the same stations twice? If so, what does this tell us about cycles?
I did go to the same stations twice. The cycles repeats, but it doesn't
have to start at specific point in the cycle. In other words, the cycle can start any point of the cycle and will go back to the same point where it starts.

3. Was there one station that seemed to have a lot of people at it ? Why or Why not?
Yes, the Atmosphere station seemed to have more people in the activity. I think it is because there are more ways to get to the atmosphere. It shows that in the cycle of the atmosphere, there are many resources.

4. What do you think the point of this activity was?
I think the point of the activity was to understand how nitrogen cycle around our environment, including the atmosphere, animal waste, river, dead plants.... I learned that nitrogen can travel from one place to other place and have its own cycle. Also, the atmosphere had more resource from different places.

To believe, or not to believe

2009-03-04T08:41:00.000-08:00

It is difficult to agree or disagree with that feudalism was existed in the Middle Ages. In fact, I think that most historical events were not 100% true. So I chose to believe whatever made sense to me. So, was feudalism really existed in the Middle Ages? I think so. Feudalism was basically a feudal system which the landlord (usually a king) gave his/her land to his/her vassals in return for military services/aids. Even thought the term, feudalism, was first used in 17th century, its ideology was first appeared in the Middle Ages. Most places in Europe in the Middle Ages had the feudal system. England was the last place in Europe to develop the feudalism system in 1066 by William the Conqueror. In other places in Europe, they already developed their feudalism before 1066. The first two places were France and Germany by the Norman in 9th and 10th century. Other places in Europe had the feudalism system later on. The places were Spain, Italy, Scandinavia, England and the Slavic countries.

The Science of Benjamin Button!

2009-03-01T18:50:00.000-08:00

Benjamin Button TED Talk

Today we watched a video about the special technology in the film, Benjamin Button and how people in the film industry created the old Benjamin, who was 87 in the movie. But the lead actor who played the role of Benjamin Button was Brad Pitt, 40's. In addition to put some make ups on his face, they had to follow a few scientific methods to fill the age gap between the old character, Benjamin Button, and the young actor Brad Pitt. To solve the problem, they applied some computer technology. They first had to start shot the face of Brad Pitt and recorded all kinds of the facial movement and emotional expressions he can make in front of the camera. Then they transfered the pictures and files in a computer to make the pictures look much order. Besides, they had to do a bunch of stuff like lighting and act the body of Benjamin. In fact, the Benjamin character was composed by different people. In order to make the character look exactly like a old man, they used different people for different parts of body. It's a really hard and super project. They spent a lot of time figuring out how to make Brad Pitt look like 80's. I think this is such a real success for the film industry and special technology during this days.

My Refleciton of the Crusades Video

2009-02-28T18:04:00.000-08:00

In the film about the first crusade, I learned that the purpose of the first crusade was to fight with the Saracens. They were called as the Crusades because they vowed to dedicate themselves and a crux was sewn on their clothes. The first Crusade was launched by Pope Urban II in 1095 in order to fight with the Turks. This was a big success and they conquered Jerusalem. Surprisingly, the first crusade actually augmented the wealth and power for the Papacy and the Catholic Church. I was also amazed people’s enthusiasm toward the Christian religion. In terms of the reasons different people joined the first crusade, the Pope Urban II, who launched the first crusade, was ambitious and fought with the Turks who invaded his land. People from lower class jointed it because they wanted to make up their sins by donated their goods and joined the long journey. Besides, the crusaders were Christians because the Crusades were nine Holy Wars operated by the Christian states in Europe. This was why crusaders were Christians.

The Middle Ages, the Dark Ages

2009-02-28T08:54:00.001-08:00

There were few technological advances in the Middle Ages, but I think this period of time was still dark because of some cultural and religious disadvantages. From my point of view, the disadvantages from the cultural and religious aspects outweighed the technological progress.
First of all, the idea of social classes was unethical. Everyone should be treated equally since he/she was brought to the world. Everyone should have the right to go to school and choice to decide what kinds of live he/she wanted to live on, no matter how wealth and poor he/she was. The government and the society should sponsor the educational fees to the poor, instead of marking the poor as lower class people.
Also, the idea of following the religious rules made by the Church was not an advance to me. People at this point of time followed the same rules and had the same routines. People had the same goal in their life; the goals were to make up their sins by supplying everything they had to the Church and go to heaven when they passed away. I think the religion did not help people live happily, only make people believe that they had sins and they had to make them up. The Church did not provide any prospective hope to people or help people live their life with fewer burdens. They only put more pressure on people.
Overall, I think the Middle Ages were dark from the cultural and religious aspects, even though there were few technological advances.

Some Thoughts About Blood Red Hourse

2009-02-25T03:46:00.000-08:00

The most interesting part in the story is that William picked up a courser instead of a destrier. I was amazed at the type he choose. He choose the one that seems weak as pony. I think he has a high talent of choosing hor ses. That's not surprising that his horse has the same power as Galvin's horse.

This is the way I am.

2009-02-18T07:01:00.000-08:00

I have the power to influence people in Europe. From the wealthiest and the poorest, from the highest class and the lowest class, everyone follows my beliefs and values, except for a small portion of Jews. Medieval people travel three thousand miles to visit me in order to make up for their sins and go to the heaven. I am a representative of God and I convey God's massages to my people. My power influences the king and his advisors. People who go against me will be excommunicated and will not receive any blessing from God. Eventually they live their life miserably and go to hell after they die. My people live their life under the rules I make and they are happy that they have the opportunities to compensate their sins by paying taxes to support the Church. In this case, they can estend their life happily.

Two Characters of Blood Red Horse

2009-02-17T06:10:00.000-08:00

From Blood red horse, you need three things to become a brave and noble knight; a warhorse, a fair maiden, a just cause. There are three main characters, Will has a horse, Ellie is a fair maiden, and Gavin is Will's older brother. I'm going to describe two characters from Red Blood Horse.

1. Will(William)
He is the son of sir Thomas. He doesn't really like his own brother, he's a littler mean.

2. Galivn
He is a brother of william, his brother always makes fun of him, he and his brother always fight each other, but he isn't really angry at Will.

Bull Fight- LA

2009-02-16T19:00:00.000-08:00

In my option, I think bull fight is an inhumane entertaining activity, because the entire activity is totally unfair to the bull, moreover, it's not respectful toward the animals, and it includes violence and murdering act. It's probably an enjoyable entertaining sport for Spanish, but it's not fair to the bull, cause it might not want to join the game which may take away its life.

The Clock Of Life

2009-02-12T19:33:00.001-08:00

The clock of life is wound but once and no one has the power to tell just when the hands will stop
at late or early hour Now is the only time for you to live, love and toil with a will. For the clock may soon be still

This is a very good quote, it means do what you want, because the time is running out, so seize the day, or you will lose the chance if you don't take it. We should stay positive and cherish every second, every minute in our life, and make the efforts for ourselves, don't waste the moment that you can make your world different!

Submarine SMASH Day Reflection

2009-02-11T03:49:00.000-08:00

For the smash day, we did an assignment of the yellow submarine. The mission that we had to complete on making a thing like a telescope in order to see what kind of treasure would be on the island.

The treasure was in the box on the table. But submarine was not able to flow above the water, so the whole process that we stayed under the table.

we got a piece of cardboard, four mirrors, two pairs of scissors to finish the mission.

From the start to the end of making and modify the telescope we made, took about 5 times in total. We tried every version that we made, if it couldn't reach the box or it breaks, we would have to edit it. And check what the problem would be. Sometimes it broke, which means it's not strong enough, or it's not long enough to reach into the box. If the first idea didn't work then we thought of another one and work hard on it.

If you are the first time playing this game, then try to make your telescope longer, so that it can reach in to the box. And make sure the mirror is in the right angle that you can see.

Mirror-LA

2009-02-10T06:30:00.000-08:00

Most of the people use mirror everyday, so do I. People use mirror in different ways. Some are just look at the mirror when they are in a bad mood, or there is nothing to do. But the main thing on looking mirror is to see what yourself looks like.

I don't really use mirror that much, but I do use it every morning to see how I look, however, I'm not a person who has to take a look every five minutes whether I'm handsome or not, but at least be neat and clean! I don't really have emotion looking into a mirror. When I look into the mirror, the one into the mirror is just like a different person, not like myself. People may see the same thing that I see in the mirror of myself, but I just feel like looking a different person in the mirror.

China’s Unemployment Swells as Exports Falter-By Keith Bradsher

2009-02-07T23:40:00.000-08:00

Since the global economy recession, the number of unemployment in China has been increasing due to many factories have closed, which will have on the numbers of strikes and other serious unemployment conflicts. One of the company’s owners said : “I haven’t seen that since the early 1990, when China’s economic boom was still in its early stages.” Security forces are taking precautions to prevent social unrest, like strikes and riots. Since there are many migrant workers, leaving their homeland to search work to the bigger industrial cities, and they need to sleep over the streets since the factory dormitories were closed up. From China’s unemployment issue to look at our national unemployment, it’s the major tough problem for all the countries globally. I don’t quite understand what’s the essential cause of this global economy recession, but I can sense it’s pretty serious and have created a lot of problems all over the nations widely through the international and national news events I read. I think that many people would like to know how and when this economy recession would stop, and the global or Taiwan economy would boost again?

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/06/business/worldbusiness/06yuan.html?_r=1&ref=todayspaper

Australian Fire Death Toll Rises

2009-02-07T23:10:00.000-08:00

A sever bushfire happened in Australia, and there are about 30,000 firefighters are working how to put off and control this fire. Victoria had accepted an offer from the federal government to send in the army. Till now, there are 75 people died from this fire, and forecasters are predicting more hot weather in the region, which has seen record temperatures of 47C in recent days and it may be the cause of this bushfire. Even bushfires are common in Australia, but current blazes are the most deadly since 1983, when 75 people died on a day that became known as Ash Wednesday.

Undeniably bushfire is one of the natural disasters, but it may also be caused by human beings’ wrongdoing, and we should all think about the damages we did to our Mother Earth, and how could human do to stop all these natural disasters?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7877178.stm

The Reflection of the Humanities project

2009-02-03T06:49:00.000-08:00

The Reflection of the Humanities project

-The Greek and Rome Research Report-

The Greek and Rome Research Report

From the ancient history of Greek and Roman, it can reveal that many of wester modern civilization developments are originated from Greece and Roman. First, from the structure of social status, they classified people from their jobs into different categories. From the loyal families to slavery system, their people were treated differently from a social value. Since Greece and Rome both experienced the great empires with their strong, powerful great army, which depicts the powerful army force was essential at that time, unavoidably , the social status of army leaders, and different ranks of soldiers held the unbeatable supreme social status.

Same as in Greece, people were classified into different ranks based on their work, for instance, politicians were holding the supreme authority and respectful social position in Greek society. In their daily life, Greek men if they were not training in military, or discussing politics went to the Theatre for entertainment. To watch dramas that they could relate to, including tragedies and comedies. These often involved current politics and gods in some form. It is thought that women were not allowed to watch theatre or perform at the theatre, although male actors did play women roles. As for children in ancient Greece usually occupied their time playing with toys and games.

Furthermore, the democracy system was derived from ancient Greece, which in Greek, "popular government" which "people", "rule”,and “ strength" political systems then existing in some Greek city-states. Prior to the democracy system built, people were depended on Gods, spirits to rule out and made the order for the society, which would lead to many results to superstition. Hence, the rise and revolution of democracy made a great step and more progress in ancient Greece, then it brought the great revolution and development to our modern society.

From the great progress Greece and Roman had made in political system, it came up their religion, like mentioned above, ancient Greek and Roman believed their Gods and Goddesses and handed in the national essential fairs to them. Their both religions encompassed the collection of beliefs and rituals practiced in ancient Greece, for instance, Greek people all recognized the 13 major gods and goddess. On the other hand, since Ancient Roman religion also encompasses the collection of beliefs and rituals practised in ancient Rome. Within the Roman world, it's common to practical counterpart of roman mythology.

As we can see the religious concepts of ancient Greek and Roman are mostly related to God, goddess and mythology, therefore, there were a lot of magnificent beautiful workpieces in arts. Nowadays, we still can see many great magnificent workpieces from ancient Rome. The art of ancient Greece has exercised a great influence on the culture of many countries from ancient times until now, particularly in the fields of sculpture and architecture. Roman expressed their creativity in their paintings, portait sculpture, and latin literature, and it's affected from Greek. In many ways, from nation system, religion, art, and lifestyle, we still can find some Greek great influence on Roman culture, for example, Colosseum, is one of the greatest ancient Roman construction, where comprises not only its lasting history but also the talented and sophisticated calculation and architecture achievement.

Besides the extraordinary performance in architecture achievement, there are many good inventions that ancient Greek had, and we still have them use in our modern life, like water screw, a device for raising water using an encased screw open at both ends. Now we call it “ Archimedes screw” and it is still in use today. Levers are one of the basic tools, scissor, pliers, hammer claws, nutcrackers, and tongs. The other good inventions like “Cataplult”, “Heron”, “Steam Engine”, “Umbrella”.

All in all, I learned more history about ancient Greece and Rome from the concepts of their economics, social customs, political, religions, arts, technology and geography, especially from people's daily life. We are aware of some current techniques from ancient Greece and Rome culture. Even now, many countries still receive the great impacts from ancient Greece and Rome, like democracy political system, some great inventions in technology, great creation in architecture development, which make us to view and witness those great constructions based on the human beings' ultimate efforts. I'm particularly impressive in the revolution and progress of democracy, Greece achieved one of greatest devotions in human beings' history development. With Greek and Roman's endeavor, nowadays we can demonstrate democratic system developing among the modern nations all over the world.

Bibliography -

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Democracy

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_ancient_Rome

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Rome

http://www.enchantedlearning.com/inventors/greece.shtml

-Reflection-

From the Humanities project “ The Greek and Rome Research Report”, which made me learn and used the learning outcome of being an active learner while searching and studying the related information and sources. From answering those questions of Ancient Greece and Rome Webquest, which had led me to put all the piece of ancient Greece and Rome history and found out more about their ancient myth.

Honestly, at the beginning, I didn’t quiet understand how to process and carry out this project. After several misdirections and discussions with the team members, I finally completed it step by step myself. From this point, I learned better on how to communicate with the others, and tried to be an effective communicator. Afterwards, I was trying hard and spent a great deal of time to deliver the whole project through several mistakes and bottlenecks. Finally, I finished up this challenging assignment, and turned me into a critical thinker while I was making my own efforts to make it happen.

Though I received a fine grade on this project, I have to admit that the discussion with my team members and their helpful assistance is one of the major factors contributes to my completion on this project. Sadly, I should have assisted my team members as well, therefore, I hope that I will be playing a role of helper next time.

Effective Communicator-LA

2009-02-02T19:14:00.000-08:00

I think people like new reporter, radio reporter and correspondent. This kind of people are good Effecgtve communicator. Cause there job is to communicate with the audience. Let audience know the news and information

Effective Communicator-LA

2009-01-22T17:55:00.000-08:00

Effective Communicator is people who can well communicate. They know how and when it's the time to talk.
Effective communication is important because we always need to communicate with people. We need to know what are people thinking. And also tell them what we are thinking,
Talk more with your classmates and teachers, know when to talk, and talk about what in the right time.

2009-01-12T03:37:00.000-08:00

Ben-Hur Reflection on culture

From Ben-Hur, I've learned more about Roman culture. Hereunder are some aspects I've learned and analyzed;

a. Religion- I think that Roman people didn't believed in Christian at the beginning, but some people converted their religion to Christian after they witnessed the miracle of Jesus Christ, because there was one scene of the movie, Jesus Christ saved Ben-Hur's mother and sister, and taught Ben-Hur to learn from forgiveness. Moreover, Ben-Hur was like Job in the Bible, he was tested through different harsh life experiences.

b. Costume- The male characters in the movie all dressed in short robs, and had shepherd long gowns, and wore headscarves. As for the female characters, they dressed long robs, even touched to the ground, and they had headscarves when they were out. The most interesting and characteristic is the warriors' outfit, they had helmets, shorts, and spear and shield in hands, which made them look pretty bravely.

c. Architecture- The great and magnificent Colosseum, there were many tall arches , the platforms with stairs, which could content a great many of audiences, different kinds of pathways for people and animals to enter and exist the Colosseum. Moreover, the techniques of sculpture and carving. On the scene of the banquet of the commander adopted Ben- Hur as his son. I saw many columns with many breathtaking craving artworks on the top of them,

it made me feel very luxurious.

d. Decoration- From different scenes, the kitchenware that Roman people used were very dedicated and they looked priceless, like the wine container they used to drink wine were bronze-made, even the oil-lantern, they looked pretty heavy.Obviously, Roman people like to use Bronze ware in their daily life.

e. Charioteer- the horse-wagon racing in Colosseum, its brutality represents part of Roman culture. Like Messala was killed from this kind of racing based on Ben-Hur's revenge. But personally I really think it's far too cruel and inhumane.

f.Slavery- When Ben-Hur became a slave, which made me realize that slaves had

no freedom at all, they were simply part of their masters' property, and they couldn't stop working, when I saw that scene of the ship was on fire, I felt very sorry for those slaves.

g.Currency- From the scene, many people were betting on the result of the horse wagon racing, they used "gold"and "sliver", which should be their currency at that time.

Obama likes hot dogs ?

2009-01-11T00:10:00.000-08:00

Where do you think the new the USA president will go to eat ? He could just go to a big hotel for meals and pay for a pricey meal, but Obama didn't. He chose a little restaurant along the street.
The president ordered a sweet tea and hot dogs, he also talked and took a picture with the other consumers who were also eating in the store.
Some people asked him " Why would you think of coming to this store for meal? He replied " I just want to grab hot dogs." Well, from this news, apparently, Obama is still keeping his ordinary diet habit just like an American civilian. No wonder his supports admire him so much, not only hie capability of being an America president, but also his personality of down to earth. I think that it's what every American would glad to see and the positive position everyone should stand in order to face the sever global economic recession.

Stop following me!! Media!

2009-01-08T21:22:00.000-08:00

Stop Following me! Media!

Today, Obama's daughters' school got started after New year holiday. Both of them have to go back to their new school. The first thing they have to learn is how to protect themselves from the media; stay away from those aggressive reporters and cameras.

How to protect the privacy of president's kid is a tough challenging. Nowadays everyone has a camera or video cellphone, and a lot of high advanced teleology, products that can watch people.
The school always have the responsibility to protect this pair of sisters from the Obama's family. This is going to be a hard work for the school authority.

School Bus

2009-01-08T04:22:00.000-08:00

There is a six year old boy in US. One day he wake up late and miss the school bus. He wants to go to school. But his parents are still in bed. So he take the key of the car and decide to drive on his own. He drove about ten miles. and he crash the car. The police come and take him to the hospital. After that. The police take him to the school.

Ben-Hur Reflections of Culture

2009-01-06T06:46:00.000-08:00

Ben-Hur

We watched a video called “ Ben-Hur” in Humanities class, from that movie, I learned Jesus Christ from the Bible, but in this movie, the story of Jesus Christ was in it, which made me feel that I was watching a historical and religious story. From the movie, I saw how Jesus Christ saved and forgave people’s sin. Unfortunately, there was the front scene of Jesus Christ but the back.

Moreover, I realized the features of ancient Roman archetier, costume, and the spectacular of the magnificent Colosseum. More than that, I also learned slavery from this movie. Ancient Roman hold the slavery system, to those slaves, they were simply the property of their owners. They had no freedom, no human right but do whatever their owners told them, which I felt deeply sad for those poor slaves.

There are two main leading characters in this movie, one is Jewish Prince “ Ben-Hur” who lives in Judea with his family. And another one is his childhood friend “ Messala”. Since their close connection, Messala once asked Ben-Hur to persuade his people not to be against with Roman authority, yet, Ben-Hur refused his request, which caused the end of their friendship since after. Consequently, Ben-Hur started his long pain-staking journey as a slave being forced to be away from his homeland, then he came back for revenge in the battle with Messala in the race of Colosseum. At the end, he tasted the fruit of revenge, but I was wondering whether his anger and hatred had been gone after his victory in the Colosseum.

After the great triumph of his revenge, Ben-Hur finally found his mother and sister for reunion. But unfortunately, they lived as lepers. With Ben-Hur’s strong believe on Jesus, and granted the forgiveness from Jesus Christ. Their family eventually reunited again under the bliss and save of Jesus Christ.

A five-year-old child with a gun?

2009-01-06T04:38:00.000-08:00

A five-year-old child with a gun?

There is a five- year-old child in USA. Taking a gun and tried to aim at his babysitter, how come? Because he was angry at that babysitter, since she didn't give him candy so he took a gun from the desk and shot the poor babysitter. Fortunately the babysitter did not get hurt. Nowadays, children are greatly influenced by those violence scenes from TV, movies, and video games; therefore, they are confused on how to distinguish the differences between reality and imagination worlds, then they try to emulate those actions and behave improperly in their real live.

Humanities current event make-up assignment for week 11/5 to 11/10 k 05 to Nov. 10

2008-12-28T04:55:00.000-08:00

24 Hitchhikers killer in truck crash

At least 24 day laborers who had hitched a ride on a truck loaded with iron rods were killed Sunday when the vehicle flipped over into a ditch, impaling some and crushing others under the weight of its load.

A dozen others were wounded, some critically, when the truck lost control in dense fog Sunday morning and veered off a road in the Tangail district, located about 40 miles (64 km) from the capital city.The truck was carrying several tons of iron rods and was on its way from Dhaka to another district, when the driver picked up at least 45 day laborers along the way, authorities said. The men were headed home to cast ballots in Monday's national elections.

According to the police investigation, In recent months, dozens of people have died in similar crashes. Truck drivers carrying supplies, such as rice, cement and iron rods, are not permitted to pick up passengers. But the drivers often flout regulations. The passengers, in turn, pay less to travel on loaded truck beds than they would riding on buses.

Humanities current event make-up assignment for week 05 to Nov. 10

2008-12-28T04:36:00.000-08:00

An angry man shoots talker at movies

A man was angry that a family was talking during a movie threw popcorn at the son and then

shot the father in the arm. This angry man was charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault and weapons violations. He told the family sitting in front of him in the theater on Christmas Day to be quiet, then the argument took place right at the movie. the angry man approached the family from the left side of the aisle and shot the father. Christmas holiday is supposed full of joyful and peaceful atmosphere, but I think that this unexpected tragedy would leave an unforgettable mark for this family.

2008-12-26T20:23:00.000-08:00

Humanities Assignment Make-up for Nov.19th, 2008

(5 questions on Ancient Greece& Rome)

Note: These five questions can be seen in my mind map as well.

What happened in the Persian War? Like the Trojan War, the Persian Wars were a defining moment in Greek history. It began inauspiciously, around the middle of the sixth century BC, the Greek city-states along the coast of Asia Minor came under the control of the Lydians and their king, Croesus (560-546BC). However, when the Persians conquered the Lydians in 546BC, all the states subject to the Lydians became subject to the Persians. But there was a tyrant of Miletus, Aristagoras, began a democratic rebellion in 499BC. In498BC, the Athenians conquered and burned the capital of Lydia, Sardis. By 485BC, the Persians, under King Darius (521-486BC), had restored control over the rebellious Greek cities. The battle of Marathon (490BC) is perhaps the single and the most important battle in Greek history; moreover, it’s the greatest achievement of the Athenians’.(http://www.wsu.edu/~dee/GREECE/PERSIAN.HTM)

What does arts of Greece tell me about Greek culture? I think that Greece tell us about its culture through many aspects; like religion, art, education system, social system, architecture, diet, clothing, music etc.,Hereunder are the few briefs of above mentioned; Religion- the ancient Greeks were a deeply religious people. They worshipped many gods whom they believed appeared in human form, as we can see from Greek literature and mythology, recorded men’s interactions with various gods and goddesses. Art-We can see see Greek art through its funerary art, however the epitaphios or funeral oration was regarded as of great importance, and animal sacrifices were made. Education-Military training- Sparta-RThe goal of education in Sparta, an authoritarian, military city-state, was to produce soldier-citizens who were well-drilled, well-disciplined marching army.Diet-Food in Ancient Greece consisted of grains, figs, wheat to make bread, barley, fruit, vegetables, breads, cake, seafood, and drank milk and wine. (http://www.crystalinks.com/greekculture.html)

How does Greece geography affect their culture? Much of Greece is mountainous and rocky terrain, with the occasional plain. About 20% of Greece is make up of islands. Therefore, firstly, most of Greek live along the coast or along rivers and harbors, so they were suitable for city-building and the associated city-supporting agriculture, then Greek civilization in the classical period grew up as independent “polis” city-states. Secondly, it was limited agricultural land for the growing of crops. so the ancient Greek leaders encouraged colonies in more suitable areas and took place in large scale trade. The consequent was that they conducted lots of trade-getting rich in the process and became good enough at maritime pursuits to be able to use the navy to fend of a major attempt by the Persians to invade them.(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greece)

What are some good inventions that ancient Greek has? There are many good inventions that ancient Greek has, like water screw, a device for raising water using an encased screw open at both ends. Now we call it “ Archimedes screw” and it is still in use today. Levers are one of the basic tools, scissor, pliers, hammer claws, nutcrackers, and tongs. The other good inventions like “Cataplult”, “Heron”, “Steam Engine”, “Umbrella”. (http://www.enchantedlearning.com/inventors/greece.shtml) 5. What are the festivals or sports that ancient Greek has? The Greeks had a lunar calendar that does not correspond to ours so their holiday dates have little meaning to us. Their holidays corresponded to festivals for the various deities, like Panhellenic Festivals-it took place Olympic games, pythian games, Isthmian Games and Nemean Games. Moreover, Athenian and Attic Festivals are spreadably in different month, the other festivals like Asclepieia, Gymnopaidiai, Carnea, Heraea, Daidala, Eleutheria, Lyycaea and Hyancinthia.( http://www.fjkluth.com/festival.html)

Humanities-make-up Assignment for Nov. 18th, 2008

2008-12-21T00:34:00.000-08:00

Humanities-Nov. 18th, 2008

A Research Question Ancient Greece

What did a daily life in Ancient Greece look like?

Ancient Greek culture reached its pinnacle during the fourth century BC- an era described as its “ Golden Age”, theater, music, poetry, philosophy, and political experiments such as democracy flourished. In Athens, society was male-dominated - only men could be citizens and only upper-class males enjoyed a formal education. Women had few political rights and were expected to remain in the home and bear children. Most homes were modest, windowless and wrapped around a courtyard. Furniture was rare. People spent the majority of the day out of doors enjoying the mild Mediterranean climate. The Greek diet was also modest, based largely on wine are bread. A typical day would start with bread dipped in wine, the same for lunch and a dinner of wine, fruits, vegetables and fish. Greek would reserve the meat for special occasions such as religious holidays.

Firstly, Greek men ran the government, and spent a great deal of their time away from home. When not involved in politics, the men spent time in the fields, overseeing or working the crops, sailing, hunting, in manufacturing or in trade. As the entertaining, in addition to drinking parties, the men enjoyed wrestling, horseback riding, and the famous Olympic Games. When the men entertained their male friends, at the popular drinking parties, their wives and daughters were not allowed to attend.

Secondly, with the exception of ancient Sparta, Greek women had very limited freedom outside the home. If they had their husband’s permission to do so, they could attend weddings, funerals, some religious festivals, and could visit females neighbors for brief periods of time. In their home, Greek women were in charge! Their job was to run the house, make the clothes, and bear children.

Thirdly, the ancient Greeks considered their children to be “youths” until they reached the age of 30! In Athens, as in most Greek city states, with the exception of Sparta, girls stayed at home until they were married. As for boys, in most Greek city-states, when young, the boys stayed at home, helping in the fields.

Humanities-make-up Assignment for Nov. 14th, 2008

2008-12-21T00:31:00.000-08:00

Humanities Assignment -Nov. 14th, 2008

ESPRAT

Taiwan

Firstly, I would like to talk about the following questions based on my nation “ Taiwan” .

What is the Economic ( business) system? The economic system of Taiwan is Capitalism, people in Taiwan are developing businesses in varied field. Let’s take technology for instance, Taiwanese government has been assisting and supporting our domestic enterprises on the development of cutting edge technology. With the endeavors that our government and cooperation of domestic enterprises, now we can see the brilliant fruits from their efforts.

What does the Social system (daily life, classes, customs, etc.,) look like?

First, the major characteristics of Taiwanese are diligent, persistent, and open-minded. Second, most people living in cities are white collar, they’re office workers in most. Basically, most of them are middle class, but with the increase of foreign labors demand, the gap between white colon and blue colon is getting bigger. Like the pyramid structure, the wealthy people at the top of the pyramid, and the poverty is occupied the most at the bottom of the pyramid.

What is the Political (government) system? Who has the power? Taiwan is based on democratic system, and the leader of the nation, the president and the legislators pass the bill and make the laws.

What are the Religions? Describe them in detail.

a.Buddhism is the major religion in Taiwan. It’s based on the teachings attributed to Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha. b. Christian- It’s a monotheistic religion centered on the life and teaching of Jesus of Nazareth. c. Muslim-It’s an adherent of the religion of Islam.

d. Taoism-It refers to a variety of related philosophical and religious traditions and concepts.

What are the various Arts ( especially those your nation is known for)?

There are several Taiwanese traditional arts like Taiwanese opera, Taiwanese puppetry, Taiwanese pottery, and Taiwanese aboriginal people’s artwork on craft work and music creation. Moreover, there are many famous art pieces in our national palace museum, such as the well-known “ Jadeite Cabbage with insects”.

Make-up Current news for 11/11 to 11/15

2008-12-20T22:57:00.000-08:00

A serious social issue- Children murderer

There was a little girl in the states, and she had been killed. Police found a bag with bones inside in a forest. They thought that the little girl's mother might kill her, but her mother claimed that she didn't. It's the housekeeper took her daughter. Nowadays, more and more brutal murderers committed inhumane crimes, I think that we should sort out and solve those existing social problems to deter those terrible crimes happen and being detrimental to our society.

Make-up current event for 11/11 to 11/15

2008-12-20T22:44:00.000-08:00

Music can be one of the tools of punishment to the prisoners

Music is always one of the greatest inventions from Human beings. According to the scientific research, music does help people and animals to release the tension. Therefore, listening to music is a nice way to relax when you have a lot of pressure. But now Us army used the loud and heavy metal music to abuse prisoners.

2008-12-20T11:00:00.000-08:00

Humanities Assignment-Nov. 11th, 2008

2008-12-19T19:13:00.000-08:00

Humanities Assignment-Nov. 11th, 2008

1.What does a government do?

It is the organization, that is the governing authority of a political unit and the ruling power in a political society,and the apparatus through which a governing body functions and exercises authority. Government, with the authority to make laws, to deal with the disputes, and to make administrative decisions for the entire nation, and provide a better place for its people to live in.(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Government)

Humanities assignment on Nov. 14th, 2008-FAT questions

2008-12-19T18:59:00.000-08:00

Humanities assignment-Nov. 14th, 2008-FAT questions (Greece, Rome)

1.What sports/ games do people enjoy?

Many of the games played in the Olympic Games of ancient Greece are still included in the

Olympics today. Three of these games are boxing, weightlifting, and the pentahalon. All of

those events are still included in Olympics today. As for ancient Roman, they had Gladiators,

Roman games (Field & Track), Ball games, and Board games.

(http://oncampus.richmond.edu/academics/education/projects/webunits/greecerome/Greecesports1.html)

2. How do people dress?

Generally, Roman men wore two garments, the tunica and the toga. The tunica was a short woolen

under garment with short sleeves. But actually, to wear a long tunic with long sleeves was considered

effeminate and was generally avoided by society as a whole.

(http://www.unrv.com/culture/ancient-roman-clothing.php)

3. Did Greece fight with other country? Why?

Wars were very common in ancient Greece. The Greeks lived in little city-states, each one like a small town in the

United States today, with more than about 100,000 people in each city-state, like Athen, Sparta, Corinth, Thebes-

were always fighting each other over their borders. Often they would get together in leagues, a lot of city-states

together, to fight as allies. (http://www.crystalinks.com/greekwars.html)

4.What are the religion in Greece or Roman?

Greek religion-encompasses the collection of beliefs and rituals practices in ancient Greece in the form of both popular

public religion and cult practices. Moreover, Greek people all recognized the 13 major gods and goddess: Zeus,

Hera, Poseidon, Apollo, Artemis, Aphrodite, Ares, Dionysus, Hephaestus, Athena, Hermes, Demeter, and Hestia.

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Greek_religion

Roman religion - encompasses the collection of beliefs and rituals practised in ancient Rome in ancient Rome in

the form of cult practices. It's therefore the practical counterpart of Roman mythology.

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_ancient_Rome)

5.Why Olympic are from Greece?

The ancient Olympic Games, part of a major religious festival honoring Zeus, the chief Greek god,

were the biggest event in their world. They were the scene of political rivalries between people from

different parts of the Greek world, and the site of controversies, boasts public announcements and

humiliation.(http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/Olympics/spirit.html)

Humanities current event make-up assignment for week Nov. 01 to Nov. 04

2008-12-19T18:36:00.000-08:00

A Brutal Killer in China

A man in china killed 11 people in three years. the judge wanted to execute him to death penalty. The policeman in china said that this bloody killer killed two of his neighbors and their sisters and daughters. He also killed four taxi drivers. And killed two men that he know in his office. I can't figure out why this man could be such brutal and killed those people around him, I only can assume that he was under too much stress of his own problems in the life. Hopefully there won't be too many people who have

mental issues would harm more innocent people.

Humanities current event make-up assignment for week Nov. 01 to Nov. 04

2008-12-19T18:35:00.000-08:00

Killing in the Pub

In America. There is a big pub. One night a man went there to have a drink. And he also smoked. But smoking is not allowed in the pub. The waiter wanted the men not to smoke. But the man wouldn't listen, therefore the bar manger ordered not to offer drink to him. What came next, this consequence made the man angry then killed the bar manger. From centuries ago, human beings have been controlling by alcohol for addiction, addictive drinkers may lose consciousness then cause the unchangeable and detrimental things forever.

Ghost and Thief

2008-12-13T22:56:00.000-08:00

There's a thief who tried to steal something from a house when the family was out traveling, but when he goes in, and wants to get out. He feel a ghost was grabbing him and wouldn't let him out; he couldn't move, until the family got back.

Pizza And Gun

2008-12-13T22:43:00.000-08:00

There's a man in America. He is a pizza boy. One day when he was sending pizza, three robbers with guns came out and wanted to rob him. He has no weapon, so he uses the big and hot pizza, throws it on the robbers, and calls the police

Bush and Democrats Come Close to Auto Deal

2008-12-10T04:35:00.000-08:00

Bush and Congress Democrats come close to legislating an auto bailout deal for the American people. I truly feel that the auto industry has been guided by incompetent CEOs who cannot and would not prioritize the production of energy efficient cars on their agenda. Now that Ford, GM and Chrysler all need a bailout from the taxpaying dollars of the American people.

However, I strongly believe that after the auto bailout, the American auto industry will emerge stronger than before. Hopefully, then, will these American auto companies be guided by competent leadership.

Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich Arrested by FBI

2008-12-10T04:15:00.000-08:00

Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich was arrested by the FBI on charges of conspiracy and soliciting bribes. Blagojevich was thought to have auctioned the Senate seat vacated by President-elect Barack Obama to the highest bidder. The other Illinois Senator Dick Durbin said that he felt that the Senate appointment process was taking a bit long and that he sensed that something was out of the ordinary.

I think that it is wrong to profit off a special Senate seat appointment. As a public servant, one must not be influenced by money. I think Blagojevich has strayed too far in not displaying a just and moral character. This is a shameful day for America.

Hanging Fire

2008-12-06T23:34:00.000-08:00

-Hanging Fire-

I think the main idea of this poem is common complex and confrontation among the teens. The main character of the poem is a fourteen-year-old boy full of anguishes and unknown restless emotion.

The form of this poem is in simple structure in simple present tense description. Moreover, each major paragraph starts with “I”, obviously the speaker used the first person speaking tone to express his problem and thoughts. There aren’t any metaphors used but clear, and strong expression. The author clearly expressed his restless and confusion on what he was and what he would be.

From the first paragraph "I'm fourteen and my skin has betrayed me", it reveals the speaker's interior world was still a little boy even though his look and skin was transforming into an teenager and he's doing those stuff like a modern teenager does, like going to a school party. In addition, the speaker thought he might die young, and on one would care even his own mother. "Momma's in the bedroom with the door closed" is repeating at the last sentence of each paragraph. Even the speaker was angry with all those pain-in-the neck stuff have to be done, but the door of his mother's bedroom just like the door between he and his mom is always shut off.

All in all, it's a poem describing a teenager with a young man's look but still a boy living inside him, and his helpless and loneliness to the painful growth. Moreover, he was longing for his mom would give him a hand whenever he needed. Though the price for growing is painful and long, the price is the promising future and fruits during the youth. However, the speaker only tasted the pain and the helpfulness he's suffering from his grow-up, what he thought of is how short his life would be before growing up. I think that all the teenagers would like to get attention and be loved, if they don't get it, the anguish would be just like a "hanging fire" lingering in their mind all the time.

2.5 million jobs by Obama!

2008-12-06T22:38:00.000-08:00

President-elect Barack Obama on Saturday outlined some of his plan to create 2.5 million jobs by 2011, and he will push for immediate action by Congress when he takes office in January.

Obama wants to make public buildings more energy-efficient, repair roads and bridges, modernize schools, increase broadband access and ensure that health care professionals have access to the latest technology.

"Our government now pays the highest energy bill in the world," he said and "We need to upgrade our federal buildings by replacing old heating systems and installing efficient light bulbs. That won't just save you, the American taxpayer, billions of dollars each year. It will put people back to work."

"In addition to connecting our libraries and schools to the Internet, we must also ensure that our hospitals are connected to each other through the Internet."

"These are a few parts of the economic recovery plan that I will be rolling out in the coming weeks. When Congress reconvenes in January, I look forward to working with them to pass a plan immediately.I think that our Taiwan government can also make some plans to accelerate economy recovery; like creating more job opportunities would be the first task for our government to think it over and move it as faster as it can.

Is this Obama speaking?

2008-12-05T18:00:00.000-08:00

After American presidential election, the first task of the new American President "Obama" is trying to call up the government officers of the opposite party to devote their efforts to solve the national current crisis. But the funny thing is when Obama made these calls, some people wouldn't believe those calls from Obama's office, they thought it was a prank from someone else. So they didn't answer the phone after all. Ha! No wonder some people would think of it this way, who could imagine that Obama would make a call to you!

Clinton Joins Obama Team

2008-12-02T04:20:00.000-08:00

Obama tapped Hillary Clinton as his Secretary of State nominee on Monday. This marked one of the few times where two former presidential rivals joined together to strive for USA. Obama praised Hillary Clinton's intelligence and toughness, while Clinton expressed her excitement in joining the Obama team. Clinton also expressed that she will be missing her constituents from the State of New York. Obama stated that Clinton is "the right person for the job of helping restore America's image abroad, end the war in Iraq, advance peace and increase our security".

US Economy Officially In A Recession

2008-12-02T04:05:00.000-08:00

The National Bureau of Economic Research officially announced that the US is in a recession. The Treasury of Secretary admitted the news. As a result of investor bailout and the news that US is in a recession, Dow Jones Index lost 680 points, the fourth largest single-session decline in history.

In the past, I have observed that not only the US is in a recession, so is Japan and Germany, the world's second and third largest economy. I think the economic downturn will continue for a while. I hope however, that afterwards the world will emerge stronger than ever economically.

Ｎew York City Protection

2008-11-29T02:07:00.000-08:00

New York city police said that they would send more police force and make the great effort and protection at place like the subway station and hotels. They said that they would put 75 police cars beside the location that might be attacked by the terrorist. Someone told the police station said some people might attack the new york subway and the bus terminal.

Obama Says There Is Hope

2008-11-29T00:08:00.000-08:00

On Thursday, Thanksgiving,. Obama stepped on the stage and made a speech;
he wanted all Americans got together and solved the national current issues and problems .
He said that the new government leading by him would work hard to make the economic Giant o the world to stand up again. To make America the strongest and the best in the global economic stag, his new government will make all the efforts and he also advocated all of the Americans to work hard on it.
Obama spent his thanksgiving in Chicago with his family.

Obama Cabinet Vetting Historically Fast

2008-11-26T04:58:00.000-08:00

President Obama said on Monday that, "if we do not act swiftly and boldly, most experts believe that we could lose millions of jobs next year". Larry Sabato, a presidential scholar at the University of Virginia, said "this is really unprecedented. But it's an unprecedented situation, ... Obama is doing what the public and the markets demand be done -- and that is to show that the next president is really in charge before he even takes the oath of office."

With the unpopularity of the current administration, I think it is a good thing that Obama is getting ready to take power on January 20th, 2009 and implement some economic measure to cure this ailing economy.

Greenland Vote Favors Independence

2008-11-26T04:36:00.000-08:00

The people of Greenland, the world biggest ivland, voted for greater automony and eventual independence. The new law will make Eskimo-Inuit tongue (or Greenlandic) the official language of Greenland. It will also allow Greenland to take control of the revenues from potential oil, gas and mineral finds within the region. However, it is unknown whether the region has these natural resources.

A voter in her 60s was rejoiced at the outcome of the vote, saying she had waited for this day for years and years.

Language Arts

2008-11-23T01:43:00.000-08:00

Language Art Assignment on Nov. 23th, 2008

The anger in me

This ill temper I have is making me mad

I blow up and I don’t know why

I wish for just a moment I could handle my anger right

I wish for just a moment I could love you right

I wish my attitude would just go away

I wish my anger would stay at bay

This outlook I have on life needs to change

This outlook I have you needs to say the same

I love you deep down inside

I wish you would see

That you’re the only princess for me

The anger I have deep in side

Comes out when I least expect it

This anger I have in me should just go away

This anger I have is an annoyance

This anger I have has messed my life up

This anger I have is stupid

Anger you have messed up my marriage

Anger you have messed up my life

Anger you have destroyed who I am inside and out

Anger you are the devil

Anger you are all that is bad

This anger I have in me has made me fight

A fight that was not worth it

Anger you made me hit the wrong person

Anger you made me do the wrong things

Anger you are the feeling that I would never miss

Anger you have caused me so much sorrow

Anger you have caused nothing but grief.

Anger just go away

Jonathan Pendley

The four major elements of poetry are imagery, sound, voice and form. The form of this poem is in simple structure in simple present tense description. Moreover, each paragraph starts with some repetitive words, like “I”, “this”, and “anger”. There aren’t any metaphors used but clear, and strong expression. The author clearly expressed his deep emotion controlled by the unknown anger, and those effects it brought via the strong tone of his feelings “ Anger”. In addition,those repetitive sounds emphasize the overwhelming impact it brought up to the author and the readers while I was reading this it. All in all, there is no imagery usage in this poem but true deep emotions, a very straightforward expression on emotion description instead.

Humanities assignment on Nov. 23, 2008

2008-11-23T01:12:00.000-08:00

Task B: Greece & Rome Research

1.What were the various ways people made a living? Research many examples,

Greece -There were many jobs for women; baker, dancer, druggist, hetaera, maid, miller, musician, poet, priestess, seamstress, servant, spinner and weaver.

As for men, there were even more options on their occupations; actor, artist, astronomer, bard, carpenter, carter, doctor, farmer, historian, gynecologist, jeweler, laborer, landlord, magistrate, mariner, mason, mathematician, merchant, miner, musician, painter, philosopher, pilot, potter, priest/prophesier, scribe, scientist, sculptor, shepherd, shipper, shipwright, slaver, smelter, smith, sophist, vintner, warrior, writer. (Resources from “ Jobs and Employment in Ancient Greece”.)

As for ancient Rome, there were many options as well; foot soldiers, soldiers, and builders, shopkeepers, craftsmen, bakers, barbers, booksellers, butchers, cobbiers, fishmongers, food shops, furniture seller, olive oil sellers, perfume makers, taverns, money lenders, and so on. (Resources from “Hadrians.com”)

What was the class system? Describe each of the classes. Ancient Greek possess wild ranks of social system, like from Loyal family, nobility, ordinary civilians and slaves, men and women, rich and poor all dressed in different outfits and held the social activities in different kind of places. Ancient Rome was a highly hierarchial and class-conscious society, but there was the possibility of mobility between most classes, because by the second century BCE class was no longer determined solely by birth. Though certain elements of dress and religious positions and rituals were still reserved for patricians. The classes were classified as Senatorial class, Equestrian class, Commons, Latins, Foreigners, Freepeople, Slaves. ( Resources from Wikipedia)

Were the laws fair and do they treat people equally? The ancient Greek laws were fair and treated people equally, since there were several stages in ancient Greece, like Early Law, which began at about 900BC, and Tort Laws, Family Laws, Public laws, Public laws, Procedural Laws. As for ancient Rome Laws, its laws were fair and did treat their people equally since it’s in a broad sense refers not only to the legal system of ancient Rome, but also to the law that was applied through most of Western Europe till the end of the 18th century. ( Resources from Wikipedia)

What were the people’s beliefs about god, the soul, life and death? Greek and Roman religions were a predominant form of Paganism and as a result their religion reflected many central ideas and concepts earlier form of Paganism. And ancient Greek and Roman did believe fate, the universe, spirits, monsters, other mythological beings, human nature, purpose of life, death and afterlife. ( Resources from “ Religion Facts”)

What forms of tools did people have to do their work? Ancient Greek invented Anitkythera mechanism, screws, pipe organs, diving bells, parchemnt, torsion catapults, showres and cannon. They used wood, leather, stone, metal tools, abacus, spindle, chariot, was scratcher, oil lamp,crane, tumbler lock, gears, crossbow, and some surveying tools.The Romans had, for their time, sophisticated tools include plumb bobs, squares, dividers, rulers, axes, saws, hammers and chisels – they did not have screws everything was jointed and connected with nails or pegs. Surveying tools – the Roman version of the theodolite – the groma, Resources from Wikipedia)

(The previous assignment for Nov. 17th, 2008) What sports/ games do people enjoy?Many of the games played in the Olympic Games of ancient Greece are still included in the Olympics of today. Three of these games are boxing, weightlifting, and the pentathalon. Boxing was much the same in ancient Greece as it is today. Boxers padded their hands in cloth and fought until one of them was knocked out. The pentathalon was made up of five different events: discus throwing, javelin throwing, wrestling, running, and long jumping. All of these events are still included in the Olympics today. One event from the ancient Greek Olympics that is too dangerous to be included in the games today is chariot racing.(http://oncampus.richmond.edu/academics/education/projects/webunits/greecerome/Greecesports1.html) As for ancient Roman, they had Gladiators, Roman games ( Field & Track), Ball games, Board games.

How do people dress?Roman men generally wore two garments, the tunica and the toga. The tunica was a short woolen under garment with short sleeves. By contrast, to wear a long tunic with long sleeves was considered effeminate and was generally avoided by society as a whole. It was originally worn mainly by the working class plebes, freedmen and slaves, though its function as an undergarment for any class of people is attested. (http://www.unrv.com/culture/ancient-roman-clothing.php)

Did Greece fight with other country? Why?Wars were very common in ancient Greece. The Greeks lived in little city-states, each one like a small town in the United States today, with no more than about 100,000 people in each city-state. These city-states - Athens, Sparta, Corinth, Thebes - were always fighting each other over their borders. Often they would get together in leagues, a lot of city-states together, to fight as allies.

Sometimes other people invaded Greece, and then there would be wars to defend the city-states from the invaders. Sometimes the city-states fought together, and sometimes they didn't. Then again, sometimes the Greeks fought in other countries. They invaded other countries and took them over, or they raided other cities and took their stuff. And they often fought for pay, as mercenaries, when one foreign country fought another.(http://www.crystalinks.com/greekwars.html)

9.What are the religion in Greece or Roman?

Greek religion encompasses the collection of beliefs and rituals practiced in ancient Greece in the form of both popular public religion and cult practices. These different groups varied enough so that one might speak of Greek religions or "cults", though most shared similarities such as a belief in polytheism.

Greek peoples all recognized the 13 major gods and goddess: Zeus, Hera, Poseidon, Apollo, Artemis, Aphrodite, Ares, Dionysus, Hephaestus, Athena, Hermes, Demeter, and Hestia, though various lesser gods were also worshipped. Different cities worshipped different deities, sometimes with epithets that specified their local nature.(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Greek_religion)

Ancient Roman religion encompasses the collection of beliefs and rituals practised in ancient Rome in the form of cult practices. It is therefore the practical counterpart of Roman mythology. Within the Roman world, religious practice varied enough so that one might speak of Roman religions. The cult practices of Rome extended across Italy with the rise of the Roman Empire. These religions were polytheistic, and as such are sometimes referred to as "pagan".(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_ancient_Rome)

10.Why Olympic are from Greece?The ancient Olympic Games, part of a major religious festival honoring Zeus, the chief Greek god, were the biggest event in their world. They were the scene of political rivalries between people from different parts of the Greek world, and the site of controversies, boasts, public announcements and humiliations.(http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/Olympics/spirit.html)

HIt The Priates

2008-11-22T23:12:00.000-08:00

Now thanks to the new techniques development, fighting with the robbers on the sea, we don't use knives and guns. We have new weapons. We use MP3.
This weapon use loud sound that human ears can not receive to attack the pirates ship that may be away from 1000 km place. It's very powerful. This kind of weapon doesn't waste bullets, but it also cost a lot of money sixty-nine hundred thousand NT dollars, for this kind of weapon.

Obamma Likes to play basketball

2008-11-21T23:10:00.000-08:00

Basketball is a famous sport in the whole world. It's also a good sport for boys and girls, everyone likes it, even the president of the Untied States.

Obamma plays basketball a lot, even the day that the people in Untied States are choosing who will be the new president, He plays basketball and tries to forget the stress and he said that basketball is part of his life, and no sports can't replace it in his heart, His friends said, he nevers quit on playng basketball.

2008-11-18T06:24:00.001-08:00

Greece

What is the Economic (business)system? It's a system consists of the process of manufacture, distribution and selling of products and services.

What does the Social system (daily life, classes, customs, etc.) look like? Ancient Greek possess wild ranks of social system, like from Loyal family, nobility, ordinary civilians and slaves, men and women, rich and poor all dressed in different outfits and held the social activities in different kind of places.

3. What is the Political (government) system? Who has the power?- The ancient Greeks famously invented "democracy". It meant literally "People-power". Before this political system came out, the power was in the hands of the few richest citizens or monarchies, called "Tyrannies'.

What is the Economic (business) system?Ancient Rome was an agrarian and slave based economy whose main concern was feeding the vast number of citizens.Agriculture and trade dominated Roman economic fortunes, only supplemented by small scale industrial production.

What does the Social system (daily life, classes, customs, etc.) look like?Ancient Rome was a highly hierarchial and class-conscious society, but there was the possibility of mobility between most classes, because by the second century BCE class was no longer determined solely by birth. Though certain elements of dress and religious positions and rituals were still reserved for patricians. The classes were classified as Senatorial class, Equestrian class, Commons, Latins, Foreigners, Freepeople, Slaves.

Language Arts

2008-11-18T03:54:00.001-08:00

More good poems consist of these elements in different forms
Imagery: imagery i describing a subject in detail. INstead of saying i saw a pretty t. a poem would write i wal a myrtle tree with emerald leaves that graced the sky

meter : Poetry and music are close relatives, Poems must have a beat. Whenether it;s a iambic pentameter, free voice, spoken word, poems have an intrinsic beat tjat can be heard the moment the poem is read

2008-11-14T23:34:00.000-08:00

China faces new problem: Disposing of tainted milk

The shadow of the tainted milk from China has been haunting all over the world, but now Chia faces a new problem with the tainted milk that has sickened babies and battered public confidence: How to get rid of the toxic stuff? It has been burned, buried and mixed into coal. One trash-hauling company dumped a load into a river, turning the waters a frothy white and raising fears about the safety of the drinking water. Tens of thousands of tons of milk laced with melamine, a chemical used in making fertilizer and plastics, have been pulled from shelves and warehouses since September, and local governments now face the huge — and costly — problem of safely disposing of it.

China Health Ministry has not released a total figure for the amount of impure dairy products recalled or said how much has been destroyed. But last month alone, more than 32,000 tons — enough to fill about 23 Olympic-sized pools — were disposed of in a single province, Hebei, according to the official Xinhua news agency. The fear of the tainted milk wouldn’t be easily erased off from the mind of most of the consumers all over the world.

2008-11-14T23:18:00.001-08:00

China says door open to talks with Dalai Lama

A senior Chinese official said in comments broadcast Friday that Beijing is open to further discussions with Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama following talks earlier this month.The senior Chinese official said "China has done everything it can to talk to the Dalai Lama." He added that "the door is still open."Weiqun made the comments just days before a special meeting called by the Dalai Lama to discuss how the Tibetan exile communities and political organizations in Dharmsala, India, will deal with China in the future. The five day meeting begins Monday.

Even China insists Tibet is part of its territory. Since 2002, Tibetan representatives and Chinese officials have held several rounds of talks on the disputed territory with little apparent progress. I think that it is still a long way to go for the peace talk between China and Tibet.

No more Junk Food for children in Australia

2008-10-25T00:38:00.000-07:00

Major Australian food and drink manufacturers Friday agreed not to advertise junk food during children's television programs, as they face growing public pressure about childhood obesity.The Australian Food and Grocery Council's voluntary code commits companies to directly targeting children under 12 only when it promotes healthy dietary choices and lifestyles.

But the code, which is supported by some 150 companies accounting for 80 percent of Australian sales in highly processed food and drink sectors, will not include hamburger giant McDonald's and competitor KFC."The aim of the initiative is to ensure that only healthy foods and beverages are advertised during television shows predominantly watched by primary school-aged children," the council's chief executive Kate Carnell said.

China to invest in rail network as stimulus measure: report

2008-10-24T23:50:00.000-07:00

China will invest nearly 300 billion dollars in its overburdened rail system as a stimulus measure aimed at blunting the impact of the global financial crisis, state press said on Saturday.The investment is part of plans to extend the country's railway network from the current roughly 78,000 miles to nearly 100,000 miles by 2010, Shanghai's Oriental Morning Post reported.The Beijing News quoted a rail official as saying that, while the network needed extending, the massive investment of 292 billion dollars was also intended to help lift the nation's economy as it suffers amid the global woes.

China's railway network is one of the most extensive in the world, but has come under pressure as the nation's economy has boomed, giving millions more the opportunity to travel.Among them, more than 200 million migrant workers are estimated to have left their homes in the countryside for work in urban or coastal areas.The vulnerability of the rail network was laid bare last winter, when fierce snowstorms crippled China's transport systems, stranding millions of passengers trying to return to their homes during the peak Chinese New Year travel period.

What Kind Of Color Do You Have In Your Dream?

2008-10-23T04:36:00.000-07:00

Dreams is like a movie, it's playing while you are sleeping, but what kind of dream do you have, what color of dream do you have, the answers are all affect by tv and computer, what are you looking on day time, most of it will turn to dream.

Most of the people who are older like 55 year old people, they have black and white dream, this might because of they only have back and white tv in their childhood. and people like 25 years old
they have colorful dreams, and the dream they have most it's about what they watch in the movie or tv program.

Do People Still Support You?

2008-10-23T03:51:00.000-07:00

The economy is not good, people are usually poor and don't have money. So they will get angry, but who can they get angry to. They can't be angry to their self or to their own family. So, the answer might be the president of the nation.

A toy company in France has created a new kind of toy, it's a Voodoo Dolls with the France president on it. It also has a book inside which writes funny thing and jokes about the president. On the doll also has some sentence or bad word that the president. This doll is very chip, most of the people can pay for it.

Children thoughts

2008-10-18T07:48:00.000-07:00

There will be a new president for Untied States, but not only adults care about this, children in America are also very interesting, they talk about it at school, on internet, on bus, when ever they have free time.

Not only adults can talk and judge political figure at dinner, children also can. Some children talk about it during class, they don't listen what does the teacher talks about, they even have a debate down there, let the teachers dumbfounded.

The children talk about the election every year, and they are often right with it, since adults find out that children also have thoughts, they are right four times, so maybe children are more smartr than adults.