"I came, I saw, I conquered."
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Cinelli Xperience 06: Italians make hot bicycles and love to race them
Bianchi, Campagnolo, Cinelli and many more Italian manufacturers create high-quality bicycles.
While Campagnolo does not sell full framed bicycles, they are an integral part of any Italian bicycle purchase as they are the leading manufacturer of bicycle components. Campagnolo components date back to 1933, where they were first created in a small workshop in Vicenza by Campagnolo's founder, ex-racer Tullio Campagnolo.
Among the many accomplishments of Campagnolo are the creation of a quick release mechanism for bicycle wheels and the early advent of the front and rear derailleur. Campagnolo parts are so highly regarded that Campagnolo's proprietary dimensions have, in several cases, become adopted as de facto international standards.
While Campagnolo does not sell full framed bicycles, they are an integral part of any Italian bicycle purchase as they are the leading manufacturer of bicycle components. Campagnolo components date back to 1933, where they were first created in a small workshop in Vicenza by Campagnolo's founder, ex-racer Tullio Campagnolo.
Among the many accomplishments of Campagnolo are the creation of a quick release mechanism for bicycle wheels and the early advent of the front and rear derailleur. Campagnolo parts are so highly regarded that Campagnolo's proprietary dimensions have, in several cases, become adopted as de facto international standards.
Pompeii - Anfiteatro Remains of Pompeii
An eruption in ad 79 destroyed the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum.
Lamborghini Gallardo: snob appeal
The fallacy of snob appeal is where an appeal is made to the authority of the select few, the aristocrats.
Nobody wants to think they are merely one of the vast crowds; they want to be in the superior or wealthy class.
Nobody wants to think they are merely one of the vast crowds; they want to be in the superior or wealthy class.
Capri: la grotta azurra (the blue grotto)
Capri is an Italian island on the south side of the Gulf of Naples, it has been a celebrated beauty spot and resort since the time of the Roman Republic.
Overlooking Capri harbor from the rotunda in Villa San Michele.
The main features of the island are regularly portrayed on postcards: the Marina Piccola (Small Harbor), the Belvedere of Tragara, which is a high panoramic promenade lined with villas, the limestone masses that stand out of the sea (the 'Faraglioni'), Anacapri, the Blue Grotto ('Grotta Azzurra'). Above all are the ruins of the Imperial Roman villas.
Overlooking Capri harbor from the rotunda in Villa San Michele.
The main features of the island are regularly portrayed on postcards: the Marina Piccola (Small Harbor), the Belvedere of Tragara, which is a high panoramic promenade lined with villas, the limestone masses that stand out of the sea (the 'Faraglioni'), Anacapri, the Blue Grotto ('Grotta Azzurra'). Above all are the ruins of the Imperial Roman villas.
One of the best-known Italian specialty breads: Focaccia
Focaccia (IPA pronunciation: [fo'kaʧːa]) is a flat bread topped with spices and other products, which is related to modern pizza. The basic recipe is thought by some to have originated with the Etruscans or ancient Greeks, but nowadays it is particularly known as a delicacy of the Ligurian cuisine.
The local specialty "focaccia col formaggio" (focaccia with cheese) is made in Recco, near Genoa.
Focaccia is quite popular in Italy and is usually seasoned with olive oil and herbs, topped with cheese and meat or flavored with a number of vegetables.
The local specialty "focaccia col formaggio" (focaccia with cheese) is made in Recco, near Genoa.
Focaccia is quite popular in Italy and is usually seasoned with olive oil and herbs, topped with cheese and meat or flavored with a number of vegetables.
Consuming gelato by the Trevi Fountain in the heart of Roma
Gelato, or the plural Gelati, is Italian ice cream made from milk and sugar, combined with other flavourings. The gelato ingredients (after an optional pasteurization) are super-cooled while stirring to break up ice crystals as they form. Like high end ice cream, gelato generally has less than 35% air - resulting in a dense and extremely flavoursome product.
Gelato is the generic Italian for ice cream. The same word is commonly used in English speaking countries to refer to "ice cream" that is prepared in the Italian way. "Gelato" is an Italian word for "frozen" and comes from the Italian word gelare, meaning "to freeze."
Gelato is the generic Italian for ice cream. The same word is commonly used in English speaking countries to refer to "ice cream" that is prepared in the Italian way. "Gelato" is an Italian word for "frozen" and comes from the Italian word gelare, meaning "to freeze."
Ferrari Dino 法拉利
Ferrari is an Italian sports car manufacturer based in Maranello, Italy. Founded by Enzo Ferrari in 1929 as Scuderia Ferrari, the company sponsored drivers and manufactured race cars before moving into production of street legal vehicles in 1946 as Ferrari S.p.A..
Ferrari's cars are among the most desirable of vehicles to own and drive, and are one of the ultimate status symbols of wealth in the world. Throughout its history, the company has been noted for its continued participation in racing, especially in Formula One, where it has largely enjoyed great success, especially during the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, late 1990s, and 2000s.
wikipedia.org
Ferrari's cars are among the most desirable of vehicles to own and drive, and are one of the ultimate status symbols of wealth in the world. Throughout its history, the company has been noted for its continued participation in racing, especially in Formula One, where it has largely enjoyed great success, especially during the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, late 1990s, and 2000s.
wikipedia.org
Bread dipped in Olive oil and Balsamic vinegar: quite a Mediterranean treat
Balsamic vinegar (Italian: aceto balsamico) is a traditional flavoured vinegar commonly used in Italian cuisine. It is also often used as a salad dressing when combined with oil. It is a traditional product originating in Modena, where it has been made since the Middle Ages.
Try the Balsamic vinegar / olive oil mixture on toast, crackers or pasta. Prego!
Try the Balsamic vinegar / olive oil mixture on toast, crackers or pasta. Prego!
Bread dipped in Olive oil and Balsamic vinegar: quite a Mediterranean treat
Balsamic vinegar (Italian: aceto balsamico) is a traditional flavoured vinegar commonly used in Italian cuisine. It is also often used as a salad dressing when combined with oil. It is a traditional product originating in Modena, where it has been made since the Middle Ages.
Try the Balsamic vinegar / olive oil mixture on toast, crackers or pasta. Prego!
Try the Balsamic vinegar / olive oil mixture on toast, crackers or pasta. Prego!
Monday, March 26, 2007
N.1 Pianoforte Cristofori 1726: symbol of Italy's leadership in musical matters
Bartolomeo Cristofori di Francesco (May 4, 1655 - January 27, 1731) was an Italian maker of musical instruments, generally regarded as the inventor of the piano. He worked for the Medici family of Florence.
Cristofori's 1726 piano design boasted almost all of the features of the modern instrument. However, his piano was (from the modern point of view) of very light construction, lacking in particular a metal frame; this meant that it could not produce an especially loud tone. This continued to be the rule for pianos until around 1820, when iron bracing was first introduced.
Cristofori's 1726 piano design boasted almost all of the features of the modern instrument. However, his piano was (from the modern point of view) of very light construction, lacking in particular a metal frame; this meant that it could not produce an especially loud tone. This continued to be the rule for pianos until around 1820, when iron bracing was first introduced.
yup, everyone loves italian girls (you'd think she was from jersey with that shirt!)
yup, everyone loves italian girls (you'd think she was from jersey with that shirt!)
Originally uploaded by jodiemim.
Buona sera: Good evening
Buona notte: Good night
Ciao: Hi / Hello / Bye (informal)
Arrivederci: Goodbye
See you later A presto
See you soon A domani
Please Grazie
Thank you (very much) Prego
Sorry Scusi / Scusa
Pretty good. Così così.
Sì: Yes
Di dov'è? Where are you from? (formal) Di dove sei?
Capisce? / Capisci? Do you understand? (formal / informal) [Non] capisco.
Salute! Bless you!
Ti amo. I love you. (informal)
È pazzo! / Sei pazzo! You're crazy! (formal / informal)
Sicily: Isola Bella, near Taormina
Sicily has been noted for two millennia as a grain-producing territory. Oranges, olives, and wine are among its other agricultural products.
On to the Mafia:
Originating during the mid 19th century, the Mafia served as protection for the large orange and lemon estates surrounding the city of Palermo.[1] From this, the Mafia began to spread its roots among the landowners and politicians of Sicily. Forming strong links with the government (it is more than likely that many politicians were members or collaborators) the Mafia gained significant power.
During the Fascist period in Italy, Cesare Mori, prefect of Palermo, used special powers granted to him to prosecute the Mafia, forcing many Mafiosi to flee abroad or risk being jailed. Many of the Mafiosi who escaped fled to the United States, among them Joseph Bonanno, nicknamed Joe Bananas, who came to dominate the U.S. branch of the Mafia. However, when Mori started to persecute the Mafiosi involved in the Fascist hierarchy, he was removed, and the Fascist authorities proclaimed that the Mafia had been defeated. Despite his assault on their brethren, Mussolini had his fans in the New York Mafia, notably Vito Genovese.
The United States used the Italian connection of the American Mafiosi during the invasion of Italy and Sicily in 1943. Lucky Luciano and other members of Mafia, who had been imprisoned during this time in the U.S., provided information for US military intelligence, who used Luciano's influence to ease the way for advancing American troops.[5]
On to the Mafia:
Originating during the mid 19th century, the Mafia served as protection for the large orange and lemon estates surrounding the city of Palermo.[1] From this, the Mafia began to spread its roots among the landowners and politicians of Sicily. Forming strong links with the government (it is more than likely that many politicians were members or collaborators) the Mafia gained significant power.
During the Fascist period in Italy, Cesare Mori, prefect of Palermo, used special powers granted to him to prosecute the Mafia, forcing many Mafiosi to flee abroad or risk being jailed. Many of the Mafiosi who escaped fled to the United States, among them Joseph Bonanno, nicknamed Joe Bananas, who came to dominate the U.S. branch of the Mafia. However, when Mori started to persecute the Mafiosi involved in the Fascist hierarchy, he was removed, and the Fascist authorities proclaimed that the Mafia had been defeated. Despite his assault on their brethren, Mussolini had his fans in the New York Mafia, notably Vito Genovese.
The United States used the Italian connection of the American Mafiosi during the invasion of Italy and Sicily in 1943. Lucky Luciano and other members of Mafia, who had been imprisoned during this time in the U.S., provided information for US military intelligence, who used Luciano's influence to ease the way for advancing American troops.[5]
Pizza in Napoli (Naples)
My favorite pizza in Italy, Pizza Marinara! You'll never taste anything like this in the U.S., says aeward on Flickr.com.
Pissa is late Vulgar Latin (9th century) for flat bread, and apparently came to mean a flat bread with a cheese topping by the 14th century in some Italian dialects.[1] Pizzo, which means "point" in Italian, may have been an influence.[2] Many languages around the Mediterranean have similar words meaning flat bread or unleavened bread, see pita.
The Italian word for a person with talent for making pizza is pizzaiolo. A restaurant that serves pizza is called a pizzeria (from Italian).
Pizza marinara: with tomato, garlic, oregano and oil;
Pizza Margherita: tomato, sliced mozzarella, basil and oil;
Pizza Romana (in Naples): tomato, mozzarella, anchovies, oregano, oil;
Pizza Viennese: tomato, mozzarella, German sausage, oregano, oil;
Calzone is a pizza in the form of a half moon, filled with ricotta, salami and mozzarella; it can be either fried or oven baked.
Calzone and stromboli are very similar dishes (calzone is traditionally half-moon-shaped, while a stromboli is tube-shaped) that are often made of pizza dough rolled or folded around a filling.
Pissa is late Vulgar Latin (9th century) for flat bread, and apparently came to mean a flat bread with a cheese topping by the 14th century in some Italian dialects.[1] Pizzo, which means "point" in Italian, may have been an influence.[2] Many languages around the Mediterranean have similar words meaning flat bread or unleavened bread, see pita.
The Italian word for a person with talent for making pizza is pizzaiolo. A restaurant that serves pizza is called a pizzeria (from Italian).
Pizza marinara: with tomato, garlic, oregano and oil;
Pizza Margherita: tomato, sliced mozzarella, basil and oil;
Pizza Romana (in Naples): tomato, mozzarella, anchovies, oregano, oil;
Pizza Viennese: tomato, mozzarella, German sausage, oregano, oil;
Calzone is a pizza in the form of a half moon, filled with ricotta, salami and mozzarella; it can be either fried or oven baked.
Calzone and stromboli are very similar dishes (calzone is traditionally half-moon-shaped, while a stromboli is tube-shaped) that are often made of pizza dough rolled or folded around a filling.
Vespa, Vespa, Vespa
The Vespa is a line of motor scooters that was first manufactured in Pontedera, Italy in 1946 by Piaggio & Co, S.p.A
Piaggio continues to manufacture the Vespa today, although the Vespa was much more widely used in the 1950s and 60s, when it also became the adopted vehicle of choice for the UK youth-culture known as Mods.
Vespa is both Latin and Italian for wasp—derived from both the high pitch noise of the two-stroke engine, and adopted as a name for the vehicle in reference to its body shape: the thicker rear part connected to the front part by a narrow waist, and the steering rod resembled antennae.
Piaggio continues to manufacture the Vespa today, although the Vespa was much more widely used in the 1950s and 60s, when it also became the adopted vehicle of choice for the UK youth-culture known as Mods.
Vespa is both Latin and Italian for wasp—derived from both the high pitch noise of the two-stroke engine, and adopted as a name for the vehicle in reference to its body shape: the thicker rear part connected to the front part by a narrow waist, and the steering rod resembled antennae.
Ponte Vecchio, 1345
The Ponte Vecchio (Italian for Old Bridge) is a Medieval bridge over the Arno River, in Florence, Italy, noted for having shops (mainly jewellers) built along it.
Believed to have been first built in Roman times, it was originally made of wood. After being destroyed by a flood in 1333 it was rebuilt in 1345, this time in stone.
It has always hosted shops and merchants (legend says this was originally due to a tax exemption), which displayed their goods on tables after authorisation of the Bargello (a sort of a lord mayor, a magistrate and a police authority).
Believed to have been first built in Roman times, it was originally made of wood. After being destroyed by a flood in 1333 it was rebuilt in 1345, this time in stone.
It has always hosted shops and merchants (legend says this was originally due to a tax exemption), which displayed their goods on tables after authorisation of the Bargello (a sort of a lord mayor, a magistrate and a police authority).
Ducati: MotoGP Catalunya Crash
Ducati riders Loris Capirossi and Sete Gibernau collide, also taking out Marco Melandri, at the 2006 Spanish Motorcycle Grand Prix at Catalunya, Spain.
Viva l'italia: notes on a grand nation
"Rome wasn't built in a day."
Amerigo Vespucci: trader, explorer, cartographer. "In 1507, Martin Waldseemüller produced a world map on which he named the new continent "America" after Vespucci's first name, Amerigo." Wikipedia
Mappa mundi:
1. Milano (symbol: Milano cookie)
2. Venezia (the gondola called a vaporetto)
3. Firenze (Florence): the Ponte Vecchio or a guitar w a Florentine cutaway.
4. Roma: the Roman Forum, the place where men argued the issues.
5. Vatican City: il Pape.
6. Napoli (Naples): the home of pizza.
7. Sicily: home of the Cosa Nostra.
8. Sardinia: the sardine.
9. Tunisia: Carthaginian general Hannibal atop an elephant.
10. Med: the amphora.
Italian sports:
* futbol
* bicycle racing (manufacturers)
* motorcycle racing (Ducati, Benelli, Moto Guzzi)
* boat racing - cigarette-type boats, sailing yachts
* auto racing (Maserati, Ferrari, Alfa Romeo, etc)
Amerigo Vespucci: trader, explorer, cartographer. "In 1507, Martin Waldseemüller produced a world map on which he named the new continent "America" after Vespucci's first name, Amerigo." Wikipedia
Mappa mundi:
1. Milano (symbol: Milano cookie)
2. Venezia (the gondola called a vaporetto)
3. Firenze (Florence): the Ponte Vecchio or a guitar w a Florentine cutaway.
4. Roma: the Roman Forum, the place where men argued the issues.
5. Vatican City: il Pape.
6. Napoli (Naples): the home of pizza.
7. Sicily: home of the Cosa Nostra.
8. Sardinia: the sardine.
9. Tunisia: Carthaginian general Hannibal atop an elephant.
10. Med: the amphora.
Italian sports:
* futbol
* bicycle racing (manufacturers)
* motorcycle racing (Ducati, Benelli, Moto Guzzi)
* boat racing - cigarette-type boats, sailing yachts
* auto racing (Maserati, Ferrari, Alfa Romeo, etc)
Friday, March 23, 2007
Portofino, a haven on the Italian Riviera
Portofino is a small Italian fishing village and tourist resort located in the province of Genoa on the Italian Riviera. The town crowded round its small harbour is considered to be among the most beautiful Mediterranean ports, says Wikipedia.
Portofino has even been recreated in stupendous detail around the 'harbor' at Tokyo DisneySea in Chiba, Japan, and to a much lesser extent, the Portofino Bay Resort at Universal Orlando Resort in Orlando, Florida.
Notes on classwork Fri, Mar 23:
World geo is taking an intro to Italy and continuing a study of the Mediterranean culture.
1. Sketch a map that features both Greece and Italy and their immediate neighbors.
* Use color.
* Identify nations, major cities, bodies of water.
* Create a title that recognizes the historic relationship of the 2 nations.
* 5 pts. To be scored in class Mon.
(Greek philosophers skits to be presented Mon. and Tues)
Please read from the World Geography / Prentice Hall textbook, pp 326 - 337.
* Take brief notes on all terms printed in red.
* Write brief answers to questions on 336, 1 - 7.
* 5 pts. To be scored Mon.
- Gibraltar (UK)
- Pyrenees Mts.
- navigable: Is the red River navigable?
- Sirocco winds: Why did VW name a car the Scirocco?
- hub: In what ways is Shreveport a hub?
- seismically active: "Mom, why can't I be seismically active?"
- de-forestation, overgrazing, overpopulation
- migration for economic advantage: Do the young migrate away from Shreveport because of a lack of jobs?
- creativity and the business boom: design & manufacturing innovation.
- Roman empire followed by the Roman Catholic empire.
- European Italy: the north, from the Alps to the Po River valley.
- subsidence: does sinking soil affect Louisiana? Does it affect Viking Dr?
- Central Italy: Roma, the Vatican, Bologna, Florence (Firenze). Heart of the Rensaissance.
- Southern Italy: Naples (Napoli), Sicily, Sardinia. Home of the Cosa Nostra.
- Snob appeal goods and image: Armani, Prada, Beretta, Ferrari, Nutella, Balsamic vinegar.
- The nature of the dishes at Ristorante Chianti or the Olive St Bistro as opposed to Monjuni's or Notini's.
Portofino has even been recreated in stupendous detail around the 'harbor' at Tokyo DisneySea in Chiba, Japan, and to a much lesser extent, the Portofino Bay Resort at Universal Orlando Resort in Orlando, Florida.
Notes on classwork Fri, Mar 23:
World geo is taking an intro to Italy and continuing a study of the Mediterranean culture.
1. Sketch a map that features both Greece and Italy and their immediate neighbors.
* Use color.
* Identify nations, major cities, bodies of water.
* Create a title that recognizes the historic relationship of the 2 nations.
* 5 pts. To be scored in class Mon.
(Greek philosophers skits to be presented Mon. and Tues)
Please read from the World Geography / Prentice Hall textbook, pp 326 - 337.
* Take brief notes on all terms printed in red.
* Write brief answers to questions on 336, 1 - 7.
* 5 pts. To be scored Mon.
- Gibraltar (UK)
- Pyrenees Mts.
- navigable: Is the red River navigable?
- Sirocco winds: Why did VW name a car the Scirocco?
- hub: In what ways is Shreveport a hub?
- seismically active: "Mom, why can't I be seismically active?"
- de-forestation, overgrazing, overpopulation
- migration for economic advantage: Do the young migrate away from Shreveport because of a lack of jobs?
- creativity and the business boom: design & manufacturing innovation.
- Roman empire followed by the Roman Catholic empire.
- European Italy: the north, from the Alps to the Po River valley.
- subsidence: does sinking soil affect Louisiana? Does it affect Viking Dr?
- Central Italy: Roma, the Vatican, Bologna, Florence (Firenze). Heart of the Rensaissance.
- Southern Italy: Naples (Napoli), Sicily, Sardinia. Home of the Cosa Nostra.
- Snob appeal goods and image: Armani, Prada, Beretta, Ferrari, Nutella, Balsamic vinegar.
- The nature of the dishes at Ristorante Chianti or the Olive St Bistro as opposed to Monjuni's or Notini's.
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Prada, Maserati, latte: a unit on L'Italia
Prada
Dolce & Gabbana
Fendi
Armani
Versace
Lancia
Alfa-Romeo
Ferrari
Lamborghini
Beretta
Nutella
You can tell from this product list we shall have a good time studying Italy.
There's history, too: our focus will be upon the Roman Empire and Rennaissance.
Also, cuchina (cooking):
tortellini
linguini
pesto
espresso
canneloni
cannoli
cream sauce vs. tomato-based sauce
Leonardo DiCaprio: his family must have originated on the Bay of Naples, upon the island of ??
Capri.
Dolce & Gabbana
Fendi
Armani
Versace
Lancia
Alfa-Romeo
Ferrari
Lamborghini
Beretta
Nutella
You can tell from this product list we shall have a good time studying Italy.
There's history, too: our focus will be upon the Roman Empire and Rennaissance.
Also, cuchina (cooking):
tortellini
linguini
pesto
espresso
canneloni
cannoli
cream sauce vs. tomato-based sauce
Leonardo DiCaprio: his family must have originated on the Bay of Naples, upon the island of ??
Capri.
Ancient Olympia, Greece
Olympic review:
1. Goddess honored by festival of athletic events - foot races - for Greek females: __ .
2. Location of the games dedicated to Zeus: __.
3. Definition of "quadrennial."
4. Example of Olympic event in 1000 AD (or the Common Era, or CE).
5. Most extreme event of early Olympics.
6. Brief definition of "amateur."
1. Goddess honored by festival of athletic events - foot races - for Greek females: __ .
2. Location of the games dedicated to Zeus: __.
3. Definition of "quadrennial."
4. Example of Olympic event in 1000 AD (or the Common Era, or CE).
5. Most extreme event of early Olympics.
6. Brief definition of "amateur."
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
It's a holiday all across the world: the Vernal Equinox
Please see equinox - equi, "equal," and nox, "night," - in wikipedia for a sense of its importance.
Evidently only some regions have "equal night and day." The real meaning is that the sun is directly above the equator.
Vernal: what color? Verdantly, he replied, g r e e n.
Evidently only some regions have "equal night and day." The real meaning is that the sun is directly above the equator.
Vernal: what color? Verdantly, he replied, g r e e n.
Site of the archaic Olympics, 700 BCE - 400 CE
* Running
* Wrestling
* Boxing
* Horse races
* Chariot races
* Pentathlon (incl discus, javelin and jumping along w running & wrestling)
These were the ancient events, says The Greeks, by Usborne Books.
Every 4 years.
5 says' duration.
Dedicated to Zeus.
Olive wreath & woolen ribbons given the victors.
Some of the participants were professionals.
Olympia's facilities included the stadium and gymnasium.
The Heraia were quadrennial games for females.
The modern Olympics were founded about 1896 by a Frenchman.
* Wrestling
* Boxing
* Horse races
* Chariot races
* Pentathlon (incl discus, javelin and jumping along w running & wrestling)
These were the ancient events, says The Greeks, by Usborne Books.
Every 4 years.
5 says' duration.
Dedicated to Zeus.
Olive wreath & woolen ribbons given the victors.
Some of the participants were professionals.
Olympia's facilities included the stadium and gymnasium.
The Heraia were quadrennial games for females.
The modern Olympics were founded about 1896 by a Frenchman.
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
The Amphora, or storage vessel, is a symbol of the Mediterranean
An amphora (plural: amphorae or amphoras) is a type of ceramic vase with two handles and a long neck narrower than the body.
Amphorae first appeared on the Lebanese-Syrian coast around the 15th century BC and spread around the ancient world, being used by the ancient Greeks and Romans as the principal means for transporting and storing,
grapes,
olive oil,
wine,
oil,
olives,
grain,
fish, and other commodities.
They were produced on an industrial scale from Greek times and used around the Mediterranean until about the 7th century. Wooden and skin containers seem to have supplanted amphorae thereafter.
Amphorae first appeared on the Lebanese-Syrian coast around the 15th century BC and spread around the ancient world, being used by the ancient Greeks and Romans as the principal means for transporting and storing,
grapes,
olive oil,
wine,
oil,
olives,
grain,
fish, and other commodities.
They were produced on an industrial scale from Greek times and used around the Mediterranean until about the 7th century. Wooden and skin containers seem to have supplanted amphorae thereafter.
Petit déjeuner français / the continental breakfast
The continental breakfast - the continent referred to is Europe - is not a big whoop. Mostly it means coffee and a roll & butter. If you're lucky, the roll is a croissant.
Not everyone in Europe eats this way. The Dutch love a big breakfast, for one example.
Do you like a big or a little breakfast?
Not everyone in Europe eats this way. The Dutch love a big breakfast, for one example.
Do you like a big or a little breakfast?
The Mediterranean: crucible of Western Civilization
The Mediterranean is a sea of the Atlantic Ocean almost completely enclosed by land: on the north by Europe, on the south by Africa, and also on the east by Asia. Its connection to the Atlantic (the Strait of Gibraltar) is only 9 mi wide.
It was a superhighway of transport in ancient times, allowing for trade and cultural exchange between emergent peoples of the region — the Mesopotamian, Egyptian, Semitic, Persian, Phoenician, Carthaginian, Greek and Roman cultures. The history of the Mediterranean is important in understanding the origin and development of Western Civilization.
The term Mediterranean derives from the Latin mediterraneus, 'inland' (medius, 'middle' + terra, 'land, earth'). To the ancient Romans, the Mediterranean was the center of the Earth as they knew it.
The Greeks name it Mesogeios, meaning ('middle' + 'land, earth', hence inland, interior. In the Old Testament it was the "Great Sea" or simply "The Sea" . In Hebrew, it is called "ha-Yam ha-Tikhon", "the middle sea". In Turkish, it is Akdeniz, "the white sea". In Arabic, it is Al-Baħr Al-Abyad Al-Muttawasit, "the middle white sea".
wikipedia.org
It was a superhighway of transport in ancient times, allowing for trade and cultural exchange between emergent peoples of the region — the Mesopotamian, Egyptian, Semitic, Persian, Phoenician, Carthaginian, Greek and Roman cultures. The history of the Mediterranean is important in understanding the origin and development of Western Civilization.
The term Mediterranean derives from the Latin mediterraneus, 'inland' (medius, 'middle' + terra, 'land, earth'). To the ancient Romans, the Mediterranean was the center of the Earth as they knew it.
The Greeks name it Mesogeios, meaning ('middle' + 'land, earth', hence inland, interior. In the Old Testament it was the "Great Sea" or simply "The Sea" . In Hebrew, it is called "ha-Yam ha-Tikhon", "the middle sea". In Turkish, it is Akdeniz, "the white sea". In Arabic, it is Al-Baħr Al-Abyad Al-Muttawasit, "the middle white sea".
wikipedia.org
Platonic love, or a Platonic relationship
Platonic love, says wikipedia, in its modern popular sense is an affectionate relationship into which the sexual element does not enter, especially in cases where one might easily assume otherwise. A simple example of platonic relationships is a deep, non-sexual friendship between two heterosexual people of the opposite sexes.
At the same time, this interpretation is a misunderstanding of the nature of the Platonic ideal of love, which from its origin was that of a chaste but passionate love, based not on lack of interest but virtuous restraint of sexual desire.
In its original Platonic form, this love was meant to bring the lovers closer to wisdom and the Platonic Form of Beauty. It is described in depth in Plato's Phaedrus and Symposium.
At the same time, this interpretation is a misunderstanding of the nature of the Platonic ideal of love, which from its origin was that of a chaste but passionate love, based not on lack of interest but virtuous restraint of sexual desire.
In its original Platonic form, this love was meant to bring the lovers closer to wisdom and the Platonic Form of Beauty. It is described in depth in Plato's Phaedrus and Symposium.
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Aristotle: "happiness depends on ourselves."
Aristotle (384 B.C. - 322 B.C.)
Aristotle was born in 384 B.C.E. in Stagirus, Macedonia, Greece, the son of Nicomachus, a medical doctor, and Phaestis. Little is known about Aristotle's early years, though he was almost certainly meant to become a doctor like his father, who died when Aristotle was ten years old. As his mother had died some years earlier, Aristotle was brought up by Proxenus of Atarneus, possibly a family friend or uncle.
Proxenus taught Aristotle poetry, Greek, and public speaking; Aristotle had already learned science as a part of his early medical training by his father. At seventeen, Proxenus sent Aristotle to Athens to continue his education under Plato.
Aristotle differed from Plato in some of his views and beliefs. While Aristotle agreed with Plato that the cosmos is designed in a rational way, Aristotle thought that the universal could be found in particular things, while Plato believed the universal exists apart from particular things. Plato focused on mathematics and metaphysics, while Aristotle focused on physics, mechanics, and biology (nature). Despite these differences, after Plato's death in 347 B.C.E., Aristotle continued in his association with other Platonists.
Aristotle married Pythias, the adopted daughter of Hermias, ruler of Atarneus, after Hermias' murder by the Persians.
After traveling for some years in Asia Minor, Aristotle returned to Macedonia in 338 B.C.E. in order to tutor Alexander the Great. Aristotle then went to Athens after it was conquered by Alexander and created a school, the Lyceum or Peripatetic School, in 335 B.C.E., running it for twelve years.
In 323 B.C.E., Alexander died, and the capital was overrun by Macedonians. Aristotle fled prosecution and charges, escaping to Chalcis in Euboea, Greece. He died there in 322 B.C.E.
Aristotle's works in print are mainly written versions of his lectures. The texts were edited by Andronicus of Rhodes in or around 100 B.C.E. These works include: De Poetica (Poetics), Organum, Rhetoric, Categories, Nicomachean Ethics, Eudemian Ethics, and On the Soul (De Anima), all said to be written in 350 B.C.E.
Famous quotations by Aristotle:
The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet.
My best friend is the man who in wishing me well wishes it for my sake.
Friendship is a single soul dwelling in two bodies.
Different men seek after happiness in different ways and by different means, and so make for themselves different modes of life and forms of government.
Happiness depends upon ourselves.
We praise a man who feels angry on the right grounds and against the right persons and also in the right manner at the right moment and for the right length of time.
No one would choose a friendless existence on condition of having all the other things in the world.
Wishing to be friends is quick work, but friendship is a slow ripening fruit.
Democracy arises out of the notion that those who are equal in any respect are equal in all respects; because men are equally free, they claim to be absolutely equal.
Men create gods after their own image, not only with regard to their form but with regard to their mode of life.
The ideal man bears the accidents of life with dignity and grace, making the best of circumstances.
Aristotle was born in 384 B.C.E. in Stagirus, Macedonia, Greece, the son of Nicomachus, a medical doctor, and Phaestis. Little is known about Aristotle's early years, though he was almost certainly meant to become a doctor like his father, who died when Aristotle was ten years old. As his mother had died some years earlier, Aristotle was brought up by Proxenus of Atarneus, possibly a family friend or uncle.
Proxenus taught Aristotle poetry, Greek, and public speaking; Aristotle had already learned science as a part of his early medical training by his father. At seventeen, Proxenus sent Aristotle to Athens to continue his education under Plato.
Aristotle differed from Plato in some of his views and beliefs. While Aristotle agreed with Plato that the cosmos is designed in a rational way, Aristotle thought that the universal could be found in particular things, while Plato believed the universal exists apart from particular things. Plato focused on mathematics and metaphysics, while Aristotle focused on physics, mechanics, and biology (nature). Despite these differences, after Plato's death in 347 B.C.E., Aristotle continued in his association with other Platonists.
Aristotle married Pythias, the adopted daughter of Hermias, ruler of Atarneus, after Hermias' murder by the Persians.
After traveling for some years in Asia Minor, Aristotle returned to Macedonia in 338 B.C.E. in order to tutor Alexander the Great. Aristotle then went to Athens after it was conquered by Alexander and created a school, the Lyceum or Peripatetic School, in 335 B.C.E., running it for twelve years.
In 323 B.C.E., Alexander died, and the capital was overrun by Macedonians. Aristotle fled prosecution and charges, escaping to Chalcis in Euboea, Greece. He died there in 322 B.C.E.
Aristotle's works in print are mainly written versions of his lectures. The texts were edited by Andronicus of Rhodes in or around 100 B.C.E. These works include: De Poetica (Poetics), Organum, Rhetoric, Categories, Nicomachean Ethics, Eudemian Ethics, and On the Soul (De Anima), all said to be written in 350 B.C.E.
Famous quotations by Aristotle:
The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet.
My best friend is the man who in wishing me well wishes it for my sake.
Friendship is a single soul dwelling in two bodies.
Different men seek after happiness in different ways and by different means, and so make for themselves different modes of life and forms of government.
Happiness depends upon ourselves.
We praise a man who feels angry on the right grounds and against the right persons and also in the right manner at the right moment and for the right length of time.
No one would choose a friendless existence on condition of having all the other things in the world.
Wishing to be friends is quick work, but friendship is a slow ripening fruit.
Democracy arises out of the notion that those who are equal in any respect are equal in all respects; because men are equally free, they claim to be absolutely equal.
Men create gods after their own image, not only with regard to their form but with regard to their mode of life.
The ideal man bears the accidents of life with dignity and grace, making the best of circumstances.
Socrates: "the unexamined life is not worth living"
Socrates, via Infoplease.com:
The Greek philosopher Socrates was born c. 470 B.C., in Athens and died in 399 B.C.
Socrates' Family:
We know little about the life of Socrates but we have the names of some of his family members from the works of Plato. Socrates' father was Sophroniscus (thought to have been a stonemason), his mother was Phaenarete, and his wife, Xanthippe. Socrates had three sons.
Death of Socrates:
Socrates was condemned to death for impiety by the Council of 500, for not believing in the gods of the city and for introducing new gods. He was offered an alternative to death, paying a fine, but refused it. Socrates took the cup of posion hemlock. His death was witnessed by friends.
Socrates as Citizen of Athens:
Socrates is remembered chiefly as a philosopher and the teacher of Plato, but he was also a citizen of Athens, and served the military as a hoplite at Potidaea (432-429), Delium (424) and Amphipolis (422) in the Peloponnesian Wars. He also participated in the Council of the 500.
Socrates is not known to have written anything and is best known from the dialogues of Plato, but before Plato he, was an object of ridicule as a sophist in Aristophanes' comedy The Clouds. Both Plato and Xenophon wrote about Socrates' defense at his trial in separate works called Apology.
Socrates and the Socratic Method:
Socrates is known for the Socratic method, Socratic irony and the pursuit of knowledge. Socrates is famous for saying that he knows nothing and that the unexamined life is not worth living.
From spaceandmotion.com we learn:
Socrates was a Greek (Athenian) philosopher. He never wrote down his thoughts, as such, the entirety of modern knowledge concerning Socrates must be drawn from secondary sources, such as the works of Plato, Aristophanes and Xenophon.
Socrates lived during the time of the transition from the height of the Athenian Empire to its decline after its defeat by Sparta and its allies in the Peloponnesian War. At a time when Athens was seeking to recover from humiliating defeat, the Athenian public court was induced by three leading public figures to try Socrates for impiety and for corrupting the youth of Athens. He was found guilty as charged, and sentenced to death. Instead of fleeing Athens (as his friends suggested), he chose to abide by the laws of his society and drank hemlock to end his life.
According to the version of his defense speech presented in Plato's Apology, Socrates' life as the ‘gadfly’ of Athens began when his friend Chaerephon asked the oracle at Delphi if anyone was wiser than Socrates; the Oracle responded negatively. Socrates, interpreting this as a riddle, set out to find men who were wiser than him. He questioned the men of Athens about their knowledge of good, beauty, and virtue. Finding that they knew nothing and yet believing themselves to know much, Socrates came to the conclusion that he was wise only in so far as he knew he knew nothing. The others only falsely thought they had knowledge. ... (see book for more)
The Greek philosopher Socrates was born c. 470 B.C., in Athens and died in 399 B.C.
Socrates' Family:
We know little about the life of Socrates but we have the names of some of his family members from the works of Plato. Socrates' father was Sophroniscus (thought to have been a stonemason), his mother was Phaenarete, and his wife, Xanthippe. Socrates had three sons.
Death of Socrates:
Socrates was condemned to death for impiety by the Council of 500, for not believing in the gods of the city and for introducing new gods. He was offered an alternative to death, paying a fine, but refused it. Socrates took the cup of posion hemlock. His death was witnessed by friends.
Socrates as Citizen of Athens:
Socrates is remembered chiefly as a philosopher and the teacher of Plato, but he was also a citizen of Athens, and served the military as a hoplite at Potidaea (432-429), Delium (424) and Amphipolis (422) in the Peloponnesian Wars. He also participated in the Council of the 500.
Socrates is not known to have written anything and is best known from the dialogues of Plato, but before Plato he, was an object of ridicule as a sophist in Aristophanes' comedy The Clouds. Both Plato and Xenophon wrote about Socrates' defense at his trial in separate works called Apology.
Socrates and the Socratic Method:
Socrates is known for the Socratic method, Socratic irony and the pursuit of knowledge. Socrates is famous for saying that he knows nothing and that the unexamined life is not worth living.
From spaceandmotion.com we learn:
Socrates was a Greek (Athenian) philosopher. He never wrote down his thoughts, as such, the entirety of modern knowledge concerning Socrates must be drawn from secondary sources, such as the works of Plato, Aristophanes and Xenophon.
Socrates lived during the time of the transition from the height of the Athenian Empire to its decline after its defeat by Sparta and its allies in the Peloponnesian War. At a time when Athens was seeking to recover from humiliating defeat, the Athenian public court was induced by three leading public figures to try Socrates for impiety and for corrupting the youth of Athens. He was found guilty as charged, and sentenced to death. Instead of fleeing Athens (as his friends suggested), he chose to abide by the laws of his society and drank hemlock to end his life.
According to the version of his defense speech presented in Plato's Apology, Socrates' life as the ‘gadfly’ of Athens began when his friend Chaerephon asked the oracle at Delphi if anyone was wiser than Socrates; the Oracle responded negatively. Socrates, interpreting this as a riddle, set out to find men who were wiser than him. He questioned the men of Athens about their knowledge of good, beauty, and virtue. Finding that they knew nothing and yet believing themselves to know much, Socrates came to the conclusion that he was wise only in so far as he knew he knew nothing. The others only falsely thought they had knowledge. ... (see book for more)
Agora: the shops and meeting place of the Greeks
Socrates / Plato / Aristotle / Trudeau
from A Young Person's Guide to Philosophy / DK Books
1. Socrates was a princely and successful teacher. T / F
2. When told that many regarded him as the wisest man in Athens, he responded that he worked hard at his tasks and humbly appreciated the praise. T / F
3. Socrates believed that happiness came to those who gave up material goods. T / F
4. His principal means of teaching was via lecture as he and his students walked around the city. T / F
5. Socrates was both supportive and antagonistic toward men in government. T / F
6. Socrates was atheistic. T / F
7. His dialogues with students were recorded by his pupil, Aristotle. T / F
8. He was a sophist, a commercial and independent teacher. T / F
9. His famous death potion was the poison called cyanide.
10. His style was similar to that of an aggressive journalist.
T / F
1. Plato was a disciple of Socrates who nevertheless was independent in his thought. T / F
2. Plato believed in democracy. T / F
3. He founded the first university, a school called the Academy. T / F
4. Plato’s school was famous but lacked balance by our standards. T / F
5. Plato considered the case for women’s rights and decided that that it was “not time for it.” T / F
6. The Muses were the leaders of the political scene that so dismayed Plato. T / F
7. Plato’s style of philosophical writing was that of the novelist.
T / F
8. Plato’s recommendation for the ideal government was one led by a philosopher-king. T / F
9. Plato was preceded by Socrates and followed by Aristotle. T / F
10. Plato was an idealist. T / F
1. Aristotle was a disciple of Socrates who nevertheless was independent in his thought. T / F
2. Aristotle might be called the Father of Science. T / F
3. Aristotle recognized the capabilities of women. T / F
4. He was not from Athens, but from a region near Macedonia. T / F
5. Aristotle had an enormous impact on history in general and Christianity in particular. T / F
6. Aristotle also created an institution called the Academy. T / F
7. He had a pupil of historic importance: Cleopatra VII.
8. Aristotle excelled at marine biology. T / F
9. Of the 3 great philosophers of ancient Greece, Aristotle has won the most respect and attention from the Western world. T / F
10. Would you say that his credibility was based solely on his observations in nature or was enhanced by the fact that he tutored one of the world’s conquering generals? Y / N
World Book: Soon after Alexander died in 323 B.C., Aristotle was charged with impiety (lack of reverence for the gods) by the Athenians. They probably resented his friendship with Alexander, the man who had conquered them. Aristotle had not forgotten the fate of the philosopher Socrates, condemned to death on a similar charge by the Athenians in 399 B.C. He fled to the city of Chalcis so the Athenians would not, as he said, "sin twice against philosophy." He died in Chalcis a year later.
Athenian Democracy
1. The ancient form of democracy was called Athenian because there were other types of government in places such as __ .
2. Athens itself had other types of government. T / F
3. What were the limitations of participation in Athenian democracy?
4. Was the Athenian military affected by democratic practice? Y / N
5. What is a *check* in regards political action?
6. Which of these words means to “send into exile,” or to “cast out?”
7. How might a playwright affect the government?
8. Greek democracy was practiced for some 1,200 years. T / F
9. What’s relatively odd about the number of participants in the political life of Athens?
10. Would Pericles have been the leader associated with the building of the Parthenon?
Socrates
1. F
2. F
3. F
4. F
5. T
6. probably F
7. F
8. F
9. F
10. T
from A Young Person's Guide to Philosophy / DK Books
1. Socrates was a princely and successful teacher. T / F
2. When told that many regarded him as the wisest man in Athens, he responded that he worked hard at his tasks and humbly appreciated the praise. T / F
3. Socrates believed that happiness came to those who gave up material goods. T / F
4. His principal means of teaching was via lecture as he and his students walked around the city. T / F
5. Socrates was both supportive and antagonistic toward men in government. T / F
6. Socrates was atheistic. T / F
7. His dialogues with students were recorded by his pupil, Aristotle. T / F
8. He was a sophist, a commercial and independent teacher. T / F
9. His famous death potion was the poison called cyanide.
10. His style was similar to that of an aggressive journalist.
T / F
1. Plato was a disciple of Socrates who nevertheless was independent in his thought. T / F
2. Plato believed in democracy. T / F
3. He founded the first university, a school called the Academy. T / F
4. Plato’s school was famous but lacked balance by our standards. T / F
5. Plato considered the case for women’s rights and decided that that it was “not time for it.” T / F
6. The Muses were the leaders of the political scene that so dismayed Plato. T / F
7. Plato’s style of philosophical writing was that of the novelist.
T / F
8. Plato’s recommendation for the ideal government was one led by a philosopher-king. T / F
9. Plato was preceded by Socrates and followed by Aristotle. T / F
10. Plato was an idealist. T / F
1. Aristotle was a disciple of Socrates who nevertheless was independent in his thought. T / F
2. Aristotle might be called the Father of Science. T / F
3. Aristotle recognized the capabilities of women. T / F
4. He was not from Athens, but from a region near Macedonia. T / F
5. Aristotle had an enormous impact on history in general and Christianity in particular. T / F
6. Aristotle also created an institution called the Academy. T / F
7. He had a pupil of historic importance: Cleopatra VII.
8. Aristotle excelled at marine biology. T / F
9. Of the 3 great philosophers of ancient Greece, Aristotle has won the most respect and attention from the Western world. T / F
10. Would you say that his credibility was based solely on his observations in nature or was enhanced by the fact that he tutored one of the world’s conquering generals? Y / N
World Book: Soon after Alexander died in 323 B.C., Aristotle was charged with impiety (lack of reverence for the gods) by the Athenians. They probably resented his friendship with Alexander, the man who had conquered them. Aristotle had not forgotten the fate of the philosopher Socrates, condemned to death on a similar charge by the Athenians in 399 B.C. He fled to the city of Chalcis so the Athenians would not, as he said, "sin twice against philosophy." He died in Chalcis a year later.
Athenian Democracy
1. The ancient form of democracy was called Athenian because there were other types of government in places such as __ .
2. Athens itself had other types of government. T / F
3. What were the limitations of participation in Athenian democracy?
4. Was the Athenian military affected by democratic practice? Y / N
5. What is a *check* in regards political action?
6. Which of these words means to “send into exile,” or to “cast out?”
7. How might a playwright affect the government?
8. Greek democracy was practiced for some 1,200 years. T / F
9. What’s relatively odd about the number of participants in the political life of Athens?
10. Would Pericles have been the leader associated with the building of the Parthenon?
Socrates
1. F
2. F
3. F
4. F
5. T
6. probably F
7. F
8. F
9. F
10. T
Monday, March 12, 2007
Greek shipping, a historic industry and occupation
Hellas: Greece
Hellenes: the Greeks
Helios: sun
philo: love of
sophy: wisdom
Hellenes: the Greeks
Helios: sun
philo: love of
sophy: wisdom
Phi beta kappa is the national honorary academic association
You'll be invited to become a Phi Beta Kappa national academic society if you score among the top 5% of college students in your region, says Wikipedia.
Social fraternities - brotherhoods - and sororities - sisterhoods - will invite you to become a member if you fit in with the tone of their group.
Why do these societies use Greek letters? Because they want to represent the highest goals in ethics and achievement - as did the classical-era Greeks. While the social organizations' image may be one of drinking and partying, their written goals are laudable.
Social fraternities - brotherhoods - and sororities - sisterhoods - will invite you to become a member if you fit in with the tone of their group.
Why do these societies use Greek letters? Because they want to represent the highest goals in ethics and achievement - as did the classical-era Greeks. While the social organizations' image may be one of drinking and partying, their written goals are laudable.
The Hellenic Republic: Greece
Hellenic Republic / Elliniki Dimokratia
A small nation, is has a pop. of some 11M.
Life expectancy: 79.2.
Athens, 3,247,000 (metro. area)
Monetary unit: Euro (formerly drachma)
Languages: Greek 99% (official), English, French
Ethnicity/race: Greek 98%, other 2%; note: the Greek government states there are no ethnic divisions in Greece
Religions: Greek Orthodox 98%, Islam 1%, other 1%
Literacy rate: 98% (2003 est.)
Economic summary: per capita $22,800.
Agriculture: wheat, corn, barley, sugar beets, olives, tomatoes, wine, tobacco, potatoes; beef, dairy products.
agriculture 12%, industry 20%, services 68% (2004 est.).
Industries: tourism, food and tobacco processing, textiles, chemicals, metal products; mining, petroleum.
Natural resources: lignite, petroleum, iron ore.
Exports: food and beverages, manufactured goods, petroleum products.
Imports: machinery, transport equipment, fuels, chemicals.
Major trading partners: Germany, Italy, UK, Bulgaria, U.S.
A small nation, is has a pop. of some 11M.
Life expectancy: 79.2.
Athens, 3,247,000 (metro. area)
Monetary unit: Euro (formerly drachma)
Languages: Greek 99% (official), English, French
Ethnicity/race: Greek 98%, other 2%; note: the Greek government states there are no ethnic divisions in Greece
Religions: Greek Orthodox 98%, Islam 1%, other 1%
Literacy rate: 98% (2003 est.)
Economic summary: per capita $22,800.
Agriculture: wheat, corn, barley, sugar beets, olives, tomatoes, wine, tobacco, potatoes; beef, dairy products.
agriculture 12%, industry 20%, services 68% (2004 est.).
Industries: tourism, food and tobacco processing, textiles, chemicals, metal products; mining, petroleum.
Natural resources: lignite, petroleum, iron ore.
Exports: food and beverages, manufactured goods, petroleum products.
Imports: machinery, transport equipment, fuels, chemicals.
Major trading partners: Germany, Italy, UK, Bulgaria, U.S.
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad
The Iranian president is establishing a nuclear program that is a threat to Saudi Arabia, Israel and, by extension, to the US. He claims that his intent is not to build a bomb, but most of the world does not doubt that an A bomb is exactly what he wants.
If he can use his nuclear capacity to control the Mid East oil supplies, if he can attack Israel, then he is an enormous problem for the US.
If he can use his nuclear capacity to control the Mid East oil supplies, if he can attack Israel, then he is an enormous problem for the US.
Quizzes: Tues, map of Greece; Thurs, open notes, multiple-choice on Greek architecture, democracy, map
Quizzes:
Tues, map of Greece: 12 items plus borders. Spelling counts.
Thurs, open notes, multiple-choice test on Greek architecture, democracy, map; about 12 questions based on web site notes.
Tues, map of Greece: 12 items plus borders. Spelling counts.
Thurs, open notes, multiple-choice test on Greek architecture, democracy, map; about 12 questions based on web site notes.
SPA: Socrates, Plato, Aristotle
Students will demonstrate knowledge of cultural transference and the widespread impact of ideas by these activities.
They will create skits about the lives of three philosophers (one per group) of the Greek golden age.
* Read and answer questions on material from a Young Person's Guide to the Philosophers.
* In groups . . .
- do additional research on the biographies.
- decide on a skit format.
- choose the quotes that will form the skit's dialogue.
- create colorful masks - as in historic Greek drama.
- add scripts to the mask back.
* Present the drama to classmates.
Each skit must have
- at least 2 brief speeches per student.
- 3 references to the geography of Greece.
- references to the conflicts with Sparta and Persia.
- references to Greek architectural terminology.
- character's names must reflect Greek history.
Btw, the statue in this post is in Queens, Astoria, and is part of Socrates Park. A flickr respondent says "Greece plays an important part in Astoria culture. It is the place where many Greeks originally settled when coming to America. Athens Square is on 30th Avenue and 30th Street."
They will create skits about the lives of three philosophers (one per group) of the Greek golden age.
* Read and answer questions on material from a Young Person's Guide to the Philosophers.
* In groups . . .
- do additional research on the biographies.
- decide on a skit format.
- choose the quotes that will form the skit's dialogue.
- create colorful masks - as in historic Greek drama.
- add scripts to the mask back.
* Present the drama to classmates.
Each skit must have
- at least 2 brief speeches per student.
- 3 references to the geography of Greece.
- references to the conflicts with Sparta and Persia.
- references to Greek architectural terminology.
- character's names must reflect Greek history.
Btw, the statue in this post is in Queens, Astoria, and is part of Socrates Park. A flickr respondent says "Greece plays an important part in Astoria culture. It is the place where many Greeks originally settled when coming to America. Athens Square is on 30th Avenue and 30th Street."
Friday, March 09, 2007
Paper Parthenon project - due Monday
In the Paper Parthenon project (15 pts) students will demonstrate knowledege of
a) relief sculpture - it rises from the background but remains attached to it. And the concept of relief - the difference between the high and low terrain.
b) basic elements of the principal Greek historic site.
1. Roll small pieces of paper into columns that will be glued to paper (as above) to mimic the temple columns.
2. Fold paper (create relief by adding to the thickness of the paper) in a triangle - called the pediment. The pediment supports the temple roof.
3. Make a wide rectangle that will be glued to the page below the columns to represent the building's base.
4. Identify and label the pediment, Doric columns and base.
4. Optional: Below the pediment create a decorative band called a frieze. It must have a repeated design.
5. On the same page, make a sketch of the acropolis of Athens which shows - in an informal sketch - these elements:
* Parthenon.
* Temple of Athena Nike.
* Amphitheater of Dionysus (god of wine and song)
* the Plaka (plaza), the district similar to the French Quarter - known for historic buildings, food & drink and tourist shops.
6. A small map of Greece with 5 identifications.
7. Four multiple choice questions based on the material above.
a) relief sculpture - it rises from the background but remains attached to it. And the concept of relief - the difference between the high and low terrain.
b) basic elements of the principal Greek historic site.
1. Roll small pieces of paper into columns that will be glued to paper (as above) to mimic the temple columns.
2. Fold paper (create relief by adding to the thickness of the paper) in a triangle - called the pediment. The pediment supports the temple roof.
3. Make a wide rectangle that will be glued to the page below the columns to represent the building's base.
4. Identify and label the pediment, Doric columns and base.
4. Optional: Below the pediment create a decorative band called a frieze. It must have a repeated design.
5. On the same page, make a sketch of the acropolis of Athens which shows - in an informal sketch - these elements:
* Parthenon.
* Temple of Athena Nike.
* Amphitheater of Dionysus (god of wine and song)
* the Plaka (plaza), the district similar to the French Quarter - known for historic buildings, food & drink and tourist shops.
6. A small map of Greece with 5 identifications.
7. Four multiple choice questions based on the material above.
Elizabeth Wuellner, Ethan Holland in Little Shop of Horrors: Fri, Mar 9, 7 pm, PAC
Elizabeth Wuellner, Ansley Hughes, Angela Kang, Anisia Osbourne, Ethan Allen, Marion Paton and Alex Akers will be among the student group presenting the comedy Little Shop of Horrors in the PAC Fri, Mar 9, 7 pm.
Your review - independent work - should be descriptive, logical and evaluative.
Your review - independent work - should be descriptive, logical and evaluative.
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
Some 2,500 years later: the Temple of Athena Nike on the acropolis
The athletic foot design people in Portland, OR, knew their Greek history. They named their company after the goddess of this temple.
Athens old quarter of shops and cafes: the plaka
Near the acropolis of Athens is the center of night life, the plaka (plaza).
There you will find enticing jewelry, clothing, leather goods, maps, art, books, metal crafts, pottery, etc, as well as good food and drink.
There you will find enticing jewelry, clothing, leather goods, maps, art, books, metal crafts, pottery, etc, as well as good food and drink.
Stuffed Grape Leaves: dolmades / sample an order at Yeero Yeero
They're an acquired taste, yes.
Marinated in olive oil and vinegar, the grape leaves are wrapped and folded around a filling of rice and vegetables or spicy bits of lamb.
Marinated in olive oil and vinegar, the grape leaves are wrapped and folded around a filling of rice and vegetables or spicy bits of lamb.
Athens: View of the Acropolis via the class handout map
The Acropolis of Athens is the best known acropolis (high city) in Greece. Although there are many others, the significance of the Acropolis of Athens is such that it is commonly known as The Acropolis without qualification.
A flat-topped rock rising 150 m (512 ft) above sea level from the plain of Attica with steep cliffs on three sides, it was also known as Cecropia, after the legendary serpent-man, Kekrops or Cecrops, the first Athenian king.
The first habitation remains date from the Neolithic period. Over the centuries, the "Sacred Rock" of Athens was used either as a cult place or as a residential area or both.
The inscriptions on the numerous and precious offerings to the sanctuary of Athena indicate that the cult of the city's patron goddess was established as early as the Archaic period (650-480 B.C.).
During the Classical period (450-330 B.C.) three important temples were erected on the ruins of earlier ones: the Parthenon, the Erechtheion, and the Temple of Athena Nike, dedicated to Athena Parthenos, Athena Polias, and Athena-Apteros Nike, respectively.
The Propylaea, the monumental entrance to the sacred area was also constructed in the same period. The monuments on the Acropolis reflect the successive phases of the city's history. Some were converted into Christian churches, houses of the Franks and later on, of the Turks.
After the liberation of Athens from the Turks, the protection, restoration and conservation of the monuments was one of the first tasks of the newly-founded Greek state. This major effort is continued until today, with the large-scale restoration and supporting of the monuments, which started in the 1970's and is still in progress.
Accessible by foot only to the west, where it is linked by a low ridge to the hill of the Areopagus, the Acroplois is formed by a layer of blue-grey limestone, which is very hard but water-permeable. This rests on a layer of schist-sandstone marl, softer than the limestone but water-impermeable, leading to the ready formation of artesian springs, as well as sheltered caves at the hill's feet, which was attracted human habitation on and around the rock.
A flat-topped rock rising 150 m (512 ft) above sea level from the plain of Attica with steep cliffs on three sides, it was also known as Cecropia, after the legendary serpent-man, Kekrops or Cecrops, the first Athenian king.
The first habitation remains date from the Neolithic period. Over the centuries, the "Sacred Rock" of Athens was used either as a cult place or as a residential area or both.
The inscriptions on the numerous and precious offerings to the sanctuary of Athena indicate that the cult of the city's patron goddess was established as early as the Archaic period (650-480 B.C.).
During the Classical period (450-330 B.C.) three important temples were erected on the ruins of earlier ones: the Parthenon, the Erechtheion, and the Temple of Athena Nike, dedicated to Athena Parthenos, Athena Polias, and Athena-Apteros Nike, respectively.
The Propylaea, the monumental entrance to the sacred area was also constructed in the same period. The monuments on the Acropolis reflect the successive phases of the city's history. Some were converted into Christian churches, houses of the Franks and later on, of the Turks.
After the liberation of Athens from the Turks, the protection, restoration and conservation of the monuments was one of the first tasks of the newly-founded Greek state. This major effort is continued until today, with the large-scale restoration and supporting of the monuments, which started in the 1970's and is still in progress.
Accessible by foot only to the west, where it is linked by a low ridge to the hill of the Areopagus, the Acroplois is formed by a layer of blue-grey limestone, which is very hard but water-permeable. This rests on a layer of schist-sandstone marl, softer than the limestone but water-impermeable, leading to the ready formation of artesian springs, as well as sheltered caves at the hill's feet, which was attracted human habitation on and around the rock.
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Quiz on Mexico & Brasil
Quiz / Mexico and Brasil: similarities abound despite the regional differences in Central America and South America
1. In the Great Exchange - the Columbian Exchange - between Europe and the Americas, maize, potatoes, papaya and chile pepper originated in the New World. T / F
2. The Aztecs were dominant on the Yucatan and in Guatemala; the Mayans ruled in Central Mexico. T / F
3. Montezuma defeated Cortez in the 1600’s and the Spanish retreated to Cuba. But the Spanish got what they were seeking: vegetables, grains and fruits never before seen in Europe. T / F
4. European developer or *inventor* of the world wide web: a) Al Gore b) Larry Page c) Sergei Brin d) Tim Berners-Lee.
5. The term fossil fuel indicates that the fuel is a) old as a fossil b) fresh as a newly-extracted fossil c) fossil friendly
d) the Fossil Watch Co. was originally a petroleum business.
6. Amerindians were a) indigenous b) mulattos c) Mestizos d) Spanish-speaking.
7. Creole people might be called a) mestizos b) cilantros
c) palapas d) yerbas.
8. A Mexican city that boasts weather equivalent to year-roung spring and is a bit south of Mexico City: a) Guadalahara b) Coriander c) Cuernavaca d) Veracruz.
9. The Catholic cathedral of Mexico City is built atop a holy __ site. a) Mayan b) Inca c) Aztec d) Nahuatl.
10. Trade winds and the Equatorial Current had a significant impact on the conquistadores of the 1600’s. Today those factors are negligible. T / F
Above: ruins along the Cancun-Cozumel coastline are reminders of the Mayans, not the Aztecs.
1. In the Great Exchange - the Columbian Exchange - between Europe and the Americas, maize, potatoes, papaya and chile pepper originated in the New World. T / F
2. The Aztecs were dominant on the Yucatan and in Guatemala; the Mayans ruled in Central Mexico. T / F
3. Montezuma defeated Cortez in the 1600’s and the Spanish retreated to Cuba. But the Spanish got what they were seeking: vegetables, grains and fruits never before seen in Europe. T / F
4. European developer or *inventor* of the world wide web: a) Al Gore b) Larry Page c) Sergei Brin d) Tim Berners-Lee.
5. The term fossil fuel indicates that the fuel is a) old as a fossil b) fresh as a newly-extracted fossil c) fossil friendly
d) the Fossil Watch Co. was originally a petroleum business.
6. Amerindians were a) indigenous b) mulattos c) Mestizos d) Spanish-speaking.
7. Creole people might be called a) mestizos b) cilantros
c) palapas d) yerbas.
8. A Mexican city that boasts weather equivalent to year-roung spring and is a bit south of Mexico City: a) Guadalahara b) Coriander c) Cuernavaca d) Veracruz.
9. The Catholic cathedral of Mexico City is built atop a holy __ site. a) Mayan b) Inca c) Aztec d) Nahuatl.
10. Trade winds and the Equatorial Current had a significant impact on the conquistadores of the 1600’s. Today those factors are negligible. T / F
Above: ruins along the Cancun-Cozumel coastline are reminders of the Mayans, not the Aztecs.
Mediterranean Lunch
Write about your visit to Yeero Yeero, a Greek restaurant on Line Ave. There you can learn much from examining the decor and asking questions about the menu.
Mediterranean ingredients are like those of Louisiana in many ways:
tomatoes, olives. garlic, olive oil, olives, lettuce, onion, etc.
Then there's feta cheese, boiled eggs, lamb, chicken.
Marinated grape leaves are a delicacy.
souvlaki (lamb pita sandwich)
pastitio (Greek lasagna)
dolmades (rice & spicy meat stuffed grape leaves)
baklava (syrup-soaked pastry)
Mediterranean ingredients are like those of Louisiana in many ways:
tomatoes, olives. garlic, olive oil, olives, lettuce, onion, etc.
Then there's feta cheese, boiled eggs, lamb, chicken.
Marinated grape leaves are a delicacy.
souvlaki (lamb pita sandwich)
pastitio (Greek lasagna)
dolmades (rice & spicy meat stuffed grape leaves)
baklava (syrup-soaked pastry)
Greek Orthodox Church worship: Icons (images) of holy figures such as Gabriel
Ikon / icon: an image. Especially a holy image. Especially seen in Greek Orthodox churches.
Know your map of the relatively oddly-shaped map of Greece
On the class map:
1. Athens
2. Sparta
3. Olympia
4. Mt Olympus
5. Aegean Sea
6. Mediterranean
7. Turkey
8. Istanbul (formerly Constantinople, Byzantium)
9. Albania
10.Macedonia
11. Bulgaria
12. Crete
Testing for 9th, 10th and 11th year students the week of March 19
The iLeap will be taken by 9th graders beginning Mon, Mar 19th, and go through Wed. The 10th graders take the Graduate Exit Exam 21 Mon through Thurs.
* A good night's sleep in advance of each day's testing is one of the most important factors, say experts.
* Testing will be complete by lunch each day. The 4th, 5th and 6th hour classes will be held as usual.
* Bring your own calculator on Mon. Ninth graders will take math; Tues and Wed they will have Eng and language arts.
* Thurs the 9th graders will have completed the test and have a study period. Bring study materials, please. 10th graders will continue taking the math section of their GEE 21 test.
* Mrs. Melinda Kay, counselor, is administrator of the iLeap.
* A library book is the only item allowed to students being tested.
* They are not allowed to do homework or use textbooks.
* No backpacks allowed in testing sites on testing days.
* Students report to test sites at 8:25 am. They begin testing at their test sites at 8:30 am.
* A good night's sleep in advance of each day's testing is one of the most important factors, say experts.
* Testing will be complete by lunch each day. The 4th, 5th and 6th hour classes will be held as usual.
* Bring your own calculator on Mon. Ninth graders will take math; Tues and Wed they will have Eng and language arts.
* Thurs the 9th graders will have completed the test and have a study period. Bring study materials, please. 10th graders will continue taking the math section of their GEE 21 test.
* Mrs. Melinda Kay, counselor, is administrator of the iLeap.
* A library book is the only item allowed to students being tested.
* They are not allowed to do homework or use textbooks.
* No backpacks allowed in testing sites on testing days.
* Students report to test sites at 8:25 am. They begin testing at their test sites at 8:30 am.
Monday, March 05, 2007
Shores of Cancun: mult-choice quiz on Mexico & Brazil on Tues, Mar 6
Based on the atlas, class notes and web site notes, the quiz on Mexico-Brasil will ask basics such as
1) GDP & GCI is higher in a) Mexico b) Brasil.
2) The population is greatest in a) Rio de Janeiro b) Mexico City
c) Sao Paulo.
3. The Yucatan is surrounded by the Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, Pacific and Caribbean. T / F
1) GDP & GCI is higher in a) Mexico b) Brasil.
2) The population is greatest in a) Rio de Janeiro b) Mexico City
c) Sao Paulo.
3. The Yucatan is surrounded by the Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, Pacific and Caribbean. T / F
Greek Shipping: war, trade, modern tourism
The Greek galley: a sail & oar-powered warship. Equipped with a below-waterline ram, it was a deadly weapon.
Greek fire: something akin to phosphorous, it was a magical weapond of the ship-borne Greeks.
Greek empire: trading ships and warships established colonies in -
* Turkey
* Sicily
* ports along distant Mediterranean shores.
Greek fire: something akin to phosphorous, it was a magical weapond of the ship-borne Greeks.
Greek empire: trading ships and warships established colonies in -
* Turkey
* Sicily
* ports along distant Mediterranean shores.
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