Across vast regions of the country, gas companies are using a technology called hydraulic fracturing to produce natural gas from previously untapped beds of shale, says the NY Times. The push has been so successful that the country’s potential gas reserves jumped by 35 percent in two years. The new supplies have driven down natural gas prices for consumers and might help the global environment by allowing more production of electricity from natural gas, which emits fewer global warming emissions than coal.
What the drilling push will do to local environments is another matter.
Follow the story here.
Tuesday, December 08, 2009
Monday, December 07, 2009
Map of Silk Road
The Silk Road (or Silk Routes) is an extensive interconnected network of trade routes across the Asian continent connecting East, South, and Western Asia with the Mediterranean world, as well as North and Northeast Africa and Europe.
The Silk Road gets its name from the lucrative Chinese silk trade which begun during the Han Dynasty, the major reason for the connection of trade routes into an extensive trans-continental network.[1][2][3]
The Silk Road gets its name from the lucrative Chinese silk trade which begun during the Han Dynasty, the major reason for the connection of trade routes into an extensive trans-continental network.[1][2][3]
Lawrence of Arabia-related vocab
ululation:
is a long, wavering, high-pitched sound resembling the howl of a dog or wolf with a trilling quality.
Blasphemy
is irreverence[1] toward holy personages, religious artifacts, customs, and beliefs. The Abrahamic religions condemn blasphemy vehemently. Some countries have laws to punish blasphemy.
crux:
1. a vital, basic, decisive, or pivotal point: The crux of the trial was his whereabouts at the time of the murder.
2. a cross.
3. something that torments by its puzzling nature; a perplexing difficulty.
A sepulchre, or sepulcher, is a type of tomb or burial chamber. In ancient Hebrew practice, sepulchres were often carved into the rock of a hillside.
The word is sometimes confused with "sepulture", the act of burying a dead person.
is a long, wavering, high-pitched sound resembling the howl of a dog or wolf with a trilling quality.
Blasphemy
is irreverence[1] toward holy personages, religious artifacts, customs, and beliefs. The Abrahamic religions condemn blasphemy vehemently. Some countries have laws to punish blasphemy.
crux:
1. a vital, basic, decisive, or pivotal point: The crux of the trial was his whereabouts at the time of the murder.
2. a cross.
3. something that torments by its puzzling nature; a perplexing difficulty.
A sepulchre, or sepulcher, is a type of tomb or burial chamber. In ancient Hebrew practice, sepulchres were often carved into the rock of a hillside.
The word is sometimes confused with "sepulture", the act of burying a dead person.
St. Constantine the Great and the Christiqan church and Jerusalem
Saint Constantine (/'kɒnstɛntaɪn/), was Roman Emperor from 306, and the undisputed holder of that office from 324 until his death in 337.
Best known for being the first Christian Roman Emperor, Constantine reversed the persecutions of his predecessor, Diocletian, and issued (with his co-emperor Licinius) the Edict of Milan in 313, which proclaimed religious toleration throughout the empire, says Wikipedia.
His mother was St Helena, a convert to Christianity who built the Church of the Holy Sepulchre over the site of Jesus' crucifixion and burial.
Constantine left Rome and ruled the empire from the city of Byzantium, a metropolis he renamed Constantinople.
Best known for being the first Christian Roman Emperor, Constantine reversed the persecutions of his predecessor, Diocletian, and issued (with his co-emperor Licinius) the Edict of Milan in 313, which proclaimed religious toleration throughout the empire, says Wikipedia.
His mother was St Helena, a convert to Christianity who built the Church of the Holy Sepulchre over the site of Jesus' crucifixion and burial.
Constantine left Rome and ruled the empire from the city of Byzantium, a metropolis he renamed Constantinople.
Notes on Israel / Palestine and the conflict with their Muslim neighbors
Notes on Israel -
Map in the RMQRWA, p. 25.
Ancient Palestine, Modern Israel
Jerusalem
Mediterranean
Dead Sea
Jordan River
Sea of Gallilee
Lebanon
Syria
Jordan
Egypt
West Bank region (disputed)
Nazareth
Bethlehem
Jew vs. Palestinian Muslim Arab
- cousins in blood, language and heritage
- Hebrew & Arabic
- struggle for control of the land of Israel and city of Jerusalem - which has been going on since the Crusades, in the Medieval era.
The Jew vs Palestinian Arab skit:
a) Zionists are Jews who believe that a Jewish homeland in their ancient home of Palestine is important. In the late 1880's and early 1900's they gather funds and purchase land in Palestine.
b) Ottoman Turks owned the land of Palestine. They acquired it when they had a powerful empire. Jews purchase the land cheaply.
c) Palestinian Arabs were mostly shepherds and had overgrazed the land; palestine had become a dry, rocky place early in the 20th century. Jews promises when they got the land they will "Make the deserts bloom." They will use scientific farming to change the terrain.
d) The struggle between those who owned the land by virtue of their long residency and those who purchased it in the modern way is not easily solved. Jews push the Arabs. The Arabs fight back. The Jewish forces ovewhwelm the Arabs.
e) In 1947 the victory of the Jewish forces is complete. They declare a Jewish state to be called Israel.
f) Israel has continually fought to maintain its existence. Its army is called the strongest force in the Mid East. Its principal support - due to lobbying of the US Congress - is foreign aid from the US.
g) The Palestinians have fought back via the intifadeh. That term means a low-cost, terror-based rebellion against the well-equipped Jewish forces. The struggle - which includes suicide bombers - has focused on Gaza and the West bank region.
- Israel's population is not shrinking. They are up from 6 million to 7.3 million. The population comprises some 20% Arab people.
- Israel is a high-tech nation which might go to all-electric vehicles if the Better Place program, founded by Shai Agassi, is successful.
Map in the RMQRWA, p. 25.
Ancient Palestine, Modern Israel
Jerusalem
Mediterranean
Dead Sea
Jordan River
Sea of Gallilee
Lebanon
Syria
Jordan
Egypt
West Bank region (disputed)
Nazareth
Bethlehem
Jew vs. Palestinian Muslim Arab
- cousins in blood, language and heritage
- Hebrew & Arabic
- struggle for control of the land of Israel and city of Jerusalem - which has been going on since the Crusades, in the Medieval era.
The Jew vs Palestinian Arab skit:
a) Zionists are Jews who believe that a Jewish homeland in their ancient home of Palestine is important. In the late 1880's and early 1900's they gather funds and purchase land in Palestine.
b) Ottoman Turks owned the land of Palestine. They acquired it when they had a powerful empire. Jews purchase the land cheaply.
c) Palestinian Arabs were mostly shepherds and had overgrazed the land; palestine had become a dry, rocky place early in the 20th century. Jews promises when they got the land they will "Make the deserts bloom." They will use scientific farming to change the terrain.
d) The struggle between those who owned the land by virtue of their long residency and those who purchased it in the modern way is not easily solved. Jews push the Arabs. The Arabs fight back. The Jewish forces ovewhwelm the Arabs.
e) In 1947 the victory of the Jewish forces is complete. They declare a Jewish state to be called Israel.
f) Israel has continually fought to maintain its existence. Its army is called the strongest force in the Mid East. Its principal support - due to lobbying of the US Congress - is foreign aid from the US.
g) The Palestinians have fought back via the intifadeh. That term means a low-cost, terror-based rebellion against the well-equipped Jewish forces. The struggle - which includes suicide bombers - has focused on Gaza and the West bank region.
- Israel's population is not shrinking. They are up from 6 million to 7.3 million. The population comprises some 20% Arab people.
- Israel is a high-tech nation which might go to all-electric vehicles if the Better Place program, founded by Shai Agassi, is successful.
Friday, December 04, 2009
Burj Dubai: world's tallest building in financial trouble as world real estate crisis deepens
Dubai investors cannot repay their massive loans due to a global downturn in the real estate market. Their default on payments could lead to a world-shaking financial crisis.
Here's how they've been spending their money:
Burj Dubai, a supertall skyscraper under construction in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, is the tallest man-made structure ever built, at 818 m (2,684 ft). Construction began on 21 September 2004, and the tower is expected to be completed and ready for occupancy by the end of 2009.
The building is part of the 2 km2 (0.8 sq mi) flagship development called "Downtown Burj Dubai" at the "First Interchange" along Sheikh Zayed Road, near Dubai's main business district. The total budget for the Burj Dubai project is about US$4.1 billion, and for the entire new "Downtown Dubai", US$20 billion.
Outside, and at a cost of Dh 800 million (US$217 million), a record-setting fountain system was designed by WET Design, the California-based company responsible for the fountains at the Bellagio Hotel Lake in Las Vegas. Illuminated by 6,600 lights and 50 colored projectors, it is 275 m (900 ft) long and is shooting water 150 m (490 ft) into the air, accompanied by a range of classical to contemporary Arabic and world music.
Here's how they've been spending their money:
Burj Dubai, a supertall skyscraper under construction in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, is the tallest man-made structure ever built, at 818 m (2,684 ft). Construction began on 21 September 2004, and the tower is expected to be completed and ready for occupancy by the end of 2009.
The building is part of the 2 km2 (0.8 sq mi) flagship development called "Downtown Burj Dubai" at the "First Interchange" along Sheikh Zayed Road, near Dubai's main business district. The total budget for the Burj Dubai project is about US$4.1 billion, and for the entire new "Downtown Dubai", US$20 billion.
Outside, and at a cost of Dh 800 million (US$217 million), a record-setting fountain system was designed by WET Design, the California-based company responsible for the fountains at the Bellagio Hotel Lake in Las Vegas. Illuminated by 6,600 lights and 50 colored projectors, it is 275 m (900 ft) long and is shooting water 150 m (490 ft) into the air, accompanied by a range of classical to contemporary Arabic and world music.
Polygamy, women and Islam
The basic unit of Islamic society is the family, says Wikipedia, and Islam defines the obligations and legal rights of family members. The father is seen as financially responsible for his family, and is obliged to cater for their well-being. The division of inheritance is specified in the Qur'an, which states that most of it is to pass to the immediate family, while a portion is set aside for the payment of debts and the making of bequests.
The woman's share of inheritance is generally half of that of a man with the same rights of succession.[127]
Marriage in Islam is a civil contract which consists of an offer and acceptance between two qualified parties in the presence of two witnesses. The groom is required to pay a bridal gift (mahr) to the bride, as stipulated in the contract.[128]
A man may have up to four wives if he believes he can treat them equally, while a woman may have only one husband.
In most Muslim countries, the process of divorce in Islam is known as talaq, which the husband initiates by pronouncing the word "divorce".[129] Scholars disagree whether Islamic holy texts justify traditional Islamic practices such as veiling and seclusion (purdah).
Starting in the 20th century, Muslim social reformers argued against these and other practices such as polygamy in Islam, with varying success. At the same time, many Muslim women have attempted to reconcile tradition with modernity by combining an active life with outward modesty. Certain Islamist groups like the Taliban have sought to continue traditional law as applied to women.[130]
Islam prohibits women from showing their hair in public.
The woman's share of inheritance is generally half of that of a man with the same rights of succession.[127]
Marriage in Islam is a civil contract which consists of an offer and acceptance between two qualified parties in the presence of two witnesses. The groom is required to pay a bridal gift (mahr) to the bride, as stipulated in the contract.[128]
A man may have up to four wives if he believes he can treat them equally, while a woman may have only one husband.
In most Muslim countries, the process of divorce in Islam is known as talaq, which the husband initiates by pronouncing the word "divorce".[129] Scholars disagree whether Islamic holy texts justify traditional Islamic practices such as veiling and seclusion (purdah).
Starting in the 20th century, Muslim social reformers argued against these and other practices such as polygamy in Islam, with varying success. At the same time, many Muslim women have attempted to reconcile tradition with modernity by combining an active life with outward modesty. Certain Islamist groups like the Taliban have sought to continue traditional law as applied to women.[130]
Islam prohibits women from showing their hair in public.
Thursday, December 03, 2009
Friday is Boot video day
Am planning to make a video of the huge variety of boots being worn by my students today. It will be a fun comparison and reflection; it is a study of consumer design as well as a historic document.
The camera will be about 14" above the floor and there will be a studio drop cloth in the background. Your boots will walk into the frame, turn around and walk out. All types welcome. And if you forget your boots, I'll accept your non-boot-type shoes in the video.
The camera will be about 14" above the floor and there will be a studio drop cloth in the background. Your boots will walk into the frame, turn around and walk out. All types welcome. And if you forget your boots, I'll accept your non-boot-type shoes in the video.
Magnet Semester Exam Schedule Jan 6 - 8, 2010
Wed, Jan 6, 2010
8:30 - 8:40 homeroom
8:45 - 10:30 exam - Third Hour
10:30 - 10:40 break
10:45 - 12:30 exam - Fourth Hour
12:30 - 1:00 lunch
1:00 students leave school. Teachers will be in classrooms.
Th, Jan 7
Same sched as above.
Exams:
1st Hour
5th Hour
Fri, Jan 8
Exams:
2nd
6th
Students must not leve classroom during testing.
Exam must count as 20% of semester grade.
Report cards handed out on or around Th, Jan 14.
Jan 11 begins the 3rd 9 wks and 2nd semester.
8:30 - 8:40 homeroom
8:45 - 10:30 exam - Third Hour
10:30 - 10:40 break
10:45 - 12:30 exam - Fourth Hour
12:30 - 1:00 lunch
1:00 students leave school. Teachers will be in classrooms.
Th, Jan 7
Same sched as above.
Exams:
1st Hour
5th Hour
Fri, Jan 8
Exams:
2nd
6th
Students must not leve classroom during testing.
Exam must count as 20% of semester grade.
Report cards handed out on or around Th, Jan 14.
Jan 11 begins the 3rd 9 wks and 2nd semester.
Wednesday, December 02, 2009
History and traditional Arabic coffee
It is supposed that the Ethiopians, says Wikipedia, the ancestors of today's Oromo people, were the first to have discovered and recognized the energizing effect of the coffee bean plant.[4] However, no direct evidence has ever been found revealing exactly where in Africa coffee grew or who among the natives might have used it as a stimulant or even known about it there earlier than the seventeenth century.[4]
The story of Kaldi, the 9th-century Ethiopian goatherd who discovered coffee, did not appear in writing until 1671 and is probably apocryphal.[4] The earliest credible evidence of either coffee drinking or knowledge of the coffee tree appears in the middle of the fifteenth century, in the Sufi monasteries of the Yemen in southern Arabia.[4]
From Ethiopia, coffee spread to Egypt and Yemen.[16] It was in Arabia that coffee beans were first roasted and brewed, similar to how it is done today. By the 15th century, it had reached the rest of the Middle East, Persia, Turkey, and northern Africa. From the Muslim world, coffee spread to Italy, then to the rest of Europe, to Indonesia, and to the Americas.[5]
The story of Kaldi, the 9th-century Ethiopian goatherd who discovered coffee, did not appear in writing until 1671 and is probably apocryphal.[4] The earliest credible evidence of either coffee drinking or knowledge of the coffee tree appears in the middle of the fifteenth century, in the Sufi monasteries of the Yemen in southern Arabia.[4]
From Ethiopia, coffee spread to Egypt and Yemen.[16] It was in Arabia that coffee beans were first roasted and brewed, similar to how it is done today. By the 15th century, it had reached the rest of the Middle East, Persia, Turkey, and northern Africa. From the Muslim world, coffee spread to Italy, then to the rest of Europe, to Indonesia, and to the Americas.[5]
Traditional garb of people in the regions surrounding Arabia
The Jellabiya (pronounced Gellabiya in Egypt) is a traditional Arab garment native to the Persian Gulf region worn by women as a casual dress or as evening wear depending on the amount of work, complication of design and beadwork. It dates back to the earliest days of civilization in the Arab states of the Persian Gulf.
Jellabiyas are also created for and worn by men. However, the latter feature a minimal amount of design and usually come in simple striped patterns or plain colors.
Jellabiyas are also created for and worn by men. However, the latter feature a minimal amount of design and usually come in simple striped patterns or plain colors.
Lawrence of Arabia (1962) guide / answers
Guide to the Lawrence of Arabia quiz / study guide -
1. 200 mins = how many hours??
2. Rolls is a British make.
3. Complex hero; yes.
4. Articulate soldier. Cartography: maps.
5. 1914 to 1918? WWI
6. Your portfolio is also a dossier.
7. English, French, Arabic and additional languages.
8. Bedouins work with the Brits, if uneasily.
9. The Officer's Lounge is a mess.
10. Feisal of Mecca.
11. Gun lust. Diplomacy, or bridge-building.
12. Wadis are ancient canyons carved by water.
13. Tribal neighbors nearly always find conflict.
14. Goat skin water bucket.
15. Salaam aleikum!
16. Find the nation of Monte Carlo on the Med between France and Spain.
17. Seconded: to be posted as second in responsibility.
18. Bi-winged aeroplane.
19. German airplanes were excellent of design and build.
20. They tend to say "Orance" instead of "Lawrence."
21. Wives of the Emir, or Pasha, or Sheik, are traditionally ensconced so that their modesty is unimpeached.
22. The Qu'ran, aka the Koran.
23. Education at Oxford remains a prestigious background to this day.
24. The Suez Canal is no longer important in shipping. It is too narrow for supertankers. But for decades is was very strategic.
25. British discipline - orderliness, organization - is an important factor in understanding the success of the British Empire.
1. 200 mins = how many hours??
2. Rolls is a British make.
3. Complex hero; yes.
4. Articulate soldier. Cartography: maps.
5. 1914 to 1918? WWI
6. Your portfolio is also a dossier.
7. English, French, Arabic and additional languages.
8. Bedouins work with the Brits, if uneasily.
9. The Officer's Lounge is a mess.
10. Feisal of Mecca.
11. Gun lust. Diplomacy, or bridge-building.
12. Wadis are ancient canyons carved by water.
13. Tribal neighbors nearly always find conflict.
14. Goat skin water bucket.
15. Salaam aleikum!
16. Find the nation of Monte Carlo on the Med between France and Spain.
17. Seconded: to be posted as second in responsibility.
18. Bi-winged aeroplane.
19. German airplanes were excellent of design and build.
20. They tend to say "Orance" instead of "Lawrence."
21. Wives of the Emir, or Pasha, or Sheik, are traditionally ensconced so that their modesty is unimpeached.
22. The Qu'ran, aka the Koran.
23. Education at Oxford remains a prestigious background to this day.
24. The Suez Canal is no longer important in shipping. It is too narrow for supertankers. But for decades is was very strategic.
25. British discipline - orderliness, organization - is an important factor in understanding the success of the British Empire.
Tuesday, December 01, 2009
British view of the Bedouins, 1915: tribe against tribe
"So long as the Arabs fight tribe against tribe, so long will they be a little people, a silly people - greedy, barbarous, and cruel, as you are."
- Lawrence to Sherif Ali, after Ali killed a man for drinking at his tribe's oasis without permission.
- Lawrence to Sherif Ali, after Ali killed a man for drinking at his tribe's oasis without permission.
SW ASia / Middle East map quiz Thurs
Map quiz, SW Asia:
10 items plus sketch of Arabian peninsula -
- Turkey / Asia Minor (Turk wearing a fez).
- Mediterranean Sea (cruise ship packed w tourists)
- Egypt (Great Pyramids at Giza)
- Israel/ Palestine (ancient, walled city of Jerusalem)
- Saudi Arabia (image of Muhammed at Mecca)
- Jordan (buildings cut into rock at town of Petra)
- Syria (sword blade made in Damascus)
- Iraq / Mesopotamia (cuneiform: reed writing on clay tablets)
- Persian Gulf (oil drilling platform)
Also, open notes quiz on Lawrence of Arabia questions.
Indie work topics:
read about, compare and integrate the facts on
- Ibn Saud and TE Lawrence
- discovery of oil in Arabia and Louisiana
10 items plus sketch of Arabian peninsula -
- Turkey / Asia Minor (Turk wearing a fez).
- Mediterranean Sea (cruise ship packed w tourists)
- Egypt (Great Pyramids at Giza)
- Israel/ Palestine (ancient, walled city of Jerusalem)
- Saudi Arabia (image of Muhammed at Mecca)
- Jordan (buildings cut into rock at town of Petra)
- Syria (sword blade made in Damascus)
- Iraq / Mesopotamia (cuneiform: reed writing on clay tablets)
- Persian Gulf (oil drilling platform)
Also, open notes quiz on Lawrence of Arabia questions.
Indie work topics:
read about, compare and integrate the facts on
- Ibn Saud and TE Lawrence
- discovery of oil in Arabia and Louisiana
Monday, November 30, 2009
TE Lawrence: a study of the meeting between European culture and indigenous cultures of the Middle East
The award-winning movie Lawrence of Arabia is based on Lawrence's chronicle of war and politics, the Seven Pillars of Wisdom.
1) British movie director David Lean won 7 Oscars for the movie, which runs over 200 minutes, or a good 2 hours. T / F
2) The movie opens in England, 1935. Motorcycles (Triumph, BSA, etc) were a symbol of British success in the Industrial Revolution. Enjoy the brief but loving camera attention given to Lawrence's British v-twin cycle, the Brough Superior. It was called "the Rolls Royce of motorcycles." In what nation is the Rolls Royce manufactured? a) France b) Germany c) England.
3) The Lawrence funeral service is in St. Paul’s Cathedral, London, a burial place reserved for national heroes. Remarks heard in the crowd indicate that L. was a complex fellow and not a perfect hero. T / F
4) Cairo, Cartography department, British Army, about 1914: in several ways L. stands out from the soldiers with which he is serving. a) articulacy b) ribaldry c) bestiality.
What is cartography? the making of a) menus b) posters c) maps.
5) What are the dates of WWI? Name the nations aligned with the British. Name the countries working with the Germans.
1914 - 1918; US enters war in 1917. Brits and French vs. Germans and Austria-Hungary.
6) Your dossier: a) portfolio b) genealogy c) association memberships.
7) What language has L. studied in addition to his mother tongue and French? a) Arabic b) German c) Chinese.
8) In Arabia there is a conflict between the nomadic, tribal Bedouin peoples and the Turks, rulers of the Turkish Ottoman Empire - which includes Arabia. Who’s on the German side? a) Bedouins b) Turks.
9) “The Officer’s Mess” is a term for
a) a carelessly kept meeting room or
b) the lounge area for the commissioned soldiers.
10) Arabian tribes are led by the wise, if weary,
a) Prince Feisal of Mecca b) Lloyd George c) Woodrow Wilson.
11) What is the attitude of L’s desert guide toward the British officer’s pistol carried by L.? a) curiosity b) extreme desire c) unconcern.
How does L. use the pistol in making his way amongst the Bedouins?
a) let's make a deal b) bribery c) bridge-building.
12) The Arabic word for canyon, usually a dry, rocky area between mesas, is “wadi.”
The wadi is where Arabs have typically made their settlements. T / F
What do the existence of these stone canyons say about the ancient geography of this region? a) centuries of wind erosion b) ancient waterways c) glaciation.
13) The Harish versus the Hazimi: murderous tribal warfare is a historic part of life in the vast desert. T / F
14) What kind of vessel is used to bring up water from the deep well in the desert? a) Goat skin b) wooden bucket c) woven-palm sort of basket-bucket.
15) Translate "Peace (be with you)” into Arabic: a) shalom b) salaam
c) shazam.
16) L. sings a WWI era ditty called “The Man who Broke the Bank at Monte Carlo.” Where is Monte Carlo? a) Mediterranean b) Persian Gulf c) North Sea. In gambling, what does it mean to “break the bank”?
17) A Britishism for being posted to a unit is “seconded.” T / F
18) What is meant by the term biplane? a) engine "blips" b) two wings
c) plane can be flown either right-side-up or upside-down.
19) Where did the Turks get airplanes in 1916? Not “at the store.” a) Germans b) French c) British.
20) What sound can Arabs seem not to be able to pronounce consistently? a) L
b) Y c) Ch.
21) In the caravan some camels are surmounted by small, square tent enclosures. Who is in such a tent? a) wives of the emir b) children of the royal family c) pet monkeys.
22) “Recite, then, as much of the __ as may be easy for you ... and seek ye the forgiveness of God. Verily, God is forgiving, merciful ...” These are the opening words of the a) Qu’ran b) Bible c) Baghavad Gita .
The scene in Feisel’s tent is unusually respectful of Muslims. Why do I say “unusually”? a) Western lack of respect for Muslims b) low Muslim self-concept c) camels ate all the dates.
23) Lawrence quotes the Qu'ran. How would he know such material?
a) movie producer explained it to him b) his momma c) his Oxford education.
24) In 1915 the top British priority in the Mid East was protection of a waterway important to their shipping and movement of warships. What is the name of this key passage, which connects the Mediterranean to the Indian Ocean? a) Arabian Sea b) Panama Canal c) Suez Canal.
25) In explaining to Feisel the reason for Britain’s worldwide power, the British officer puts an emphasis on England's __ . a) technology b) discipline c) skill d) wealth.
26) In the early 1900’s the city at the center of Islamic art, business and scholarship was not Mecca, nor Cairo. It was the capital of Syria:
a) Medina b) Damascus c) Jerusalem .
27) According to Feisel, do Arabs love the desert? No. Then what do they love? a) fountains and gardens b) mountains c) ships and oysters.
28) Feisel refers to the Islamic golden age. About what centuries did the peak of their achievements occur? a) 750 to 1050 b) 1400 - 1500 c) 1800 - 1900.
29) At the desert’s edge Lawrence spends a night concentrating on the Arab dilemma in their feckless fight against the Turks. He has a breakthrough. What is his solution? a) attack from the sea
b) attack at night c) attack from the desert.
30) A cruel and terrible desert must be crossed by the Bedouin.
The desert is the a. Sahara b. Rub al Kali c. Arezy an Nefud.
31) “The Howeitat are brigands.” Write a synonym for brigand.
a) gourmets b) swift of movement c) bandits.
32) What 3 nations has Lawrence visited thus far in the movie? a) England, Egypt, Syria b) England, France, Egypt c) England, Egypt, Saudi Arabia.
33) Can a man claiming to perform a miracle be judged guilty of blasphemy? By definition, miracles are created by __. a) God b) Moses c) Abraham.
34) The boys who become Lawrence’s servants are unsuitable, he is told, because they are “outcast and parentless.” What would we call them? a) bastards b) idiots c) dispossessed.
35) What is a shilling? a) currency b) to sell something via lies and trickery c) a pint of ale.
36) “Allah favors the compassionate.” Offer a synonym for compassionate. a) healthy b) benevolent c) all-knowing.
37) During the desert crossing, Lawrence makes a point of using the precious water for shaving. Why does he insist on shaving?
a) code of the British officer b) OCD c) his beard is patchy and unappealing.
38) Which character has 2 African bodyguards? a) Lawrence
b) Sherif Ali c) General Dryden.
39) "In sh’Allah" is a frequent interjection and means: a) "If God is willing" b) "God be with you" c) "I believe in God" d) "God is merciful."
40) Gasim the Bedouin falls off his camel and is lost in the desert during the night. a) Lawrence stubbornly insists on going back to try to find him b) Lawrence accepts that being lost is Gasim's fate
c) Lawrence is unable to decide on the best course of action and talks about what might be done for days and days.
41) In the desert the Bedouins find a place surrounded by trees where their camels can drink. It is called an __ . a) aquifer b) fountain
c) oasis.
What kind of trees are those? a) cocoanut palms b) date palms c) oasis palms .
42) An argument about the role of fate is waged between Lawrence and the Arabs.
The Englishman’s key phrase is “Nothing is __.” a) written b) known
c) seen before dawn.
43) Lawrence’s father, he explains, is Sir Thomas Chapman.
Yet his father and mother are a) not married b) not suited c) illiterate.
44) Lawrence is awarded the robes of a tribesman for his valorous service. Somehow, he finds the indigenous garments a) uncomfortable
b) appealing c) murderous.
45) After some tricky negotiations, Auda Abu Talib of the Howeitat says “Dine with me in __ Ruum!” a) Wadi b) Musa c) Caribbean.
46) The camel driver’s stick is often used for another purpose.
a) mini tent pole b) back scratcher c) cleaning boots.
47) Auda Abu Talib says, “’The Arabs,’ What tribe is that?” What does he imply? a) there is no unity among the Arab tribes b) he is hard of hearing c) there is not enough money on the table.
48) What is a British guinea? a) small pig b) hen c) currency.
49) What city will be attacked by the combined tribes in a surprise raid?
a) Cairo b) Medina c) Aqaba.
It lies on what body of water? a) Gulf of Aqaba b) Gulf of Suez
c) Gulf of Aden.
50) When the troops leave the wadi, the women watching them emit a high-pitched scream as encouragement. What is that called? a. ovulation b. ululation c. trepidation d. insubordination.
51) “The law says the man must die.” This is based on a code associated with a historic leader of Mesopotamia. a) Cyrus b) Hammurabi c) Darius.
52) In the tribal dispute - which almost begins a blood feud - who is the condemned murderer? Who is the executioner? What irony is there?
53) The Turks at Aqaba outnumber and outgun the Arabs but the Bedouin raiders are successful. What is their great advantage?
54) Lawrence declares he will cross the badlands of the Sinai Peninsula. Where is he going?
55) The servant boy Daud dies in the desert in a most unexpected way. What is it?
56) When a camel lies down, which set of legs folds first?
57) The spooky, abandoned buildings encountered on the edge of the Sinai actually lie beside the __ __ .
58) “Bringing a ‘wog’ into the Officer’s Mess” is offensive to many soldiers. Explain.
59) “Undisciplined, unpunctual, untidy; knowledge of languages, music, literature, etc.” Who is being described?
60) In WWI the British attacked the Turkish-held Mid East and drove the Turks from the holy city of __.
61) “You acted without orders.”
“Shouldn’t an officer use their initiative at all times?” Explain.
62) Lawrence leads Bedouin riders in swift attacks on the Turks that depend on surprise for success. Today that’s called __ warfare (French word).
63) The Bedouins are wary of being partners with the British. They believe that the British are thinking, “Let the Arabs drive out the Turks, then we’ll take over.”
T / F
64) Intermission is another opportunity for the director to air his score over a dark screen. What does this imply?
65) The American reporter called Bentley in the movie is another true element in the Lawrence story. The journalist’s real name is Lowell Thomas. What happens as a result of Bentley’s stories and photos?
66) Lawrence uses his expertise in explosives against the Turkish __.
67) What is the Geneva Convention? a) guidelines for humane treatment of prisoners during war. b) a secret system used by the people of Switzerland.
68) What happens to the Bedouin army after the looting of Turkish trains?
69) Why does Lawrence shoot and kill his servant and friend Farraj?
70) Lawrence allows himself to be captured by the Turks in Deraa. Why?
71) Is there such a thing as a fair-haired, blue-eyed person of Middle Eastern blood?
Is a Circassian the same as a Caucasian?
72) Write a brief description of the location of the Caucasian Mountains.
73) On the eve of the battle for Jerusalem Lawrence has a breakdown. What action does he take?
74) The Sykes-Picot Treaty is an agreement at the end of WWI that proclaims that 2 nations will divide the control of the Middle East. Which European nations took over the defeated Turkish Empire?
75) Is Lawrence guilty of having told the Bedouins “half lies” about their future and control of their ancient lands? Was he guilty of naiveté?
76) What happened to Lawrence while being held by the Turks in Deraa?
77) On the eve of the attack on the Turks in Damascus, people notice that Lawrence is a changed man. Describe his attitude.
78) Lawrence’s personal troops are hired soldiers. The word for commercial soldiers is __.
79) General Allenby is chauffeured in what brand of British auto?
80) Who wins the race to conquer the Turks in Damascus? a) the Arabs b) the British.
81) The tribal people form a government in Damascus. It is called the __ National Council.
82) The Arab armies prove incapable of governing Damascus. What governance factors flummox the Arabs?
83) The Arab tribal leaders leave Damascus and return to their homes in __.
84) What factor in British life is repulsive to Lawrence in his return to Britain?
85) Lawrence did not want to be famous as a successful soldier. His desire was to be recognized as a significant writer. Did he reach his goal?
86) At what age does Lawrence die?
1) British movie director David Lean won 7 Oscars for the movie, which runs over 200 minutes, or a good 2 hours. T / F
2) The movie opens in England, 1935. Motorcycles (Triumph, BSA, etc) were a symbol of British success in the Industrial Revolution. Enjoy the brief but loving camera attention given to Lawrence's British v-twin cycle, the Brough Superior. It was called "the Rolls Royce of motorcycles." In what nation is the Rolls Royce manufactured? a) France b) Germany c) England.
3) The Lawrence funeral service is in St. Paul’s Cathedral, London, a burial place reserved for national heroes. Remarks heard in the crowd indicate that L. was a complex fellow and not a perfect hero. T / F
4) Cairo, Cartography department, British Army, about 1914: in several ways L. stands out from the soldiers with which he is serving. a) articulacy b) ribaldry c) bestiality.
What is cartography? the making of a) menus b) posters c) maps.
5) What are the dates of WWI? Name the nations aligned with the British. Name the countries working with the Germans.
1914 - 1918; US enters war in 1917. Brits and French vs. Germans and Austria-Hungary.
6) Your dossier: a) portfolio b) genealogy c) association memberships.
7) What language has L. studied in addition to his mother tongue and French? a) Arabic b) German c) Chinese.
8) In Arabia there is a conflict between the nomadic, tribal Bedouin peoples and the Turks, rulers of the Turkish Ottoman Empire - which includes Arabia. Who’s on the German side? a) Bedouins b) Turks.
9) “The Officer’s Mess” is a term for
a) a carelessly kept meeting room or
b) the lounge area for the commissioned soldiers.
10) Arabian tribes are led by the wise, if weary,
a) Prince Feisal of Mecca b) Lloyd George c) Woodrow Wilson.
11) What is the attitude of L’s desert guide toward the British officer’s pistol carried by L.? a) curiosity b) extreme desire c) unconcern.
How does L. use the pistol in making his way amongst the Bedouins?
a) let's make a deal b) bribery c) bridge-building.
12) The Arabic word for canyon, usually a dry, rocky area between mesas, is “wadi.”
The wadi is where Arabs have typically made their settlements. T / F
What do the existence of these stone canyons say about the ancient geography of this region? a) centuries of wind erosion b) ancient waterways c) glaciation.
13) The Harish versus the Hazimi: murderous tribal warfare is a historic part of life in the vast desert. T / F
14) What kind of vessel is used to bring up water from the deep well in the desert? a) Goat skin b) wooden bucket c) woven-palm sort of basket-bucket.
15) Translate "Peace (be with you)” into Arabic: a) shalom b) salaam
c) shazam.
16) L. sings a WWI era ditty called “The Man who Broke the Bank at Monte Carlo.” Where is Monte Carlo? a) Mediterranean b) Persian Gulf c) North Sea. In gambling, what does it mean to “break the bank”?
17) A Britishism for being posted to a unit is “seconded.” T / F
18) What is meant by the term biplane? a) engine "blips" b) two wings
c) plane can be flown either right-side-up or upside-down.
19) Where did the Turks get airplanes in 1916? Not “at the store.” a) Germans b) French c) British.
20) What sound can Arabs seem not to be able to pronounce consistently? a) L
b) Y c) Ch.
21) In the caravan some camels are surmounted by small, square tent enclosures. Who is in such a tent? a) wives of the emir b) children of the royal family c) pet monkeys.
22) “Recite, then, as much of the __ as may be easy for you ... and seek ye the forgiveness of God. Verily, God is forgiving, merciful ...” These are the opening words of the a) Qu’ran b) Bible c) Baghavad Gita .
The scene in Feisel’s tent is unusually respectful of Muslims. Why do I say “unusually”? a) Western lack of respect for Muslims b) low Muslim self-concept c) camels ate all the dates.
23) Lawrence quotes the Qu'ran. How would he know such material?
a) movie producer explained it to him b) his momma c) his Oxford education.
24) In 1915 the top British priority in the Mid East was protection of a waterway important to their shipping and movement of warships. What is the name of this key passage, which connects the Mediterranean to the Indian Ocean? a) Arabian Sea b) Panama Canal c) Suez Canal.
25) In explaining to Feisel the reason for Britain’s worldwide power, the British officer puts an emphasis on England's __ . a) technology b) discipline c) skill d) wealth.
26) In the early 1900’s the city at the center of Islamic art, business and scholarship was not Mecca, nor Cairo. It was the capital of Syria:
a) Medina b) Damascus c) Jerusalem .
27) According to Feisel, do Arabs love the desert? No. Then what do they love? a) fountains and gardens b) mountains c) ships and oysters.
28) Feisel refers to the Islamic golden age. About what centuries did the peak of their achievements occur? a) 750 to 1050 b) 1400 - 1500 c) 1800 - 1900.
29) At the desert’s edge Lawrence spends a night concentrating on the Arab dilemma in their feckless fight against the Turks. He has a breakthrough. What is his solution? a) attack from the sea
b) attack at night c) attack from the desert.
30) A cruel and terrible desert must be crossed by the Bedouin.
The desert is the a. Sahara b. Rub al Kali c. Arezy an Nefud.
31) “The Howeitat are brigands.” Write a synonym for brigand.
a) gourmets b) swift of movement c) bandits.
32) What 3 nations has Lawrence visited thus far in the movie? a) England, Egypt, Syria b) England, France, Egypt c) England, Egypt, Saudi Arabia.
33) Can a man claiming to perform a miracle be judged guilty of blasphemy? By definition, miracles are created by __. a) God b) Moses c) Abraham.
34) The boys who become Lawrence’s servants are unsuitable, he is told, because they are “outcast and parentless.” What would we call them? a) bastards b) idiots c) dispossessed.
35) What is a shilling? a) currency b) to sell something via lies and trickery c) a pint of ale.
36) “Allah favors the compassionate.” Offer a synonym for compassionate. a) healthy b) benevolent c) all-knowing.
37) During the desert crossing, Lawrence makes a point of using the precious water for shaving. Why does he insist on shaving?
a) code of the British officer b) OCD c) his beard is patchy and unappealing.
38) Which character has 2 African bodyguards? a) Lawrence
b) Sherif Ali c) General Dryden.
39) "In sh’Allah" is a frequent interjection and means: a) "If God is willing" b) "God be with you" c) "I believe in God" d) "God is merciful."
40) Gasim the Bedouin falls off his camel and is lost in the desert during the night. a) Lawrence stubbornly insists on going back to try to find him b) Lawrence accepts that being lost is Gasim's fate
c) Lawrence is unable to decide on the best course of action and talks about what might be done for days and days.
41) In the desert the Bedouins find a place surrounded by trees where their camels can drink. It is called an __ . a) aquifer b) fountain
c) oasis.
What kind of trees are those? a) cocoanut palms b) date palms c) oasis palms .
42) An argument about the role of fate is waged between Lawrence and the Arabs.
The Englishman’s key phrase is “Nothing is __.” a) written b) known
c) seen before dawn.
43) Lawrence’s father, he explains, is Sir Thomas Chapman.
Yet his father and mother are a) not married b) not suited c) illiterate.
44) Lawrence is awarded the robes of a tribesman for his valorous service. Somehow, he finds the indigenous garments a) uncomfortable
b) appealing c) murderous.
45) After some tricky negotiations, Auda Abu Talib of the Howeitat says “Dine with me in __ Ruum!” a) Wadi b) Musa c) Caribbean.
46) The camel driver’s stick is often used for another purpose.
a) mini tent pole b) back scratcher c) cleaning boots.
47) Auda Abu Talib says, “’The Arabs,’ What tribe is that?” What does he imply? a) there is no unity among the Arab tribes b) he is hard of hearing c) there is not enough money on the table.
48) What is a British guinea? a) small pig b) hen c) currency.
49) What city will be attacked by the combined tribes in a surprise raid?
a) Cairo b) Medina c) Aqaba.
It lies on what body of water? a) Gulf of Aqaba b) Gulf of Suez
c) Gulf of Aden.
50) When the troops leave the wadi, the women watching them emit a high-pitched scream as encouragement. What is that called? a. ovulation b. ululation c. trepidation d. insubordination.
51) “The law says the man must die.” This is based on a code associated with a historic leader of Mesopotamia. a) Cyrus b) Hammurabi c) Darius.
52) In the tribal dispute - which almost begins a blood feud - who is the condemned murderer? Who is the executioner? What irony is there?
53) The Turks at Aqaba outnumber and outgun the Arabs but the Bedouin raiders are successful. What is their great advantage?
54) Lawrence declares he will cross the badlands of the Sinai Peninsula. Where is he going?
55) The servant boy Daud dies in the desert in a most unexpected way. What is it?
56) When a camel lies down, which set of legs folds first?
57) The spooky, abandoned buildings encountered on the edge of the Sinai actually lie beside the __ __ .
58) “Bringing a ‘wog’ into the Officer’s Mess” is offensive to many soldiers. Explain.
59) “Undisciplined, unpunctual, untidy; knowledge of languages, music, literature, etc.” Who is being described?
60) In WWI the British attacked the Turkish-held Mid East and drove the Turks from the holy city of __.
61) “You acted without orders.”
“Shouldn’t an officer use their initiative at all times?” Explain.
62) Lawrence leads Bedouin riders in swift attacks on the Turks that depend on surprise for success. Today that’s called __ warfare (French word).
63) The Bedouins are wary of being partners with the British. They believe that the British are thinking, “Let the Arabs drive out the Turks, then we’ll take over.”
T / F
64) Intermission is another opportunity for the director to air his score over a dark screen. What does this imply?
65) The American reporter called Bentley in the movie is another true element in the Lawrence story. The journalist’s real name is Lowell Thomas. What happens as a result of Bentley’s stories and photos?
66) Lawrence uses his expertise in explosives against the Turkish __.
67) What is the Geneva Convention? a) guidelines for humane treatment of prisoners during war. b) a secret system used by the people of Switzerland.
68) What happens to the Bedouin army after the looting of Turkish trains?
69) Why does Lawrence shoot and kill his servant and friend Farraj?
70) Lawrence allows himself to be captured by the Turks in Deraa. Why?
71) Is there such a thing as a fair-haired, blue-eyed person of Middle Eastern blood?
Is a Circassian the same as a Caucasian?
72) Write a brief description of the location of the Caucasian Mountains.
73) On the eve of the battle for Jerusalem Lawrence has a breakdown. What action does he take?
74) The Sykes-Picot Treaty is an agreement at the end of WWI that proclaims that 2 nations will divide the control of the Middle East. Which European nations took over the defeated Turkish Empire?
75) Is Lawrence guilty of having told the Bedouins “half lies” about their future and control of their ancient lands? Was he guilty of naiveté?
76) What happened to Lawrence while being held by the Turks in Deraa?
77) On the eve of the attack on the Turks in Damascus, people notice that Lawrence is a changed man. Describe his attitude.
78) Lawrence’s personal troops are hired soldiers. The word for commercial soldiers is __.
79) General Allenby is chauffeured in what brand of British auto?
80) Who wins the race to conquer the Turks in Damascus? a) the Arabs b) the British.
81) The tribal people form a government in Damascus. It is called the __ National Council.
82) The Arab armies prove incapable of governing Damascus. What governance factors flummox the Arabs?
83) The Arab tribal leaders leave Damascus and return to their homes in __.
84) What factor in British life is repulsive to Lawrence in his return to Britain?
85) Lawrence did not want to be famous as a successful soldier. His desire was to be recognized as a significant writer. Did he reach his goal?
86) At what age does Lawrence die?
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Enriched geography requirements: one book per semester and a social studies project
Enriched geography has additional requirements: reading one book per semester and development of social studies project
Due Nov 30: Social Studies Fair project in Powerpoint-display form. Magnet SS Fair will be Dec 4.
Book reports due Dec 14.
Value of the Book Report: 25 pts., Soc Studies Project: 25 pts.
Students have a handout that needs a parent signature __ .
1) Reading and reporting upon one book - in each semester.
* choose a book based on your interests (ex.: soccer, dance, horses).
* book to be approved by your teacher
* Books for which a movie has been made will not be allowed.
* topic related to our study of Europe in first semester; related to Asia in 2nd semester.
* approximately 200 pages (teacher discretion)
* report will comprise 2 parts -
a) Graphic Book Report - Powerpoint style - that illustrates the region and issues addressed by your book. 8 images, each augmented with 3 bulleted items of explanation. Title. Bibliography. 15 pts.
b) Book Essay in which 3 incidents in the book are briefly described and explained in the context of one of the book's themes. 10 pts.
c) both will be submitted vis GoogleDocs.
Social Studies Fair Project -
* submitted via image-based report (Powerpoint-style) in GoogleDocs.
* purpose is to show fluency with the Scientific Method.
* student articulates . . .
- social problem
- hypothesis for solution to problem
- review of literature (find sources, read the articles and choose the part(s) that are relevant to your paper) that addresses the problem. The list of all articles read becomes your bibliography.
- conclusion drawn from literature review.
- bibliography.
- abstract, or half-page summary of entire project.
- cancelled: evaluation of one's own project - strengths, areas that needed improvement.
- grammar, spelling and construction.
- student need not build traditional backboard display unless teacher and student agree on an entry into the social studies fair.
- students may work solo, in a duo or a 3-person team. And, yes, there will be bonus points for those who can devise an international team.
Due Nov 30: Social Studies Fair project in Powerpoint-display form. Magnet SS Fair will be Dec 4.
Book reports due Dec 14.
Value of the Book Report: 25 pts., Soc Studies Project: 25 pts.
Students have a handout that needs a parent signature __ .
1) Reading and reporting upon one book - in each semester.
* choose a book based on your interests (ex.: soccer, dance, horses).
* book to be approved by your teacher
* Books for which a movie has been made will not be allowed.
* topic related to our study of Europe in first semester; related to Asia in 2nd semester.
* approximately 200 pages (teacher discretion)
* report will comprise 2 parts -
a) Graphic Book Report - Powerpoint style - that illustrates the region and issues addressed by your book. 8 images, each augmented with 3 bulleted items of explanation. Title. Bibliography. 15 pts.
b) Book Essay in which 3 incidents in the book are briefly described and explained in the context of one of the book's themes. 10 pts.
c) both will be submitted vis GoogleDocs.
Social Studies Fair Project -
* submitted via image-based report (Powerpoint-style) in GoogleDocs.
* purpose is to show fluency with the Scientific Method.
* student articulates . . .
- social problem
- hypothesis for solution to problem
- review of literature (find sources, read the articles and choose the part(s) that are relevant to your paper) that addresses the problem. The list of all articles read becomes your bibliography.
- conclusion drawn from literature review.
- bibliography.
- abstract, or half-page summary of entire project.
- cancelled: evaluation of one's own project - strengths, areas that needed improvement.
- grammar, spelling and construction.
- student need not build traditional backboard display unless teacher and student agree on an entry into the social studies fair.
- students may work solo, in a duo or a 3-person team. And, yes, there will be bonus points for those who can devise an international team.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
European connections to the Caribbean
Happy holidays.
Next week I'll post updates on the ss project. There will be a model project online, too.
Next week I'll post updates on the ss project. There will be a model project online, too.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Magnet 2013 Crepe Myrtle Planting successful: 30 trees added to campus
Over 300 Magnet students wielded shovels to dig, chop and backfill holes in which they planted crepe myrtles on Green Thurs, said teacher Robert Trudeau. It was a self-funded project of the Class of 2013. Some 30 trees were added to the campus.
About 42 shovels were loaned by parents to the students. Hopefully the students will take those shovels home today.
Thanks, parents.
About 42 shovels were loaned by parents to the students. Hopefully the students will take those shovels home today.
Thanks, parents.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Jamaicans created rock steady and ska as well as reggae
Reggae is a music genre first developed in Jamaica in the late 1960s, says Wikipedia.
After World War II, Jamaicans purchased radios in increasing numbers and were able to hear rhythm and blues music from Southern United States cities such as New Orleans by artists such as Fats Domino[10] and Louis Jordan.[11] The stationing of American military forces during and after the war meant that Jamaicans could listen to military broadcasts of American music, and there was a constant influx of records from the US.
Reggae denotes a particular music style that originated following on the development of ska and rocksteady. Reggae is based on a rhythmic style characterized by accents on the off-beat, known as the skank. Reggae is normally slower than ska but faster than rocksteady.
It was strongly influenced by traditional African and Caribbean music, as well as by American rhythm and blues.
Ska combined elements of Caribbean mento and calypso with American jazz and rhythm and blues. It is characterized by a walking bass line accented with rhythms on the upbeat.
In the early 1960s, ska was the dominant music genre of Jamaica and was popular with British Mods. Later it became popular with many skinheads.[2][3][4][5] Music historians typically divide the history of ska into three periods: the original Jamaican scene of the 1960s (First Wave), the English 2 Tone ska revival of the late 1970s (Second Wave) and the third wave ska movement, which started in the 1980s (Third Wave).
After World War II, Jamaicans purchased radios in increasing numbers and were able to hear rhythm and blues music from Southern United States cities such as New Orleans by artists such as Fats Domino[10] and Louis Jordan.[11] The stationing of American military forces during and after the war meant that Jamaicans could listen to military broadcasts of American music, and there was a constant influx of records from the US.
Reggae denotes a particular music style that originated following on the development of ska and rocksteady. Reggae is based on a rhythmic style characterized by accents on the off-beat, known as the skank. Reggae is normally slower than ska but faster than rocksteady.
It was strongly influenced by traditional African and Caribbean music, as well as by American rhythm and blues.
Ska combined elements of Caribbean mento and calypso with American jazz and rhythm and blues. It is characterized by a walking bass line accented with rhythms on the upbeat.
In the early 1960s, ska was the dominant music genre of Jamaica and was popular with British Mods. Later it became popular with many skinheads.[2][3][4][5] Music historians typically divide the history of ska into three periods: the original Jamaican scene of the 1960s (First Wave), the English 2 Tone ska revival of the late 1970s (Second Wave) and the third wave ska movement, which started in the 1980s (Third Wave).
Rastafarians: a recent religious group born in Jamaica
Characteristics of the Rasta religion -
- Abrahamic (as is Judaism, Islamd and Chrisitanity)
- vegetarian
- Afrocentric
- Ethiopian pride
- all things "natural"
- slow and spiritual-minded lifestyle
- Zion: spiritual home
- Babylon: place of corruption through materialism
- Ganja: cannabis is seen as a sacrament, used in healing and in enhancing spirituality.
- Abrahamic (as is Judaism, Islamd and Chrisitanity)
- vegetarian
- Afrocentric
- Ethiopian pride
- all things "natural"
- slow and spiritual-minded lifestyle
- Zion: spiritual home
- Babylon: place of corruption through materialism
- Ganja: cannabis is seen as a sacrament, used in healing and in enhancing spirituality.
Jamaican singer-songwriter Bob Marley, 1945 - 1981
Bob Marley remains the most widely known performer of reggae music, and is credited for helping spread both Jamaican music and the Rastafari movement to a worldwide audience.[1]He sold some 20 million records, says Wikipedia.
Marley's best known hits include "I Shot the Sheriff", "No Woman, No Cry", "Could You Be Loved", "Stir It Up", "Jamming", "Redemption Song" and "One Love."
His father, Norval Sinclair Marley, was a caucasian-Jamaican of English descent, whose family came from Essex, England. Norval was a captain in the Royal Marines, as well as a plantation overseer, when he married Cedella Booker, an Afro-Jamaican then 18 years old.
Notable attributes:
Dreadlocks, also called locks or dreads, are heavy matted coils of hair which form by themselves eventually fusing together to form a single dread. This is possible in all hair types if the hair is allowed to grow naturally without grooming or conditioning for a long period of time.
Dreadlocks are associated most closely with the recent Rastafari movement, but people from many groups in history before them have worn dreadlocks, including the Hindu Shiva worshippers of India, historic European peoples,[vague] and the Sufis of Pakistan.
Marley died at age 36 of cancer stemming from an untreated melanoma.
Marley's best known hits include "I Shot the Sheriff", "No Woman, No Cry", "Could You Be Loved", "Stir It Up", "Jamming", "Redemption Song" and "One Love."
His father, Norval Sinclair Marley, was a caucasian-Jamaican of English descent, whose family came from Essex, England. Norval was a captain in the Royal Marines, as well as a plantation overseer, when he married Cedella Booker, an Afro-Jamaican then 18 years old.
Notable attributes:
Dreadlocks, also called locks or dreads, are heavy matted coils of hair which form by themselves eventually fusing together to form a single dread. This is possible in all hair types if the hair is allowed to grow naturally without grooming or conditioning for a long period of time.
Dreadlocks are associated most closely with the recent Rastafari movement, but people from many groups in history before them have worn dreadlocks, including the Hindu Shiva worshippers of India, historic European peoples,[vague] and the Sufis of Pakistan.
Marley died at age 36 of cancer stemming from an untreated melanoma.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Roda de Capoeira: an Afro-Brazilian dance/sport that is spreading across the world
Capoeira is a Brazilian art form that ritualizes movement from martial arts, games, and dance, says Wikipedia.
It was created in Brazil some time after the 16th century in the regions known as Bahia, Pernambuco, Rio de Janeiro, Minas Gerais, and São Paulo.
Participants form a roda or circle and take turns either playing musical instruments (such as the Berimbau), singing, or ritually sparring in pairs in the center of the circle.
The game is marked by fluid acrobatic play, feints, and extensive use of groundwork, including sweeps, kicks, and headbutts. Less frequently used techniques include elbow-strikes, slaps, punches, and body throws.
Its origins and purpose are a matter of heated debate, with the spectrum of argument ranging from views of Capoeira as a uniquely Brazilian folk dance to claims that it is a battle-ready fighting form directly descended from ancient African technique.
It was created in Brazil some time after the 16th century in the regions known as Bahia, Pernambuco, Rio de Janeiro, Minas Gerais, and São Paulo.
Participants form a roda or circle and take turns either playing musical instruments (such as the Berimbau), singing, or ritually sparring in pairs in the center of the circle.
The game is marked by fluid acrobatic play, feints, and extensive use of groundwork, including sweeps, kicks, and headbutts. Less frequently used techniques include elbow-strikes, slaps, punches, and body throws.
Its origins and purpose are a matter of heated debate, with the spectrum of argument ranging from views of Capoeira as a uniquely Brazilian folk dance to claims that it is a battle-ready fighting form directly descended from ancient African technique.
Tues: bring shovels; Thurs: crepe myrtle planting day
I'm calling it Green Thursday: social studies students will plant some 30 crepe myrtles at the base of E Wing.
Tasks -
- shoveling a large hole for each plant
- breaking up clods
- surrounding the new plant with loose soil
- adding mulch and water
- backfilling and leveling
- straightening the area and cleaning shovels
- touring the previous plantings on the perimeter of the north field
Tasks -
- shoveling a large hole for each plant
- breaking up clods
- surrounding the new plant with loose soil
- adding mulch and water
- backfilling and leveling
- straightening the area and cleaning shovels
- touring the previous plantings on the perimeter of the north field
Wed, Nov 18: Caribbean map & open notes quiz
Carib map:
- Sketch from the Yucatan to Venezuela
- 10 items as studied in class
Open notes: Central and South America
- Sketch from the Yucatan to Venezuela
- 10 items as studied in class
Open notes: Central and South America
Thursday, November 12, 2009
One of Brazil's many rock bands, Sepultura has sold 15 million records
Sepultura (Portuguese for "tomb" or "grave"[1]) is a heavy metal band from Belo Horizonte, Brazil, formed in 1984, says Wikipedia.[2]
The band was a major force in the death metal and thrash metal realms during the late 1980s and early 1990s,[3] and their later experiments melding hardcore punk, industrial music, and nu metal[4] with extreme metal[5][6] provided a blueprint for the groove metal genre.[7]
Sepultura have released eleven studio albums so far, the latest being A-Lex (2009). Their most successful records are Arise (1991),[8] Chaos A.D. (1993), and Roots (1996),[9] each of them having surpassed the one million mark worldwide.
Sepultura has sold over 15 million units worldwide,[10] gaining multiple gold and platinum records across the globe, including in countries as diverse as France,[11][12] Australia,[13] Indonesia,[14] United States,[15] Cyprus,[16] and their native Brazil.[17]
The band was a major force in the death metal and thrash metal realms during the late 1980s and early 1990s,[3] and their later experiments melding hardcore punk, industrial music, and nu metal[4] with extreme metal[5][6] provided a blueprint for the groove metal genre.[7]
Sepultura have released eleven studio albums so far, the latest being A-Lex (2009). Their most successful records are Arise (1991),[8] Chaos A.D. (1993), and Roots (1996),[9] each of them having surpassed the one million mark worldwide.
Sepultura has sold over 15 million units worldwide,[10] gaining multiple gold and platinum records across the globe, including in countries as diverse as France,[11][12] Australia,[13] Indonesia,[14] United States,[15] Cyprus,[16] and their native Brazil.[17]
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
US has held an embargo against Cuba for 47 years - in attempt to economically punish the nation
UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The U.N. General Assembly has voted overwhelmingly to condemn the 47-year U.S. trade embargo on Cuba, an annual ritual that highlights near unanimous global opposition to America's hard-line stance toward the communist island.
It is the 19th time in a row that the world body adopted the symbolic measure, and the first since U.S. President Barack Obama took office in January. Many representatives to the world body expressed hope the new American administration will work to normalize relations with its longtime enemy.
But Wednesday's 187-3 vote, with two abstentions, was unlikely to sway Washington, which has loosened financial and travel restrictions on Americans with relatives on the island but has said it would not lift the embargo until Cuba accept some political, economic and social changes.
Thanks to student Bregon Webb for the link!
It is the 19th time in a row that the world body adopted the symbolic measure, and the first since U.S. President Barack Obama took office in January. Many representatives to the world body expressed hope the new American administration will work to normalize relations with its longtime enemy.
But Wednesday's 187-3 vote, with two abstentions, was unlikely to sway Washington, which has loosened financial and travel restrictions on Americans with relatives on the island but has said it would not lift the embargo until Cuba accept some political, economic and social changes.
Thanks to student Bregon Webb for the link!
Map quiz: sketch and identify continents, nations and bodies of water surrounding the Atlantic
Thurs map quiz, Nov 12: sketch and identify (10 items) 4 continents (N Amer, S Amer, Europe, Africa) and 6 additional nations and bodies of water surrounding the Atlantic. Please see the illustration as a guide.
Also: open notes quiz on the Caribbean and South America.
Also: open notes quiz on the Caribbean and South America.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Once Upon A Mattress: a comedy from Magnet Drama at 6:30 pm on Wed, Th and Fri
Bonus Points for attending the Drama Dept comedy Once Upon a Mattress at 6: 30 in the PAC on Wed, Th or Fri night.
Parents welcome, too!
Parents welcome, too!
Comparing Caribbean Islands to archipelagos on other continents
Two-student teams. Please change to a partner with whom you have yet to work.
Two days in lab. Complete project as homework.
Please use GoogleDocs in a shared mode.
Compare one Caribbean island to one island in an entirely different part of the world. Like, Malta or Tasmania!
- 9 slides.
- Titles! Over an image.
- Image on each slide.
- Improved citations. Wikipedia.org/Trinidad/cuisine.
- Sources cited on each slide.
- 3 edited - bulleted - info points on each slide.
- 2 maps
- reports delivered in class on Th and Fri.
- 12 pts.
- Include
demographics
language
ethnicities
history
cuisine
sports
music
Two days in lab. Complete project as homework.
Please use GoogleDocs in a shared mode.
Compare one Caribbean island to one island in an entirely different part of the world. Like, Malta or Tasmania!
- 9 slides.
- Titles! Over an image.
- Image on each slide.
- Improved citations. Wikipedia.org/Trinidad/cuisine.
- Sources cited on each slide.
- 3 edited - bulleted - info points on each slide.
- 2 maps
- reports delivered in class on Th and Fri.
- 12 pts.
- Include
demographics
language
ethnicities
history
cuisine
sports
music
Monday, November 09, 2009
St. Croix, the US Virgin Islands
The Virgin Islands are an archipelago, part of the Leeward Islands in the Caribbean Sea, says Wikipedia.
The Virgin Islands are divided into two political entities; on the east, Tortola and some 50 additional islands are a territory of the United Kingdom; and in the west, St. Croix, St. John, St. Thomas are governed as a territory of the United States.
Christopher Columbus named the islands Santa Ursula y las Once Mil Vírgenes, shortened to Las Vírgenes, after Saint Ursula and her 11,000 virgins.
They were inhabited by the Arawak, Carib and Cermic, all of whom died out during the colonial period from disease, harsh labor conditions, and murder.
Later, the islands were re-populated by European plantation owners, and enslaved Africans who worked on sugar plantations, and at least one tobacco plantation.
The sugar plantations are gone, but the descendants of the enslaved Africans remain the bulk of the population, sharing a common Afro-Caribbean heritage with the rest of the English-speaking Caribbean.
The Virgin Islands are divided into two political entities; on the east, Tortola and some 50 additional islands are a territory of the United Kingdom; and in the west, St. Croix, St. John, St. Thomas are governed as a territory of the United States.
Christopher Columbus named the islands Santa Ursula y las Once Mil Vírgenes, shortened to Las Vírgenes, after Saint Ursula and her 11,000 virgins.
They were inhabited by the Arawak, Carib and Cermic, all of whom died out during the colonial period from disease, harsh labor conditions, and murder.
Later, the islands were re-populated by European plantation owners, and enslaved Africans who worked on sugar plantations, and at least one tobacco plantation.
The sugar plantations are gone, but the descendants of the enslaved Africans remain the bulk of the population, sharing a common Afro-Caribbean heritage with the rest of the English-speaking Caribbean.
San Juan, capital of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico, officially the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico (Spanish: Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico), is a self-governing unincorporated territory of the United States located in the northeastern Caribbean, east of the Dominican Republic and west of the Virgin Islands.
Puerto Rico, says Wikipedia, is composed of an archipelago that includes the main island of Puerto Rico and a number of smaller islands. The main island of Puerto Rico is the smallest by land area and second smallest by population among the four Greater Antilles, which also include Cuba, Hispaniola, and Jamaica.
Puerto Ricans often call the island Borinquen, from Borikén, its indigenous Taíno name.[4][5] The terms boricua and borincano are commonly used to identify someone of Puerto Rican heritage. The island is also popularly known as "La Isla del Encanto", which translated means "The Island of Enchantment."
Puerto Rican culture is a mix of four cultures, African (from the slaves), Taíno (Amerindians), Spanish, and more recently, North American. From Africans, the Puerto Ricans have obtained the "bomba and plena", a type of music and dance including percussions and maracas. From the Amerindians (Taínos), they kept many names for their municipalities, foods, musical instruments like the güiro and maracas. From the Spanish they received the Spanish language, the Catholic religion and the vast majority of their cultural and moral values and traditions. From the United States they received the English language, the university system and the adoption of some holidays and practices.
As of 2003, the U.S. Census Bureau estimates that more people of Puerto Rican birth or ancestry live in the U.S. than in Puerto Rico.[97]
Tourism is an important component of Puerto Rican economy supplying an approximate $1.8 billion. In 1999, an estimated 5 million tourists visited the island, most from the U.S. Nearly a third of these are cruise ship passengers. A steady increase in hotel registrations since 1998 and the construction of new hotels and new tourism projects, such as the Puerto Rico Convention Center, indicate the current strength of the tourism industry.
Puerto Ricans had median household income of $17,741 for 2007, which makes Puerto Rico's economy comparable to the independent nations of Latvia or Poland.[100] By comparison, the poorest state of the Union, Mississippi, had median household income of $36,338 in 2007.[100]
Puerto Rico, says Wikipedia, is composed of an archipelago that includes the main island of Puerto Rico and a number of smaller islands. The main island of Puerto Rico is the smallest by land area and second smallest by population among the four Greater Antilles, which also include Cuba, Hispaniola, and Jamaica.
Puerto Ricans often call the island Borinquen, from Borikén, its indigenous Taíno name.[4][5] The terms boricua and borincano are commonly used to identify someone of Puerto Rican heritage. The island is also popularly known as "La Isla del Encanto", which translated means "The Island of Enchantment."
Puerto Rican culture is a mix of four cultures, African (from the slaves), Taíno (Amerindians), Spanish, and more recently, North American. From Africans, the Puerto Ricans have obtained the "bomba and plena", a type of music and dance including percussions and maracas. From the Amerindians (Taínos), they kept many names for their municipalities, foods, musical instruments like the güiro and maracas. From the Spanish they received the Spanish language, the Catholic religion and the vast majority of their cultural and moral values and traditions. From the United States they received the English language, the university system and the adoption of some holidays and practices.
As of 2003, the U.S. Census Bureau estimates that more people of Puerto Rican birth or ancestry live in the U.S. than in Puerto Rico.[97]
Tourism is an important component of Puerto Rican economy supplying an approximate $1.8 billion. In 1999, an estimated 5 million tourists visited the island, most from the U.S. Nearly a third of these are cruise ship passengers. A steady increase in hotel registrations since 1998 and the construction of new hotels and new tourism projects, such as the Puerto Rico Convention Center, indicate the current strength of the tourism industry.
Puerto Ricans had median household income of $17,741 for 2007, which makes Puerto Rico's economy comparable to the independent nations of Latvia or Poland.[100] By comparison, the poorest state of the Union, Mississippi, had median household income of $36,338 in 2007.[100]
Friday, November 06, 2009
American mogul Bill Gates, "world's wealthiest man," is now a philanthropist
William Henry "Bill" Gates III (born October 28, 1955)[2] is an American business magnate, philanthropist, and chairman[3] of Microsoft, the software company he founded with Paul Allen. He is ranked consistently one of the world's wealthiest people[4] and the wealthiest overall as of 2009, says Wikipedia.[1]
During his career at Microsoft, Gates held the positions of CEO and chief software architect, and remains the largest individual shareholder with more than 8 percent of the common stock.[5] He has also authored or co-authored several books.
Gates is one of the best-known entrepreneurs of the personal computer revolution. Although he is admired by many, a number of industry insiders criticize his business tactics, which they consider anti-competitive, an opinion which has in some cases been upheld by the courts (see Criticism of Microsoft).[6][7] In the later stages of his career, Gates has pursued a number of philanthropic endeavors, donating large amounts of money to various charitable organizations and scientific research programs through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, established in 2000.
Bill Gates stepped down as chief executive officer of Microsoft in January, 2000. He remained as chairman and created the position of chief software architect.
Microsoft Corporation is a multinational computer technology corporation that develops, manufactures, licenses, and supports a wide range of software products for computing devices.[8]
Headquartered in Redmond, Washington, USA, (a suburb of Seattle) its most profitable products are the Microsoft Windows operating system and Microsoft Office (Word, Powerpoint, etc).
During his career at Microsoft, Gates held the positions of CEO and chief software architect, and remains the largest individual shareholder with more than 8 percent of the common stock.[5] He has also authored or co-authored several books.
Gates is one of the best-known entrepreneurs of the personal computer revolution. Although he is admired by many, a number of industry insiders criticize his business tactics, which they consider anti-competitive, an opinion which has in some cases been upheld by the courts (see Criticism of Microsoft).[6][7] In the later stages of his career, Gates has pursued a number of philanthropic endeavors, donating large amounts of money to various charitable organizations and scientific research programs through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, established in 2000.
Bill Gates stepped down as chief executive officer of Microsoft in January, 2000. He remained as chairman and created the position of chief software architect.
Microsoft Corporation is a multinational computer technology corporation that develops, manufactures, licenses, and supports a wide range of software products for computing devices.[8]
Headquartered in Redmond, Washington, USA, (a suburb of Seattle) its most profitable products are the Microsoft Windows operating system and Microsoft Office (Word, Powerpoint, etc).
Prince Henry the Navigator, a Bill Gates of the 1400's
Henry the Navigator (March 1394 – November 1460 in Sagres, Portugal) was an infante (prince) of the Kingdom of Portugal and an important figure in the early days of the Portuguese Empire, being responsible for the beginning of the European worldwide explorations.
Prince Henry the Navigator, says Wikipedia, lived most of his life in the southern Atlantic port of Lagos. From here he directed expeditions to Morocco and to the western coast of Africa with caravels, lateen-rigged ships with excellent seafaring capabilities.
Lagos was also the home port for Gil Eanes who was the first to sail beyond Cape Bojador in 1434, then considered the end of the world. This was a breakthrough in the Portuguese exploration of Africa.
Lagos was at least as important during the Age of Discovery as Cape Canaveral was during the early years of space exploration.
It was also through Lagos that the first African slaves entered post-medieval Europe. There is a 17th century building standing on the exact site where the first slave markets were held in the 15th century. As the major sponsor of these expeditions, Prince Henry received one fifth of the selling price of the slaves.
Henry possessed geographical curiosity and therefore employed cartographers. Jehuda Cresques, a noted cartographer, received an invitation to come to Sagres and made maps for Henry.
By 1462, the Portuguese had explored the coast of Africa as far as the present-day nation Sierra Leone. Twenty-eight years later, Bartolomeu Dias (can be spelt Diaz) proved that Africa could be circumnavigated when he reached the southern tip of the continent. This is now known as the "Cape of Good Hope." In 1498, Vasco da Gama was the first sailor to travel from Portugal to India.
Prince Henry the Navigator, says Wikipedia, lived most of his life in the southern Atlantic port of Lagos. From here he directed expeditions to Morocco and to the western coast of Africa with caravels, lateen-rigged ships with excellent seafaring capabilities.
Lagos was also the home port for Gil Eanes who was the first to sail beyond Cape Bojador in 1434, then considered the end of the world. This was a breakthrough in the Portuguese exploration of Africa.
Lagos was at least as important during the Age of Discovery as Cape Canaveral was during the early years of space exploration.
It was also through Lagos that the first African slaves entered post-medieval Europe. There is a 17th century building standing on the exact site where the first slave markets were held in the 15th century. As the major sponsor of these expeditions, Prince Henry received one fifth of the selling price of the slaves.
Henry possessed geographical curiosity and therefore employed cartographers. Jehuda Cresques, a noted cartographer, received an invitation to come to Sagres and made maps for Henry.
By 1462, the Portuguese had explored the coast of Africa as far as the present-day nation Sierra Leone. Twenty-eight years later, Bartolomeu Dias (can be spelt Diaz) proved that Africa could be circumnavigated when he reached the southern tip of the continent. This is now known as the "Cape of Good Hope." In 1498, Vasco da Gama was the first sailor to travel from Portugal to India.
Thursday, November 05, 2009
Yerba mate: the ritual drink of Argentina and much of South America
The Argentine experience is not complete without daily servings of yerba mate, says Wikipedia. It is common for friends to convene to "matear" several times a week. In cold weather the beverage is served hot and in warm weather the hot water is often substituted for lemonade. Children often take yerba mate with lemonade as well.
As Americans often meet at a coffee shop, drinking mate is the impetus for gathering with friends in Argentina and Uruguay. Sharing mate is ritualistic and has its own set of rules. Usually one person, the host or whoever brought the mate, prepares the drink and refills the gourd with water.
The infusion called mate is prepared by steeping dry leaves (and twigs) of yerba mate in hot water, rather than in boiling water like black tea. Drinking mate with friends from a shared hollow gourd (also called a mate in Spanish, or cabaça or cuia in Portuguese) with a metal straw (a bombilla in Spanish, bomba in Portuguese) is a common social practice in Argentina,[3][4] Uruguay, Paraguay, southern Chile, eastern Bolivia and southern and western Brazil [5] and has been cultivated in Syria, Lebanon and Jordan.
In Brazil, a toasted version of mate, known as chá mate or "mate tea", is sold in teabag and loose form, and served, sweetened, in specialized shops, either hot or iced with fruit juice or milk. An iced, sweetened version of toasted mate is sold as an uncarbonated soft drink, with or without fruit flavoring. The toasted variety of mate has less of a bitter flavor and more of a spicy fragrance.
Mate's negative effects are anecdotally claimed to be of a lesser degree than those of coffee, though no explanation for this is offered or even credibly postulated, except for its potential as a placebo effect. Some users report that drinking yerba mate does not prevent them from being able to fall asleep, as is often the case with some more common stimulating beverages, while still enhancing their energy and ability to remain awake at will.
Claims for mate include:
anti-carcinogenic potential
Antiobesity properties
As Americans often meet at a coffee shop, drinking mate is the impetus for gathering with friends in Argentina and Uruguay. Sharing mate is ritualistic and has its own set of rules. Usually one person, the host or whoever brought the mate, prepares the drink and refills the gourd with water.
The infusion called mate is prepared by steeping dry leaves (and twigs) of yerba mate in hot water, rather than in boiling water like black tea. Drinking mate with friends from a shared hollow gourd (also called a mate in Spanish, or cabaça or cuia in Portuguese) with a metal straw (a bombilla in Spanish, bomba in Portuguese) is a common social practice in Argentina,[3][4] Uruguay, Paraguay, southern Chile, eastern Bolivia and southern and western Brazil [5] and has been cultivated in Syria, Lebanon and Jordan.
In Brazil, a toasted version of mate, known as chá mate or "mate tea", is sold in teabag and loose form, and served, sweetened, in specialized shops, either hot or iced with fruit juice or milk. An iced, sweetened version of toasted mate is sold as an uncarbonated soft drink, with or without fruit flavoring. The toasted variety of mate has less of a bitter flavor and more of a spicy fragrance.
Mate's negative effects are anecdotally claimed to be of a lesser degree than those of coffee, though no explanation for this is offered or even credibly postulated, except for its potential as a placebo effect. Some users report that drinking yerba mate does not prevent them from being able to fall asleep, as is often the case with some more common stimulating beverages, while still enhancing their energy and ability to remain awake at will.
Claims for mate include:
anti-carcinogenic potential
Antiobesity properties
Homework in Geography / Trudeau: Read web site notes every night, print out and answer quiz questions
Homework in Geography / Trudeau:
Read web site notes every night and print out the pages.
Also, answer quiz questions.
You will be expected to answer quiz questions that will be placed on the class web site. The answers will be easily found through basic research.
I will continue to use some of these questions on the weekly quizzes.
Read web site notes every night and print out the pages.
Also, answer quiz questions.
You will be expected to answer quiz questions that will be placed on the class web site. The answers will be easily found through basic research.
I will continue to use some of these questions on the weekly quizzes.
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
Trinidad: Caribbean island with the largest of all carnaval costumes
Trinidad (Spanish: "Trinity") is the larger and more populous of the two major islands which make up the country of Trinidad and Tobago, says Wikipedia. It is the southernmost island in the Caribbean and lies just 7 miles off the northeastern coast of Venezuela.
Today Trinidad is the result of a fusion of many different cultures. It hosts an annual pre-Lenten Carnival on the Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. It is the birthplace of the Steelpan musical instrument and Limbo dance. Styles of popular music include Calypso, Chutney, Soca and Reggaeton.
The Carnaval costumes are often augmented with a hidden substructure - a metal armature - so that a spectacular heights can be reached with fabric and feathers.
Afro-Trinidadians and Indo-Trinidadians account for almost 80% of the population. There is also a large Chinese and European population.
Today Trinidad is the result of a fusion of many different cultures. It hosts an annual pre-Lenten Carnival on the Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. It is the birthplace of the Steelpan musical instrument and Limbo dance. Styles of popular music include Calypso, Chutney, Soca and Reggaeton.
The Carnaval costumes are often augmented with a hidden substructure - a metal armature - so that a spectacular heights can be reached with fabric and feathers.
Afro-Trinidadians and Indo-Trinidadians account for almost 80% of the population. There is also a large Chinese and European population.
600 miles into the Pacific lies the Ecuadorian archipelago called the Galapagos
1853: the HMS Beagle is mapping the coast of South America for England. The captain has added Charles Darwin, a young naturalist (U of Edinburgh, Cambridge U), to his staff.
They pass round Cape Horn via the Magellan Strait, past Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego.
On the volcanic Galapagos Islands the captain and Darwin spend 5 weeks observing, sketching and catching examples of the amazing fauna. There are giant tortoises, marine iguanas, finches, beetles and other insects.
The journey of the 3-masted sloop, the Beagle, continues on a
circumnavigation that consumes 5 years.
Twenty years of research and consideration pass before Darwin published his revolutionary Origin of the Species. His theory of natural selection is controversial - but eventually convincing to the scientific community.
Thus we see a South American archipelago with an unusual impact on science and the world.
They pass round Cape Horn via the Magellan Strait, past Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego.
On the volcanic Galapagos Islands the captain and Darwin spend 5 weeks observing, sketching and catching examples of the amazing fauna. There are giant tortoises, marine iguanas, finches, beetles and other insects.
The journey of the 3-masted sloop, the Beagle, continues on a
circumnavigation that consumes 5 years.
Twenty years of research and consideration pass before Darwin published his revolutionary Origin of the Species. His theory of natural selection is controversial - but eventually convincing to the scientific community.
Thus we see a South American archipelago with an unusual impact on science and the world.
Plan to eat well at the Homecoming picnic on Friday
Classes will be shortened on Fri so that we can have time for The Great Fall Fest, aka Homecoming Picnic.
There will be a ton of activities and a globality of foods, so bring plenty of money. All revenues support clubs at Magnet.
There will be a ton of activities and a globality of foods, so bring plenty of money. All revenues support clubs at Magnet.
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
Valuable but endangered: the Amazon basin
The South American rain forest of the Amazon basin is the largest in the world, covering about 8,235,430 km2 with dense tropical forest. For centuries, this has protected the area and the animals residing in it.
Not all of the big plant and animal that live in the Amazon Basin are known because of its huge unexplored areas. No one knows how many species of fish there are in the river.
Wet tropical forests are the most species-rich biome, and tropical forests in the Americas are consistently more species rich than the wet forests in Africa and Asia.[16]
As the largest tract of tropical rainforest in the Americas, the Amazonian rainforests have unparalleled biodiversity. One in ten known species in the world live in the Amazon Rainforest.[17] This constitutes the largest collection of living plants and animal species in the world.
The region is home to about 2.5 million insect species,[18] tens of thousands of plants, and some 2,000 birds and mammals. To date, at least 40,000 plant species, 3,000 fish, 1,294 birds, 427 mammals, 428 amphibians, and 378 reptiles have been scientifically classified in the region.[19]
One in five of all the birds in the world live in the rainforests of the Amazon. Scientists have described between 96,660 and 128,843 invertebrate species in Brazil alone.[20]
The diversity of plant species is the highest on Earth with some experts estimating that one square kilometer may contain over 75,000 types of trees and 150,000 species of higher plants.
In many regions, the forest has been cleared for soy bean plantations and ranching (the most extensive non-forest use of the land) and some of the inhabitants harvest wild rubber latex and Brazil nuts. This is a form of extractive farms, where the trees are not cut down, and thus this is a relatively sustainable human impact.
Not all of the big plant and animal that live in the Amazon Basin are known because of its huge unexplored areas. No one knows how many species of fish there are in the river.
Wet tropical forests are the most species-rich biome, and tropical forests in the Americas are consistently more species rich than the wet forests in Africa and Asia.[16]
As the largest tract of tropical rainforest in the Americas, the Amazonian rainforests have unparalleled biodiversity. One in ten known species in the world live in the Amazon Rainforest.[17] This constitutes the largest collection of living plants and animal species in the world.
The region is home to about 2.5 million insect species,[18] tens of thousands of plants, and some 2,000 birds and mammals. To date, at least 40,000 plant species, 3,000 fish, 1,294 birds, 427 mammals, 428 amphibians, and 378 reptiles have been scientifically classified in the region.[19]
One in five of all the birds in the world live in the rainforests of the Amazon. Scientists have described between 96,660 and 128,843 invertebrate species in Brazil alone.[20]
The diversity of plant species is the highest on Earth with some experts estimating that one square kilometer may contain over 75,000 types of trees and 150,000 species of higher plants.
In many regions, the forest has been cleared for soy bean plantations and ranching (the most extensive non-forest use of the land) and some of the inhabitants harvest wild rubber latex and Brazil nuts. This is a form of extractive farms, where the trees are not cut down, and thus this is a relatively sustainable human impact.
Environmentally-focused California clothing company: Patagonia
Patagonia, Inc. is a Ventura, California-based clothing company, focusing mainly on outdoor clothing, says Wikipedia. The company is a member of several environmental movements and is considered a socially responsible company. It was founded by Yvon Chouinard in 1972.
Patagonia is a major contributor to environmental groups. Patagonia commits 1% of their total sales or 10% of their profit, whichever is more, to environmental groups. Since 1985, when the program was first started, Patagonia has donated $25 million to over 1,000 organizations.
Patagonia co-founded the alliance 1% For the Planet. This is an alliance of businesses who, like Patagonia, commit at least 1% of their total sales to the environment.
Patagonia often features their environmental campaigns in their catalogues and advertisements. Many of their recent campaigns include work with preventing oil drilling in the Alaska Wildlife Refuge, "Ocean As A Wilderness", and "Don't Dam Patagonia".
Patagonia is a major contributor to environmental groups. Patagonia commits 1% of their total sales or 10% of their profit, whichever is more, to environmental groups. Since 1985, when the program was first started, Patagonia has donated $25 million to over 1,000 organizations.
Patagonia co-founded the alliance 1% For the Planet. This is an alliance of businesses who, like Patagonia, commit at least 1% of their total sales to the environment.
Patagonia often features their environmental campaigns in their catalogues and advertisements. Many of their recent campaigns include work with preventing oil drilling in the Alaska Wildlife Refuge, "Ocean As A Wilderness", and "Don't Dam Patagonia".
Monday, November 02, 2009
Social Studies Fair Project guidelines reminder
Deadlines for the items required of students taking the enriched sections of world geography:
Due Nov 30: Social Studies Fair project in Powerpoint-display form. Magnet SS Fair will be Dec 4.
Book reports due Dec 14.
Book Report: 25 pts., Soc Studies Project: 25 pts.
Social Studies Fair Project guidelines -
* submitted via image-based report (Powerpoint-style) in GoogleDocs.
* purpose is to show fluency with the Scientific Method.
* format -
- social problem (ex: "dangers in texting while driving")
- hypothesis for solution to problem ("Laws proposed to eliminate texting while driiving")
- review of literature that addresses the problem (5 citations)
~ quotes from magazines such as Newsweek, Time, the Economist, etc.
~ quotes from newspapers such as the Wall St Journal, NY Times, USA Today, Washngton Post, etc.
~ quote from a book.
~ quote from an interview with a professional person or an expert.
- conclusion drawn from literature review
- bibliography: an alphabetized list of all the sources you reviewed.
- abstract, or half-page summary of entire project
- grammar, spelling and construction
- student need not build traditional backboard display unless teacher and student agree on an entry into the social studies fair.
- students may work solo, in a duo or a 3-person team. And, yes, there will be bonus points for those who can devise an international team.
* Students planning to enter the project in the Social Studies Fair must use footnotes (include a source for each fact in the body of the paper as in otday's Wikipedia) and MLA style (your English teacher will explain) in the documentation, or references.
Sunday, November 01, 2009
At the southernmost tip of the Western continents: Patagonia austral (southern patagonia)
Patagonia is a geographic region containing the southernmost portion of South America, says Wikipedia.
Located in Argentina and Chile, it comprises the southernmost portion of the Andes mountains to the west and south, and plateaux and low plains to the east. The name Patagonia comes from the word patagón[1] used by Magellan to describe the native people whom his expedition thought to be giants.
Santa Cruz is the largest province in the Argentinan Patagonia and the largest political subdivision in the region as a whole, covering 293,993 km2.
The province, mostly a cold, windswept steppe, is well-known for its extensive pebble beaches as well as for the deep-water lakes and vast glaciers in the Andes foothills along its western border with Chile. Santa Cruz's Atlantic coast is also known for the Laguna del Carbón; lying 105 meters (330 ft) below sea level, it is the lowest geographic point in the Western Hemisphere.
One of Santa Cruz's best-known geological curiosities is its Jamarillo Petrified Forests National Monument. Incorporated into the national park system in 1954, the 137 square kilometre (35,000 acre) area includes one of the world's most significant remains of Jurassic-era forests. The National Parks Administration also acquired 600 square kilometres (150,000 acres) of neighboring land, creating the largest natural steppe preserve in Latin America.
Santa Cruz's most notable and most visited geographic feature, however, is probably Perito Moreno Glacier, a national park as well.
Located in Argentina and Chile, it comprises the southernmost portion of the Andes mountains to the west and south, and plateaux and low plains to the east. The name Patagonia comes from the word patagón[1] used by Magellan to describe the native people whom his expedition thought to be giants.
Santa Cruz is the largest province in the Argentinan Patagonia and the largest political subdivision in the region as a whole, covering 293,993 km2.
The province, mostly a cold, windswept steppe, is well-known for its extensive pebble beaches as well as for the deep-water lakes and vast glaciers in the Andes foothills along its western border with Chile. Santa Cruz's Atlantic coast is also known for the Laguna del Carbón; lying 105 meters (330 ft) below sea level, it is the lowest geographic point in the Western Hemisphere.
One of Santa Cruz's best-known geological curiosities is its Jamarillo Petrified Forests National Monument. Incorporated into the national park system in 1954, the 137 square kilometre (35,000 acre) area includes one of the world's most significant remains of Jurassic-era forests. The National Parks Administration also acquired 600 square kilometres (150,000 acres) of neighboring land, creating the largest natural steppe preserve in Latin America.
Santa Cruz's most notable and most visited geographic feature, however, is probably Perito Moreno Glacier, a national park as well.
Mapa antiguo de América del Sur, me hearties!
Mapa antiguo de América del Sur; old South America map.
Originally uploaded by thejourney1972 (offline for some days)
What you ought to know:
1. Atlantic & Pacific (A & P)
2. Panama, Central Am.
3. Colombia
4. Venezuela
5. Ecuador
6. Peru
7. Brazil (Brasil)
8. Amazon R.
9. Andes Mts.
10. Chile
11. Argentina
12. Buenos Aires, Argentina
13. Sao Paulo, Brazil
14. Rio de Janeiro, Br.
15. Caribbean Sea
16. Cape Horn / Tierra del Fuego
17. Drake Passage or Strait of Magellan
Cape Horn is widely considered to be the most southerly point of South America, and marks the northern boundary of the Drake Passage; for many years it was a major milestone on the clipper route, by which sailing ships carried trade around the world. However, the waters around the cape are particularly hazardous, owing to strong winds, large waves, strong currents and icebergs; these dangers have made it notorious as a sailors' graveyard, says Wikipedia.
The need for ships to round the Cape Horn was greatly reduced by the opening of the Panama Canal in 1914. However, sailing around the Horn is widely regarded as one of the major challenges in yachting.
Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo and Brazil: this week's open notes and map quizzes
1) Thursday's reading comprehension quiz is on web site notes on Brazil.
2) The map quiz is on the entire continent of South America - 12 major items as outlined last week.
3) Please pursue the reading of your 1st semester social studies book.
4) Also, enact your social studies project team and develop the question-problem-hypothesis-literature review social studies project.
2) The map quiz is on the entire continent of South America - 12 major items as outlined last week.
3) Please pursue the reading of your 1st semester social studies book.
4) Also, enact your social studies project team and develop the question-problem-hypothesis-literature review social studies project.
Friday, October 30, 2009
No school on Fri in Caddo-Bossier, says KTBS news
From Ktbs.com:
Caddo Parish and Bossier Parish schools will not have classes on Friday because of the effects from Thursday's storms, officials from each school district said.
Bossier Parish Community College has also canceled classes.
Caddo Parish and Bossier Parish schools will not have classes on Friday because of the effects from Thursday's storms, officials from each school district said.
Bossier Parish Community College has also canceled classes.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
The movie "Master and Commander; Far Side of the World" is a historic story of 19th century sailors on the coast of Brazil
The HMS Surprise from the movie, "Master and Commander; Far Side of the World"
Originally uploaded by BillGraf
Nearly all of the film takes place aboard the HMS Surprise, under the command of Captain "Lucky" Jack Aubrey (Russell Crowe).
The captain's orders: to intercept and disable the French privateer Acheron, which is troubling British vessels off the coast of South America. The two ships clash early on, and the Surprise is thoroughly routed--the Acheron is larger, faster, and more modern. But Aubrey, with a determination that might not entirely be due to his sense of duty, is not one to give up, and the Surprise chases the Acheron--and/or vice versa--down the Brazilian coast, around Cape Horn, and to the Gallapagos Islands.
Highly recommended. PG-13 for battle gore.
Brazil: Portuguese-speaking, multi-ethnic land of amazing biodiversity
Basic national background from Wikipedia.com -
- the largest country in South America and the only Portuguese-speaking country on that continent.
- Brazil was a colony of Portugal from the landing of Pedro Álvares Cabral in 1500 until its independence in 1822.
- Brazil is the world's eighth largest economy at market exchange rates[3] and the ninth largest by purchasing power parity.[15] Economic reforms have given the country new international recognition.
- It is a democracy.
- A predominantly Roman Catholic, Portuguese-speaking, and multiethnic society.
- The most accepted etymology of the name Brazil is that it was named after the tree brazilwood[17] which in Portuguese is pau-brasil, and the word brasil is commonly defined by the dictionaries of different languages as the color of red like ember, formed by the word brasa (ember).
- Brazil is the fifth largest country in the world—after Russia, Canada, China and the United States.
- The climate of Brazil comprises a wide range of weather conditions across a large geographic scale and varied topography, but the largest part of the country is tropical.
- The Macaw is a typical animal of Brazil. The country has one of the world's most diverse populations of birds and amphibians.
- Brazil's large territory comprises different ecosystems, such as the Amazon Rainforest, recognized as having the greatest biological diversity in the world;[33] the Atlantic Forest and the Cerrado, which together sustain some of the world's greatest biodiversity.
- Scientists estimate that the total number of plant and animal species in Brazil could approach four million.[34] Larger mammals include pumas, jaguars, ocelots, rare bush dogs, and foxes. Peccaries, tapirs, anteaters, sloths, opossums, and armadillos are abundant. Deer are plentiful in the south, and monkeys of many species abound in the northern rain forests.[34][36] Concern for the environment in Brazil has grown in response to global interest in environmental issues.
- Its natural heritage is extremely threatened by cattle ranching and agriculture, logging, mining, resettlement, oil and gas extraction, over-fishing, expansion of urban centres, wildlife trade, fire, climate change, dams and infrastructure, water contamination, and invasive species.[33] In many areas of the country, the natural environment is threatened by development.
- Brazilians are very strong in agricultural, mining, manufacturing and service sectors, as well as a large labor pool.[15] Brazilian exports are booming, creating a new generation of tycoons.[192] Major export products include aircraft, coffee, automobiles, soybean, iron ore, orange juice, steel, ethanol, textiles, footwear, corned beef and electrical equipment.
- Industry is highly concentrated geographically, with the leading concentrations in metropolitan São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Campinas, Porto Alegre, and Belo Horizonte. Technologically advanced industries are also highly concentrated in these locations.
- Brazil is expected to become a major oil producer and exporter, having recently made huge oil discoveries.
- 49.4% of the population self-declared White, about 93 million; 42.3% self-declared Pardo (brown), about 80 million; 7.4% self-declared Black, about 13 million; 0.5% self-declared Asian, about 1 million; and 0.4% self-declared Amerindian, about 519,000.
- Over three centuries of Portuguese colonization, Brazil received more than 700,000 Portuguese settlers and 4 million African slaves.[228] The country has the largest population of African descent outside of Africa.
- The largest metropolitan areas in Brazil are São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Belo Horizonte, with 19.7, 11.4, and 5.4 million inhabitants respectively.
- Brazilian Portuguese has had its own development, influenced by the Amerindian and African languages.[249] Due to this, the language is somewhat different from that spoken in Portugal and other Portuguese-speaking countries, mainly for phonological and orthographic differences. These differences are somewhat greater than those of American and British English.
- The festival of Carnival (Portuguese: Carnaval), with its spectacular street parades and vibrant music, has become one of the most potent images of Brazil;[254] an annual celebration held forty days before Easter and marks the beginning of Lent.
- Brazil's cultural tradition extends to its music styles which include samba, bossa nova, forró, frevo, pagode and many others.
- Football (Portuguese: futebol) is the most popular sport in Brazil.[254] Many famous Brazilian players such as Pele and Ronaldo are among the most well know players in the sport.The Brazilian national football team (Seleção) is currently ranked first in the world according to the FIFA World Rankings. They have been victorious in the World Cup tournament a record five times, in 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994 and 2002.[261] Basketball, volleyball, auto racing, and martial arts also attract large audiences.
- The constellations found in the skies of the Southern Hemisphere are seen in the famous and unusual flag of Brazil.
- the largest country in South America and the only Portuguese-speaking country on that continent.
- Brazil was a colony of Portugal from the landing of Pedro Álvares Cabral in 1500 until its independence in 1822.
- Brazil is the world's eighth largest economy at market exchange rates[3] and the ninth largest by purchasing power parity.[15] Economic reforms have given the country new international recognition.
- It is a democracy.
- A predominantly Roman Catholic, Portuguese-speaking, and multiethnic society.
- The most accepted etymology of the name Brazil is that it was named after the tree brazilwood[17] which in Portuguese is pau-brasil, and the word brasil is commonly defined by the dictionaries of different languages as the color of red like ember, formed by the word brasa (ember).
- Brazil is the fifth largest country in the world—after Russia, Canada, China and the United States.
- The climate of Brazil comprises a wide range of weather conditions across a large geographic scale and varied topography, but the largest part of the country is tropical.
- The Macaw is a typical animal of Brazil. The country has one of the world's most diverse populations of birds and amphibians.
- Brazil's large territory comprises different ecosystems, such as the Amazon Rainforest, recognized as having the greatest biological diversity in the world;[33] the Atlantic Forest and the Cerrado, which together sustain some of the world's greatest biodiversity.
- Scientists estimate that the total number of plant and animal species in Brazil could approach four million.[34] Larger mammals include pumas, jaguars, ocelots, rare bush dogs, and foxes. Peccaries, tapirs, anteaters, sloths, opossums, and armadillos are abundant. Deer are plentiful in the south, and monkeys of many species abound in the northern rain forests.[34][36] Concern for the environment in Brazil has grown in response to global interest in environmental issues.
- Its natural heritage is extremely threatened by cattle ranching and agriculture, logging, mining, resettlement, oil and gas extraction, over-fishing, expansion of urban centres, wildlife trade, fire, climate change, dams and infrastructure, water contamination, and invasive species.[33] In many areas of the country, the natural environment is threatened by development.
- Brazilians are very strong in agricultural, mining, manufacturing and service sectors, as well as a large labor pool.[15] Brazilian exports are booming, creating a new generation of tycoons.[192] Major export products include aircraft, coffee, automobiles, soybean, iron ore, orange juice, steel, ethanol, textiles, footwear, corned beef and electrical equipment.
- Industry is highly concentrated geographically, with the leading concentrations in metropolitan São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Campinas, Porto Alegre, and Belo Horizonte. Technologically advanced industries are also highly concentrated in these locations.
- Brazil is expected to become a major oil producer and exporter, having recently made huge oil discoveries.
- 49.4% of the population self-declared White, about 93 million; 42.3% self-declared Pardo (brown), about 80 million; 7.4% self-declared Black, about 13 million; 0.5% self-declared Asian, about 1 million; and 0.4% self-declared Amerindian, about 519,000.
- Over three centuries of Portuguese colonization, Brazil received more than 700,000 Portuguese settlers and 4 million African slaves.[228] The country has the largest population of African descent outside of Africa.
- The largest metropolitan areas in Brazil are São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Belo Horizonte, with 19.7, 11.4, and 5.4 million inhabitants respectively.
- Brazilian Portuguese has had its own development, influenced by the Amerindian and African languages.[249] Due to this, the language is somewhat different from that spoken in Portugal and other Portuguese-speaking countries, mainly for phonological and orthographic differences. These differences are somewhat greater than those of American and British English.
- The festival of Carnival (Portuguese: Carnaval), with its spectacular street parades and vibrant music, has become one of the most potent images of Brazil;[254] an annual celebration held forty days before Easter and marks the beginning of Lent.
- Brazil's cultural tradition extends to its music styles which include samba, bossa nova, forró, frevo, pagode and many others.
- Football (Portuguese: futebol) is the most popular sport in Brazil.[254] Many famous Brazilian players such as Pele and Ronaldo are among the most well know players in the sport.The Brazilian national football team (Seleção) is currently ranked first in the world according to the FIFA World Rankings. They have been victorious in the World Cup tournament a record five times, in 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994 and 2002.[261] Basketball, volleyball, auto racing, and martial arts also attract large audiences.
- The constellations found in the skies of the Southern Hemisphere are seen in the famous and unusual flag of Brazil.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Review questions on Brazil
1. Which nation is larger in area? a) US or b) Brazil?
2. Brazil has approximately one third the population of the US. T / F
3. The population of Sao Paulo is almost the same as that of NYC. T / F
4. The population of Rio de Janeiro is significantly larger than that of Los Angeles.
T / F
5. In Brazil the word "Real" refers to a a) bank b) po-boy c) dollar d) member of the national futbol team.
6. Brazilians are a bit different from their neighbors inasmuch as they speak a) French b) Spanish c) Brasiliano d) Portuguese.
7. Recently, Brazil has discovered a considerable oil field in the mountainous region. T / F
8. Brazil's chief environmental problem continues to be a) deforestation
b) loss of crop land c) governmental bribery d) disappearance of the Amazon.
9. The national flag features a yellow __ on a green field. a) triangle b) rectangle
c) rhombus d) tetrahedron.
10. The orb on the flag refers to Brazil's a) aerospace technology
b) history of coastal navigation c) position in the Southern Hemisphere.
2. Brazil has approximately one third the population of the US. T / F
3. The population of Sao Paulo is almost the same as that of NYC. T / F
4. The population of Rio de Janeiro is significantly larger than that of Los Angeles.
T / F
5. In Brazil the word "Real" refers to a a) bank b) po-boy c) dollar d) member of the national futbol team.
6. Brazilians are a bit different from their neighbors inasmuch as they speak a) French b) Spanish c) Brasiliano d) Portuguese.
7. Recently, Brazil has discovered a considerable oil field in the mountainous region. T / F
8. Brazil's chief environmental problem continues to be a) deforestation
b) loss of crop land c) governmental bribery d) disappearance of the Amazon.
9. The national flag features a yellow __ on a green field. a) triangle b) rectangle
c) rhombus d) tetrahedron.
10. The orb on the flag refers to Brazil's a) aerospace technology
b) history of coastal navigation c) position in the Southern Hemisphere.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Brazil: comparison research on a vibrant South American nation
Tues and Wed geography students will be researching Brazil and the US - in the library.
In a series of 10 images and bulleted notes students will compare the basic features of Brazil and the US. Again, the work will be done with a partner (not one you've worked with previously).
1. Vivid titling
2. detailed bibliography (not just wikipedia.com) at end.
3. You must use the sources infoplease.com and cia.gov.
4. image(s) on each slide.
5. Brief, very brief, bulleted info.
6. Include one map of Brazil (omit US); show great cities.
7. Save and submit via Google Doc.
8. Due Th. & Fri.; 15 pts.
Topics
1. Soccer / futbol
2. Non-soccer sports
3. Capoeira (folk dance)
4. Pop and folk dance
5. Cuisine
6. Crops and food
7. Musical styles & groups
8. Architecture
9. Life in the barrio
10. Wildlife
11. African culture in Brazil
12. Economy: coffee, soybeans, ethanol
13. Economy: aircraft, autos
14. Economy: textiles, shoes
15. Economy: tourism
16. Rio de Janeiro vs. NYC
17. Sao Paulo vs. Chicago
18. Ethnicity
19. Carnaval / Mardi Gras
20. Technology
Above: the regional jets (seats 40 to 50 passengers) used at airports like Shreveport's are mostly made in Brazil by Embraer, a Brazilian aerospace conglomerate.
In a series of 10 images and bulleted notes students will compare the basic features of Brazil and the US. Again, the work will be done with a partner (not one you've worked with previously).
1. Vivid titling
2. detailed bibliography (not just wikipedia.com) at end.
3. You must use the sources infoplease.com and cia.gov.
4. image(s) on each slide.
5. Brief, very brief, bulleted info.
6. Include one map of Brazil (omit US); show great cities.
7. Save and submit via Google Doc.
8. Due Th. & Fri.; 15 pts.
Topics
1. Soccer / futbol
2. Non-soccer sports
3. Capoeira (folk dance)
4. Pop and folk dance
5. Cuisine
6. Crops and food
7. Musical styles & groups
8. Architecture
9. Life in the barrio
10. Wildlife
11. African culture in Brazil
12. Economy: coffee, soybeans, ethanol
13. Economy: aircraft, autos
14. Economy: textiles, shoes
15. Economy: tourism
16. Rio de Janeiro vs. NYC
17. Sao Paulo vs. Chicago
18. Ethnicity
19. Carnaval / Mardi Gras
20. Technology
Above: the regional jets (seats 40 to 50 passengers) used at airports like Shreveport's are mostly made in Brazil by Embraer, a Brazilian aerospace conglomerate.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Magnet Drama Day is Friday
Magnet is a school dedicated to both Academics and the Performing Arts. As such, it has a terrific drama dept. It's important to stop our routine and enjoy the short plays and presentations brought to the campus by student thespians on Drama Day.
That way you'll know to come back at night for their big shows.
Parents are welcome to watch the fun in the PAC - from 8:30 to 3:30.
That way you'll know to come back at night for their big shows.
Parents are welcome to watch the fun in the PAC - from 8:30 to 3:30.
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