Barack Hussein Obama, born August 4, 1961, is the junior United States Senator from Illinois and a leading candidate for the Democratic nomination in the 2008 presidential election, says Wikipedia.[2][3] The U.S. Senate Historical Office lists him as the fifth African American Senator in U.S. history, the third to have been popularly elected, and the only African American currently serving in the Senate.[4]
Obama was born in Honolulu to a Kenyan father and an American mother. He lived most of his early life in the Pacific island U.S. state of Hawaii. From ages six to ten, he lived in Jakarta, Indonesia. A graduate of Columbia University and Harvard Law School, Obama worked as a community organizer, university lecturer, and civil rights lawyer before running for public office. He served in the Illinois Senate from 1997 to 2004. Following an unsuccessful bid for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives in 2000, he launched his campaign for U.S. Senate in 2003.
He was elected to the U.S. Senate in November 2004 with a landslide 70% of the vote in an election year marked by Republican gains.
Obama has emphasized ending the Iraq War, increasing energy independence, and providing universal health care as major priorities.[7] He married in 1992 and has two daughters. He has written two bestselling books: a memoir of his youth titled Dreams from My Father, and The Audacity of Hope, a personal commentary on U.S. politics.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Nepotism, cronyism and plutocrats
Under the reading on meritocracy, we saw these terms:
Nepotism, the hiring of relatives to work in your organziation. Americans consider nepotism ok in business but not in gevernment.
Cronyism means hiring your friends. Again, it's considered OK away from government.
Plutocrat? Mitt Romney, worth about $200M, says Wikipedia.
Nepotism, the hiring of relatives to work in your organziation. Americans consider nepotism ok in business but not in gevernment.
Cronyism means hiring your friends. Again, it's considered OK away from government.
Plutocrat? Mitt Romney, worth about $200M, says Wikipedia.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Chinese Caligraphy set: carbon ink stick, ink stone, water jar, brushes
India ink might be called China ink, says wikipedia.
Indian ink (or India ink in American English), also called Chinese ink, is a simple black ink once widely used for writing and printing, and now more commonly used for drawing, especially when inking comics and comic strips, as well as in diamond cutting. Indian ink usually is not suitable for fountain pens, as it will readily clog the pen.
Early treatises on the arts refer to black carbon ink that was prepared by the ancient Chinese and Egyptians. Originally designed for blacking the surfaces of raised stone-carved hieroglyphs, the basis of the ink was a black carbon pigment in an aqueous adhesive or binding medium; for example, a mixture of soot from pine smoke and lamp oil mixed with the gelatin of donkey skin and musk.[1] The ink invented according to legend by the Chinese philosopher, Tien-Lcheu (2697 BCE), became common by the year 1200 BCE.
Indian ink (or India ink in American English), also called Chinese ink, is a simple black ink once widely used for writing and printing, and now more commonly used for drawing, especially when inking comics and comic strips, as well as in diamond cutting. Indian ink usually is not suitable for fountain pens, as it will readily clog the pen.
Early treatises on the arts refer to black carbon ink that was prepared by the ancient Chinese and Egyptians. Originally designed for blacking the surfaces of raised stone-carved hieroglyphs, the basis of the ink was a black carbon pigment in an aqueous adhesive or binding medium; for example, a mixture of soot from pine smoke and lamp oil mixed with the gelatin of donkey skin and musk.[1] The ink invented according to legend by the Chinese philosopher, Tien-Lcheu (2697 BCE), became common by the year 1200 BCE.
Eurocentric society: America
Our heritage is Eurocentric, so we study Asia and other parts of the world with all due diligence.
Is Ammerica truly a meritocracy?
Acc to wikipedia, a Meritocracy is a system of a government or another organization wherein appointments are made and responsibilities are given based on demonstrated ability (merit) and talent rather than by wealth (plutocracy), family connections (nepotism), class privilege, cronyism, popularity (as in democracy) or other historical determinants of social position and political power.
Is Ammerica truly a meritocracy?
Acc to wikipedia, a Meritocracy is a system of a government or another organization wherein appointments are made and responsibilities are given based on demonstrated ability (merit) and talent rather than by wealth (plutocracy), family connections (nepotism), class privilege, cronyism, popularity (as in democracy) or other historical determinants of social position and political power.
Wheelbarrows and gunpowder: a selected list of Chinese firsts in technology
The four great inventyions of China include
- magnetic compass
- paper
- gunpowder
- printing
Additional firsts . . .
# Belt drive
# Blast furnace
# Cast iron
# Chain drive
# Chinese calendar
# Chinese cuisine: Tofu, Ramen sushi
# Chopsticks
# Crossbow (repeating)
# Exploding cannonball
# Fire Arrow
# Gunpowder
# Firearm
# Horse collar
# Hull compartments/bulkheads
# Indian ink
# Kite
# Land mines
# Lottery
# Noodle
# Paper
# Pendulum (Zhang Heng)
# Printing (woodblock printing and movable type)
# Rockets: Fire Arrow, Multistage rocket
# Rudder
# Seismometer (of Zhang Heng)
# Silk
# Stirrup
# Toilet paper
# Wheelbarrow
- magnetic compass
- paper
- gunpowder
- printing
Additional firsts . . .
# Belt drive
# Blast furnace
# Cast iron
# Chain drive
# Chinese calendar
# Chinese cuisine: Tofu, Ramen sushi
# Chopsticks
# Crossbow (repeating)
# Exploding cannonball
# Fire Arrow
# Gunpowder
# Firearm
# Horse collar
# Hull compartments/bulkheads
# Indian ink
# Kite
# Land mines
# Lottery
# Noodle
# Paper
# Pendulum (Zhang Heng)
# Printing (woodblock printing and movable type)
# Rockets: Fire Arrow, Multistage rocket
# Rudder
# Seismometer (of Zhang Heng)
# Silk
# Stirrup
# Toilet paper
# Wheelbarrow
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Confucius practice quiz
C o n f u c i u s q u i z / T r u d e a u
1. In Chinese language the name Confucius would be rendered as a) Lao Tzu b) Master Kung c) Tai Chi
d) the Buddha.
2. Confucius should be classified as a a) social thinker
b) religious leader.
3. He lived about the the year a) 500 BCE b) 300 BCE
c) 300 AD d) 500 AD.
4. There was little or no difference between the philosophy of Confucius and Shi Huang Di. T / F
5. There was little or no difference between the philosophy of Confucius and the ancient guidelines of Taoism. T / F
6. Confucius occupation was a) governmental minister b) prince c) king d) wise pauper.
7. Confucius basically was in favor of a) democracy
b) monarchy c) oligarchy (rule by a small group of men) d) rule by tyrant.
8. He thought that aristocratic parentage was the key to a wise ruler. T / F
9. His ideal ruler was one who “would spread his own virtues to the people instead of imposing proper behavior with laws and rules.” T / F
10. “Never impose on others what you would not choose yourself.” a) Buddha b) Confucius c) Shi Huang Di.
11. Confucianism has been deeply influential in Chinese but not in Vietnamese, Korean or Japanese cultures.
T / F
12. Confucianism is about a) ethics b) ethnics c) ethnocentrism d) ethylism.
Answers: Wikipedia.org on Confucius.
1. In Chinese language the name Confucius would be rendered as a) Lao Tzu b) Master Kung c) Tai Chi
d) the Buddha.
2. Confucius should be classified as a a) social thinker
b) religious leader.
3. He lived about the the year a) 500 BCE b) 300 BCE
c) 300 AD d) 500 AD.
4. There was little or no difference between the philosophy of Confucius and Shi Huang Di. T / F
5. There was little or no difference between the philosophy of Confucius and the ancient guidelines of Taoism. T / F
6. Confucius occupation was a) governmental minister b) prince c) king d) wise pauper.
7. Confucius basically was in favor of a) democracy
b) monarchy c) oligarchy (rule by a small group of men) d) rule by tyrant.
8. He thought that aristocratic parentage was the key to a wise ruler. T / F
9. His ideal ruler was one who “would spread his own virtues to the people instead of imposing proper behavior with laws and rules.” T / F
10. “Never impose on others what you would not choose yourself.” a) Buddha b) Confucius c) Shi Huang Di.
11. Confucianism has been deeply influential in Chinese but not in Vietnamese, Korean or Japanese cultures.
T / F
12. Confucianism is about a) ethics b) ethnics c) ethnocentrism d) ethylism.
Answers: Wikipedia.org on Confucius.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Crepe Myrtle Planting Day by freshmen at CMHS Shreveport, Wed, Jan 30
Need lots of loaner shovels!
10 pts per student per shovel loaned.
Parents welcome.
10 pts per student per shovel loaned.
Parents welcome.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Parents welcome at any point as Trudeau's classes plant crepe myrtles Wed, Jan 31
See more on the planting plan below.
Parents are welcome at any point although I do not have students between noon and 1:20 due to my planning, duty and lunch time.
Need lots of shovels! Two day loan. If we get enough shovels we can do the job in one day.
More below!
Parents are welcome at any point although I do not have students between noon and 1:20 due to my planning, duty and lunch time.
Need lots of shovels! Two day loan. If we get enough shovels we can do the job in one day.
More below!
Students planting crepe myrtles along the Viking Drive and Stoner Ave fence lines Wed, Jan 31, all classes
Teachers Ken Lerchie and Robert Trudeau conceived the idea of students planting crepe myrtles on the CMHS campus. "First-year students will make an investment in the campus that will pay visual dividends everytime they pass the area," said Lerchie.
"It's public service, it's a lesson in green organization, it's almost public art," noted Trudeau.
Wed, Jan 31, some 62 small crepe myrtle trees will be delivered to campus. Student teams in each of Trudeau's classes will dig the holes, throw in some fertilizer and pop in the crepe myrtles. Then they will top off the hole with the dirt and clean up their shoes and jeans.
The class needs the loan of a bunch of shovels for one, maybe two, days. The more shovels, the quicker we can plant.
"It's public service, it's a lesson in green organization, it's almost public art," noted Trudeau.
Wed, Jan 31, some 62 small crepe myrtle trees will be delivered to campus. Student teams in each of Trudeau's classes will dig the holes, throw in some fertilizer and pop in the crepe myrtles. Then they will top off the hole with the dirt and clean up their shoes and jeans.
The class needs the loan of a bunch of shovels for one, maybe two, days. The more shovels, the quicker we can plant.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
A precursor of the quiz on Qin Shi Huang Di
Qin Shi Huang Di quiz 1
1. The life of Shi Huang Di: a) 1200 BCE b) 200 BCE c) 200 AD d) fictitious.
2. Shi Huang Di’s version of the Great Wall was called a “precursor” to the later Great Wall. Precursor means
a) small version b) earlier example c) moveable pointer
d) not the approved or “holy” version.
3. Tomb: a) monument b) mound c) subterranean
d) mausoleum.
4. As an audacious autocrat the First Emperor burned and banned writing by __. a) Lao Tzu b) Tao
c) Confucius d) Buddha.
5. The importance of his reign is intact after 2 millennia. That would be some a) 200 b) 2 thousand c) 2 million years.
6. Huangdi was a title created for the First Emperor based upon a) mythical greats b) ancient rulers c) his family
d) warriors.
7. When a youth becomes king he usually has a wise and powerful member of the court who acts as his guide to decision-making. That person’s title? a) proxy
b) consort c) regent d) caretaker.
8. Shi Huang Di’s period of rule was preceded by the period known as a) Warring states b) Confucian c) Primitive d) Troubles.
9. Shi Huang Di unified China economically by standardizing the Chinese units of measurements such as weights and measures, the currency, the length of the axles of carts (so every cart could run smoothly in the ruts of the new roads). He was not able to upgrade the legal system. T / F
10. What was his most important reform, according to Wikipedia?
a) silk b) currency c) writing d) elephants.
11. Shi Huang Di seriously sought the elixir of life, a magical potion which reputedly would enable immortality.
What is an elixir? a) health-giving drink b) magical cape or hat c) a pool of magical water d) hallucinogenic drug.
12. The huge terra cotta army buried with Shi Huang Di lies near which city? a) Beijing b) Shanghai c) Xi’an d) Hong Kong.
1. The life of Shi Huang Di: a) 1200 BCE b) 200 BCE c) 200 AD d) fictitious.
2. Shi Huang Di’s version of the Great Wall was called a “precursor” to the later Great Wall. Precursor means
a) small version b) earlier example c) moveable pointer
d) not the approved or “holy” version.
3. Tomb: a) monument b) mound c) subterranean
d) mausoleum.
4. As an audacious autocrat the First Emperor burned and banned writing by __. a) Lao Tzu b) Tao
c) Confucius d) Buddha.
5. The importance of his reign is intact after 2 millennia. That would be some a) 200 b) 2 thousand c) 2 million years.
6. Huangdi was a title created for the First Emperor based upon a) mythical greats b) ancient rulers c) his family
d) warriors.
7. When a youth becomes king he usually has a wise and powerful member of the court who acts as his guide to decision-making. That person’s title? a) proxy
b) consort c) regent d) caretaker.
8. Shi Huang Di’s period of rule was preceded by the period known as a) Warring states b) Confucian c) Primitive d) Troubles.
9. Shi Huang Di unified China economically by standardizing the Chinese units of measurements such as weights and measures, the currency, the length of the axles of carts (so every cart could run smoothly in the ruts of the new roads). He was not able to upgrade the legal system. T / F
10. What was his most important reform, according to Wikipedia?
a) silk b) currency c) writing d) elephants.
11. Shi Huang Di seriously sought the elixir of life, a magical potion which reputedly would enable immortality.
What is an elixir? a) health-giving drink b) magical cape or hat c) a pool of magical water d) hallucinogenic drug.
12. The huge terra cotta army buried with Shi Huang Di lies near which city? a) Beijing b) Shanghai c) Xi’an d) Hong Kong.
Plan for Chinese Dragon parade using box-based segments
Bring cardboard boxes - medim size - to school on Feb 7 to be decorated
for a Chinese dragon dance.
1. Cut and glue fins for the top of the box.
2. Paint colorful scales on the sides of the box.
3. Aid the teacher in making the dragon's head - also based on a cardboard box.
4. Practice for a parade to be held at lunch that day.
You like?
for a Chinese dragon dance.
1. Cut and glue fins for the top of the box.
2. Paint colorful scales on the sides of the box.
3. Aid the teacher in making the dragon's head - also based on a cardboard box.
4. Practice for a parade to be held at lunch that day.
You like?
Dramatising the life of Qin Shi Huang Di
Students have been in B3, the Distance Learning Lab, a room equipped with 30 computer stations and maintained by tech teacher Terry Flores. As an adjunct research stattion to the library it is a princely place.
The topics that will feed into the script-writing, which will take place Th and Fri:
- bio of China's First Emperor
- great inventions by the ancient Chinese
- bio of Kung Fu-Tsu, aka Confucius
- vocabulary from the wikipedia bio
Also: students must make a mask for skit performances. They may choose as their model -
* Chinese opera masks
* likeness of a face found in sculpture or paintings.
Thurs: points for having a packet of notes ready for the writing of the script.
Indie work this week:
Comparing historic Chinese music and traditional Chinese instruments with historic American music and instruments. Brief Mp3's, too.
The topics that will feed into the script-writing, which will take place Th and Fri:
- bio of China's First Emperor
- great inventions by the ancient Chinese
- bio of Kung Fu-Tsu, aka Confucius
- vocabulary from the wikipedia bio
Also: students must make a mask for skit performances. They may choose as their model -
* Chinese opera masks
* likeness of a face found in sculpture or paintings.
Thurs: points for having a packet of notes ready for the writing of the script.
Indie work this week:
Comparing historic Chinese music and traditional Chinese instruments with historic American music and instruments. Brief Mp3's, too.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Research and making of skits and masks on the life of Shi Huang Di
Skits on the life of Qin Shi Huang Di (12 pts each person in the group)
* In your group, write a script that is both informative and entertaining.
1) Each person must have notes from the research classes. (3 pts)
2) Each must have a copy of the script.
3) Each must make a mask. One sheet to be used for the face; an additional part of a sheet used to create the upper form of the crown, hair-do or hat. Use color and shading to make a dramatic mask.
4) Each must write the parts of their script on the back of the mask. This is what’s called a dramatic reading. We portray action and use detailed dialogue, but it is not memorized.
* Roles may include a narrator.
* Essential parts of the story -
- Chinese life: technological advances such as magnetic compass, gunpowder, ship’s rudder, papermaking, silk porcelain, wheelbarrow, etc.
- construction projects: the precursor to the Great Wall and new highways with standardized widths.
- other improvements to China: standardization of the language, expansion of the empire into Southern China.
- fear of death and autocratic control; looking for the elixir of eternal life.
- opposition to the ethics of Confucious. Be specific.
Visuals: colorful paper masks must be made by each student. Robes will come from the classroom accumulation.
* The goal is to explore the medium of script-writing as a learning tool.
Will you remember more about this historic figure as a result of having studied him through the skit process? Has your understanding of the history of China been enhanced?
* Which similar world leaders come to mind in a comparison to China’s First Emperor?
* In your group, write a script that is both informative and entertaining.
1) Each person must have notes from the research classes. (3 pts)
2) Each must have a copy of the script.
3) Each must make a mask. One sheet to be used for the face; an additional part of a sheet used to create the upper form of the crown, hair-do or hat. Use color and shading to make a dramatic mask.
4) Each must write the parts of their script on the back of the mask. This is what’s called a dramatic reading. We portray action and use detailed dialogue, but it is not memorized.
* Roles may include a narrator.
* Essential parts of the story -
- Chinese life: technological advances such as magnetic compass, gunpowder, ship’s rudder, papermaking, silk porcelain, wheelbarrow, etc.
- construction projects: the precursor to the Great Wall and new highways with standardized widths.
- other improvements to China: standardization of the language, expansion of the empire into Southern China.
- fear of death and autocratic control; looking for the elixir of eternal life.
- opposition to the ethics of Confucious. Be specific.
Visuals: colorful paper masks must be made by each student. Robes will come from the classroom accumulation.
* The goal is to explore the medium of script-writing as a learning tool.
Will you remember more about this historic figure as a result of having studied him through the skit process? Has your understanding of the history of China been enhanced?
* Which similar world leaders come to mind in a comparison to China’s First Emperor?
A Warrior from Qin Shi Huang Di on my Desk
Skits on the life of Quin Shi Huang Di (12 pts each person in the group)
* In your group, write a script that is both informative and entertaining.
* Each person must have a copy of the script.
* Roles may include a narrator.
* Essential parts of the story -
- Chinese life: technological advances such as magnetic compass, gunpowder, ship’s rudder, papermaking, silk porcelain, wheelbarrow, etc.
- construction projects: the precurdor to the Great Wall and new highways with standardized widths.
- other improvements to China: standardization of the language, expansion of the empire into Southern China.
- fear of death and autocratic control; opposition to Confucious. Be specific.
Visuals: colorful paper masks must be made by each student. Robes will come from the classroom accumulation.
* The goal is to explore the medium of script-writing as a learning tool.
Will you remember more about this historic figure as a result of having studied him through the skit process? Has your understanding of the history of China been enhanced?
* Which similar world leaders come to mind in a comparison to China’s First Emperor?
* In your group, write a script that is both informative and entertaining.
* Each person must have a copy of the script.
* Roles may include a narrator.
* Essential parts of the story -
- Chinese life: technological advances such as magnetic compass, gunpowder, ship’s rudder, papermaking, silk porcelain, wheelbarrow, etc.
- construction projects: the precurdor to the Great Wall and new highways with standardized widths.
- other improvements to China: standardization of the language, expansion of the empire into Southern China.
- fear of death and autocratic control; opposition to Confucious. Be specific.
Visuals: colorful paper masks must be made by each student. Robes will come from the classroom accumulation.
* The goal is to explore the medium of script-writing as a learning tool.
Will you remember more about this historic figure as a result of having studied him through the skit process? Has your understanding of the history of China been enhanced?
* Which similar world leaders come to mind in a comparison to China’s First Emperor?
Friday, January 18, 2008
Reading comprehension: a major building block, a key to your future
Reading comprehension is the skill at the heart of your future in school and business. Below is a perspective from readingonline.org:
Good readers are aware of why they are reading a text, gain an overview of the text before reading, make predictions about the upcoming text, read selectively based on their overview, associate ideas in text to what they already know, note whether their predictions and expectations about text content are being met, revise their prior knowledge when compelling new ideas conflicting with prior knowledge are encountered, figure out the meanings of unfamiliar vocabulary based on context clues, underline and reread and make notes and paraphrase to remember important points, interpret the text, evaluate its quality, review important points as they conclude reading, and think about how ideas encountered in the text might be used in the future.
Geo classes will work on comprehension via practice quizzes to be given each Friday. Comprising a paragraph and 2 or 3 questions, they will be designed to develop insight into the process. Because I depend mostly on open notes tests, the skill emphasized in this class is not memorization but comprehension.
Effective student response this semester will also focus on reading this web site and using a print-out of notes from this site. Students must develop a binder with a growing collection of articles from the web site. The notes will be used in quizzes to be given almost once a week.
trudeau@earthlink.net
Colton Gardner is one of several Cmhs students who've visited China. Last week those students and others wore pieces of China to class.
Good readers are aware of why they are reading a text, gain an overview of the text before reading, make predictions about the upcoming text, read selectively based on their overview, associate ideas in text to what they already know, note whether their predictions and expectations about text content are being met, revise their prior knowledge when compelling new ideas conflicting with prior knowledge are encountered, figure out the meanings of unfamiliar vocabulary based on context clues, underline and reread and make notes and paraphrase to remember important points, interpret the text, evaluate its quality, review important points as they conclude reading, and think about how ideas encountered in the text might be used in the future.
Geo classes will work on comprehension via practice quizzes to be given each Friday. Comprising a paragraph and 2 or 3 questions, they will be designed to develop insight into the process. Because I depend mostly on open notes tests, the skill emphasized in this class is not memorization but comprehension.
Effective student response this semester will also focus on reading this web site and using a print-out of notes from this site. Students must develop a binder with a growing collection of articles from the web site. The notes will be used in quizzes to be given almost once a week.
trudeau@earthlink.net
Colton Gardner is one of several Cmhs students who've visited China. Last week those students and others wore pieces of China to class.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Thursday quiz: web notes on Taoism, Taji, Qigong and Tai Chi
For the quiz Thurs, jan 17, please have a print out from the notes on the ancient Chinese practices of Taosim, the taji, Qigong and Tai Chi. There will be 15 multiple-choice questions. All of it as an open notes quiz.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Yin Yang, or the Taji: a ubiquitous symbol from ancient China
In Chinese philosophy the yin and yang are generalized descriptions of the antitheses or mutual correlations in human perceptions of phenomena in the natural world, combining to create a unity of opposites in the theory of the Taiji. Thus sayeth Wikipedia.org.
The dual concepts of yin and yang (or heaven and earth) describe two primal opposing but complementary principles or cosmic forces said to be found in all non-static objects and processes in the universe.
This seemingly paradoxical concept is the cornerstone of most branches of Chinese philosophy, as well as traditional Chinese medicine.
And, what, may I ask, does 'ubiquitous' mean?
The dual concepts of yin and yang (or heaven and earth) describe two primal opposing but complementary principles or cosmic forces said to be found in all non-static objects and processes in the universe.
This seemingly paradoxical concept is the cornerstone of most branches of Chinese philosophy, as well as traditional Chinese medicine.
And, what, may I ask, does 'ubiquitous' mean?
Wear Chinese or bring something Chinese to class on Wed.
Chinoiserie is what Americans call things, such as architecture, clothing , jewelry, etc, that represent Chinese style. Things in the Chinese style are nearly always considered fashionable.
On Wed try to find something to wear or to bring to class that reflect Chinese style, whether scarf, tshirt with a Chinese dragon, chopsticks or whatever. It's optional but you can score two points bonus credit.
Also in class notes:
Brittany Jacobs' tapestry, "Coexist," is a clever and appealing design that uses ancient symbols. She included symbols for
- Islam (cresecent and star)
- anti-nuclear war (British stop-the-bombers design)
- Roman-based symbols for male (Mars) and female (Venus)
- Hinduism / Buddhism (the spoked wheel)
- taji, or yin and yang of Taoism
- cross of Christianity.
Students who want to make a social studies fair project, please email me with your question and thesis or your general idea. I'll respond with guidelines. Send it to trudeau@earthlink.net
On Wed try to find something to wear or to bring to class that reflect Chinese style, whether scarf, tshirt with a Chinese dragon, chopsticks or whatever. It's optional but you can score two points bonus credit.
Also in class notes:
Brittany Jacobs' tapestry, "Coexist," is a clever and appealing design that uses ancient symbols. She included symbols for
- Islam (cresecent and star)
- anti-nuclear war (British stop-the-bombers design)
- Roman-based symbols for male (Mars) and female (Venus)
- Hinduism / Buddhism (the spoked wheel)
- taji, or yin and yang of Taoism
- cross of Christianity.
Students who want to make a social studies fair project, please email me with your question and thesis or your general idea. I'll respond with guidelines. Send it to trudeau@earthlink.net
Qi gong (chee gong), the basis for Tai Chi
Qigong or chi kung is an aspect of traditional Chinese medicine, some forms of which involve the coordination of different breathing patterns with various physical postures and motions of the body, says Wikipedia.org.
Qigong is mostly taught for health maintenance purposes, but there are also some who teach it as a therapeutic intervention or practice it as a medical profession.
Various forms of traditional qigong are also widely taught in conjunction with Chinese martial arts, and are especially prevalent in the advanced training of what are known as the Neijia, or internal martial arts where the object is the full mobilization and proper coordination and direction of the energies of the body as they are applied to facilitate all physical actions.
Qigong relies on the traditional Chinese belief that the body has something that might be described as an "energy field" generated and maintained by the natural respiration of the body, known as qi.
Qi means breath or gas in Chinese, and, by extension, the energy produced by breathing that keeps us alive; gong means work applied to a discipline or the resultant level of technique. Qigong is then "breath work" or the art of managing one's breathing in order to achieve and maintain good health, and (especially in the martial arts) to enhance the energy mobilization and stamina of the body in coordination with the physical process of respiration.
Attitudes toward the scientific basis (or lack of it) for qigong vary markedly. Most Western medical practitioners and many practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine, as well as the Chinese government, view qigong as a set of breathing and movement exercises, with possible benefits to health through stress reduction and exercise. Others see qigong in more metaphysical terms, claiming that breathing and movement exercises can help one tap the fundamental energies of the universe.
Qigong is mostly taught for health maintenance purposes, but there are also some who teach it as a therapeutic intervention or practice it as a medical profession.
Various forms of traditional qigong are also widely taught in conjunction with Chinese martial arts, and are especially prevalent in the advanced training of what are known as the Neijia, or internal martial arts where the object is the full mobilization and proper coordination and direction of the energies of the body as they are applied to facilitate all physical actions.
Qigong relies on the traditional Chinese belief that the body has something that might be described as an "energy field" generated and maintained by the natural respiration of the body, known as qi.
Qi means breath or gas in Chinese, and, by extension, the energy produced by breathing that keeps us alive; gong means work applied to a discipline or the resultant level of technique. Qigong is then "breath work" or the art of managing one's breathing in order to achieve and maintain good health, and (especially in the martial arts) to enhance the energy mobilization and stamina of the body in coordination with the physical process of respiration.
Attitudes toward the scientific basis (or lack of it) for qigong vary markedly. Most Western medical practitioners and many practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine, as well as the Chinese government, view qigong as a set of breathing and movement exercises, with possible benefits to health through stress reduction and exercise. Others see qigong in more metaphysical terms, claiming that breathing and movement exercises can help one tap the fundamental energies of the universe.
Understanding ancient China: Taoism
Taoism (or Daoism) is the English name referring to a variety of related Chinese philosophical and religious traditions and concepts. These traditions influenced East Asia for over two thousand years and some have spread internationally. [1]
Taoist propriety and ethics emphasize the Three Jewels of the Tao; namely, compassion, moderation, and humility.
Taoist thought focuses on wu wei ("non-action"), spontaneity, humanism, and emptiness. An emphasis is placed on the link between people and nature. Taoism teaches that this link lessens the need for rules and order, and leads one to a better understanding of the world.
The Chinese character Tao (or Dao, depending on the romanisation scheme) means "path" or "way", but in Chinese religion and philosophy it has taken on more abstract meanings.
Tao is rarely an object of worship, being treated more like the Indian concepts of atman and dharma.[2]
Most traditional Chinese Taoists are polytheistic. Nature and ancestor spirits are also common in popular Taoism.
Chinese alchemy, astrology, cuisine, several Chinese martial arts, Chinese traditional medicine, fengshui, and many styles of qigong breath training disciplines are intertwined with Taoism throughout history.
Contents
Taoist propriety and ethics emphasize the Three Jewels of the Tao; namely, compassion, moderation, and humility.
Taoist thought focuses on wu wei ("non-action"), spontaneity, humanism, and emptiness. An emphasis is placed on the link between people and nature. Taoism teaches that this link lessens the need for rules and order, and leads one to a better understanding of the world.
The Chinese character Tao (or Dao, depending on the romanisation scheme) means "path" or "way", but in Chinese religion and philosophy it has taken on more abstract meanings.
Tao is rarely an object of worship, being treated more like the Indian concepts of atman and dharma.[2]
Most traditional Chinese Taoists are polytheistic. Nature and ancestor spirits are also common in popular Taoism.
Chinese alchemy, astrology, cuisine, several Chinese martial arts, Chinese traditional medicine, fengshui, and many styles of qigong breath training disciplines are intertwined with Taoism throughout history.
Contents
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