Daily Question # 1

Does history progress? Is an elephant really "better" than a mammoth?

            History is the collection of past events or human affairs (The Free Dictionary). Yes, I do believe that history does progress. If it didn’t progress, the world would be the same as it was in the earlier centuries. Now, we dress differently, have different laws and leaders, believe in different things and religions, eat different foods and in different ways, and the economy is more advanced. Another big difference is that the world is more technically advanced. Adding to that, the world is also more medically efficient because of new ideas and a better economy. Things like this change in only a matter of years. Just think of how different the world is today compared to 50 years ago.

            Humans aren’t the only things that have advanced over the years though. Animals changed just as much. They have developed better traits and more efficient ways to survive in their climates/habitats. I personally don’t think that either the elephant or mammoth are particularly “better” than one another. They both have characteristics that make them unique and sufficient to their home environments. Mammoths are covered in hair, which help them to survive in colder climates. Elephants don't have much hair so they can live better in hot temperatures. Both animals have tusks, but the mammoths were a little bit bigger. Even though they had smaller tusks, Elephants have bigger ears out of the two animals though. This might help them to hear their surroundings better and to avoid predators better. Also, both animals are very large in size. Even though they have some differences, the mammoth and the elephant are equally “as good” as each other. The mammoth is an ancestor of the elephant and shows how animals can change and advance over the years. This ties into history because the two animals are part of the same family and are a good example of progression. 

Midterm Question 14

1. We could write more research papers
2. We could take more on the computers so that more familiar with technology
3. We could make more presentations to show our class/peers
4. We could learn more programs to use
5. We could use computers in every class
6. Teachers should block every possible distraction on the computers so that students stay on track
7. Teachers should use synchronized for every student
8. We could make our own websites
9. Students should blog more
10. Students should teach classes some days to show their knowledge


Kristen Kohles, Katie Davis, & Gianna Langrehr

Midterm Question 8

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Midterm Question 7

1. A food hub is a centrally located facility with a business management 

structure facilitating the aggregation, storage, processing, 

distribution, and/or marketing of locally/regionally produced 

food products.

Food hubs are essential to sustainable agriculture and food distribution because they create large, consistent and reliable supplies of locally produced foods from small to mid-sized farms. They also provide the business management systems that most farmers lack and work with farmers to coordinate farm planting schedules, manage product varieties, and help promote variety in local product supplies to result in a consistent year-round production.

2. You can find USDA approved organic poultry at Brooms Bloom Diary (1700 South Fountain Green Road Bel Air MD 21015). You can find the beef at The Mill Of Bel Air (420 North Main Street Bel Air Md 21014). And the closest vegetables to John Carroll are at Brooms Bloom Diary also. 

3. Dear John Carroll,

 I think having a JC Sustainable Food Day would be a good and educational experience for our students and even teachers. Many people these days don't fully understand what they are actually eating and where their food comes from. The teachers and I could help educate students about the processes that are used on the food we eat everyday. It would make them think twice before they buy things at the grocery store or even put them in their mouths. Organic food is a better choice because its natural and doesn't go through processes and chemicals. Organic food is also found locally at places like Brooms Bloom Diary and The Mill Of Bel Air. I know this would help change many students perspectives on the kinds of food they eat each day, without actually thinking about it. In the cafeteria on this day, we could give out samples or let them actually but some of the organic food to eat for lunch that day. While they are eating we could give a presentation(s) on the importance of knowing about your food and making better choices about what you eat.

424 North Main Street  Bel Air, MD  21014 South Fountain Green Road  Bel Air , MD  21015

Midterm Question 6

1.The climate change is caused by human activities that are leading to an enhancement of the greenhouse effect by the emission of  greenhouse gases through fossil fuel combustion and deforestation. 

2. Yes, human activity has been increasing the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere (mostly carbon dioxide from combustion of coal, oil, and gas; plus a few other trace gases). 


3. Yes, global temperatures have increased about 0.74°C (plus or minus 0.18°C) since the late-19^thcentury, and the linear trend for the past 50 years of 0.13°C (plus or minus 0.03°C) per decade is nearly twice that for the past 100 years. But the warming has not been globally uniform.


4. Yes global warming is real, but snow storms still occur because the global climate change is not uniform. Some parts still get extreme cold temperatures.

Midterm Question 5

Midterm Question 4

There are so many different names for soda pop in New Mexico because they have a variety of cultures and generations living there. It is very diverse so people bring their own words and use them there, giving many different names for some items.

Midterm Question 3

D.C is the most unfriendly city in the USA.
http://m.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/opinon/2010/12/170_47829.html

Midterm Question 2

1. The car parked out front is blue.
2. It was 2:32 when the picture was taken.
3. St. Paul's chapel sits in front of the WTC site.
4. There are about 22 people on the bus from what you can see. Three people were wearing sunglasses.

Midterm Question 1

The sudden drop in the graph occurs in 2006. This is due to economic problems and the economy dropping, kind of like a mini depression. Statistics on a graph can help explain important historical events by showing how things changed over the years. An example is a graph that has to do with things during the Civil War or one of the World Wars. You would see a drop or decrease on the graph.

Language and Experience Interview Questions

Kristen Kohles

January 9, 2010

Human Geo

Language and Experience Interview Questions

            For this project, I choose to interview Ho Jin Hong. Ho Jin is from Seoul, Korea. Seoul is the capital and largest city of South Korea. With a population of over ten million, it is one of the largest cities in the world. I asked him some questions over Facebook. Facebook is an easy way for Ho Jin, and other students from all over the world, to connect with their friends from America and their home countries.

1. Was it difficult to learn English?

-Yes, it took me a while. English has so many rules and exceptions for all the words.

2. In what ways have you benefited from learning the language?

-It will benefit in future, when I grow up it makes me to find job easily. I think learning English is precondition now.

3. Do you still speak your primary language at home or with family and friends? Why / Why not?

-Yes because it's more comfortable than speak English.

4. How did you come to go to school in the United States? 

-Because my uncle is living in America and I think I can learn English more quickly in America. 

5. What are some of the differences between an American school and a school in your home country?

-In my home country there are 2 big tests for each semester and few homework, homework doesn't affect the grade and not much school club of sports team but in America has only one big test in one semester but has lots of homework have to involve in school club for college.

6. Do you like John Carroll?

-Kind of, it’s just hard to get used to.

7. What is your favorite part about living in America now?

-None, I miss Korea. It’s hard to change countries and lifestyles.

8. Do you miss Korea, and if so, what do you miss the most?

-Yes, my friends and family, all.

9. What was the hardest part about switching schools and countries?

-Culture and language, mostly culture.

10. Was it easy for you to make friends at John Carroll?

-No it is hard because I feel so different.

11. Are classes and schoolwork hard to understand sometimes?

-Sometimes but I just have to go to the teacher to understand work.

12. What’s your favorite subject to learn at school? And why?

            -Math and because it’s similar to how it was taught in Korea. Also, it is my best subject.

13. How long do you plan on staying in America?
            -I'll leave America after graduate college

14. Do you find yourself getting home-sick a lot?

            -Yes all the time.

15. Does hearing “slang” at school make learning English that much harder?

            -Yes sometimes it confuses me and I don’t know what they are saying.

16.  What/who do you feel helps you get through a day at John Carroll?

            - It is good to know that there are other students from other countries there with me too. I am friends with them because they understand me and how hard it is to fit in at new school, in new country. This is why we get along good, they are my friends.

17. Are there any sports/activities/hobbies you did in Korea that America doesn't have or does differently?

-I did Ping-Pong in Korea there is no Ping-Pong team in here.

18. What are some new experiences you have had in America that don't exist in Korea?
            -Stuck in house.

19. Are you learning any other languages other than English or do you want to learn any other languages?

-I learned Chinese, I want to learn Japanese.

After hearing some of Ho Jin’s responses, it really got me thinking. I couldn’t even imagine leaving America and having to go to school in a strange place, where I know no one. Learning a whole new language wouldn’t even be the toughest part. Culture is the biggest difference between countries. In Korea, housing and dress has a great impact on their culture. In Korea, clothing reflects social rank of a person and his /her class position. In contrast, clothing in America reflects personal identity and unique taste of a person rather than his location in society. Modern Korean food is: rice, beans, barley and seafood. In contrast, American food culture is based on fast food restaurants like McDonalds and Burger King (hamburgers, salads and baked potatoes). There is also a great difference between music, literature and movie industries. Many Koreans prefer comedies and dramas while Americans value thrillers and soap operas. Other things such as hobbies,education, and religion would be hard to convert to in a different Country also. I give the exchange students a lot of credit because living in a different country, with knowing only a few people has to be scary, confusing/frustrating, but at the same time, a life-changing experience.

(Seoul Korea- Night life)

(Seoul Korea)

My Exchange Trip To Ethiopia

Dear Journal,

So far, this experience in a whole other country has been very inspiring, changing, and adventurous. Life here is so completely different then home that one would have to actually be here to fully understand. It's so sad to see starving children and adults everywhere i look. But what is really good, is to have a great host and all of her friends helping me have a good time while I'm here. My host, Berta, is the most inspiring person I have come across yet, during my stay in Ethiopia.I am staying with her family in their home in Jimma, the largest city in Ethiopia. Even though their home is made of mud and sticks, like the many other homes in the city, the family accepts their living conditions and never complains. Berta's house is one of the nicer ones, with cements floors. It is one floor with three rooms. Ethiopians have a habit of painting their homes in bright colors, which i have noticed, considering the one I am staying in is bright green.

The day I arrived in Ethiopia, Berta and her family gave me an Ethiopian name that they could call me to make me feel more at home. They chose "Desta", which means happiness. Also, the food here isn't bad at all. The meals usually consist of a vegetable and meat and a side of bread. Also, many different types of spices and honey are almost always used. I can't believe I only have three days left, I'm really going to miss Berta's moms cooking!

Another thing I have really enjoyed about Ethiopia is how they play soccer. I'm a big soccer fan and found it interesting how they can have just as much fun playing on dirt in bare feet, as we can in cleats and on a field. Everyday right before dinner, Berta takes me to me up with all her friends and the kids in the city to play a big game of soccer. It's really fun and alot of the kids are surprisenly very good at soccer, especially because they basically taught themselves and learned without any training like we have in America.

Most of the transportation in Ethiopia is done by bus because they are no railroads and most people can't afford air travel or a car. Today, Berta is taking me on a bus ride around the city so she can show me around a little more. Then we will probably go to the market with her mom to get some things for dinner tonight. Berta says the bus rides in Ethiopia Can be very lively and entertaining, and sometimes, hot crowded, and frustrating. Most of the busses are in poor condition and make short trips take a long time. But I guess it's all an experience I'm willing to try! 

I am having a great time and am learning many different things about a whole new culture. I don't want to go home yet, but can't wait to tell my family all about it!

Desta

Lip Plates

It is a cultural tradition for the people of Ethiopia to have "lip plates." This body modification is found attractive in their culture and a way to respect themselves and their religion and beliefs. About 6 to 12 months before marriage, the woman's lip is pierced by her mother or one of her kinswomen, usually at around the age of 15 to 18. The initial piercing is done as an incision of the lower lip of 1 to 2 cm length, and a simple wooden peg is inserted. After the wound has healed, which usually takes 2 or 3 weeks, the peg is replaced with a slightly bigger one. At a diameter of about 4 cm the first lip plate made of clay is inserted. Every woman crafts her plate by herself and takes pride in including some ornamentation.