The Consideration of Water Buffalo
(I took a test and misunderstood the content because of many unknown vocabularies. So, I summarize the article here.)
Summary
Water buffalo have many stereotypes. First, they are considered as buffalo. But their shape is similar to cattle and color is gray-black. They have the greatest unexplored potential for increased meat production or milk yield, but this features are not know well. In Western nations, they are considered a vicious breed or an averse animal to humans, but in fact, they are the gentlest farm animals in the world. They are sociable, genial, and fond of humans. They are believed they thrive only water circumstance, but they can be alive in several weather situations, as long as adequate shade is available. As an experiment of them, they were carried in Florida because its weather seems to resemble water buffalo's original native environment. And, scientists acknowledged their commercial potential in the U.S.. Even though there were poor conditions feed, they took advantage of thriving and increasing their number better than cattle. Scientists also found water buffalo's meat has considerable market potential. Indeed, many subjects in a blind taste test preferred water buffalo meat to a corresponding cut of beef.
Vocabularies
1)averse
adjective
not be friendly
opposed
His averse opinion irritated me.
2)genial
adjective
be friendly
kindly, sincere
Dogs are one of the most genial animals to humans.
3)thrive
verb
to grow up
prosper, flourish
The company thrived year by year.
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Monday, December 5, 2011
Week 7 the second reading journal
Name That Tune: Identifying Whale Songs For Science
http://www.npr.org/2011/12/04/143064682/name-that-tune-identifying-whale-songs-for-science
Summary
A Pixar's movie, Finding Nemo, shows an interesting scene. Dory tries to talk with a whale to ask where Nemo is, but the dialogue cannot make it even though Dory drawls to the whale. She says, "Maybe a different Dialect." A marine biologist, Peter Tyack says this scene is true. He is also a coordinator of "Whale FM", and he tries to recruit citizen scientists to identify the whale sounds. Today, scientists acknowledge whales has sounds, but scientists do not understand what the sounds means. The sounds is divided approximately 15,000, and Tyack hopes a lot of listeners who are interested in whale sounds, especially killer whales' and pilot whales' sounds take part in the study. The first step is that he and citizen scientists try to identify how these whales communicate and know how to categorize these whales' calls. He expects crowdsourcing the new experiment might lead some answers. He says the more people who participate the study, the better sense how reliable their judgments are.
My opinion
Not only this study, but also any other specific studies should rely on people who are not real scientists but knows something in detail. Tyack's trial is good for researching unknown things. Some of the opinions which non-scientist gave might not match with scientists' intention, but there might be couple of keen ideas scientists cannot imagine. This is a good opportunity that people can be a scientist and join a relevant study.
Vocabularies
1)drawl
:verb
:to speak slowly, especially vowel parts in English
:speak slowly
:He tried to drawl out a reply because I did not understand English well.
2)dialect
:noun
:a variety of a language
:local speech
:I could not understand a rural dialect in Japan.(To tell the truth, I AM a rural person.)
3)crowdsourcing
:adjective(?)
:being a state which large number of people assemble to exchange their ideas
:non-synonym
:I drew out an answer from the crowdsourcing investigation.
http://www.npr.org/2011/12/04/143064682/name-that-tune-identifying-whale-songs-for-science
Summary
A Pixar's movie, Finding Nemo, shows an interesting scene. Dory tries to talk with a whale to ask where Nemo is, but the dialogue cannot make it even though Dory drawls to the whale. She says, "Maybe a different Dialect." A marine biologist, Peter Tyack says this scene is true. He is also a coordinator of "Whale FM", and he tries to recruit citizen scientists to identify the whale sounds. Today, scientists acknowledge whales has sounds, but scientists do not understand what the sounds means. The sounds is divided approximately 15,000, and Tyack hopes a lot of listeners who are interested in whale sounds, especially killer whales' and pilot whales' sounds take part in the study. The first step is that he and citizen scientists try to identify how these whales communicate and know how to categorize these whales' calls. He expects crowdsourcing the new experiment might lead some answers. He says the more people who participate the study, the better sense how reliable their judgments are.
My opinion
Not only this study, but also any other specific studies should rely on people who are not real scientists but knows something in detail. Tyack's trial is good for researching unknown things. Some of the opinions which non-scientist gave might not match with scientists' intention, but there might be couple of keen ideas scientists cannot imagine. This is a good opportunity that people can be a scientist and join a relevant study.
Vocabularies
1)drawl
:verb
:to speak slowly, especially vowel parts in English
:speak slowly
:He tried to drawl out a reply because I did not understand English well.
2)dialect
:noun
:a variety of a language
:local speech
:I could not understand a rural dialect in Japan.(To tell the truth, I AM a rural person.)
3)crowdsourcing
:adjective(?)
:being a state which large number of people assemble to exchange their ideas
:non-synonym
:I drew out an answer from the crowdsourcing investigation.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Week 7 the first reading journal
Diner's Guide Rates Working Conditions Inside Restaurants
http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2011/12/03/143015230/diners-guide-rates-working-conditions-inside-restaurants
Summary
A new restaurants guide book for consumers was published by the Restaurant Opportunities Centers United. This guide book is not for the plates. It is based on what the happening is inside the kitchen door. The 150 highest-grossing restaurants are in the book, not including world-famous chains such as McDonald's and Starbucks. The rate is decided by 5 categories: availability of paid sick days, opportunities for promoting within the company, whether or not the restaurant followed the ROC's sustainable practices, wages for tipped workers, and waged for non-tipped workers. In the terms of wages, the ROC United praises companies which pay at least $5 an hour to tipped employees and $9 per hour to non-tipped employees which the ROC considers the minimums as a liable income. A restaurant owner who received high scores says this is a good opportunities for consumers to know about the circumstance of restaurants. Because of gourmet guide books, consumers became to focus on only where the restaurant is, not who the cooks or dishwashers are. Generally, hosts and hostesses can be given a tip from consumers, but insiders, like cooks and dishwashers can rarely get a tip. Even paid sick leave are not paid for insiders well even though service persons are forced to be paid it. The number of restaurants in Washington D.C. whose workers should get the pay sick leave is increasing now, however, the owner says this law is not a complete one because it has a lot of loopholes.
My opinion
I had worked at couple of restaurants after my graduation. In Japan, the gourmet guide books are familiar to people to find good restaurants. And, I agreed with the new guide book because I also felt consumers who consider only foods increased during working. On the other hand, I could get enough salary, so I thought I was blessed with good circumstances. Interestingly, in Japan, cooks can get better salary than service persons because of their skillful jobs. Cooks in the U.S. faces severe circumstance, I thought.
Vocabularies
1)paid sick days
:noun
:a guarantee that employee can receive salary even if they have to be absent because of sick
:with pay
:I could get paid sick days while I was hospitalized.
2)loophole
:noun
:a means or opportunity of evading a rule or law
:escape
:Good lawyers know some loopholes in the laws.
http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2011/12/03/143015230/diners-guide-rates-working-conditions-inside-restaurants
Summary
A new restaurants guide book for consumers was published by the Restaurant Opportunities Centers United. This guide book is not for the plates. It is based on what the happening is inside the kitchen door. The 150 highest-grossing restaurants are in the book, not including world-famous chains such as McDonald's and Starbucks. The rate is decided by 5 categories: availability of paid sick days, opportunities for promoting within the company, whether or not the restaurant followed the ROC's sustainable practices, wages for tipped workers, and waged for non-tipped workers. In the terms of wages, the ROC United praises companies which pay at least $5 an hour to tipped employees and $9 per hour to non-tipped employees which the ROC considers the minimums as a liable income. A restaurant owner who received high scores says this is a good opportunities for consumers to know about the circumstance of restaurants. Because of gourmet guide books, consumers became to focus on only where the restaurant is, not who the cooks or dishwashers are. Generally, hosts and hostesses can be given a tip from consumers, but insiders, like cooks and dishwashers can rarely get a tip. Even paid sick leave are not paid for insiders well even though service persons are forced to be paid it. The number of restaurants in Washington D.C. whose workers should get the pay sick leave is increasing now, however, the owner says this law is not a complete one because it has a lot of loopholes.
My opinion
I had worked at couple of restaurants after my graduation. In Japan, the gourmet guide books are familiar to people to find good restaurants. And, I agreed with the new guide book because I also felt consumers who consider only foods increased during working. On the other hand, I could get enough salary, so I thought I was blessed with good circumstances. Interestingly, in Japan, cooks can get better salary than service persons because of their skillful jobs. Cooks in the U.S. faces severe circumstance, I thought.
Vocabularies
1)paid sick days
:noun
:a guarantee that employee can receive salary even if they have to be absent because of sick
:with pay
:I could get paid sick days while I was hospitalized.
2)loophole
:noun
:a means or opportunity of evading a rule or law
:escape
:Good lawyers know some loopholes in the laws.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Week 6 the third reading journal
Google Earth Shows How Dams Could Worsen Climate Change
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2011/11/111128-google-earth-dams/
Summary
Google Earth gives us to show how danger the current big dams are. Recent climate change causes increasing water amount in some big dams. The constructors and the officials of these dams say they calculate the amount of water by using the past weather histories, but, some scientists warn the data are not so useful because the history is based on the history decades years ago. Scientists had checked any lands' circumstances by using satellite so far. But now, they can check by using Google Earth very cheaply. Google Earth is supposed to contribute several study fields from now.
My opinion
Google Earth was concerned the possibility of breaking privacy first. But, now it is used to check our planet not only by scientists, but also by us. Improving technology is really stunning.
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2011/11/111128-google-earth-dams/
Summary
Google Earth gives us to show how danger the current big dams are. Recent climate change causes increasing water amount in some big dams. The constructors and the officials of these dams say they calculate the amount of water by using the past weather histories, but, some scientists warn the data are not so useful because the history is based on the history decades years ago. Scientists had checked any lands' circumstances by using satellite so far. But now, they can check by using Google Earth very cheaply. Google Earth is supposed to contribute several study fields from now.
My opinion
Google Earth was concerned the possibility of breaking privacy first. But, now it is used to check our planet not only by scientists, but also by us. Improving technology is really stunning.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Week 6 the second reading journal
Sexual Violence Marks latest Egyptian Protests
http://www.npr.org/2011/11/27/142821477/sexual-violence-on-the-rise-in-egypt
Summary
After overthrew the Mubarak regime, Egyptian were supposed to have better life. But, because of the anarchy, Egyptian women face their sexual violence from riot police and protesters. On November 28th, 2011, the parliamentary elections are going to be executed. Protesters clustered around the center of Cairo, Tahrir Square on Sunday, and called for demonstration in advance of the elections. In just 9 days, at least 40 people were killed, a protester said. Protesters' and police's frustration became larger and larger, and then the bearing the brunt of changing dynamics were turned toward women. During the revolution, called 18 days, sexual violence to women were nearly 0%. Now most of women say they experience sexual harassment from male protesters and riot police. Especially that of riot police is cruel. They seem to continue the harassment until somebody warns to stop it. A woman, who was assaulted police, says the revolution occurred in Egypt, but it is only political one, not cultural and social one. Egypt is still in turmoil.
My opinion
I did not write about the sexual harassment in detail, but it was really cruel. The article said police beat a woman, grasped her breast and legs, touched her genital tract, called her a whore, and dragged her by her hairs. I met a Tunisian when I worked at a restaurant, and he said he felt happy because of the revolution in Tunisia. So, I expected that Egyptian also welcomed the overthrew the Mubarak regime. But I remembered I met a woman from Egypt in my dorm. And she said she is terrified the current Egypt circumstances. I think the economical qualitative difference is essential in the world, but I cannot accept this sexual harassment in Egypt.
Vocabularies
1)regime
:noun
:leadership of an organization
:dynasty
:I do not accept the current regime in Japan.
2)parliamentary
:adjective
:lawmaking
:congressional
:This parliamentary law is really serious for people.
3)bear the brunt of
:idiom(verb)
:to be exposed
:be exposed
:She bore the brunt of the incident, and then everyone blamed for her and called for a solution to her.
4)turmoil
:noun
:a state of great confusion, or disturbance
:chaos, agitation
:Japanese economy is still in turmoil.
http://www.npr.org/2011/11/27/142821477/sexual-violence-on-the-rise-in-egypt
Summary
After overthrew the Mubarak regime, Egyptian were supposed to have better life. But, because of the anarchy, Egyptian women face their sexual violence from riot police and protesters. On November 28th, 2011, the parliamentary elections are going to be executed. Protesters clustered around the center of Cairo, Tahrir Square on Sunday, and called for demonstration in advance of the elections. In just 9 days, at least 40 people were killed, a protester said. Protesters' and police's frustration became larger and larger, and then the bearing the brunt of changing dynamics were turned toward women. During the revolution, called 18 days, sexual violence to women were nearly 0%. Now most of women say they experience sexual harassment from male protesters and riot police. Especially that of riot police is cruel. They seem to continue the harassment until somebody warns to stop it. A woman, who was assaulted police, says the revolution occurred in Egypt, but it is only political one, not cultural and social one. Egypt is still in turmoil.
My opinion
I did not write about the sexual harassment in detail, but it was really cruel. The article said police beat a woman, grasped her breast and legs, touched her genital tract, called her a whore, and dragged her by her hairs. I met a Tunisian when I worked at a restaurant, and he said he felt happy because of the revolution in Tunisia. So, I expected that Egyptian also welcomed the overthrew the Mubarak regime. But I remembered I met a woman from Egypt in my dorm. And she said she is terrified the current Egypt circumstances. I think the economical qualitative difference is essential in the world, but I cannot accept this sexual harassment in Egypt.
Vocabularies
1)regime
:noun
:leadership of an organization
:dynasty
:I do not accept the current regime in Japan.
2)parliamentary
:adjective
:lawmaking
:congressional
:This parliamentary law is really serious for people.
3)bear the brunt of
:idiom(verb)
:to be exposed
:be exposed
:She bore the brunt of the incident, and then everyone blamed for her and called for a solution to her.
4)turmoil
:noun
:a state of great confusion, or disturbance
:chaos, agitation
:Japanese economy is still in turmoil.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Week 6 the first reading journal
Scientists Bag Small Game In Bathroom Germ Safari
http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2011/11/23/142720314/scientists-bag-small-game-in-bathroom-germ-safari
Summary
Researchers identified 19 different types of germs in public toilets on the University of Colorado. They realized most of them are from human skin. The detail unveiled by the new study. Researchers used to gather several bacteria from their own circumstance. Most of samples had been microscopic and unclear existences, but the new study was carried on by using a specific gene, and because of the gene, such tiny bacteria showed themselves very clearly. Then, researchers investigated how such bacteria spread all over the place. They acknowledged most of the bacteria were existed at the entrance door knobs of toilets, toilet seats, flush handles, faucets, soap dispensers, and the floor around the sink. The reason of dispersal bacteria seems to be human feces. As some considerable situation, the hand is unclean, or when people flushed toilet water including feces or urine splashes and a is aerosolized. Some of bacteria prefer to women's toilet because they like female genital tracts. The researchers say when people consider about cleanness very seriously, people must wash their hand very much after using a bathroom.
My opinion
I previously wrote about flies. This time, I knew the scientists who are interested in bacteria in toilet. I am really interested in scientists mind. And, I realized the most doubtful clue which contaminate various bacteria is humans' hand. I do not care washing hand well, but I try to do that right now.
Vocabularies
1)unveil
:verb
:to become clear
:reveal
:The new merchandise unveiled last week.
2)microscopic
:adjective
:very tiny
:invisible
His hobby is that he gathers several microscopic samples and see them at his room.
3)faucet
:noun
:devices for controlling the flow of liquids, generally water, from a pipe
:nozzle
:The faucets in the shower room was being broken.
4)feces
:noun
:waste matter discharged through the anus
:excrement
:I found somebody's feces at the ground in school.
5)aerosolize
:verb
:to become mist
:no synonym
:Some Japanese cooks use aersolized water to blow upon the dishes as a decoration.
6)genital
:adjective
:of or pertaining to the sexual organs
:of private parts
:Generally, genital tracts should be lurked by an underwear.
http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2011/11/23/142720314/scientists-bag-small-game-in-bathroom-germ-safari
Summary
Researchers identified 19 different types of germs in public toilets on the University of Colorado. They realized most of them are from human skin. The detail unveiled by the new study. Researchers used to gather several bacteria from their own circumstance. Most of samples had been microscopic and unclear existences, but the new study was carried on by using a specific gene, and because of the gene, such tiny bacteria showed themselves very clearly. Then, researchers investigated how such bacteria spread all over the place. They acknowledged most of the bacteria were existed at the entrance door knobs of toilets, toilet seats, flush handles, faucets, soap dispensers, and the floor around the sink. The reason of dispersal bacteria seems to be human feces. As some considerable situation, the hand is unclean, or when people flushed toilet water including feces or urine splashes and a is aerosolized. Some of bacteria prefer to women's toilet because they like female genital tracts. The researchers say when people consider about cleanness very seriously, people must wash their hand very much after using a bathroom.
My opinion
I previously wrote about flies. This time, I knew the scientists who are interested in bacteria in toilet. I am really interested in scientists mind. And, I realized the most doubtful clue which contaminate various bacteria is humans' hand. I do not care washing hand well, but I try to do that right now.
Vocabularies
1)unveil
:verb
:to become clear
:reveal
:The new merchandise unveiled last week.
2)microscopic
:adjective
:very tiny
:invisible
His hobby is that he gathers several microscopic samples and see them at his room.
3)faucet
:noun
:devices for controlling the flow of liquids, generally water, from a pipe
:nozzle
:The faucets in the shower room was being broken.
4)feces
:noun
:waste matter discharged through the anus
:excrement
:I found somebody's feces at the ground in school.
5)aerosolize
:verb
:to become mist
:no synonym
:Some Japanese cooks use aersolized water to blow upon the dishes as a decoration.
6)genital
:adjective
:of or pertaining to the sexual organs
:of private parts
:Generally, genital tracts should be lurked by an underwear.
Friday, November 25, 2011
Week 5 the 4th reading journal
Beer Or Sugar Water? For Flies, The Choice Is Pale Ale
http://www.npr.org/2011/11/25/142708527/beer-or-water-for-flies-that-s-an-easy-choice
Summary
Scientists in California analysed the flies' interests because they wondered why flies like beer. The content of the experiment was that they prepared sugar water and beer and they forced flies to choose one liquid. Generally, flies were told they like sugar. However, one of scientists, Anupama Dahanukar doubted this definition. She chose a pale ale beer in a grocery because basically it contains less sugar. She and other scientists were tried to identify any other chemicals which are liked by flies, not sugar. The result of the assay was that flies took a sip of pale ale. They probed that flies like a specific chemical, glycerol which tastes sweat but is not sugar. During the examination, scientists found a specific gene of flies. They created new flies which do not have the gene and tried the same assay-chose the two liquids. Those flies took a sip of sugar water.
In the case of beer, glycerol is made by yeast during fermentation. Dahanukar is interested in any other flies genes which stimulates flies smell and taste senses now. Meanwhile, other scientists begin creating more powerful repellents with the test's result which have never been on the market.
My opinion
This article was interesting. I understood the specific chemical which flies love. And I remembered the past experience after I read the article.When I worked at a small restaurant, I considered the small flies during summer time. Because they appeared mysteriously, and assembled around a beer server. I checked them by using an Internet website(wikipedia) and tried to exterminate them. The site said, "The flies like vinegar." After that, I created special liquid(including vinegar, water, and a little oil) to tempt the flies. The liquid worked very well(The process is that when flies assemble the liquid and sip it, they never fry out because of oil). I did not understand why flies like vinegar, but the article taught me the reason.
Vocabularies
1)grocery
:noun
:a (local) shop surrounding a small area
:shop, supermarket
:I always buy a box of cigarettes in the grocery near my house.
2)assay
:noun/verb
:examination/to examine
:trial, analysis/try, analyse
:I concluded the assay.
3)sip
:noun/verb
:a small amount/to drink something little by little
:drink, lick
:I took a sip of wine because this wine was very expensive.
4)repellent
:noun
:a stuff to repel animals or insects which are generally considered causing pest
:pesticide
:The repellent which I bought first time worked to mosquitoes very much.
http://www.npr.org/2011/11/25/142708527/beer-or-water-for-flies-that-s-an-easy-choice
Summary
Scientists in California analysed the flies' interests because they wondered why flies like beer. The content of the experiment was that they prepared sugar water and beer and they forced flies to choose one liquid. Generally, flies were told they like sugar. However, one of scientists, Anupama Dahanukar doubted this definition. She chose a pale ale beer in a grocery because basically it contains less sugar. She and other scientists were tried to identify any other chemicals which are liked by flies, not sugar. The result of the assay was that flies took a sip of pale ale. They probed that flies like a specific chemical, glycerol which tastes sweat but is not sugar. During the examination, scientists found a specific gene of flies. They created new flies which do not have the gene and tried the same assay-chose the two liquids. Those flies took a sip of sugar water.
In the case of beer, glycerol is made by yeast during fermentation. Dahanukar is interested in any other flies genes which stimulates flies smell and taste senses now. Meanwhile, other scientists begin creating more powerful repellents with the test's result which have never been on the market.
My opinion
This article was interesting. I understood the specific chemical which flies love. And I remembered the past experience after I read the article.When I worked at a small restaurant, I considered the small flies during summer time. Because they appeared mysteriously, and assembled around a beer server. I checked them by using an Internet website(wikipedia) and tried to exterminate them. The site said, "The flies like vinegar." After that, I created special liquid(including vinegar, water, and a little oil) to tempt the flies. The liquid worked very well(The process is that when flies assemble the liquid and sip it, they never fry out because of oil). I did not understand why flies like vinegar, but the article taught me the reason.
Vocabularies
1)grocery
:noun
:a (local) shop surrounding a small area
:shop, supermarket
:I always buy a box of cigarettes in the grocery near my house.
2)assay
:noun/verb
:examination/to examine
:trial, analysis/try, analyse
:I concluded the assay.
3)sip
:noun/verb
:a small amount/to drink something little by little
:drink, lick
:I took a sip of wine because this wine was very expensive.
4)repellent
:noun
:a stuff to repel animals or insects which are generally considered causing pest
:pesticide
:The repellent which I bought first time worked to mosquitoes very much.
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Week 5 the third reading journal
"Great Dying" Lasted 200,000 Years
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2011/11/111121-great-dying-permian-mass-extinction-science/
Summary
According to a new study, Great Dying, the period about 252 million years ago, continued at least 200,000 years. This period made 90% living things on Earth extinct both on land and in the sea simultaneously. This time span was proved by analysis of fossils and chemical evidence of changes in Earth's carbon cycle in rocks fro south China to Tibet. This catastrophe was caused widespread wildfires, a scientist said. She found mass charcoal-rich and soot-bearing bed in sedimentary rock of the period. These rocks also proved that oxygen level on Earth declined rapidly during the the Great Dying because they found the tiny living-things' fossils on both side. Scientists thought that living things which could survive in such less oxygen had changed their structure smaller.
But scientists wonder the mystery why the catastrophe occurred. Because they need more evidences to prove the coincidental extinction on land and in the sea. So far, they believe the reason why the massive extinction occurred coincidentally is supposed to be not only volcanic activities, but also an asteroid or comet impact.
My opinion
This article's subtitle is "Wildfires, disappearing oxygen HELPED kill off 90% of all life on Earth". I think it is interesting expression. If I were an writer, I would use "was forced to" instead of "helped". Is it the problem of my English skill or the intention of the writer toward scientists? I do not understand the intention of the usage "helped". As I remind, for scientist, the extinction might have been necessary incident. Anyway, I was astonished such huge wildfires continued over 200,000 years. The history of our planet is really mysterious.
Vocabularies
1)simultaneously
:adverb
:at the same time
:synchronously
:The couple of serious terrorism in the U.S. happened simultaneously on 9.11, 2000.
2)sedimentary
:adjective
:formed by the deposition of sediment
:No synonym
:I wonder how the sedimentary rocks are formed.
3)coincidental
:adjective
:existing or occurring simultaneously
:accidental
:The coincidental accidents made me sad.
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2011/11/111121-great-dying-permian-mass-extinction-science/
Summary
According to a new study, Great Dying, the period about 252 million years ago, continued at least 200,000 years. This period made 90% living things on Earth extinct both on land and in the sea simultaneously. This time span was proved by analysis of fossils and chemical evidence of changes in Earth's carbon cycle in rocks fro south China to Tibet. This catastrophe was caused widespread wildfires, a scientist said. She found mass charcoal-rich and soot-bearing bed in sedimentary rock of the period. These rocks also proved that oxygen level on Earth declined rapidly during the the Great Dying because they found the tiny living-things' fossils on both side. Scientists thought that living things which could survive in such less oxygen had changed their structure smaller.
But scientists wonder the mystery why the catastrophe occurred. Because they need more evidences to prove the coincidental extinction on land and in the sea. So far, they believe the reason why the massive extinction occurred coincidentally is supposed to be not only volcanic activities, but also an asteroid or comet impact.
My opinion
This article's subtitle is "Wildfires, disappearing oxygen HELPED kill off 90% of all life on Earth". I think it is interesting expression. If I were an writer, I would use "was forced to" instead of "helped". Is it the problem of my English skill or the intention of the writer toward scientists? I do not understand the intention of the usage "helped". As I remind, for scientist, the extinction might have been necessary incident. Anyway, I was astonished such huge wildfires continued over 200,000 years. The history of our planet is really mysterious.
Vocabularies
1)simultaneously
:adverb
:at the same time
:synchronously
:The couple of serious terrorism in the U.S. happened simultaneously on 9.11, 2000.
2)sedimentary
:adjective
:formed by the deposition of sediment
:No synonym
:I wonder how the sedimentary rocks are formed.
3)coincidental
:adjective
:existing or occurring simultaneously
:accidental
:The coincidental accidents made me sad.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Week 5 the second reading journal
Timeline: The 100-Year History Of Electric Car
http://www.npr.org/2011/11/21/142365346/timeline-the-100-year-history-of-the-electric-car
Summary
Electric cars have faced same problems since they were produced as electric cabs in 1896. Around 1899, over 60 cabs run in New York City. Their driving way was so simple, but the market of the electric cars for consumers did not succeed because consumers needed to obtain knowledge of electricity. In 1900, the number of electric cars is about 4,000. The advantages of the electric cars were that they could start running more quickly than steam-powered vehicles and were cleaner than the internal combustion engine. On the other hand, their disadvantages were that cold air made their battery lose quickly and they could run only 35 miles (56km) per charge. In 1908, Henry Ford produced the Model T for $850 even though one of the major electric car was sold for around $2,000. Only a few consumers purchased the electric cars because of their cleanness. Thanks to Thomas Edison, the driving range was from 65 to 100 miles around 1910. However, the shortage of the electric charge stations was the big issue. Around 1920, the new oil field was drilled in Texas, and many farmers wanted to purchase the cars which can run with cheap oil. By the late of 1920s, the electric car market was almost gone. Around 1970, the fuel shortage and environmental concerns stimulated the importance of electricity again. In 1996, GM introduced the EV1 which can run about 80 miles per charge. EV1 cars were only available for lease. In 2006, over $100,000 electric cars were unveiled by Tesla Motors, and then the company introduced the car which can run 160 miles per charge. The price was around $58,000. In 2010, Nissan introduced the all-electric car, Leaf. The car's driving range was 100 miles per charge, and the price was $35,000. After about 1 century, electric cars developed themselves dramatically. But they still face the same problems, the short driving range and the high cost.
My opinion
I did not know that electric cars have exist since 1890. I have thought they can exist because of the recent technology. As another surprising for me, electric cars have faced the same problems since 1890. I expect that an electric car has more than 200 miles driving range per charge and the cost changes cheaper and cheaper about 10 years later.
Vocabularies
1)combustion
Part of speech
noun
Definition
on fire
Synonym
explosion
My sentence
The combustion of fuel is born mass carbon dioxide.
http://www.npr.org/2011/11/21/142365346/timeline-the-100-year-history-of-the-electric-car
Summary
Electric cars have faced same problems since they were produced as electric cabs in 1896. Around 1899, over 60 cabs run in New York City. Their driving way was so simple, but the market of the electric cars for consumers did not succeed because consumers needed to obtain knowledge of electricity. In 1900, the number of electric cars is about 4,000. The advantages of the electric cars were that they could start running more quickly than steam-powered vehicles and were cleaner than the internal combustion engine. On the other hand, their disadvantages were that cold air made their battery lose quickly and they could run only 35 miles (56km) per charge. In 1908, Henry Ford produced the Model T for $850 even though one of the major electric car was sold for around $2,000. Only a few consumers purchased the electric cars because of their cleanness. Thanks to Thomas Edison, the driving range was from 65 to 100 miles around 1910. However, the shortage of the electric charge stations was the big issue. Around 1920, the new oil field was drilled in Texas, and many farmers wanted to purchase the cars which can run with cheap oil. By the late of 1920s, the electric car market was almost gone. Around 1970, the fuel shortage and environmental concerns stimulated the importance of electricity again. In 1996, GM introduced the EV1 which can run about 80 miles per charge. EV1 cars were only available for lease. In 2006, over $100,000 electric cars were unveiled by Tesla Motors, and then the company introduced the car which can run 160 miles per charge. The price was around $58,000. In 2010, Nissan introduced the all-electric car, Leaf. The car's driving range was 100 miles per charge, and the price was $35,000. After about 1 century, electric cars developed themselves dramatically. But they still face the same problems, the short driving range and the high cost.
My opinion
I did not know that electric cars have exist since 1890. I have thought they can exist because of the recent technology. As another surprising for me, electric cars have faced the same problems since 1890. I expect that an electric car has more than 200 miles driving range per charge and the cost changes cheaper and cheaper about 10 years later.
Vocabularies
1)combustion
Part of speech
noun
Definition
on fire
Synonym
explosion
My sentence
The combustion of fuel is born mass carbon dioxide.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Week 5 the first reading journal
How Coffee Affects Biodiversity
http://scientistatwork.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/11/18/how-coffee-affects-biodiversity/?ref=science
Summary
A doctoral student confessed the difficulty of her study in Costa Rica. She investigates how many numbers and kinds of mammals the tropics area, a coffee plantation in Turrialba, Costa Rica, has. According to the article, recent coffee trees in Latin America change their circumstance because the export of coffee beans became more familiar to the area. Couple of decades ago, coffee trees grew up within native forests. But now, farmers replace their land to only coffee trees. Most of biodiversity studies around the area focus on birds and insects. So, she decided to focus on mammals in the area.
She faces much trouble during her studies. First of all, she faces the difficulty of catching mammals in the area. She prepares a combination of direct and indirect traps for catching them(The direct trap is that they set bait for animals, and the other one is used a camera to identify their paw print). They mark each place with a bright colored flag near the trap. But the flag is chewed by ants(They do not realize why ants chew the flag) and fell down the ground. The expensive devices such as cameras are stolen by somebody. They guess the culprit must be a man who belongs to a factory nearby that buys scrap metals.
The most dangerous trouble is machetes. They use machetes to cut the trails and set up the traps. They make two rules to use the tools, but sometimes the tools cause a serious trouble. One day, an assistant was injured with the tool. They called an emergency room, and they were given advice by using a telephone. It took approximately 1.5 hours. And taken another 1 hour, the patient was carried to the emergency room.
She hopes this study will make success without any serious trouble.
My opinion
Dissertations are very important for doctoral students, however, I think this study is really tough for her. She has the possibility to face the risk of death. I also hope she can come back home with no injury and will be a good scientist in the near future.
Vocabularies
1)biodiversity
Part of speech
noun
Definition
variety of living things in an area
Synonym
food cycle????
My sentence
There are much biodiversity in tropical areas in the world.
2)paw
Part of speech
noun
Definition
the foot of animals which have claws
Synonym
foot, hoof
My definition
We looked for the paw traces to catch wolves.
3)machete
Part of speech
noun
Definition
a large heavy knife to use, especially Latin America, cutting sugarcane and clearing underbrush
Synonym
blade
My definition
The suspicious man swung a machete suddenly.
http://scientistatwork.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/11/18/how-coffee-affects-biodiversity/?ref=science
Summary
A doctoral student confessed the difficulty of her study in Costa Rica. She investigates how many numbers and kinds of mammals the tropics area, a coffee plantation in Turrialba, Costa Rica, has. According to the article, recent coffee trees in Latin America change their circumstance because the export of coffee beans became more familiar to the area. Couple of decades ago, coffee trees grew up within native forests. But now, farmers replace their land to only coffee trees. Most of biodiversity studies around the area focus on birds and insects. So, she decided to focus on mammals in the area.
She faces much trouble during her studies. First of all, she faces the difficulty of catching mammals in the area. She prepares a combination of direct and indirect traps for catching them(The direct trap is that they set bait for animals, and the other one is used a camera to identify their paw print). They mark each place with a bright colored flag near the trap. But the flag is chewed by ants(They do not realize why ants chew the flag) and fell down the ground. The expensive devices such as cameras are stolen by somebody. They guess the culprit must be a man who belongs to a factory nearby that buys scrap metals.
The most dangerous trouble is machetes. They use machetes to cut the trails and set up the traps. They make two rules to use the tools, but sometimes the tools cause a serious trouble. One day, an assistant was injured with the tool. They called an emergency room, and they were given advice by using a telephone. It took approximately 1.5 hours. And taken another 1 hour, the patient was carried to the emergency room.
She hopes this study will make success without any serious trouble.
My opinion
Dissertations are very important for doctoral students, however, I think this study is really tough for her. She has the possibility to face the risk of death. I also hope she can come back home with no injury and will be a good scientist in the near future.
Vocabularies
1)biodiversity
Part of speech
noun
Definition
variety of living things in an area
Synonym
food cycle????
My sentence
There are much biodiversity in tropical areas in the world.
2)paw
Part of speech
noun
Definition
the foot of animals which have claws
Synonym
foot, hoof
My definition
We looked for the paw traces to catch wolves.
3)machete
Part of speech
noun
Definition
a large heavy knife to use, especially Latin America, cutting sugarcane and clearing underbrush
Synonym
blade
My definition
The suspicious man swung a machete suddenly.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Week 4 the 4th reading journal
Hundreds of Orangutans Killed Annually For Meat
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2011/11/111115-orangutans-meat-animals-environment-science/
Summary
In Kalimantan region, a part of the island of Borneo, people kill orangutans as their food to save their crops. A survey based on 7,000 local villagers says 750 to 1,790 numbers of orangutans are killed per year in the region. The species, Bornean Orangutan, is registered as an endangered species in the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Scientists evaluate when 1% of female orangutans are killed each year, the population will be decreasing critically. If Kalimantan people kills male and female orangutans equally, 375 to 1,550 females are killed each year. According to a professor, "the number of orangutans which are killed is not so surprised thing. The most cruel incident, any animals which were acknowledged as invaders in humans land are killed very quickly by using poisons or explosives.", she said. She suggests that humans should live with wildlife as coexisting species. Her organization helps villagers in Tanzania to make livestock enclosures. The result proves the coexisting with wildlife because the number of attacking livestock by carnivores is decreasing due to the enclosure.
My opinion
At the last reading journal, I wrote about chimpanzees. Both cases are the common issue between humans and apes. Why do humans have to control wildlife? Because of their benefit? I am not such people who face the difficulty by increasing orangutans, so I do not understand how they suffer from orangutans. But, I can say it is not good for people to kill much wildlife and eat them because they threaten people's business. The article was so shocking news for me.
Vocabularies
1)endanger
Part of speech
verb
Definition
to put in danger
Synonym
jeopardize
My sentence
Human beings endanger the extinction of much wildlife intentionally.
2)explosive
Part of speech
noun
Definition
a weapon which explodes with sending signals or pushing itself
Synonym
bomb
My definition
The massive explosives were felt in the capital city.
3)carnivore
Part of speech
noun
Definition
animal which kill other animals and eat them
Synonym
lion, leopard
My definition
Most of dinosaurs are though as carnivores.
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2011/11/111115-orangutans-meat-animals-environment-science/
Summary
In Kalimantan region, a part of the island of Borneo, people kill orangutans as their food to save their crops. A survey based on 7,000 local villagers says 750 to 1,790 numbers of orangutans are killed per year in the region. The species, Bornean Orangutan, is registered as an endangered species in the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Scientists evaluate when 1% of female orangutans are killed each year, the population will be decreasing critically. If Kalimantan people kills male and female orangutans equally, 375 to 1,550 females are killed each year. According to a professor, "the number of orangutans which are killed is not so surprised thing. The most cruel incident, any animals which were acknowledged as invaders in humans land are killed very quickly by using poisons or explosives.", she said. She suggests that humans should live with wildlife as coexisting species. Her organization helps villagers in Tanzania to make livestock enclosures. The result proves the coexisting with wildlife because the number of attacking livestock by carnivores is decreasing due to the enclosure.
My opinion
At the last reading journal, I wrote about chimpanzees. Both cases are the common issue between humans and apes. Why do humans have to control wildlife? Because of their benefit? I am not such people who face the difficulty by increasing orangutans, so I do not understand how they suffer from orangutans. But, I can say it is not good for people to kill much wildlife and eat them because they threaten people's business. The article was so shocking news for me.
Vocabularies
1)endanger
Part of speech
verb
Definition
to put in danger
Synonym
jeopardize
My sentence
Human beings endanger the extinction of much wildlife intentionally.
2)explosive
Part of speech
noun
Definition
a weapon which explodes with sending signals or pushing itself
Synonym
bomb
My definition
The massive explosives were felt in the capital city.
3)carnivore
Part of speech
noun
Definition
animal which kill other animals and eat them
Synonym
lion, leopard
My definition
Most of dinosaurs are though as carnivores.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Week 4 the third reading jouranl
Chimp's Days in Labs May Be Dwindling
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/15/science/chimps-days-in-research-may-be-near-an-end.html?_r=1&ref=science
The biomedical research with chimpanzees, which has started since 1920's, might be ending within a year in the United States. There are only two countries to execute the research on chimpanzees in laboratories. The controversial issue is continuing for long time, but the new laws against the research act year by year. Some researchers say that the research by using captive chimpanzees has been invasive or already useless. In addition, the U.S. pays $ 30 million per a year to own chimpanzees. If the new law which bans all of researches by using chimpanzees act, taxpayers can save this amount of money in a year.
Chimpanzees in laboratories were paying a lot of sacrifice to invest new medicines or to find the cure of serious diseases of humans such as HIV. In 1950's, they are used as one of the space programs. This sacrifice brought huge grace to humans. An official says the halt of the research with chimpanzees might threaten human lives. But all of authorized people know the research with chimpanzees is only a tiny animal research, nevertheless, a part of big debate. An authorized person says that the banning of the research of captive chimpanzees might be a beginning of the movement which bans all of animal using researches.
My opinion
This is a sensitive issue. This topic is too specific for me. However, I understood that chimpanzees had faced a lot of unethical behaviors. Now, I wonder that the research by using animals is essential. We have our lifetime. If we got a serious disease which is mortal, this is our destiny. I do not blame scientists that their studies are meaningless, but I believe that some of studies by using living animals are unnecessary. Anyway, this movement stimulates my curiosity.
Vocabularies
1)dwindle
Part of speech
verb
Definition
to decrease something dramatically
Synonym
decrease, decline
My sentence
The number of smokers has dwindled recently.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/15/science/chimps-days-in-research-may-be-near-an-end.html?_r=1&ref=science
The biomedical research with chimpanzees, which has started since 1920's, might be ending within a year in the United States. There are only two countries to execute the research on chimpanzees in laboratories. The controversial issue is continuing for long time, but the new laws against the research act year by year. Some researchers say that the research by using captive chimpanzees has been invasive or already useless. In addition, the U.S. pays $ 30 million per a year to own chimpanzees. If the new law which bans all of researches by using chimpanzees act, taxpayers can save this amount of money in a year.
Chimpanzees in laboratories were paying a lot of sacrifice to invest new medicines or to find the cure of serious diseases of humans such as HIV. In 1950's, they are used as one of the space programs. This sacrifice brought huge grace to humans. An official says the halt of the research with chimpanzees might threaten human lives. But all of authorized people know the research with chimpanzees is only a tiny animal research, nevertheless, a part of big debate. An authorized person says that the banning of the research of captive chimpanzees might be a beginning of the movement which bans all of animal using researches.
My opinion
This is a sensitive issue. This topic is too specific for me. However, I understood that chimpanzees had faced a lot of unethical behaviors. Now, I wonder that the research by using animals is essential. We have our lifetime. If we got a serious disease which is mortal, this is our destiny. I do not blame scientists that their studies are meaningless, but I believe that some of studies by using living animals are unnecessary. Anyway, this movement stimulates my curiosity.
Vocabularies
1)dwindle
Part of speech
verb
Definition
to decrease something dramatically
Synonym
decrease, decline
My sentence
The number of smokers has dwindled recently.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Week 4 the second reading journal
In Venezuela, An Abduction Highlights A Scourge
http://www.npr.org/2011/11/13/142287752/in-venezuela-an-abduction-highlights-a-scourge
Wilson Ramos was unleashed from kidnapping. The success of his return paid much sacrifice. A heavy gun fight occurred between officials and the abduction group, and this scene was like one of the movie shows, Ramos said.
In Venezuela, kidnapping occurs seriously. There are 895 kidnapping cases, which are as 20 times as 13 years ago, in last year, and most of hostages can barely be unleashed from this problem. His case is really rare. One of the biggest reasons of the kidnapping attributes the neighbor country, Colombia where is like anarchy. The targets are supposed to be storekeeper, engineers, housewives and students. The purpose of the kidnapping is of course ransom, however, the increasing of kidnapping cases is suffered from Venezuelan government. The return of Ramos is going to be a hope for the nation's future.
My opinion
I know there are a lot of kidnapping cases occur around Central and South America because of expanding business from the developed countries. The movie "Man on Fire", which is one of the most favorite movies for me, also mentions the kidnapping problem in Mexico City seriously. But I did not understand most of hostages are killed by the group. In Japan, such abductions rarely occur, so I was also astonished the numerous cases. I do not have any ideas to solve these issues, but if I can do something for preventing the issues, I would like do even though it becomes only a little help for such nations.
Vocabularies
1)scourge
Parts of speech
noun
Definition
a person or thing that applies or administers punishment or sever criticism
Synonym
plague, curse
My sentence
On March 11th, 2011, one of the biggest earthquakes in the world hit Japan and caused the severe scourge around Tohoku area, especially shore sides.
2)unleash
Parts of speech
verb
Definition
to untie
Synonym
release
My sentence
The abduction group unleashed the hostages because they got tremendous ransom.
3)ransom
Parts of speech
noun
Definition
money paid for return or possession or person
Synonym
compensation
My sentence
His parents had to prepare a large amount of money for his safe.
http://www.npr.org/2011/11/13/142287752/in-venezuela-an-abduction-highlights-a-scourge
Wilson Ramos was unleashed from kidnapping. The success of his return paid much sacrifice. A heavy gun fight occurred between officials and the abduction group, and this scene was like one of the movie shows, Ramos said.
In Venezuela, kidnapping occurs seriously. There are 895 kidnapping cases, which are as 20 times as 13 years ago, in last year, and most of hostages can barely be unleashed from this problem. His case is really rare. One of the biggest reasons of the kidnapping attributes the neighbor country, Colombia where is like anarchy. The targets are supposed to be storekeeper, engineers, housewives and students. The purpose of the kidnapping is of course ransom, however, the increasing of kidnapping cases is suffered from Venezuelan government. The return of Ramos is going to be a hope for the nation's future.
My opinion
I know there are a lot of kidnapping cases occur around Central and South America because of expanding business from the developed countries. The movie "Man on Fire", which is one of the most favorite movies for me, also mentions the kidnapping problem in Mexico City seriously. But I did not understand most of hostages are killed by the group. In Japan, such abductions rarely occur, so I was also astonished the numerous cases. I do not have any ideas to solve these issues, but if I can do something for preventing the issues, I would like do even though it becomes only a little help for such nations.
Vocabularies
1)scourge
Parts of speech
noun
Definition
a person or thing that applies or administers punishment or sever criticism
Synonym
plague, curse
My sentence
On March 11th, 2011, one of the biggest earthquakes in the world hit Japan and caused the severe scourge around Tohoku area, especially shore sides.
2)unleash
Parts of speech
verb
Definition
to untie
Synonym
release
My sentence
The abduction group unleashed the hostages because they got tremendous ransom.
3)ransom
Parts of speech
noun
Definition
money paid for return or possession or person
Synonym
compensation
My sentence
His parents had to prepare a large amount of money for his safe.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Week 4 the first reading journal
Giant Sunspot Now Aimed Directly at Earth
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2011/11/111110-sunspots-ar1339-earth-jupiter-solar-flare-auroras-space-science/
Summary
The huge cluster of magnetic activity on the sun has appeared recently. It is very rare case that the cluster can be seen by naked eyes. The magnetic activity, rotated around the sun, occurs because the difference of temperature between the sun and the clusters. The magnetic fields around the active region emit a large amount of electromagnetic energy because of their burst. If the magnetic energy enters our atmosphere, it reflects molecules in the atmosphere, and released light. The phenomenon is aurora. Because of the magnetic activity on the sun, we will frequently see aurorae. The situation is good for us, but such a huge energy which was produced from the sun might causes many serious problems to us. The magnetic activity also produces the x-ray. When the x-ray, which is unusual amount in this time, entered into our atmosphere, it prevents to communicate to satellite. In addition, such a large amount of x-ray is worried about the health of commercial pilot and astronauts in the International Space Station. When the sun produces large solar flares, they are forced to expose the large amount of the x-ray, and they have to evacuate the x-ray for at least one minute. The sun has not produce a lot of the x-ray so far, but the situation is still churning up new fields.
My opinion
I have never considered about the sunspot and aurorae. So, I am surprised that the relationship between the two phenomena. I could acknowledge that the relationship among solar system is really fragile one. I could notice that the Earth is called the miracle planet in solar system. I learned many things from the article.
Vocabularies
1)cluster
Parts of speech
noun
Definition
an organization of the same kind of things, animals, or people
Synonym
assembly, group
My own sentence
The cluster of millions of stars is called galaxy.
2)expose
Parts of speech
verb
Definition
to show something without any protections
Synonym
show, reveal
My own sentence
The murder exposed a dead body to show his cruelty.
3)churn up
Parts of speech
verb(idiom)
Definition
to cause aversion in
Synonym
upset, disturb, shake up
I churn up his mistake because it caused so serious trouble.
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2011/11/111110-sunspots-ar1339-earth-jupiter-solar-flare-auroras-space-science/
Summary
The huge cluster of magnetic activity on the sun has appeared recently. It is very rare case that the cluster can be seen by naked eyes. The magnetic activity, rotated around the sun, occurs because the difference of temperature between the sun and the clusters. The magnetic fields around the active region emit a large amount of electromagnetic energy because of their burst. If the magnetic energy enters our atmosphere, it reflects molecules in the atmosphere, and released light. The phenomenon is aurora. Because of the magnetic activity on the sun, we will frequently see aurorae. The situation is good for us, but such a huge energy which was produced from the sun might causes many serious problems to us. The magnetic activity also produces the x-ray. When the x-ray, which is unusual amount in this time, entered into our atmosphere, it prevents to communicate to satellite. In addition, such a large amount of x-ray is worried about the health of commercial pilot and astronauts in the International Space Station. When the sun produces large solar flares, they are forced to expose the large amount of the x-ray, and they have to evacuate the x-ray for at least one minute. The sun has not produce a lot of the x-ray so far, but the situation is still churning up new fields.
My opinion
I have never considered about the sunspot and aurorae. So, I am surprised that the relationship between the two phenomena. I could acknowledge that the relationship among solar system is really fragile one. I could notice that the Earth is called the miracle planet in solar system. I learned many things from the article.
Vocabularies
1)cluster
Parts of speech
noun
Definition
an organization of the same kind of things, animals, or people
Synonym
assembly, group
My own sentence
The cluster of millions of stars is called galaxy.
2)expose
Parts of speech
verb
Definition
to show something without any protections
Synonym
show, reveal
My own sentence
The murder exposed a dead body to show his cruelty.
3)churn up
Parts of speech
verb(idiom)
Definition
to cause aversion in
Synonym
upset, disturb, shake up
I churn up his mistake because it caused so serious trouble.
Saturday, November 12, 2011
An irregular writing essay
This is the other class's writing assignment. But I made a big effort to write it. It roughly took two hours. I attached the writing because it is wasteful if I erase it.
1)Can A Computer Think?
Can does a computer think? I say "No". Will a computer be able to think in the future? This answer is of course "No". In my opinion, "thinking" is the only skill which imperfect things can obtain. "Thinking" occurs because of curiosity and sense. In the case of human beings, when they face something, their curiosity appears and they try to clarify what it is by using five senses. Because they are imperfect, they want to know something which tempts them. During this process, "thinking" occurs. If they face something but they have already known what it is exactly, they do not think anything about the object. Meanwhile, when they face unknown or unexpected experience, they try to clarify what it is even if the object might cause pain. In thins case, they must "think" about something before they try to clarify. This "something" is based on the past experiences which they felt by five senses. This is memory for sure. Then, I consider whether a computer can "think" or not. Does a computer has any curiosity, senses or memories? I can say that a computer has memories, but cannot have any curiosity and senses. Because computers are the thing which has been already perfect. In other words, even if they had curiosity and senses, these two things are programmed before they are produced. Such curiosity and senses are based on the programmer's experiences. How about their memories? In the case of human beings, the capacity of memories is unlimited. On the other hand, computers' memories are limited because of the perfect existence. And the process of their memories is that they can only accumulate memories in the limited capacity. When the capacity is almost full, they just say they cannot memorize anything soon. This action is not "thinking". In addition, computers cannot reflect their memories into several cases. This is the proof that a computer can not do "thinking".
2)What is the difference between thinking and processing information?
As I said the above, "thinking" is based on curiosity, senses, and memories. And unlimited memories stimulate the action, "thinking", and the action occurs normally when the fundamental three things appear. On the other hand, "processing" is the decided action sequences. In addition, "processing" means that it has already been programmed. In other words, if "processing" faced unexpected experiences, it cannot work. To sum up the difference between "thinking" and "processing", "thinking" is unlimited and occurs unintentionally, but "processing" is limited action and occurs intentionally.
3)If a computer with artificial intelligence such as Hal was in conflict with a human, what advantages would it have? What advantages would the human beings have?
I consider what the merit and demerit of computers are. I think the merit of computers are their action speed. They can calculate, translate, and do any other programmed actions when they are ordered. The demerit of computers are that they cannot correspond irregular orders. If the conflict between human beings and computers occurs, only when computers became uncontrolled. So, uncontrolled computers might kill human beings because of their mistakes. But uncontrolled computers is not the same as that they have their own mind, I think(I am very sorry for Mr. James Cameron and any other related persons of the movie "The Terminator" series). But if it is the case that the conflict occur, the advantage of computers is its accuracy. When a computer and a person compete by using guns, a computer definitely kill a human. On the other hand, a person might mistake to pull the trigger or to shot exactly. As I said the above, computers cannot think, but can proceed any processes immediately with mass programming instead of thinking. So, they can acknowledge what and how they should do next with unbelievable speed. Human beings cannot do the same as the computers. But, as I mentioned, people can think what the useful procedures are. They can learn something from their mistakes. Human beings might face numerical inferiority, first. But they can absolutely consider the better plots day by day. I do not understand what the consequence of the conflict is, but I believe that human beings never abandon the computers' attack. So, the advantage of a computer is its accuracy, and the advantage of human beings is definitely "thinking".
Friday, November 11, 2011
Week 3 the sixth reading journal
Picking Business Names in China Is a Business Itself
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/12/world/asia/picking-brand-names-in-china-is-a-business-itself.html?pagewanted=2&_r=1&hp
Summary
Foreign brand names in China are reproduced better and more familiar words to Chinese. Most of the reproduced names have similar pronunciation of the original sounds. For example, "Tide", a detergent name, changes "Taizi", whose meaning in Chinese is "get rid of dirt". These skills are no longer an art. Chinese considers that the merchandise names should resemble the original ones and the reproduced names should have better meanings to be promoted consumers' purchase desire. This skill is a somewhat science. The China's market for consumer goods is proceeding year by year, and such renamed merchandises support the growth. As a good example to prove the growth, "Bing", which is the search engine of Microsoft, is changed the name to "Bi ying". Because the definitions of "Bing" in Chinese are "disease", "defect", and "virus". On the other hand, the rough definition of "Bi ying" is "responds without fail". Chinese tend to attach the importance to characters for words rather than a phonetic alphabet.
My opinion
I think that using the original names is to respect the companies and their merchandise. But renaming in mother language is very important to respect their own custom, and of course it is very skillful work, I think. Japanese tend to consider sensitively where the merchandise came from or were made from. Most of the names of European or American goods are used without change. But the names of any other Asian countries are changed in familiar sound to Japanese, like changed alphabet letters. Meanwhile, when Japanese goods are imported to other countries, the name of domestic companies tend to be changed to Roman letters. This way is better for letting the companies names know to other nations, but it is not that they respect their own language, Japanese.
*Vocabularies
1)phonetic
Parts of speech
adjective
Definition
pertaining to speech sound
Synonym
spoken
My sentence
There is big difference between Japanese phonetic sound and English one.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/12/world/asia/picking-brand-names-in-china-is-a-business-itself.html?pagewanted=2&_r=1&hp
Summary
Foreign brand names in China are reproduced better and more familiar words to Chinese. Most of the reproduced names have similar pronunciation of the original sounds. For example, "Tide", a detergent name, changes "Taizi", whose meaning in Chinese is "get rid of dirt". These skills are no longer an art. Chinese considers that the merchandise names should resemble the original ones and the reproduced names should have better meanings to be promoted consumers' purchase desire. This skill is a somewhat science. The China's market for consumer goods is proceeding year by year, and such renamed merchandises support the growth. As a good example to prove the growth, "Bing", which is the search engine of Microsoft, is changed the name to "Bi ying". Because the definitions of "Bing" in Chinese are "disease", "defect", and "virus". On the other hand, the rough definition of "Bi ying" is "responds without fail". Chinese tend to attach the importance to characters for words rather than a phonetic alphabet.
My opinion
I think that using the original names is to respect the companies and their merchandise. But renaming in mother language is very important to respect their own custom, and of course it is very skillful work, I think. Japanese tend to consider sensitively where the merchandise came from or were made from. Most of the names of European or American goods are used without change. But the names of any other Asian countries are changed in familiar sound to Japanese, like changed alphabet letters. Meanwhile, when Japanese goods are imported to other countries, the name of domestic companies tend to be changed to Roman letters. This way is better for letting the companies names know to other nations, but it is not that they respect their own language, Japanese.
*Vocabularies
1)phonetic
Parts of speech
adjective
Definition
pertaining to speech sound
Synonym
spoken
My sentence
There is big difference between Japanese phonetic sound and English one.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Week 3 the fifth reading journal
Entire Mammal Genus On Brink of Extinction
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2011/11/111108-hirolas-extinct-genus-animals-science-africa-antelopes/?source=hp_dl1_news_antelopes20111109
Summary
The hirola , an animal species amid Kenya and Somalia, is facing their extinction. Since 1960s, the governments and conservationists have been working to save this mammal. But most of their attempts do not help the hirola to save their number because of climate change, unexpected hunting from predators, the competition with neighbor livestock for food, and some conservative organisations' wrong procedures for the animal's conservation. But a community which is organized by Somalian clans attempts to execute a useful way for saving the hirola. They are constructing a new sanctuary for the animal. The sanctuary consists of not only predator-free, but also tourism. The benefit from the tourism is allocated for proceeding the operate of the sanctuary mostly, and the remains are used for conservation practices and hiring scouts to patrol and prevent the hires. Its effort spreads its neighborhoods.
My opinion
I wrote about the increasing of the gray wolves' population before. I understood whichever an animal number is increasing or decreasing, the incident is suffered from the specific people. In a class in the last semester, we debated what the major language is. In the lecture, we argued that the minor language was forced to be disappeared by the major language. I thought these two situations resemble each other.
I wonder how people think if the extinct species were a microscopic creature. Because, in that class, I had thought that I do not care whether a minor language disappears or not. What is the main difference between visible(major) things and invisible(minor) things?
*Vocabularies
1)clan
Parts of speech
noun
Definition
a group or family consisted of common descent from a common ancestor
Synonym
family
My own sentence
One of the famous Japanese clans is Minamoto clan originated Heian era.
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2011/11/111108-hirolas-extinct-genus-animals-science-africa-antelopes/?source=hp_dl1_news_antelopes20111109
Summary
The hirola , an animal species amid Kenya and Somalia, is facing their extinction. Since 1960s, the governments and conservationists have been working to save this mammal. But most of their attempts do not help the hirola to save their number because of climate change, unexpected hunting from predators, the competition with neighbor livestock for food, and some conservative organisations' wrong procedures for the animal's conservation. But a community which is organized by Somalian clans attempts to execute a useful way for saving the hirola. They are constructing a new sanctuary for the animal. The sanctuary consists of not only predator-free, but also tourism. The benefit from the tourism is allocated for proceeding the operate of the sanctuary mostly, and the remains are used for conservation practices and hiring scouts to patrol and prevent the hires. Its effort spreads its neighborhoods.
My opinion
I wrote about the increasing of the gray wolves' population before. I understood whichever an animal number is increasing or decreasing, the incident is suffered from the specific people. In a class in the last semester, we debated what the major language is. In the lecture, we argued that the minor language was forced to be disappeared by the major language. I thought these two situations resemble each other.
I wonder how people think if the extinct species were a microscopic creature. Because, in that class, I had thought that I do not care whether a minor language disappears or not. What is the main difference between visible(major) things and invisible(minor) things?
*Vocabularies
1)clan
Parts of speech
noun
Definition
a group or family consisted of common descent from a common ancestor
Synonym
family
My own sentence
One of the famous Japanese clans is Minamoto clan originated Heian era.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Week 3 the fourth reading journal
Power For The Planet': Company Bets Big On Fusion
http://www.npr.org/2011/11/09/141931203/-power-for-the-planet-company-bets-big-on-fusion
Summary
Now, the clean energy supply is one of the major invention in the world. Most of the invention of new energy is so costly that it is too far that the energy is used practically. However, a new energy is attracted from all over the world. The company, which names General Fusion, is located in the suburb of Vancouver, British Columbia. Michel Laberge is president and chief technology officer in the company. The cue which he starts the invention is that when he participated a competition, he could beat any other wealthy companies with the very limited budget. The triumph tempts him and decides to devote the invention of the new energy. His fields of expertise is fusion energy, so he tries to invent the new fusion energy.
His goal is that he makes a small sun. The process is very simple. When 2 atoms fuse together and became one large, heavy atom, the atom produce a large amount of energy which temperature is 150,000,000 degrees Celsius. The cost to be produced such energy is much cheaper than any other invention of the new energies, and there is no risk to jeopardize the Earth. He thinks the success is 60% so far, but many investors has already supported his invention. He believes he can be one of the people who can save the earth.
My opinion
I do not write the process in detail on the above, but it seems to be simple to be produced such a big energy. So, I expect the new energy can be produced absolutely. On the other hand, I wonder the energy might be used to make horrible weapons after the invention.
*Vocabularies
1)expertise
Parts of speech
noun
Definition
the specific knowledge of a specific field
Synonym
skill, knowledge
My own sentence
I have the expertise of wine because I used to be a sommelier in Japan.
2)jeopardize
Part of speech
verb
Definition
to put in hazard, risk
Synonym
endanger
My own sentence
Some animal species are jeopardized to extinct.
http://www.npr.org/2011/11/09/141931203/-power-for-the-planet-company-bets-big-on-fusion
Summary
Now, the clean energy supply is one of the major invention in the world. Most of the invention of new energy is so costly that it is too far that the energy is used practically. However, a new energy is attracted from all over the world. The company, which names General Fusion, is located in the suburb of Vancouver, British Columbia. Michel Laberge is president and chief technology officer in the company. The cue which he starts the invention is that when he participated a competition, he could beat any other wealthy companies with the very limited budget. The triumph tempts him and decides to devote the invention of the new energy. His fields of expertise is fusion energy, so he tries to invent the new fusion energy.
His goal is that he makes a small sun. The process is very simple. When 2 atoms fuse together and became one large, heavy atom, the atom produce a large amount of energy which temperature is 150,000,000 degrees Celsius. The cost to be produced such energy is much cheaper than any other invention of the new energies, and there is no risk to jeopardize the Earth. He thinks the success is 60% so far, but many investors has already supported his invention. He believes he can be one of the people who can save the earth.
My opinion
I do not write the process in detail on the above, but it seems to be simple to be produced such a big energy. So, I expect the new energy can be produced absolutely. On the other hand, I wonder the energy might be used to make horrible weapons after the invention.
*Vocabularies
1)expertise
Parts of speech
noun
Definition
the specific knowledge of a specific field
Synonym
skill, knowledge
My own sentence
I have the expertise of wine because I used to be a sommelier in Japan.
2)jeopardize
Part of speech
verb
Definition
to put in hazard, risk
Synonym
endanger
My own sentence
Some animal species are jeopardized to extinct.
Week 3 the third reading journal
After Years of Conflict, a New Dynamic in Wolf Country
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/05/science/earth/conflict-over-wolves-yields-new-dynamic-between-ranchers-and-conservationists.html?_r=2&pagewanted=2
Summary
Increasing of the population of the gray wolves caused the argument between ranchers and conservationists in the three state, Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming. In 1960s, the population was decreasing dramatically because of the trap or poisons to kill the gray wolves. After three decades, the federal government decided to reintroduce 66 numbers of the gray wolves in Idaho and Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming because of fixing the ecosystem amid the wild life. The intention of the government was to increase the number of the gray wolves to around 150, and 15 breeding pairs in Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming. But the consequence was stunning. Only in 7 years, the number swelled up and exceeded surprisingly. Ranchers had suffered from such numerous predators because the livestock threatened by them. They had tried to prevent the forage from the increased gray wolves but the hunting period was very limited.
Conservationists disagreed with the reducing of the number of the gray wolves. Only a few of them began to reach out to ranchers to forge the compromise between ranchers and conservationists, but most of ranchers were frightened the resistance from most of conservationists. The conflict between ranchers and conservationists continued until the middle of 1990s. Somehow or other, lawmakers from some Western states required the government to remove the gray wolves from the endangered animals list. In this summer, the government permitted to hunt them. But some conservationists accused the government because of the lack of adequate management plan in Wyoming. The federal court accepted their accusing. The decision was raged ranchers because their livestock was exposed the risk of becoming the prey of the gray wolves.
Now, ranchers and conservationists try to decide a compromise, but the process is not supposed to be easy. Fortunately ranchers are allowed to control the number of the gray wolves from the government in the mid of 1990, but the execution makes ranchers nervous because of the cost. The government supports less money, but imposes them to restrict the way of hunting strictly. A rancher becomes a mediator between other ranchers and conservationists, but he suffers from the own position. Other ranchers do not support him well, and complain about his procedure. He pays money to save their livestock such as calves from the attack of the gray wolves, but others do not. He says that if they are willing to save their own livestock from the gray wolves, they should do the same as him.
(I could not summarize well because the time order was so complicated in the article. Anyway, the photograph on the top page is very beautiful isn't it?)
*Vocabularies
1)conservationist
Parts of speech
Noun
Definition
a person who is eager for saving wild life.
Synonym
an environmental activist
My own sentence
Sometimes conservationists considers only their sacred position.
2)rancher
Parts of speech
Noun
Definition
An owner who run the own ranch
Synonym
farmer
My own sentence
The rancher forced to quit the farm because of the bankrupt.
3)numerous
Part of speech
Adjective
Definition
A large number of
Synonym
plentiful
My own sentence
The numerous held of sheep disappeared suddenly.
4)mediator
Parts of speech
Noun
Definition
A person who has to handle some problems to be better amid a bad relationship
Synonym
advocate
My own sentence
I do not want to be a mediator between a couple's trouble.
5)livestock
Parts of speech
Noun
Definition
animals which are fed by ranchers for selling the animals' milk, fur or meat
Synonym
cattle, calves, herd
My own sentence
The word "livestock" is one of the uncountable nouns.
6)reach out
Parts of speech
Verve(Idiom)
Definition
To give or exchange information or ideas
Synonym
advise
My own sentence
He reached out his ideas to perform a good presentation.
7)forge
Parts of speech
Verb
Definition
to form or make something by concentrated effort
Synonym
invent
My own sentence
I tried to forge a good relationship with her.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/05/science/earth/conflict-over-wolves-yields-new-dynamic-between-ranchers-and-conservationists.html?_r=2&pagewanted=2
Summary
Increasing of the population of the gray wolves caused the argument between ranchers and conservationists in the three state, Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming. In 1960s, the population was decreasing dramatically because of the trap or poisons to kill the gray wolves. After three decades, the federal government decided to reintroduce 66 numbers of the gray wolves in Idaho and Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming because of fixing the ecosystem amid the wild life. The intention of the government was to increase the number of the gray wolves to around 150, and 15 breeding pairs in Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming. But the consequence was stunning. Only in 7 years, the number swelled up and exceeded surprisingly. Ranchers had suffered from such numerous predators because the livestock threatened by them. They had tried to prevent the forage from the increased gray wolves but the hunting period was very limited.
Conservationists disagreed with the reducing of the number of the gray wolves. Only a few of them began to reach out to ranchers to forge the compromise between ranchers and conservationists, but most of ranchers were frightened the resistance from most of conservationists. The conflict between ranchers and conservationists continued until the middle of 1990s. Somehow or other, lawmakers from some Western states required the government to remove the gray wolves from the endangered animals list. In this summer, the government permitted to hunt them. But some conservationists accused the government because of the lack of adequate management plan in Wyoming. The federal court accepted their accusing. The decision was raged ranchers because their livestock was exposed the risk of becoming the prey of the gray wolves.
Now, ranchers and conservationists try to decide a compromise, but the process is not supposed to be easy. Fortunately ranchers are allowed to control the number of the gray wolves from the government in the mid of 1990, but the execution makes ranchers nervous because of the cost. The government supports less money, but imposes them to restrict the way of hunting strictly. A rancher becomes a mediator between other ranchers and conservationists, but he suffers from the own position. Other ranchers do not support him well, and complain about his procedure. He pays money to save their livestock such as calves from the attack of the gray wolves, but others do not. He says that if they are willing to save their own livestock from the gray wolves, they should do the same as him.
(I could not summarize well because the time order was so complicated in the article. Anyway, the photograph on the top page is very beautiful isn't it?)
*Vocabularies
1)conservationist
Parts of speech
Noun
Definition
a person who is eager for saving wild life.
Synonym
an environmental activist
My own sentence
Sometimes conservationists considers only their sacred position.
2)rancher
Parts of speech
Noun
Definition
An owner who run the own ranch
Synonym
farmer
My own sentence
The rancher forced to quit the farm because of the bankrupt.
3)numerous
Part of speech
Adjective
Definition
A large number of
Synonym
plentiful
My own sentence
The numerous held of sheep disappeared suddenly.
4)mediator
Parts of speech
Noun
Definition
A person who has to handle some problems to be better amid a bad relationship
Synonym
advocate
My own sentence
I do not want to be a mediator between a couple's trouble.
5)livestock
Parts of speech
Noun
Definition
animals which are fed by ranchers for selling the animals' milk, fur or meat
Synonym
cattle, calves, herd
My own sentence
The word "livestock" is one of the uncountable nouns.
6)reach out
Parts of speech
Verve(Idiom)
Definition
To give or exchange information or ideas
Synonym
advise
My own sentence
He reached out his ideas to perform a good presentation.
7)forge
Parts of speech
Verb
Definition
to form or make something by concentrated effort
Synonym
invent
My own sentence
I tried to forge a good relationship with her.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Week 3 the second reading journal
Meteor Shower to Peak This Weak-Fireballs Expected
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2011/11/111104-meteor-shower-fireballs-comet-taurids-space-science/
Summary
The Taurid shooting stars are ready to show through November 5th to 6th in 2011. The Taurids, annual meteor showers associated with comet Encke which is a periodic comet that completes an orbit of the Sun once every three years, consist of a plenty of fragments and when they enter Earth's atmosphere, they become fireballs and brighter than any other stars.
The most unusual feature of the Taurid meteor showers are that they appear to be divided into the two different clouds and show themselves from each cloud constantly during a week.
The Taurid meteors stimulate many scientists because they believe that the meteors were made by a broken large comet which occurred thousands years ago. An astronomer mentions the comet which was more than 62 miles wide was broken and became clusters 20,000 years ago after multiple trip around the sun. Coming the meteors becomes an incredible sample and helps many scientists investigate any fields of the space studies, he says.
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2011/11/111104-meteor-shower-fireballs-comet-taurids-space-science/
Summary
The Taurid shooting stars are ready to show through November 5th to 6th in 2011. The Taurids, annual meteor showers associated with comet Encke which is a periodic comet that completes an orbit of the Sun once every three years, consist of a plenty of fragments and when they enter Earth's atmosphere, they become fireballs and brighter than any other stars.
The most unusual feature of the Taurid meteor showers are that they appear to be divided into the two different clouds and show themselves from each cloud constantly during a week.
The Taurid meteors stimulate many scientists because they believe that the meteors were made by a broken large comet which occurred thousands years ago. An astronomer mentions the comet which was more than 62 miles wide was broken and became clusters 20,000 years ago after multiple trip around the sun. Coming the meteors becomes an incredible sample and helps many scientists investigate any fields of the space studies, he says.
Week 3 the first reading journal
USGS: 5.6 Magnitude Quake Rattles Oklahoma
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=142067070
Summary
One of the strongest earthquakes hit Oklahoma on Saturday, November 5th, 2011. The rarest incident caused turmoil at most of the cities. The calling in the police offices never stopped for couple of hours, and people said that they had never experienced such a huge earthquake. A weaker earthquake hit the state before the huge temblor on early time on Saturday. Even the weaker earthquake made people awake in the early morning. The strongest earthquake history at the same area mentioned the magnitude as 5.5 in 1882 and 1952. If the exact magnitude of the earthquake which occurred on November 5th was calculated, it becomes the strongest in the whole history in the area. The earthquake was felt as far away as Tennessee. According to the emergency authorities, only cracks occurred, but there are no immediate reports of injuries or casualties by the earthquake.
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=142067070
Summary
One of the strongest earthquakes hit Oklahoma on Saturday, November 5th, 2011. The rarest incident caused turmoil at most of the cities. The calling in the police offices never stopped for couple of hours, and people said that they had never experienced such a huge earthquake. A weaker earthquake hit the state before the huge temblor on early time on Saturday. Even the weaker earthquake made people awake in the early morning. The strongest earthquake history at the same area mentioned the magnitude as 5.5 in 1882 and 1952. If the exact magnitude of the earthquake which occurred on November 5th was calculated, it becomes the strongest in the whole history in the area. The earthquake was felt as far away as Tennessee. According to the emergency authorities, only cracks occurred, but there are no immediate reports of injuries or casualties by the earthquake.
Week 2 the sixth reading journal
Wild Turkeys Get a Tate of Domesticity, Much to a Borough's Chagrin
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/05/nyregion/wild-turkeys-are-nuisance-on-staten-island.html?_r=1&hp
Summary
There are dozens of wild turkeys in wooden areas around New York City. They walk across the street bravely, frighten children, snatch snacks, breed planted shrubs or garden vegetables, and mess up around the area. An old woman shows the evidence to rake up their feathers and droppings, and the weight is 112 ponds. Residents complain the situation to the state. The state has tried to prevent hatching so far, but it does not work well. The hunting period is very limited, and during the period, turkeys make their nest and lay eggs. Residents and the state officers sometimes can find the eggs around shrubs, but they notice that most of the eggs have already hatched out. Some residents love the animals even though they mess up around the town because they can feel that they are on farm when they see the flocks of turkeys from the window. According to a survey of 775 houses in affected area, 61% of residents see the flocks of turkeys in daily basis, 57% of them fear the turkeys' sudden appearance while they drive, and about half of them clean their dropping up everyday.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/05/nyregion/wild-turkeys-are-nuisance-on-staten-island.html?_r=1&hp
Summary
There are dozens of wild turkeys in wooden areas around New York City. They walk across the street bravely, frighten children, snatch snacks, breed planted shrubs or garden vegetables, and mess up around the area. An old woman shows the evidence to rake up their feathers and droppings, and the weight is 112 ponds. Residents complain the situation to the state. The state has tried to prevent hatching so far, but it does not work well. The hunting period is very limited, and during the period, turkeys make their nest and lay eggs. Residents and the state officers sometimes can find the eggs around shrubs, but they notice that most of the eggs have already hatched out. Some residents love the animals even though they mess up around the town because they can feel that they are on farm when they see the flocks of turkeys from the window. According to a survey of 775 houses in affected area, 61% of residents see the flocks of turkeys in daily basis, 57% of them fear the turkeys' sudden appearance while they drive, and about half of them clean their dropping up everyday.
Friday, November 4, 2011
New Vocabularies
1: embargo
*Part of Speech
Noun
*Definition
Prohibition of any transactions between own country and the other country
*Synonym
bar, restrain
*My own sentence
The United States of America decided the embargo against Japan during the Chinese-Japanese War.
2: reptile
*Part Of Speech
Noun
*Definition
A kind of animals which generally have hard skin, scales, cold-blood and live in tropical areas in the world, like snakes, lizards, or turtles.
*Synonym
None of Synonym
*My own sentence
The features of reptiles are that they lay shelled eggs, and they do not control their body temperature well.
3:opaque
*Part of Speech
Adjective
*Definition
Not transparent, bright or hard to understand
*Synonym
muddy, foggy, unclear
*My own sentence
Generally, the native stone of diamonds is opaque.
4: intrigue
*Part of Speech
Verb
*Definition
To get success or achievement by using specific plots/To stimulate someone's curiosity
*Synonym
plot, amuse
*My own sentence
I intrigued to get her heart.
5:paradigm
*Part of Speech
Noun
*Definition
A pattern or model
*Synonym
criterion
*My own sentence
The paradigm of the past tense of English is to add "d" or "ed" after the word of the original tense, generally.
6:intimate
*Part of Speech
Adjective
*Definition
Associated in close personal relations
Very private
*Synonym
friendly, confidential
*My own sentence
I like to stay an intimate restaurant.
7:archaic
*Part of Speech
Adjective
*Definition
Marked by the characteristics of an early period
Used in an old era, but not familiar to the present time
*Synonym
ancient, antique
*My own sentence
Every language has some archaic expressions, and it is hard to understand these expressions, usually.
8:iron out
*Part of speech
Verb(Idiom)
*Definition
To reduce some useless or unnecessary things to make a good situation or relationship
*Synonym
get rid of, reconcile
*My own sentence
Scientists tried to iron out the result to prove their idea.
9:influx
*Part of Speech
Noun
*Definition
Act of flowing in
*Synonym
flow, rush
*My own sentence
The influx of cheap ingredients from abroad gave cruel damage for Japanese farmers.
10:errand
*Part of Speech
Noun
*Definition
A short and quick trip to accomplish a specific order
A special mission
A person who has to do the above 2 things by orders
*Synonym
duty, assignment
*My own sentence
I called an errand to deliver my documents immediately.
*Part of Speech
Noun
*Definition
Prohibition of any transactions between own country and the other country
*Synonym
bar, restrain
*My own sentence
The United States of America decided the embargo against Japan during the Chinese-Japanese War.
2: reptile
*Part Of Speech
Noun
*Definition
A kind of animals which generally have hard skin, scales, cold-blood and live in tropical areas in the world, like snakes, lizards, or turtles.
*Synonym
None of Synonym
*My own sentence
The features of reptiles are that they lay shelled eggs, and they do not control their body temperature well.
3:opaque
*Part of Speech
Adjective
*Definition
Not transparent, bright or hard to understand
*Synonym
muddy, foggy, unclear
*My own sentence
Generally, the native stone of diamonds is opaque.
4: intrigue
*Part of Speech
Verb
*Definition
To get success or achievement by using specific plots/To stimulate someone's curiosity
*Synonym
plot, amuse
*My own sentence
I intrigued to get her heart.
5:paradigm
*Part of Speech
Noun
*Definition
A pattern or model
*Synonym
criterion
*My own sentence
The paradigm of the past tense of English is to add "d" or "ed" after the word of the original tense, generally.
6:intimate
*Part of Speech
Adjective
*Definition
Associated in close personal relations
Very private
*Synonym
friendly, confidential
*My own sentence
I like to stay an intimate restaurant.
7:archaic
*Part of Speech
Adjective
*Definition
Marked by the characteristics of an early period
Used in an old era, but not familiar to the present time
*Synonym
ancient, antique
*My own sentence
Every language has some archaic expressions, and it is hard to understand these expressions, usually.
8:iron out
*Part of speech
Verb(Idiom)
*Definition
To reduce some useless or unnecessary things to make a good situation or relationship
*Synonym
get rid of, reconcile
*My own sentence
Scientists tried to iron out the result to prove their idea.
9:influx
*Part of Speech
Noun
*Definition
Act of flowing in
*Synonym
flow, rush
*My own sentence
The influx of cheap ingredients from abroad gave cruel damage for Japanese farmers.
10:errand
*Part of Speech
Noun
*Definition
A short and quick trip to accomplish a specific order
A special mission
A person who has to do the above 2 things by orders
*Synonym
duty, assignment
*My own sentence
I called an errand to deliver my documents immediately.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Week 2 the fifth reading journal
Asians, Too, Mated With Archaic Humans, DNA Hints
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2011/11/111101-humans-mating-denisovans-neanderthals-southeast-asia-science/
(To tell the truth, I could not understand what the article mainly mentioned.)
A research represented that one percent of Asians might be the descendant of the archaic humans who mated with Denisovans, cousins of Neanderthals genetically. The newest research mentions that the offspring are still alive in mainland Asia, nevertheless, the DNA of Denisovans have never been discovered from Asia so far. The research is based on DNA extracted from 40,000-year-old Denisovans finger bone which was discovered in Siberian Russia's Altai Mountain in 2008. The research says that the DNA of people who are in Papua New Guinea and other Melanesian islands share 4 to 6 % of their ancestry with the archaic humans. Researchers use a specific way to investigate the DNA. The way is called single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs) which measures genetic variation in DNA blocks. The data has a mass individual gene information so that researchers compares the Neanderthal and Denisovan genomes by using the data from more than 1,500 people in the world. This method usually results errors but they try to the other method to reduce such errors. The result represents that Denisovans gene remains fewer Asians than Melanesian, but the researchers believe they are different admixture way from Melanesian. In other words, they believe that Asians still have the possibility of the descendant of Denisovans.
Some scientists accuse their research, and represent the different evidence to prove their ideas. According to their research, only 5% archaic humans scattered all over the world from Africa, so it is difficult to prove that only 1% Asians are the descendant of Denisovans. Indeed, the admixture between one archaic human beings and the other archaic one is the possible incident, but 95% of people is the modern human that left Africa 50,000 years ago.
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2011/11/111101-humans-mating-denisovans-neanderthals-southeast-asia-science/
(To tell the truth, I could not understand what the article mainly mentioned.)
A research represented that one percent of Asians might be the descendant of the archaic humans who mated with Denisovans, cousins of Neanderthals genetically. The newest research mentions that the offspring are still alive in mainland Asia, nevertheless, the DNA of Denisovans have never been discovered from Asia so far. The research is based on DNA extracted from 40,000-year-old Denisovans finger bone which was discovered in Siberian Russia's Altai Mountain in 2008. The research says that the DNA of people who are in Papua New Guinea and other Melanesian islands share 4 to 6 % of their ancestry with the archaic humans. Researchers use a specific way to investigate the DNA. The way is called single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs) which measures genetic variation in DNA blocks. The data has a mass individual gene information so that researchers compares the Neanderthal and Denisovan genomes by using the data from more than 1,500 people in the world. This method usually results errors but they try to the other method to reduce such errors. The result represents that Denisovans gene remains fewer Asians than Melanesian, but the researchers believe they are different admixture way from Melanesian. In other words, they believe that Asians still have the possibility of the descendant of Denisovans.
Some scientists accuse their research, and represent the different evidence to prove their ideas. According to their research, only 5% archaic humans scattered all over the world from Africa, so it is difficult to prove that only 1% Asians are the descendant of Denisovans. Indeed, the admixture between one archaic human beings and the other archaic one is the possible incident, but 95% of people is the modern human that left Africa 50,000 years ago.
Week 2 the fourth reading journal
Planets Being Pulverized Near Giant Black Holes?
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2011/11/111101-black-holes-planets-dust-collisions-galaxies-space-science
(The article was too difficult to understand...)
Summary
Generally, super-massive black holes are in the center of big galaxies, and most of them are unclear with debris and fragments. Astronomers do not realize where such dust come from, and how the dust remains around the black holes for a long time. But a new theory mentions that newly born planets and asteroids are whirling, clash each other continually with the very high speed, and make dust around the huge black holes.
People have thought that black holes have only fragments or dust around them so far, but the new theory says they have asteroids and planets which can orbit around the black holes, like the solar system. Meanwhile, stars around the black holes have also huge gravitation. Such planets which were forced to release from the host stars are pulled with each other by the gravitation. So, smashing occurs many times, and much dust is born, a researcher believes.
The planets and asteroids around the black holes seem to be cruel demise, but the researcher says that the much dust can cut off much of the X-ray and the gamma ray, and the dust can help other stars or planets to stay in a safer and quieter circumstance. He believes it is much more diverse environment around the black holes.
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2011/11/111101-black-holes-planets-dust-collisions-galaxies-space-science
(The article was too difficult to understand...)
Summary
Generally, super-massive black holes are in the center of big galaxies, and most of them are unclear with debris and fragments. Astronomers do not realize where such dust come from, and how the dust remains around the black holes for a long time. But a new theory mentions that newly born planets and asteroids are whirling, clash each other continually with the very high speed, and make dust around the huge black holes.
People have thought that black holes have only fragments or dust around them so far, but the new theory says they have asteroids and planets which can orbit around the black holes, like the solar system. Meanwhile, stars around the black holes have also huge gravitation. Such planets which were forced to release from the host stars are pulled with each other by the gravitation. So, smashing occurs many times, and much dust is born, a researcher believes.
The planets and asteroids around the black holes seem to be cruel demise, but the researcher says that the much dust can cut off much of the X-ray and the gamma ray, and the dust can help other stars or planets to stay in a safer and quieter circumstance. He believes it is much more diverse environment around the black holes.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Week 2 third reading journal
Python Hearts Double in Size
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2011/10/111027-pythons-snakes-hearts-health-science-animals/#
Summary
Researchers discovered a big leap from pythons in science. They found three specific fatty acids in the blood from pythons. They researched that pythons, not frequent eater, are swelled their organs, except their brain, by the three fatty acids, and the nutrition makes their organs stronger, nevertheless, the situation is dangerous for human being. When researchers draw the pythons' blood to examine what the cause is after breaking a long fast, they found that the pythons' blood was opaque, like milk because of plenty of fat. Researchers also examined that they injected the three fatty acids into a mouse. The result was that its heart also swelled. Now they are carrying on a new study. They put the three fatty acid into mice which have heart disease and they investigate how the blood works for the mice.
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2011/10/111027-pythons-snakes-hearts-health-science-animals/#
Summary
Researchers discovered a big leap from pythons in science. They found three specific fatty acids in the blood from pythons. They researched that pythons, not frequent eater, are swelled their organs, except their brain, by the three fatty acids, and the nutrition makes their organs stronger, nevertheless, the situation is dangerous for human being. When researchers draw the pythons' blood to examine what the cause is after breaking a long fast, they found that the pythons' blood was opaque, like milk because of plenty of fat. Researchers also examined that they injected the three fatty acids into a mouse. The result was that its heart also swelled. Now they are carrying on a new study. They put the three fatty acid into mice which have heart disease and they investigate how the blood works for the mice.
Week 2 second reading journal
In Cuba, A Used Car Is No Bargain by NICK MIROFF, from the NPR
http://www.npr.org/2011/10/31/141858419/in-cuba-a-used-car-is-no-bargain
Summary
The Cuban government deregulated the domestic car transactions. Since 1959, Cuban citizens could not purchase and sell their own cars normally. The way they get their cars was they had a privilege or received a reward from government. Only limited persons, like doctors or the persons who worked hard for the nation could obtain cars. If they could receive the permission to transact of cars from government, they paid much money even if the cars were second-handed.
Even now, the price is stunning. An old car, like a 2005 model with 60,000 miles on the odometer, is sold $60,000 because the U.S. embargo still works in Cuba. Regardless of the situation, Cubans intend to purchase such used cars. The average of wage in this country is only $20 per one month. The situation helps car-mechanics have the good skill to fix cars. Cars are like family, a Cuban says. When Cubans buy cars, they use them forever because of such an expensive price. Cubans welcome the new regulation, but they still face the U.S. embargo and the restriction of government.
http://www.npr.org/2011/10/31/141858419/in-cuba-a-used-car-is-no-bargain
Summary
The Cuban government deregulated the domestic car transactions. Since 1959, Cuban citizens could not purchase and sell their own cars normally. The way they get their cars was they had a privilege or received a reward from government. Only limited persons, like doctors or the persons who worked hard for the nation could obtain cars. If they could receive the permission to transact of cars from government, they paid much money even if the cars were second-handed.
Even now, the price is stunning. An old car, like a 2005 model with 60,000 miles on the odometer, is sold $60,000 because the U.S. embargo still works in Cuba. Regardless of the situation, Cubans intend to purchase such used cars. The average of wage in this country is only $20 per one month. The situation helps car-mechanics have the good skill to fix cars. Cars are like family, a Cuban says. When Cubans buy cars, they use them forever because of such an expensive price. Cubans welcome the new regulation, but they still face the U.S. embargo and the restriction of government.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Week 2 first reading journal
I will explain how I study the reading English skill.
I read newspaper, sometimes. When I read one article, I can see many unknown vocabularies. I highlight them first, and I read the article to ignore them. After I read the article, I often do not understand what the article said. So, I read it again. After that I check the vocabularies which I highlighted while I read. I explain the meanings of them in English somehow or other because my main dictionary is an "English-Japanese" one. After I checked all of the vocabularies, I read the article, again. In this time, I can understand what the main idea of the article is. Then, I try to write a short sentence that mentions what the main idea is.
But, in the TOEFL reading section, I do not the same as the above because the time is limited. So, I try to understand what the main idea of the article is, first. This is the opposite way.
Anyway, I write a boring blog now. So, I stop writing.
I read newspaper, sometimes. When I read one article, I can see many unknown vocabularies. I highlight them first, and I read the article to ignore them. After I read the article, I often do not understand what the article said. So, I read it again. After that I check the vocabularies which I highlighted while I read. I explain the meanings of them in English somehow or other because my main dictionary is an "English-Japanese" one. After I checked all of the vocabularies, I read the article, again. In this time, I can understand what the main idea of the article is. Then, I try to write a short sentence that mentions what the main idea is.
But, in the TOEFL reading section, I do not the same as the above because the time is limited. So, I try to understand what the main idea of the article is, first. This is the opposite way.
Anyway, I write a boring blog now. So, I stop writing.
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