Q= Give me a short essay summarizing what you think about the movie. Do you agree or disagree? Where are you in this epidemic? Where will your kids be?
A= Overall, I thought the movie was very enlightening and appropriate for today's times. I completely agree with the video, the message is completely applicable to society and the "epidemic" that is continually affecting more and more people. We are no longer people who must hunt and gather our food, we simply go down the street to find the quickest meal. Food is cheap and readily available, and often times, extremely fattening. Our society has dramatically changed from what is was 20, even 10 years ago. We have become an age of fast food and sedentary lifestyles. I may not be a part of this epidemic, but I am a part of the lifestyle. I am not overweight and I do exercise, but I would still consider myself part of the "Killer At Large" profile. I enjoy fast food, TV, video games, and sleeping in. I feel like a part of the problem because I am not trying to fix the problem. Based on the increases in the percentage of the population that is obese or overweight, I would say that my kids will most likely be that way. I can hope that I will lead a healthy lifestyle in the future and teach my kids similar lifestyle principles, but the future in unknown and the trends of society can only be guessed at. When enough will be enough, we may never know.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Invasive Species
A) Define Invasive Species:
B)Write one paragraph or more on the a negative invasive species instance and a positive invasive species instance. This can be about the same species or about 2 different ones. Total only 2 paragraphs 1 pro and 1 con.
C)Now list three invasive species to Kentucky.
D)Give one paragraph describing exactly what the history on the organism is, who is impacted the most, and where would one find this organism. Something else that might help you write the paragraph would be to discuss what measures Kentucky has taken to stop the organism.
E)Finally what is the difference behind invasive and introduced? Often the term invasive is used but could the term introduced be used instead??? Both imply that the organism is not native to the area.
A) invasive species = plants or animals that affect the habitats and bioregions they invade economically, environmentally, and/or ecologically
B) One example of a negative invasive species would be the brown tree snake. This snake has caused the extirpation of both bat, lizard , and bird species. Specifically in Guam, this snake has affected 10 of their 13 native bird species, 6 out of 12 of their native lizard species, and about 2 of 3 of their bat species.
An example of a positive invasive species would be the scotch bloom. This plant was originally intended to help with landscaping and visual appeal. Even though this plant is now overrunning native plants and causing potential dangers as a fire hazard, it's intended purpose proved to be a success.
C) Three invasive species to Kentucky would be the zebra mussel, the chestnut blight, and the multiflora rose.
D) The zebra mussel originated in the Caspian Sea area in Asia. In 1988, it was accidentally released into Lake St. Clair. This mussel can be found in the Kentucky River, as well as all along the Ohio River. The reason why this mussel is such a problem is because of the damage it causes by out-competing other animals and clogging pipes in power plants and municipal water sources.
The chestnut blight comes from China. It was most likely introduces to nurseries in the 1890s, however, it was first found located in New York in 1904. This fungus has affected chestnuts from Alabama to Maine. This fungus has affected chestnuts all along the eastern US, and now the only chestnuts that remain are sprouts from the dead trees that remain.
The multiflora rose comes from Japan and China. The flower was first introduced to America in the 1900s as a "living fence". The plant is now located in over 37 couties in Kentucky. This rose is not only a weed in most crop and pasture lands, it also prevents other plants from growing by forming dense thickets that crowd the area.
E) I believe that the differenvce between "introduced" and "invasive" would be the inteded purpose and the history or other information behind the subject. When something is introduced somewhere, it is done willfuly and for a purpose. Introductions, also, do not alwasy have negative connotations to go along with it. When something is deemed as invasive though, it is something that is typically unwanted and negatively looked upon.
defintions = invade-to enter forcefully as an enemy; to enter like an enemy; to encroach or infringe upon; to enter and affect injuriously or destructively
introduce-to acquaint (two or more persons) with each other personally;to suggest, propose, or advance for or as if for the first time; to create, bring into notice, use, etc., for or as if for the first time; institute
Sources:
http://www.defenders.org/resources/publications/invasives/kentucky.pdf
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Invasive_species
http://science.jrank.org/pages/3671/Invasive-Species.html
http://www.fs.fed.us/pnw/invasives/index.shtml
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/introduce
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/invade
B)Write one paragraph or more on the a negative invasive species instance and a positive invasive species instance. This can be about the same species or about 2 different ones. Total only 2 paragraphs 1 pro and 1 con.
C)Now list three invasive species to Kentucky.
D)Give one paragraph describing exactly what the history on the organism is, who is impacted the most, and where would one find this organism. Something else that might help you write the paragraph would be to discuss what measures Kentucky has taken to stop the organism.
E)Finally what is the difference behind invasive and introduced? Often the term invasive is used but could the term introduced be used instead??? Both imply that the organism is not native to the area.
A) invasive species = plants or animals that affect the habitats and bioregions they invade economically, environmentally, and/or ecologically
B) One example of a negative invasive species would be the brown tree snake. This snake has caused the extirpation of both bat, lizard , and bird species. Specifically in Guam, this snake has affected 10 of their 13 native bird species, 6 out of 12 of their native lizard species, and about 2 of 3 of their bat species.
An example of a positive invasive species would be the scotch bloom. This plant was originally intended to help with landscaping and visual appeal. Even though this plant is now overrunning native plants and causing potential dangers as a fire hazard, it's intended purpose proved to be a success.
C) Three invasive species to Kentucky would be the zebra mussel, the chestnut blight, and the multiflora rose.
D) The zebra mussel originated in the Caspian Sea area in Asia. In 1988, it was accidentally released into Lake St. Clair. This mussel can be found in the Kentucky River, as well as all along the Ohio River. The reason why this mussel is such a problem is because of the damage it causes by out-competing other animals and clogging pipes in power plants and municipal water sources.
The chestnut blight comes from China. It was most likely introduces to nurseries in the 1890s, however, it was first found located in New York in 1904. This fungus has affected chestnuts from Alabama to Maine. This fungus has affected chestnuts all along the eastern US, and now the only chestnuts that remain are sprouts from the dead trees that remain.
The multiflora rose comes from Japan and China. The flower was first introduced to America in the 1900s as a "living fence". The plant is now located in over 37 couties in Kentucky. This rose is not only a weed in most crop and pasture lands, it also prevents other plants from growing by forming dense thickets that crowd the area.
E) I believe that the differenvce between "introduced" and "invasive" would be the inteded purpose and the history or other information behind the subject. When something is introduced somewhere, it is done willfuly and for a purpose. Introductions, also, do not alwasy have negative connotations to go along with it. When something is deemed as invasive though, it is something that is typically unwanted and negatively looked upon.
defintions = invade-to enter forcefully as an enemy; to enter like an enemy; to encroach or infringe upon; to enter and affect injuriously or destructively
introduce-to acquaint (two or more persons) with each other personally;to suggest, propose, or advance for or as if for the first time; to create, bring into notice, use, etc., for or as if for the first time; institute
Sources:
http://www.defenders.org/resources/publications/invasives/kentucky.pdf
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Invasive_species
http://science.jrank.org/pages/3671/Invasive-Species.html
http://www.fs.fed.us/pnw/invasives/index.shtml
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/introduce
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/invade
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Forces of Nature
Forces of Nature
Q:
Part 1:
Find one of each of the following
Earthquake
Volcano
Hurricane
Tornado
Part 2:What has made it so famous? What kind of rating did it get (fajita, Richter, etc...)? What kind of damage did it cause? How many people were injured/died?
Part 3:
Use your knowledge of the earth to explain the earthquake and volcano examples and then use your knowledge of the atmosphere to explain how a tornado and hurricane works.
A:
Part 1
Earthquake: Shaanxi (Shensi) Earthquake
Volcano: Mount Pelee
Hurricane: Hurricane Galveston
Tornado: Waco Tornado
Part 2
The Shannxi Earthquake occurred in the Shaanxi Province in China on February 14, 1556. This earthquake was estimated to have a magnitude of an 8. The quake killed around 830,000 people and is known as the most devastating earthquake on record affecting around 500 miles of land and around 10 provinces.
Mount Pelee is located in the Caribbean. In 1902 it erupted in and killed around 30,000 people, destroying the town of Saint-Pierre. A series of larger eruptions occurred earlier, leading up to the largest eruption on May 8. This specific volcano was specifically identified because of its pyroclastic
flow that caused so much devastation.
Hurricane Galveston was famous due to its size and devastation. The hurricane occurred in 1900, so they did not have the technology to record its ferocity. The hurricane was so severe though, that the city in which it hit (Galveston, Texas) was nearly wiped off the map.
The Waco Tornado hit Waco, Texas in May of 1953. The tornado killed around 600 people and injured about 114 more. The tornado ranked about a F5 on the Fujita scale. This tornado was estimated to be about 1/3 of a mile wide with its total devastation measuring around 23 miles.
Part 3
Earthquakes occur in response to plate movement in the Earth's crust at fault lines. In
the Shaanxi Earthquake, I would estimate that it was in a subduction zone. I would also go farther and claim it was most likely a "megathrust" quake due to its overall destruction and possible moment magnitude of a 9.0.
Volcanoes are a response to diverging plates in the Earth's crust where magma then rises to the surface. I would label Mount Pelee as a composite/stratovolcano because of its devastation due to lava flows.
Hurricanes form near the equator near warm water. A hurricane is the result of temperatures rising above 80 degrees, the occurrence of weather disturbances, and light, steady winds in the upper atmosphere. These three things must coincide in order for a hurricane to happen. Even though these things may be present, a hurricane may not form. Once the temperature rises to the correct degree however, the system will officially enter the hurricane stage
A tornado will develop when a change in wind direction and speed occurs before a thunderstorm. With an increasing height added to the mix, a invisible-like, horizontal spinning effect occurs in the lower atmosphere. Within the thunderstorm, an updraft of rising air will tilt the rotating air from horizontal to vertical. As the thunderstorm moves now, the circumference of the rotation increases and strong winds begin rotating within. This, now vertical rotation of air, forms a tornado.
Q:
Part 1:
Find one of each of the following
Earthquake
Volcano
Hurricane
Tornado
Part 2:What has made it so famous? What kind of rating did it get (fajita, Richter, etc...)? What kind of damage did it cause? How many people were injured/died?
Part 3:
Use your knowledge of the earth to explain the earthquake and volcano examples and then use your knowledge of the atmosphere to explain how a tornado and hurricane works.
A:
Part 1
Earthquake: Shaanxi (Shensi) Earthquake
Volcano: Mount Pelee
Hurricane: Hurricane Galveston
Tornado: Waco Tornado
Part 2
The Shannxi Earthquake occurred in the Shaanxi Province in China on February 14, 1556. This earthquake was estimated to have a magnitude of an 8. The quake killed around 830,000 people and is known as the most devastating earthquake on record affecting around 500 miles of land and around 10 provinces.
Mount Pelee is located in the Caribbean. In 1902 it erupted in and killed around 30,000 people, destroying the town of Saint-Pierre. A series of larger eruptions occurred earlier, leading up to the largest eruption on May 8. This specific volcano was specifically identified because of its pyroclastic
flow that caused so much devastation.
Hurricane Galveston was famous due to its size and devastation. The hurricane occurred in 1900, so they did not have the technology to record its ferocity. The hurricane was so severe though, that the city in which it hit (Galveston, Texas) was nearly wiped off the map.
The Waco Tornado hit Waco, Texas in May of 1953. The tornado killed around 600 people and injured about 114 more. The tornado ranked about a F5 on the Fujita scale. This tornado was estimated to be about 1/3 of a mile wide with its total devastation measuring around 23 miles.
Part 3
Earthquakes occur in response to plate movement in the Earth's crust at fault lines. In
the Shaanxi Earthquake, I would estimate that it was in a subduction zone. I would also go farther and claim it was most likely a "megathrust" quake due to its overall destruction and possible moment magnitude of a 9.0.
Volcanoes are a response to diverging plates in the Earth's crust where magma then rises to the surface. I would label Mount Pelee as a composite/stratovolcano because of its devastation due to lava flows.
Hurricanes form near the equator near warm water. A hurricane is the result of temperatures rising above 80 degrees, the occurrence of weather disturbances, and light, steady winds in the upper atmosphere. These three things must coincide in order for a hurricane to happen. Even though these things may be present, a hurricane may not form. Once the temperature rises to the correct degree however, the system will officially enter the hurricane stage
A tornado will develop when a change in wind direction and speed occurs before a thunderstorm. With an increasing height added to the mix, a invisible-like, horizontal spinning effect occurs in the lower atmosphere. Within the thunderstorm, an updraft of rising air will tilt the rotating air from horizontal to vertical. As the thunderstorm moves now, the circumference of the rotation increases and strong winds begin rotating within. This, now vertical rotation of air, forms a tornado.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Emissions Trading
Q= Some Environmental Activist oppose the emissions trading because they view it as giving polluters "a license to pollute." What is does emissions trading mean? How do you feel about emissions trading as a means of reducing air pollution? (1paragraph)
Would you favor command-and-control regulation or market-based permit trading? (1paragraph)
What advantages and disadvantages do you see in each? (1 paragraph)
A= Emissions trading deals with the concept of controlling pollution through offers of economic enticements for reducing emissions. This particular type of "trading" I do not consider as adequate for reducing air pollution. In a perfect world, all companies would be concerned with the effects they pose on the environment. However, we do not live in a perfect world, and therefore that idea is naive and purely unrealistic. Attempting to achieve "green" standards by basically buying off excess emissions is an unacceptable way to reduce air pollution. What are these companies really doing besides buying off their excess wastes and charging the consumer for their trading?
I would favor market-based permit trading because I do not support the idea of using the government to control companies in attempts to reduce waste. Even though a "command-and-control" approach to these regulations may present quicker results for waste disposal, this type of regulation does not necessarily reduce the amount of waste that is produced. Market-based permit trading can support a sort of balance between companies through the buying and selling of emissions that would otherwise be taken care of by the government. Smaller companies with smaller emissions benefit from larger companies who exceed their quotas.
There are, of course, both advantages and disadvantages to both types of regulation. While a command-and-control approach can get the job done faster, smaller companies do not benefit and the amounts of waste produced may not be affected. The market-based road offers options to companies to change their emissions count (or buy them off), but may not necessarily do anything towards achieving a goal of smaller emissions among all companies.
Would you favor command-and-control regulation or market-based permit trading? (1paragraph)
What advantages and disadvantages do you see in each? (1 paragraph)
A= Emissions trading deals with the concept of controlling pollution through offers of economic enticements for reducing emissions. This particular type of "trading" I do not consider as adequate for reducing air pollution. In a perfect world, all companies would be concerned with the effects they pose on the environment. However, we do not live in a perfect world, and therefore that idea is naive and purely unrealistic. Attempting to achieve "green" standards by basically buying off excess emissions is an unacceptable way to reduce air pollution. What are these companies really doing besides buying off their excess wastes and charging the consumer for their trading?
I would favor market-based permit trading because I do not support the idea of using the government to control companies in attempts to reduce waste. Even though a "command-and-control" approach to these regulations may present quicker results for waste disposal, this type of regulation does not necessarily reduce the amount of waste that is produced. Market-based permit trading can support a sort of balance between companies through the buying and selling of emissions that would otherwise be taken care of by the government. Smaller companies with smaller emissions benefit from larger companies who exceed their quotas.
There are, of course, both advantages and disadvantages to both types of regulation. While a command-and-control approach can get the job done faster, smaller companies do not benefit and the amounts of waste produced may not be affected. The market-based road offers options to companies to change their emissions count (or buy them off), but may not necessarily do anything towards achieving a goal of smaller emissions among all companies.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
The Lesson of Easter Island
Q= 1)In a paragraph, write a short history of Easter Island. Touch on what once existed on the island and what occurred to change it.
2)"Those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it." In a paragraph, reflect upon Easter Island. What can we learn from it?
A= 1) Easter Island is located in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Chile. The name comes from a Dutch sea captain, Jacob Roggeveen, who was the first to discover the island in 1722. Around 400 AD, this island was colonized by Polynesians. Over time, their population increased to a number that was unsustainable by the island. As a result, civil war erupted which caused mass chaos and led to the ultimate destruction of the land (the ecosystem fell apart).
2) Easter Island is a perfect example of balances between the Earth and the consumption of its' inhabitants. The island was unable to sustain the population of the settlers due to the rapid increase of the population and their growing need of resources as a result. Through the history of Easter Island and its' inhabitants, we can learn to better protect the balance between consumers and producers in today's world. We must learn from history in order to prevent the mistakes from our past from occurring again.
Resources:
http://www.sacredsites.com/americas/chile/easter_island.html
http://www.historyofnations.net/oceania/easterisland.html
2)"Those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it." In a paragraph, reflect upon Easter Island. What can we learn from it?
A= 1) Easter Island is located in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Chile. The name comes from a Dutch sea captain, Jacob Roggeveen, who was the first to discover the island in 1722. Around 400 AD, this island was colonized by Polynesians. Over time, their population increased to a number that was unsustainable by the island. As a result, civil war erupted which caused mass chaos and led to the ultimate destruction of the land (the ecosystem fell apart).
2) Easter Island is a perfect example of balances between the Earth and the consumption of its' inhabitants. The island was unable to sustain the population of the settlers due to the rapid increase of the population and their growing need of resources as a result. Through the history of Easter Island and its' inhabitants, we can learn to better protect the balance between consumers and producers in today's world. We must learn from history in order to prevent the mistakes from our past from occurring again.
Resources:
http://www.sacredsites.com/americas/chile/easter_island.html
http://www.historyofnations.net/oceania/easterisland.html
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