Collapse: How Societies Choose to Fail or Succeed
This book has sat on my bookshelf for a few years because my husband read it when it first hit the book stores. I picked it up once or twice and read different chapters, but didn't really sit down to read the book until last spring when I discovered I would be teaching 9th grade English Seminar. I researched the AP Human Geo Seminar course and the AP test students are expected to take. I found this was one of the books recommended by the College Board for the AP test. So, I sat down to read. I loved it! There is some great information.
I also did a little Internet search and found this great site on TED Talks. TED Talks has a video of the author, Jared Diamond, and a discussion you can either read or join. There are some links to the author and other resources on the page. Check it out.
If this is the book you have chosen to read, then check out the questions I have for you. Once you read the book, check out the website, and ponder the questions below, respond by leaving a comment on this page. For directions on how to format your post, check out the home page on this site under class links or click here to read about formatting your post. Best wishes!
Questions:
1. Jared Diamond has a 5 point list for comparing and contrasting the failures and successes of various societies over time. Using that five point, what do you think Southern California has in common with collapsed (failed) societies, and what makes us different?
2. What do you think Southern California's future will be? Why?
3. There are some interesting jobs listed in this book (e.g. paleoecologist, climatologist, etc). Find one and discover what type of education and where one could earn that education for that type of career.
4. BONUS work for the first semester of school (by the end of January 2011): Throughout this book there are a variety of different movies (e.g. Mutiny on the Bounty, The Vikings) and readings (e.g pg. 158). Choose a book, or article (I can get any of the articles for you from the college) and a movie. Read and watch. Then present your new information to the class in any format you choose.
Longitudes and Attitudes: The World in the Age of Terrorism
I have always enjoyed reading the columns of Friedman. He has another book out that I would like to read which discusses how globalization can lead to a green revolution in the US. this would mean no more monster trucks and oil guzzling machines on the road. While I am all for this idea, I know there are many Americans who feel this is against their search for happiness. The idea of a green revolution can and most likely will re-divide our country. Some of these ideas do appear in this book, Longitudes and Attitudes. If you want to know more about Thomas L. Friedman, check out this link for his website.
If this is the book you have chosen to read, then check out the questions I have for you. Once you read the book, check out the website, and ponder the questions below, respond by leaving a comment on this page. For directions on how to format your post, check out the home page on this site under class links or click here to read about formatting your post. Best wishes!
1. Based on the columns written by Friedman, what did you learn about the US pre-terrorism attacks (9/11), and post 9/11?
2. Choose one column from each section and compare it to what is happening now. Have things changed since 2001-02? Are we the same, worse, or better-off? Why? What is your opinion?
3. Education is a topic mentioned often in the columns. How does education or lack of education play an important role in this book and the countries mentioned?
4. BONUS work for the first semester of school (by the end of January 2011): Throughout this book unemployment is shown to affect many people in many countries. Monitor unemployment each month and create a presentation based on how unemployment affects people in the US, or a country of your choosing.
Guns, Germs, and Steel
I am always surprised that this book won The Pulitzer Prize. It is a good book, and easy to read, but I think Collapse is a much better book than this one. If you did read this book, feel free to check out some of the links under Collapse.
1. Are the ideas that Diamond presents in this book believable? Why or why not?
2. Why do you think domestication of plants and animals leads to a smarter, larger, or more advanced society?
3. Why are almonds, apples, and grapes significant in the history of man?
4. BONUS work for the first semester of school (by the end of January 2011): In San Diego County discover 10 native plants (name, describe, habitat, etc). Then discover 5 invasive plants. How does our current society help the spread of invasive plants, why are they invasive, how do they harm us, and how can they lead to our eventual destruction? Plan a presentation and proposal for change or no-change (depending on your opinion).
The Power of Place
Harm de Blij has written approximately 30 books and over 100 articles. He is a well known geographer. While this is probably one of the more difficult books to read (it comes across like a thesis for a Ph.D.) it has some great information, and it mentions almost all of the other non-fiction books on this list. There are some unique theories in this book, and if you chose to read this one, take a look at the questions below.
1. What is the difference between a mobal, a global, and a pushtan?
2. How do the majority of Americans born in the U.S. view mobals? Do you think they have a different opinion for different races of mobals? Why or why not?
3. Based on the reading how does the power of place create and/or affect religion, intolerance, health, language, and sex (being a male or female)?
4. BONUS for the first semester of school (by the end of January 2011): There are many different areas/neighborhoods in San Diego County. What are those areas and where are they located? Does it matter which neighborhood someone is born into or moves into? How does the Power of Place affect people in San Diego country in relation to health, living conditions, education, safety, language, and money? Prepare a presentation and proposal for how to make change in one of the above listed areas of concern.
Longitudes and Attitudes: The World in the Age of Terrorism
I have always enjoyed reading the columns of Friedman. He has another book out that I would like to read which discusses how globalization can lead to a green revolution in the US. this would mean no more monster trucks and oil guzzling machines on the road. While I am all for this idea, I know there are many Americans who feel this is against their search for happiness. The idea of a green revolution can and most likely will re-divide our country. Some of these ideas do appear in this book, Longitudes and Attitudes. If you want to know more about Thomas L. Friedman, check out this link for his website.
If this is the book you have chosen to read, then check out the questions I have for you. Once you read the book, check out the website, and ponder the questions below, respond by leaving a comment on this page. For directions on how to format your post, check out the home page on this site under class links or click here to read about formatting your post. Best wishes!
1. Based on the columns written by Friedman, what did you learn about the US pre-terrorism attacks (9/11), and post 9/11?
2. Choose one column from each section and compare it to what is happening now. Have things changed since 2001-02? Are we the same, worse, or better-off? Why? What is your opinion?
3. Education is a topic mentioned often in the columns. How does education or lack of education play an important role in this book and the countries mentioned?
4. BONUS work for the first semester of school (by the end of January 2011): Throughout this book unemployment is shown to affect many people in many countries. Monitor unemployment each month and create a presentation based on how unemployment affects people in the US, or a country of your choosing.
Guns, Germs, and Steel
I am always surprised that this book won The Pulitzer Prize. It is a good book, and easy to read, but I think Collapse is a much better book than this one. If you did read this book, feel free to check out some of the links under Collapse.
1. Are the ideas that Diamond presents in this book believable? Why or why not?
2. Why do you think domestication of plants and animals leads to a smarter, larger, or more advanced society?
3. Why are almonds, apples, and grapes significant in the history of man?
4. BONUS work for the first semester of school (by the end of January 2011): In San Diego County discover 10 native plants (name, describe, habitat, etc). Then discover 5 invasive plants. How does our current society help the spread of invasive plants, why are they invasive, how do they harm us, and how can they lead to our eventual destruction? Plan a presentation and proposal for change or no-change (depending on your opinion).
The Power of Place
Harm de Blij has written approximately 30 books and over 100 articles. He is a well known geographer. While this is probably one of the more difficult books to read (it comes across like a thesis for a Ph.D.) it has some great information, and it mentions almost all of the other non-fiction books on this list. There are some unique theories in this book, and if you chose to read this one, take a look at the questions below.
1. What is the difference between a mobal, a global, and a pushtan?
2. How do the majority of Americans born in the U.S. view mobals? Do you think they have a different opinion for different races of mobals? Why or why not?
3. Based on the reading how does the power of place create and/or affect religion, intolerance, health, language, and sex (being a male or female)?
4. BONUS for the first semester of school (by the end of January 2011): There are many different areas/neighborhoods in San Diego County. What are those areas and where are they located? Does it matter which neighborhood someone is born into or moves into? How does the Power of Place affect people in San Diego country in relation to health, living conditions, education, safety, language, and money? Prepare a presentation and proposal for how to make change in one of the above listed areas of concern.
Name: Steven Strickland
ReplyDeleteBook: Guns, Germs and Steel
First of all, I would like to apologize if I have posted wrong.
1. The ideas in my book, Guns, Germs and Steel, are only slightly questionable. Most ideas are believable, however, some such as the extinction of the megafauna, I still am not convinced of. However, the style of the writing, and the amount of details led me to belive that the author has thoroughly researched this topic. Thus convincing me that his ideas, while slightly unbelievable, are right.
2. When a group of human beings have domesticated another species, depending on the attributes of that species, the species that was domesticated will pose a huge benefit to their masters. one such example is dogs. Dogs help human beings in so many ways on a day to day basis.
3. Almonds, apples and grapes are significant in the history of man because they were the first plants that contributed to agriculture. If a group of hunter-gathers are surviving just fine, then why would they abandon their way of life just to grow plants? As Mr. Diamond explains in chapter seven, they would need a significant amount of edible seeds and nuts available to realize that it would be much easier in many ways to settle down in that area. These nuts and seeds in many of the first places that independently started agriculture were almonds, apples and grapes.
Longitudes and Attitudes: The World in the Age of Terrorism
ReplyDelete1. Based on the columns written by Friedman, what did you learn about the US pre-terrorism attacks (9/11), and post 9/11?
Pre: US was trying to engage peace with Middle East Country, but since US was only thinking those as gas station, Middle East thought they were people without god, enemies of god.
Post: After the attack, US sent thousands of US troops to Middle East and had them attack the society, however, the author of this book found out that many Middle Easterns still supported US and didn't think that 9/11 attack was their fault. As these concerns changes, US began thinking Middle East not just a big gas station, but country that need to be fixed economically.
2. Choose one column from each section and compare it to what is happening now. Have things changed since 2001-02? Are we the same, worse, or better-off? Why? What is your opinion?
Clinton's Last Memo(pg15)
Naked Air(pg 139)
Comparing these two, I see that before the attack, US just tried to be a good man and worked for their own profit, but after the attack, US deeply concerned about Middle East, and not only that, they concerned about Middle Easterns in their own country.
Nothing have been changed. The Middle East is still being watched by US troops and can't stand by its own hands. We still have naked air which people doubt
each other, and lessen the value of humanity.
I think it needs way more work to achieve. First of all, we need to change within ourselves.
3. Education is a topic mentioned often in the columns. How does education or lack of education play an important role in this book and the countries mentioned?
Many of the suicides that involved in the 9/11 attack didn't have enough education as general. And as US reviews the countries around Middle East, they figure out that these countries need a base education that can stand the future generation with biggest number of people.
BY Taku Takanami
Gun, Germs, and Steal
ReplyDelete1. Yes because this has happenned many times. We all learn this in history class. Societies have been destroyed by many things and many have been destroyed by the same thing.
2. By domesticating plants they have more food around for everyone, and by domesticating animals they help the societies grow.
3. They are grow in large numbers and can by used for many things. They also can be grown by using the seeds from the foods.
Collapse Question #2
ReplyDeleteMy prediction on the future of California is more of a down fall rather than an up rising. The only way that out come will change is if there are some major political and agricultural changes. Right now California has minimal water and is poor compared to other states. One of the main reasons we have such a low amount of money is because we have to buy a large portion of our water from other states. The only way for us to get out of this rather large hole is if we find a way to get more water from with in the state as well as create more jobs and produce more valuables to make income
Collapse Question #3
ReplyDeleteI choose climatologist because the climate is a major factor in a lot of societies failures. For example; San Diego is in a desert that is both moist and dry, therefore cause us to have to ship our water from Northern California as well as other states. The education that is required to have in order to be a climatologist is; knowledge in the field of Hazardous Weather Awareness as well as forecast analysis. You can acquire these educations at the University of Minnesota Extensions.
COLLAPSE
ReplyDelete1. Jared Diamond has a 5 point list for comparing and contrasting the failures and successes of various societies over time. Using that five point, what do you think Southern California has in common with collapsed (failed) societies, and what makes us different?
I could not find a 5 point list for comparing and contrasting the failures and successes of various societies over time but i did find his llists eight factors which have historically contributed to the collapse of past societies:
Deforestation and habitat destruction
Soil problems
Water management problems
Overhunting
Overfishing
Effects of introduced species on native species
Overpopulation
Increased per-capita impact of people
California currently has the highest population out of any other state in the US. Californias population grew by 353,000 to 38.4 million from July 2008 to July 2009. It also has massive water problems due to the fact California is a desert and has almost no fresh water to speak of. Similar to the collapse of Greenland California does not have the resources to maintain its growing population.
2. What do you think Southern California's future will be? Why?
California is vulnerable to collapse in the some-what near future if we continue down this path.
Approximately 1,800 non-native plants also grow in the wild in the state of California. There are thousands of immigrants that illegally move from Mexico every year, hurting our economy. In addition we are on a road that will lead to overpopulation and collapse.
3. There are some interesting jobs listed in this book (e.g. paleoecologist, climatologist, etc). Find one and discover what type of education and where one could earn that education for that type of career.
Climatologist
Description: Conducts climate change research and data analysis. Collects and synthesizes data derived from pollution emission measurements, atmospheric monitoring, meteorological and mineralogical information, and soil or
water samples
Minimum Educational Requirements: Bachelor's degree in scientific or engineering discipline
1. Are the ideas that Diamond presents in this book believable? Why or why not?
ReplyDeleteYes, the suthor does not only write about 1 theory; he writes about many, and most are not of his own. The way Jared Diamond respoinds to the questions presented in his book, are demonstrated with fact and reason. The reason may in fact be inclined towards an assumption he created himself, but Jared clearly draws the line- letting the reader know which is fact and which is a conclusion. Not only does he support his argument he also includes the thoughts and doubts of other people, he has answered many questions in this book while the questions are from people all around the globe.
2. Why do you think domestication of plants and animals leads to a smarter, larger, or more advanced society?
Plants and animals have a lot to do with Geography. Due to the surroundings of the people, many started to evolve in different directions. Many due to the introduction of plants and various landmarks had to leave the ways of hunting and became farmers, others being isolated had no way in absorbing the knowledge of other peoples around the world. Many civilizations have grown and created new lifestyles because of the plants and animals, which other countries do not have. Leaving them with other choices rather than variations.
3. Why are almonds, apples, and grapes significant in the history of man?
These nuts and seeds are most significant than most others, mainly because of 3 points. They were edible, they were easy to find, and they were one of the 1st seeds farmers started to grow. Starting with an independent agriculture. The almost were more tricky than the others. There were WILED almost meaning that most of them were poisonous, they would have to pick out the ones that lack amygdalin, from there they would have to domesticate and improve it. Apples were one of the best and one of the first domestication of seeds.
Alex Huber
ReplyDeleteQuestions 1-2
The five points used in Jared Diamond's scale for assessing the collapse of civilizations are environmental damage, climate change, hostile neighbors, loss of trading partners, and the society's ability to respond to these problems. Applied to Southern California, the analysis would look something like this:
1.) Environmental damage does not pose a significant problem to Southern California because it would not affect our food supply. Unlike the societies mentioned in the book, our food comes from a diverse multitude of places, and we are no longer reliant on home-grown food. Even if we were no longer able to farm our land we would still receive imports from the central states and other countries.
2.)Climate change is potentially a larger problem then environmental damage. Considering that these types of changes tend to manifest themselves over large areas, these could potentially affect our food supplies from other states. With the possibility of imminent global warming, climate change could be the most realistic threat that Southern California could face. This is probably the area of the 5 point scale that we share most closely with the failed societies considering that the Mayans of central america in part because of drought.
3.)Hostile neighbors are not that large of a threat considering that the USA has the strongest military and navy in the entire world. Unless several countries allied against us, the changes of invasion or blockade are pretty dismal. What makes us different from the Mayans(who failed in part because of hostile neighbors) is our advanced technology, communication systems, and modern global ideals that would help prevent such conflict.
4.)We could potentially lose many trading partners in the upcoming years. Some of our largest commodities, such as cars and oil, could be lost if the US' relations with China or the Middle East fail. This would certainly cripple our economy, and with everything so interconnected, that blow could spell major trouble. The optimistic difference between us and the people mentioned in the book is that we have a more elaborate and stable trade system.
5.)In conclusion, our ability to handle these problems is certainly questionable. The budget deficit of California certainly does not increase faith in elected officials. Personally, I think that the future of Southern California is pretty secure, and that we can adapt is predicaments arise. However, I'm sure this is exactly what the many failed societies thought before their demise.
Alex Huber
ReplyDeleteQuestion 3
Climatologist:
When I did a search for schools that offer climatology degrees, the most promising one that I found was the University of Delaware. In the Geography department, there is a graduate program for a Ph.D in climatology. There are certain admission requirements though, including a 3.25 GPA, a differential equations credit, and knowledge of a computer programming language. Before you can enter, you must have a Masters in Geography. According to the National Weather Association, there are hundreds of schools that offer a program similar to this.
Collapse
ReplyDelete1. Southern California
-extremely diverse landscape
-desert
-limited fresh water/not imported
-not a lot of native trees
The five factors are
1. Environmental damage
a. mostly cityscape
b. lots of fumes caused by cars/airplanes/buses/etc.
2. Climate change
a. getting hotter
3. Hostile Neighbors
4. Friendly trade partners
a. trade partners who provide us water, oil, etc.
5. The society’s reaction to its enviormental issues
a. trying to cut down on water and gas usage but having a hard time regulating.
What makes us different than many of the collapsed societies is that we don’t have hostile neighbors specific to Southern California.
1. We have damaged our enviroment
2. Our climate has changed
3. We do NOT have hostile neighbors
4. We do have friendly trade partners
5. We have both over reacted and have not reacted to our environmental crisis
In the book he describes 8 different factors that have effected the collapse of past societies he covered:
1. Destruction of habitat
2. Problems with farming soil (being over water, over used, etc.)
3. Water problems
4. Overhunting/Overkilling animals needed
5. Overfishing
6. Invasive species
7. Overpopulation
8. “Increased per-capita impact of people” (Wikipedia)
The list above all are happening with Southern California.
2. Southern California--- California in general is struggling so much already. With the drop in the economy California’s major incomes, tourists and agriculture slowly diminishing, California is losing extreme amounts of jobs and money. With fewer jobs, less people have work and more receive unemployment from the government. Also many families with unemployed adults will visit local businesses. With leads thee small businesses to lose business/money. If those small businesses cannot afford to stay open and fail, then the businesses that are larger, that feed into the small businesses will lose income and eventually fall with the other businesses and vise versa. If all of these businesses fail, thousands and thousands will be without jobs sucking all the money out of the government which will increase taxes that are paid by the people who have enough money to pay for them and decrease the pay of government employees. At some point taxes will be too high and the country will fail as a result of the outrageous economy issues plus the environmental issues.
Southern California imports all of its fresh water, which makes it expensive to use and southern Californians over use and waste it, especially on non-native plant species such as grass and other invasive non-native plant species. This runs up water bills that most people cannot afford in the economy. Also, water is becoming a problem in the world as well so water is becoming extremely expensive and people have less money to afford to pay for all the water they have used.
3. Ecologist- A college degree focusing on Ecology/environmental sciences. Most colleges (especially on the Coast) have classes to support a degree in ecology and environmental sciences.
--Zachary Raymond
do we have to post our answers to the questions here by the 3rd? or do we go over the answers the first day?
ReplyDelete1. Based on the columns of Friedman, I learned that there were 19 hijackers that destroyed the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. This terrorist attack killed over 2,000 people intentionally, and furthermore began a war of terrorism. Afghanistan was having issues within it's own country before the attack, which are still present today. Bill Clinton made efforts to help bring their country to modern times, but it wasn't accepted and was contrarily taken offensively. Now America is trying to defend itself while possibly helping other countries as well.
ReplyDelete2. One column from the After section explains how the Muslim world is not allowed free speech as long as it is against the values of Muslims. However if the same disregards are targeted towards America, then they are completely acceptable. The author explained that this half-way freedom of speech was not doing much good for America because the negative context feeds back to the people of the Muslim countries. This same type of event is still occurring today because nothing has happened that would change the minds of the people who express their views on politics in newspapers. And if there was something that might have changed the views of some people, it wouldn't be allowed to appear in any newspapers anyway. When people can't voice their opinions then it's difficult to know who your real enemies are.
One column from the before section explains how an economic forum was a very popular method for checking out global trends. He further went into talking about how cyber communication is becoming such a large part of communication these days that it is taking over the way that people can participate in regular activities because they have a partial attention span. This is most certainly still present today, and maybe even worse because technology is just continuing to grow. And as technology becomes more and more advanced, it becomes more popular and intriguing. Partial attention spans have probably nearly swept the nation at this point.
3. Education plays a large part in this book when talking about the countries such as Pakistan who are trapped in their religion, which won't allow them to be forward thinkers regarding oil, trade, and general improvement. Because those people are so thoroughly educated solely about their religion, there is barely any knowledge about how to make their countries thrive in today's world. This is what Bill Clinton was trying to prove before 9/11 occurred, however if just didn't get through to them.
1. The points made by Mr. Diamond in this book are believable because of the unbiased way they are presented (at leased as unbiased as one can be when talking about specific periods of time where very limited sources of reliable information are available) and the creditable sources he used to support his opinion. A single example of this can be found in the first chapter titled "Up to the Starting Line," throughout this chapter a brief description of prehistory and human origin is given, and multiple points and opinions are given with support and are paired with counter arguments so you get a sense of knowing the whole story, that nothing is being left out just because it may differ fro his opinion.
ReplyDelete2. As he stares throughout the book, a society that is made up of farmers and livestock holders are usually more advanced than those who choose to continue a hunter-gatherer lifestyle. Those who must fallow their food source and are constantly moving from location to location place a tight limitation on the amount of possessions they can have. Due to their small numbers and few possessions a strong government system and highly developed and complex writing and language system is not needed. However, it is a completely different story for those who decided to branch out from their ancestors lifestyle choices. For those who chose to create a reliable food source, rather than fallow one, a different type of society must be formed, because of the obvious cultural differences. Where there is a reliable and abundant source of food, there will be people there to take it. Where there is the need to increase the productivity of this food source, humans will find a way. Our answer was the domestication of large mammal, for example the cow. As the food source grows, and the population grows, so will its needs. When a large number of people are living in a close range of each other three things are needed; a leader, rules, and means of communication. With these three needs met, a society can grow to not only survive, but flourish into an intelligent and powerful group of people.
3.The significance of almonds can be dated back to 8000 B.C in Greece. Later archeologists discovered a domesticated form of the almond in the Mediterranean that dates back to 3000 B.C. and last but certainly not least almonds dating back to 1325 B.C can be fount in the tomb of King Tut. Almond and grape trees took about three years to grow, but did not produce its maximum potential until 10 years after planting. Despite the time these plants demanded, they were easy to care for and produced the food needed. Apple trees however where and still remain one of the trickier plants to manage and grow. Because apple trees could not grow from clippings, and to raise them from seedhood would waste time and energy, they were difficult to grow. To create and raise successful apple trees a technique called grafting was necessary. The Fertile Crescent was home to some of the first domesticated plants, one of which was the grape. Apples, as stated before were the most difficult to domesticate and cultivate, and were also, unsurprisingly, the last fruit tree to be domesticated by Europeans.
Marion Adams – Collapse
ReplyDelete1)1. Environmental Damage: Southern California’s environment has been over built and over populated causing loss of chaparral, erosion, and the nutrients has been sucked out of the soil. Animals have been driven out of their habitats and new invasive species have been introduced. There is hardly enough water for Southern California. These are common trends of a society that may collapse.
2. Climate Change: Climate Change is the cause of many collapses such as Norse Greenland when the people experienced unexpected climate fluctuation when water temperatures warmed almost killing off all the seals leaving the people with less food. They also experienced a “Little Ice age.” Southern California is not threatened by an ice age but temperature changes in the water are a threat. Sea animals change their migrations and the whole ecosystem is messed up.
3. Hostile Neighbors: Southern California is not really effected by hostile neighbors. This is a huge asset for the society.
4. Friendly Trade Partners: Southern California has many friendly trade partners which is a key to a societies success. Produce, clothes, furniture, and everyday items are constantly being imported to Southern California. One cause of the Greenland Norse collapse was that they had hardly any trade partners. This was partly their fault because they did not befriend the natives and trade overseas was tough.
5. The Societies responses to its environmental problems: Much of Southern California’s environmental problems are unfixable but almost everyone is taking steps to fix them. There are water conservation laws and native plant parks and many other programs and activities that can me done to help. Today there are more steps you can take to help the environment and people are more aware, but there is also machinery and new technology which can destroy the environment faster than it can be saved.
2) What do you think Southern California's future will be? Why?
If Southern California was to collapse it would probably be in a long time and it most likely wouldn’t collapse on its own. This is because many other places have the same problems as Southern California. Today the world is much more connected so if our society was to start failing we would receive help.
3) paleoecologist: To be a paleoecologist you need a strong background in science, math, biology, and geology.
1. The setting creates the characters because they are natural places that allow them to feel at ease. The relaxing climate, enables them to be aware of their surroundings. If the story took place in San Diego, however, the characters would be affected differently. For sure, they would be able to find Davy with less difficulties, because of the criminal awareness, and they wouldn’t have to suffer through difficult climate. The characters and story would be the same, because usually a good family, no matter the environment, would get along well. Reuben’s family was an example of a well behaved and respectful family.
ReplyDelete2. The principle of escalation works in the novel, because constantly when Jeremiah and his family are faced with hardships, they prevail through them, by using faith. It is important to have something to rely on when escalation rises into one’s life. The principle of escalation applies to modern societies, because as new ideas enter our world, we are able to adapt to them, and make the best out of them, regardless of how extreme the consequences are.
3. Faith helps the characters in Peace Like A River, because it motivates them to move on. When matters become difficult, Jeremiah tended to turn to his faithful self and God, to keep him treading on. When matters were working out well, he thanked God, and continued to be faithful to the Lord. Societies are built by faith the same way. When a society praises faith, they continue to perform well, and have something to motivate them. However, societies can easily be destroyed by faith, if a society is over abundantly dependent on faith. The society can begin to block out other matters, such as civilization.
4. I feel it is unreasonable to compare my parents to God since he is the creator of many of the great aspects we have today, and such a huge religious symbol. I admit, there are times when I feel as if my mom performed a beneficial and helpful task for someone or myself, and I raise her above others. However, I do not feel as if she matches up to God,yet if He wasn’t such an important authority figure, she could might as well be compared to Him.
1. Are the ideas that Diamond presents in this book believable? Why or why not?
ReplyDeleteYes. When I was reading Guns. Germs, and Steel, I had numerous "Ahaa" moments. Especially in the prolouge. Such as paragraph 2 page 22. Most of Diamonds ideas were backed by detailed historical evidence that I believe successfully convinced the audience of his position.
2. Why do you think domestication of plants and animals leads to a smarter, larger, or more advanced society?
The domestication of plants and animals lead to an increase in food production, which promoted population growth. Animals were being used for not only food, but also for transportation. Because people did not have to worry about following their food, more time could be devoted to individual jobs. Instead of being experts in one or two areas like the hunter-gatherer people were, people could become educated in several different areas, or an area other than farming.
3. Why are almonds, apples, and grapes significant in the history of man?
Almonds, apples and grapes are significant in the history of man because they can be used as history markers to show how food production has developed over the centuries.
1. In the columns written previous to 9/11, the author states that America's biggest fear is not other's anti-Americanism, but American's anti-Americanism. "The greatest danger is if America is no longer ready to play America...This could only happen if Congress becomes too cheap or stupid, or because our economy becomes to enfeebled, or because we have an administration dominated by people unwilling to put any limits on U.S. behavior, from energy consumption to missle defense." In A Memo from Osama, American troops were driven out of three Arab countries after being threatened by Osama bin Laden. "Yo, Rummy, who needs missiles? We just drove the FBI, the Marines, and the U.S. Navy out of the Middle East with a few threats whispered over Nokia cell phones! So who's the dummy, Rummy? God is Great. America is stupid."
ReplyDeleteAfter 9/11, the Arab world split up into two groups. The one that supported the terrorist attacks, and the one that didn't. The ones that did support the terrorist attacks believed that America has wealth and power, but no values. The terrorists hate America more than they love life. "Most of these hijackers came from big families. They left behind parents, brothers, sisters, and, in at least one case, a fiancee. What does that say? It says they hate us more than they love their own families." They misread America. "They think our strength lies only in the World Trade Center and the Pentagon-the twin pillars of our wealth and power-and if they can just knock them down we'll start to fold: as if we, like them, have only one truth, one power center."
At President Bush's White House news conference, he said "When it comes to our security, we really don't need anybody's perrmission." When the war in Iraq is not vital to American security. Saddam Hussein is the "threat" coming from Iraq, when he is not threatening America, and wouldn't be able to if he wanted to. Afghanistan is a war of necessity, vital to America's security. Iraq is a war of choice, and yet Mr. Bush is leading the public to think otherwise. We didn't need anybody's permission for the war against the 9/11 terrorists, but the story is not the same for the war in Iraq.
2. From the section of Columns: Before, is Code Red. In this entry, we are still practicing the same drills, and taking the same precautions in our school district. Although the terrorism world is changing, we still have to stay safe inside of our own country. "I knew that the threat to my lifee came from Moscow. They have no idea which student might be carrying a gun or a knife."
From the section of Columns: After, is Terrorism Game Theory. In this entry, the author talks about his Lebenese friend, who always jokes about the fact that the sound of suicide bombings and exploding cars became part of daily life. Although her life was constantly at stake, and she never knew what was waiting around the bend, she lived life at ease and didn't spend her time hiding in a basement. After the terrorist attack of 9/11, security lines may have gotten longer, but there were those people that did not let it bring them down and live in fear. "It breaks my heart the think about the people who lost loved ones on September 11, but I will not let it break my spirit."
3. American education versus the education in other countries was a topic mentioned frequently in the book. American education thrives compared to the education elsewhere. The author believes that the education we offer our children, and the economy we build is what puts America where we stand in the modern world. "...I relate this simply to say that America still has many admirers in this part of the world. For all that Middle Easterners get enraged with America, many of them value it, envy it, and want their kids here."
pre: in the middle east nations choose to avoid advancement and instead of going with the rest of the world and their problems, the midle east just makes excuses when asked. Although the U.s. does so much for the world and its advancements, why do foreign countgries still dislike us, because of the ideals of our country such as , non-pressure towards religeon and values, the death penalty, etc. But they do not atack the us because although the u.s. has its conflicting ideals, it doesnt cause harm to the actual foreign countries themselves, rather more a nuisance
ReplyDeletepost:after the attacks of 9/11 it is only then that the u.s. government begins to investigate their ties to these middle eastern countries such as Afghanistan and pakistan. they find that pakistan is the origin of the al queda, and has supported charities fueling the al queda. although the many Americans feel as though their safety is threatened and may be scared, they do not know that on the other side of the world, arab states feel the same way in their homes for the oncoming war and the effect they have put on the world, United Dtates in particular.
2. diary: Walls, the current state of the world today has changed throughout the years and has come to toe down many of the problems that were seen on the news in the early 200's. Althoguh they are no longer at battle, there are still trops patrolling around in countries such as pakistan and iraq that are still hostile and shall be cautioned,
ReplyDeletebefoe:clintons lastmemo, since this letter to the leasders american troops have fought constant battle after battle to get where they are now, organizations are trying to help these arab countries out of it's political/technolgical stump and turn it into a civil first world country, although progress will be slow, they have started programs for educateing the children since the new generation populates most of these naitions people, and civil rights for people such as women
after: the suicide war, war between palestinians and isrealis has not stopped since this column and have had strong blows as recent as 6 months. although the u.s. triedto assist in making a treaty between the two nations, none such attempts have been further offered.
3. Education is an important topic in longitudes and lattitudes it a prime example of development in the world, example: the u.s. and its free, eductaion for everyone, it helps advance the states and shows it power, when in states such as isreal, instead of creating new technology to enhance the lives of their people they re still caught up in a war between two internal groups in the country that has been going on since the ancients, while althpugh other surrounding countries have engaged in war for years have in modern day times become 1st world countries with strong intelligence groups and advancements.
ReplyDeletepart 2 of 3: Education also is important because in these no devoloping countries the leaders of the government and terrorist organizations don thtink as intelligently as modern day countries resulting in blind rage and a close minded way of thr thinking. When the public is not educated they will only follow their governments ideals but support it for themselves, although many did not, several arabs applauded the 9/11 attacks on the united states.
Guns, Germs, and Steel
ReplyDeleteCameron Yackly
1. I believe they are. It is easy to see how much time and effort the author put into researching and concluding the ideas brought forth. One reason why I believe them to be so believable is through his redundancy of stating the causes and effects of them, and the ideas themselves. Another is the way he relates them to his own anecdotes. Giving it that much more sense of reality. Such as the bizarre encounter his doctor friend had with a married couple on page 195 and 196. It goes on to describe it's significance in the following pages.
2. Because, a population's size depends on how much food can be supplied to it. The more resources (food) can be brought in, the more a population can flourish. When you have larger, more controlled quantities of food (plants and animals), you can sustain larger populations. That's why hunter gatherers generally have smaller populations; because a lot of their success in being able to survive depends on chance. Whether they decide to take a left instead of a right and find nothing but had they gone right would have come across a nice herd of deer or a flock of geese. Also, the larger the population, the more innovations and inventions are created. Because there's that many more people to think up these ideas. As a population progresses, it in turn becomes a smarter population.
3. The reason why those things are so significant in the history of man is because they symbolize the way man has become what it is today. These are three foods that their original species of themselves would not benefit human beings. But, the way that humans altered the genes of the plants to make them more useful to themselves. Such as making them bigger, more nutritious, and in almonds' case: not poisonous to humans. Because we did these things to all the things we have done them to, we have become the society we are today: the Almond Joy chewing, apple-biting, wine drinking species we call mankind.
Collapse #1
ReplyDeleteUsing JD's 5 point list of comparison, California has its weak points as well as strong points. Jared'a list of points were; 1. environmental damage, 2. climate change, 3. Hostile neighbors, 4. friendly trade partners, and 5. the societies reaction to is environmental issues. In the case of environmental damage, California's only potential natural threats would be heat for a few areas, and wild life more towards norther and central California. As far as climate change goes, California's climate is generally the same year round, the only areas that have major changes are mostly up north and by the Sierra Nevada Mt. range. Because California's is part of the USA, it has very little foreign threats, the only threats it has are illegal migrants. California trades mostly through the USA, but it lacks mostly in water resources, which is also its major environmental issue, so we have to borrow our water from other areas that have more clean water than us, the only time we might have unfriendly traders is when we take all the water from them, but I doubt that will happen. The people of California really don't make much commotion about the environmental issue that we have, mostly because the issues were not much of a problem, therefor California does not have that much of a chance for failure according to JD's comparison list.
Collapse #1:
ReplyDeleteSouthern California definitely has many similarities with past failed societies, enough so that even Diamond himself devoted a section to the struggles of Southern California. He mentioned our environmental damage, the effect of smog on the atmosphere and our limited water supply that we have used frivolously. He mentioned illegal immigrants that come across the border. They can be viewed as friendly trade partners (they work as our gardeners and on our farms), but also more recently as hostile neighbors (citizens now have to compete with them for jobs and the drug wars pose a danger to us). Climate change I don't believe has made a huge impact on us; there are just the expected yearly rise and fall in the temperatures and this year’s unusually cool summer. But the most important is Southern California’s responses to our environmental problems, i.e. Mayor Sanders recently made a schedule for home owners telling them what days they can water their lawns. But what makes us different is that last statement, we have detected what we need to do to fix this and an effort has been made. There are ads on the television about keeping our oceans clean and conserving water and I believe we are headed in the right direction.
Collapse #2:
ReplyDeleteI think that although we do have a lot in common with collapsed societies, I think that the similarities end when it comes to their demise. I don’t believe that Southern California is “doomed.” I think that we could pull through this and our problems can be resolved within my lifetime. But if I am wrong, I will most likely still be around to witness that too. I don’t believe Southern California will ever have to turn to cannibalism and there won’t be any dramatic population crashes. But nothing lasts forever, and I think people need to realize that. Societies will end at one time or another and we can’t put off the inevitable forever. So I guess my point here is, no there won’t be any dramatic “collapse” of Southern California, but that someday our society will change, if not, move on to other venues.
Collapse #3:
ReplyDeleteOne job that appealed to me was anthropologists, one of my favorite stores is Anthropology and I figured that finding out the roots behind that name would be interesting. I discovered that anthropology is the study of people, which is a very broad topic and has many different departments. You could get a Bachelor’s in anthropology but most jobs require a Master’s. Most colleges offer degrees in anthropology and you need to take an abundance of classes that range from anatomy, to psychology, and religions. So it sounds like to become an anthropologist you need to know a little bit of everything.
Peace like a River #1:
ReplyDeleteThe weather in this book is pretty extreme: crazy tornadoes and freak blizzards coming from the middle of no where. But the one place in the book that definitely had an impact on me was the “burning river” that they come across for the first time on a picnic with Roxanna. Roxanna is a very strong woman character and is like nothing the Lands have ever come across before and the strange paradox of this molten burning river snaking its way through snow drifts definitely helps illuminate that. But it’s also the home of this book’s very own Valdez, Jape Waltzer, and having this fiery death pit conveniently placed below his home makes him all the more horrific. The story and characters would definitely change if it took place in San Diego. The unique climate and setting of the Midwest make the characters who they are. Any change would mean changing their ways unique to that location and changing anything— to me at least—would be devastating. But on the other hand, each character has a strong personality that would still stay intact even with a setting change. For example, Roxanna would most likely still be my favorite character, Waltzer would still give me the chills, and Jeremiah Land would still inspire me no matter where they were.
Peace like a River #2:
ReplyDeleteThe principle of escalation begins when Israel Finch and Tommy Basca get caught by the father trying to beat up Dolly, and since then they have been trying to “one-up” the Lands. They did so by putting tar on their front door, which then led to Davy seeking them out, followed by them sneaking into the Land’s house, Davy shooting them, and so on. The principle of escalation kind of explains the principle of cause and effect, one thing leads to another. But the effect in this case ends up being worse than the cause, just getting bigger and bigger and hence, escalating. A very good example of this in modern day society is the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Although the entire situation still confuses me and many Americans, what I understand demonstrates the principle of escalation. The first offense was 9/11, which then escalated to the U.S. Army invading Iraq, then hunting down Saddam Hussein, then the Taliban and bin Laden, and then the U.S. moving into Afghanistan, which the intentions of that still isn’t completely clear to me. But to what I understand of this entire mess seems to parallel the principle of escalation.
Peace like a River #3:
ReplyDeleteFaith indeed plays a big part in this story; it could almost be a character. Faith definitely helps them: faith leads them to take the airstream to search for Davy, faith leads them to stay with Roxanna, faith leads Rueben to believe that the man on the horse is Davy, and faith leads Davy to flee with Sara from Waltzer. In the first three examples, faith led to a positive outcome: they grow together and learn much, Roxanna joins the family, and Rube is reunited with Davy, respectively. But the latter is bittersweet, Sara is free, as is Davy, but Jape comes after them and kills Jeremiah Land and injures Rueben. But in the end, I don’t believe faith could ever destroy a character. By having faith, you believe that everything happens for a reason and faith tends to be a very optimistic thing. But how faith affects society is more difficult. If you have too much faith in your society that everything will just fix itself in time, your not going to be getting anywhere far anytime soon. A society needs a right amount of faith, optimism, but cautious optimism. You need to believe that everything will turn out fine, and then search for ways to make that happen. Faith won’t magically make things better, that’s not the point. Faith is what leads you to take action.
Peace like a River #4:
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree with this statement. Your parents are the first people that you really get to know as a person, and everything they do is new and exciting and amazing. Of course they would look god-like to you, because as a child you don’t know any better. In Peace like a River, it is definitely more emphasized; most parents can’t walk on thin air. But I get what Rueben feels towards his dad, when I was a kid my dad would take me on “adventures” every morning and pile us in the car and take us somewhere as a surprise. It was always really fun for us and I always thought he was the coolest dad for doing that, until I realized a few years ago that he was being more of a good husband than a good dad. The purposes of our “adventures” were to get us kids out of the house so my mom could sleep without two screaming toddlers around. But just knowing the real intentions doesn’t make him any less god-like to me, it may even make him more qualified.
Nathan Kelleher
ReplyDeleteCollapse
1. I believe that in the case of San diego to the 5-point system we are close to deforestation, very close considering the water shortage and our great use of urban civilization, although our government is aware of how we react and limits our use. I believe we are similar to the anasazi depending on the weather but we are able to know what to do and how to control it.
2. I believe soon in the future the population will rise and our city will be more buildings and less plants which I also think is the future of America, and with that will become more controversy leading to countrywide controversy with different citys resulting in reaction to different countries stopping shipping. I think this because looking at a geographic map of how much urbanization has affected our country it was very great which is why I think our future is not very good.
3. For me I thought that Climatologist is an interesting career. To be a climatologist you need to take classes in high school like physical and biological classes and advanced math. In college you must take classes like zoology, botany, meteorology, physics, oceanography and many others. A high school diploma is required and many years in a state college.