Assignment; Write a short essay describing how college life in the U.S. differs from college life in your home country.
There are some differences in college life between the U.S and Japan where I live. In this short essay, I will describe the differences between them focusing on the teaching method through George Washington University (GWU) life in the U.S. and Tokyo University life in which I studied from 1995 to 2001 in Japan.
First of all, all professors in GWU describe their teaching plan, purpose and goals more clearly in their syllabus than their Japanese counterparts. Thereby, students in the U.S. can more effectively study the topic of class in advance.
Second, many professors in the U.S. place emphasis on a discussion about issues which are the center point of their classes, while many professors in Japan tend to use teacher-fronted approch. Thereby, students in the U.S. can learn negosiation skills, management skill or self-expression skill which might provid advantage to the students when they work at somewhere in the future.
Third, many professors tend to give more assignments than their Japanese counterparts.
Fourth, a class evaluation system by students is established in the U.S. This system is expected to lead to improve teaching method more effectively.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
11-21-2007: Assignment ; What If?
If Mr. Mattew Perry, who was Fleet Admiral in the US, had not come to Uraga, a coast area near Yokohama in Japan, in 1853 to force Japanese government to open the market to trade each other, Japanese economy and industry would not have developed like today for the follwing reasons. First, Japanese could not have learned western technology easily, because the Japanese government did not opened its market except to the Netherlands in that era. Second, Japanse would not have placed so much emphasis on its economy and industry like today, because Japan was a hierarhical society in that era and marchants were regarded as the lowest class.
On the other hand, if Perry had not come to Japan and Japan had not opened its market, Japan would not have experienced any Word War and East Asian area would have kept peace still now.
Finally, if Perry had not come to Japan, I would be a farmar now despite I come to the US.
On the other hand, if Perry had not come to Japan and Japan had not opened its market, Japan would not have experienced any Word War and East Asian area would have kept peace still now.
Finally, if Perry had not come to Japan, I would be a farmar now despite I come to the US.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
11-14-2007; Assignment
My criteria to evaluate a documentary are the following.
1. It should clearly focus on an issue(s).
2. It should have a theoretical structure.
3. It should consider a counter argument(s).
4. Its conclusion should be supported by various objective evidence.
5. It should suggest a potential solution(s).
Evaluation of "Bowling for Columbine" through these criteria is the following.
First, the documentary implicitly focuses on a problem of school violence but it is relatively vague because it focuses on so much guns or explosions but not explicitly focuses on the Columbine incident.
Second, it dose not seem to have a theoretical structure, but just shows sporadically some interviews regarding the problem of guns or explosions.
Third, it demonstrates some counter arguments such as conflicts and interests of gun control.
Fourth, it dose not have any conclusions and potential solutions to resolve school violence, rather just introduces some opinions and suggests some problems of gun control.
In conclusion, I think that the documentary have good view in that one of the school violence is related to guns or explosions, but it is not convincing because it dose not examine other possibilities such as social rejection and psycological problem.
1. It should clearly focus on an issue(s).
2. It should have a theoretical structure.
3. It should consider a counter argument(s).
4. Its conclusion should be supported by various objective evidence.
5. It should suggest a potential solution(s).
Evaluation of "Bowling for Columbine" through these criteria is the following.
First, the documentary implicitly focuses on a problem of school violence but it is relatively vague because it focuses on so much guns or explosions but not explicitly focuses on the Columbine incident.
Second, it dose not seem to have a theoretical structure, but just shows sporadically some interviews regarding the problem of guns or explosions.
Third, it demonstrates some counter arguments such as conflicts and interests of gun control.
Fourth, it dose not have any conclusions and potential solutions to resolve school violence, rather just introduces some opinions and suggests some problems of gun control.
In conclusion, I think that the documentary have good view in that one of the school violence is related to guns or explosions, but it is not convincing because it dose not examine other possibilities such as social rejection and psycological problem.
Sunday, November 4, 2007
11-01-2007 : Assignment; About Bowling for Columbine Questions
1. Guns
2. in Michigan
3. NRA (National Rifle Association)
4. Founders of Michigan Militia
5. To defend themselves
6. Plastic bomb
7. He always face dangerous.
8. Yes.
9. Located on south of Denver, middle class hometown
10. The room in down stairs with heavy door.
11....
12. They show that they are a member of community.
13. To deal with anger and frustration to them
14. Local community was bombed by US army / Tragedy of Columbine
15. NRA
16....
17. Many school declare the policy "zero tolerance"
18. Marilyn Manson
19....
20....
21....
22...
23. 1871
24. Fear
25. Two
26. Black
27. Kids in the suburbs
28.
29.
30. One / Zero
31. Canadian does not watch violent movie and game / There is no black in Canada
32.
33.
34.
35.
36.
37.
38.
39. To stop selling ammunitions
40. There is conflict of interest among people in US.
41.
42. The process of enacting Second Amendment of Rights
2. in Michigan
3. NRA (National Rifle Association)
4. Founders of Michigan Militia
5. To defend themselves
6. Plastic bomb
7. He always face dangerous.
8. Yes.
9. Located on south of Denver, middle class hometown
10. The room in down stairs with heavy door.
11....
12. They show that they are a member of community.
13. To deal with anger and frustration to them
14. Local community was bombed by US army / Tragedy of Columbine
15. NRA
16....
17. Many school declare the policy "zero tolerance"
18. Marilyn Manson
19....
20....
21....
22...
23. 1871
24. Fear
25. Two
26. Black
27. Kids in the suburbs
28.
29.
30. One / Zero
31. Canadian does not watch violent movie and game / There is no black in Canada
32.
33.
34.
35.
36.
37.
38.
39. To stop selling ammunitions
40. There is conflict of interest among people in US.
41.
42. The process of enacting Second Amendment of Rights
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
10-31-2007 Assignment
make a deffinittion of the term education, bullying, and terrorism
1.Education
Many people think that the term education means that a process of teaching, training and learning, especially in schools or colleges to improve knowledge and develop their skills. In this paper, however, the term education is used to refer to a process that parents teach their experiences to children in home, experiences which is necessary for children to live in recent complex society.
2.Bullying
The term bullying generally means the action that a person who uses their strength or power to frighten or hurt weaker people. In this paper, however, the term bullying includes not only frightening or hurting weaker people actually but also ignoring weaker people to isolate them from society. Indeed, some data shows that ignorance is one of the causes of school violence.
3. Terrorism
Many political scientists have argued since the end of WWII whether the term terrorism includes violence by country. In this paper, however, the term terrorism is used to refer to the use of violent action in order to achieve political aims or to force a govenment to act only by a group which is not government but just assembly of individuals who have same purpose.
1.Education
Many people think that the term education means that a process of teaching, training and learning, especially in schools or colleges to improve knowledge and develop their skills. In this paper, however, the term education is used to refer to a process that parents teach their experiences to children in home, experiences which is necessary for children to live in recent complex society.
2.Bullying
The term bullying generally means the action that a person who uses their strength or power to frighten or hurt weaker people. In this paper, however, the term bullying includes not only frightening or hurting weaker people actually but also ignoring weaker people to isolate them from society. Indeed, some data shows that ignorance is one of the causes of school violence.
3. Terrorism
Many political scientists have argued since the end of WWII whether the term terrorism includes violence by country. In this paper, however, the term terrorism is used to refer to the use of violent action in order to achieve political aims or to force a govenment to act only by a group which is not government but just assembly of individuals who have same purpose.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
10-24-2007 Assignment 2 : writting a summury
Masson and McCarthy, the authors of “A Capacity for Joy”, discuss an importance and function of a play for many animals to develop social, neurological or physical capacities. At first, the plays provide lots of joys to animals such as Elephants who play with a set of swings. Second, the plays with an objective allow the animal to learn “social play”, such as dolphins recognizing the water polo game. Furthermore, the plays provide communication across the species such as a dog and human who understand what they think each other playing games.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
10-24-2007 Assignment 1 ; Columbine High School
Columbine High School massacre occurred on Tuesday, April 20, 1999. Two students, Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold, shot at anybody they met, killing12 students and a teacher, as well as wounding 23 others, before committing suicide. Although their motivation for massacre was not clear because they had committed suicide, some analysts thought that isolation and bullying from their classmate and influence of violent video game and movie might make them massacre.
After this massacre, many schools declared anti-bully policy to reduce one of the causes of school violence. In addition, many schools reinforced their security such as introduction of "door numbering system" which is the systematic use of letters or numbers to identify individual entrances to a building. Although the argument which gun control should be strengthened was occurred, the argument has not reached the conclusion because it is controversial whether gun control erodes Second Amendment rights.
After this massacre, many schools declared anti-bully policy to reduce one of the causes of school violence. In addition, many schools reinforced their security such as introduction of "door numbering system" which is the systematic use of letters or numbers to identify individual entrances to a building. Although the argument which gun control should be strengthened was occurred, the argument has not reached the conclusion because it is controversial whether gun control erodes Second Amendment rights.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
10-11-2007 Assignment
Using Resumptive and Summative Modifiers to Gracefully Extend Your Sentences
No.1
1) Many different school systems are making a return to traditional education in the basis, an education that has focused on fundamental skills.
2) Many different school systems are making a return to traditional education in the basis, a change that is one of the big issues faced by every state.
3) Many different school systems are making a return to traditional education in the basis, improving their learning skills.
No.2
1) Within the period of the last few years or so, automobile manufacturers have been trying to meet new and more stringent quality control requirements, requirements that result in increasing automobile’s cost twice than before.
2) Within the period of the last few years or so, automobile manufacturers have been trying to meet new and more stringent quality control requirements, a challenge that has led to increased manufacturing costs and labor hours compared to the last five years.
3) Within the period of the last few years or so, automobile manufacturers have been trying to meet new and more stringent quality control requirements, repeating trial and errors.
No.3
1) The majority of young people in the world of today cannot even begin to have an understanding of the insecurity that a large number of older people had experienced during the Great Depression, an insecurity that is the situation that many people cannot find any jobs.
2) The majority of young people in the world of today cannot even begin to have an understanding of the insecurity that a large number of older people had experienced during the Great Depression, a failure that causes increasing a rate of unemployment and often make government spend more money to create public work such as New Deal policy.
3) The majority of young people in the world of today cannot even begin to have an understanding of the insecurity that a large number of older people had experienced during the Great Depression, feeling the insecurity better than stable economy.
No.4
1) The reason of aging is a puzzle that has perplexed humanity for millennia, a puzzle that cause the high rate of old people population issue that we should resolve as rapidly as possible.
2) The reason of aging is a puzzle that has perplexed humanity for millennia, a mystery that many scientists have tried to resolve but yet have not.
3) The reason of aging is a puzzle that has perplexed humanity for millennia, tried to resolve by many scientists all over the world.
No.5
1) The successful accomplishment of test-tube fertilization of embryo has raised many issues of an ethical nature that continue to trouble both scientists and laypeople, issues that are one of the most important issue in the world recently.
2) The successful accomplishment of test-tube fertilization of embryo has raised many issues of an ethical nature that continue to trouble both scientists and laypeople, an event that have been drawn attention by the people who are sterile.
3) The successful accomplishment of test-tube fertilization of embryo has raised many issues of an ethical nature that continue to trouble both scientists and laypeople, surprising the companies that invest in such research intensively for many years.
No.6
1) Many who lived during the period of the Victorian era were appalled when Darwin put forth the suggestion that their ancestry might have included creatures such as ape, Darwin is the famous for his theory of evolution.
2) Many who lived during the period of the Victorian era were appalled when Darwin put forth the suggestion that their ancestry might have included creatures such as ape, a concept that altered common knowledge about evolution that human’s ancestor is a human.
3) Many who lived during the period of the Victorian era were appalled when Darwin put forth the suggestion that their ancestry might have included creatures such as ape, not being able to accept his concept for a long time.
No.7
1) In the period known to scholars and historians as the Renaissance, increases in affluence and stability in the area of political affairs had the consequence of allowing streams of thought of different kinds to merge and flow together, the Renaissance that is the era of fine art.
2) In the period known to scholars and historians as the Renaissance, increases in affluence and stability in the area of political affairs had the consequence of allowing streams of thought of different kinds to merge and flow together, a change that prevail even among Japanese as well as western Europe.
3) In the period known to scholars and historians as the Renaissance, increases in affluence and stability in the area of political affairs had the consequence of allowing streams of thought of different kinds to merge and flow together, widening disparity between rich and poor.
No.8
1) The field of journalism has to an increasing degree placed its focus on the kind of news stories and events that at one time in our history were considered to be only gossip of a salacious and sexual nature, a journalism that is thought that it should primary focus on a political and social matter.
2) The field of journalism has to an increasing degree placed its focus on the kind of news stories and events that at one time in our history were considered to be only gossip of a salacious and sexual nature, a change that leads to decline of a quality of journalist.
3) The field of journalism has to an increasing degree placed its focus on the kind of news stories and events that at one time in our history were considered to be only gossip of a salacious and sexual nature, accommodating itself to popular preferences.
No.9
1) In his documentary Bowling for Columbine, Michael Moore has put the spotlight on the American penchant for violence, a violence that is unseeable violence such as tease by with language as well as seeable violence.
2) In his documentary Bowling for Columbine, Michael Moore has put the spotlight on the American penchant for violence, an challenge that influence Japanese people as well as American people.
3) In his documentary Bowling for Columbine, Michael Moore has put the spotlight on the American penchant for violence, referring to the genocide to the Indian.
No.10
1) Al Gore has tirelessly urged world governments to develop policies in response to global warming, world governments that is reluctant to agree with his voice, especially if it is developing country.
2) Al Gore has tirelessly urged world governments to develop policies in response to global warming, world governments that is reluctant to agree with his voice, a challenge that change people’s mind that global warming is one of biggest issue they resolve rapidly.
3) Al Gore has tirelessly urged world governments to develop policies in response to global warming, world governments that is reluctant to agree with his voice, making a movie that shows global warming damage world economy and people’s life.
No.1
1) Many different school systems are making a return to traditional education in the basis, an education that has focused on fundamental skills.
2) Many different school systems are making a return to traditional education in the basis, a change that is one of the big issues faced by every state.
3) Many different school systems are making a return to traditional education in the basis, improving their learning skills.
No.2
1) Within the period of the last few years or so, automobile manufacturers have been trying to meet new and more stringent quality control requirements, requirements that result in increasing automobile’s cost twice than before.
2) Within the period of the last few years or so, automobile manufacturers have been trying to meet new and more stringent quality control requirements, a challenge that has led to increased manufacturing costs and labor hours compared to the last five years.
3) Within the period of the last few years or so, automobile manufacturers have been trying to meet new and more stringent quality control requirements, repeating trial and errors.
No.3
1) The majority of young people in the world of today cannot even begin to have an understanding of the insecurity that a large number of older people had experienced during the Great Depression, an insecurity that is the situation that many people cannot find any jobs.
2) The majority of young people in the world of today cannot even begin to have an understanding of the insecurity that a large number of older people had experienced during the Great Depression, a failure that causes increasing a rate of unemployment and often make government spend more money to create public work such as New Deal policy.
3) The majority of young people in the world of today cannot even begin to have an understanding of the insecurity that a large number of older people had experienced during the Great Depression, feeling the insecurity better than stable economy.
No.4
1) The reason of aging is a puzzle that has perplexed humanity for millennia, a puzzle that cause the high rate of old people population issue that we should resolve as rapidly as possible.
2) The reason of aging is a puzzle that has perplexed humanity for millennia, a mystery that many scientists have tried to resolve but yet have not.
3) The reason of aging is a puzzle that has perplexed humanity for millennia, tried to resolve by many scientists all over the world.
No.5
1) The successful accomplishment of test-tube fertilization of embryo has raised many issues of an ethical nature that continue to trouble both scientists and laypeople, issues that are one of the most important issue in the world recently.
2) The successful accomplishment of test-tube fertilization of embryo has raised many issues of an ethical nature that continue to trouble both scientists and laypeople, an event that have been drawn attention by the people who are sterile.
3) The successful accomplishment of test-tube fertilization of embryo has raised many issues of an ethical nature that continue to trouble both scientists and laypeople, surprising the companies that invest in such research intensively for many years.
No.6
1) Many who lived during the period of the Victorian era were appalled when Darwin put forth the suggestion that their ancestry might have included creatures such as ape, Darwin is the famous for his theory of evolution.
2) Many who lived during the period of the Victorian era were appalled when Darwin put forth the suggestion that their ancestry might have included creatures such as ape, a concept that altered common knowledge about evolution that human’s ancestor is a human.
3) Many who lived during the period of the Victorian era were appalled when Darwin put forth the suggestion that their ancestry might have included creatures such as ape, not being able to accept his concept for a long time.
No.7
1) In the period known to scholars and historians as the Renaissance, increases in affluence and stability in the area of political affairs had the consequence of allowing streams of thought of different kinds to merge and flow together, the Renaissance that is the era of fine art.
2) In the period known to scholars and historians as the Renaissance, increases in affluence and stability in the area of political affairs had the consequence of allowing streams of thought of different kinds to merge and flow together, a change that prevail even among Japanese as well as western Europe.
3) In the period known to scholars and historians as the Renaissance, increases in affluence and stability in the area of political affairs had the consequence of allowing streams of thought of different kinds to merge and flow together, widening disparity between rich and poor.
No.8
1) The field of journalism has to an increasing degree placed its focus on the kind of news stories and events that at one time in our history were considered to be only gossip of a salacious and sexual nature, a journalism that is thought that it should primary focus on a political and social matter.
2) The field of journalism has to an increasing degree placed its focus on the kind of news stories and events that at one time in our history were considered to be only gossip of a salacious and sexual nature, a change that leads to decline of a quality of journalist.
3) The field of journalism has to an increasing degree placed its focus on the kind of news stories and events that at one time in our history were considered to be only gossip of a salacious and sexual nature, accommodating itself to popular preferences.
No.9
1) In his documentary Bowling for Columbine, Michael Moore has put the spotlight on the American penchant for violence, a violence that is unseeable violence such as tease by with language as well as seeable violence.
2) In his documentary Bowling for Columbine, Michael Moore has put the spotlight on the American penchant for violence, an challenge that influence Japanese people as well as American people.
3) In his documentary Bowling for Columbine, Michael Moore has put the spotlight on the American penchant for violence, referring to the genocide to the Indian.
No.10
1) Al Gore has tirelessly urged world governments to develop policies in response to global warming, world governments that is reluctant to agree with his voice, especially if it is developing country.
2) Al Gore has tirelessly urged world governments to develop policies in response to global warming, world governments that is reluctant to agree with his voice, a challenge that change people’s mind that global warming is one of biggest issue they resolve rapidly.
3) Al Gore has tirelessly urged world governments to develop policies in response to global warming, world governments that is reluctant to agree with his voice, making a movie that shows global warming damage world economy and people’s life.
10-17-2007 Assignment 2
Curt, G. (2007, July). From Loss at Virginia Tech. . Chronicle of Higher EducationLearning, Vol. 53(Issue 46), pB5-B5.
Elliot, A. (2004, Winter). How the Columbine High School Tragedy Could Have Been Prevented. Journal of Individual Psychology, Vol. 60(Issue 4), p355-360.
Jeff, K., & Angie, M. C. (2005, April 4). WHAT HAPPENED AFTER COLUMBINE. U.S. News & World Report, Vol. 138(Issue 12), p28-29.
Marianne, H. D. (2004, April 14). Columbine High: Five Years Later. Education Week, Vol. 23(Issue 31), p1-25.
Viadero, D. (2007, October 3). SCHOOL SAFETY. Education Week, Vol. 27 (Issue 6), p5-5.
Elliot, A. (2004, Winter). How the Columbine High School Tragedy Could Have Been Prevented. Journal of Individual Psychology, Vol. 60(Issue 4), p355-360.
Jeff, K., & Angie, M. C. (2005, April 4). WHAT HAPPENED AFTER COLUMBINE. U.S. News & World Report, Vol. 138(Issue 12), p28-29.
Marianne, H. D. (2004, April 14). Columbine High: Five Years Later. Education Week, Vol. 23(Issue 31), p1-25.
Viadero, D. (2007, October 3). SCHOOL SAFETY. Education Week, Vol. 27 (Issue 6), p5-5.
10-17-2007 Assignment 1
Effect on Biodiversity
There is a bacterium that is naturally toxic to certain beetles and insects. Scientists have taken the gene that produces the toxin in the bacterium and engineered it into potato and corn plants. Now the potato and corn plants produce the same toxin, so any of the beetles or insects that eat them are poisoned by the toxin in the potato and corn plants. As the plants produce their own insecticide, farmers do not need to spray them with conventional insecticide, with the result that there is less pesticide residue on these plants. In this sense, these GE plants are better for us. But they now contain a gene that produces toxins. Is this good for us?
As well as the target pests, many beneficial beetles and insects are killed. Monarch butterfly larvae died when they came into contact with pollen from GE corn. What will be the effect on beetles, mice, birds, etc. that eat the beetles and insects that have been poisoned by the toxin in the potatoes and corn? In other words, what will be the effect on the environment? Some fear that proliferation of GE crops may result in huge losses of biodiversity and all the dangers that entails.
The GE potatoes and GE corn just mentioned are meant to reduce the need for pesticide. Other plants are genetically engineered to withstand pesticide. A gene that is naturally resistant to Monsanto's Roundup herbicide has been inserted into canola. So a farmer can spray a field of GE canola with almost as much Roundup as he/she likes, and while the weeds will be killed, the canola will be unaffected. So herbicide-resistant GE crops may encourage farmers to use more pesticide. There would be more pesticide residue on these crops.
In some places, the bacteria needed for breaking down vegetable matter so that the soil is fertilized are being wiped out by excessive use of Roundup. The soil is becoming inert, and so much so that dead weeds do not rot.
When a farmer harvests a crop like soy, some falls on to the ground and may remain there till the following growing season, when it may grow spontaneously. If the farmer is growing a different crop, the soy is now unwanted, a weed, and the farmer may want to kill it with herbicide. Herbicide-resistant GE soy cannot be killed with ordinary herbicide and farmers in Argentina, for example, use a potent cocktail of different chemicals, including 2-4,D and, it is thought, Paraquat. This cocktail is causing environmental havoc. Some of the chemicals are blown by the wind on to neighboring fields, into streams and lakes, and on to people. It is causing skin blemishes on children, farm animals to be born deformed, bananas to sprout from the middle of the branch instead of the top, lakes filled with dead fish.
Substantial Equivalence
The biotechnology industry claims that genetic engineering is just like traditional breeding, i.e., GE plants are substantially equivalent to non-GE plants and, therefore, that they do not need any extra regulation. This is obviously misleading.
In traditional breeding, members of the same or very similar species are crossed to create offspring with some novel trait. This greatly limits the genes that can be combined. Furthermore, when different but similar species are crossed, their offspring are generally infertile, preventing inter-species gene combinations from propagating in the wild. For example, a donkey and a mare can make a mule, but the mule will be infertile, the end of the line for the combined genes.
Genetic engineering smashes these natural barriers. Using gene insertion, any gene from any plant, animal, bacterium, fungus or virus can be inserted into the DNA in reproductive cells of any other organism. If the resulting organism survives, it generally can pass on its altered DNA, along with and new traits, through normal reproduction. For example, genetic engineering enables scientists to create pigs which have human genes, genes which will be passed on to future generations.
So GE plants and animals are not substantially equivalent to non-GE varieties. But are they safe for us to eat? Do they need extra regulation?
There are indications that they may not be safe. An English scientist reported that rats fed GE potatoes developed cancerous tumors. The rats' brain size also decreased. The same scientist also fed GE tomatoes to rats. 7 out of 20 rats developed stomach lesions and died.
There are also problems within the Food and Drug Agency, the US agency with responsibility for regulating food. Because of inadequate legislation in the US, Monsanto's New Leaf Superior GE potato is not regulated. The potato has been genetically engineered to poison and kill the Colorado potato beetle. Because it produces its own toxin, the potato is registered as a pesticide. The FDA does not regulate the potato because it does not have authority to regulate pesticides. That is the Environment Protection Agency's job, but the EPA says the potato is a food.
The first GE crop to be commercialized, the Flavr Savr tomato, did not pass the required toxicological tests. Secret memoranda from the FDA reveal that the agency ignored warnings from its own senior scientists who pointed out that GE is risky. What is behind this situation? For one thing, there is a very close link between the biotechnology industry and the US government. The biotech industry has been well represented in President Bush's cabinet. Secretaries of Defence, Health, and Agriculture, the Attorney General and the chairperson of the House Agriculture Committee have had connections with Monsanto or the wider industry.
But would the manufacturer be irresponsible? Monsanto president has been quoted as saying, "Safety is the Government's responsibility."
So we do not know for sure if GE foods are safe. They may turn out to be harmful. There are many examples of new technologies hailed at first as great benefits to humankind, but later realized to be anything but a benefit. The effects of DDT were not known for decades. Likewise Thalidomide, which caused deformities in more than 100,000 babies. At the time of its approval in the EU and Canada, tests in laboratory animals showed no negative effects. Thalidomide's damage was revealed only over time, not in the drug's users, but in their children.
There is already at least one new disease linked to GE food. In 1989 eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome (EMS) hit the US. 37 people died and 1,500 were permanently disabled. EMS was linked to the consumption of a dietary supplement called L-Tryptophan. The batch of L-Tryptophan implicated in the outbreak was traced to Showa Denko, which had recently introduced a new genetically engineered bacterium into its production process.
There is a bacterium that is naturally toxic to certain beetles and insects. Scientists have taken the gene that produces the toxin in the bacterium and engineered it into potato and corn plants. Now the potato and corn plants produce the same toxin, so any of the beetles or insects that eat them are poisoned by the toxin in the potato and corn plants. As the plants produce their own insecticide, farmers do not need to spray them with conventional insecticide, with the result that there is less pesticide residue on these plants. In this sense, these GE plants are better for us. But they now contain a gene that produces toxins. Is this good for us?
As well as the target pests, many beneficial beetles and insects are killed. Monarch butterfly larvae died when they came into contact with pollen from GE corn. What will be the effect on beetles, mice, birds, etc. that eat the beetles and insects that have been poisoned by the toxin in the potatoes and corn? In other words, what will be the effect on the environment? Some fear that proliferation of GE crops may result in huge losses of biodiversity and all the dangers that entails.
The GE potatoes and GE corn just mentioned are meant to reduce the need for pesticide. Other plants are genetically engineered to withstand pesticide. A gene that is naturally resistant to Monsanto's Roundup herbicide has been inserted into canola. So a farmer can spray a field of GE canola with almost as much Roundup as he/she likes, and while the weeds will be killed, the canola will be unaffected. So herbicide-resistant GE crops may encourage farmers to use more pesticide. There would be more pesticide residue on these crops.
In some places, the bacteria needed for breaking down vegetable matter so that the soil is fertilized are being wiped out by excessive use of Roundup. The soil is becoming inert, and so much so that dead weeds do not rot.
When a farmer harvests a crop like soy, some falls on to the ground and may remain there till the following growing season, when it may grow spontaneously. If the farmer is growing a different crop, the soy is now unwanted, a weed, and the farmer may want to kill it with herbicide. Herbicide-resistant GE soy cannot be killed with ordinary herbicide and farmers in Argentina, for example, use a potent cocktail of different chemicals, including 2-4,D and, it is thought, Paraquat. This cocktail is causing environmental havoc. Some of the chemicals are blown by the wind on to neighboring fields, into streams and lakes, and on to people. It is causing skin blemishes on children, farm animals to be born deformed, bananas to sprout from the middle of the branch instead of the top, lakes filled with dead fish.
Substantial Equivalence
The biotechnology industry claims that genetic engineering is just like traditional breeding, i.e., GE plants are substantially equivalent to non-GE plants and, therefore, that they do not need any extra regulation. This is obviously misleading.
In traditional breeding, members of the same or very similar species are crossed to create offspring with some novel trait. This greatly limits the genes that can be combined. Furthermore, when different but similar species are crossed, their offspring are generally infertile, preventing inter-species gene combinations from propagating in the wild. For example, a donkey and a mare can make a mule, but the mule will be infertile, the end of the line for the combined genes.
Genetic engineering smashes these natural barriers. Using gene insertion, any gene from any plant, animal, bacterium, fungus or virus can be inserted into the DNA in reproductive cells of any other organism. If the resulting organism survives, it generally can pass on its altered DNA, along with and new traits, through normal reproduction. For example, genetic engineering enables scientists to create pigs which have human genes, genes which will be passed on to future generations.
So GE plants and animals are not substantially equivalent to non-GE varieties. But are they safe for us to eat? Do they need extra regulation?
There are indications that they may not be safe. An English scientist reported that rats fed GE potatoes developed cancerous tumors. The rats' brain size also decreased. The same scientist also fed GE tomatoes to rats. 7 out of 20 rats developed stomach lesions and died.
There are also problems within the Food and Drug Agency, the US agency with responsibility for regulating food. Because of inadequate legislation in the US, Monsanto's New Leaf Superior GE potato is not regulated. The potato has been genetically engineered to poison and kill the Colorado potato beetle. Because it produces its own toxin, the potato is registered as a pesticide. The FDA does not regulate the potato because it does not have authority to regulate pesticides. That is the Environment Protection Agency's job, but the EPA says the potato is a food.
The first GE crop to be commercialized, the Flavr Savr tomato, did not pass the required toxicological tests. Secret memoranda from the FDA reveal that the agency ignored warnings from its own senior scientists who pointed out that GE is risky. What is behind this situation? For one thing, there is a very close link between the biotechnology industry and the US government. The biotech industry has been well represented in President Bush's cabinet. Secretaries of Defence, Health, and Agriculture, the Attorney General and the chairperson of the House Agriculture Committee have had connections with Monsanto or the wider industry.
But would the manufacturer be irresponsible? Monsanto president has been quoted as saying, "Safety is the Government's responsibility."
So we do not know for sure if GE foods are safe. They may turn out to be harmful. There are many examples of new technologies hailed at first as great benefits to humankind, but later realized to be anything but a benefit. The effects of DDT were not known for decades. Likewise Thalidomide, which caused deformities in more than 100,000 babies. At the time of its approval in the EU and Canada, tests in laboratory animals showed no negative effects. Thalidomide's damage was revealed only over time, not in the drug's users, but in their children.
There is already at least one new disease linked to GE food. In 1989 eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome (EMS) hit the US. 37 people died and 1,500 were permanently disabled. EMS was linked to the consumption of a dietary supplement called L-Tryptophan. The batch of L-Tryptophan implicated in the outbreak was traced to Showa Denko, which had recently introduced a new genetically engineered bacterium into its production process.
Saturday, October 13, 2007
10-10-2007 Assignment 2 : Dscribing cause and effect
An effect of global warming
Many researches show that increase in greenhouse effect gases such as carbon dioxide is one of the main causes of global warming. These gases absorb a reflected a part of sun’s energy from a surface of the earth, although the sun’s energy come from directly goes through these gases. Many scientists predict that this unbalance makes air temperature rise as much as about six degree Celsius in 100 years compared with average of temperature in recent years. This increase in temperature makes an ice around the North and South Pole melt, a melting ice that result in raising a sea level. Consequently, raising a sea could have serious negative effect on the world economy, because rising of a sea make many significant cities for world economy such as NY, Tokyo and Hong Kong sink below the surface.
Many researches show that increase in greenhouse effect gases such as carbon dioxide is one of the main causes of global warming. These gases absorb a reflected a part of sun’s energy from a surface of the earth, although the sun’s energy come from directly goes through these gases. Many scientists predict that this unbalance makes air temperature rise as much as about six degree Celsius in 100 years compared with average of temperature in recent years. This increase in temperature makes an ice around the North and South Pole melt, a melting ice that result in raising a sea level. Consequently, raising a sea could have serious negative effect on the world economy, because rising of a sea make many significant cities for world economy such as NY, Tokyo and Hong Kong sink below the surface.
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
10-09-2007 Assignment: parapharase
Source: Leary, Kowalski, Smith, & Phillips (2003)
1) According to Leary, Kowalski, Smith, & Phillips (2003), some studies shows that many adults become upset and hostile when they can not achieve their desire in love (Buameister et al., 1993), and they are disregarded (Williams, 1997; Williams and Zudro, 2001).
2) According to Leary, Kowalski, Smith, & Phillips (2003), some individuals are thrown out and disregarded by their peers simply because of indifference but because of intension. Other individuals are ignored simply because they are remarkably shy, lack social skills, or do not share same interest.
3) According to Leary, Kowalski, Smith, & Phillips (2003), Eric Harris, 18 and Dyan Klebold shot a fire at Columbine High School injuring 21 people and killing 13 people. This is because they had been ignored and insulted by their peers, and Harris had been rejected from girls whom he had asked to party.
Source: DAVID M. KENNEDY in New York Times editorial
1) Privileges of citizenship had always relied on the existence of military force since ancient Greeks through the American Revolutionary War and well into the 20th century, which Samuel Adams’s statement that the liberties of the people always be exposed to dangerous represent, thus it is disturbing that current American society is far from the modern military (DAVID M. KENNEDY in New York Times editorial).
2) A society including our sons and daughters have few risk and burden even if the warfare provoke, which makes the implications deeply unsettling (DAVID M. KENNEDY in New York Times editorial).
Source: Sara Beale(2006)
1) The news media contents are influenced by economic and marketing consideration that frequently exceed traditional journalistic standard for newsworthiness. Despite of not reflecting events in society precisely, the coverage of crime and violence that was wrapped by commercial pressures has played a major role in reshaping public opinion, and even criminal justice policy (Sara Beale, 2006)
1) According to Leary, Kowalski, Smith, & Phillips (2003), some studies shows that many adults become upset and hostile when they can not achieve their desire in love (Buameister et al., 1993), and they are disregarded (Williams, 1997; Williams and Zudro, 2001).
2) According to Leary, Kowalski, Smith, & Phillips (2003), some individuals are thrown out and disregarded by their peers simply because of indifference but because of intension. Other individuals are ignored simply because they are remarkably shy, lack social skills, or do not share same interest.
3) According to Leary, Kowalski, Smith, & Phillips (2003), Eric Harris, 18 and Dyan Klebold shot a fire at Columbine High School injuring 21 people and killing 13 people. This is because they had been ignored and insulted by their peers, and Harris had been rejected from girls whom he had asked to party.
Source: DAVID M. KENNEDY in New York Times editorial
1) Privileges of citizenship had always relied on the existence of military force since ancient Greeks through the American Revolutionary War and well into the 20th century, which Samuel Adams’s statement that the liberties of the people always be exposed to dangerous represent, thus it is disturbing that current American society is far from the modern military (DAVID M. KENNEDY in New York Times editorial).
2) A society including our sons and daughters have few risk and burden even if the warfare provoke, which makes the implications deeply unsettling (DAVID M. KENNEDY in New York Times editorial).
Source: Sara Beale(2006)
1) The news media contents are influenced by economic and marketing consideration that frequently exceed traditional journalistic standard for newsworthiness. Despite of not reflecting events in society precisely, the coverage of crime and violence that was wrapped by commercial pressures has played a major role in reshaping public opinion, and even criminal justice policy (Sara Beale, 2006)
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
10-03-07 Assignment 2
Assingment:Some child prodigies as young as 10 years old go to universities. Do you think this is a good environment for these children? Why or Why not? Explaiin your reasons, and give examples to support your oppinion.
I think it is a good environment for these children, because university is suitable to learn new something that prodigy can not learn at other school. For example, when 10 years ago, there was one Japanese prodigy who understood completely high school level math had been studying applied math that is university level. Actually, he wanted to learn high level math in university but any Japanese university could not accommodate him that environment. If he could learn applied math in university, he would award Novel Prize around this time. After that, some Japanese university changes their policy and admitted earlier enrollment to anyone who have tremendous talent.
Some people, however, disagree with earlier enrollment, arguing these children can not make friends same age or they cannot learn ethic that is necessary to live in the social community. I think it is partially true, but it is not big problems. For example, there are many children who have inborn talent of soccer and play top league surrounding many adult player. They play soccer, going to school. If earlier enrollment students need to make friends or learn ethic, they are better off studying in lower school, learning high level study in university.
I think it is a good environment for these children, because university is suitable to learn new something that prodigy can not learn at other school. For example, when 10 years ago, there was one Japanese prodigy who understood completely high school level math had been studying applied math that is university level. Actually, he wanted to learn high level math in university but any Japanese university could not accommodate him that environment. If he could learn applied math in university, he would award Novel Prize around this time. After that, some Japanese university changes their policy and admitted earlier enrollment to anyone who have tremendous talent.
Some people, however, disagree with earlier enrollment, arguing these children can not make friends same age or they cannot learn ethic that is necessary to live in the social community. I think it is partially true, but it is not big problems. For example, there are many children who have inborn talent of soccer and play top league surrounding many adult player. They play soccer, going to school. If earlier enrollment students need to make friends or learn ethic, they are better off studying in lower school, learning high level study in university.
10-03-07 Assignment 1
Assignment: Create an outline of a famous event that involves a chain of causation.Write a short essay based on the outline.
According to the article of O.C. McSwite (2001), a city that confronted a growing problem of drunk driving made a stricter rule and instructed its police to crack down on drinking drivers. When the police began to do this, police service deteriorated as a result of the considerable officer downtime to make arrests. In order to ameliorate the additional time demands on officers, the city bought expensive vans to go to the arrest scene, test drivers, and complete the necessary paperwork on site. This increased arrests further and resulted in judges dismissing a large number of new cases. In order to combat this, the city next launched a training program for judges. As a result of this training, convictions increased. Finally, the city administration began to experience a great deal of political pressure as citizens became upset at what they saw as an unreasonably harsh police crackdown on typical “Friday and Saturday night” behavior.
According to the article of O.C. McSwite (2001), a city that confronted a growing problem of drunk driving made a stricter rule and instructed its police to crack down on drinking drivers. When the police began to do this, police service deteriorated as a result of the considerable officer downtime to make arrests. In order to ameliorate the additional time demands on officers, the city bought expensive vans to go to the arrest scene, test drivers, and complete the necessary paperwork on site. This increased arrests further and resulted in judges dismissing a large number of new cases. In order to combat this, the city next launched a training program for judges. As a result of this training, convictions increased. Finally, the city administration began to experience a great deal of political pressure as citizens became upset at what they saw as an unreasonably harsh police crackdown on typical “Friday and Saturday night” behavior.
Monday, October 1, 2007
10-01-07 Assignment:Describing the Graph
This graph describes the average daily use of D.C. metro.
It shows that the number of commuters sharply increases from 6:00 AM, and reaches a peak at 8:00 AM. After this peak, the number of passengers falls to 10:00 AM. From 10:00 AM, the number of commuters plateaus and reaches a bottom at 4:00 PM. After that, it sharply rises again and reaches peak at 6:00 PM, as many commuters as first peak at 8:00 AM. And then, the number of commuters goes down to 8:00 PM. After that the number of commuters stabilizes to 10:00 PM.
This graph shows that most firms and schools start around 8:00 AM and end around 6:00 PM. In addition, they have lunch time about from 12:00PM to 2:00 PM.
It shows that the number of commuters sharply increases from 6:00 AM, and reaches a peak at 8:00 AM. After this peak, the number of passengers falls to 10:00 AM. From 10:00 AM, the number of commuters plateaus and reaches a bottom at 4:00 PM. After that, it sharply rises again and reaches peak at 6:00 PM, as many commuters as first peak at 8:00 AM. And then, the number of commuters goes down to 8:00 PM. After that the number of commuters stabilizes to 10:00 PM.
This graph shows that most firms and schools start around 8:00 AM and end around 6:00 PM. In addition, they have lunch time about from 12:00PM to 2:00 PM.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
27-09-07 Assignment : Summury of "Small Wonders"
Andrew Marshall, the author of "Small Wonders", discusses the distinctions between prodigies and average children. The author, quoting a neural circuitry survey, argues remarkable difference is that prodigies can concentrate on one thing shutting down any other disturbing noises rather than average kids as well as they have an astonishing processing talent. The author, on the other hand, insists that how their parents raise thier prodigies is important as well as such inborn talent, refferring to necessity to give them good environments such as reading book and allow them high degree independence. Finally, author call attention that parents should occasionally allow their prodigies to play as a child.
Saturday, September 29, 2007
09-26-07 Assignment 2: short essay about aging popupation
In Japan, according to the official survey, a rate of an aging population has been increasing since 1935, and in 2006 it became 20.7% which is the highest level in the world. Nowadays, it has become one of the most serious problems in Japanese society, because increasing the aging population understandably causes swelling medical expenses, bringing in growth of younger's burden to support older and increment of government's expenses such as annual pension.
I personally think that the most effective resolution of these problems is to increase a birthrate. The Japanese birthrate has been decreasing recently and become lower part among developed countries. Low birthrate, according to a government's report, results mostly from high cost of raising a child and lack of day care center for child. Thus, I strongly think that the Japanese government should focus expenditure on subsidizing growing up children and increasing official day care center.
I personally think that the most effective resolution of these problems is to increase a birthrate. The Japanese birthrate has been decreasing recently and become lower part among developed countries. Low birthrate, according to a government's report, results mostly from high cost of raising a child and lack of day care center for child. Thus, I strongly think that the Japanese government should focus expenditure on subsidizing growing up children and increasing official day care center.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
09-26-07 Class Work
Discuss the documentary, "The End of Suburbia"
1.What's the documentary's main claim
The documentary's main claim is that the trend of living in suburbia come to end.
2.What's the background of the problem?
The necessity of using energy is greatly increasing because of the industrial revolution, rapidly economic growth, improving living standard.
3.What reasons dose the film-maker provide in support of the claim? Which reasons do you find the most convincing? Which ones are not so convincing?
Although people living in suburbia inevitably need using a automobile to go to their office or shopping, the people will hardly use automobile because the oil deposit become scarce and oil price has skyrocketed.
The film predicts that the governments will not be able to maintain every highways that is necessary for people to live in suburbia to go to work and shopping.
4.What's evidence dose the film-maker provide in support of these reasons? Which evidence do you find the most convincing?
5.What counter-arguments dose the film-maker deal with?(You should be able to name at least 3).
One expert insists that people can substitute bio energy for the oil energy. Other expert, however, point out bio energy can not substitute because of shortage of land to grow up crops for bio energy and insist that we need more energy to grow up a lot of crops for bio energy.
One expert argues that people can substitute hydrogen for the oil energy. Other expert, however, point out the problem of hydrogen. First, hydrogen automobile put out a lot of water, so it becomes foggy in a city. Second hydrogen automobile is more dangerous than oil automobile. Third, hydrogen automobile is much expensive than oil automobile.
One expert said that amount of consumption of oil pass the peak, because amount of consumption of natural gas is substituted for oil. Other experts, however, said that in America, natural gas depend fifty percent more on Canada, so if the amount of consumption of natural gas increase in Canada, we could use natural gas.
6.What are some of the implications of the problem? In other words, what is the cost of inaction?
7.Dose the author discuss any solution to the problem?
The author suggests that people should change their lifestyle. One example is that instead of using automobile, people use public transportation such as a bus or subway. Other example is that people should make a small community which consists of all necessities to live such as school, mall, hospital, and workplace.
1.What's the documentary's main claim
The documentary's main claim is that the trend of living in suburbia come to end.
2.What's the background of the problem?
The necessity of using energy is greatly increasing because of the industrial revolution, rapidly economic growth, improving living standard.
3.What reasons dose the film-maker provide in support of the claim? Which reasons do you find the most convincing? Which ones are not so convincing?
Although people living in suburbia inevitably need using a automobile to go to their office or shopping, the people will hardly use automobile because the oil deposit become scarce and oil price has skyrocketed.
The film predicts that the governments will not be able to maintain every highways that is necessary for people to live in suburbia to go to work and shopping.
4.What's evidence dose the film-maker provide in support of these reasons? Which evidence do you find the most convincing?
5.What counter-arguments dose the film-maker deal with?(You should be able to name at least 3).
One expert insists that people can substitute bio energy for the oil energy. Other expert, however, point out bio energy can not substitute because of shortage of land to grow up crops for bio energy and insist that we need more energy to grow up a lot of crops for bio energy.
One expert argues that people can substitute hydrogen for the oil energy. Other expert, however, point out the problem of hydrogen. First, hydrogen automobile put out a lot of water, so it becomes foggy in a city. Second hydrogen automobile is more dangerous than oil automobile. Third, hydrogen automobile is much expensive than oil automobile.
One expert said that amount of consumption of oil pass the peak, because amount of consumption of natural gas is substituted for oil. Other experts, however, said that in America, natural gas depend fifty percent more on Canada, so if the amount of consumption of natural gas increase in Canada, we could use natural gas.
6.What are some of the implications of the problem? In other words, what is the cost of inaction?
7.Dose the author discuss any solution to the problem?
The author suggests that people should change their lifestyle. One example is that instead of using automobile, people use public transportation such as a bus or subway. Other example is that people should make a small community which consists of all necessities to live such as school, mall, hospital, and workplace.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
09-20-07 Class Work
Assignment 1: Discuss whether you think mixed marriages are good or bad.
In Japan, many traditional people disagree with mixed marriages. I, however, think mixed marriage is good for the following reasons.
First, mixed marriages can allow people to learn more depth each country such as history, culture and entertainment, which they might not have known if they did not get married. For example, my older brother got married with American woman seven years ago. He now know more about American history such as how the constitution was built and how it works in this era than me although I major in public administration at GWU. This shows that mixed marriages has more advantages than normal marriages.
Second, their son or daughter can become bilingual without any difficulty. For example, my older brother's son who is still four-year-old can speak English and Japanese fluently, although I, thirty-one-year-old can not still speak English well.
Many people, however, might think people who get married outsider go through hard time to understand each other. I, however, assume that understanding each other is not difficult because we can now get a lot of information more easily via internet than before.
Assignment 2: If you were going to do research on mixed marriages, what factors would you investigate?
I would investigate the number of people who get married outsider every ten years from 2006, rate of divorce people that got married outsider every ten years comparing with who got married insider and consciousness research on mixed married.
In Japan, many traditional people disagree with mixed marriages. I, however, think mixed marriage is good for the following reasons.
First, mixed marriages can allow people to learn more depth each country such as history, culture and entertainment, which they might not have known if they did not get married. For example, my older brother got married with American woman seven years ago. He now know more about American history such as how the constitution was built and how it works in this era than me although I major in public administration at GWU. This shows that mixed marriages has more advantages than normal marriages.
Second, their son or daughter can become bilingual without any difficulty. For example, my older brother's son who is still four-year-old can speak English and Japanese fluently, although I, thirty-one-year-old can not still speak English well.
Many people, however, might think people who get married outsider go through hard time to understand each other. I, however, assume that understanding each other is not difficult because we can now get a lot of information more easily via internet than before.
Assignment 2: If you were going to do research on mixed marriages, what factors would you investigate?
I would investigate the number of people who get married outsider every ten years from 2006, rate of divorce people that got married outsider every ten years comparing with who got married insider and consciousness research on mixed married.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
09-18-07 Assignment 2: Wright in your journal (page 20)
In Japan, where I live, many people disagree with introducing computers in early stage which is an elementary school. I, however, personally think computers should be introduced in early stages as possible.
This is because computers are indispensable for our current life. Without computers, we can not get business opportunities, communicate each other and get a lot of information. This shows that we can get more opportunities if we start learning from earlier age how to use computer, what we can do using computer and what happen in the world than we start learning from old age.
Many people, on the other hand, might think that computers are harmful for children mental and physical health or children should go outside and learn a lesson from a real world or children can access many harmful website. They might be partly true but we can solve this problem limiting computer use. I think it is very important to balance learning using computers and learning from real world.
Thus I strongly believe that computers should be introduced in early stages as possible.
This is because computers are indispensable for our current life. Without computers, we can not get business opportunities, communicate each other and get a lot of information. This shows that we can get more opportunities if we start learning from earlier age how to use computer, what we can do using computer and what happen in the world than we start learning from old age.
Many people, on the other hand, might think that computers are harmful for children mental and physical health or children should go outside and learn a lesson from a real world or children can access many harmful website. They might be partly true but we can solve this problem limiting computer use. I think it is very important to balance learning using computers and learning from real world.
Thus I strongly believe that computers should be introduced in early stages as possible.
09-18-07 Assignment 1 : Critical Thinking Strategies (page 15)
1. I personally think “health concerns” which the Alliance for Childhood cites might mean both mental and physical health. First of all, computers often are harmful for children eyes if they keep looking at computers’ screen for many hours. Furthermore, computers might make children’s body strength decrease because they often discourage children to go outside and learn directly from real world.
2. I think these parents are not sure whether using a computer is good or not for their children, more likely, they might have thought children should go outside and learn a lesson from nature.
3. I think there are two factors which can determine how useful computers are in the classroom. First, teachers should be well trained how to use computers and how to teach students using computer. Second, computers should be used not for just repeating fundamental exercises, but for resolving practical exercises.
2. I think these parents are not sure whether using a computer is good or not for their children, more likely, they might have thought children should go outside and learn a lesson from nature.
3. I think there are two factors which can determine how useful computers are in the classroom. First, teachers should be well trained how to use computers and how to teach students using computer. Second, computers should be used not for just repeating fundamental exercises, but for resolving practical exercises.
Monday, September 17, 2007
09-17-07 Assignment : Summury of the article "BEYOND RIVARY"
Elizabeth Stark, the author of "Beyond Rivalry" discusses the vicissitudes of relationship between siblings. The author points out younger adult siblings are apart from each other as they rather connect with their own societies, for older adult siblings, however, it is no longer important. The author describes that older adult siblings often contact each other triggered by their parental death or sickness because of physiological and physical reasons. The author, finally, claims that in spite of increasing their desire to turn back to each other, they rarely contact directly each other because they think siblings have equally needs for help and they are a safety net and still rivalry.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
A Short Summary of the article "State Lotteries are Needed"
State lotteries, whitch have existed for 500 years, provides essential fund for state program through voluntaly taxation. For example, lotteries's revenues help state raise educate program, and make job oppotunity. Furtheremore, state lotteries make taxpayers rich by reduing tax. In addition to this, the State which have lotteries gets money from nearby states which do not have lottery system. Although some people critic that there are many risks in the lotteries, the proceds can accomplish a great deal of good when effective administration of lottery revenue is achieved.
Saturday, September 15, 2007
09-12-07 Assignment 3 : Writing Exercises
Assginment:Alter the following sentences to make them academically respectable and defensible
1; Physical attraction is important for marital happiness.
-It is almost certain that physical attraction is important marital happiness.
2.Economic sanctions are ineffective.
-It is very probably that economic sanctions are ineffective.
3.Alcohol causes people to become violent.
-There is a strong possibility that alcohol causes people to become violent.
4.Passive smoking causes cancer.
-There is a strong possibility that passive smoking causes cancer.
5.Recycling is the best solution to the waste disposal problem.
-Recycling is the one of the best solution to the wasete disposal problem.
6.Physical exercise lessens the severity of depression.
-Physical exercise seems to lessen the severity of depression.
7.Great novels do not make great films.
-It is probable that great novels do not make great films.
8.Private schools provide better education than do public schools.
-Private schools might provide better education than do public schools.
1; Physical attraction is important for marital happiness.
-It is almost certain that physical attraction is important marital happiness.
2.Economic sanctions are ineffective.
-It is very probably that economic sanctions are ineffective.
3.Alcohol causes people to become violent.
-There is a strong possibility that alcohol causes people to become violent.
4.Passive smoking causes cancer.
-There is a strong possibility that passive smoking causes cancer.
5.Recycling is the best solution to the waste disposal problem.
-Recycling is the one of the best solution to the wasete disposal problem.
6.Physical exercise lessens the severity of depression.
-Physical exercise seems to lessen the severity of depression.
7.Great novels do not make great films.
-It is probable that great novels do not make great films.
8.Private schools provide better education than do public schools.
-Private schools might provide better education than do public schools.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
09/12/07 Assignment 2 : Hedging parts
There are many hedging parts in the article. The most definite hedging parts, however, might focuses on the following three points.
First, the author clearly shows that their analyses of cases of school violence support the hypothesis that social rejection was involved in most cases of lethal school violence, on the other hand, the author mentions that cases of social violences are not explained only by the rejection quoting the article [Vossekuil et al., 2000]. Addition to this article, the author also shows the other reasons which make students violent quoting the articles [Millon, 1981] and [Vossekuil et al., 2000].
Second, the author refers to possibility of bias of analysis which indicate social rejection causes the school violence. In particular, the author thinks that the evidence that they obtained about the episodes from press reports may reflect reporters’ implicit theories about the link between rejection and aggression.
Finally, the author uses many words to hedge its article as bellow. "Several of the perpetrators explicitly explained their actions as a response to being mistreated by other students". "It is also noteworthy that, to our knowledge, few of the perpetrators attributed their violent behavior to other equally plausible causes..." "Few individuals navigate their way through adolescence without ..." "Rejection may be frustrating, angering, even maddening [Buckley, unpublished data; Twenge et al., 2001], but it is rarely sufficient to provoke premeditated violence even if the victim feels like killing people." "In particular, most of the perpetrators displayed at least one of the other three risk factors..." "First, a variety of psychological problems may be associated with an increased tendency for aggressive behavior." "Second, individuals who not only have access to guns but who are fascinated by firearms and explosives may be more likely to act on their aggressive impulses..." "Third, people who are fascinated by themes of death, and whose identity is linked to Gothic, Satanic, and other ‘‘dark’’ lifestyles may find the idea of carnage less revolting than most other people do." "It remains unclear whether death-rock music and other aspects of popular culture ..." "Previous theory and research has not adequately addressed the question of why rejection sometimes leads to anger and an impulse to aggress." "we believe that the primary motive in most of the school shootings seems to have been retribution..." "In fact, many of the cases were characterized by both an ongoing pattern of rejection and a specific rejection experience..." "At the same time, however, the evidence suggests that at least some of the perpetrators were seeking respect as well." "In particular, the evidence that we obtained about the episodes from press reports may reflect reporters’ implicit theories about the link between rejection and aggression; we may have found evidence of such a relationship because writers in the mass media selectively reported evidence consistent with their implicit theories." "In most cases, information regarding the perpetrator’s relationships with other students was mentioned only in the context of describing the kind of person he or she was." "Although we can document that most of the perpetrators of these school shootings had been subjected to ..." "Even so, from reading descriptions of their peer relationships, our sense is that most of the shooters had experienced an unusually high amount of bullying or ostracism..." "Furthermore, when an individual has psychological difficulties, an affinity for guns and explosives, or a fascination with death and gore, such peer mistreatment may evoke a catastrophic reaction."
First, the author clearly shows that their analyses of cases of school violence support the hypothesis that social rejection was involved in most cases of lethal school violence, on the other hand, the author mentions that cases of social violences are not explained only by the rejection quoting the article [Vossekuil et al., 2000]. Addition to this article, the author also shows the other reasons which make students violent quoting the articles [Millon, 1981] and [Vossekuil et al., 2000].
Second, the author refers to possibility of bias of analysis which indicate social rejection causes the school violence. In particular, the author thinks that the evidence that they obtained about the episodes from press reports may reflect reporters’ implicit theories about the link between rejection and aggression.
Finally, the author uses many words to hedge its article as bellow. "Several of the perpetrators explicitly explained their actions as a response to being mistreated by other students". "It is also noteworthy that, to our knowledge, few of the perpetrators attributed their violent behavior to other equally plausible causes..." "Few individuals navigate their way through adolescence without ..." "Rejection may be frustrating, angering, even maddening [Buckley, unpublished data; Twenge et al., 2001], but it is rarely sufficient to provoke premeditated violence even if the victim feels like killing people." "In particular, most of the perpetrators displayed at least one of the other three risk factors..." "First, a variety of psychological problems may be associated with an increased tendency for aggressive behavior." "Second, individuals who not only have access to guns but who are fascinated by firearms and explosives may be more likely to act on their aggressive impulses..." "Third, people who are fascinated by themes of death, and whose identity is linked to Gothic, Satanic, and other ‘‘dark’’ lifestyles may find the idea of carnage less revolting than most other people do." "It remains unclear whether death-rock music and other aspects of popular culture ..." "Previous theory and research has not adequately addressed the question of why rejection sometimes leads to anger and an impulse to aggress." "we believe that the primary motive in most of the school shootings seems to have been retribution..." "In fact, many of the cases were characterized by both an ongoing pattern of rejection and a specific rejection experience..." "At the same time, however, the evidence suggests that at least some of the perpetrators were seeking respect as well." "In particular, the evidence that we obtained about the episodes from press reports may reflect reporters’ implicit theories about the link between rejection and aggression; we may have found evidence of such a relationship because writers in the mass media selectively reported evidence consistent with their implicit theories." "In most cases, information regarding the perpetrator’s relationships with other students was mentioned only in the context of describing the kind of person he or she was." "Although we can document that most of the perpetrators of these school shootings had been subjected to ..." "Even so, from reading descriptions of their peer relationships, our sense is that most of the shooters had experienced an unusually high amount of bullying or ostracism..." "Furthermore, when an individual has psychological difficulties, an affinity for guns and explosives, or a fascination with death and gore, such peer mistreatment may evoke a catastrophic reaction."
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
The question about a compulsive shopper
1.Yes they do. Compulsive shoppers usually buy something whether it is necessary for them, and in almost every case, they do not calculate their revenue and expenditure accurately. Normal shoppers, on the other hand, usually buy only what they really want, maintaing a balance between revenue and expenditure.
2.I know a woman who is addicted to shopping. In her case, the stress leads her to shop compulsively. She is normal shopper when she has a few tasks, but as her work load increase, she used to frequent mall and buy anything she do not want.
3.I think some cultures seems to encourage people compulsive shopping. Japanese, for example, ofen want to purchase any item which is associated with Hoolywood stars regardless of costs.
4.Advertisements usually give the illusion people as if the merchandise which advertisements show is the most popular in their community and many people think they are superior than others if they have that merchandise.
5.I would define a compulsive shopper that they usually buy something whether or not it is necessary for them and almost all they do not calculate their revenue and expenditure accurately.
6.I think a compulsive people are similar to the people who are addicted to alcohol or gambling. Therefore the citation about research on why people addicted to alcohol or gambling would make this essay stronger.
2.I know a woman who is addicted to shopping. In her case, the stress leads her to shop compulsively. She is normal shopper when she has a few tasks, but as her work load increase, she used to frequent mall and buy anything she do not want.
3.I think some cultures seems to encourage people compulsive shopping. Japanese, for example, ofen want to purchase any item which is associated with Hoolywood stars regardless of costs.
4.Advertisements usually give the illusion people as if the merchandise which advertisements show is the most popular in their community and many people think they are superior than others if they have that merchandise.
5.I would define a compulsive shopper that they usually buy something whether or not it is necessary for them and almost all they do not calculate their revenue and expenditure accurately.
6.I think a compulsive people are similar to the people who are addicted to alcohol or gambling. Therefore the citation about research on why people addicted to alcohol or gambling would make this essay stronger.
09-12-07 Assignment 1 : About clever animals
Almost all animals usually obey man's direction if they are adequatly educated. For example, many dogs learn to sit down when dogs' guardian feed dog food, and they will bark when thieves break into their house. Especially, seeing-eye dogs are most obedient among dogs. After they go through a training for a year, they can even lead blinds to cross a cross walk when the signal turn to green, and lead to get round when there are some obstacls.
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Differences between academic writing and non-academic writing
First of all, academic writing focuses on specific themes such as science, histroy, economics. Non-academic writing, on the other hand, is usually deal with general topic, such as entertainment and sports.
Second, academic writing has a clear and theoretical structure. It needs concise introduction which is summury of its contents, sufficient evidences to support its opinions and clear conclusion. Non-academic writing, on the other hand, usually has obscure conclusion which is not supported sufficient evidences.
Third, academic writing distinguishs the opinion which is thought by itself from a opinion which is insisted by other person using citation, and citation shows clearly that which documents insists that opinion. While, non-academic writing is usually vague whose opinion it is.
In addition, people use a terminology in academic writing , but not use in non-academic writing.
Second, academic writing has a clear and theoretical structure. It needs concise introduction which is summury of its contents, sufficient evidences to support its opinions and clear conclusion. Non-academic writing, on the other hand, usually has obscure conclusion which is not supported sufficient evidences.
Third, academic writing distinguishs the opinion which is thought by itself from a opinion which is insisted by other person using citation, and citation shows clearly that which documents insists that opinion. While, non-academic writing is usually vague whose opinion it is.
In addition, people use a terminology in academic writing , but not use in non-academic writing.
Introduction
My name is KT from Tokyo, Japan.
I graduated from Tokyo University in 2001, and then started my career at the Japanese government. I have worked for there for six years, and the last three years was the most hard time for me because I was in charge of the competition policy as deputy director.
But now, I am studying in the public administration program at GWU to achieve my professional goal. My ultimate goal is to make Japan the biggest economic power in the world so I decided to take the public administration program and improve my skill by studying economic analysis and management of organization.
I graduated from Tokyo University in 2001, and then started my career at the Japanese government. I have worked for there for six years, and the last three years was the most hard time for me because I was in charge of the competition policy as deputy director.
But now, I am studying in the public administration program at GWU to achieve my professional goal. My ultimate goal is to make Japan the biggest economic power in the world so I decided to take the public administration program and improve my skill by studying economic analysis and management of organization.
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